 
                            MERCHANDISING NEWSLETTER
                            (Feb. 1992 to Dec. 1994)
                                       and
                               MEMO OF THE MONTH
                            (Jan. 1988 to Nov. 1993)
 
                       Published by Radio Shack Publications
                                       for
                         Radio Shack Merchandise Marketing
 
To search on a particular topic, click the search button (the magnifying 
glass with a question mark) and enter the word or words you would like to 
search for.  If you enter more than one word, you can connect them using 
boolean operators such as OR, AND, NOT, XOR, etc. Typically, searches are 
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articles which contain every search word given, though not necessarily in 
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clicking on the search button and changing the settings.
 
Some conventions to follow when searching the database: 
     Catalog or stock numbers:   2##-####         (ie., 250-3234)
     Computer model names:       TANDY #### ###   (ie., TANDY 4000 LX)
 
 
MN-05-94
Selling Products for Overseas Use 
 
It's time once again to deal with an issue that's been addressed many
times over the years, in memos and  Merchandising Newsletter  articles:
the sale of Radio Shack products for use in other countries.
As this summer approaches, you might find more customers buying products 
for use overseas during their vacations.
 
Two problems arise when you sell our products to customers who intend to
use them overseas.  First, our products might not work overseas.
Second, it might be illegal to use them there. 
 
Our products are designed for a U.S. market.  Differences in overseas 
voltage and frequency, legal stipulations, and technical requirements
do not permit our products' use in most foreign countries.  For example,
many of our telephones and telephone accessories are illegal
to use overseas, and won't work there because of differences in
telephone networks.   Don't recommend them. 
 
Customers can't convert products to the correct voltage/frequency
for overseas use, and Radio Shack can't provide repair service overseas.
So don't recommend  any  electronic product for use
in another country if you're not absolutely 100% sure it can be used there.  
 Refuse the sale if necessary.   You'll save yourself money (since 
you'll be charged back for the exchange or refund) and stress (from having 
to deal with irate customers).
 
Also, it's been Radio Shack's long-standing policy that if you know (or 
have reason to suspect) that a product will be used illegally,  you should 
not sell the product .  Tell the customer that the intended use is 
illegal and 
you are not permitted to sell the product.  Under the legal doctrine of 
``aiding and abetting,'' if you aid and abet someone in committing an 
offense, you can be prosecuted and convicted the same as the person who 
commits the offense.
 
The best way to solve any problem is to prevent it from occurring. 
That's why your sales counter is the best place to stop customer complaints 
and potential liability that can result from selling U.S. products for 
overseas use.  
 
So don't sell a customer a product that might not
work in the country where they intend to use it.  Do not sell the product
if you are not 100% certain that the product's use in the foreign country
is not illegal.  Instead, encourage them to purchase the product in the country
where they'll be using it.  They'll appreciate your honesty, and take away
a favorable impression of you and Radio Shack that pays dividends in
goodwill and positive ``word-of-mouth'' advertising. 
 
MN-05-94
VIDEO -- Lights - Camera - Action - Roll 'Em!
 
Just in time for summer vacation, two new camcorder models are on their
way to Radio Shack  stores.  The new 8 mm palm-type camcorder (Cat. No. 
16-861, $799.00) and slim-line full-size VHS camcorder (Cat. No. 16-829,
$799.00) are in the warehouse now.
 
Radio Shack has returned to an active position in the camcorder marketplace
to offer our customers a choice of today's most popular formats.
To meet our customers' needs, we're offering both full-size and compact
design camcorders.  Both units will be available for the important summer
vacation time period, as well as the holiday season.
 
Both models feature low-light CCD imagers to provide clear, high-resolution 
images without special lighting, even in low-light situations.  Their 
fuzzy-logic circuitry works like the human eye to provide greater accuracy.
Other features include remote control and power zoom.
 
We have the features customers desire.  Take advantage of the selection 
and have a great selling season!
 
MN-05-94
VIDEO -- Satellite TV Update 
 
 DSS System Coming 
 
 Question:   What's 18", round, will receive up to 150 channels of
programming, and delivers crisp, CD-quality sound?
 
 Answer:   RCA's Digital Satellite System (DSS)!
 
Starting in June, Radio Shack will join in the introduction of the RCA
DSS system in selected markets.
 
DSS represents a great advance in TV technology.  Because it's digital,
it makes TV picture quality up to 30% sharper, with sound comparable
to a CD.  How does it work?  The DSS system beams programming directly
from an orbiting satellite (already in space) to the RCA fixed-mount
18" dish and receiver.  DSS will feature
a wide selection of consumer-selectable programming, designed to 
complement and compete with that of cable television.   
 
The new technology is on the way, and Radio Shack will participate
actively in the test and rollout of this exciting new product.
You'll be contacted through your DSM about the rollout in your area.
 
MN-05-94
VIDEO -- June Satellite Dish Sale 
 
Whether or not your area is getting DSS, you should prepare now 
for heavy satellite dish sales in June.
 
During that month, a complete system, including the 9-foot dish (regularly
$1,995.00) will sell for just $999.00.  The complete system, including the 
5-foot dish (regularly $799.00), will sell for just $599.00. 
 
Look over the ``Satellite TV Systems'' insert in your March 1994
 Merchandising Newsletter  to get ready to sell more dishes!
 
MN-05-94
VIDEO -- What Sets the VCR Pro Apart? 
 
Are your customers tired of searching through complex manuals
or fumbling through newspapers to find the right code number every time
they want to record a program?  If so, the VCR Pro Easy VCR Programmer 
(Cat. No. 15-1907, $69.99) is the perfect solution. 
 
With a few button presses on the VCR Pro, they can turn on a VCR and cable 
box (if necessary), select the right channel, record the desired program, 
and then turn off both units.  Programming for up to 21 different programs 
has never been simpler, with a helpful LCD display that walks your customers 
through setup, step by step.  
No matter how complex the TV, VCR, or cable box, the VCR Pro takes command 
of them all!
 
MN-05-94
VIDEO -- Plug-In TV Antenna 
 
Since the earliest days of television, viewers have used "rabbit ear" 
or outdoor antennas to improve their reception.  Even after the advent of 
cable, outdoor antennas have been a necessity in areas without cable service,
or for viewers who don't want to pay the cost of cable.
 
Now, our Plug-In TV Antenna (Cat. No. 15-1835, $12.99) revolutionizes
TV viewing for non-cable viewers.  Just plug the antenna into an AC
outlet and use a 75-ohm coax cable to connect it to a TV or VCR's antenna 
jack.  It's that simple!
 
The connection makes the AC wiring in the user's house serve as the TV 
antenna, eliminating the need for "rabbit ears" or outdoor antennas.
The antenna picks up local TV channels 2-69, as well as local FM radio.
 
MN-05-94
AUDIO -- 13-1266 Manual Correction 
 
The Owner's Manual for our Optimus  System 719 Stereo System (Cat. No.
13-1266, $999.99) recommends a 278-261 F-to-PAL connector to hook a 
coax cable to the stereo's FM antenna input.  However, an adapter isn't 
always needed to connect an antenna, and the recommended adapter won't 
work with the 13-1266 stereo.
 
Antenna cables with push-on connectors can be connected directly
to the  FM 75 OHM ANTENNA  terminal jack on the back 
of the multi-component system unit.
 
Antenna cables without push-on connectors need a 278-218 F screw-on to 
push-on adapter connected between the  FM 75 OHM ANTENNA  
terminal jack on the back of the multi-component system unit and the 
outdoor antenna's 75-ohm male F screw-on connector. 
 
Future printings of the manual will include this information.
 
MN-05-94
AUDIO -- What is Dolby Pro Logic? 
 
Dolby Pro Logic steering circuitry recreates the sound of a Dolby Stereo
theater in home theater systems.  Dolby Pro Logic decodes movies, TV shows,
and musical recordings that have been encoded with Dolby Surround. 
It directs sounds to their proper, realistic location in a five-speaker
system, creating an expanded listening area with live, real-action sound!
 
Unlike older, three-channel Dolby Surround systems that used a ``phantom''
center channel derived from the left and right speakers, Dolby Pro Logic
uses four channels:  left, right, center, and rear.  
 
  Left and right are main stereo front channels. 
 
  Center-channel information, derived from the left and right channels, 
is fed to a separate amplifier for separation and accurate positioning.  
Dialogue is ``anchored'' to the center-channel speaker, which should 
be placed directly above or below the TV.  
 
  Rear-channel information is derived by extracting the differences 
between the front channels, then using a modified Dolby B-type noise 
reduction to delay and process them.  Rear channel gives the "special
effects" and "live" ambience.
 
All Dolby Pro Logic circuits must pass strict specification requirements
set by Dolby.
 
MN-05-94
AUDIO -- Speaker Brackets and Stands Enhance Small Speakers' Sound 
 
Have a customer who's looking for a way to tighten the bass response 
and open up the sound of any of our small speakers?  Recommend our
speaker brackets and stands!  
  
   Table Desk Stand  -- raises the speaker's base to 4  inches
above the table or desk surface.
 
   Wall Bracket  -- has a ball and swivel mount which allows you 
to aim the sound in any direction.
 
   Table/Desk Stand  -- raises the speaker's base for better looks
and sound. 
 
Although these brackets and stands were specially designed to match our 
Optimus PRO 7  (Cat. No. 40-2065 and 40-2066) and Optimus PRO 77 (Cat. No. 
40-2057 and 40-2058) mini speakers, they're also suitable for use with
these other speakers:
  
 Description            Cat. No. 
Optimus XTS 8           40-2064
Optimus XTS 9           40-2056
Minimus  7W             40-2039
Minimus 7               40-2030/2045
Minimus 77              40-2054/2055
Optimus PRO SWS-501     40-4056
 
The wait is over and our Desktop PA Mixer Rack (Cat. No. 32-1035, $199.99) 
and Rolling Cabinet PA Mixer Rack (Cat. No. 32-1036, $249.99), mentioned 
in the March 1994  Merchandising Newsletter , are now available from CMC.
All backorders should be filled by the time you read this, and CMC is ready
now to fill your new orders from stock.  
 
MN-05-94
AUDIO -- Magnetic Cartridge Preamp 
 
Another great product you've asked for has arrived at CMC!
Our new Magnetic Stereo Cartridge Preamp (Cat. No. 42-2111, $24.99)
adapts amplifiers, receivers, or portables that only have auxiliary
or ceramic phono inputs to accept a turntable with a magnetic cartridge.
 
MN-05-94
ELECTRONIC PARTS -- 277-123!!! 
 
Many stores have been asking for the Thermometer/ Controller (Cat. No. 
277-123), last seen in the  Radio Shack 1992 Catalog .  
 
To meet the demand, we've moved this previously-discontinued item
to Tandy National Parts.  Stock is on order and should be available as you 
read this.  Call (800) 433-2024 and ask for part number FG2770123 ($19.99).  
 
The device can
be used "as-is" for a thermometer, or used to activate a buzzer, LED, fan 
or heater at a preset temperature between -40 and +50 C.  
 
MN-05-94
ELECTRONIC PARTS -- Voltage Regulator Specs 
 
Voltage regulators (like those in our 276-1660 ArcherPak, $2.29) 
maintain constant voltage as the load on a system varies.  A typical
application is in a power supply, where it's necessary to keep the voltage
in a narrow range.  (That's why computer power supplies, which are 
sensitive to voltage changes, require voltage regulators.) 
 
Each voltage regulator is marked with a four-digit number.  You can 
determine the voltage and polarity of a voltage regulator from its 
markings.  The first two digits of the four-digit number indicate the
regulator's polarity.  Regulators marked with a ``78'' are positive, 
while those marked with a ``79'' are negative.  The last two digits of
the four digit number indicate the regulator's voltage.  
 
 Marking  Volts  Polarity  Marking   Volts   Polarity 
79 05       5       -       79 12     12       -
78 06       6       +       78 15     15       +
79 06       6       -       79 15     15       -
78 08       8       +       78 18     18       +
79 08       8       -       79 18     18       -
 
MN-05-94
ELECTRONIC PARTS -- Keep Selling Projector Lamps 
 
Since last fall, you've been stocking the two most popular projector 
lamps.  The two lamps you stock are known by the industry standard ANSI Code
names ENX (used in overhead projectors, Cat. No. 272-1504, $18.99) and ELH 
(used in filmstrip/slide projectors, Cat. No. 272-1505, $19.99). 
 
In addition, CMC stocks 42 other top movers, with over 200 more available by 
special order.   CMC's offerings include lamps for overhead projectors, 
8 mm and 16 mm slide projectors, microfilm readers and reader-printers.  
They don't carry lamps for medical/scientific and professional photo studio 
applications.  But they  do  have complete coverage of the lamps 
most commonly used by residential consumers, businesses, and schools. 
 
The procedure for ordering lamps from CMC is simple.  When a customer 
comes to you with a burned-out lamp, just look for the ANSI code number 
marked on the lamp.  Refer to the audiovisual section of the  Spring
1994 CMC Price List  for CMC's part number and price.  
Then call the Telephone Order Center at (800) 433-2024 to place your order. 
 
(CMC's part number consists of the prefix ``T272-'' followed by the ANSI 
code number.  For example, if the lamp is an ENH, another lamp commonly 
used in overhead projectors, the part number is T272-ENH.)
 
MN-05-94
ELECTRONIC PARTS -- Check Multitester Contacts 
 
If a customer returns one of our Pocket Autorange Digital Multimeters 
(Cat. No.  22-169, $27.99) as defective, don't just replace the unit and 
discard it as uneconomical to repair.  Instead, remove the battery cover 
and examine the contacts.  
 
You might find that the customer accidentally bent down one of the positive 
contact tangs (there are two for each battery) to the point where it shorted 
out the battery and rendered the unit inoperative.  If this is the case,
all you need to do to save the sale  and  the meter is unbend the bent
tang(s) and replace the dead batteries.
 
 Our thanks to C. David Sima (01-2902) in Ellicott City, Maryland,
for bringing this to our attention. 
 
MN-05-94
TELEPHONES -- 17-6020 Paging System Is Here 
 
Finally, the wait is over and the new Personal Paging System (Cat.
No. 17-6020, $99.99) is here.  (You can buy extra receivers as Cat.
No.  17-6021 for $39.99 each.)  The system covers a range up to a maximum
of two miles with its built-in antenna (an outside antenna increases its
range to up to several miles).  It's ideal for use in any environment 
(warehouse, store, restaurant, farmyard) where you need quick, direct paging.
 
The new system  isn't  compatible with the older Wireless Paging System
(Cat. No. 49-710) and  its  extra receivers (Cat. No. 49-711).
There are no more full units of the 49-710 available.  Stock of 49-710 and
49-711 is being called in from the field and will be available through CMC.
Tandy National Parts will continue to support both 49-710 and 49-711.
 
MN-05-94
TELEPHONES -- New Telephone Training Materials 
 
Sales Training is bringing you a new telephone certification manual 
(to help you understand telephone technology) and an educational telephone
installation video (so you can help your customers install the telephones
you sell to them). 
 
The manual replaces the July 1991 telephone certification manual.
It includes information on new technologies like
900 MHz, caller ID, the new full-digital answering devices, signal
processing, equalizer phones, and mailboxing, as well as test questions
covering this material.  District Managers will decide whether salesmakers
who certified with the old manual need to recertify. 
 
Starting in May, for the first time, you can offer your customers a video 
(Cat. No. 62-243, $5.99) that shows and tells them how to perform basic 
hookups; install new jacks; locate existing jacks; run wires through walls, 
along baseboards, under carpets; and much more.  The tape can also be a 
valuable learning tool for you and your sales staff.  It's indexed and comes 
with a printed index for quick and easy access to topics.
 
MN-05-94
TELEPHONES -- Cordless Phones:  Charging 
 
Deeply-Discharged Batteries 
 
When a cordless telephone's handset is left in talk or standby mode for
an extended period, its battery might become over-drained
or "deeply discharged."  In such cases, it might take longer than the
time specified in the phone's Owner's Manual to fully recharge the
battery.  
 
In the future,
Owner's Manuals for all of our cordless phones will include
this statement:  "Some deeply discharged batteries take longer to charge.  
If overnight charging is not sufficient, try charging for up to 48 hours".
 
Be sure to tell owners of our older cordless phones about this,
especially if they have a battery that they think is "dead".
(And remind them to turn the handset off when the battery is charging.)
Even if a deeply-discharged condition doesn't exist, a customer might want to 
leave his or her cordless phone on charge for an extended period to 
be sure it's fully charged.
 
MN-05-94
TELEPHONES -- Pager Chain Display Cards 
 
Is the Pager Chain display card from CMC working for you?  You should have
found one in P.O.P. kit #514 (March).  This attractive card features color
pictures of all pager chain styles currently available from CMC.  The part
numbers and retail prices are printed on the back.
 
Pager chains make a great add-on sale item (or a keychain)!  Try putting
the card in the front glass power tower where cellular phones are displayed,
or in the glass cash wrap where pagers are displayed.  If you need another
card, call the Telephone Order Center at (800) 433-2024 and ask for
CMC-PAGERCARD.
 
MN-05-94
TELEPHONES -- Caller ID:  Who's Got It?
 
Who's Getting It? 
 
Caller ID service is currently available in 40 states and Washington,
D.C.  When your area gets the service, remind your DSM to inform
Replenishment, so you can begin receiving caller ID products.  
 
Here's a list of areas in the United States where the service is
available now.  If a state has both name and name and number service,
areas with name and number service are indicated by an asterisk (*).
 
State   Area                                                     Type 
 
AR   West Memphis, Arcadelphia, Hot Springs*,                    N & *N/N
     Conway, Mayflower, Ashdown, Camden,     
     Jessieville, Marion, Parkin, Earle,
     Crawfordsville, Nashville, Benton,
     Complex, Strong, Hutting, Little Rock,
     Chidester, Stephens, Fort Smith, Van Buren
 
AL   Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Mobile, Montgomery, Huntsville      N
 
AZ   Phoenix     N/N
 
CO   Denver, Boulder, Ft Collins, Colorado Springs, Pueblo       N/N
 
CT   Hartford, Bridgeport, Stamford, New Haven, Waterbury        N
 
DC                                                               N
 
DE   Greater Wilmington area                                     N
 
FL   Most of Southern FL, Orlando*, Miami*, Ft. Lauderdale,      N & *N/N
     W.Palm Beach, Melborne*, Gainsville*, Jacksonville*,
     Ocala, Leesburg, Punta Gorda
 
GA   Most of the state, Albany*, Athens*, Macon*,                N & *N/N
     Augusta*, Columbus*, Savannah*, Atlanta*
 
IA   Council Bluffs, Des Moines                                  N/N
 
ID   Boise, Coeur D'Alene, Idaho Falls, Pocatello                N/N
 
IL   Chicago area, Waukegan, Arlington Hts,                      N/N
     Aurora, Deerfield, Elmhurst, Wilmetta
 
IN   Indianapolis area, Anderson, Lebanon,                       N
     Bloomington, Gary, Hammond, Kokomo, Peru 
 
KS   Lawrence, Topeka, Wichita, Kansas City                      N
 
KY   Bowling Green, Elizabethtown, Lexington,                    N & *N/N
     Louisville, Georgetown*, Sadieville*,
     Stamping Ground*, Henderson*, Shelbyville*,
     Oak Grove*, Evansville
 
LA   Alexandria, Avondale, Baton Rouge, Jesuit                   N/N
     Bend, LaFayette, Lafitte, Lake Charles,
     Monroe, New Orleans, Shreveport, St. 
     Bernard
 
MA   North Shore and South Shore, Hyde Park,                     N
     W. Roxbury, Arlington, Bedford, Belmont,
     Concord, Lexington, Amherst, Greenfield,
     Northampton, Sagamore, Vineyard Haven,
     Bryantville, Hanover, Marshfield, 
     Middleboro, Needham, Plymouth, Wareham,
     Rockland, Framingham, Nobscot, Marlboro,                    N
     Medfield, Milford, Sudbury, Walpole, 
     Westboro, Andover, Lawrence, Boston area
 
MD   Most of the state                                           N
 
ME   Bath, Brunswick, Portland, Samford, Bangor,                 N
     Ellsworth, Augusta
 
MI   Detroit area, Flint, Ann Arbor, Dearborn,                   N & *N/N
     Livonia, Pontiac
 
MO   Joplin, St. Louis, Sikestown, Poplar Bluff,                 N
     Eldon, Flat River, Cape Girardeau, Hannibal,
     Kansas City
 
MN   Mankato                                                     N
 
MS   Natchez, Biloxi, Gulfport, Pascagoula, Pass                 N & N/N
     Christian, Jackson, Tupelo, Columbus, 
     Hattiesburg, Brookhaven
 
NC   Hickory, Lincolnton*, Shelby*, Winston*,                    N & *N/N
     Salem*, Burlington*, Greensboro, Raleigh*,
     Charlotte*, Wilmington, Asheville, Gastonia*,
     Kings Mt.*, Salisbury*, Statesville*
 
NE   Hastings, Lincoln, Omaha                                    N & N/N
 
NH   Laconia, Raymond                                            N
 
NJ   Most of the state                                           N
 
NM   Albuquerque, Santa Fe                                       N/N
 
NY   Rochester, Poughkeepsie, Rockland County,                   N
     Long Island, Staten Island, Brooklyn, 
     Queens, Bronx, Manhattan, Westchester,
     Binghamton, Buffalo, Syracuse, Albany,
     Scarsdale, Tarrytown
 
NV   Las Vegas, Reno                                             N
 
OH   Cincinnati, Columbus                                        N
 
OK   Muskogee, Tulsa, Oklahoma City                              N
 
OR   Portland, Salem                                             N/N
 
SC   Aiken*, Charleston*, North Augusta,                         N & *N/N
     Greenville, Columbia*, Florence,
     Charlotte*
 
TN   Chattanooga*, Memphis*, Nashville*,                         N & *N/N
     Knoxville*, Oak Ridge, Powell, 
     Clarksville*, Maryville, Jackson*
 
TX   Austin*                                                     *N/N
 
VT   Bennington, Burlington                                      N
 
VA   Most of the state, *Richmond                                N
 
WA   Vancouver, Seattle, Everett, Tacoma,                        N/N
     Olympia, Colby, Crosby, Bremerton,
     Essex
 
WV   Most of the state                                           N
 
WY   Cheyenne, Casper                                            N/N
 
Here's a list of areas that are due to start caller ID service
in March and April 1994.  
 
 Date      Location                            Type 
 
4/1 -
5/15/94    IL*, MI*, OH                        N & N/N*
 
5/1/94     Dochester, MA                       N
 
5/1 or
7/1/94     Ohio                                N/N
 
5/4/94     Buffalo, NY (1 new exchange)        N
 
5/14/94    Manhattan, NY (9 new exchanges)     N
 
5/15-
7/15/94    Wisconsin (70 cities)               N/N
 
5/21/94    Poughkeepsie, NY (1 new exchange)   N
 
 
6/94       Ashland/Bayfield, WI                N
 
6/1/94     Houston*/San Antonio, TX            N & N/N*
 
6/4/94     Buffalo, NY (13 new exchanges)      N
 
6/9/94     Albany, NY (3 new exchanges)        N
 
6/11/94    Manhattan, NY (3 new exchanges)     N
 
6/12-
9/12/94    Salt Lake City/Provo, UT            N/N
 
6/15/94    Buffalo, NY (1 new exchange)        N
 
6/16/94    Colorado                            N/N
 
6/25/94    Manhattan, NY (3 new exchanges)     N
 
6/29/94    Buffalo, NY (2 new exchanges)       N
 
6/94-
7/94       Eugene/Springfield/Medford, OR      N/N
 
We'll update this list periodically as more areas get the service.
 
MN-05-94
COMPUTERS -- Z-PDA Update 
 
 Infrared Interface Cancelled 
 
The PC serial infrared interface (Cat. No. 25-3102) for Z-PDA, announced
in the January 1994  Merchandising Newsletter  as being due to
ship 3/30, has been cancelled.  There are no plans for an IR interface
at this time.  
 
 Special Price on Z-PDA and PalmConnect 
 
During Flyer 515, customers who purchase a Z-PDA (Cat. No.
25-3100) get an unprecedented value.  The Z-PDA, regularly $699.00,
is on sale for only $499.00.  
 
But that's not all!  For a limited time, customers can 
pick up a PDA with PalmConnect PC connection software (Cat. No. 25-3109)
for just $558.99 (sold separately for $818.99).  Or they can 
choose a PDA with Pocket Modem and Cable (Cat. Nos. 25-3105 and 25-3106)
for only $558.99 (sold separately for $818.98).  For the best value, 
they can select a PDA with PalmConnect, Pocket Modem and Cable for just 
$618.98 (sold separately for $938.97).  Combining PC power with Z-PDA 
portability and convenience has never been so affordable. 
 
 This is a great opportunity for us to meet customers' needs
while reducing our inventory of Z-PDA accessories in the field.
Warehouse availability is limited, so try to fill demands locally.  
Your DSM or RSM can help if you don't have these accessories. 
 
MN-05-94
TELEPHONES -- Tandy Software Replacement 
 
Need replacement software for an application program or package
sold by Radio Shack?  Tandy  Software Replacement has a complete line
of replacement diskettes, tapes, ROM packs, CD-ROM disks, and manuals for
virtually all software applications manufactured and sold by Radio Shack.
Make your customers' day!  Contact:
 
(800) 451-9409 or (817) 347-7960
 
8:00-5:00 (CST) Monday-Friday
 
Fax (817) 390-8214
 
24 Hours/Day, 7 Days/Week 
 
MN-05-94
TELEPHONES -- Catalog Number Correction 
 
Page 5 of the April 1994  Merchandising Newsletter  included 
an incorrect catalog number for the DMP 205 Professional
Series Printer (Cat. No. 26-2904, $329.99).  
The number we published, Cat. No. 26-2886, is for the DMP 250 ($399.99),
which uses a 26-2826 color ribbon.
 
 Our thanks to John Ford, manager (01-2145) in Scranton, Pennsylvania,
for bringing this to our attention. 
 
MN-05-94
STORE REPLENISHMENT -- Replenishment and Perpetual Count Errors 
 
Good replenishment depends on accurate perpetual counts.  When counts are 
overstated, your store will be under-supplied and you'll lose sales.
On the other hand, if counts are understated, you'll receive too much 
product, resulting in excess inventory.  
 
Any time you find an error, 
correct it right away.  Your corrections take effect immediately, so a  
correction that's input and transmitted today can make a more accurate 
replenishment order tomorrow.
 
When you think you've found an error, be sure to check the situation out 
carefully before taking action.  Sometimes further investigation reveals 
that there's no error at all.  
 
Even if there  is  a discrepancy, 
the Count Error Adjustment isn't always the right solution.  Here are 
ten questions to answer when checking out a count that seems to be wrong:
 
 1.  Is your check count accurate? 
 
Be sure to check for stock in more than one place.  Count the item again, 
just to be certain. 
 
 2.  Is the item out for repair? 
 
Check your repair records. If one or two units are out for repair, they 
are still correctly part of your count, even though they are temporarily 
out of your store. 
 
 3.  Is an SAR pending on the item? 
 
Remember, there's a waiting period for SARs involving carton shortages. 
During this period, the missing merchandise is still reported as part of 
the count, but the count is credited with the SAR as soon as the period 
ends.  No further adjustments are necessary.
 
 4.  Has an old layaway expired? 
 
Someone in your store might have forgotten to remove the layaway tag 
from the merchandise after POS put the merchandise back into the 
perpetual count.
 
 5.  Did someone forget to create an ICST for something shipped into or out 
of the store? 
 
Of course, the solution here is to create and process the ICST.  If it's 
an inbound transfer, the shipping store must do this for you.
 
 6.  Has a billing from a recent shipment not been cleared in the POS 
system? 
 
If this was not done, the on-hand counts on a number of items will be 
understated.  The solution is simply to clear the billing on your POS 
system.
 
 7.  Has the merchandise been taken from stock for store use or disposed of 
because it was damaged beyond repair? 
 
In this case, the appropriate adjustment should be made to correct the count.
  
 8.  Has there been a POS system failure or has the POS system been restored 
recently? 
 
You'll need to call POS support for some guidance in this situation. 
They can tell you exactly what has happened to your counts and how to 
correct them.
 
 9.  Are there a large number of items that seem to have unexplainable count 
errors? 
 
In this situation call POS support for guidance before proceeding.  
There may be a single input error that caused all the count discrepancies, 
and they will advise you on how to correct the problem.
 
10.  After responding to all of the above questions is the item's count 
still incorrect? 
 
If so, do a Count Error Adjustment (#7) on your POS system.  This will 
correct both the local perpetual that you use for information and the Fort 
Worth perpetual that is used to replenish your store.
 
This might seem like a lot of work for something that has to be handled 
quickly; however, an adjustment can do more harm than good if it's not 
handled correctly.  In the end, it can cost you even more time if you don't 
have the merchandise on hand when you need it.  As always, doing the job 
right the first time is always the best way to save time.
 
MN-05-94
EXPRESS ORDER -- Express Order March Honor Roll 
 
 Top Districts in Sales $ 
 
 1. 0514  All stores sold Express Order
 
 2. 0347  All but 2 stores sold Express order
 
 Honorable Mention 
 
1. 0376  All stores sold Express Order
 
 Top 12 Stores in Sales $ 
 
 1. 9724  Miami, Florida
 
 2. 4693  Beckley, West Virginia
 
 3. 9363  Las Vegas, Nevada
 
 4. 1703  Danville, Virginia
 
 5. 9754  Cape Coral, Florida
 
 6. 2204  Union, New Jersey
 
 7. 1255  Enfield, Connecticut
 
 8. 2136  Wyomissing, Pennsylvania
 
 9. 9288  Austin, Texas
 
10. 6515  Chicago, Illinois
 
11. 1259  Horseheads, New York
 
12. 9709  North Miami Beach, Florida
 
MN-05-94
EXPRESS ORDER -- New POS Price Look-Up 
 
As of May 1, 1994, you'll notice a new, easier Express Order POS 
price look-up capability.  This is to accommodate the 2,000 Express
Order SKUs on your POS, in the categories of computer software, 
computer hardware, and video games.  For the other 23,000 Express 
Order SKUs, you'll still be relying on the printed catalogs.
 
You'll notice that the new  Express Order  Computer Hardware Catalog,
Volume II  and the  Express Order Computer Software Catalog 
don't include pricing information.  This is due to the daily changes in 
version, model, price, and availability in these two categories (as well as
video games).  
 
categories by typing in the 8-digit Express Order number on the POS. 
If you type in the Express Order number and nothing pops up, the product
has been 
 
discontinued and is no longer available.  
For the other 23,000 Express Order SKUs, continue typing in the description
and price when entering an Express Order sale.
 
MN-05-94
ELECTRONIC REFERENCE -- Talking Watch Pen Refill 
 
Our Talking Watch Pen (Cat. No. 63-5094, $19.99) displays the time and
date, has an alarm, and lets users hear the time at the touch of a button.
Its Owner's Manual refers customers who need ink refills to their local
office supply store.  However, some office supply retailers might not
stock the item.
 
To avoid causing inconvenience for our customers, Radio Shack will make
refills (Cat. No. 63-5095, $1.99) available through CMC by mid-May.  
Call the Telephone Order Center at (800) 433-2024 to order. 
In the meantime, customers who wish to purchase the refills through an
office supply store should reference  Fisher  refill number DIN16554D1.
 
MN-05-94
ELECTRONIC REFERENCE -- New Franklin Products 
 
You asked for them -- now they're available!  These new Franklin
products are now arriving in most stores:
 
 Talking Spanish/English Dictionary (Cat. No. 63-2005, $129.99) 
-- An unbelievable price!  This bilingual wonder translates and spells 
250,000 words, and speaks them in  both  Spanish and English! 
i.sp
 Talking Language Master Dictionary (Cat. No. 63-2003, $149.99)  
This newly styled, improved version replaces 63-700.  It gives you
instant access to more than 274,000 definitions, 77,000 thesaurus meanings,
nearly 500,000 synonyms, state-of-the-art spelling correction, and 11
exciting word games.
 
 King James Bible (Cat. No. 63-2002, $99.99)  -- The full text,
reflecting the majesty and poetry of the 17th century, with the searching 
power of a complete concordance -- at half the price of
the previous model!  (Also available:  the 
 
New International Version,
a modern translation in everyday language, available from CMC as Cat. No.
63-2009, just $99.99.)
 
Set up the new products immediately and watch for new displayers, now on
the way.  You'll soon be receiving new backcards and signs for  every  
Franklin item we stock.  
 
You can also obtain Owner's Manuals for any Franklin products we sell
from Tandy National Parts.  
Call the Telephone Order Center at (800) 433-2024.
 
MN-05-94
MISCELLANEOUS -- New CMC Price List 
 
A completely new  Spring 1994 CMC Price List  was included in 
P.O.P. Package #515 (April), along with a new set of divider tabs for your 
red CMC binder.  Be sure to update your catalog immediately!
 
If you missed either of these items, or need an additional price list or
tab set, call the Telephone Order Center at (800) 433-2024 and ask for
CMC-SPRINGPL ($1.95) or CMC-TABSET ($.01).
 
MN-05-94
MISCELLANEOUS -- 12-1601 Swivel Clock Radio 
 
Did any of your customers open the package to our Chronomatic-301 Swivel 
Clock Radio (Cat.  No. 12-1601, $39.99) only to find that it would not swivel 
because the legs and swivel base were missing?  
 
If so, fear not   just tell them to SWIVEL the styrofoam packaging upside 
down and look in the bottom.  The swivel parts are packed in a hole in the 
styrofoam on the underside of the package.  
 
Many stores have reported that the parts were missing, but when told to 
turn the package upside down, they found the swivel base.
 
MN-05-94
MISCELLANEOUS -- 61-2769 Gift Box Correction 
 
Thanks to a few vigilant salesmakers, Merchandising recently learned
that about 1500 pieces of the new High-Visibility Flashing Wand (Cat. 
No. 61-2769, $27.99) were shipped in the wrong gift box.  
 
The description on the incorrect box states that the wand has a rubberized 
handle.  In fact, it has a high quality, sure-grip  plastic  handle.  
Future shipments of this product will be packed in the correct box.
Please ensure you check the gift box when you sell this item and tell 
customers the correct information. 
 
MN-05-94
MISCELLANEOUS -- Ni-Cds Only With Sniper 
 
When you sell our Radio Controlled Sniper (Cat. No. 60-4116, $59.99), 
remember -- the car uses nickel cadmium batteries  only , so don't 
recommend or sell any other batteries for use with the Sniper.
Also, make sure the customer has a battery charger (the Owner's Manual 
recommends Cat. No. 21-516, $6.99) to charge the batteries.
 
MN-05-94
COMMUNICATION -- Demonstrating Ham Transceivers 
 
By now, you know that our Radio Shack  handy-talkies
are on sale at their lowest prices ever -- just $188.88 for our 
2-meter HTX-202 (Cat. No. 19-1120, regularly $259.99), or $228.88 for our
440 MHz HTX-404 (Cat. No. 19-1140, regularly $299.99).
You might even know that Gordon West, world-famous ham instructor,
says they're among most interference-free now available. 
 
But what if a customer who isn't a licensed radio amateur wants to 
see a demonstration?  Unless the customer can show you his 
or her license, they can't use the transceivers in your store to transmit.
So what can you do? 
 
The solution is simple:  deactivate the handy-talkies' transmitters,
so they can receive, but not transmit.
Both models are designed so their transmit functions can be easily 
inhibited.  Just follow these steps:
 
1. To prevent possible damage to the transmitter, make sure that the
unit's antenna is connected.
 
2. Make sure that the transceiver has batteries installed and turn it on.
Then press the  D  key on the lower right corner of the main
control pad.
 
3. Press and hold the  F  button at the top of the unit's left
side.  While holding the  F  button down, press the   
key. 
 
The unit is now in the configuration mode.  Two letters appear at the left
side of the LCD display to denote the configuration option to be modified.
 
4. Press the  #  key four times.  The letters  TE  appear,
indicating that you have selected the transmit-inhibit option.
 
5. Turn the tuner dial (the rightmost knob on top of the unit) until the
display shows  ON .  (To turn the transmit function back on, turn
the dial so the display shows  OFF .)
 
6. Press the  PTT  button (the biggest one on the left side of
the unit) to leave the configuration menu and save your changes.  If you
made a mistake and want to cancel your modifications, press  D  
instead. 
 
Once the transmit-inhibit function is on, the LCD shows 
 I N H  in its lower left corner.  You can then safely demonstrate
the unit without fear of breaking the law, because the unit won't transmit
even if you press the  PTT  button.
 
 Our thanks to Kim Hahnso (01-3185) in Irvine, California, for sharing
this tip. 
 
MN-05-94
COMMUNICATION -- New Scanner Book:  "Beyond Police Call" 
 
Our  Police Call  radio frequency guides (Cat. Nos. 62-1041 through
62-1049, $9.99 each) are essential for scanner users seeking local Public 
Safety frequencies.  But Public Safety accounts for less than half 
of the land-mobile two-way radio transmissions that can be monitored.
 
Now, the publishers of  Police Call  bring you  Beyond Police 
Call  (Cat. No. 62-1040, $9.99) -- a single-volume listing of
frequencies for commercial, transportation, and utility users throughout 
the United States.  In the first edition, you'll find private security 
companies, emergency utility crews, bus company and school district 
traffic reports, taxi dispatchers, and many others. 
There are also FCC frequency lists by Radio Service for auto emergency, 
business band, CB, GMRS, maritime VHF, weather, and more.
 
 Beyond Police Call  belongs next to  Police Call  on every
scanner enthusiast's bookshelf!
 
MN-05-94
COMMUNICATION -- Scrap Old Ham Study Guides 
 
Our  No-Code Plus  study guide (Cat. No. 62-2417, $7.99) is
the one complete study guide for the Novice, Technician, and Tech Plus
exams.  It replaces the old  Novice Course  (Cat. No. 62-2410),
 Tech Class License Study Guide  (Cat. No. 62-2411), and  Tech
No-Code Study Guide  (Cat. No. 62-2413).
 
The three older books contain dated information, are no longer current,
and should be scrapped.  If you have any stock remaining, use POS Inventory 
Adjustment #3, Beyond Reasonable Repair, to remove them from your POS 
perpetual inventory.  You can sell the code tapes from 62-2410 on your 
Where-is-As-Is table.
 
MN-05-94
COMMUNICATION -- Extra Day (Or Two) Of Sales! 
 
What would it be worth to you to get one extra day's sales this month?
What about  two  extra days?  Well, here's a plan to do it!
 
Now, Merchandising will authorize special pricing on communication
equipment for any store that attends a local hamfest.  You'll get
``Best Price Ever'' on  any  current scanner, shortwave, or Amateur Radio
product.  Unlike a flyer, where one or two pieces are on sale for the
month, at the hamfest, you'll have  everything  at special pricing.
Think of the excitement you can create!
 
RMs/DMs   get your stores together and make plans to attend your local 
hamfests.  This is the beginning of hamfest season.  Request the special
pricing from the buyer, Wayne Wilson, at least one week before
the event.  
 
Hamfests are sponsored by clubs, so contact the sponsoring club to get a 
free notice in their newsletter.  Any good-sized hamfest will have a mailing, 
usually paid for by the club.  They'll be delighted to feature your best 
specials in the mailing   because it means more people will attend their
event.  (Don't forget that hamfests are great places to sell discontinued 
merchandise, too!)
 
MN-05-94
COMMUNICATION -- Monitoring Times Raves Over Optimus Speaker 
 
The April 1994 issue of  Monitoring Times  contained an ecstatic review
of our Optimus PRO 7 mini-speaker (Cat. No. 40-2065 and 40-2066, $59.99
each) that points the way toward communications-related applications for this
home audio mainstay. 
 
In an article entitled "Optimus Accessory Speaker," author Bob
Grove wrote, "Hooking the Optimus to one of our test radios, the sound
fidelity was unbelievable.  Our engineering department sat in awe,
feeling the same as we did years ago when the Minimus [7] first came out.
How can so much sound come out of such a little box?"
 
The enthusiastic reviewer continues, "The die-cast aluminum speaker packs a 
wallop!  We would recommend it for scanners, shortwave receivers, tape
recorders, CB radios, ham transceivers  any accessory that has an outlet
for an external speaker." 
 
Author Grove caps his recommendation by declaring, "[the PRO 7] will
definitely sound better than any internal speaker packaged in your radio,
and probably better than any receiver accessory presently sold for
communications equipment."  A strong recommendation for a strong 
performer!
 
MN-05-94
ONE  MINUTE MERCHANDISER -- To Serve and To Profit 
 
OK, I admit it.  
 
I once believed that "He who dies 
with the most toys wins."  I tried to be successful by selling only those 
things that paid the highest commission.  I tried to get promoted by 
attempting to look better than my boss.  I tried to raise my products' 
quality by degrading the competition.  I tried to "sell" products to 
my customers, ignoring their desperate attempts to tell me what they 
wanted to buy!  
 
None of these methods worked.   Of course they 
didn't ...I was trying to overpower people with my own selfish agenda, 
instead of helping them with their problems.  
 
Well, maybe it came as a by-product of growing up...or noticing that 
I was the least happy when I had the most "stuff"...or realizing 
that I never saw a U-Haul following a hearse...but I now have a different 
outlook on life, based on the simple principle that  success 
comes as the result of helping others .
 
Once I realized the relationship between service and success, I started 
simply  listening  to people and letting  them  tell  me  what 
they wanted.  Then a funny thing happened   I found I was able to  help 
them find solutions .  This resulted in more 
satisfied customers, higher numbers on the daily report, and the immensely 
satisfying feeling that comes from helping another human being.
 
Someone once said that the call to service is one of the highest callings, 
and we're hearing an awful lot about SERVICE around Radio Shack these days.  
The new directions and marketing initiatives we're taking are based on our 
existing strengths.  Our customers already know us for our ability and 
willingness to serve them.  We're going to capitalize on that trust by 
selling more services to existing customers, and attracting new customers 
by finding new needs to meet, and new ways to meet them. 
 
In the retail business, we succeed only to the extent that we meet our 
customer's expectations when they walk in our door.  We'll be raising the 
bar for ourselves in the coming months.  Our advertising will be telling 
the world to  expect  to be well-served when they come to Radio Shack.  
It's crucial that every one of us be willing and able to deliver on that 
promise.
 
Chuck Sizer
 
MN-04-94
TALKING ORGANIZER "A GODSEND"
 
The following is quoted from a letter written by customer Stephen M. Smith
in Wyoming, Michigan:
 
"December 11, 1993 I purchased one of your EC-337 Talking Organizers [Cat No
65-858, $149.99 ] as a gift for my fiance Janice...I wanted to tell you what
a wonderful godsend it has been for her.
 
"In October of 1970 Janice was in a car/train crash which killed her husband
and her best girlfriend...She spent 63 days in a coma with a tracheotomy
tube and as a result has not been able to speak since then. Jan is unusual
in that she can hear perfectly but cannot speak. Normally Jan speaks to me
in sign, I answer her and so on. When she is out she has to rely on writing
notes to other people and ask them to call her a cab or whatever she needs.
 
"With your talking organizer for the first time, Jan can speak. One of the
first things she did with it was to call her sister and wish her a happy
birthday. She can type in a message and play it into a phone to call me, or
a cab, or friends. With it she can answer questions over the phone instead
of having to rely on me to call people back and speak for her...She carries
it with her wherever she goes...we know of at least 2 more that were pur-
chased for elderly stroke victims so that they could also speak.
 
"...She absolutely loves her `critter' as she affectionately calls it. I had
expected voice synthesis to show up first on a small lap top or notebook
computer and was amazed to find it in such a small and easy to carry pack-
age. Thank you for making it possible for Jan to speak over the phone for
the first time in 23+ years."
 
MN-04-94
RECEIVER PLAYS 20 YEARS NON-STOP!
 
This is quoted from a letter written by customer Dr. R.C. Ropp of Warren,
New Jersey:
 
"In 1974, we bought a Realistic Modulaire -4 AM/FM stereo receiver. It was
set up and tuned to a local FM station...The Modulaire-4 receiver has been
playing continuously for twenty years and has never been shut off! The only
time it has been off is when a power failure has occurred. And this has not
happened more than about 10 times in the past twenty years.
 
"It is still playing...The only thing wrong with it at this point is that
the dial-lights have burned out. Every once in a while, I turn the resistor
dials, i.e., - the balance and sound-level controls, so as to remove any
accumulated coating on the wires so that the unit can be tuned better."
 
MN-04-94
AUDIO -- HOME THEATRE UPDATE: SPEAKERS DELIVER EMOTIONAL PUNCH
 
In any stereo system, the speakers' job is to faithfully deliver the full
range of sounds from the other components (receiver, cassette deck, CD play-
er etc.). The better the speakers, the more accurate and realistic the sound
and the more powerful the emotional impact from subtle tonal shadings in the
music. The unique requirements of Home Theatre make the speakers' role even
more crucial.
 
In a Home Theatre system, the normal stereo speakers serve as the front left
and right channels. Through them, the listener gets the illusion of movement
when sounds pan from one channel to the other.
 
A low-cost space saving alternative to a conventional speaker setup is a sa-
tellite/subwoofer system, such as our Optimus PRO SWS-500 (Cat. No. 40-4055,
$299.99). This arrangement separates the speakers' tweeters and midranges
from the woofers, with two important benefits. First, the small satellites
produce a more 3-dimensional soundstage than larger conventional speakers.
Also, since the subwoofer produces only very low, non-directional bass
sounds, it can usually be placed anywhere.
 
With Dolby-encoded soundtracks, sounds that come from the surround speakers
are digitally time-delayed for added realism. To put the listener in the
middle of the action so they can enjoy a complete Home Theatre experience,
your customers need a pair of surround speakers next to or behind the lis-
tening position. Our Optimus XTS 9 two-way speakers with wall brackets (Cat.
No. 40-2056, on sale in Flyer 514 for just $79.99) are ideal rear surround
speakers.   (Although a pair of small, inexpensive speakers will do, the
"jump factor" increases when high quality speakers with more full-range fre-
quency response are used.)
 
The Home Theatre system's center channel speaker is located directly above,
below, or beside the TV. It must be magnetically shielded so it won't dis-
tort the TV picture. A center channel speaker -- like our Optimus PRO 7AV
(Cat. No. 40-2048, $69.99 each) or PRO CS-1 (Cat. No. 40-4057, $79.99 each)
-- blends with the front left and right speakers to provide consistent sound
as the action moves from one side of the screen to the other.
 
And now, in Flyer 514, your customers have an unprecedented opportunity to
pick up all the speakers they need for a complete Home Theatre system in one
value-priced package. Here's what $299.99 gets them:
 
   A pair of Optimus PRO 7 die-cast mini speakers (Cat. No. 40-2066, nor-
   mally $59.99) for the front right and left channels
 
   A pair of Optimus XTS 9 two-way speakers with wall brackets (Cat. No.
   40-2056, regularly $129.99) for rear surround speakers
 
   An Optimus PRO 7AV center channel speaker (Cat. No. 40-2048, $69.99 each)
 
   An Optimus PRO SW-12 subwoofer (Cat. No. 40-4051, regularly $149.99)
 
It's an unsurpassed value -- our competitors sell comparable packages for as
much as twice the price -- and yet another reason for your customers to
start experiencing Home Theatre now!
 
MN-04-94
AUDIO -- DCC DECK ON SALE
 
April is the month for your customers to jump on the DCC bandwagon! In Flyer
514 (April 3-April 30, 1994), we're offering our Optimus DCT-2000 Digital
Compact Cassette Recorder (Cat. No. 14-675) at the lowest price ever -- just
$499.99 (regularly $699.99).
 
With the DCT-2000, your customers can make CD-quality tape recordings (as
well as flawless recordings from analog sources) and program up to 20 selec-
tions for custom playback. And the list of titles available in the prerecor-
ded DCC format continues to grow! (Don't forget to add on blank DCC tape,
Cat. No. 44-975.)
 
MN-04-94
AUDIO -- MORE ON CD DEMOS
 
The new CD demonstration disc is here!
 
On Demonstration Disc #4, you'll find leading edge artists in all styles of
music, including Darden Smith, Michael Tilson-Thomas and the Philharmonic
Orchestra, the Original Cast of Five Guys Named Moe, Youssou N'Dour, Nicky
Holland, Rachel Z, Stacy Dean Campbell, His Boy Elroy, and the Cover Girls.
Ask your customer what kind of music he or she likes, then play a track to
show the accuracy and sonic quality of Optimus speakers.
 
For those of you who were confused by the story on the front page of the
March 1994 Merchandising Newsletter, here's some clarification. The discs
are available from your Regional warehouse. Order DB-405 for Demonstration
Disc #2, or DB-409 for Demonstration Disc #3 -- while they last!
 
MN-04-94
AUDIO -- Smoking CD Player Mystery Solved!
 
NQC has investigated several store complaints that the new AM/FM Stereo CD
Player with Detachable Face (Cat. No. 12-1995, $329.99) smoked when it was
connected to the store auto sound demo. One report said the unit was still
OK after it smoked. Another report said two units were tried; both smoked
and were totally destroyed.
 
It turns out that if the yellow battery backup power lead touches ground, it
smokes that circuit in the CD player. If your display has a low current sup-
ply, it damages only the battery backup circuitry. A high current supply can
permanently destroy the entire CD unit.
 
Please be sure any unused leads are taped and insulated from touching any
other lead when you set up all your demos!
 
MN-04-94
AUDIO -- PORTABLE CD ADAPTER UPDATE
 
Since the "AC Adapter for Portable CD" article appeared in the March 1994
Merchandising Newsletter, there have been some new developments.
 
The item which was to have replaced the AC Adapter (Cat. No. 273-1659) for
the Optimus CD-3420 Portable CD Player (Cat. No. 42-5039) has been delayed.
The 3 VDC adapter will be replaced by a new model.
 
In the meantime, existing stock of the 273-1659 adapter is being called in
from the field. Until the new item is shipped, you can order the adapter
through CMC by calling the Telephone Order Center at (800) 433-2024. The
price is still $17.99.
 
MN-04-94
AUDIO -- XLR MICROPHONE CABLES
 
Two new microphone cables have arrived in CMC: our 50-Foot Microphone Cable
(Cat. No. 33-4004, $29.99) and 25-Foot Microphone Cable (Cat. No. 33-4003,
$24.99). Both of these high quality XLR cables reduce noise on cable runs of
45 feet or more. These cables can be used with our XLR-adaptable Pro-Unidi-
rectional Microphone (Cat. No. 33-984) and Super-Omnidirectional Microphone
(Cat. No. 33-1070) to improve sound quality.
 
MN-04-94
SECURITY -- CATALOG CORRECTION
 
We recently learned of two incorrect statements on Page 131 of the Radio
Shack 1994 Catalog .
 
49-320
 
  The description of our Passive Infrared Alarm (Cat. No. 49-320, $99.99,
  listed as "Infrared Motion Alarm") states, "Terminals on the back allow
  for adding external sensors..." The "Features" section of the product's
  Owner's Manual states, "You can also connect...other sensors...to the
  alarm's terminals..."
 
  While the original 49-320, an RF Field Motion Detector, had the terminals
  for external sensors, the "A" version currently in stores does not. The
  Owner's Manual for 49-320A is currently being rewritten. Be sure to tell
  prospective 49-320 buyers that they cannot connect additional sensors to
  the 49-320.
 
49-425
 
  The description of the Mini Motion Detector Alarm (Cat. No. 49-425,
  $21.99) states that the unit "sounds a loud, ear-piercing 90 dB alarm."
  The specifications only call for an alarm level of 80 dB; the 90 dB listed
  in the catalog, the owner's manual, and on the gift box (the same level
  used for a telephone's high ringer setting) is incorrect. The gift box and
  owner's manual are being corrected.
 
  Be sure to tell prospective buyers that the alarm is 80 dB, not 90.
 
Correction to plug 'n power Computer Interface Article
 
  Since the article on "Windows Software for plug 'n power Computer Inter-
  face" appeared in the March 1994 Merchandising Newsletter, the vendor, X-
  10, has received many phone calls from customers wanting the software ver-
  sion with floor layout graphics (as shown in the Radio Shack 1994 Cata-
  log). However, X-10 doesn't carry this software.
 
  Instead, customers should call Home Automation Inc. at (800) 466-3522 for
  price and ordering information. Home Automation developed the software
  version mentioned in the article, and they also offer (at no charge) sev-
  eral packages that can be downloaded from America Online in the Windows
  and Hardware shareware sections. Because they're an independent vendor
  with no connection to Radio Shack, we have no control over their pricing.
 
  We're sorry for any inconvenience this might have caused you or your cus-
  tomers.
 
Our thanks to Robb Montgomery (01-4114) in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, and
Dave Maciejewski, manager (01-4208) in Elyria, Ohio, for updating us on this
issue.
 
MN-04-94
COMPUTERS -- HARD DRIVES: OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW
 
With the ever-increasing size of computer programs, games, data files, gra-
phics, etc., more and more customers are looking for bigger and bigger re-
placement hard drives. So we're adding one drive, dropping another, and low-
ering the price of a third.
 
For your "power user" customers, we've added the 25-103: 540 MB of storage
at just $559. What a deal!
 
The 25-100 212 MB drive kit is discontinued. There are many still in the
field, and at just $269, the kit represents an excellent value for your com-
puter customers with modest storage requirements.
 
The 25-101 340 MB drive, ideal for most users and formerly $359, has been
reduced to just $339. (The 25-102 420 MB drive continues to sell for $449.)
 
All technical support, as well as a three-year warranty, is supplied direct-
ly by Western Digital, so you can sell any of these drives with complete
confidence, and no repair exposure.
 
Included in this month's POP package is an attractive easel sign that shows
the features of all four drives. These drives are stocked in selected stores
only, but they're available as a special-order item (with a customer name)
to any store. Good selling!
 
MN-04-94
COMPUTERS -- NEW MULTIMEDIA PRODUCTS FROM CREATIVE LABS
 
Get ready for an exciting Spring with hot new products from Creative Labs,
and an unbeatable installation package from Radio Shack Service Centers.
 
Merchandising has added Creative Labs' three hottest offerings to your Mul-
timedia product lineup. These items are Creative Labs' best-sellers, and
they're competitively priced to move out. They will be stocked in a limited
number of stores, but they're available as a special-order item (with a cus-
tomer name) to any store. Best of all, Creative Labs provides both techni-
cal support and a one-year warranty direct to your customer.
 
Here's a rundown on these hot new products:
 
SOUND BLASTER DISCOVERY CD 16 (CAT. NO. 25-200, $399.99) --
  Includes Sound Blaster 16, a double speed CD-ROM drive, speakers, and CD-
  ROM titles for adults and kids alike, including Grolier's Encyclopedia,
  and Aldus PhotoStyler SE.
 
SOUND BLASTER 16 (CAT. NO. 25-201, $129.99) --
  The best 16-bit audio value available, provides everything you need in an
  audio card, with 8- and 16-bit stereo sampling and playback, a CD-ROM in-
  terface, and a variety of sound utilities.
 
CREATIVE OMNICD (CAT. NO. 25-202, $239.99) --
  Features the mpc level 2 compliant Creative Double Speed Technology CD-ROM
  drive, Aldus PhotoStyler SE Photo CD access & imaging software, Grolier's
  Encyclopedia, and a CD-ROM interface card for your PC.
 
You'll find a product information sheet, procedural instructions and a "how-
to" pamphlet enclosed with this month's Merchandising Newsletter. Be sure to
three-hole punch them and keep them in a binder for reference.
 
But that's not all! You can offer your customers special pricing if they let
our Service Center do the installation. Now they can have their Discovery CD
16 kit installed for just $49.00 (regularly $85.00)! Installation for the
other two kits remains available at the already-low price of $39.00 for the
Sound Blaster 16, or $49.00 for the OmniCD.
 
And our installation means more than just slapping a board in. Our profes-
sional technicians not only install all hardware and any software that's in-
cluded with the kit, they also completely configure the system so your cus-
tomers can get all the benefits of the package they've bought. Take advan-
tage of this opportunity to help your customers get on the Creative Labs
bandwagon!
 
MN-04-94
COMPUTERS -- FORM FACTOR FOR Z-PDA IN CMC
 
For Z-PDA users, collecting and using business and personal information
(without handling a lot of paper) just got a lot easier.
 
With Form Factor from Geoworks (Cat. No. 25-3114, $99.99), available through
CMC, users can create forms on a desktop computer, using a graphical forms
builder in Microsoft Windows or DOS. No programming is required. Once the
form is complete, the user transfers the form to the Z-PDA so they can re-
cord information away from the main computer. Data can be entered using ei-
ther the Z-PDA's handwriting recognition feature or its pop-up keyboard. (A
useful "shortcut" is to design a form with multiple-choice questions or
checkboxes for quick pen-based entry.)
 
When the data's been collected, the user can transmit it back to the compu-
ter and import it into almost any spreadsheet or database in comma- or tab-
delimited ASCII format. Form Factor is compatible with dBase, Paradox, Fox-
Pro, Excel, Quicken, Lotus, and more.
 
Form Factor is comprehensive enough for business applications like surveys,
polls, inventory, market research, sales and lead tracking, and inventory
control. Yet it's also simple enough for personal use to track financial
transactions, expense and tax information, fitness and weight training.
It's another reason for your customers to enter the world of Z-PDA now .
 
MN-04-94
COMPUTERS -- COLOR RIBBON ALIGNMENT PROBLEM
 
Some customers have noticed a color alignment problem after installing a 4
Color Ribbon (Cat. No. 26-2900, $29.99) into their DMP 205 Professional-
Series Printer (Cat. No. 26-2886, $399.99, in Flyer 514 for $299.99). This
problem is fairly easy to correct.
 
As you face the printer, there's a blue adjustment wheel at the left end of
the ribbon. If there's a strip of incorrect color at the top of each line,
the ribbon cassette is too low. To correct the problem, the user should ro-
tate the top of the adjustment wheel toward the back of the printer. If
there's a strip of incorrect color at the bottom of each line, the ribbon
cassette is too high, so the user should rotate the top of the wheel toward
the front of the printer.
 
This adjustment can be done while printing. An easy way to assure that the
ribbon is correctly positioned is to make the adjustment while running the
seven-color print test. (To run the test, simply press PARK while turning on
the printer.) Page 22 of the User's Guide includes a description of the test
print, and there's an illustration of the color ribbon adjustment process on
Page 23.
 
MN-04-94
COMPUTERS -- NEW LOW PRICE ON 25-1660 PC-TV TUNER BOARD
 
For the "computer-phile" who has almost everything, including a PC with an
available 8 (or 16)-bit full-length slot, we've recently reduced the price
of the Tandy PC TV Adapter (Cat. No. 25-1660) to an amazing $99.99.
 
This board adds a television tuner to your customer's VGA-equipped PC. It
accepts up to three video sources (VCR, cable TV, antenna, etc.) and comes
with software to allow you easy picture control from your computer's key-
board under both DOS and Windows.
 
Supplies are limited, and when they're gone, they're gone, so be sure that
your store takes advantage of this great computer gift idea.
 
MN-04-94
COMPUTERS -- HOT NEW NOTEBOOKS: JUST AROUND THE CORNER
 
Hot new notebook computers coming soon!
 
The Tandy 3950 HD (Cat. No. 25-3586, $1699.00) and Tandy 3950C HD (Cat. No.
25-3587, $2199.00) will be stocked in a limited number of stores, but avail-
able to other stores by special order (with a customer name). We anticipate
these units will be available by late April.
 
Inserted in this month's Merchandising Newsletter, you'll find a specifica-
tion sheet describing both units' features. Reproduce the insert locally for
your customers; copies aren't available from Fort Worth.
 
MN-04-94
COMPUTERS -- NEW FLOPPY DRIVE AT CMC
 
A new 3 1/2-inch 1.4 MB Floppy Disk Drive (Cat. No. 25-4054, $99.99) has
arrived at CMC!
 
The new 3 1/2-inch Drive Kit fits into a 5 1/4-inch slot using the mounting
adapter included with the drive, and uses an industry standard 4-pin connec-
tor.
 
It can be used on the following Tandy models which have the 4-pin connector:
 
    COMPUTER            CAT. NO.
 
    2100                25-1624
    3100                25-1632
    MMPC                25-1640/1641
    Sensation II        25-1651
    4000                25-5000
    4820 SX/T           25-5140
    4833 LX/T           25-5145
    OMNI Profile I      259-5146-5150
    OMNI Profile II     259-7706-7717
 
MN-04-94
ELECTRONIC REFERENCE -- DATABANK PROBLEMS?
 
If you're having problems with any of our 65-series databanks, send E-mail
to GDIXON1. Don't forget to include the product's date code in your mail,
and copy NQC on the message. By working together, we can take care of any
concerns early, before they become a major irritant for our customers.
 
MN-04-94
ELECTRONIC REFERENCE -- WHAT TIME IS IT? CHECK YOUR EC-344 AND SEE!
 
There's a new feature on our EC-344 Card-Size Organizer by Rolodex (Cat. No.
65-861, $11.99) that you might have mistaken for a malfunction. For easy re-
ference, the time and date stay on all the time. The added power drain on
the organizer from this feature is minimal.
 
MN-04-94
VIDEO -- SATELLITE CABLE REMINDER
 
Remind customers who buy the SR-2015 C/Ku-Band Satellite Receiver (Cat. No.
16-2513, $399.99) not to position their dish more than 100-150 feet (depen-
ding on the quality of cable they use) away from their TV. Longer cable runs
might cause reception problems.
 
MN-04-94
VIDEO -- DC ADAPTER FOR LCD TV IN CMC
 
The DC Adapter (Cat. No. 16-2019, $19.99) for the 2 1/2-Inch Active-Matrix
LCD TV (Cat. No. 16-167) is now available from CMC. The long wait is over
and stock is finally here.
 
MN-04-94
VIDEO -- 8MMBRUSH CLEANING SYSTEM
 
Summer vacations mean video camera usage -- are your customers prepared? As
they head out to capture their vacation memories on video, you want them to
have plenty of blank tapes on hand, of course. But don't forget the other
accessories they need to avoid the disappointment of a camera that fails at
a crucial vacation moment.
 
Today's 8mm video cameras have small, sensitive components that are easily
affected by dust, dirt, tape oxides, and even humidity in the air. The video
drum and heads accumulate microscopic debris, diminishing picture quality,
damaging tape, and causing unnecessary machine wear. Moving from air-condi-
tioned interiors to the summer heat outdoors causes humidity to build up in
side the machine, contributing to recording problems or even disabling mac-
hines with humidity sensors.
 
The 8mmBRUSH cleaner (Cat. No. 44-1204, $14.99) uses soft fiber brushes to
reach into the video drum's gaps and grooves to remove damaging dirt and de-
bris. This safe, effective system provides professional-quality results eas-
ily. You can use it without the supplied cleaning solution to absorb unwan-
ted humidity from the sensitive video drum and assure proper recording and
playback performance.
 
Remember to suggest the 8mmBRUSH to all your customers who buy 8mm video
tape and accessories.
 
MN-04-94
VIDEO -- 16-413 MANUAL CORRECTION
 
Our Model 21 Monaural VHS Player (Cat. No. 16-413, $199.99) can be used at
home or in a car, RV, or boat. However, before connecting the unit to vehi-
cle battery power, users must ensure that the TV they use has a DC 12-volt
jack with the center tip set to positive, and the vehicle has a 12-volt,
negative-ground electrical system.
 
Future printings of the Owner's Manual for the 16-413 VHS player will in-
clude this information. Be sure to let current owners and prospective buyers
know about this requirement.
 
Our thanks to Tyler Harter (01-1539), manager in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, for
making us aware of this oversight.
 
MN-04-94
ELECTRONIC PARTS -- NEW 1/2-WATT RESISTOR PACKAGING
 
The packaging of our 1/2-watt, 5% tolerance carbon resistors is changing.
The old 2-paks which retailed for 39 cents each are gone, replaced by new 5-
paks, selling for only 49 cents each -- only a dime more for three more re-
sistors! The numbers you'll be ordering have also changed:
 
   VALUE      OLD         NEW       VALUE     OLD         NEW
   (ohms)   CAT. NO.    CAT. NO.    (ohms)  CAT. NO.    CAT. NO.
   10       271-0001    271-1101    1.2K    271-0024    271-1119
   15       271-0003    271-1102    1.5K    271-0025    271-1120
   22       271-0005    271-1103    2.2K    271-0027    271-1121
   33       271-0007    271-1104    3.3K    271-0028    271-1122
   47       271-0009    271-1105    3.9K    271-0029    271-1123
   68       271-0010    271-1106    4.7K    271-0030    271-1124
   82       271-0011    271-1107    5.6K    271-0031    271-1125
   100      271-0012    271-1108    10K     271-0034    271-1126
   150      271-0013    271-1109    15K     271-0036    271-1127
   180      271-0014    271-1110    22K     271-0038    271-1128
   220      271-0015    271-1111    33K     271-0040    271-1129
   270      271-0016    271-1112    47K     271-0042    271-1130
   330      271-0017    271-1113    100K    271-0045    271-1131
   390      271-0018    271-1114    220K    271-0049    271-1132
   470      271-0019    271-1115    470K    271-0053    271-1133
   560      271-0020    271-1116    1meg    271-0059    271-1134
   680      271-0021    271-1117    2.2meg  271-0061    271-1135
   1K       271-0023    271-1118
 
MN-04-94
ELECTRONIC PARTS -- TEST METER SOFTWARE UPGRADE
 
Our LCD Digital Multimeter (Cat. No. 22-182, $99.97) comes with software
that allow users to connect the meter to a PC so they can log measurements,
track data, even create line charts and graphs.
 
The software was upgraded in September 1993, to improve its appearance.
Owners of older units might also want the improved software. You can order
it for them from Tandy National Parts by calling the Telephone Order Center
at (800) 433-2024 and asking for part number AXX2137. The price is just
$4.97.
 
MN-04-94
TELEPHONES -- CELLULAR ANTENNA NOT FOR JIMMY
 
When recommending a cellular antenna to a customer, don't forget to ask what
type of vehicle they drive. If they drive a GMC Jimmy, don't suggest the
Clip-On Glass-Mount Cellular Antenna (Cat. No. 17-315, $44.99). Because the
Jimmy has a metal window seal rather than a rubber one, the antenna might
break off. (Other recreational vehicles might also have this type of seal.)
 
Our thanks to Dale Horne (01-1125) in Bangor, Maine, for alerting us to this
potential problem.
 
MN-04-94
TELEPHONES -- PAGER CHAIN DISPLAY CARD
 
Did you find your Pager Safety Chain Display Card in P.O.P. Kit #514? It
might have been tucked inside the Intercom magazine that was also included
in the kit.
 
This attractive display card features color pictures of all the styles of
pager chains currently available from CMC. Be sure to put it out for your
customers to see. Safety chains make a great add-on sale for pagers! (If you
have any other creative uses for these chains, let CMC know.)
 
MN-04-94
TELEPHONES -- CORDLESS PHONE POLARITY REVERSED
 
A store reports that polarity on the Northwest Bell Cordless Telephone Model
3100's battery connector is reversed (that is, the black and red wires are
not in the same positions as those on the Radio Shack battery pack they
tried to connect.) Connecting a battery pack incorrectly could cause it to
explode.
 
To avoid situations like this with any cordless phone, use only the recomm-
ended battery pack (order through CMC, using the part number listed in your
FO-72 blue battery book). Also when you're installing the battery pack, make
sure you match battery pack's black and red wires to those of the correspon-
ding color on the phone's battery connector.
 
MN-04-94
COMMUNICATIONS -- INTRODUCING: RADIO!
 
The inaugural issue of Radio! magazine (Cat. No. 62-1201, $1.95) is essen-
tial reading for all radio enthusiasts -- available only at Radio Shack! Co-
vering all aspects of communications, from amateur radio to scanners, from
CB to shortwave, Radio! features articles, product reviews, and projects
from the field's most highly-respected authors.
 
In its 80 glossy pages, you'll find overviews of scanner action bands,
shortwave, and ham licensing requirements, plus articles on scanning satel-
lites, monitoring aircraft and military broadcasts. Also included are in-
depth product reviews of the PRO-2006 scanner, DX-390 shortwave receiver,
HTX-404 transceiver, and 22-305 frequency counter.
 
Use Radio! to broaden your knowledge of the exciting world of communica-
tions, and recommend it to all your radio customers, new and old.
 
MN-04-94
COMMUNICATIONS -- AMATEUR RADIO REGULATION CHANGES
 
If you're both a Radio Shack associate and an Amateur Radio Operator, take
note. In the past, FCC regulations made it illegal for you to discuss Radio
Shack's products with other hams on the air because your employment with the
company. All of that changed on September 19, 1993.
 
It's now perfectly legal for you to discuss who you work for, and to answer
technical questions you are asked on the air. This ruling has been called
the "pizza rule," since it allows a ham to use autopatch to call in a pizza
for pick-up.
 
A word of caution: Stay away from any issue that would directly create a
sale. Business discussions are permitted, but neither you nor your employer
can directly make money as a result of the discussion.
 
Now you can also use amateur radio to support a parade, call in election re-
sults, or coordinate revenue-generating club activities (like parking at a
hamfest). The rule against using amateur radio if any other service (such as
marine band) can handle the event has also been suspended.
 
Thanks to Larry Crawford (01-8030) in Park Plaza, South Carolina,
for his question.
 
MN-04-94
COMMUNICATIONS -- RG-59 CABLE ON "TWIN" CB ANTENNAS
 
Some of you might be wondering why we use RG-59 cable on twin CB antennas,
instead of RG-58 like the single antennas.
 
The twin antennas are connected to the CB in parallel. Basic electronics
teaches that equal impedances (or resistances) in parallel exhibit a com-
bined impedance equal to half the individual impedances.
 
If we used 50 ohm cable, the combined impedance would be only 25 ohms.
That's too far from the desired 50 ohms -- it would cause a 3:1 SWR ratio,
even if each of the antennas was properly tuned. We use a higher impedance
cable to better match the CB's 50-ohm output.
 
The RG-59's impedance is a little less than 80 ohms, so two cables in par-
allel equal a little less than 40 ohms. The difference between 40 ohms and
50 ohms matters little to the CB, and it works just fine.
 
If you have customers who want to trim the RG-59's cables in an attempt to
match the SWR, advise them that while it's OK to trim cable length on a sin-
gle CB antenna, the twin antennas' cable length is critical. Trimming either
antenna cable would put them out of phase with each other, causing signal
loss and high SWR.
 
The cable length must be an odd multiple of 1/4 wavelength (such as 1/4
wave, 3/4 wave, etc.). Happily, this has been already calculated by our en-
gineers and confirmed through product testing in both Radio Shack's Engi-
neering and National Quality Control Departments. The cable harness we sup-
ply is exactly right in every way.
 
Now you can explain with confidence why the wiring harness for the twin CB
antennas is so unusual!
 
Our thanks to Jim Willis, Manager (01-9413) in Tulsa, Oklahoma, for this
question.
 
MN-04-94
COMMUNICATIONS -- NEW BATTERY FOR AMPLIFIED CB MICROPHONE
 
Because of our concern for environmental issues, Radio Shack is in the pro-
cess of replacing some of our batteries with more "environmentally sound"
versions.
 
The latest item to change is the recommended 7V replacement battery for our
Amplified CB Microphone (Cat. No. 21-1175). We've discontinued Cat. No. 23-
601, and replaced it with Cat. No. 23-1503. The POS add-on for the 21-1175
microphone has been changed to recommend the new battery.
 
MN-04-94
F.Y.I. -- THE LOWDOWN ON CB ANTENNAS
 
Any CB enthusiast can tell you that all CB antennas are not created equal.
But what's the difference between "base loaded," "top loaded," and "center
loaded" antennas? What are the benefits of each? Here's a quick rundown:
 
BASE LOADED -- The coil in this type of antenna is at the antenna's bottom,
so it has more effect and allows a shorter whip length than other antennas'
(a short whip is more flexible than a longer one). This type of antenna's
standing wave ratio (SWR) isn't as good as a top load's, but its broad band-
width offers good SWR across 40 channels. Another plus -- its angle of radi-
ation is slightly lower than a top load's.
 
TOP LOADED -- This type of antenna has its coil at the top, so it has less
effect and requires a longer antenna length. Unlike a base loaded antenna,
however, the top loaded antenna can be tuned for best SWR on a specific
channel. Its SWR is a little better than a base load's, but since its band-
width is not as good, the SWR is slightly higher at band edges if it's tuned
to the center of a band.
 
CENTER LOAD -- This represents the best compromise of all parameters, with
good SWR and bandwidth across the band.
 
Gain of all three types is about the same, with no significant differences.
 
MN-04-94
COMMUNICATIONS -- TT PAD ADJUSTMENT ON HTX-202
 
(In response to your queries, this article is reprinted from the November
1993 Merchandising Newsletter.)
 
If your customers have trouble getting the touch-tones on an HTX-202 2-Meter
Ham Radio Transceiver (Cat. No 19-1120, $259.99 [in Flyer 514 for $188.88]),
to work with a local repeater, tell them to try resetting their unit's
touch-tone audio level.
 
To do this, they can adjust the touch-tone pot (RV1001) down until the tones
don't decode, then up again until it just works. (Simply tuning down is not
as reliable as this method.)   They should make no other adjustments!
 
Also, many repeaters will read back the tones once they decode properly. If
your customers don't know how to do this, they can find out from another re-
peater member.
 
MN-04-94
COMMUNICATIONS -- DTMF ON HTX-202
 
(In response to your queries, this article is reprinted from the March 1992
Merchandising Newsletter.)
 
Some hams report that they cannot use the DTMF (touch-tone) function of the
Realistic HTX-202 Transceiver Radio (Cat. No. 19-1120) to access some repea-
ters and autopatches.
 
A feature of the HTX-202 is DTMF "hang time," which eliminates the need to
hold down the PTT button while pushing the front panel keys to generate
touch tones. This "hang time" is long enough to be incompatible with ACC
brand repeater controllers, which will not respond to a set of tones if
there is an unmodulated carrier of more than about a second following the
tones.
 
The solution is to go to the main parameter menu and turn the "AUTOREPLY"
(Ar) function "ON." This will eliminate the DTMF hang time and make opera-
tion with the ACC controller/autopatch possible.
 
MN-04-94
F.Y.I. -- SCAN THE SHUTTLE!
 
Looking for new and unique ways to sell scanners? Here's one!
 
During the next mission of the space shuttle Discovery, try listening in at
145.6300 MHz. You might be able to hear communication between the NASA Com-
mand Center in Houston and the shuttle. (This won't be possible in all are-
as, but you can try.)
 
Thanks to Chick McCrea, manager (01-4116) in Pleasant Hills, Pennsylvania,
for this idea.
 
MN-04-94
COMMUNICATIONS -- KUDOS FOR OUR PRO-2032 SCANNER
 
The January/February issue of the "National Scanning Report" included a very
favorable review of our PRO-2032 200-Channel Base/Mobile Scanner (Cat. No.
20-409, $299.99).
 
In the article, writer Larry Miller hailed the PRO-2032 as "... a really
nice, well-balanced radio that's packed with practical features ... a work-
horse." He concludes his comments by calling the PRO-2032 "... perfect for a
wide variety of applications, from basic public safety scanning to exploring
space shuttle communications, military aircraft and more from home or vehi-
cle."
 
Great press like this makes selling easier for you! Don't hesitate to use
testimony from credible outside sources to show your customers that Radio
Shack has great products and great value.
 
MN-04-94
EXPRESS ORDER -- VIDEO GAME PRE-BOOKING -- A VALUED CUSTOMER SERVICE
 
There are three good reasons for customers to buy video games from Radio
Shack through Express Order: price, convenience, and the new games listed in
the catalog.
 
However, there's been some confusion regarding pre-book video games listed
in the catalog. Remember -- you cannot promise a customer delivery of a game
that hasn't yet been released by the manufacturer.
 
On the price list page for video games, the "Date Available" column shows
the manufacturer's release date at the time the catalog was printed. When
you sell a game with a future release date, emphasize to the customer that
the game hasn't been released yet, but that when it is, Radio Shack will
mail it to them the same day.
 
Be sure to check the POS for current release date information on new games.
Sometimes production problems or marketing considerations cause a manufactu-
rer to delay the release date for a video game. If the release date of a new
title changes after the catalog is printed, the new date will be reflected
in POS. When you type in the 8-digit Express Order number for a game, the
current ship date appears at the end of the description (for example,
10284206 ESPN Baseball Tonight SNES Ship 4-94 ).
 
Show the customer the release date information on their sales receipt and
explain that if the date changes after they purchase the game, Express Order
will send them a letter notifying them of the change, and they'll be given
an opportunity to cancel the order, if they wish. It's just another way of
ensuring customers are completely satisfied with the service they receive at
Radio Shack.
 
MN-04-94
MISCELLANEOUS -- "WHO BUYS WHAT" AGAIN: HAIL AND FAREWELL
 
The latest edition of the "Who Buys What" reflects the changes in the Mer-
chandising Department over the past couple of months. A couple of familiar
names have been replaced by new ones.
 
First, Dave Shoemaker has left his buying position after 15 years to contin-
ue his involvement with the product lines he loves as part of the new Prod-
uct Development Group. Keith Lashley takes Shoe's place in the Audio/Video
and Seasonal group as buyer of music systems, video, PA equipment and micro-
phones, tape and accessories. Keith brings Radio Shack 12 years of marketing
experience and a thorough grounding in consumer electronics.
 
Also, David Busch has left Radio Shack (but not Tandy), joining Computer Ci-
ty on April 1 as Divisional Merchandise Manager. Bryan Sewell replaces David
as buyer of home security, electricals, tools, chemicals, and wire and cable
in the Personal Electronics and Parts group. Bryan has seven years of field
retail experience and six years in the Fort Worth office of A&A Internation-
al, procuring products from overseas vendors for Radio Shack and Computer
City.
 
Good luck Dave and David in your new endeavors, and welcome Keith and Bryan,
to the Merchandising team!
 
MN-04-94
MISCELLANEOUS -- HINT BOOKS ARE HAPPENING!
 
Now your customers can unlock the secrets of their favorite computer adven-
ture games...and discover more fun!
 
CMC has added an extensive line of Hint Books for today's most popular com-
puter adventure games. These books are loaded with maps and clues for games
like King's Quest (I-VI), Quest for Glory (I-IV), Goblins (1-3), and even
Advanced Dungeons and Dragons.
 
You can order any Hint Book from the list of titles you received for your
red CMC binder in March 1994. Just call the Telephone Order Center at (800)
433-2024. Watch for updates as the list continues to grow.
 
MN-04-94
MISCELLANEOUS -- ELECTRICAL TEST BOOK IS BACK
 
Because you asked for it, we're bringing back Household and Automotive Elec-
trical Testing Made Easy (Cat. No. 62-1090, $3.95). The 106-page book con-
tains easy-to-understand instructions for testing batteries, circuits, ap-
pliances, telephone wiring, and more. It's a "must-have" for every home el-
ectrical hobbyist.
 
MN-04-94
MISCELLANEOUS -- PC BOARD PEN AT CMC
 
The PC Board Resist Pen (Cat. No. 276-1530, $2.49) has moved to CMC. This is
a fine point marking pen, ideal for printed circuit design. The pen makes it
easy to prevent unwanted etching, and the ink dries instantly.
 
MN-04-94
STORE REPLENISHMENT -- "Q AND A" ON MQS
 
Model Quantities (MQs) define the inventory level for replenishment on each
item we stock in our stores. Here are answers to some basic questions on MQs
that come up repeatedly in meetings and by E-mail.
 
Q: Exactly what determines a Model Quantity?
 
A: Either a store's historical sales rate on an item, or a minimum quantity
   required by the merchandising group. The MQ might equal several weeks'
   supply of an item, based on historical sales, or it might be a minimum
   amount established by the merchandising group. For example, most FFD
   items have a minimum MQ of 2. If a store doesn't have any history of
   selling a FFD item, it will have an MQ of 2, but if the store has sold
   the item, it may have an MQ greater than 2.
 
Q: Do House Sales affect model quantities?
 
A: No. Despite the name, these aren't regarded as sales. They're just stock
   transfers between stores, and have no direct bearing on MQ values.
 
Q: How does the history of an old item affect the MQ of the new item
that it replaced?
 
A: When new items are introduced, Replenishment initially models them to the
   history of an old item that has been active recently. (They only use his-
   tory from the period when the item was in an active status.) As the new
   item develops its own history, Replenishment begins to use the new data
   as the basis for the MQ.
 
Q: When do MQs change?
 
A: They're revised for new history every two weeks. So if your store sells
   12 of a new item with an MQ of 0 or 1 in a week, you might have to wait a
   couple of weeks before seeing the change in the MQ.
 
Q: Why are there 0 MQs on active items?
 
A: We don't have a minimum MQ requirement for some items, so a store can
   earn a 0 MQ if its sales history on such an item is negligible. In most
   cases, these MQs can be easily increased to a 2 when a store begins sell-
   ing the item. (You might need an ESS order or an ICST to gain some stock
   to do this.)
 
Q: How do customer order sales or commercial sales affect MQs?
 
A: Since these are sales, they can influence MQs, not because of the amount
   ordered, but because of the amount sold. They will be used if they repre-
   sent a normal sales quantity for the item on a ticket. However, the re-
   plenishment system will ignore them if they're unusually large quantities
   compared to what's usually sold of that item.
 
Q: Exactly how do MQs work in creating replenishment orders?
 
A: When Replenishment creates a cycle order, the system orders the differ-
   ence between the MQ and what the store has "on-hand" and "on-the-way."
   "On-the-way" includes orders placed but not yet billed, DC billings, and
   ICSTs that have been transmitted but not received. If the sum of what's
   on-hand and what's on-the-way is negative, it's counted as 0, and the en-
   tire MQ is ordered.
 
Q: What's an Ad MQ?
 
A: It's an MQ used by the replenishment system instead of the regular MQ as
   we approach an ad period for an item. It's often (but not always) higher
   than the regular MQ. Once the ad period begins, the system reverts to the
   regular MQ.
 
Q: Are there exceptions to the above answers?
 
A: Yes. Some items that are in short supply, typically new arrivals, may be
   allocated or have upper limits on model quantities. On the other hand,
   for a new item with a strong sales trend, Replenishment might make ad-
   justments to increase model quantities for higher-than-expected demand.
 
As you can see, model quantities are very dynamic, changing frequently as
our business changes. Because of this, we don't normally make adjustments
SKU-by-SKU at a store's request. However, if an MQ is distorted and extreme-
ly high (for example, an MQ of 80 that should be 8), you can E-mail REPLEN1
for corrective action. A store drives its own model quantities with its
sales. A store manager might want to place ESS orders to support additional
sales growth to drive model quantities.
 
For the replenishment system to be truly responsive, sales must be the dri-
ving force behind our business.
 
MN-04-94
ONE MINUTE MERCHANDISER -- 101 WAYS TO REDUCE STRESS
 
Get up earlier * Prepare ahead * Avoid tight clothes * Avoid chemical aids *
Set appointments * Write it down * Practice preventive maintenance * Make
duplicate keys * Say "No" more often * Set priorities * Avoid negative peo-
ple * Use time wisely * Simplify meals * Copy important papers * Anticipate
needs * Make repairs * Get help with jobs you dislike * Break down large
tasks * Look at problems as challenges * Look at challenges differently *
Unclutter your life * Smile * Prepare for rain * Tickle a baby * Pet a dog
or cat
 
Don't try to know all the answers * Look for the silver lining * Say some-
thing nice * Teach a kid to fly a kite * Walk in the rain * Schedule play
time * Take a bubble bath * Be aware of your choices * Believe in yourself *
Stop talking negatively * Visualize winning * Develop a sense of humor *
Stop thinking tomorrow will be better * Have goals * Dance a jig * Say hello
to a stranger * Ask a friend for a hug * Look at the stars * Breathe slowly
* Whistle a tune * Read a poem * Listen to a symphony * Watch a ballet *
Read a story
 
Do something new * Stop a bad habit * Buy a flower * Smell the flower * Find
support * Find a "vent" partner * Do it today * Be optimistic * Put safety
first * Do things in moderation * Notice how good you look * Strive for pro-
gress, not perfection * Stretch your limits * Enjoy art * Hum a jingle *
Maintain your weight * Plant a tree * Have a Plan "B" * Doodle * Learn a
joke * Know your feelings * Meet your needs * Know your limits * Say "Have a
good day" in Pig Latin * Throw a paper airplane
 
Exercise * Learn a new song * Get to work earlier * Clean a closet * Play
with a child * Go on a picnic * Drive a different route to work * Leave work
early * Put air freshener in your car * Watch a movie and eat popcorn *
Write a far away friend * Scream at a ball game * Eat a meal by candlelight
* Recognize the importance of unconditional love * Remember stress is an at-
titude * Keep a journal * Share a monster smile * Remember your options *
Build a support network * Quit trying to fix others * Get enough sleep *
Talk less and listen more * Praise others
 
Relax, take each day at a time...You have the rest of your life to live.
 
Chuck Sizer
 
MN-04-94
F.Y.I. -- WHY SELL ACCESSORIES?
 
Accessories make your customer's purchase more meaningful.
 
Even in "slow" periods and "down" economies, accessories sell because custo-
mers want to maintain or further enhance their existing equipment without
large out-of-pocket expenditures.
 
Many accessories represent your highest margin percentages.
 
Accessories add value!
 
MN-04-94
WHO BUYS WHAT
 
Here is the current "Who Buys What" list. There have been changes recently,
so take a careful look at the list.
 
Category    Description                                Buyer
 
12          Auto Sound                                 Wayne Wilson
12          Auto Speakers                              Wayne Wilson
12          Radios                                     Colin Meyer
12          Weather Radios                             Colin Meyer
 
13          Music Systems                              Keith Lashley
14          Portable Tape Recorders & Players          Colin Meyer
14          Tape Decks                                 Lee Brayn
15          TV Antennas & Accessories                  Keith Lashley
 
16          TV, VCR, Satellite, Camcorders             Keith Lashley
17          Cellular Phones & Pagers                   Dennis Godfrey
19          2-Way Radio                                Wayne Wilson
20          Scanners and Shortwave                     Wayne Wilson
 
21          CB Radio                                   Wayne Wilson
22          Radar Detectors                            Wayne Wilson
22          Test Equipment                             Tim Oldham
23          Batteries and Chargers                     Leon Lutz
 
25/26       COMPUTER HARDWARE/
            OPERATING SYSTEMS
 
            CD-ROM Drives                              Joel Cohen
            Computer Connectors                        Ann Kennemer
            Furniture                                  Ann Kennemer
            Hard Drives                                Joel Cohen
 
            Joysticks                                  Ann Kennemer
            Laptops/Notebook PCs/Accessories           Joel Cohen
            Mice                                       Ann Kennemer
            Modems                                     Joel Cohen
 
            Monitors                                   Joel Cohen
            Multimedia Upgrade Products                Joel Cohen
            Paper/Labels                               Ann Kennemer
            Personal Digital Assistants                Gordon Dixon
 
            Printer Cables/Ribbons/Printwheels         Ann Kennemer
            Printers & Printer Supplies                Ann Kennemer
            Serial Cables/Connectors                   Ann Kennemer
            Sound/Music Boards                         Joel Cohen
 
            Desktop CPUs                               Joel Cohen
            Operating Systems                          Joel Cohen
 
25/26       COMPUTER SOFTWARE                          Ann Kennemer
 
270         Fuses, DC Adapters, Joysticks              Tim Oldham
271         Resistors                                  Tim Oldham
272         Lamps & Capacitors                         Tim Oldham
273         AC Adapters/Transformers                   Tim Oldham
 
274         Plugs & Jacks                              Tim Oldham
275         Switches                                   Tim Oldham
276         Semiconductors                             Tim Oldham
277         Project Boards                             Tim Oldham
 
278         Wire/RF Connectors                         Bryan Sewell
279         Phone Wiring Accessories                   Dennis Godfrey
28          Kits (Science Fair)                        Leon Lutz
31          Audio Receivers                            Lee Brayn
 
32          PA Equipment                               Keith Lashley
33          Headphones                                 Lee Brayn
33          Microphones                                Keith Lashley
40          Audio Speakers                             Lee Brayn
 
40          PA Speakers                                Lee Brayn
40          Raw Auto Speakers                          Lee Brayn
40          Raw Speakers                               Lee Brayn
42          Audio Accessories                          Lee Brayn
 
42          CD Players/Changers                        Lee Brayn
42          Keyboards                                  Lee Brayn
42          Lightshows                                 Lee Brayn
42          Turntables                                 Lee Brayn
 
43          Telephones, FAX, Intercoms                 Dennis Godfrey
44          Tape & Accessories                         Keith Lashley
49          Auto Alarms                                Wayne Wilson
49          Home Security                              Bryan Sewell
 
49          Pagers                                     Dennis Godfrey
50          Pre-Recorded Video Tape                    Keith Lashley
51          Pre-Recorded Audio Tape                    Lee Brayn
60          Toys                                       Leon Lutz
 
61          Electricals                                Bryan Sewell
61          Flashlights                                Bryan Sewell
61          Plug-N-Power/Other Controls                Bryan Sewell
61          Seasonal                                   Bryan Sewell
 
62          Books                                      Leon Lutz
63          Clocks/Timers/Watches                      Mark Verdeyen
63          Copiers                                    Mark Verdeyen
63          Health Products                            Mark Verdeyen
 
63          Metal Detectors                            Mark Verdeyen
63          Other Electronic Aids                      Mark Verdeyen
63          Spell Checkers                             Mark Verdeyen
 
64          Chemical Products/Magnets/Tape             Bryan Sewell
64          Electrical Terminals                       Bryan Sewell
64          Hardware and Terminals                     Bryan Sewell
64          Soldering Equipment                        Bryan Sewell
 
64          Tools                                      Bryan Sewell
65          Calculators                                Gordon Dixon
65          Databanks                                  Gordon Dixon
68          Premiums (flashlights)                     Leon Lutz
 
MN-04-94
WHO BUYS WHAT -- SOME IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
 
Customer Relations                                     (817) 390-3200
Customer Technical Support                             (817) 878-6875
Tandy Technical Support (Stores)                       (800) 433-1684
Telephone Order Center                                 (800) 433-2024
(CMC/Express Order/National Parts)
 
MN-04-94
WHO BUYS WHAT -- RADIO SHACK MERCHANDISE GROUPS
 
Rick Borinstein, Vice President, Merchandise Marketing
(817) 390-2736
 
Communication/Automotive
Steve Penn, Merchandise Manager
390-2197
 
Dennis Godfrey, Buyer (390-3239)
17          Cellular Phones & Pagers
279         Phone Wiring and Accessories
43          Telephones, FAX, Intercoms
49          Pagers
 
Wayne Wilson, Buyer (390-3233)
12          Auto Sound
12          Auto Speakers
19          2-Way Radio
20          Scanners & Short-Wave
21          CB Radio
22          Radar Detectors
49          Auto Alarms
 
 
Personal Electronics & Parts
Joel Guskin, Merchandise Manager
390-2771
 
Tim Oldham, Buyer (390-2670)
22          Test Equipment
270         Fuses, DC Adapters
271         Resistors
272         Lamps & Capacitors
273         AC Adapters/Transformers
274         Plugs & Jacks
275         Switches
276         Semiconductors
277         Project Boards
 
Mark Verdeyen, Buyer (390-3132)
63          Clocks/Timers/Watches
63          Copiers
63          Health Products
63          Metal Detectors
63          Other Electronic Aids
63          Spell Checkers
 
Bryan Sewell, Buyer (390-3173)
278         Wire/RF Connectors
49          Home Security
61          Electricals
61          Flashlights
61          Plug-n-Power g/Other Controls
61          Seasonal
64          Hardware & Terminals
64          Tape/Chemical Products/Magnets
64          Tools
 
Audio/Video & Seasonal
Dick Donnelly, Merchandise Manager
390-3584
 
Lee Brayn, Buyer (390-3235)
14          Tape Decks
31          Audio Receivers
33          Headphones
40          Audio Speakers
40          PA Speakers
40          Raw Auto Speakers
40          Raw Speakers
42          Audio Accessories
42          CD Players/Changers
42          Keyboards
42          Lightshows
42          Turntables
51          Pre-Recorded Audio Tape
 
Keith Lashley, Buyer (878-6725)
13          Music Systems
15          TV Antennas & Accessories
16          TV, VCR, Satellite, Camcorders
32          PA Equipment
33          Microphones
44          Tape & Accessories
50          Pre-Recorded Video Tape
 
Leon Lutz, Buyer (390-3236)
23          Batteries and Chargers
28          Kits (Science Fair)
60          Toys
62          Books
68          Premiums (flashlights)
 
Colin Meyer, Buyer (878-6633)
12          Radios (Portable, Clock Radios)
12          Weather Radios
14          Portable Tape Recorders/Players
 
Cellular Carriers
Chuck Sizer, Cellular Marketing Manager
878-4141
 
Computers
Bob MacQuigg, Merchandise Manager
390-3208
 
Joel Cohen, Buyer (390-2873)
25/26       CD-ROM Drives
            Desktop CPUs
            FAX Products (for desktop PCs)
            Modems (except laptops)
            Multimedia Upgrade Products
            Peripherals
            Sound/Music Boards
            Hard Drives
            Laptops/Notebook PCs/Accessories
            Operating Systems
 
Ann Kennemer, Buyer (338-2331)
25/26       Accounting/Finance Software
            Backup Power Supplies
            Computer Connectors
            DeskMate
            Desktop Publishing Software
            Disk Cases/Accessories
            Diskettes/Media
            Furniture
            Graphics Software
            Mice
            Paper/Labels
            Printers & Printer Supplies
            Productivity Software
            Serial Cables/Connectors
            Educational Software (Home)
            Entertainment Software
            Gamecards
            Joysticks
 
Gordon Dixon, Buyer (390-2670)
25          Personal Digital Assistants
65          Calculators
65          Databanks
 
MN-04-94
WHO BUYS WHAT -- SPEED MAIL ADDRESSES
 
What happens to your speed mail message when you send it to a buyer? Well,
that depends. Many speed mail messages to buyers are support-related -- the
way a product works, problems you're having with it, etc. These messages are
forwarded to Consumer Support. Consumer Support works with the buyers and
other departments (like engineering and NQC) to get you the best answer in
the fastest manner.
 
Speed mail that's appropriate for buyers to spend time on -- like that about
new products you'd like to see -- is still answered from Merchandise Market-
ing.
 
So if you send speed mail to a buyer and then hear an answer from Consumer
Support, don't worry. The fact that you got your answer is the important
thing. Buyers are very busy, and though they'd each like to talk to every
store manager and employee personally, the number of you (lots) versus the
number of buyers (few) makes that impossible. This is why the Consumer Sup-
port group was established, so please work with them.
 
In fact, you can help save time by contacting Consumer Support directly
for those questions that they can answer.
 
    (800) 2TANDY4
    8 am to 7 pm CST
    Monday through Saturday
 
Randy Rau is the lead Consumer Support Engineer. You can send mail to him
at: RRAU1@CSS
 
Here are some other speed mail addresses you may need.
 
MERCHANDISE MARKETING ADDRESSES
 
Rick Borinstein                    VP                       RBORIN1
 
MERCHANDISE GROUPS
 
PERSONAL ELECTRONICS
Joel Guskin                        Merchandise Manager      JGUSKI1
Mark Verdeyen                      Buyer                    MVERDE1
Tim Oldham                         Buyer                    TOLDHA2
Bryan Sewell                       Buyer                    BSEWEL1
 
AUDIO/VIDEO
Dick Donnelly                      Merchandise Manager      LDONNE1
Lee Brayn                          Buyer                    LBRAYN1
Leon Lutz                          Buyer                    LLUTZ1
Colin Meyer                        Senior Buyer             CMEYER1
Keith Lashley                      Buyer                    KLASHL1
 
COMPUTERS
Bob MacQuigg                       Merchandise Manager      BQUIGG1
Joel Cohen                         Buyer                    JCOHEN1
Gordon Dixon                       Buyer                    GDIXON1
Ann Kennemer                       Buyer                    AKENNE1
 
COMMUNICATIONS/AUTOMOTIVE
Steve Penn                         Merchandise Manager      SPENN1
Dennis Godfrey                     Buyer                    DGODFR1
Wayne Wilson                       Buyer                    WWILSO1
 
Cellular Carriers
Chuck Sizer                        Manager,
                                   Cellular Mktg            CSIZER1
 
MERCHANDISING SUPPORT
June Wolff                         VP                       JWOLFF1
Pat Lillard                        Director, Rebuying       PLILLA1
 
STORE REPLENISHMENT
 
Syd Rauworth                       Director                 SRAUWO1
Randy Lunz                         Manager                  RLUNZ1
Jason Jeske                        Manager                  JJESKE2
Virgil Carson                      Field Coordinator        VCARSO1
  Replenishment Specialists                                 REPLEN1
 
OTHER ADDRESSES
 
ENGINEERING
Barry Stevens                      Sr. Director             BSTEVE2
 
REGULATORY AFFAIRS (FCC, UL)
Mac Slayton Manager MSLAYT1
Linda Dickerson Secretary   LDICKE1
 
NATIONAL PARTS
FAX Bob Thomas at (817) 870-5737.
 
MN-03-94
PREPRINTED CLEARANCE TAGS
 
You should now be receiving preprinted clearance tags in your P.O.P. kit
each month. (Until recently, stores were sent blank clearance tags and you
had to write in all the information.) The quantity you receive is based on
your perpetual inventory, with pricing effective on DISCO Monday.
 
February's mailing included one page of blank clearance tags for most
stores; this month (and in the future), most of you should be receiving
three pages of blank tags. If you haven't received your complete set of
clearance tags by the Saturday before DISCO Monday, call Jonel Breaux at
Circulation in Fort Worth, (817) 390-3829. She'll ensure that you get ano-
ther set.
 
MN-03-94
HOME MECHANIX LIKES PLUG 'N POWER
 
In its February 1994 issue, "Home Mechanix" magazine devoted three full pa-
ges of its "Master the Top 10 Do-It-Yourself Projects" feature to plug 'n
power products.
 
The article described and illustrated several of our "effective, low-cost
home security products." Author Bill Phillips noted our products' ability
"to operate using house wiring and compatible radio frequencies," and poin-
ted out that "you can create an effective X-10 automation-and-security sys-
tem for less than $200 and expand it later by selecting from a wide variety
of components...that cost as little as $10 apiece." With a plug 'n power
system, Phillips wrote, "you can even adjust your thermostat, turn on the
coffee pot and listen for intruders - all from a phone booth across town."
 
Such recognition from a major national publication like "Home Mechanix" con-
firms that our plug 'n power products are truly the state of the art in home
security. To reinforce the message, we'll be running print advertising on
plug 'n power products in June and August 1994.
 
MN-03-94
CD DEMOS STILL AVAILABLE
 
You can get additional copies of Sony CD Demonstration Discs #2 or #3, from
the regular warehouse. Keep two or three on hand -- one to demo speakers,
one for CD players, and another for portables. They're a great way to show
off our audio components' full range of sounds!
 
MN-03-94
AUDIO -- HOME THEATRE UPDATE: MARCH SPEAKER SPECIALS
 
This month, customers who come to you in search of exceptional value on
speakers for a Home Theatre system will get what they came for.
 
During Flyer 513 (February 27-April 2, 1994), they can get a package that
includes our high power-handling Optimus PRO SWS-500 Subwoofer/Satellite
Speaker System (Cat. No. 40-4055) for their front speakers; a pair of our
Optimus PRO 77 9" die-cast 2-way speakers (Cat. No. 40-2057 for black or 40-
2058 for white) for surround effects; and one of our Optimus PRO 7AV shiel-
ded 2-way speakers (Cat. No. 40-2048) for center channel. The total package,
which sells for $529.96 regularly priced, is featured this month for just
$349.99 -- truly an exceptional value, and an unbeatable sound combination!
 
With this package, your customer has everything he needs to get the most out
of a Dolby Pro Logic Surround system.
 
MN-03-94
AUDIO -- AC ADAPTER FOR PORTABLE CD
 
The AC Adapter (Cat. No. 273-1659) for the Optimus CD-3420 Portable CD Play-
er (Cat. No. 42-5039) is being discontinued. However, there are many still
available in store stock. RMs and DMs should gather up all they can for re-
distribution to stores that need them. The replacement item should be avail-
able in a few months.
 
MN-03-94
AUDIO -- CMC HAS MIDI CABLE
 
CMC has added a MIDI Cable (Cat. No. 42-2488, $34.99) for use with electron-
ic keyboards that have MIDI interfaces, such as the Concertmate 1000 (Cat.
No. 42-4020). With this 12-foot cable, users can now link their keyboard or
other MIDI-equipped instrument to a PC.
 
MN-03-94
AUDIO -- PRO-90 HEADPHONE REPAIR KIT
 
Some stores have reported a problem with the PRO-90 headphones (Cat. No.
33-1140). When the earpiece is twisted, the screws pop out and the earpiece
separates.
 
To correct the problem, Tandy National Parts has a repair kit which you can
obtain for your store, free of charge, by calling the Telephone Order Center
at (800) 433-2024. Ask for part number XX-0040.
 
MN-03-94
AUDIO -- DEMONSTRATING MULTIPLE SPEAKERS
 
Some stores have experienced problems when attempting to demonstrate multi-
ple sets of speakers in-store. Hooking two, three, or four pairs of speakers
directly to a receiver might blow the receiver.
 
The solution? You can use our 8t-Speaker Switch (Cat. No. 40-136, $31.99),
designed especially for higher-powered amplifiers and receivers (it's rated
to 100 watts per channel), to control up to four pairs of speakers.
 
Thanks to store 01-3120 for this tip.
 
MN-03-94
AUDIO -- PROFESSIONAL PA RACKS IN CMC
 
CMC now has professional PA racks for control and system monitoring -- per-
fect for a band or mobile DJ. There's a desktop model and a floor-mounted
version.
 
The Desktop PA Mixer Rack (Cat. No. 32-1035, $199.99) is 18 inches deep at
the bottom, featuring sturdy, 16-gage steel construction, detachable wood
side panels, and a large open area for cabling. It's 17 1/2 inches tall (ten
E.I.A. rack spaces), large enough for two or three pieces of equipment. The
desktop rack is shipped fully assembled, with mounting screws included.
 
The Rolling Cabinet PA Mixer Rack (Cat. No. 32-1036, $249.99) is 16 inches
deep, 55 1 / inches tall, and provides 12 or 16 E.I.A. rack spaces (21 in-
ches sloped and 28 inches vertical). It's shipped flat and assembles easily
with a supplied Allen wrench. Castors (with locking front wheels) and a
threaded rack rail are pre-installed. Mounting screws are also included.
 
MN-03-94
AUDIO -- IN-WALL SPEAKER ADDENDUM
 
Owners of our 5 1/4-Inch Coaxial 2-Way Speakers (Cat. No. 40-1367, $49.99
each) might have experienced difficulty mounting the speakers using the sup-
plied mounting tabs. The screw holes in the mounting tabs were smaller than
the supplied screws.
 
Before mounting the speaker, the customer needs to enlarge the screw holes
in the mounting tabs. With the four mounting tabs inserted in the speaker,
they should hold each tab in one hand and run a screw in and out of each
hole several times with the other hand.
 
An addendum is now being included in the Owner's Manual to explain this pro-
cedure. Future shipments of the product will have the correct size screw
holes for easy mounting.
 
MN-03-94
ELECTRONIC REFERENCE -- FREE BATTERIES FOR 63-2040 OWNERS
 
The new 128K Franklin Digital Book (Cat. No. 63-2040, $199.99) is on sale in
Flyer 513 for only $149.99. Be sure to give customers who buy the new unit
a free CR1220 button cell battery (Cat. No 23-188) with each unit purchased.
 
Some units might arrive in-store with the battery discharged because an in-
sulator strip was left in place on the main batteries during packing.
 
With the strip in place, the unit draws power from the back-up battery. Not
all units have this problem, but we're giving all 63-2040 buyers the free
battery anyway.
 
If a unit appears to be dead, before replacing the back-up battery, remove
and reinstall the Data Organizer Card. (The main unit won't operate if the
card is missing or improperly installed.)
 
MN-03-94
ELECTRONIC REFERENCE -- CALCULATOR/DATABANK ACCESSORIES
 
Because you asked for it, here's a list of all the calculator and databank
accessories currently available from CMC.
 
65-132A        PC INTERFACE UNIT            $69.99
 
    Links Rolodex databank models EC-339 (Cat. No. 65-
    939), EC-340 (Cat. No. 940), and EC-342 (Cat. No.
    65-860) to a PC for data sharing. Includes 5 1/4"
    diskette, connecting cable, and users' guide.
 
65-133         INTERFACE CABLE                5.99
 
    Connects two EC-327 (Cat. No. 65-943) databanks or
    two EC-332 (Cat. No. 65-949) databanks for data
    sharing.
 
65-134         DATA TRANSFER CONNECTOR       24.99
 
    Connects two EC-329 (Cat. No. 65-946) databanks for
    data transfer.
 
65-135         DATA TRANSFER CONNECTOR       44.99
 
    Connects an EC-329 (Cat. No. 65-946) databank to an
    EC-330 (Cat. No. 65-947) for data transfer.
 
65-136         DATA TRANSFER CABLE           34.99
 
    Connects two EC-330 (Cat. No. 65-947) databanks for
    data sharing.
 
65-137         DATA LINK CABLE               19.99
 
    Connects two EC-4034 (Cat. No. 65-804) programmable
    graphic calculators for data sharing. Also works
    with databank models EC-346 (Cat. No. 65-862) and
    EC-442 (Cat. No. 65-847).
 
65-848         PC INTERFACE UNIT             79.99
 
    Links an EC-345 (Cat. No. 65-945) or an EC-442 (Cat.
    No. 65-847) databank to a PC for personal
    information, management, and data transfer.
    Includes 5 1/4" diskette, 3 1/2" diskette,
    connecting cable, and users' guide.
 
65-850         PC INTERFACE UNIT             49.99
 
    Links an EC-439 (Cat. No. 65-849) databank to a PC
    for personal information management and data
    transfer. Includes a 5 1/4" diskette, 3 1/2"
    diskette, connecting cable, and users' guide.
 
MN-03-94
ELECTRONIC REFERENCE -- ROLODEX PLANNER REFILLS
 
Tell all your Rolodex customers that CMC now has 1994 calendar refills in
stock for the EC-334 Pocket Planner (Cat. No. 65-855) and EC-335 Executive
Planner (Cat. No. 65-856). Order Cat. No. 65-0110 ($3.99) for the EC-334
and Cat. No. 65-0131 ($8.99) for the EC-335.
 
MN-03-94
SECURITY -- WINDOWS SOFTWARE FOR PLUG 'N POWER COMPUTER INTERFACE
 
Customers who received the Windows software for the plug 'n power Computer
Interface (Cat. No. 61-2617), mentioned in the January 1994 Merchandising
Newsletter, might have noticed that the program's graphics are not the same
as those shown on Page 138 of the Radio Shack 1994 Catalog.
 
Prior to production, there were three different versions produced. The one
shown in the catalog is not the one that was finally selected. Any customer
who wants the version with the floor layout graphics as shown in the catalog
can obtain it by calling the vendor, X-10, at (201) 784-9700.
 
MN-03-94
ELECTRONIC PARTS -- 555 TIMER HELPS POLICE
 
Although they might not know it, citizens of Albany, New York, who dial 911
might be getting some help from our 555 Timer (Cat. No. 276-1723, $1.19).
 
Previously, when an Albany police officer without a partner was summoned to
a crime scene, unlatching the officer's shotgun from where it was mounted in
the patrol car was a cumbersome process that couldn't be accomplished until
after the vehicle had come to a full stop. Then the Albany Police Department
began using a delay circuit incorporating the 555 to speed their response
time.
 
Now, the driver can unlatch the shotgun while the vehicle is moving by pres-
sing a single button. This allows Albany's finest to exit the vehicle more
quickly and be prepared for any contingency.
 
In a crisis situation, a few seconds' delay can mean the difference between
life and death for the officer on the scene. As Albany manager Jim Roohan
(01-1611) remarked, "This is the most important use of a Force Feed item
I've ever heard of!"
 
MN-03-94
F.Y.I. -- VOLTAGE REGULATOR SPECIFICATIONS
 
To determine the specifications for a voltage regulator (like those in our 5
Voltage Regulator ArcherPak, Cat. No. 276-1660, $2.29), simply look at the
regulator's markings.
 
Each regulator is marked with a 4-digit number. The first two digits indi-
cate the regulator's polarity. Regulators marked with "78" are positive,
while those marked with "79" are negative. The last two digits indicate the
regulator's voltage.
 
So, for example, a regulator marked "7805" is a 5-volt positive regulator.
A regulator marked "7912" is a 12-volt negative regulator.
 
MN-03-94
COMMUNICATIONS -- NEW FEDERAL LAW AFFECTS SCANNERS
 
On April 26, 1994, a new law takes effect making it illegal to manufacture
or import a scanner that can be "easily modified" to receive cellular tele-
phone frequencies.
 
How will the new scanner law affect our scanner business and how will it af-
fect our product offering?
 
1. You will be able to sell any scanner in stock, even after April 26th.
 
2. Specifications on our scanners will not change as a result of this rul-
   ing. Radio Shack has never sold a scanner that receives cellular frequen-
   cies and it is absolutely against company policy to discuss any modifica-
   tion to permit reception of cellular frequencies with a customer. (If you
   mention such a modification to a customer, you risk losing your job.)
 
3. The product line changes little as a result of the ruling. Some models
   will be upgraded to the "A" version (or "B" if already an "A.") In some
   cases, only the FCC ID number on the product label will change. All spe-
   cifications remain exactly the same.
 
So, how do we handle it with a customer?
 
First, don't volunteer that anything has changed. In the vast majority of
cases, the customer isn't buying the scanner to receive cellular, so why
explain it? If the customer asks about cellular coverage, simply say that a
new ruling makes it illegal to manufacture a scanner that can be modified to
receive cellular frequencies. The new rule applies to all 800 MHz scanners,
without exception.
 
Thanks to Larry Crawford (01-8030) in Park Plaza, South Carolina, for rais-
ing this important issue.
 
MN-03-94
COMMUNICATIONS -- BAD DEAL ON RADIO LICENSING GUIDE
 
Some customers who applied for Business Band licenses from the FCC have re-
ceived a letter from a company called Business Radio Licensing in Laguna
Niguel, California.
 
Although it has a disclaimer ("Not affiliated with U.S. Government/Agen-
cies") across its bottom, the letter's official appearance might mislead
some people (like the customer and manager who sent it to us) into thinking
it's official correspondence from the FCC. It's really an attempt to sell
FCC-required materials at an inflated cost.
 
The letter states, "As you know, when you are granted an FCC license you are
required by the [FCC] to obtain a copy of the FCC Rules & Regulations in the
radio service requested." It goes on to offer the customer a copy of FCC
Rules and Regulations: Part 90, which governs Business Band operations, for
$59.99 ($10.00 more for each additional copy).
 
That price is significantly higher than what the customer would pay if they
ordered the book from NABER (the National Association of Business and Educa-
tional Radio), the FCC-appointed frequency coordinating committee for Busi-
ness Band radio. NABER sells a book containing the same rules to non-members
for $19.45.
 
Be sure to let new Business Band customers know that they can get the FCC
materials they need from NABER for less than Business Radio Licensing's
price.
 
MN-03-94
COMMUNICATIONS -- 40 Channel Walkie-Talkie Ratings
 
If you noticed that the face plate on our TRC-225 5-Watt, 40 Channel Walkie-
Talkie (Cat. No. 21-1647, $99.99) states that it is a 4-watt unit, while the
box says 5 watts, you might feel confused. But there's no need to be -- both
ratings are correct!
 
The 5-watt rating conforms to older standards, and describes the total power
input to the final (amplifier) stage of the transmitter.
 
In the days of vacuum tube amplifiers, power was most easily measured by mo-
nitoring the voltage and current supplied to the final tube. Two controls
called "plate" and "load" were adjusted for maximum power output, consistent
with the tubes' ratings and maximum allowable power.
 
For example, with a plate voltage of 100 volts DC, you could adjust for up
to 50 ma of plate current, for 5 watts input power to the tube. The formula
is P = IE, where Power (watts) = Current (amps) x Voltage (volts). In this
case, P = 100 volts x 0.050 amps, so P equals 5 watts.
 
The switch to transistorized equipment and the availability of meters that
could read power directly from the transmitter's antenna lead made the old
measurement obsolete. The FCC mandated a new, simpler scheme to rate legal
power limits by measuring output power directly.
 
As a result, legal power limits had to be adjusted to account for the dif-
ference between the old (input power) and the new (output power) rating sys-
tems. Since no amplifier is 100% efficient, output power was reduced to 4
watts maximum to correct for typical losses in the final amplifier, even
though the actual power allowed remained the same.
 
Whichever system you use, the actual legal power limit remains the same. If
you say 5 watts, be sure to explain that it's input power to the final amp-
lifier stage. If you say 4 watts, make clear that it's maximum allowable
output power. (The expression used in most current advertising is "maximum
legal power.")
 
Our thanks to Charles Johnson (01-9584), manager in Plant City, Florida,
for bringing this to our attention.
 
MN-03-94
COMMUNICATIONS -- BATTERY PACK FOR HANDHELD SCANNER
 
The complete battery pack for the 20-136 Handheld Scanner is no longer avai-
lable from CMC. However, you can still get replacement battery cells from
Tandy National Parts for your store (or for customers who want to do the re-
pair themselves).
 
It's a simple mechanical and two-joint soldering job to open the battery
case and replace the old pack with a new one. To order a pack of replacement
cells from National Parts, call the Telephone Order Center at (800) 433-2024
and ask for part number CS0241. The price is $23.71.
 
MN-03-94
COMPUTERS -- Z-PDA: "A GREAT BEGINNING"
 
Our Z-PDA (Cat. No. 25-3100, $699.00) is on sale in Flyer 513 for $599.99.
And in the January 1994 issue of "Computer Reseller News", Portia Isaacson
added another accolade to Z-PDA's record of success.
 
For her evaluation, Isaacson decided to lend Z-PDA to Katy Willard, "a real
end user," and rely on her assessment. The test subject was impressed. "The
uses evolved so naturally it was almost scary," she reported. "I had no idea
I was living in such a jungle without a PDA."
 
The subject was "delighted by" Z-PDA's paper-management capabilities, Isaac-
son continues, noting that Z-PDA "takes up less room [than a conventional
address book, date book, note book, and other scraps of paper], weighs less
and is never thrown away by accident."
 
While Z-PDA's pen "worked enough like pen and paper that there were few sur-
prises," its ability to erase electronically "brought smiles of delight and
glimpses of why electronic paper is better than tree-based paper."
 
The author concludes her review of today's Z-PDA by hailing it as "the real
PDA. No hype, no razzle-dazzle," she continues. "Just elegant, useful, re-
markable information power in a slick package. It's a terrific beginning."
 
MN-03-94
COMPUTERS -- EMBARC CAN HELP YOU SELL Z-PDA
 
A strong selling point for Z-PDA is the Motorola NewsCard PCMCIA Wireless
Data Receiver (Cat. No. 25-3111, $249.99 from CMC). The Motorola NewsCard
gives your customers access to a world of broadcast news and information
services through the EMBARC wireless network.
 
Once they have the Motorola NewsCard installed, customers must call (800)
EMBARC4 to activate their unit, select services, make billing arrangements,
and obtain information. Basic service is only $18 per month and includes
unlimited E-mail message reception, as well as an early morning news and
weather briefing from USA Today each business day. (It doesn't include the
cost for sending messages; check with EMBARC for current rates.)
 
Then they can select the specialized USA Today news services that affect
their personal or business life, for an additional charge that ranges from
$5 a month (for Sports News Summary) to $15 a month (for Top News Updates/
Bulletins three times each business day). (Most of the services available
now cost $8 a month.) Selections include Technology/Telecommunications, Ban-
king and the Economy, Personal Investing, Expanded Sports Coverage, Real Es-
tate, Health, Insurance, and more.
 
Frequent business travelers will appreciate Reuters Financial News Updates,
only $15 a month from EMBARC. The service provides hourly updates of news
headlines; business and financial news; stock market averages, summaries,
commentary and analysis; most active stocks, commodity prices and foreign
exchange rates.
 
Another bonanza for anyone who needs to stay abreast on current information
in certain industries is HeadsUp, a daily information service from INDIVID-
UAL, Inc. Each day, HeadsUp scans over 10,000 articles from more than 300
domestic and overseas sources, and delivers briefs on selected subjects via
EMBARC. Customers can choose four of the 96 available subjects (spanning
high technology, telecommunications, automotive, energy, defense and health-
care industries) for $25 a month, and add four more for just $10. They can
even order the full text of an article, delivered through EMBARC, for just
$4.95. (The customer can either have HeadsUp send the article to a FAX ma-
chine while traveling, or access it via America Online using Z-PDA.)
 
With the Motorola NewsCard and EMBARC, Z-PDA can become your customer's en-
tryway to the "information highway" of tomorrow!
 
MN-03-94
COMPUTERS -- AMERICA ONLINE GIVES Z-PDA FAX CAPABILITY
 
With American Online, a modem and the Serial Cable (Cat No 25-3106, $19.99),
your customers can use Z-PDA to send a fax from anywhere there's a phone.
The process is just like sending E-mail, only to a fax number. (If they use
the AMT 2400 bps PCMCIA Modem, Cat. No. 25-3112, $249.99 from CMC, they do
not need the serial cable.)
 
With American Online, customers can send up to 30K of ASCII text for just
$2. Since there are no long-distance charges, the message's length and des
tination don't affect the transmission cost. In fact, using Z-PDA with Amer-
ica Online to send a fax can actually be less expensive than sending a fax
through a regular phone service.
 
Using Z-PDA with America Online is especially convenient for travelers who
need to send a fax, or anyone who doesn't have time to deal with busy sig-
nals from the receiving fax machine. Once the message is transmitted to
American Online, they retry the number for you as many times as it takes!
 
Although Z-PDA users are currently limited to ASCII text faxes, America On-
line's process has the advantage of being quicker than sending a fax image--
for text messages, it can't be beat. (And "send-only" Z-PDA fax software
with image capability should be available this summer.)
 
MN-03-94
COMPUTERS -- SUNDISK MEMORY CARD ALERT
 
Customers who bought a 1.8 MB SunDisk FlashDisk Memory Card for their Tandy
Z-PDA before December 8, 1993, might experience an error condition that does
not give an adequate error message. Under some conditions, before a low bat-
tery warning message appears on the PDA's screen, the batteries might not
have enough current to write data to the memory card.
 
When this occurs, the PDA shuts off as it attempts to write to the card. In-
stead of removing the SunDisk card or turning the PDA back on, the user
should replace the main batteries, then turn the PDA back on with the Sun-
Disk card still in place. It's not necessary to reset the PDA.
 
If the PDA is powered back on before the batteries are replaced, the screen
will show a critical failure message with options to RETRY or ABORT. Select-
ing either option causes the PDA to shut off again. Again, instead of reset-
ting the PDA, the user should turn the PDA off and replace the main batter-
ies, then turn the PDA back on and select RETRY.
 
If the PDA is reset without correcting the error condition, the data on the
SunDisk card will not be accessible. It may be recoverable, but the unit
customer needs to return the unit to SunDisk to attempt this.
 
MN-03-94
COMPUTERS -- Software and Manual Replacement
 
Have customers asked you about getting replacement diskettes for a TRS-80,
a Tandy computer, or a software program sold by Radio Shack? If so, Tandy
Software Replacement can supply copies of the original diskettes, including
TRS-DOS, DeskMate, MS-DOS and applications software, as well as copies of
the operating system instruction manuals.
 
Tandy Software Replacement offers a complete line of replacement media and
documentation for virtually all 25- or 26-series applications and upgrades
manufactured and sold by Radio Shack. This includes diskettes, tapes, ROM
packs, CD-ROM disks, and instruction/reference manuals.
 
Your customers will receive the highest quality replacement materials, dup-
licated on state-of-the-art equipment from original masters. To order repla-
cement media or manuals, or inquire about availability, call toll-free:
 
    Tandy Software Replacement
    (800) 451-9409
or
    (817) 347-7960
    8:00 AM-5:00 PM (CST), M-F
 
If you know the software or manual you need, fax:
 
    (817) 390-8214
    24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week
 
Be sure to include your store number, telephone number, and manager or con-
tact name in your fax. Before you turn a customer away, call Tandy Software
Replacement!
 
MN-03-94
MISCELLANEOUS -- NEW POLICE CALL GUIDES
 
The new 1994 Police Call Radio Guides (Cat #s 62-1041 through 62-1049, $9.99
each) are here! These handy guides, in 9 different regional editions, pro-
vide comprehensive listings of call letters and frequencies for emergency
and government operations in all 50 states.
 
Although they're a "must have" for all scanner hobbyists, the guides have
never been on automatic replenishment. Store managers have had to order what
they needed for their stores with an ESS order.
 
Even after the guides were transferred from CMC to the Force Feed warehouse,
store managers still had to order their own needs, since there are nine geo-
graphic editions and most stores only need one. Item history by store wasn't
useful, since histories weren't kept on CMC items at the store level.
 
Now that Replenishment has a year's worth of historical data, they're star-
ting to replenish the guides this month. To do this, they're using a new re-
plenishment system feature that only sets a minimum quantity (MQ) greater
than zero for an item if a store achieves a minimum sales rate. The minimum
sales rate for Police Call guides is about one every three weeks (.34/week).
A store only gets a MQ and is replenished for a particular guide if it has a
history of selling one of that guide every three weeks.
 
This approach is meant to prevent Replenishment from supplying stores with
the wrong Police Call guides. However, it's possible that a store might not
have sold any guides simply because they never ordered them. To remedy this,
the store manager should order a few of the correct guide to sell and estab-
lish a sales history. Within two months, the system will respond to this new
sales history by setting up a MQ, and the store will be replenished on that
guide.
 
Most stores find that Police Call guides sell very well, not only to people
who bought our scanners, but to other scanner owners as well. Every store
should try to keep the "right" Police Call guides in stock. (Page 85 of the
Radio Shack 1994 Catalog shows which guide applies to your state.)
 
Remember, you will be replenished on any of the guides that have a good
sales history in your store. If you're not being replenished now, follow
three steps:
 
1. Check page 85 of the catalog and pick out the correct Police Call guide.
 
2. Place an ESS order for a few units of the correct guide.
 
3. Sell the guide within 2 months to build a MQ for replenishment.
 
MN-03-94
MISCELLANEOUS -- SUPPORT FOR 63-686 COPIER
 
It's time now to clear out remaining store samples of the Tandy PPC750 desk-
top/portable copier (Cat. No. 63-686) at $199.97. Many copier owners have
asked if Radio Shack will continue to support the copier with necessary ac-
cessories. The answer is yes!
 
These accessories are available now through CMC, and CMC is constantly pla-
cing new orders to keep up with the increased demand.
 
    CAT NO.    DESCRIPTION     PRICE
    63-687     Copier Drum     $199.99
    63-688     Black Toner     99.99
    63-689     Blue Toner      129.99
    63-690     Red Toner       109.99
 
Tell your concerned customers they can rest assured. These accessories will
be available for years to come.
 
MN-03-94
MISCELLANEOUS -- MAGAZINE CONNECTS WITH OUR CABLE
 
In their January 1994 issue, the editors of Powerboat Reports gave our RG8/M
Coaxial Cable (Cat. No. 278-1313) their highest rating. In comparing our ca-
ble with others from BOAT/U.S., Defender Industries, and West Marine, the
magazine rated our RG8/M "Excellent," citing its "[high] quality and low
price continue to make this cable a Best Buy." The review also highly recom-
mended our Outdoor RF Connector Sealant (Cat. No. 278-1645), and called our
Premium PL-259 Plug (Cat. No. 278-205) "an excellent connector."
 
Thanks to Peter Beth (01-6277) in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and Ed Champa (01-
6748) in Indianapolis, Indiana, for letting us know about the article.
 
MN-03-94
MISCELLANEOUS -- NEW CERAMIC MAGNETS
 
We've discontinued the old Ceramic Magnets that sold for $.23 each, with
discounts for bulk purchases. The replacement items, available next month,
will be sold in blister packs to help reduce loss and breakage, with 5
magnets per pack.
 
     BULK                                BLISTER PACK
(OLD CAT. NO.)   DESCRIPTION            (NEW CAT. NO.)
   64-1880       1/2-Inch Button           64-1883
   64-1885       1 1/2-Inch Round          64-1888
   64-1875       1-Inch Rectangular        64-1879
 
MN-03-94
MISCELLANEOUS -- SCIENCE FAIR BOOKLET
 
This month, schools all over the country will be holding their annual sci-
ence fairs. And Radio Shack has a new book that will be of special interest
to any current or prospective science fair participant.
 
By the time you read this, you'll have received stock of the booklet science
fair: Ticket to Your Future (Cat. No. 68-2005). The booklets are shipped in
boxes of 50, and there are no re-orders. Display them on your counter, and
remember to mention them to customers who may have children participating in
science fairs at school this month. Note that they sell for $.50 -- they're
not "give-aways."
 
The booklet is written in an engaging style by noted science author Forrest
M. Mimms, III. His other works include Getting Started in Electronics (Cat.
No. 276-5003, $2.99) and the popular Engineer's Mini-Notebook series (Cat.
Nos. 276-5010 through 276-5018, $1.59 each) -- essential resources for both
novice and experienced electronic hobbyists.
 
Printed in a "user-friendly" comic book format, the booklet's 32 big pages
explain how kids can learn and have fun by doing a science fair project, and
provide lots of practical guidance for budding experimenters. The booklet
features 15 actual projects they can try, in categories ranging from earth
science, zoology, and botany to computer science and even physics.
 
MN-03-94
TELEPHONES -- CATALOG CORRECTION
 
The Radio Shack 1994 Catalog contains an error in the phone answerer compar-
ison chart on Page 69. The chart shows that the TAD-514 (Cat. No. 43-752)
has an announcement-only mode. In fact, the unit does not. Be sure to tell
prospective buyers of the TAD-514 of this error.
 
MN-03-94
TELEPHONES -- WHAT'S NEW IN PHONES
 
March and April will bring you a cavalcade of new phone merchandise, includ-
ing a new cellular phone, a new caller ID system, a personal pager and more.
 
Finally available this month: our CT-105 Mobile Cellular Phone (Cat. No. 17-
1079, $329.99 plus activation), which replaces the CT-104 Mobile Cellular
(Cat. No. 17-1078). (NAM programming instructions for the CT-105, as well as
the CT-1055 and CT-1050, were included as an insert to the February 1994
Merchandising Newsletter ).
 
As you'll see in the next article, caller ID is a growing market, and we
have a new product this month to meet the demand. Our Caller ID System 320
(Cat. No. 43-957, $69.99) can hold up to 99 name-only records, or 75 name-
and-number records.
 
Pagers remain big business, and this month you have a new one to sell (orig-
inally scheduled to be available November 30, 1993). It's our Wireless Pag-
ing System (Cat. No. 17-6020, $99.99) with a 2-mile range that keeps you in
touch when you're on the go.
 
And don't forget some of the other, less glamorous (but still important)
products that keep this a core category. Like our Cordless Big-Button Trim-
Fone (Cat. No. 43-1006, $89.99), Desk/Wall Compact Telephone (Cat. No. 43-
594, $29.99), and the popular, versatile ET-273 Trim-Fone, now available in
blue (Cat. No. 43-599, $24.99).
 
Our wide selection of phones to meet your customers' every need, along with
your knowledge of the products you sell, guarantees that when it comes to
phones, no one compares to Radio Shack.
 
MN-03-94
TELEPHONES -- CALLER ID: WHO'S GOT IT? WHO'S GETTING IT?
 
Caller ID service is currently available in 39 states and Washington, D.C.
When your area gets the service, remind your DSM to inform Replenishment, so
you can begin receiving caller ID products.
 
Here's a list of areas in the United States where the service is available
now. If a state has both name and name and number service, areas name and
number service are indicated by an asterisk (*).
 
State   Area                                                Type
AR      West Memphis, Arcadelphia, Hot Springs*,            N & *N/N
        Conway, Mayflower, Ashdown, Camden,
        Jessieville, Marion, Parkin, Earle,
        Crawfordsville, Nashville, Benton,
        Complex, Strong, Hutting, Little Rock,
        Chidester, Stevens
 
AL      Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Mobile,                     N
        Montgomery, Huntsville
 
AZ      Phoenix                                             N/N
 
CO      Denver, Boulder, Ft Collins, Colorado               N/N
        Springs, Pueblo
 
CT      Hartford, Bridgeport, Stamford, New Haven,          N
        Waterbury
 
DC                                                          N
 
DE      Greater Wilmington area                             N
 
FL      Most of Southern FL, Orlando*, Miami*, Ft.          N & *N/N
        Lauderdale*, W. Palm Beach*, Melborne*,
        Gainesville*, Jacksonville*, Ocala,
        Leesburg, Punta Gorda
 
GA      Most of the state, Albany*, Athens*, Macon*,        N & *N/N
        Augusta*, Columbus*, Savannah*, Atlanta*
 
IA      Council Bluffs, Des Moines                          N/N
 
ID      Boise, Coeur D'Alene                                N/N
 
IL      Chicago area, Waukegan, Arlington Hts,              N/N
        Aurora, Deerfield, Elmhurst, Wilmetta
 
IN      Indianapolis area, Anderson, Lebanon,               N
        Bloomington, Gary, Hammond, Kokomo
 
KS      Bowling Green, Elizabethtown, Lexington,            N & *N/N
        Louisville, Georgetown*, Sadieville*,
        Stamping Ground*, Henderson*, Shelbyville*,
        Oak Grove*, Evansville
 
LA      Alexandria, Avondale, Baton Rouge, Jesuit           N/N
        Bend, LaFayette, Lafitte, Lake Charles,
        Monroe, New Orleans, Shreveport, St.
        Bernard
 
MA      North Shore and South Shore, Hyde Park,             N
        W. Roxbury, Arlington, Bedford, Belmont,
        Concord, Lexington, Amherst, Greenfield,
        Northampton, Sagamore, Vineyard Haven,
        Bryantville, Hanover, Marshfield,
        Middleboro, Needham, Plymouth, Wareham,
MA      Rockland, Framingham, Nobscot, Marlboro,            N
        Medfield, Milford, Sudbury, Walpole,
        Westboro, Andover, Lawrence, Boston area
 
MD      Most of the state                                   N
 
ME      Bath, Brunswick, Portland, Samford, Bangor,         N
        Ellsworth, Augusta
 
MI      Detroit area, Flint, Ann Arbor, Dearborn,           N & *N/N
        Livonia, Pontiac
 
MO      Joplin, St. Louis, Sikestown, Poplar Bluff,         N
        Eldon, Flat River, Cape Girardeau, Hannibal,
        Kansas City
 
MN      Mankato                                             N
 
MS      Natchez, Biloxi, Gulfport, Pascagoula, Pass         N & N/N
        Christian, Jackson, Tupelo, Columbus,
        Hattiesburg, Brookhaven
 
 
NC      Hickory, Lincolnton*, Shelby*, Winston*,            N & *N/N
        Salem*, Burlington*, Greensboro, Raleigh*,
        Charlotte*, Wilmington, Asheville, Gastonia*,
        Kings Mt.*, Salisbury*, Statesville*
 
NE      Hastings, Lincoln, Omaha                            N & N/N
 
NH      Laconia, Raymond                                    N
 
NJ      Most of the state                                   N
 
NM      Albuquerque, Santa Fe                               N/N
 
NY      Rochester, Poughkeepsie, Rockland County,           N
        Long Island, Staten Island, Brooklin,
        Queens, Bronx, Manhattan, Westchester,
        Binghamton, Buffalo, Syracuse, Albany
 
NV      Las Vegas, Reno                                     N
 
OH      Cincinnati, Columbus                                N
 
OK      Muskogee, Tulsa, Oklahoma City                      N
 
OR      Portland, Salem                                     N/N
 
SC      Aiken*, Charleston*, North Augusta,                 N & *N/N
        Greenville, Columbia*, Florence,
        Charlotte*
 
TN      Chattanooga*, Memphis*, Nashville*,                 N & *N/N
        Knoxville*, Oak Ridge, Powell,
        Clarksville*, Maryville, Jackson*
 
VT      Bennington, Burlington                              N
 
VA      Most of the state                                   N
 
WA      Vancouver, Seattle, Everett, Tacoma,                N/N
        Olympia
 
WV      Most of the state                                   N
 
WY      Cheyenne, Casper                                    N/N
 
Here's a list of areas that are due to start caller ID service
in March and April 1994.
 
Date    Location                                            Type
2/1 -
4/1/94 Fort Smith/Van Buren, AR                             N
 
3/94    Auburn, Billerica, Chelsea, Gardner,                N
        Greendale, Hudson, Reading, Revere,
        Somerville, Webster, Wilmington,
        Winthrop, Worcester, MA
 
3/94    Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN                            N/N
 
3/1 -
5/1/94 Outstate, MO                                         N
 
3/1 -
6/1/94 Augusta, ME and Raymond, NH                          N
 
3/14/94 IN                                                  N/N
 
3/24/94 Albany, NY (1 new exchange)                         N
 
Q2/1994 Poughkeepsie, NY (trial)                            N/N
 
Q2/1994 Charlotte, NC (adding name delivery)                N/N
 
4/1 -
5/15/94 IL*, IN, WI, MI*, OH                                N & N/N*
 
4/1/94 Yonkers, NY (12 new exchanges)                       N
 
4/1/94 Attleboro, Easton, Mansfield,                        N
        Stoughton, MA
 
 
4/13/94 Buffalo, NY (1 new exchange)                        N
 
4/16/94 Manhattan, NY (13 new exchanges)
 
4/28/94 Fond Dulac, Milwaukee, Kenosha,                     N
        Racine, Madison, Oshkosh, Appleton,
        Sheboygan, Waukesha, Parkside,
        Stevens Point, WI
 
4/28/94 Albany, NY (2 new exchanges)                        N
 
We'll update this list periodically as more areas get the service.
 
MN-03-94
TELEPHONES -- PAGER SAFETY CHAINS IN CMC
 
CMC has a full selection of Pager Safety Chains to help prevent a customer
from accidentally dropping and breaking their pager, or leaving the pager
behind and losing it. Each chain (about eight inches long) comes with a swi-
vel clip to attach to the pager and a large clasp that easily hooks to a
belt loop or button. Customers can choose from a variety of styles in gold-
tone (14K, electroplated) or gun-metal black.
 
                            PART NO.
    STYLE               GOLDTONE   BLACK      PRICE
    Small Figaro        17-6049    17-6051    $7.95
    Large Figaro        17-6059    17-6060     9.95
    Medium Gucci        17-6050    17-6054     8.95
    Large Gucci         17-6057    17-6058     9.95
    Small Oval Cable    17-6052    17-6053     7.95
    Medium Curb         17-6055    17-6056     8.95
 
Watch for the pager chain display card in POP kit 514.
 
MN-03-94
TELEPHONES -- PAGER ACCESSORIES FROM TNP
 
Tandy National Parts now has replacement battery doors and handy belt clips
for all of our pagers. For the Personal Pager (Cat. No. 17-6000) and the Na-
tionwide Pager (Cat. No. 17-6010), the part numbers to order are DB-1448 for
a battery door and HL-0200 for a belt clip. The battery door and belt clip
for the Local Pager (Cat. No. 17-6001) come as a single unit, part number
HL-0201. Call the Telephone Order Center at (800) 433-2024 for pricing in-
formation.
 
MN-03-94
TELEPHONES -- ERASING MESSAGES ON THE TAD-246
 
Owners of our TAD-246 DU FONE Touch-Tone Remote Control Telephone Answering
System (Cat. No. 43-755A) might have experienced difficulty erasing messages
and stopping the ANSWER light from flashing.
 
The instructions in the Owner's Manual and on the device's quick-reference
card tell the user to press ERASE within 8 seconds after the messages finish
playing. In fact, to erase the messages, the user must press and hold down
ERASE.
 
Future shipments will have the error corrected in the manual and on the
card. Be sure to tell customers who purchase the TAD-246 from existing
stock about the correction.
 
MN-03-94
TELEPHONES -- ET-210 GIFT BOX CORRECTION
 
The new ET-210 200 Memory Speaker Phone (Cat. No. 43-623, $99.99) is here.
It features an alphanumeric phone directory that holds up to 200 names, and
its autodialer allows users to automatically dial a number from the direc-
tory.
 
Some stores received stock of the ET-210 with incorrect information on the
gift box. Early printings of the gift box mistakenly stated that the phone
has a timer; it doesn't. Future shipments of the product will correct this
error on the gift box.
 
MN-03-94
TELEPHONES -- CMC HAS CELLULAR ACCESSORIES
 
Don't forget CMC when looking for cellular accessories! CMC carries add-on
items for al Radio Shack cellular telephones, including the newest ones lis-
ted below.
 
CT-105 (Cat. No. 17-1079)
 
17-720 Data Interface Box $59.99
    Lets you send and receive faxes with a cellular
    phone. You can also connect the data interface to
    any other device, such as a computer modem, that is
    compatible with the adapter.
 
17-721 Wiring Harness 39.99
    Extends all of the phone cables so you can install
    the transceiver in the trunk or any other out-of-
    the-way location.
 
17-722 Handset Extension Cable 24.99
    Extends the handset cable so you can use the handset
    within a larger space.
 
17-723 Horn Alert 39.99
    Sounds the horn to alert you of an incoming call
    when you are away from the vehicle and the ignition
    is off.
 
CT-1050 (Cat. No. 17-1021)/CT-1055 (Cat. No. 17-1007)
 
17-720 Data Interface Box $59.99
    Lets you send and receive faxes with a cellular
    phone. You can also connect the data interface to
    any other device, such as a computer modem, that is
    compatible with the adapter.
 
17-724 VBA/AC Charger/Ni-Cd Battery Kit    89.99
    (CT-1050 Only)
    Contains a vehicle battery adapter, AC charger, and
    Ni-Cd battery to make the CT-1050 transportable as
    well as transmobile.
 
17-725 Battery (CT-1055 Only) 59.99
    12V, 1700 mAh, Ni-Cd battery for CT-1055 only.
 
MN-03-94
TELEPHONES -- NEW LOCAL PAGER FREQUENCY FOR GREAT LAKES REGION
 
About 600 stores in the Great Lakes region, particulary around Cleveland and
Detroit, have reported problems with local pager frequencies. Some haven't
been to use the new Budget-Priced Local Pager (Cat. No. 17-6001).
 
Our partners at MobileComm have announced that a fix is coming. They will
have new frequency within 60 days, so the problem should be solved by April
or May.
 
MN-03-94
VIDEO -- 15-1964 LINE-OUT JACKS
 
Our Dolby Pro Logic Surround Decoder/Amplifier (Cat. No. 15-1964, $199.99,
on sale in Flyer 513 for $149.99) has separate line-out surround and center
channel jacks, marked CENTER and SURR, which are not described in the Own-
er's Manual.
 
These jacks allow customers to use separate amplifiers to increase power if
they require more power than the built-in amplifier can provide. The CENTER
jack is for a center channel amplifier and the SURR jack is for a surround
(rear) amplifier.
 
Future printings of the Owner's Manual will include this information. Be
sure to let you customers who buy this decoder/amplifier know about this
feature.
 
Thanks to Glenn Van Hala (01-4421) in Mansfield, Ohio, for making us aware
of this situation.
 
MN-03-94
VIDEO -- DC ADAPTER FOR ACTIVE-MATRIX TV
 
In the October 1993 Merchandising Newsletter, we told you about the DC Adap-
ter (Cat. No. 16-2019, $19.99) for the 2.5" Active-Matrix LCD Color TV (Cat.
No. 16-167). The adapter is shipping now from CMC -- at last, the wait is
over.
 
The adapter is the only DC adapter designed to provide peak performance with
the active-matrix TV's unique power requirements.
 
MN-03-94
VIDEO -- 8 MM VIDEO TAPE
 
There's been some confusion regarding 8 mm recording tape. Hi8 8 mm Tape
(Cat No. 44-458, $12.99, available through CMC and mentioned in the December
1993 Merchandising Newsletter ) is not the same as High Grade tape! Hi8 tape
is to be used with Hi8 8 mm camcorders only. We do not sell any product that
uses Hi8 tape.
 
MN-03-94
F.Y.I. -- RECESSED TV CONNECTION
 
Here's an idea for TVs that use a VCR/TV Splitter/Combiner (Cat. No. 15-1294
or 15-1296) or 30-Ohm Splitter (Cat. No. 15-1295 or 15-1297), but need a re-
cessed fitting to allow a good connection.
 
A Female F/Male F Adapter (Cat. No. 278-218, $1.49) works perfectly for the
smallest extension. (The customer might need more cord, depending on the ap-
plication.)
 
In fact, you can suggest the 278-218 with the purchase of any non-cable rea-
dy antenna we sell.  out of five customers will use it, either immediately
or in the future.
 
It also helps if you put the adapter on for the customer. There's no extra
time needed; you can install it as you walk to the counter!
 
Our thanks to Dale Crissey (01-9380) in Highland, New York, for this idea.
 
MN-03-94
ONE MINUTE MERCHANDISER -- CELLULAR UPDATE
 
It's been awhile since we talked about cellular, so some of you might not
realize that Papa OMM's real job is managing "Cellular Marketing" -- the re-
lationships and contractual agreements Radio Shack has with the many cellu-
lar telephone operating companies nationwide.
 
Part of that job is responding to your questions about cellular service.
Here are answers to some that I've received in recent E-mail and telephone
conversations.
 
Yes, Virginia, there is a standard Radio Shack SPIFF for activating a custo-
mer. It's $15, and you claim it on your payroll the same as any other SPIFF.
 
There are also, from time to time (and from carrier to carrier) special pro-
motional SPIFFs, prizes, and other sorts of promotional activity. Follow the
rules set out by your RSM or DSM ... do not claim these on your payroll! If
money is involved in these promotions, it will be paid by the carrier,
through Forth Worth.
 
We don't pay commission to stores for activations that don't include the
sale of a phone. Why not? Because from time to time we change carriers, and
if you were to suggest that a customer switch from one carrier to another,
we'd be in violation of our agreements (current and past). This would most
likely result in costly lawsuits, so we don't encourage this type of activi-
ty by paying you for it. When a customer comes in and asks to have a phone
programmed on our carrier, by all means -- do it for them as a service and
welcome them to the neighborhood!
 
When you experience difficulties with a carrier, let people know about it
right away! Try to work it out with your carrier representative first. After
all, you and they are the people most likely to be able to solve the  prob-
lem! If that doesn't work, contact me (CSIZER1) or your DSM, giving as many
facts and details (dates, times, names) as possible. Don't wait until you're
so frustrated that all you want to do is change carriers.
 
We do not change carriers unless there are very compelling business reasons
to do so. We are with the carrier that best meets Radio Shack's needs from a
national perspective. If there are local problems, we will work to correct
them. It is easier, by far, to fix the problems than to run away from them
by changing carriers.
 
Remember that we need the carrier ... and they need us. Selling the carrier
is just as important as selling the equipment. Tell your customers every-
thing good about the carrier. If there are negatives, tell me.
 
Cellular unit sales are running double to triple last year's rate. It's pro-
bably our fastest-growing merchandise category, and the precursor of an even
larger category called PCS (personal communication service) that's just now
beginning to evolve from theory to the planning stage. The expanding world
of wireless communications requires us to build alliances with our carriers.
Get on board now and buckle up for a wild ride into a future full of sales
and profit opportunities for Radio Shack ... and you !
 
    Chuck Sizer
    E-mail CSIZER1
    (817) 878-4141
 
MN-03-94
STORE REPLENISHMENT -- A FEW TIPS ON ESS ORDERS
 
Store Replenishment is a partnership that depends on store managers to use
their ESS ordering facility to cover exceptional needs. Here are some ways
to get the most out of ESS orders.
 
1. Find out where you need ESS orders while doing other tasks in your store.
   For example:
 
   When putting away a new shipment of FFD, watch for items that were sold
   out when the shipment arrived.
 
   When trying to sell accessory items, watch out for wanted items that are
   out of stock.
 
   When reviewing a POS package for a Flyer event several days before the ad
   begins, look for important items where the AD MQ is not quite enough.
 
2. For parts and accessory items, using double the model quantity usually
   works well as an order quantity when trying to stay in stock on a good
   selling item.
 
3. Enter ESS orders whenever you find exceptions. It's OK to transmit more
   than one ESS order in a week, as long as the total of all orders that
   week doesn't exceed your store's weekly spending limit. This way, orders
   for important exception needs won't be forgotten.
 
4. Understand how the spending limits work:
 
Limits apply for each store type. The current limits are:
 
    STORE TYPE                      REG/TEW     FFD
    All V stores                    $1,000      $1,000
    Y stores <$1M annual sales      $2,000      $2,000
    Y stores >$1M annual sales      $4,000      $2,000
 
Limits apply to a calendar (Sunday - Saturday) week.
 
Limits apply to POS transmitted order amounts at unit cost.
 
Any single order that causes the store's total of ESS orders for a week to
exceed the limit will be canceled; however, all other orders placed within
the limit in the same week will pass.
 
MN-03-94
F.Y.I. -- MULTIMEDIA DISPLAY IDEA
 
Here's a unique idea for displaying the Tandy Multimedia PC (Cat No 25-1640,
$1399.00):
 
Connect an AMX-16 Amplified Speaker System (Cat No 40-1363 $119.99, on sale
in Flyer 513 for $79.99) and a Trackball (Cat No 25-2003 $39.99) to the Mul-
timedia PC, then run the "Seventh Guest" demo. When you run the Trackball up
to the top of the screen (where the cursor becomes a pyramid) and press the
Trackball's middle button, the demo exits and restarts itself when it rea-
ches the interactive portion. To stop the demo from repeating, press the
center button again.
 
Displaying the AMX-16 speakers this way (instead of the AMX-10 system listed
in the catalog) can add $40 to your sale -- customers will appreciate the
AMX-16s' higher sound quality.
 
Thanks to Kim Olsen (01-2689) in the World Trade Center, New York City, for
sharing this idea.
 
MN-02-94
MORE PRAISE FOR OUR PRODUCTS
 
The kudos for Radio Shack products keep rolling in. Each month brings more
proof that folks "in the know" recognize our products' quality and value.
Here are a few more examples:
 
The Realistic PRO-2006 (Cat. No. 20-145, $399.99) was included in the Janu-
ary issue of "Monitoring Times" "Best of the Best" list. Writer Steve Doug-
lass cited the PRO-2006 and 4 other world class receivers ranging in price
from a high of $5,200 to a low (other than ours) of $1,100. He lauded the
PRO-2006 as "a solid performer" with "wide frequency coverage with strong
signal overload immunity...."
 
In the same issue, "Monitoring Times" Larry Miller praised our new Digital
Radio Frequency Counter (Cat. No. 22-305, $99.99). Miller's review called
the frequency counter "most interesting...an impressive product at an im-
pressively low price" and noted that "in the hands of a patient and method-
ical hobbyist [the counter] can produce a goldmine of information."
 
Finally, the December 1993 issue of "Popular Communications" hailed our TRC
437 (Cat. No. 21-1553) as "...worth keeping in mind. At $59.95," the article
continued, "[the TRC-437] offers a fine opportunity to pick up a reliable
stand-by or back-up radio." "Popular Communications" recommended the TRC-437
as "a great starter for someone who would enjoy a decent radio...[that is]
far from skimpy or barebones."
 
You can be proud to sell such recognized quality. Don't be afraid to use
credible recommendations like these to help you close sales!
 
MN-02-94
SPEAKER MADNESS!
 
In February, Radio Shack is making it easier than ever for anyone who enjoys
good sound to get the speakers they want at an affordable price.
 
Flyer 512 features great values like our Minimus 7-Inch Wood Speaker (Cat.
No. 40-2039, regularly $59.99 each) for just $34.99, our Optimus 1100/1101
(Cat. Nos. 40-1150 and 40-1151, regularly $149.99 each) reduced to $99.99,
and our amplified AMX 8 (Cat. No. 40-1313, regularly $49.99 a pair) for only
$34.99.
 
And, for a spectacular sales finale, Insert 94-B (effective February 20-26,
1994) features dramatic savings on every speaker in stock, with prices re-
duced 25 to 60 percent off catalog price. But don't wait for the insert -- 
tell your customers about the terrific savings on Radio Shack's most popular
speakers in Flyer 512 now .
 
MN-02-94
AUDIO -- SPEAKER RATINGS CAN FOOL YOU!
 
"Honesty is the best policy," the saying goes -- but marketplace demands can
cause the simple truth to get confused. In the speaker arena, we at Radio
Shack might actually be too technically honest , since comparisons of our
published specifications with those of some of our competitors make it ap-
pear to the uninformed that we come up short on power.
 
Radio Shack uses "continuous amplifier power" or RMS as the basis for our
speaker ratings, even though that makes our rating numbers smaller than
those of other sellers, who advertise ratings based on "peak music power."
("Peak music power" ratings are typically three times as large as those
based on "continuous amplifier power.")
 
"Continuous amplifier power" means the recommended minimum and maximum power
a speaker can handle and operate safely (without sustaining damage) while
providing the best quality sound. Continuous amplifier power is not an indi-
cator of the maximum power a speaker can handle. "Peak music power" is the
maximum power a speaker can handle for a short duration. Extended operation
at this level would damage the speaker.
 
The kind of music the listener enjoys is also a factor, because quiet music
uses less power than loud music. Loud rock or orchestral music may reach
peak music power with the volume control between the "11 and 1 o'clock" po-
sitions and even lower.
 
What's important is not just power, but clean , undistorted power. For in-
stance, an amplifier rated at 20 watts per channel will produce substantial
distortion above 20 watts. When a speaker needs 40 watts, the amplifier will
deliver distorted power -- which might damage the speaker. In contrast, an
amplifier rated at 80 watts per channel will produce very low distortion be-
low 80 watts. When a speaker needs 40 watts, the more powerful amplifier de-
livers cleaner power and speaker damage is less likely.
 
Contrary to popular belief, more powerful amplifiers are actually safer for
speakers than lower powered ones. In other words, you're safe selling a cus-
tomer a 75 or 100 watt amplifier with a pair of speakers rated at 50 watts
RMS.
 
And that's the truth!
 
MN-02-94
AUDIO -- REPLACEMENT STYLUS FOR 42-2921B TURNTABLE
 
There's been some confusion because the Owner's Manual for our Optimus LAB-
2250 Auto Belt-Drive Linear Tracking Turntable (Cat. No. 42-2921) doesn't
list a catalog number for a replacement stylus.
 
To make things more confusing, later models (those labeled Cat No. 42-2921B)
use a different cartridge than earlier models. The earlier models came with
an Audio Technica AT-3830 HL cartridge installed. Newer models come with a
Chuo Denshi MG-2571 cartridge. (The cartridge number is listed in the Own-
er's Manual under "Specifications.")
 
The correct replacement stylus for the Audio Technica cartridge is listed in
CMC's catalog as number TAE-7798 and retails for $19.95. Although the cata-
log doesn't have a listing for the Chuo Denshi cartridge, one is also avail-
able from CMC. Order stylus TAE-7743, listed in CMC's catalog as a replace-
ment for a Sanyo ST-09D cartridge. Retail price for the stylus is $16.95.
 
If a customer doesn't have the Owner's Manual for their turntable, ask them
to bring in the stylus so you can compare it with the illustrations in the
CMC catalog. (If they do, you'll notice that the stylus that comes with the
Chuo Denshi cartridge is black, but CMC's replacement item is red.)
 
Thanks to Larry S. Leib, manager (01-6459) in Hillside, Illinois, for making
us aware of this situation.
 
MN-02-94
AUDIO -- CD-3420 IS ROADWORTHY
 
Now customers can take the Optimus CD-3420 (Cat. No. 42-5039, $199.99) on
the road with them and enjoy high quality compact disc sound wherever they
go.
 
With the addition of a 3V, 1 Amp DC Adapter (Cat. No. 270-1566, $29.99 from
CMC), the CD player will operate from any vehicle's cigarette-lighter socket
(or any other 12 VDC power source that uses a cigarette lighter socket).
 
MN-02-94
VIDEO -- MULTI-SYSTEM TV Q & A
 
You may have had questions from your customers about our Model 36 Multi-Sys-
tem VCR for NTSC/PAL/MESECAM (Cat. No. 16-706, $599.99) that you were unable
to answer, since the VCR is a special order item.
 
The "multi-system" in its name means the Model 36 is compatible with the PAL
and SECAM color TV systems used in Europe and the Middle East, as well as
the NTSC system used in the U.S., Canada, Japan, and Mexico. The 16-706 can
play pre-recorded video cassettes from overseas, and lets users exchange
home recordings with friends in other countries.
 
Here are answers to some questions commonly asked about the Model 36 and its
capabilities:
 
Q: Can I play a tape recorded in NTSC, PAL, or SECAM?
 
 A: Yes, see Page 28 in your Owner's Manual to find out how.
 
Q: Can I receive NTSC broadcast signals with the VCR's tuner?
 
 A: Yes.
 
Q: Can I receive PAL or SECAM broadcast signals with the VCR's tuner?
 
 A: No, you must use your TV's tuner.
 
Q: Can I watch and record PAL or SECAM signals?
 
 A: Yes, simply connect a PAL or SECAM video device to the Model 36's INPUT
    jack. Page 28 in your Owner's Manual gives you the steps to follow.
 
Q: Can I use the VCR's tuner to record NTSC broadcasts?
 
 A: Yes.
 
Q: Can I use the VCR's tuner to record PAL or SECAM broadcasts?
 
 A: No, you must use your TV's tuner.
 
Q: Can I dub a PAL or SECAM cassette to an NTSC cassette?
 
 A: Yes, see Page 30 for instructions.
 
Q: Can I dub an NTSC cassette to a PAL cassette?
 
 A: Yes. Page 30 has the details.
 
MN-02-94
VIDEO -- CAPTION VISION: A SERVICE OPPORTUNITY
 
At Radio Shack, customer service is the difference that separates us from
our competitors. And you have an excellent opportunity to provide a vital
service as close to you as the video display in your store!
 
For 100 million hearing-impaired Americans, closed-captioned television op-
ens the door to vistas of information and entertainment they were formerly
unable to enjoy.
 
With "CaptionVision," featured in both our TC-194 13-Inch Color TV/Monitor
(Cat. No. 16-288, $249.99) and our TC-1004 20-Inch Stereo Color TV/Monitor
(Cat. No. 16-255, $369.99), hearing-impaired viewers can see a written tran-
script of a program's audio portion across the bottom of the screen. (And
the TC-1004 is on sale in Flyer 512 for just $349.99.)
 
But that's not all. Currently, there are over 5,000 videocassettes available
with closed-captioning. Most carry the CC logo on their packaging; more than
150 do not. (In fact, a few tapes that display the logo on their packaging
aren't closed-captioned! )
 
A useful tool for anyone who wants to know what's available in closed-cap-
tioned video is Gopen's Guide to Closed Captioned Video by Stuart Gopen,
available for $33.45 ($29.95 plus $4.50 shipping) from:
 
    Caption Database, Inc.
    1 Walker's Way
    Framingham, MA 01701
    (508) 620-6555
    (508) 879-1711 (FAX)
 
The guide includes plot summaries, running times, and manufacturers, and
will help your customers get the most out of their "CaptionVision" TV.
 
Remember to demonstrate the "CaptionVision" feature in your store, and re-
commend Gopen's Guide to help closed-caption viewers get the most out of
their purchase.
 
MN-02-94
VIDEO -- "PHANTOM" POWER AND THE 15-1618 ANTENNA
 
Our popular 82 Channel Omnidirectional TV FM Antenna (Cat. No. 15-1618,
$99.99) is ideal for outdoor, attic, or mobile installations. Some stores
have had 15-1618's returned that really weren't defective, but appeared to
be because of how they were installed.
 
The 15-1618's operating power is fed to the antenna from its power supply
using a coax downlead (not supplied with the unit). If another component is
connected to the downlead between the power supply and antenna, the power
supply "sees" the other component as a short. The power supply won't work
and the antenna gets no power.
 
The remedies? Customers can use a continuity tester or ohmmeter to check
their downlead cable for shorts. They should also avoid putting anything in
line between the antenna and its power supply. If a customer suspects a pow-
er supply failure, extra power supplies will be available soon from Tandy
National Parts as Part No. TA-0497.
 
MN-02-94
VIDEO -- TRANSMITTER AND REPEATER FOR WIRELESS REMOTE EXTENDER
 
Our Wireless Remote Extender (Cat. No. 15-1959, $49.99) increases any infra-
red remote control's range and eliminates the need to be within sight of the
audio or video component you're controlling.
 
It's as easy as pointing the remote at the Extender's transmitter pyramid.
The transmitter converts the remote's infrared signal to an FM radio trans-
mission, which the Extender's receiver converts back to infrared to operate
a component.
 
Customers who need to place the Extender's receiver next to a component (in-
stead of in front of it) will want an IR repeater to help components' remote
sensors receive the Extender's infrared signals. So will those who keep
their audio or video equipment inside a closed cabinet. An IR repeater for
the Extender is available from Tandy National Parts (as part number W2007)
for just $9.00.
 
And for the customer who wants to be able to use their remote from several
different locations, CMC has extra transmitters (Cat. No. 15-2303, $29.99).
 
MN-02-94
ELECTRONIC REFERENCE FRANKLIN UPDATE - NEWLY CONFIGURED DIGITAL BOOK IS HERE
 
The big news this month is the new Franklin Digital Book 128K Data Organizer
(Cat. No. 63-2040, $199.99), mentioned in the January 1994 Merchandising
Newsletter and available now.
 
Since the current Digital Book System (Cat. No. 63-2010, $199.99), including
Dictionary and Word Games cartridges, is already on display, don't place an
additional product display on your sales floor. Instead, make the 63-2010
the main display item, but have the 63-2040 (in its Franklin carton) avail-
able.
 
Then, if a customer wants a demonstration of the 63-2040, you can simply re-
move the software cartridge from a new unit and plug it into a 63-2010 --
the hardware in the two units is identical. Then they can choose between the
63-2010 (with bonus software included) and the 63-2040 (with the power of
128K memory). In March, that choice will get tougher when both versions go
on sale for only $149.99.
 
MN-02-94
ELECTRONIC REFERENCE FRANKLIN UPDATE -- DIGITAL BOOK SOFTWARE
 
The software for the Franklin Digital Book is available through both CMC and
Express Order:
 
  CMC         EXPRESS     FRANKLIN
  PART NO.    ORDER NO.   NO.        DESCRIPTION                      PRICE
 
  63-2011     10274587    IC-102     Video Companion                  69.99
                                     (7,000 movies)
  63-2012     10279834    IC-109     Scrabble Dictionary              49.99
  63-2013     10279842    IC-108     Baseball Encyclopedia            49.99
  63-2014     10279859    IC-107     128K Organizer                   99.99
  63-2015     10279867    IC-105     Medical Therapeutics             99.99
  63-2016     10279875    IC-106     Phys. Desk Reference            149.99
  63-2017     10274595    IC-104     Adverse Drug Reactions           99.99
  63-2018     10279883    IC-110     Baseball Manager                 39.99
  63-2019     10279891    IC-111     Pocket Stock Guide               59.99
  63-2020     10279909    IC-113     Harrison's Medical               99.99
  63-2021     10279917    IC-114     Encyclopedia                     79.99
  63-2022     10279925    IC-115     Game Gallery                     39.99
  63-2023     10279933    IC-116     Advanced Dictionary              79.99
  63-2024     10279941    IC-101     Dictionary                       59.99
  63-2025     10279958    IC-118     Merck Manual                     99.99
  63-2026     10279966    IC-119     King James Bible                 79.99
  63-2027     10279974    IC-103     Word Games                       29.99
 
MN-02-94
ELECTRONIC REFERENCE FRANKLIN UPDATE -- OTHER FRANKLIN PRODUCTS
 
In fact, the entire Franklin product line is available through Express Order
and CMC:
 
  CMC         EXPRESS     FRANKLIN
  PART NO.    ORDER NO.   NO.        DESCRIPTION                      PRICE
 
  N/A         10287688    ACE-200    Speaking Ace                     99.95
  N/A         10287670    CW-50      Crosswords Puzzle                69.95
  EO-FP610    10287639    FP-610     Speaking French Professor       249.95
  EO-GP620    10287647    GP-620     Speaking German Professor       249.94
  N/A         10287654    KLM4000    Speaking Korean/English Master  299.95
  EO-LM2015   10287621    LM-2015    Language Master                  69.95
  EO-LM6000   10287704    LM-6000    Speaking Language Master        239.95
  N/A         10287662    MED-55     Med-Spell                        89.95
  EO-SDC300   10287696    SDC-300    Speaking Dictionary             119.95
  EO-SM600    10285609    SM-600     Speaking Spanish Master         199.95
  N/A         10287613    WN-1015    Word Master                      49.95
 
MN-02-94
ELECTRONIC REFERENCE -- PC LINK FOR DATA ORGANIZERS
 
One of the most popular features in our data organizers is the ability to
transfer files between an organizer and a PC.
 
Now CMC has a PC Interface (Cat. No. 65-132a, $69.99) that can be used with
three different Rolodex Data Organizers. The interface comes complete with
cable, software, and operating instructions. It works with the EC-339 (Cat.
No. 65-939), the EC-340 (Cat. No. 65-940), and the EC-342 (Cat. No. 65-860).
 
MN-02-94
F.Y.I. -- CMC EXTENDS RETURN POLICY
 
To better serve you, Consumer Mail Center has extended its return policy
from 60 to 90 days. Your store will receive 100% credit on any CMC merchan-
dise you return in new and resalable condition within 90 days of receipt
from CMC. You don't need return merchandise authorization on CMC shipments.
Just include a copy of the CMC packing list to speed the credit process when
you return the merchandise.
 
MN-02-94
ELECTRONIC PARTS -- CMC HAS PROWATT INVERTERS AND POCKETPOWER ADAPTER
 
CMC now has stock of the PROwatt line of inverters and the Pocketpower uni-
versal auto adapter for notebook computers.
 
PROWATT INVERTERS
 
The inverters, ranging from pocket-sized models to a powerful 1500-watt un-
it, convert vehicle battery power to AC power, so your customers can have
power wherever they need it -- in cars, vans, RVs, boats or mobile homes.
 
The PROwatt 250 (Cat. No. 22-134) plugs into any vehicle's cigarette-lighter
socket, and provides over 200 watts of continuous AC power. It's highly ef-
ficient, providing up to 3 to 5 hours running time at full power.
 
And the PROwatt 250 features built-in protection for the user's vehicle bat-
tery. It sounds an alarm when the battery starts to get low, and automatic-
ally shuts off before the battery is completely drained, so there's always
enough capacity left to start the engine. The unit regularly retails for
$199.99, but it's available from CMC for only $169.99.
 
The "heavy hitters" of the line, the PROwatt 800 (Cat. No. 22-135, $499.99)
and 1500 (Cat. No. 22-136, $849.99), must be hardwired to the vehicle's bat-
tery. They provide 800 and 1500 watts of continuous AC power respectively,
so they can handle even the largest power requirements.
 
POCKETPOWER ADAPTER
 
The Pocketpower Adapter (Cat. No. 22-133) works with a notebook computer's
supplied AC adapter/charger, allowing the user to run and recharge the com-
puter in a vehicle. The unit plugs into any vehicle cigarette-lighter sock-
et.
 
The Pocketpower Adapter can also serve as an AC outlet to operate battery
chargers, cellular phones, camcorders, power tools, and other rechargeable
equipment. It normally retails for $79.99, but now CMC is offering it at the
special price of $69.99.
 
MN-02-94
ELECTRONIC PARTS -- OVERSEAS VOLTAGE CONVERTERS
 
Here's a convenient solution to the problem of voltage conversion for your customers who travel or live overseas. CMC now has voltage converters in 4 different wattages to step down 220 volt electricity to 110 volts for U.S.-made electrical appliances.
 
The 2-prong plug between these transformers is designed primarily for use in continental Europe. You might need an Adaptaplug Set (Cat No 273-1405, $7.99 for a set of four)
 
Transformers do not convert cycles. Cycle-sensitive motorized products like clocks and stereo turntables might run faster or slower on foreign electri-
city.
 
To choose the right transformer, your customers must determine the wattage rating of each appliance to be used. Some examples are listed below, but customers should check the rating label on the product or the specification list in the owner's manual to
make sure they're getting the correct wattage transformer.
 
200-WATT STEP DOWN TRANSFORMER 220-110 (Cat. No. 273-1415, $39.99)
Can be used with answering machines, computer monitors, dot matrix printers, fans, small fax machines, hand blenders, hand mixers, juicers, keyboards, pasta makers, small stereo systems, televisions and VCRs (for playing tapes recorded in the U.S.),
video games, and word processors.
 
500-WATT STEP DOWN TRANSFORMER 220-110 (Cat. No. 273-1416, $64.99)
Can be used with blenders, food processors, computer systems, small copiers, large fax machines, small hand drills, meat slicers, stand type mixers, sew-
ing machines, large stereo systems, and small vacuums.
 
1000-WATT STEP DOWN TRANSFORMER 220-110 (Cat. No. 273-1417, $99.99)
Can be used with bread machines, coffee/expresso makers, large copiers, large food processors, irons, laser printers, plain paper fax, popcorn pop-
pers, power tools, toasters, large vacuums, and waffle/sandwich makers.
 
1500-WATT STEP DOWN TRANSFORMER 220-110 (Cat. No. 273-1418, $149.99)
Can be used with large expresso machines, frying pans, grills, kettles, mi-
crowave ovens, and toaster ovens.
 
MN-02-94
COMMUNICATIONS -- RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES FOR BUSINESS BAND RADIOS
 
When selling a pair of handheld radios, always recommend that the customer
buy an extra battery pack for each radio. Tell them to always operate the
transceiver until the first pack is dead, then switch to the fully-charged
pack. This procedure ensures that each pack delivers the typical 6-8 hours
of service, and that the customer always has a fresh pack ready to go.
 
Replacement battery packs for our BTX-120 VHF-FM Business Transceivers (Cat.
Nos. 19-1201 and 19-1202) are available from CMC as Cat. No. 19-301 for
$39.99.
 
The dead pack should be recharged for 14 to 16 hours, but no longer. If you
have ever left a pack on charge for 24 hours, you know why -- it's nearly
certain that at least one cell will open and ruin the entire pack. Suggest
that it's easy to keep track of charging time by tying the event to some-
thing in your customer's daily schedule.
 
Charging between 6 PM and 8 AM is ideal. It allows your customer to get in
the habit of depositing the battery in the charger before leaving the office
each evening and picking it up first thing each morning.
 
Draw a picture in your customer's mind by suggesting he charge batteries
near the office coffee maker. Say, "That gets checked every night just be-
fore you leave, doesn't it?"
 
Don't forget, you can sell additional batteries to owners of our GMRS and
Amateur Radios as well. The replacement battery pack for the PRS-100 GMRS
radio (Cat. No. 19-900) is available from CMC as Cat. No. 19-302 for $39.99.
Replacement battery packs for our HTX-202 and HTX-404 ham radios (Cat. Nos.
19-1120 and 19-1140) are available from CMC as Cat. No. 19-300, also $39.99.
 
When you order battery packs for your customers from CMC, you might want to
get a couple of extras to keep on hand in your store. It's just another way
of adding value to your customer while you add to your profits with add-on
sales.
 
MN-02-94
COMMUNICATIONS -- Short-Wave Frequency Listings
 
You might have noticed that some of the frequencies listed in the Owner's
Manuals for our DX-390 and DX-392 short-wave radios (Cat. Nos. 20-214 and
20-219) aren't the same as those listed in some short-wave books.
 
If customers ask why this is so, explain to them that short-wave stations
constantly change their operating frequencies. Because short-wave signals
are affected by many variables (most notably the time of day, time of year,
and 11 year sunspot factor, stations must change their frequencies for the
best reception in their target markets.
 
While no effort is spared to ensure that the frequency listings in our Own-
er's Manuals are current and complete when they are published, it would not
be economical to change the manuals every time frequencies change.
 
To keep your short-wave customers happy and satisfied, be sure to inform
first-time buyers about this phenomenon, and refer any short-wave owners who
want updated frequency listings to the publications listed in their Owner's
Manual under the heading "Reference Sources."
 
MN-02-94
COMMUNICATIONS -- LASER DETECTOR FALSE ALERTS
 
Some owners of our X-K and Ka Super Wideband Ka Radar and Laser Detector
(Cat. No. 22-1647) report problems with the detector "going off all the
time."
 
Such false alerts can be triggered by spikes in the 12-volt ignition system.
This indication might mean there's a lack or breakdown of proper DC filter-
ing in the vehicle and could mean trouble for other electronic items that
use the vehicle's battery for power.
 
The test is that the laser alert is silent until the car is started. Also,
the detector might only be affected if the engine is turning at certain
speeds.
 
Suggest that the customer have the vehicle checked, and that proper bypass
capacitors be added across the DC line. Try a 0.1 uF cap at the cigarette-
lighter socket to ground (or point where the radar detector is connected) as
a temporary fix.
 
MN-02-94
MISCELLANEOUS -- WATCH BATTERY INSTALLATION REMINDERS
 
Here are a few reminders to help you make the new watch battery installation
program work for you:
 
Managers, be sure that every salesmaker who uses the specialized tools in
the tool kit views the training video first !
 
Never perform installations on expensive or very thin watches, or on any
watch where you think you might do damage. Instead, refer these customers to
a professional jeweler.
 
Stores that don't receive the installation kit should limit any replacement
to simple installations that you know you can perform without using special
tools or damaging the customer's watch.
 
During high traffic periods, use a repair ticket and have the customer pick
up the watch later.
 
To charge a customer for watch battery installation, select "Watch Battery
Instl" under F1 options. Then, select either "B - Battery and Install," or
"I - Install Only." The system defaults to $5.00, the recommended service
amount, and the installation amount is added to the price of the batteries.
Although this POS option was intended for stores that receive the installa-
tion kit, other stores can also use it.
 
MN-02-94
MISCELLANEOUS -- Professional Labeler Cartridges
 
Home and office users find dozens of applications for our Professional Lab-
eler (Cat. No. 63-647), and the Radio Shack 1994 Catalog features the Label-
er at a reduced price -- $129.99, down from $149.99 in the 1993 catalog.
 
Recently, two more tape cartridges for the Labeler were moved to CMC from
the Force Feed warehouse. The Black Type/White Tape 2 Pack (Cat. No. 63-648)
and Black Type/Clear Tape 2 Pack (Cat. No. 63-649) each sell for $24.99 and
come with two cartridges in a pack. Be sure to tell owners of the Labeler
about these.
 
MN-02-94
MISCELLANEOUS -- TELEPHONE ORDER CENTER PUTS IT ALL TOGETHER
 
By now you've heard about the merger of the telephone order entry points for
National Parts and Consumer Mail/Express Order into a new department -- the
Telephone Order Center. The Telephone Order Center gives you a single toll-
free number for all order entry and order status calls. The number is:
 
    (800) 433-2024
    or FAX (800) 821-1959
 
The Telephone Order Center hours are:
 
    M-F 8 AM - 9 PM    (Central)
    Sat  9 AM - 6 PM    (Central)
    Sun 12 PM - 5 PM    (Central)
 
An immediate benefit to you is the ability to order National Parts products
on Sundays, which you couldn't before this change.
 
If you have input and suggestions regarding the Telephone Order Center,
contact the manager, Candy Kothmann, at (817) 390-3978, or E-mail CKOTHM1.
You can also contact David Goyne, Vice President, Support Services, at (817)
390-3278, or E-mail DGOYNE1.
 
MN-02-94
MISCELLANEOUS -- EXPRESS ORDER UPDATE
 
Express Order is growing rapidly, thanks to all of you who use it. It's one
more way you have of saying "Yes!" to your customers.
 
MN-02-94
MISCELLANEOUS -- EXPRESS ORDER UPDATE: POS TIPS
 
Many of you have asked why you can't print out all Express Order part num-
bers over the P.O.S. Due to space limitations, the P.O.S. system only holds
2,000 of the 25,000 Express Order SKUs. To give you the most benefit from
this limited space, we've reserved it for our three most price- and version-
changeable product categories -- Computer Software, Computer Hardware, and
Video Games.
 
When you enter the 8-digit Express Order part number on a product in one of
these 3 categories, the current description and price appear on the screen
automatically. (For all other products, you must still enter the description
and price to place an order.) When a product in one of the three categories
is discontinued, the information will no longer automatically appear on the
P.O.S. screen.
 
Remember to always double check the shipping address for Express Order prod-
ucts, and let your customer know it will take 7-10 working days for them to
receive their merchandise.
 
MN-02-94
MISCELLANEOUS -- EXPRESS ORDER UPDATE: Video Game Hardware
 
For those of you who haven't already noticed, you can now sell Sega Genesis
and Super Nintendo video game hardware through Express Order. In your Flyer
94B P.O.P. kit, you'll receive a $20 rebate poster for Sega hardware and vi-
deo games. You'll also find a counter card and coupon pads for this promo-
tion.
 
Here's a list of Express Order numbers and prices for the hardware that's
currently available:
 
Express Order No.   Description                           Price
1043611             Sega Core Machine/1 controller      $109.99
10436129            Sega CD w/Sewer Shark                229.99
10436137            SNES Core Machine                    109.99
10436145            SNES Machine w/Mario                 149.99
                        and 2 controllers
 
Take advantage of this high-traffic product and serve, serve, serve as you
sell, sell, sell!
 
MN-02-94
"WHO BUYS WHAT" AGAIN...AND SOME CLARIFICATION
 
You'll notice some changes in this month's latest version of the "Who Buys
What" listing.
 
For one thing, Bob Miller no longer appears in the list as Vice President of
Merchandising. As you might already know, Bob is now Vice President of the
new Merchandise Procurement and Development Department. The new department
includes Engineering, Publications, Product Development, Regulatory Affairs,
Industrial Design, Third Party Products, and Express Order.
 
For now, the groups under new Merchandise Marketing Vice President Rick Bor-
instein are still the same ones you're used to -- Telephones/Communication
(with a new manager, Steve Penn, at the helm), Audio/Video and Seasonal,
Personal Electronics and Parts, and Computers. There'll be some changes to
this structure in the near future; watch your S.O.S. memos for more devel-
opments.
 
We'd also be remiss if we didn't point out (to those of you who don't know)
that Chuck Sizer is not the Merchandising Newsletter editor! Neither is he
the buyer for 17-series products -- (Dennis Godfrey has that distinction).
Chuck, familiar to our readers as the One Minute Merchandiser, is Radio
Shack's Cellular Marketing Manager, dealing with cellular service providers
nationwide.
 
While Chuck enjoys receiving your mail and always forwards it to the appro-
priate buyer and the newsletter editor (when appropriate), there's a better way to get in touch with us at the Merchandising Newsletter. Just write to:
 
   Newsletter Editor
   1400 One Tandy Center
   Fort Worth, Texas 76102
 
MN-02-94
COMPUTERS -- THE INSATIABLE DEMAND FOR CAPACITY
 
It wasn't long ago that the mainstream volume PC shipped with a 40 MB disk
drive. Most customers who bought these computers believed that was all the
disk space they'd ever need, since typical applications only took up about
15 to 20 MB.
 
Then Windows 3.1 brought the PC user a graphical interface to rival the Mac-
intosh. This new operating environment made it much simpler to move between
programs and perform tasks than under DOS. The mainstream system configura-
tion grew overnight to include a minimum of 80/120 MB.
 
Today, the next wave of technology -- Multimedia -- allows PC users to cre-
ate many new and exciting applications never before found on the desktop. At
the same time, multimedia gobbles disk space at an even greater rate. Toge-
ther, Windows and DOS require about 17 MB. Add some typical applications and
you're up to 150 MB before you write your first letter or spreadsheet. Throw
in some simple multimedia tools and games, and you're out of disk space!
 
How will the millions of PCs sold with small disk drives support these mega-
byte-hungry applications? They all need to be upgraded with the Western Dig-
ital Caviar upgrade kit. Your customers can choose from three different ca-
pacities (all with guaranteed compatability and a three-year warranty):
 
    212 MB WD IDE Drive    (Cat. No. 25-0100, $269.00)
    340 MB WD IDE Drive    (Cat. No. 25-0101, $359.00)
    420 MB WD IDE Drive    (Cat. No. 25-0102, $449.00)
 
With an industry-wide shortage of 200-300 MB disk drives, the ability to
provide immediate delivery of either 212, 340, or 420 MB will give you a
sales advantage with regular PC users. It will also give you the chance to
broaden your customer base by selling to VARs and system integrators as
well.
 
So remember to tell your customers these two words: UPGRADE NOW! Otherwise,
they might see the two other words that every PC user dreads flashing across
their screen: DISK FULL.
 
MN-02-94
COMPUTERS -- WESTERN DIGITAL OFFERS SPECIAL PURCHASE PROGRAM
 
Inserted in this month's Merchandising Newsletter, you'll find a form you
can use to take advantage of special employee pricing on four in-demand hard
drive kits from Western Digital.
 
The offer is good through April 30, 1994, and is for employee use only -- no
resale, please, and only one drive per employee.
 
Orders must be mailed or faxed to Western Digital using the form provided,
so feel free to make copies so everyone in your store can take advantage of
the offer.
 
MN-02-94
COMPUTERS -- WANTED: FEEDBACK ON ZOOMER
 
Now that you've had some experience selling Zoomer, Merchandising needs your input.
 
We're looking for any and all suggestions or comments on Zoomer. In particu-
lar:
 
    What doesn't Zoomer do that your customers want it to do?
 
    What does it do that they don't want it to?
 
    What can we do to help you keep the customer sold on Zoomer?
 
    What can we do to help you sell more Zoomers?
 
    What accessories that you don't have is the customer looking for?
 
Be as clear and specific as you can and E-mail GDIXON1, or fax your comments
to (817) 390-3802.
 
MN-02-94
COMPUTERS -- NEW 14-INCH SUPER VGA MONITOR
 
The new VGM-460 14-inch super VGA monitor (25-4093) is shipping now. This
new monitor replaces the VGM-450 (25-4049) and delivers some excellent new
features.
 
The VGM-460 is VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) compliant.
This means that the VGM-460 operates flicker-free, as specified by VESA.
The benefit to your customer is less fatigue and eyestrain during prolonged
computing sessions. Other features include:
 
    Three power-saving modes that exceed EPA Energy Star requirements
 
    Very low magnetic field (VLMF) design reduces exposure to possible
    health risks
 
    RGB analog signal system for crisp characters and sharp graphics
 
    Operates in non-interlaced mode at most resolutions
 
    0.28 mm dot pitch provides sharp detail
 
    Tilt/swivel base included
 
The price? Just $499.99. And remember, you are authorized to sell this moni-
tor at a $100.00 discount when you sell it with a CPU.
 
MN-02-94
COMPUTERS -- 25-1098A PACKAGING CHANGE
 
The Problem: A small number of 25-1098A CDR-3100 CD-ROM drives have been
shipped with an incorrect specification on the outside box.
 
The box states that the drive has a "150/300 KBps transfer rate." This is
incorrect. The 25-1098A is a single speed drive and transfers data only at a
150 KBps rate.
 
What to Do: Check all of your store stock 25-1098A boxes. If the label
states "150/300 KBps...," obscure the "/300" with a permanent marker, so the
line reads "150XXXX KBps transfer rate."
 
The error appears on both sides of the box, so be sure to correct both mes-
sages. Thank you!
 
MN-02-94
COMPUTERS -- MIRACLE KEYBOARD REPAIR SERVICE
 
Here are the correct procedures for the Miracle Keyboard (Cat. No. 25-1821)
from The Software Toolworks:
 
For a defective keyboard from store display or from a customer within 90
days after sale, contact The Software Toolworks in California for a Return
Merchandise Authorization (RMA):
 
    Ms. Maureen Thom
    (415) 883-3000, ext. 758
    Fax (415) 883-0293
 
For a keyboard under TSP, first verify that the keyboard is currently cov-
ered. If it is, call The Software Toolworks at the number given above and
arrange to send the unit back for a replacement fee of $60.00. Have Tool-
works bill the fee directly to TSP:
 
    Radio Shack TSP Dept.
    Attn: Ms. Marianne Cox
    900 Two Tandy Center
    Fort Worth, Texas 76102
 
(Be sure to have The Software Toolworks include the TSP number and the cus-
tomer's name on the invoice.)
 
Stores or customers can order parts for keyboards not under warranty through
Third Party. FAX the request to:
 
    Radio Shack Third Party Products
    (817) 878-6550
 
The parts will ship directly from The Software Toolworks to your store and
your store will be billed through Third Party.
 
If the parts cost more than $60, have the customer call The Software Tool-
works Customer Service Department to arrange to have it repaired for a flat
fee of $60.00:
 
    Customer Service Dept.
    (800) 234-3088
 
MN-02-94
COMPUTERS -- PC-4/6 CASSETTE INTERFACE TO CMC
 
The Cassette Interface for the PC-4/6 (Cat. No. 26-3651, $29.99) has been
moved to CMC. With this interface, PC-4 and PC-6 users can store programs
and data on cassette tape. The interface's modular design means you can
also connect it to a printer at the same time.
 
MN-02-94
TELEPHONES -- CALLER ID CORRECTION
 
The article "Caller ID Special Purchase" in the November 1993 Merchandising
Newsletter contained an incorrect address for CIDCO Incorporated.
 
If you need to return a defective unit to the vendor, send the unit with a
fully completed Repair/Exchange memo to:
 
    CIDCO Incorporated
    105-H Cochrane Circle
    Morgan Hill, CA 95037
    Phone: (408) 779-1162
 
The the November article, the street address was erroneously listed as
"1105-H."
 
MN-02-94
ONE MINUTE MERCHANDISER -- A SERVICE BIBLIOGRAPHY
 
The very first One Minute Merchandiser appeared in the November 1984 Merchandising Newsletter. Since then, the topics have varied but they usually focus on store appearance and customer relations. Today, with customer service foremost in all of our
minds, it seems appropriate to review some of what's already been written on the subject.
 
Here's a list of customer service related OMM's from just the past three years:
 
    December 1993     Christmas Care
    November 1993     They're Back!
    October 1993      A Tale of Two Customers
    September 1993    Converting Shoppers to Customers
    June 1993         A Basic Ingredient for Retail Success - Part 1
    July 1993         A Basic Ingredient for Retail Success - Part 2
    December 1992     The Art of Giving
    October 1992      Say What?  Say How?
    June 1992         Do Unto Others...
    May 1992          "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten"
    December 1991     A Time to Reap - A Time to Sow
    May 1991          Great Expectations
    March 1991        Don't Trust Your First Impressions
    February 1991     What's a Customer Worth?
 
There are other "Oldies-but-Goodies" to read if you have more back issues. (We realize that every store doesn't have a good set of back issues, but a very limited number are available from Radio Shack Publications, 1400 One Tandy Center.)
 
If there's a customer service (or other) topic you'd like to see addressed
in a future OMM, just send your ideas by speed mail.
 
    Chuck Sizer
    E-mail  CSIZER1
    (817) 878-4141
 
MN-02-94
WHO BUYS WHAT
 
Here is the current "Who Buys What" list.
There have been changes recently, so take a careful look at the list.
 
Category    Description                             Buyer
 
12          Auto Sound                              Wayne Wilson
12          Auto Speakers                           Wayne Wilson
12          Radios                                  Colin Meyer
12          Weather Radios                          Colin Meyer
 
13          Music Systems                           Dave Shoemaker
14          Portable Tape Recorders & Players       Colin Meyer
14          Tape Decks                              Lee Brayn
15          TV Antennas & Accessories               Dave Shoemaker
 
16          TV, VCR, Satellite, Camcorders          Dave Shoemaker
17          Cellular Phones & Pagers                Dennis Godfrey
19          2-Way Radio                             Wayne Wilson
20          Scanners and Shortwave                  Wayne Wilson
 
21          CB Radio                                Wayne Wilson
22          Radar Detectors                         Wayne Wilson
22          Test Equipment                          Tim Oldham
23          Batteries and Chargers                  Leon Lutz
 
25/26       COMPUTER HARDWARE/OPERATING SYSTEMS
            CD-ROM Drives                           Joel Cohen
            Computer Connectors                     Ann Kennemer
            Furniture                               Ann Kennemer
            Hard Drives                             Joel Cohen
 
            Joysticks                               Ann Kennemer
            Laptops/Notebook PCs/Accessories        Joel Cohen
            Mice                                    Ann Kennemer
            Modems (except laptops)                 Joel Cohen
 
            Monitors                                Joel Cohen
            Multimedia Upgrade Products             Joel Cohen
            Paper/Labels                            Ann Kennemer
            Personal Digital Assistants             Gordon Dixon
 
            Printer Cables/Ribbons/Printwheels      Joel Cohen
            Printers & Printer Supplies             Ann Kennemer
            Serial Cables/Connectors                Ann Kennemer
            Sound/Music Boards                      Joel Cohen
 
            Tandy 1000/2500 Hardware & Peripherals  Joel Cohen
            Operating Systems                       Joel Cohen
 
25/26       COMPUTER SOFTWARE                       Ann Kennemer
 
270         Fuses, DC Adapters, Joysticks           Tim Oldham
271         Resistors                               Tim Oldham
272         Lamps & Capacitors                      Tim Oldham
273         AC Adapters/Transformers                Tim Oldham
 
274         Plugs & Jacks                           Tim Oldham
275         Switches                                Tim Oldham
276         Semiconductors                          Tim Oldham
277         Project Boards                          Tim Oldham
 
278         Wire/RF Connectors                      David Busch
279         Phone Wiring Accessories                Dennis Godfrey
28          Kits (Science Fair)                     Leon Lutz
31          Audio Receivers                         Lee Brayn
 
32          PA Equipment                            Dave Shoemaker
33          Headphones                              Lee Brayn
33          Microphones                             Dave Shoemaker
40          Audio Speakers                          Lee Brayn
 
40          PA Speakers                             Lee Brayn
40          Raw Auto Speakers                       Lee Brayn
40          Raw Speakers                            Lee Brayn
42          Audio Accessories                       Lee Brayn
 
42          CD Players/Changers                     Lee Brayn
42          Keyboards                               Lee Brayn
42          Lightshows                              Lee Brayn
42          Turntables                              Lee Brayn
 
43          Telephones, FAX, Intercoms              Dennis Godfrey
44          Tape & Accessories                      Dave Shoemaker
49          Auto Alarms                             Wayne Wilson
49          Home Security                           David Busch
 
49          Pagers                                  Dennis Godfrey
50          Pre-Recorded Video Tape                 Dave Shoemaker
51          Pre-Recorded Audio Tape                 Lee Brayn
60          Toys                                    Leon Lutz
 
61          Electricals                             David Busch
61          Flashlights                             David Busch
61          Plug-N-Power/Other Controls             David Busch
61          Seasonal                                David Busch
 
62          Books                                   Leon Lutz
63          Clocks/Timers/Watches                   Mark Verdeyen
63          Copiers                                 Mark Verdeyen
63          Health Products                         Mark Verdeyen
 
63          Metal Detectors                         Mark Verdeyen
63          Other Electronic Aids                   Mark Verdeyen
63          Spell Checkers                          Mark Verdeyen
 
64          Chemical Products/Magnets/Tape          David Busch
64          Electrical Terminals                    David Busch
64          Hardware and Terminals                  David Busch
64          Soldering Equipment                     David Busch
 
64          Tools                                   David Busch
65          Calculators                             Gordon Dixon
65          Databanks                               Gordon Dixon
68          Premiums (flashlights)                  Leon Lutz
 
MN-02-94
WHO BUYS WHAT -- Steve Penn Joins Radio Shack
 
Steve Penn has joined Radio Shack as Merchandise Manager -- Communications
and Telephones, reporting to Rick Borinstein.
 
Steve has had extensive experience in field operations, marketing and buying
positions at Montgomery Ward. He comes to us from Lighthouse Marketing, a
California-based marketer of consumer electronics. Welcome Steve to the Mer-
chandising team!
 
MN-02-94
WHO BUYS WHAT -- RADIO SHACK MERCHANDISE GROUPS
 
Rick Borinstein, Vice President, Merchandise Marketing
(817) 390-2736
 
COMMUNICATION/AUTOMOTIVE
  Steve Penn, Merchandise Manager
  390-2197
 
  Dennis Godfrey, Buyer (390-3239)
    17    Cellular Phones & Pagers
    279   Phone Wiring and Accessories
    43    Telephones, FAX, Intercoms
    49    Pagers
 
  Wayne Wilson, Buyer (390-3233)
    12    Auto Sound
    12    Auto Speakers
    19    2-Way Radio
    20    Scanners & Short-Wave
    21    CB Radio
    22    Radar Detectors
    49    Auto Alarms
 
PERSONAL ELECTRONICS & PARTS
  Joel Guskin, Merchandise Manager
  390-2771
 
  Tim Oldham, Buyer (390-2670)
    22    Test Equipment
    270   Fuses, DC Adapters
    271   Resistors
    272   Lamps & Capacitors
    273   AC Adapters/Transformers
    274   Plugs & Jacks
    275   Switches
    276   Semiconductors
    277   Project Boards
 
  Mark Verdeyen, Buyer (390-3132)
    63    Clocks/Timers/Watches
    63    Copiers
    63    Health Products
    63    Metal Detectors
    63    Other Electronic Aids
    63    Spell Checkers
 
  David Busch, Buyer (390-3173)
    278   Wire/RF Connectors
    49    Home Security
    61    Electricals
    61    Flashlights
    61    Plug-n-Power g/Other Controls
    61    Seasonal
    64    Hardware & Terminals
    64    Tape/Chemical Products/Magnets
    64    Tools
 
AUDIO/VIDEO & SEASONAL
  Dick Donnelly, Merchandise Manager
  390-3584
 
  Lee Brayn, Buyer (390-3235)
    14    Tape Decks
    31    Audio Receivers
    33    Headphones
    40    Audio Speakers
    40    PA Speakers
    40    Raw Auto Speakers
    40    Raw Speakers
    42    Audio Accessories
    42    CD Players/Changers
    42    Keyboards
    42    Lightshows
    42    Turntables
    51    Pre-Recorded Audio Tape
 
  Dave Shoemaker, Buyer (390-2775)
    13    Music Systems
    15    TV Antennas & Accessories
    16    TV, VCR, Satellite, Camcorders
    32    PA Equipment
    33    Microphones
    44    Tape & Accessories
    50    Pre-Recorded Video Tape
 
  Leon Lutz, Buyer (390-3236)
    23    Batteries and Chargers
    28    Kits (Science Fair)
    60    Toys
    62    Books
    68    Premiums (flashlights)
 
  Colin Meyer, Buyer (878-6633)
    12    Radios (Portable, Clock Radios)
    12    Weather Radios
    14    Portable Tape Recorders/Players
 
CELLULAR CARRIERS
  Chuck Sizer, Cellular Marketing Manager
  878-4141
 
COMPUTERS
  Bob MacQuigg, Merchandise Manager
  390-3208
 
  Joel Cohen, Buyer (390-2873)
  25/26   CD-ROM Drives
          FAX Products (for desktop PCs)
          Tandy 1000/2500 Hardware and Peripherals
          Modems (except laptops)
          Multimedia Upgrade Products
          Peripherals
          Sound/Music Boards
          Hard Drives
          Laptops/Notebook PCs/Accessories
          Operating Systems
 
  Ann Kennemer, Buyer (338-2331)
  25/26   Accounting/Finance Software
          Backup Power Supplies
          Computer Connectors
          DeskMate
          Desktop Publishing Software
          Disk Cases/Accessories
          Diskettes/Media
          Furniture
          Graphics Software
          Mice
          Paper/Labels
          Printers & Printer Supplies
          Productivity Software
          Serial Cables/Connectors
          Educational Software (Home)
          Entertainment Software
          Gamecards
          Joysticks
 
  Gordon Dixon, Buyer (390-2670)
    25    Personal Digital Assistants
    65    Calculators
    65    Databanks
 
MN-02-94
WHO BUYS WHAT -- SPEED MAIL ADDRESSES
 
What happens to your speed mail message when you send it to a buyer? Well,
that depends. Many speed mail messages to buyers are support-related -- the
way a product works, problems you're having with it, etc. These messages are
forwarded to Consumer Support. Consumer Support works with the buyers and
other departments (like engineering and NQC) to get you the best answer in
the fastest manner.
 
Speed mail that's appropriate for buyers to spend time on -- like that about
new products you'd like to see -- is still answered from Merchandise Market-
ing.
 
So if you send speed mail to a buyer and then hear an answer from Consumer
Support, don't worry. The fact that you got your answer is the important
thing. Buyers are very busy, and though they'd each like to talk to every
store manager and employee personally, the number of you (lots) versus the
number of buyers (few) makes that impossible. This is why the Consumer Sup-
port group was established, so please work with them.
 
In fact, you can help save time by contacting Consumer Support directly for
those questions that they can answer.
 
    (800) 2TANDY4
    8 am to 7 pm CST
    Monday through Saturday
 
Randy Rau is the lead Consumer Support Engineer. You can send mail to him
at: RRAU1@CSS
 
Here are some other speed mail addresses you may need.
 
MN-02-94
WHO BUYS WHAT -- MERCHANDISE MARKETING ADDRESSES
 
Rick Borinstein         VP                      RBORIN1
 
MERCHANDISE GROUPS
 
PERSONAL ELECTRONICS
Joel Guskin             Merchandise Manager     JGUSKI1
Mark Verdeyen           Buyer                   MVERDE1
Tim Oldham              Buyer                   TOLDHA2
David Busch             Buyer                   DBUSCH1
 
AUDIO/VIDEO
Dick Donnelly           Merchandise Manager     LDONNE1
Lee Brayn               Buyer                   LBRAYN1
Leon Lutz               Buyer                   LLUTZ1
Colin Meyer             Senior Buyer            CMEYER1
Dave Shoemaker          Buyer                   HSHOEM1
 
COMPUTERS
Bob MacQuigg            Merchandise Manager     BQUIGG1
Joel Cohen              Buyer                   JCOHEN1
Gordon Dixon            Buyer                   GDIXON1
Ann Kennemer            Buyer                   AKENNE1
 
COMMUNICATIONS/AUTOMOTIVE
Steve Penn              Merchandise Manager     SPENN1
Dennis Godfrey          Buyer                   DGODFR1
Wayne Wilson            Buyer                   WWILSO1
 
CELLULAR CARRIERS
Chuck Sizer             Manager, Cellular Mktg  CSIZER1
 
MERCHANDISING SUPPORT
June Wolff              VP                      JWOLFF1
Pat Lillard             Director, Rebuying      PLILLA1
 
STORE REPLENISHMENT
Syd Rauworth            Director                SRAUWO1
Randy Lunz              Controller              RLUNZ1
Virgil Carson           Field Coordinator       VCARSO1
Replenishment           Specialists             REPLEN1
 
OTHER ADDRESSES
 
ENGINEERING
Barry Stevens           Sr. Director            BSTEVE2
 
REGULATORY AFFAIRS (FCC, UL)
Mac Slayton             Manager                 MSLAYT1
Linda Dickerson         Secretary               LDICKE1
 
NATIONAL PARTS
FAX Bob Thomas at (817) 870-5737.
 
MN-01-94
RADIO SHACK PRODUCTS WIN RECOGNITION
 
Looking back on 1993, we remember a year marked by many challenges and many
successes. Among the bright spots of 1993 were the many excellent comments
Radio Shack products received from industry opinion leaders.
 
For example, the editors of "Consumers Digest" awarded their "Best Buy" cer-
tificate to the Optimus Model 99 VCR (Cat. No. 16-537, $299.99) in their No-
vember/December 1993 issue. The certificate, awarded "in recognition of ex-
cellent value in the marketplace," is based on the product's "outstanding
value for today's consumer."
 
Also, as the year came to a close, the Radio Shack Supervised 8-Zone Securi-
ty Console (Cat. No. 61-2609, $99.99) was included in "Home Mechanix" Best
Value list in the December 1993/January 1994 issue. The award is based on
the "product's potential for fulfilling its purpose, durability, conven-
ience, maintenance needs and, where appropriate, environmental considera-
tions."
 
These awards confirm what our customers have known all along -- that Radio
Shack provides quality products, backed with crowning customer service, to
meet any customer need. You can be proud to be part of a team that sells
such recognized quality -- a trend that's continuing as we start the new
year (see the Zoomer article on Page 8).
 
MN-01-94
WINTER IS A TIME FOR HOBBIES, PROJECTS ... AND ADD-ONS
 
With the holidays now only a memory and winter upon us, many customers'
thoughts are turning to indoor hobbies and projects. This is also the time
of year when many schoolchildren are busy preparing for science fairs -- an-
other source of sales opportunities for you. With that in mind, be sure to
spruce up your parts area and have plenty of parts and accessories on dis-
play.
 
The same goes for your raw speaker display -- remember, many of your custo-
mers are audiophiles with a "do-it-yourself" bent. And don't forget to re-
mind them that we are their best source of hard-to- find auto speakers!
 
With a little creativity, you can build on Christmas sales to keep your vol-
ume up in January by selling add-on accessories for holiday gifts. Looking
for ideas? See this month's articles on Home Theatre (Page 2), Ham Radios
(Page 4), Cellular Accessories (Page 5), Batteries (Page 5), Door/Window
Switches (Page 7), and Zoomer (Pages 8, 10, and 11)!
 
MN-01-94
VIDEO -- DON'T FORGET 15-1266 FOR VIDEO CONNECTIONS
 
Since we started running suggestions for various video hookup configurations
under the heading "Quick and Easy Video Connections," we've been deluged
with ideas from all over. It seems nearly everyone has some good ideas for
combining different products to meet your customers' specific needs -- and
that's great!
 
But while it's good to use your creativity to meet your customers' needs,
don't overlook other options that provide the same capability even more
"quickly and easily" than some of the suggestions we've already printed.
Like our 5-Input, 2-Output Video Source Selector (Cat. No. 15-1266, $39.99),
which directs signals from up to five different inputs to a customer's TV,
and has outputs to a VCR (for recording) and a second TV.
 
The selector's pushbutton controls make it easy to select sources indepen-
dently, and to record from any source. It has an input for an outside anten-
na as well as cable, making it one of the most flexible tools available to
control a range of viewing selections.
 
MN-01-94
VIDEO -- NEW SURROUND SOUND DEMO TAPE
 
You'll soon be receiving your second Surround Sound demo tape.
 
There's so much to see and hear, including some of the hottest releases from
Walt Disney Home Video and Touchstone Pictures. There's truly something for
every member of the family: action, adventure, comedy, music, from hits like
"Aladdin", "Hocus Pocus", "Homeward Bound", "Another Stakeout", and "A Far
Off Place".
 
The new tape marks Disney's first involvement with a retailer on such a pro-
ject. It's an indicator of Radio Shack's stature in the home entertainment
field that an entertainment industry leader like Disney has chosen to work
with us.
 
Make sure you have your Surround Sound receiver (or other receiver with
stand-alone decoder) on, so you and your customers can experience true the-
atre realism in your store. The 39-minute tape also features close-caption-
ing, so you'll want to have the decoder on a 13- or 20-inch TV activated to
demonstrate this feature.
 
A word of caution -- when you receive the new tape, the original copyright
holder requires you to destroy the old tape IMMEDIATELY. You must do so in a
way that ensures the tape cannot be viewed again, such as smashing the case
or pulling out the tape. Don't retain the tape in the back room, give it to
a customer, take it home, etc. Radio Shack will be subject to severe penal-
ties from the original copyright holder if we continue using this old tape
for demonstration.
 
This summer, you'll receive another new tape, as we continue our program to
make sure you have up-to-date materials to promote Surround Sound in your
store.
 
MN-01-94
AUDIO -- HOME THEATRE UPDATE: 100-WATT HI-FI PA AMP PROVIDES PUNCH
 
Let your home theatre customers know that our MPA-200 PA amplifier (Cat. No.
32-3003, $369.99) has hi-fi specs -- 100 watts per channel at 8 ohms, with
no more than 0.05% total harmonic distortion -- and works perfectly with a
non-powered subwoofer like our Pro SW-12 (Cat. No. 40-4051, $149.99) to pro-
vide concert-hall sound and awe-inspiring special effects.
 
To add the MPA-200 to a home theatre system, connect the MPA-200's input
jacks to the Surround Sound receiver or standalone decoder's front speaker
line outputs, leaving the front speakers hooked up as they normally would
be. If the receiver or decoder doesn't have front speaker line outputs, you
can run the preamp or dubbing output into the MPA-200's input jacks.
 
To add a subwoofer with a dual voice coil, connect the MPA-200's right and
left speaker outputs to the subwoofer's right and left speaker inputs. To
add a subwoofer with a single voice coil, bridge the MPA-200's outputs so
that both left and right channels are driving the subwoofer.
 
The PA amp can also be used with our PA-100 Monitor-Style Speaker (Cat. No.
40-1412, $159.99). The PA-100 combines a 15-inch woofer with a piezo horn
tweeter to provide 100 watts RMS continuous power (equivalent to 300 watts
music power). Best of all, it's featured throughout January in Flyer 511 for
just $99.99!
 
MN-01-94
AUDIO -- HOME THEATRE UPDATE: SPEAKER SUGGESTIONS
 
As a salesmaker, your job is to identify each customer's needs, then find
the best mix of products to satisfy them. When qualifying home theatre cus-
tomers, ask questions like, "How big is your listening area?" "What are your
listening habits?" "What kind of music do you listen to?" and "What compon-
ents do you own now?" With the information you gather, along with your pro-
duct knowledge and expertise, you'll be able to tailor your recommendations
to a customer's specific situation.
 
Besides making product recommendations, you'll gain customers' confidence by
helping them get the most out of their home theatre components. For example,
try asking your customers, "How are your speakers positioned?" Listen care-
fully to the response, and you might find an opportunity to offer some help-
ful advice. You might suggest:
 
Using a pair of stands to raise tweeters to ear level for the best sonic
image.
 
Moving speakers closer to a wall to enhance bass response (or moving them
away from walls to get rid of boomy, muddy sound).
 
Placing speakers at least 6 feet apart (more if the room is deep and the
listening area is far from the speakers) and angling them slightly inward
toward the listening position to improve imaging.
 
Pulling main speakers out from the wall 6-12 inches to increase front-to-
rear depth of sound.
 
Placing rear surround speakers at listening (ear) level.
 
If your customers are interested in a subwoofer, help them out by explaining
how to get the best sound from it. Tell them to start by placing the subwoo-
fer in front of their normal listening location, then move around the room
until they find the location where the bass sounds the best. By moving the
subwoofer to that "sweet spot," they'll get the same effect when listening
from their normal location.
 
To tune-up their system once the speakers are in place, suggest our handheld
Digital-Display Sound Level Meter (Cat. No. 33-2055, $59.99) and Analog-Dis-
play Sound Level Meter (Cat. No. 33-2050, $31.99). Home theatre owners can
use these items to measure the individual levels from front left and right,
center channel, and rear surround speakers. All the sound levels should be
about equal. If the meter shows a spike, they should turn that speaker's
volume down. When the speakers are all balanced, then the receiver's master
volume control is all that needs to be adjusted.
 
MN-01-94
VIDEO -- CD-3390'S HOLD FUNCTION
 
We've heard there's been some confusion about the Optimus CD-3390 Portable
Compact Disc Player's (Cat. No. 42-5034, $129.99) hold function.
 
The switch marked HOLD OFF/ON is intended to prevent the user from acciden-
tally turning the CD player on or off, or changing the track during play.
When this switch is set to ON, no operation buttons work.
 
This function is explained in the Owner's Manual's "Features" section and in
the operating instructions on Page 19 ("Preventing Accidental Operation").
Be sure to tell owners of the CD-3390 about its hold function.
 
MN-01-94
CALCULATORS -- DATA ORGANIZER UPDATE
 
Thanks to all of you who responded to our request for information on "What
COULD You be Selling in Calculators and Databases?" in the October 1993 Mer-
chandising Newsletter. As a result of your replies, several initiatives are
underway:
 
We're looking at offering some of the specialized products you want, like
Panasonic's CK Writer, through Express Order.
 
We're negotiating with Texas Instruments on some of your requested product
offerings.
 
We're pursuing a "Magic Diary" type of product for the future.
 
But that's not all that's happening in this core Radio Shack product line!
Here are a few more developments:
 
A SELLOUT!
 
Starting in February, the EC-344 Card-Size Data Organizer (Cat. No. 65-861,
$11.99), previously out of stock, will be available once again. Rainchecks
for this item should have been filled from the field.
 
ROLODEX PC LINK
 
Also in February, CMC will offer an upgraded version of the PC Interface
(Cat. No. 65-132, $69.99) for the EC-339 and EC-340. The new product will
provide a communication link between a PC compatible computer and the EC-339
(Cat. No. 65-939), EC-340 (Cat. No. 65-940) and EC-342 (Cat. No. 65-860).
However, it will not work with the EC-348 (Cat. No. 65-840).
 
EC-348 AUTODIAL SOLUTION
 
Owners of the EC-348 (Cat. No. 65-840) have had problems using its auto-
dialer to call fax or overseas phone numbers. Let them know they can use it
to call a fax machine by omitting dashes when they enter the fax number into
a business card record. The business card file allows only 12 digits for a
phone number, so it cannot store numbers which include country codes.
 
MN-01-94
CALCULATORS -- DIGITAL BOOK CONFIGURATION CHANGES
 
All warehouse inventory for the Franklin Digital Book System (Cat. No. 63-
2010) is changing to a new configuration this month. It has been completely
re-packaged. It's the same Digital Book as always, but the included software
cartridge has been changed to 128K.
 
The new item (Cat. No. 63-2040) will be marketed as a 128K data organizer,
at the same low price -- $199.99.
 
Don't place an additional product display on your sales floor. Remaining
store inventories of the 63-2010, with the Dictionary and Word Games car-
tridges (not included with the new product), will be sold "as is" (at the
unadvertised special price of $149.99 through January 31, then at the
$199.99 everyday retail price).
 
Refer to the October 1993 Merchandising Newsletter for a list of all the
software titles currently available through Express Order and CMC.
 
MN-01-94
CALCULATORS -- ROLODEX REFILL CALENDAR CORRECTION
 
Since we ran the article on Rolodex refill calendars in the December 1993
Merchandising Newsletter, we've received some clarification.
 
Customers who bought the EC-335 Rolodex Executive Planner (Cat. No. 65-856,
$89.99) for this Christmas and found that they had last year's calendars
(1993-94) can get free replacements through Customer Service by calling
(800) 2TANDY4.
 
Customers who bought
the EC-335 (or other Rolodex products) in years past and want replacement
calendars should call Rolodex direct at (800) 727-7656. (Stores shouldn't
call this number; it's for customers ONLY.)
 
MN-01-94
COMMUNICATIONS -- HANDHELD HAM RADIOS GO MOBILE!
 
America's ham radio operators have taken to our HTX-202 2-Meter FM Ham Tran-
sceiver (Cat. No. 19-1120, $259.99) in a big way.
 
What they might not know is that this feature-packed portable can be easily
converted for mobile use. To make the conversion, just add the following:
 
5/8" Wave Magnetic-Mount Mobile 2-Meter Antenna (Cat. No. 19-210, $39.99)
 
Handheld Speaker/Microphone (Cat. No. 19-310, $19.99)
 
Standard 12 VDC Fused Cord (Cat. No. 270-1533, $3.99)
 
Universal Grip Mount (Cat. No. 17-510, $49.99)
 
So the next time a customer asks you if we sell Mobile Ham Radios, say "YES"
and add $114 to the sale of our popular 2-Meter Mobile.
 
Thanks to Walt Gouse (01-2003) in Kingston, Pennsylvania, for this idea.
 
MN-01-94
TELEPHONES -- NEW CELLULAR ACCESSORIES
 
Yes, CMC has accessories for the newest cellular telephones -- the CT-105
Cat. No. 17-1079), the CT-1050 (Cat. No. 17-1021) and the CT-1055 (Cat. No.
17-1007). Here's a list of what's available now:
 
    CAT. NO.    DESCRIPTION                 RETAIL      FOR:
 
    17-720      Data Interface Box          $59.99      CT-105/1050/1055
    17-721      Wiring Harness               39.99      CT-105
    17-722      Handset Extension Cable      24.99      CT-105
    17-723      Horn Alert                   39.99      CT-105
    17-724      Vehicle Battery Adapter      89.99      CT-1050
                Ni-CD Battery, Adapter,
                AC Charger
    17-725      Battery                      59.99      CT-1055
 
MN-01-94
TELEPHONES -- WHERE'S MY LOCAL PAGER?
 
The new Numeric Display Pager (Cat. No 17-6001, $79.99) has finally arrived!
It features simple one-button operation, and its low price makes it perfect
for customers who want an affordable local pager.
 
The new pager isn't available everywhere, however. Because of differences in
local frequencies, it won't work in many areas, so about 600 stores won't be
receiving stock. If you haven't got it yet, you probably won't. If in doubt,
call your Replenishment specialist.
 
MN-01-94
MISCELLANEOUS -- BATTERY ROUNDUP
 
Did you know the average Radio Shack store sells 40 batteries a day? Custo-
mers know that our high sales volume assures them fresh batteries every time
they buy from Radio Shack. You can see why batteries are a core element in
our continuing success. This is one area where it pays to "sweat the small
stuff" -- a little extra effort can help you make your battery sales even
more profitable!
 
MN-01-94
MISCELLANEOUS -- RATING CONFUSION
 
You may have noticed that the Radio Shack 1994 Catalog shows different spe-
cification ratings for some batteries (especially nickel-cadmiums) than the
cards do. This is because some stock is being shipped to us with old cards.
THE CATALOG RATINGS ARE CORRECT. New cards (with corrected ratings) will be
printed when the existing supply is exhausted.
 
MN-01-94
MISCELLANEOUS -- HIGH CAPACITY NICAD CHARGER
 
There is no dedicated charger for HI-CAPACITY nickel-cadmium batteries. The
one to recommend is the Quick-Charger (Cat. No. 23-233, $26.99). When making
the sale, remind your customers that D, C, and AA HI-CAPACITY NiCds require
more than the normal five-hour charging time.
 
MN-01-94
MISCELLANEOUS -- SELL RED CELLS
 
Our red cell general purpose batteries are now discontinued and reduced to
half price. Be sure to display them for quick sale -- customers won't buy
what they don't see. Move these before they become too old to sell!
 
MN-01-94
MISCELLANEOUS -- MERCURY BATTERIES BEING DISCONTINUED
 
Because of environmental concerns, we're discontinuing the mercury batteries
listed below from CMC stock when current inventories are depleted. The list
also shows equivalent batteries (where they exist) to be used as replace-
ments. These changes will appear on the Winter 1994 CMC Price List, coming
to you in POP package #512 later this month.
 
MN-01-94
MISCELLANEOUS -- MERCURY BATTERY REPLACEMENT
 
  MERCURY BATTERY    REPLACEMENT
    CNB-313            23-115
    CNB-323            CNB-L754
    CNB-325            CNB-L736
    CNB-354            23-106/116
    CNB-387            Not available
    CNB-388            Not available
    CNB-4MR9           Not available
    CNB-E132N          CNB-PC132A
    CNB-E133N          CNB-PC133A
    CNB-E134N          CNB-PC134A
    CNB-E135N          CNB-PC135A
    CNB-E146X          CNB-DA146
    CNB-E400NBP        Not available
    CNB-E41E-6         CNB-AC41E-4
    CNB-E675E-6        23-257
    CNB-EP401E-2       23-023
    CNB-EPX1BP         CNB-PC1A
    CNB-EPX23BP        Not available
    CNB-EPX625BP       CNB-PX625AB
    CNB-EPX640BP       CNB-PX640AB
    CNB-EPX675BP       CNB-PX675AB
    CNB-EV9            23-552
    CNB-PX14           Not available
    CNB-PX27           Not available
    CNB-RM601R         Not available
    CNB-TR136R         CNB-PC136A
    CNB-TR164R         CNB-PC164A
    CNB-TR165R         CNB-PC165A
    CNB-TR177          CNB-PC177A
    CNB-TR289          Not available
 
MN-01-94
MISCELLANEOUS -- CHANGES COMING IN CHEMICAL PRODUCTS
 
Radio Shack cares about the environmental impact of the chemical products we
sell, and the dispensing of these products into the atmosphere. Since new
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines took effect, Radio Shack
has striven to be the first to bring environmentally sound products to mar-
ket.
 
Many of you may have read or heard that aerosol products containing chloro-
fluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) will be banned.
You'll be glad to know the EPA has granted Radio Shack a temporary exemption
to the ban. Recognizing our important role in servicing the electronics mar-
ket, the EPA has given us permission to continue selling certain chemicals
beyond the original expiration dates established for HCFCs.
 
This exemption will allow us to provide products for most of our product ca-
tegories through 1994. By that time, our supplier hopes to be able to pro-
vide a new series of products to meet the EPA guidelines. Rest assured, how-
ever, that the products you're receiving are all within compliance with the
EPA's requirements.
 
Over the next few months, we'll be adding a number of new products, packa-
ges, and dispensers to our chemical series. We are confident that these new
items will make up for any sales we lose due to lack of product availabil-
ity. Here's a breakdown by product category to make it easier for you to un-
derstand the changes:
 
BLACK AND WHITE/COLOR TUNER CLEANER (CAT. NOS. 64-3315/64-3320)
 
The original products contained CFCs with silicones and oils. The current
product contains HCFCs with silicones and oils. Two years ago, we switched
to the HCFCs, which are less ozone-depleting than CFCs. We've made arrange-
ments with our supplier to exhaust all their remaining inventory of the cur-
rent product.
 
Based on our present usage, this inventory should last until the end of
1994. After that, we expect a temporary shortage until the replacement pro-
ducts (without CFCs) become available in either the last quarter of 1994 or
the first quarter of 1995. The new products will be substantially more ex-
pensive, due to the increased cost of using a solvent that is totally non-
ozone depleting and non-flammable.
 
DEFLUXER/STRIPPER (CAT. NO. 64-3324)
 
This item will be replaced with a heavy-duty cleaner, made by DuPont, which
requires the use of a brush attachment for application. The new product has
extremely fine cleaning characteristics when removing flux and other contam-
inants from printed circuit boards. The brush has an added advantage for
customers -- it reduces the amount of solvent needed to do a proper clean-
ing.
 
FREEZE SPRAY AND DUSTING GAS (CAT. NOS. 64-3321/64-3325)
 
The substitutes for these products are now available: our Component Cooler
(Cat. No. 64-4321, $7.99) and Dust Remover Spray (Cat. No. 64-4325, 6 oz.
for $7.99). (Stores in Vermont take note -- these items contain no HCFCs or
CFCs, and meet your state's standards.) The new products represent a major
cost increase, but are totally non-ozone depleting. Let environmentally-
conscious customers know Radio Shack is the first major national company to
introduce non-ozone depleting products for component cooling and dusting.
 
CLEANER/DEGREASER (CAT. NO. 64-3322)
 
This product will be discontinued upon depletion of our present inventory.
We will be temporarily out of stock until a new product arrives. We are pre-
sently working with our supplier to secure a product that is totally non-
flammable, not harmful to plastic, and non-ozone depleting. The new product
should be available within the next three months. Again, its price will be
substantially higher than the present product's, due to research and devel-
opment costs and the fact that it is totally non-ozone depleting.
 
RECORD CLEANER SPRAY (CAT. NO. 42-2501)
 
Stock of this product is currently low, and there may be gaps in availabili-
ty before the new product arrives. Its price should remain the same, though.
 
VIDEO TAPE HEAD CLEANERS (CAT. NOS. 44-1112/44-1113/44-1115)
 
New versions of these products are also on the way. They might represent a
cost-up from the current products.
 
QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS?
 
If you have any questions or concerns about the changes, call Bruce Riffel,
Tech Spray's Director of Environmental and Regulatory Affairs, at (800) 858-
4043. You can direct questions regarding the use of any of our current or
future chemical products to Tech Spray's Customer Service division at the
same number.
 
MN-01-94
MISCELLANEOUS -- UPDATE ON PPC 750 PERSONAL COPIER
 
The PPC 750 Personal Copier (Cat. No. 63-686) has been marked down again,
this time for final clearance. Remaining inventory, mostly floor models, is
now priced to sell at $199.97. Clear them out!
 
The warehouse has sold out of the Replacement Black Toner Cartridge (Cat.
No. 63-688) for the PPC 750. The cartridge will remain available through CMC
under the same catalog number for $99.99. CMC also continues to stock these
items for the PPC 750:
 
    DESCRIPTION             CAT. NO.    PRICE
    Blue Toner Cartridge    63-689      $129.99
    Red Toner Cartridge     63-690      109.99
    Replacement Drum        63-687      199.99
 
MN-01-94
MISCELLANEOUS -- 4-IN-1 LONG NOSE RETURNS!
 
Home workshop enthusiasts will be happy to know our 4-in-1 Long Nose Pliers
(Cat. No. 64-1847, $4.99) are back in stock. This versatile tool comes with
a built-in stripper, cutter, crimper, and nut wrench. It's ideal for home
repair or winter crafts projects, and is reasonably priced to sell now!
 
MN-01-94
MISCELLANEOUS -- SPEED MAIL EXPRESS ORDER
 
Now that the Express Order program is off and running, we need some feedback
from you on how the system is working for you & your customers. If you have
comments, kudos, questions, concerns, or anything else to say, send E-mail
to Lynn McCullough, Senior Marketing Manager, at LMCCUL1.
 
MN-01-94
SECURITY -- NEW DOOR/WINDOW SWITCHES
 
To keep our security systems "state-of-the-art," we've recently had to re-
place our most popular door and window switches with new, improved versions.
We're no longer ordering the old switches, and the new switches are now
widely available. Here's a rundown on the changes:
 
                                        OLD         NEW
    DESCRIPTION                       CAT. NO.    CAT. NO.    PRICE
 
    Normally Closed Surface Contact    49-495      49-532      4.99
    Normally Open Surface Contact      49-512      49-533      5.99
    Spacers for Above Contacts         49-519      49-539     6/1.49
 
The new contacts are thinner, have a wider opening gap to decrease installa-
tion time, and feature rhodium contacts that prevent sticking or freezing on
seldom-used doors. The new switches come with covers to conceal mounting and
terminal screws. The new switches' streamlined design matches the look of
our new wireless system, but it may make them a challenging sale for you.
 
Why? Keep in mind that many consumers associate "blocky"-looking switches &
visible screw terminals with professionally-installed systems they've seen.
Also, customers don't know that the 49-532 and 49-533 have replaced the 49-
495 and 49-512 -- if they're looking for a replacement, they may not know
what to ask for. And if they've seen both old and new stock on display re-
cently (which is possible, since some locations still have inventory of the
old items), they might be confused.
 
You can do a lot to reduce their confusion by displaying the new switches,
knowing which Cat. Nos. they replace, and knowing the added benefits the new
ones provide.
 
MN-01-94
SECURITY -- WINDOWS-ONLY SOFTWARE FOR PC INTERFACE
 
Now CMC has a Windows Only supplemental package (Cat. No. 26-2617W, $29.99)
for the Plug 'n Power PC Control Interface package (Cat. No. 61-2617). Your
customers who purchased the Interface package prior to October 21, 1993, did
not receive the Windows-compatible "Automatic House" software with the pack-
age, so you'll want to let them know it's available. Packages sold after
that date contained the software.
 
MN-01-94
ELECTRONIC PARTS -- TNP NOW HAS TEMPERATURE METER
 
Many stores have been asking for the Thermometer/ Controller (Cat. No. 277-
123, $19.95) last seen in the Radio Shack 1992 Catalog.
 
To meet the demand, we've moved this previously-discontinued item to Tandy
National Parts. Stock is on order and should be available as you read this.
Call (800) 433-5543 and ask for part number SG2770123.
 
The device can be used "as-is" for a thermometer, or used to activate a
buzzer, LED, fan or heater at a preset temperature between -40F and +122F.
 
MN-01-94
COMPUTERS -- ZOOMER KEEPS ZOOMING ALONG
 
The accolades for our Zoomer Z-PDA (Cat. No. 25-3100, $699.00) keep zooming
in! In the January 11, 1994 issue of "PC Magazine", writer Michael Neubarth
hails Zoomer as one of the "Best Products of 1993."
 
Neubarth raves that Zoomer "beats the [Apple] Newton in out-of-box function-
ality and battery life.  While both products are useful, the Casio/Tandy en-
try also comes with games, information databases, Intuit's Pocket Quicken
personal finance package, and an interface to America Online already instal-
led."
 
Neubarth concludes, "This first incarnation of the Z-7000/Zoomer ... goes a
long way toward making the PDA a mainstream mainstay."
 
MN-01-94
COMPUTERS -- ZOOMER ACCESSORY AND SOFTWARE LIST
 
Here's a current list of Zoomer accessories and software, followed by an up-
date on the most-wanted items and capabilities. All listed items will be av-
ailable by the end of January, except as noted.
 
   CAT. NO. DESCRIPTION                                         PRICE   FROM
 
   16-2018  AC adapter                                          $19.99   REG
   25-3101  Serial cable (null modem) for connection to PC
                or serial printer (4', PDA to 9 pin)             24.99   CMC
   25-3102  Infrared interface for connection to PC serial
                port (available 3/30/94)                          TBA    CMC
   25-3103  Replacement styli (2 per pack)                        7.99   CMC
   25-3104  Deluxe ballpoint pen-style stylus                     5.99   CMC
   25-3105  Zoom Pocket modem 2400 bps                           99.99   TEW
   25-3106  Serial cable for connection to modem
                1/2", PDA to 25 pin)                             19.99   TEW
   25-3107  SunDisk FlashDisk 1.8 MB PCMCIA memory card         249.99   CMC
   25-3108  Leather slip case                                    24.99   CMC
   25-3109  PalmConnect PC connection software with
                serial cable (25-3101)                          119.99   TEW
   25-3110  Intellilink for Windows                              99.99   CMC
   25-3111  Motorola NewsCard PCMCIA wireless
                E-mail pager for EMBARC service                 249.99   CMC
   25-3112  AMT 2400 bps PCMCIA modem                           249.99   CMC
   25-3113  Serial-to-Parallel Adapter
                (25-3101 cable needed)                           89.99   CMC
   25-3120  SunDisk FlashDisk 2.6 MB PCMCIA memory card
                (special order)                                 309.99   CMC
   25-3121  SunDisk FlashDisk 5.2 MB PCMCIA memory card
                (special order)                                 439.99   CMC
   25-3122  SunDisk FlashDisk 10.6 MB PCMCIA memory card
                (special order)                                 639.99   CMC
   25-3123  SunDisk FlashDisk 20.9 MB PCMCIA memory card
                (special order)                               1,199.99   CMC
   26-2829  Serial-to-Parallel Port Converter
                (25-3101 cable needed)                           99.99   CMC
 
MN-01-94
COMPUTERS -- ZOOMER ACCESSORY AND SOFTWARE UPDATE
 
INFRARED INTERFACE -- Because the Zoomer IR protocol is proprietary, it is
    not compatible with Newton/Sharp or HP. The interface functions just
    like a serial port. You can use the IR interface to transfer pages from
    the Address Book, Date Book or Note Book, as well as complete files or
    programs from one Zoomer to another. A PC serial IR interface (Cat. No.
    25-3102, price to be announced) will be available in late March.
 
STYLUS -- CMC has replacement styli (Cat. No. 25-3103, $7.99 for two) and
    deluxe styli (Cat. No. 25-3104, $5.99). Also, customers can send the
    card in the Zoomer box to Palm Computing to receive a FREE deluxe sty-
    lus.
 
SERIAL MODEM AND FAX CAPABILITY -- most standard serial modems will work
    with Zoomer using the Serial Cable (Cat. No. 25-3106, $19.99) and a 25-
    pin to 9-pin adapter, if needed. There is no available software that
    will allow you to send or receive a fax. Although the Zoom Pocket Modem
    (Cat. No. 25-3105, $99.99) is a fax modem with DOS/Windows fax software,
    it does not provide Zoomer fax capability, it is for data only. But text
    faxes can be sent to any fax machine in the U.S. via America Online, and
    "send-only" Zoomer fax software, currently in development, should be av-
    ailable by summer of 1994.
 
SERIAL CABLE (Cat. No. 25-3106, $19.99) -- CMC has the 12" cable now, and
    the 18" cable will be in TEW by mid-February.
 
PALMCONNECT (Cat. No. 25-3109, $119.99) -- allows all Zoomer data to be co-
    pied to a PC for backup. In addition, it contains PC versions of the
    Zoomer Address Book, Date Book and Note Book, allowing data from the
    Zoomer to be viewed or edited on a PC. Original data can also be input
    to the PC for downloading to the Zoomer.
 
    Customers can use PalmConnect to import data from any Comma Separated
    Value (CSV) or Standard Delimited Format (SDF) ASCII data file into the
    Zoomer Address Book. They can also use PalmConnect to download new soft-
    ware onto Zoomer from floppy disk or America Online. PalmConnect fully
    supports ink data, and has printer drivers for direct printing to the
    PC's parallel printer. See "Zoomer Operating Hints and Tips" on Page 11.
 
INTELLILINK FOR WINDOWS (Cat. No. 25-3110, $99.99) -- Intellilink allows
    Zoomer text data to be transferred to a PC and PC data to be transferred
    to Zoomer. The current version supports text data transfer between
    Zoomer and HP95LX, HP100LX, HP Omnibook and Sharp Wizard hardware. It
    supports data transfer and reconciliation with ACT! for Windows, ASCII
    files, dBASE III/IV, ECCO, Lotus Organizer, Packrat 4.1, Paradox 3.5,
    Sidekick 2.0 and the Windows Accessory Calendar and Cardfile.
 
    A free upgrade in early 1994 will add Casio B.O.S.S., CaLANder, Commence
    2.0, Excel, Microsoft Schedule + and Word for Windows support. An
    upgrade later in 1994 will include the first upgrade, as well as Psion
    Series 3 and 3a, Calendar Creator Plus for Windows, IBM Current, Lotus
    1-2-3, Lotus AmiPro, PC Tools for Windows and WordPerfect for Windows.
 
    Intellilink currently supports text data transfer between the Zoomer
    Address Book, To-Do List, Date Book and Note Book and HP 95LX, 100LX and
    Omnibook and Sharp Wizards. Support will be added in the 1st quarter of
    1994 for Casio B.O.S.S., and later in 1994 for Psion Series 3 and 3a.
 
MOTOROLA NEWSCARD PCMCIA WIRELESS E-MAIL PAGER (Cat No 25-3111, $249.99) --
    This wireless data receiver comes programmed for the EMBARC service. It
    is a wireless data receiver only. It allows reception of E-mail messages
    up to 30K in length, sent from a PC using EMBARC's software. PC owners
    can also send messages over most public E-mail services, such as MCI
    Mail or AT&T Mail, or through an Internet gateway from America Online or
    many corporate E-mail systems. Senders without a PC can send messages by
    dictating to an EMBARC operator.
 
    In addition, EMBARC users receive USA Today daily news & weather briefs
    free weekday mornings. Dozens of other news services are available for
    an additional cost, such as USA Today Top News Updates three times a
    day, Sports News Summary, Technology and Telecommunications, Personal
    Investing, Health and much, much more.
 
    Customers must call EMBARC at (800) EMBARC4 to activate the unit, select
    services, make billing arrangements, or get more information.
 
    Basic service, including the USA Today news and weather briefs and un-
    limited message reception, is $18 per month. The sender pays for each
    message based on length, priority (15 minute, 1 hour, or standby deliv-
    ery) and local or national coverage, or they can send messages collect.
    Message costs range from as low as $0.20 (for 100 characters sent stand-
    by to a single region) up to $2.13 (for 100 characters sent priority na-
    tionwide). These prices are subject to change; check with EMBARC for
    current rates.
 
AMT 2400 BPS PCMCIA MODEM (Cat. No. 25-3112, $249.99) -- Due to Zoomer's
    very low-current design (which allows longer battery life) and other
    technical considerations, this is currently the only modem that will
    work with Zoomer.
 
PARALLEL PRINTER COMPATIBILITY -- Zoomer has a serial output only, so you
    need a serial-to-parallel adapter to print on a parallel printer. Zoomer
    has drivers built-in which are compatible with most printers. Currently
    CMC stocks an AC-powered Serial-to-Parallel Port Converter (Cat. No. 26-
    2829, $99.99).
 
By the end of this month, CMC will have a pocket-sized, battery-powered
Serial-to-Parallel Adapter (Cat. No. 25-3113, $89.99).
 
MN-01-94
COMPUTERS -- OTHER ZOOMER OPTIONS
 
DATABASE -- A database for Zoomer with sorting and filtering is under devel-
opment and should be available sometime later this year. In the meantime,
the Zoomer Address Book is a simple database. See "Zoomer Operating Hints
and Tips" on Page 11 for more information.
 
E-MAIL -- Zoomer has no built-in function to directly connect with any sys-
tem other than America Online. America Online's service includes their E-
mail and a gateway to the Internet, which allows E-mail connections with any
system that has an Internet gateway -- including many corporate networks, as
well as virtually all public systems (such as Compuserve, AT&T Mail, Sprint-
mail, etc.). America Online also allows E-mail messages to be sent to any
fax machine for an extra charge.
 
MACINTOSH CONNECTION KIT -- a Mac version of PalmConnect, now in develop-
ment, will be available soon.
 
PCMCIA CARDS -- Though Zoomer uses the PCMCIA Version 2.0 Type II standard,
this doesn't mean any card that meets this standard will work. There are two
conditions that can prevent a card from functioning properly.
 
  1. Zoomer uses a very low current design to deliver long battery life.
     This limits proper functioning to PCMCIA cards which draw 50ma or less.
 
  2. Different types of PCMCIA cards require different device driver soft-
     ware in the unit.
 
Device drivers are built-in for SunDisk FlashDisk Flash ROM cards (5 volt,
SDP5 versions only), SRAM (some cards might not work due to current limita-
tions), mask ROM (pre-programmed software cards such as the GeoWorks Quick
Shuffle game card), and specific modem cards (an AMT model will be available
through CMC this month).
 
New drivers can be loaded into Zoomer's RAM to allow other cards to work,
such as the NewsCard messaging pager from Motorola's EMBARC division. Casio
B.O.S.S. and Sharp Wizard use proprietary cards, not PCMCIA, and are not
compatible.
 
POCKET QUICKEN CONNECTIVITY -- Software to transfer data between Pocket
Quicken on the Zoomer and Quicken on the PC is under development. Intuit
expects this to be available this month.
 
ZOOMER SOFTWARE DEVELOPER'S KIT -- Zoomer doesn't run DOS programs. Instead,
it uses an operating system called GEOS from GeoWorks. A Software Develop-
er's Kit (SDK) is available from GeoWorks by calling (800) GEOSSDK. The kit
allows Zoomer developers to write programs in Borland C 3.1.
 
QUICK SHUFFLE PCMCIA GAME CARD -- includes Poker, Blackjack, Hearts and
Match Pairs. To order, call GeoWorks at (800) 824-4558, extension 450.
 
SPREADSHEET -- a spreadsheet with conversion to/from LOTUS 1-2-3 format is
under development and is expected to be available sometime this year.
 
ZIP 'N' ZING CARDS -- The 1 MB SRAM PCMCIA card and 2 MB PCMCIA card offer
(included in the GeoWorks enclosure in the Zoomer package) won't be avail-
able in the near future. We'll let you know when this status changes.
 
MN-01-94
COMPUTERS -- ZOOMER OPERATING HINTS AND TIPS
 
RESETTING THE ZOOMER -- Under heavy use, the State files in Zoomer can take
up extra memory space. To free as much memory as possible, you can reset the
system. (You must then re-enter your application preferences.)
 
First, be sure no edit boxes are open and the Note Book is in the table of
contents view. With the unit on, remove the battery cover and press the re-
set button with a paper clip. After a couple of minutes, the unit re-boots
and the congratulation screen appears. The data you entered remains stored
in memory.
 
DATABASE -- Until a database with sorting and filtering is available later
this year, customers can use the Zoomer Address Book for some database func-
tions. It has four fields with customizable field names. You must always use
the NAME field, since Zoomer retrieves records by name. Select or deselect
other fields using the OPTIONS/DISPLAY FIELDS commands on the menu bar to
use a new address book file as a simple database with search but no filters.
 
Use PalmConnect or Intellilink to transfer data from any PC database that
can export data in Comma Separated Value (CSV) or Standard Delimited Format
(SDF) ASCII form. Intellilink also directly supports text data transfer be-
tween Zoomer and dBASE III/IV or Paradox 3.5 formats.
 
SOUND -- Zoomer has very advanced sound capability, including multiple voi-
ces and a digital-to-analog converter. The internal software doesn't use a
lot of sound, since it consumes extra power and was found to be very dis-
tracting. The sound is used for alarms and in the FILE/ABOUT menu commands
in the Address Book, Date Book and Note Book applications.
 
MN-01-94
COMPUTERS -- ZOOMER TEXT AND HANDWRITING RECOGNITION TIPS
 
Print large letters; make uppercase at least twice as big as lowercase.
 
Draw a slash through a zero and underline a numeral one to help Zoomer
recognize these characters.
 
When printing in an edit box, you can print larger than the box.
 
You can print on top of text already recognized and the new text still ap-
pears at the cursor position.
 
There are four ways to make a space: 1) Draw a hyphen, then draw another hy-
phen in the same location (on top of the first one). 2) Draw a lowercase "b"
with a single stroke and a large loop, then draw a slash through the loop.
3) Leave a large space between words. 4) Or, simply write one word per line.
 
To insert a carriage return at the cursor location, draw a short line down,
and in the same stroke, a long line to the left (like an uppercase "L" on
its back).
 
Pop-up the keyboard to use punctuation or special characters.
 
In the Note Book, you can copy your ink data into text by selecting text
mode while viewing the ink and using handwriting recognition or the pop-up
keyboard to transcribe the ink.
 
To insert text, place the cursor where you want to insert text by tapping
the pen there, then enter the new text.
 
To highlight text, place the stylus where you want to start, wait for the
cursor to appear there, and drag the pen across the text; double-tap to
select a word, triple tap to select a line, or quadruple tap to select a
paragraph.
 
Highlighted text can be deleted by printing new text to replace it, by us-
ing the delete gesture shown on the inside cover of the Zoomer drawn up-
wards, or by tapping the backspace icon.
 
MN-01-94
REPLENISHMENT -- DEMYSTIFYING STORE SPENDING LIMITS
 
Occasional Exception Stock (ESS) Orders to supplement your normal replenish-
ment can be very useful. To use ESS orders wisely, you need to know the lim-
its that apply to them and some important improvements which take effect
this month.
 
How the Limits Work
 
The normal ESS spending limits (by store type) are:
 
                                      Reg & TEW     FFD
     All V stores                      $1,000      $1,000
     Y Stores < $1M in annual sales    $2,000      $2,000
     Y Stores > $1M in annual sales    $4,000      $2,000
 
Each store has a specified limit for each type of distribution center. For
example, a V store has a $1,000 limit for Regional and TEW orders, and ano-
ther $1,000 limit for a FFD order.
 
The limit applies to the total ESS orders at the unit cost placed for each
type of distribution center in a calendar week (Sunday through Saturday).
This means you can find exactly how much of your limit you have used by add-
ing up all the ESS orders placed on your POS system in a calendar week.
 
Unspent amounts do not carry over from week to week.
 
Any order that causes the week's total of ESS orders to exceed the store's
limit is automatically cancelled.
 
Stores have normal spending limits unless they are:
 
 1) in control status;
 2) in the two- or three-week double limit period for the holiday season; or
 3) part of an exception group approved by the executive VP of store opera-
    tions.
 
Several improvements are already in place:
 
1. You no longer need to count freight or handling charges against your
   spending limits. The only amount that counts against the limit is the ex-
   tended unit cost of ESS order merchandise each week for each type of dis-
   tribution center.
 
2. Order limits are now applied based on the date of transmission from the
   local store's POS, rather than the date they are received at the distri-
   bution center (which is a day later than the transmission date).
 
3. Our largest stores now have a normal ESS limit of $4000 for Regional and
   TEW merchandise -- double their previous limit.
 
NEW CANCELLATION NOTICE
 
Starting this month, Replenishment will provide stores that exceed their
spending limits with quicker and more detailed notification when ESS orders
are cancelled.
 
Stores will receive cancellation notices within one weekday of the order's
transmission date. This means a store that transmits an order in excess of
its ESS limit on Tuesday evening will receive a cancellation notice on
Wednesday evening. If the store transmitted the order early enough in the
week, they might still have time to adjust and resubmit the order.
 
Besides simply advising the store of the cancellation, the new notice ex-
plains why the order was cancelled. Here's an example:
 
ORDER CANCELLED: Reference No. ESSb17      Store Limit $1000
Amount Spent to Date $503.42              Order Amount $693.72
Order exceeds store limit by $197.14
 
MORE INFO FOR DSMS
 
DSMs are also getting more information to help them advise stores on their
inventory position. A new, biweekly Store Inventory Review Report identifies
stores whose inventory is at (or approaching) a level where their ordering
ability would be limited to minimal amounts by placement in control status.
The report supplements the status notifications which are currently made via
E-mail, so busy DSMs can see the information for all their stores at a
glance.
 
Because stores in control status have high excess inventories, their ESS
spending limits are reduced. Replenishment, DSMs, and store personnel must
work together to clear and level excess inventory quickly, so stores can re-
turn to their normal spending limits as soon as possible.
 
SUMMING UP
 
The ESS order is an important tool to supplement automatic replenishment.
When used wisely, these orders save sales without causing excess inventory,
so don't be afraid to use them.
 
To get the most out of the system, managers need to know their stores' lim-
its and how those limits are applied, and transmit orders early so there is
time to adjust if there's a problem.
 
DSMs can help by using the reports they receive to advise stores when their
inventory approaches a level that could place them in control status. See
the July 1993 Merchandising Newsletter for more ways to use ESS orders ef-
fectively.
 
MN-12-93
ONE MINUTE MERCHANDISER -- CHRISTMAS CARE
 
You've read, watched, and listened to an incredible amount of training and
special instruction to get ready for the Christmas selling season. Well,
it's here now and there's precious little time to go over all that material,
but we can give you three simple steps that say it all in a nutshell.
 
Take Care of Your Customers -- Give every customer VIP treatment. Work with
each to solve gift-giving problems. The more help you can give customers
with their gift lists, the more they'll buy. Remember, every customer is a
valuable asset, representing thousands of dollars in present and future
sales. If you treat them right (the way you'd like to be treated), they'll
spend more of their shopping dollars with you this year, and for many years
to come!
 
Take Care of Your Store -- It's a customer's job to pick up and look at ev-
erything in the store. It's the children's job to knock over signs and dis-
plays, and leave messes and fingerprints everywhere. It's your job to clean
up everything as soon as possible to keep it all looking great. Accept your
responsibility and keep your store clean, neat, inviting, and exciting so
the next group of anxious shoppers can do their jobs, too.
 
Take Care of Yourself -- Don't let illness ruin your sales or your enjoyment
of the holidays. You'll be under a lot of extra stress this month, so watch
your nutrition, and get some extra rest and exercise. A 20-minute walk each
morning before you open the store will clear your head and put you in great
spirits for a busy, profitable day!
 
Our very best wishes to you and your loved ones for a joyful holiday and a
healthy and prosperous New Year.
 
    Chuck Sizer
    E-mail CSIZER1
    (817) 878-4141
 
MN-12-93
GIFTS -- HEX KEYS MAKE A GREAT ADD-ON FOR CHRISTMAS TOYS
 
Need a great add-on for holiday toy purchases? Our 8-Piece Ball-End Hex Key
Set (Cat. No. 64-1817, $7.49) and 6-Piece Metric Ball-End Hex Key Set (Cat.
No. 64-1818, $6.49) are the ones to sell.
 
Besides normal hex key applications, ball end hex keys (both English and me-
tric) are used on radio-controlled toys such as cars, tanks, and boats. Many
of the fasteners on these toys are in hard-to-reach locations. With both of
these sets, your customers can be sure their children won't have to wait to
enjoy their toys Christmas morning.
 
MN-12-93
AUDIO -- MANUAL CORRECTIONS
 
33-1140 Optimus PRO 90
 
   Early printings of the Owner's Manual for the Optimus PRO 90 Stereo Head-
   phones (Cat. No. 33-1140, $69.99) showed an illustration of a volume con-
   trol. The unit has no such control. Users should adjust the volume con-
   trol on their receiver to a comfortable listening level.
 
13-1266 Rack System
 
   Page 8 of the Owner's Manual for the 13-1266 150W Rack System tells the
   customer to use an F-to-PAL connector (Cat. No. 278-261, $1.19) to hook a
   coaxial cable to the stereo's FM antenna input. This adapter is not need-
   ed and will not work.
 
   Instead, if the antenna cable has a push-on F connector, tell your custo-
   mer to connect it directly to the stereo's FM 75 OHMS ANTENNA terminal
   jack. If the antenna cable has a screw-on F-connector, tell them to con-
   nect an F screw-on to push-on adapter (Cat. No. 278-218, $1.49) to the FM
   75 OHMS ANTENNA terminal jack, then connect the outdoor antenna's 75-ohm
   male F screw-on connector to the adapter.
 
   Also, the 13-1266's power amp must go on the rack's bottom shelf. It will
   not fit properly any other way.
 
MN-12-93
AUDIO -- SOLUTION TO INFRARED HEADPHONE DRIFTING PROBLEM
 
Some customers have reported "drifting" problems with the Infrared Headphone
System (Cat. No. 32-2052, $59.99). When they walk around with the headphones
on, the signal breaks up. The solution is simple: stay in one place! The
headphones operate off of the system's transmitter from up to 20 feet away
(much the way a cordless phone operates). As you move away from the trans-
mitter, the signal gets weaker. If you remain stationary (sitting in a
chair, for example), the signal won't "drift."
 
Thanks to Steve Johnson (01-3633) in Arcadia, California, for making us
aware of this issue and solution.
 
MN-12-93
AUDIO -- TIME'S RUNNING OUT ON DCC PROMOTION
 
Remember, the Polygram DCC promotion mentioned in the November 1993 Merchan-
dising Newsletter ends December 31st! Customers have until then to buy an
Optimus DCT-2000 deck (Cat. No. 14-675, $699.99) and get six prerecorded DCC
tapes free by mail from Polygram.
 
MN-12-93
AUDIO -- SPEAKER IDENTITY CRISIS
 
Some stores have received shipments of the Optimus 1101 Speaker System (Cat.
No. 40-1151, $149.99). While the gift box is labeled with Optimus 1101 and
Cat. No. 40-1151, the speaker's rating label shows Cat. No. 40-1150.
 
The only difference between Cat. No. 40-1150 (the Optimus 1100) and Cat. No.
40-1151 (the Optimus 1101) is the shade of black in the cabinet's finish.
The 1100 has a glossy finish, while the 1101 has a flat finish. In all other
respects, the speakers are acoustically identical.
 
For inventory purposes, continue selling the Optimus 1101 speakers as Cat.
No. 40-1151. You might want to make a notation on the customer's receipt if
you find the speakers inside a 40-1151 box are labeled 40-1150. Shipments
received in November will have the wrong number on the rating label. Ware-
house stocks are being relabeled with the correct number.
 
MN-12-93
AUDIO -- BACK UP YOUR KARAOKE DEMO TAPE
 
Don't forget to make a back-up copy of the audio and video demo tapes for
the Karaoke Machine (Cat. No. 32-1151, $129.99). If you lose your tapes,
there are no back-ups available in any warehouse.
 
MN-12-93
ELECTRONIC PARTS -- TEST EQUIPMENT ROUNDUP
 
Just in time for the holidays, the Digital Radio Frequency Counter (Cat. No.
22-305, $99.99) is finally here! The handheld counter lets the user measure
Ham or CB frequencies between 1 and 1300 MHz.
 
On a sadder note, the "Home" Tester (Cat. No. 22-213, $24.99), featured on
Page 114 of the Radio Shack 1994 Catalog, has been cancelled due to regula-
tory and safety problems with the product.
 
MN-12-93
TELEPHONES -- CELLULAR PHONE BARGAIN!
 
While you're showing your customers our advertised sale items, don't over-
look the great closeout bargain on the CT-302 Handheld Portable Cellular Te-
lephone (Cat. No. 17-1051). This rugged portable cellular telephone hits the
magic $99.99 price point (with activation; $199.99 in California) and is
still in stock in most stores. Let's get 'em all sold by Christmas and avoid
the devaluation!
 
MN-12-93
TELEPHONES -- STARSHIP HAS LANDED!
 
Those in search of a unique gift for aficionados of fun futuristic fantasy
are in luck -- the Starship Hemisphere Phone (Cat. No. 43-832, $39.99) has
landed! It comes with a full complement of popular features including hold,
flash, redial, and mute, and its bold design makes it an eye-catcher.
 
MN-12-93
TELEPHONES -- CALLER ID UPDATE
 
Speakerphone Addendum
 
Customers who bought the 660 Feature Phone with Caller ID (Cat. No. 43-955,
$119.99) from October shipments need to know that the information under "Re-
ceiving Calls" on Page 20 of their Owner's Manual is incomplete.
 
If the telephone company sends the caller's number only, the number appears
on the display's top line, and the date and time appear on the second line
between the first and second incoming rings. (The illustration in the manual
shows this display.)
 
If the telephone company sends both the caller's name and their number, the
name appears on the display's top line first. The user can press READ to al-
ternate between the caller's name and number.
 
This correction will be published as an Addendum to the Owner's Manual beg-
inning with the November shipments, and will be included in a running change
to the manual when it's reprinted early next year.
 
MN-12-93
TELEPHONES -- SERVICE STARTING? TELL REPLENISHMENT!
 
Remember, if you know when your area will activate caller ID service, keep
Fort Worth informed so you can begin receiving caller ID products. Your DSM
must supply Replenishment with:
 
1. Your store number and address
 
2. Your complete phone number
 
3. The date the service is to activate
 
4. Whether the service will be "number-only," or name and number
 
You can call your local phone company to find out if your area currently has
caller ID service or, if it doesn't, when it will get the service.
 
MN-12-93
TELEPHONES -- PUTTING THE ET-900 ON HOLD
 
If owners of the ET-900 Cordless Phone (Cat. No. 43-1000, $299.99) tell you
their Owner's Manual doesn't contain instructions for placing calls on hold,
tell them they can do so by pressing INTERCOM on the handset. Future print-
ings of the manual will contain a heading to highlight this information, in-
cluded in the paragraph at the bottom of the left column on Page 14, under
"Alert Tones."
 
MN-12-93
COMMUNICATIONS -- SPECIAL PAGER PROMOTION
 
From October 28th through December 31st, 1993, MobileComm customers can sub-
scribe to "CityLink" service for just $25 a month instead of the normal $34
charge. (This rate does not include the monthly "800 Access" service fee.)
 
With MobileComm's fully featured "CityLink" service, your customers can get
messages in over 550 cities, spanning all 50 states and the Caribbean. Use
this 30% savings as a tool to sell more pagers this Christmas.
 
MN-12-93
COMMUNICATIONS -- PAGERS: THE FACTS OF LIFE
 
Radio Shack is the nation's largest retailer of pagers, working in tandem
with MobileComm, the largest and only nationwide service provider. While
that's a distinction you can be proud of, changes in the industry and incom-
plete information about MobileComm's price structure have caused some confu-
sion. Every salesmaker needs to know the "Facts of Life" about pagers.
 
ACTIVATION IS THE KEY
 
To begin with, the price stores pay for each pager doesn't reflect the pag-
er's actual price, because the price you see on your stock file is already
adjusted for the commission we receive when the customer has the unit acti-
vated. Our agreement with MobileComm requires activation of each unit sold.
If a customer doesn't activate, or doesn't pay their bill for activation and
service, our commission is affected, which in turn affects the price we pay
for the unit.
 
Some stores in areas without local pager service have had pagers transferred
to them from other stores in areas that do. The customers who buy these
transferred pagers have them activated through service providers other than
MobileComm. Every pager sold this way is in violation of our agreement with
MobileComm. If the pager is not activated through MobileComm, then the cost
of the pager to Radio Shack will be higher.
 
To make it easier for customers to activate their pagers, MobileComm is ma-
king every effort to properly staff their activation centers in every region
(some of which are local service providers, answering as MobileComm). Unfor-
tunately, the number of calls to these centers increases dramatically around
holidays, or anytime people are out buying in great numbers. Customers can
avoid spending time "on hold" if they wait until one or two days after the
holiday to have their pager activated. If your area continually experiences
activation delays during non-holiday periods, send E-mail to DGODFR1 so we
can let MobileComm know your situation.
 
SOLVING PAYMENT PROBLEMS
 
Also, many Radio Shack customers--a whopping 15%--aren't paying their bills.
This figure has stayed consistent as sales have increased, which means the
dollar amounts have grown steadily. To make matters worse, an astonishing
85% of those who don't pay, never pay.
 
Radio Shack and MobileComm share this loss. Other major retailers are exper-
iencing similar problems. Clearly, this situation is as unacceptable to us
as it is to MobileComm. To remedy it, MobileComm now requires payment of the
activation fee, plus 3 months' service charge, before the pager is activat-
ed. MobileComm is requiring this for all their "retail" customers--not just
Radio Shack customers. Customers can mail a check to MobileComm or bring it
to their local MobileComm office. The pager will be activated upon payment.
(Initial feedback indicates it takes 4-5 days from the time payment is
mailed to activation.) They can also call MobileComm and use their credit
card to get immediate activation.
 
To help customers adjust to this change, MobileComm is offering discounts on
the monthly service charge for customers who choose payment schemes other
than the standard monthly plan. Customers who choose quarterly billing re-
ceive a 6% discount on their service charge. For those who choose semiannual
billing, the discount is 9%. Those who choose annual billing save 12% on
their monthly service charges. MobileComm also offers a maintenance agree-
ment for $2.50 a month. (This is an option and not required for activation.)
 
THE BOTTOM LINE
 
Your pager business is still growing and the pager industry is still evol-
ving, so these changes are probably not the last you'll see. But it's impor-
tant for us to keep working with our partners at MobileComm toward our com-
mon goal: exceptional service, at a reasonable profit for both Radio Shack
and MobileComm.
 
MN-12-93
COMMUNICATIONS -- WALKIE-TALKIE EARPHONE ASSEMBLY KIT
 
Tandy National Parts has an earphone assembly kit for the TRC-504 Voice-Ac-
tuated Audionic FM Transducer (Cat. No. 21-404, $59.99). The kit retails for
$9.95 and includes 2 small ear tips, 2 large ear tips, 1 large ear tip adap-
ter, and a carrying case.
 
To order, call (800) 322-3690 and ask for part number E-0020. Individual ear
tips are also available for $1.00 apiece. Order part number E-1023 (for a
small ear tip) or part number E-1024 (for a large ear tip).
 
MN-12-93
COMMUNICATIONS -- DETECTOR DISPLAY HINT
 
Want to boost sales of value-priced radar detectors? When one goes on sale
or is discontinued, take it out of the box and display it in your blockbus-
ter or counter area. Connect the fuse box wire to a 49-320 IR motion sen-
sor's external siren screws. When someone walks by, the detector powers up
and performs its self-test, beeping and blinking. The detector takes about 3
minutes to reset before it will repeat the self-test when another person
walks by.
 
Thanks to Ted Nothnagle (01-1140) in Bedford, MA, for this hint.
 
MN-12-93
CALCULATORS -- 64K ELECTRONIC ORGANIZER MANUAL CORRECTION
 
The Owner's Manual for the EC-439 64K Electronic Organizer (Cat. No. 65-849,
$129.99) didn't explain how to operate the punctuation key. Instructions
will be added to the manual when it is reprinted. Meanwhile, you can let
customers who buy the EC-439 know how it's used.
 
Press the puntuation key once for a period.
Press CTRL and the puntuation key for an apostrophe (').
Press /\ and the puntuation key for a colon (:).
Press CTRL, /\, and the puntuation key for quotation marks (").
 
MN-12-93
CALCULATORS -- ROLODEX REFILL CALENDARS
 
Remind your customers that we have ways to keep last year's gift new this
year. For example: refill calendars for the Rolodex Pocket Planner (Cat. No.
65-855, $19.99) and the Rolodex Executive Planner (Cat. No. 65-856, $89.99).
Family members and friends who received either item last year will be de-
lighted to receive refill calendars to keep ther planner useful into the New
Year and beyond.
 
Consumer Support has 1994-95 refill calendars for both planners which stores
can order by calling (800) 321-6680. Or, customers can order the refill cal-
endars direct from Rolodex by calling (800) 388-6552, as mentioned in the
November 1993 Merchandising Newsletter.
 
MN-12-93
CALCULATORS -- PC LINK FOR 65-849
 
CMC has the PC Link Software and Cable (Cat. No. 65-850, $49.99) for the EC-
439 64K Electronic Organizer (Cat. No. 65-849, $129.99). Now EC-439 owners
can transfer telephone directory, memo, schedule, and expense information
back and forth between their organizer and any IBM-compatible PC. With the
PC Link, they can even use the PC's keyboard and display to perform electro-
nic organizer functions. It's another great way to "keep last year's gift
new this year!"
 
MN-12-93
COMPUTERS -- SMARTWATCH AT CMC
 
The SmartWatch (Cat No 25-1033, $39.99) has arrived at CMC. This sophistica-
ted state-of-the-art integrated circuit installs easily in any PC and keeps
time down to 1/100 of a second. It's so compact that once it's installed, it
takes up no more space than your computer's ROM occupied without it.
 
Once installed, SmartWatch software automatically sets the date and time for
MS-DOS. Its built-in battery cells maintain time for up to 10 years without
power, with an accuracy up to 1 minute per month. It automatically compen-
sates for months with 31 days and even corrects for Leap Year.
 
MN-12-93
COMPUTERS -- CMC DISK DRIVE CRASHES
 
The High-Density, 3 1/2" Disk Drive (Cat. No. 25-4053, $99.99) mentioned in
the November 1993 Merchandising Newsletter is being discontinued. As soon as
we have it, we'll provide information on its replacement.
 
MN-12-93
MISCELLANEOUS -- KODAK FLASH
 
This just in for selected stores carrying Kodak products: Misplace your
plan-o-gram for SKU setup and placement? Lost the memo concerning how to
handle returns or coupon redemption? Never received the Photo-Zone signs for
your display? (New signs are being printed now for stores who requested
them.)
 
    E-mail MVERDE1, and a replacement will be sent promptly!
 
MN-12-93
MISCELLANEOUS -- PPC 750 COPIER REPAIR TIPS
 
Radio Shack Repair Centers report they've been receiving some Tandy PPC 750
desktop/portable copiers (Cat. No. 63-686, $599.95) they can't fix. Why? Be-
cause the units aren't defective!
 
If a PPC 750 streaks on copies, the drum needs to be replaced. A replacement
drum is available through CMC (Cat. No. 63-687, $199.99).
 
When you do have to send a PPC 750 in for repair, remove the toner cartridge
before packing the copier for shipment . Otherwise, toner will escape from
the cartridge during shipping. The Repair Center must then clean the unit (a
45-minute task) before they can inspect and repair it, and you'll pay the
cost.
 
If you must send the cartridge with the unit, wrap it in a plastic bag
first. (That's what the Repair Center does when they return one to you.)
 
MN-12-93
MISCELLANEOUS -- PRO BOWL VOTING AT RADIO SHACK
 
Remind your customers they still have time to cast a Pro Bowl vote for their
favorite National Football League (NFL) players. They can use one of our
ballots or drop off their ballot from USA Today. But hurry -- voting ends
December 13! (And remember to have the game on in-store when it's broadcast
next February 6.)
 
MN-12-93
MISCELLANEOUS -- THE SCOOP ON RECHARGEABLE ALKALINES
 
By now you've heard the buzz about rechargeable alkaline batteries. Rayov-
ac's Renewal which can be reused 25 times or more, has been called the "suc-
cessor" to the rechargeable nickel-cadmium battery. But how do the two bat-
teries really stack up in terms of performance and value?
 
In a recent syndicated article in the Dallas Morning News, "Gadget Guru" An-
dy Pargh reports that a study of rechargeable alkalines in long-term use
showed "that their performance drops with each charging cycle." In one test,
using rechargeable alkalines in a portable cassette player with headphones,
the first charging cycle provided 13 hours of play (versus 17 hours with a
standard alkaline). By the third cycle, playing time dropped to just over
seven hours. By the 15th cycle, playing time was down to four hours -- just
30% of the first cycle.
 
The test showed one rechargeable alkaline equals about eight standard alka-
lines (not 25, as you might think of a product that's "reusable 25 times").
Significantly, after nine charging cycles, the rechargeable alkaline's per-
formance level dropped below that of a nickel-cadmium.
 
The "Gadget Guru" goes on to state, "In terms of long-range costs,...ni-cads
have the advantage over rechargeable alkalines. Assume a two-AA battery-pow-
ered walk-about cassette player is used two hours per day. [In four years,
the user would] spend $331 on alkalines, $95 on rechargeable alkalines or $6
on ni-cad rechargeable batteries." (Emphasis added.) Bottom line: for now,
rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries are still the most economical choice
for use with high-drain products like toys and radio cassette players.
 
MN-12-93
MISCELLANEOUS -- EXTRA-LIFE BATTERY PACKS
 
Take any portable device anywhere you go! CMC has added a 12V, DC Power Pack
(Cat. No. 16-2336, $89.99), rated to 10 Ah. It's ideal for use with portable
TVs, CD players, stereos, camcorders, or any product with a DC adapter.
 
This rechargeable, sealed lead-acid battery comes in a padded Cordura case
with belt loops and a carry handle. A heavy duty web belt and AC charger are
also included. Unlike a nickel-cadmium battery, the lead-acid battery won't
develop a "memory," so the amount of time it's usable between charges won't
be affected if it's charged often.
 
CMC also carries a 12V 4.5 Ah Nickel-Cadmium Battery Pack (T16-DV124 $89.99)
and a 12V, 7 Ah Lead-Acid Battery Pack (T16-DV127, $59.99). Both are rechar-
geable and come with AC chargers.
 
MN-12-93
VIDEO -- HI8 METAL VIDEO TAPE
 
CMC now has Hi8 MP120 series videotape (Cat. No. 44-458, $12.99). This ad-
vanced metal particle tape is recommended for editing, camcorder recording,
and all Sony Hi8 or other 8mm Hi-Band VCRs and camcorders. It provides up to
4 hours' recording time.
 
MN-12-93
VIDEO -- F.Y.I. WHY COAXIAL CABLE FOR OUTDOOR TV ANTENNAS?
 
Our 15-1526/1527 pre-made assemblies use coaxial cable because it offers
less resistance than twin-lead wire, allows more TV signal to reach the set,
and has a shielding jacket to prevent it from picking up interference from
electrical lines or transformers.
 
Remember: Your customer wants a clear picture, not just an antenna! Coaxial
cable costs more, but it meets your customers need better by delivering the
best picture at an affordable price.
 
MN-12-93
VIDEO  -- MOVIECORDER ACCESSORIES
 
CMC has these great accessory items for the Model 158 Moviecorder (Cat. No.
16-859, $799.00) that are sure to boost holiday sales:
 
16-2330     6V, 2400 mAh Battery                    $89.99
16-2331     Vehicle DC Adapter/Charger             $109.99
16-2333     DC Adapter Only                         $29.99
CCB-6680    7 Ah Lead-Acid Camcorder Power Pack     $69.95
 
For customers who already own a camcorder battery pack, there's a Battery
Module (CCB-6680M, $19.95) that they can use with any 5-hour power pack.
 
While these items are specially designed for use with the Model 158, CMC
also has batteries and accessories for older Radio Shack Moviecorders and
other brand camcorders.
 
Check the Audio/Video section of your Red CMC binder (FO-73) or the camco-
rder battery section of the Blue Battery Book (FO-72) for more choices. Or,
call CMC at (800) 433-2024.
 
MN-12-93
VIDEO  -- EXPRESS ORDER HAS VAN CLIBURN VIDEO
 
As promised in the November 1993 Merchandising Newsletter, Express Order now
has award-winning performances from this year's Ninth Van Cliburn Competi-
tion available on videotape. Classical piano fans are sure to enjoy these
performances by the Gold, Silver, and Bronze medal winners from the famous
competition, available for $26.98 as Express Order No. 10420511.
 
And remember, the CD versions of these performances are available from TEW
for $14.99 each as Cat. Nos. 51-1115 (Gold medalist ) and 51-1116 (Bronze
and Silver medalists).
 
MN-12-93
VIDEO  -- F.Y.I. PROTECT TRIPOD-MOUNTED MERCHANDISE
 
If you display camcorders on tripods & want to avoid losing them to thieves,
take note. You can protect tripod-mounted merchandise by mounting 49-497
self-adhesive NC magnetic switches to the tripod and connecting the switches
to a 49-2010 wireless security system. If anyone lifts the camcorder off the
tripod, the alarm sounds.
 
This also gives you a great way to demonstrate a great security system. Just
hook up the magnetic switches to the transmitter's NC terminals. One trans-
mitter will handle as many camcorder/tripod combos, wired in series, as you
need to display.
 
Thanks to Ted Nothnagle (01-1140) in Bedford, MA for this tip.
 
MN-12-93
VIDEO  -- MORE QUICK & EASY VIDEO CONNECTIONS
 
After we ran our "Quick & Easy Video Connections" insert in the October 1993
Merchandising Newsletter, we heard from Mark VanBenschoten, manager at 01-
4708 in Springboro, OH. Mark pointed out that if you follow the diagram on
Page 2 of the insert ("Maximum Capability System for Cable with Cable Compa-
tible VCR"), you can't watch another channel while recording a premium ser-
vice through the cable box.
 
He provided us with the diagram on Page 9 of this issue, which lets the user
watch another channel while recording a premium channel. As you can see,
he's replaced the first 2-way splitter with a 4-way splitter, and replaced
the A/B switch on the TV with an A/B/C switch. While the VCR records from
the cable box, the user can view another channel from the TV's tuner.
 
Remind customers who try this method to cap the 4-way splitter's unused ter-
minal; a Terminating Resistor (Cat. No. 15-1144, Pkg. of 2/$1.19) works well
for this purpose.
 
MN-12-93
VIDEO  -- MAXIMUM CAPABILITY SYSTEM FOR CABLE WITH PREMIUM CHANNELS AND
          CABLE-COMPATIBLE VCR
 
(illustration)
 
MN-12-93
WHO BUYS WHAT
 
Here is the current "Who Buys What" list.
There have been changes recently, so take a careful look at the list.
 
CATEGORY    DESCRIPTION                             BUYER
 
12          Auto Sound                              Wayne Wilson
12          Auto Speakers                           Wayne Wilson
12          Radios                                  Colin Meyer
12          Weather Radios                          Colin Meyer
 
13          Music Systems                           Dave Shoemaker
14          Portable Tape Recorders & Players       Colin Meyer
14          Tape Decks                              Lee Brayn
15          TV Antennas & Accessories               Dave Shoemaker
 
16          TV, VCR, Satellite, Camcorders          Dave Shoemaker
17          Cellular Phones & Pagers                Dennis Godfrey
17          Cellular Marketing (Carriers)           Chuck Sizer
19          2-Way Radio                             Wayne Wilson
 
20          Scanners and Shortwave                  Wayne Wilson
21          CB Radio                                Wayne Wilson
22          Radar Detectors                         Wayne Wilson
22          Test Equipment                          Tim Oldham
23          Batteries and Chargers                  Leon Lutz
 
25/26       HARDWARE PRODUCTS
            CD-ROM Drives                           Joel Cohen
            Computer Connectors                     Joel Cohen
            Furniture                               Ann Kennemer
            Hard Drives                             Joel Cohen
 
            Joysticks                               Ann Kennemer
            Laptops/Notebook PCs/Accessories        Joel Cohen
            Mice                                    Ann Kennemer
            Modems (except laptops)                 Joel Cohen
 
            Monitors                                Joel Cohen
            Multimedia Upgrade Products             Joel Cohen
            Paper/Labels                            Ann Kennemer
            Personal Digital Assistants             Gordon Dixon
 
            Pocket Computer                         Joel Cohen
            Printer Cables/Ribbons/Printwheels      Joel Cohen
            Printers & Printer Supplies             Ann Kennemer
            Serial Cables/Connectors                Ann Kennemer
 
            Sound/Music Boards                      Joel Cohen
            Tandy 1000/2500 Hardware & Peripherals  Joel Cohen
            Tandy Factory Direct Program            Joel Cohen
            Operating Systems                       Joel Cohen
 
25/26   SOFTWARE PRODUCTS                           Ann Kennemer
 
270          Fuses, DC Adapters, Joysticks          Tim Oldham
271          Resistors                              Tim Oldham
272          Lamps & Capacitors                     Tim Oldham
273          AC Adapters/Transformers               Tim Oldham
 
274          Plugs & Jacks                          Tim Oldham
275          Switches                               Tim Oldham
276          Semiconductors                         Tim Oldham
277          Project Boards                         Tim Oldham
 
278          Wire/RF Connectors                     David Busch
279          Phone Wiring Accessories               Dennis Godfrey
28           Kits (Science Fair)                    Leon Lutz
31           Audio Receivers                        Lee Brayn
 
32           PA Equipment                           Dave Shoemaker
33           Headphones                             Lee Brayn
33           Mikes                                  Dave Shoemaker
40           Audio Speakers                         Lee Brayn
 
40           PA Speakers                            Lee Brayn
40           Raw Auto Speakers                      Lee Brayn
40           Raw Speakers                           Lee Brayn
42           Audio Accessories                      Lee Brayn
 
42           CD Players/Changers Lee Brayn
42           Keyboards                              Lee Brayn
42           Lightshows                             Lee Brayn
42           Turntables                             Lee Brayn
 
43           Telephone, FAX, Intercoms              Dennis Godfrey
44           Tape & Accessories                     Dave Shoemaker
49           Auto Alarms                            Wayne Wilson
49           Home Security                          David Busch
 
49           Pagers                                 Dennis Godfrey
50           Pre-Recorded Video Tape                Dave Shoemaker
51           Pre-Recorded Audio Tape                Lee Brayn
60           Toys                                   Leon Lutz
 
61           Electricals                            David Busch
61           Flashlights                            David Busch
61           Plug-N-Power/Other Controls            David Busch
61           Seasonal                               David Busch
 
62           Books                                  Leon Lutz
63           Clocks/Timers/Watches                  Mark Verdeyen
63           Copiers                                Mark Verdeyen
63           Health Products                        Mark Verdeyen
 
63           Metal Detectors                        Mark Verdeyen
63           Other Electronic Aids                  Mark Verdeyen
63           Spell Checkers                         Mark Verdeyen
 
64           Chemical Products/Magnets/Tape         David Busch
64           Electrical Terminals                   David Busch
64           Hardware and Terminals                 David Busch
64           Soldering Equipment                    David Busch
 
64           Tools                                  David Busch
65           Calculators                            Gordon Dixon
65           Databanks                              Gordon Dixon
68           Premiums (flashlights)                 Leon Lutz
 
 
Radio Shack Merchandising Buyers by Category
 
Robert B. Miller, Vice President, Merchandising, (817) 390-3135
Rick Borinstein, Director, Merchandising, (817) 390-2736
 
Communication/Automotive
(Open)
 
Dennis Godfrey, Buyer (390-3239)
17      Cellular Phones & Pagers
279     Phone Wiring and Accessories
43      Telephones, FAX, Intercoms
49      Pagers
 
Wayne Wilson, Buyer (390-3233)
12      Auto Sound
12      Auto Speakers
19      2-Way Radio
20      Scanners & Shortwave
21      CB Radio
22      Radar Detectors
49      Auto Alarms
 
 
Personal Electronics & Parts
Joel Guskin, Manager
390-2771
 
Tim Oldham, Buyer (390-2670)
22      Test Equipment
270     Fuses, DC Adapters
271     Resistors
272     Lamps & Capacitors
273     AC Adapters/Transformers
274     Plugs & Jacks
275     Switches
276     Semiconductors
277     Project Boards
 
Mark Verdeyen, Buyer (390-3132)
63      Clocks/Timers/Watches
63      Copiers
63      Health Products
63      Metal Detectors
63      Other Electronic Aids
63      Spell Checkers
 
David Busch, Buyer (390-3173)
278     Wire/RF Connectors
49      Home Security
61      Electricals
61      Flashlights
61      Plug-n-Power /Other Controls
61      Seasonal
64      Hardware & Terminals
64      Tape/Chemical Products/Magnets
64      Tools
 
 
Audio/Video & Seasonal
Dick Donnelly, Manager
390-3584
 
Lee Brayn, Buyer (390-3235)
14      Tape Decks
31      Audio Receivers
33      Headphones
40      Audio Speakers
40      PA Speakers
40      Raw Auto Speakers
40      Raw Speakers
42      Audio Accessories
42      CD Players/Changers
42      Keyboards
42      Lightshows
42      Turntables
51      Pre-Recorded Audio Tape
 
Dave Shoemaker, Buyer (390-2775)
13      Music Systems
15      TV Antennas & Accessories
16      TV, VCR, Satellite, Camcorders
32      PA Equipment
33      Mikes
44      Tape & Accessories
50      Pre-Recorded Video Tape
 
Leon Lutz, Buyer (390-3236)
23      Batteries and Chargers
28      Kits (Science Fair)
60      Toys
62      Books
68      Premiums (flashlights)
 
Colin Meyer, Buyer (878-6633)
12      Radios (Portable, Clock Radios)
12      Weather Radios
14      Portable Tape Recorders/Players
 
 
Cellular Carriers
Chuck Sizer, Manager
878-4141
 
 
Computers
Bob MacQuigg, Manager
390-3208
 
Joel Cohen, Buyer (390-2873)
25/26   CD-ROM Drives
        FAX Products (for desktop PCs)
        Tandy 1000/2500 Hardware and
        Peripherals
        Modems (except laptops)
        Multimedia Upgrade Products
        Peripherals
        Sound/Music Boards
        Computer Connectors
        Hard Drives
        Laptops/Notebook PCs/Accessories
        Operating Systems
        Tandy Factory Direct Program
 
Ann Kennemer, Buyer (338-2331)
25/26   Accounting/Finance Software
        Backup Power Supplies
        DeskMate
        Desktop Publishing Software
        Disk Cases/Accessories
        Diskettes/Media
        Furniture
        Graphics Software
        Mice
        Paper/Labels
        Printers & Printer Supplies
        Productivity Software
        Serial Cables/Connectors
        Educational Software (Home)
        Entertainment Software
        Gamecards
        Joysticks
 
Gordon Dixon, Buyer (390-2670)
25      Personal Digital Assistants
65      Calculators
65      Databanks
 
Special Projects
Joe Ratner, Manager
878-6897
 
MN-12-93
WHO BUYS WHAT  -- SPEED MAIL ADDRESSES
 
What happens to your speed mail message when you send it to a buyer? Well,
that depends. Many speed mail messages to buyers are support-related -- the
way a product works, problems you're having with it, etc. These messages are
forwarded to Consumer Support. Consumer Support works with the buyers and
other departments (like engineering and NQC) to get you the best answer in
the fastest manner.
 
Speed mail that's appropriate for buyers to spend time on -- like that about
new products you'd like to see -- is still answered from Merchandising.
 
So if you send speed mail to a buyer and then hear an answer from Consumer
Support, don't worry. The fact that you got your answer is the important
thing. Buyers are very busy, and though they'd each like to talk to every
store manager and employee personally, the number of you (lots) versus the
number of buyers (few) makes that impossible. This is why the Consumer Sup-
port group was established, so please work with them.
 
In fact, you can help save time by contacting Consumer Support directly for
those questions that they can answer.
 
    (800) 2TANDY4
    8 am to 7 pm CST
    Monday through Saturday
 
Randy Rau is the lead Consumer Support Engineer. You can send mail to him
at: RRAU1@CSS
 
Here are some other speed mail addresses you may need.
 
MERCHANDISING ADDRESSES
 
  Bob Miller        VP                 RMILLE1
  Rick Borinstein   Director           RBORIN1
 
MERCHANDISE GROUPS
 
PERSONAL ELECTRONICS
 
  Joel Guskin       Manager            JGUSKI1
  Mark Verdeyen     Buyer              MVERDE1
  Tim Oldham        Buyer              TOLDHA2
  David Busch       Buyer              DBUSCH1
 
AUDIO/VIDEO
  Dick Donnelly     Manager            LDONNE1
  Lee Brayn         Buyer              LBRAYN1
  Leon Lutz         Buyer              LLUTZ1
  Colin Meyer       Senior Buyer       CMEYER1
  Dave Shoemaker    Buyer              HSHOEM1
 
COMPUTERS
  Bob MacQuigg      Manager            BQUIGG1
  Joel Cohen        Buyer              JCOHEN1
  Gordon Dixon      Buyer              GDIXON1
  Ann Kennemer      Buyer              AKENNE1
 
CELLULAR
  Chuck Sizer       Manager,
                    Cellular Mktg      CSIZER1
 
COMMUNICATIONS/AUTOMOTIVE
  Dennis Godfrey    Buyer              DGODFR1
  Wayne Wilson      Buyer              WWILSO1
 
MERCHANDISING SUPPORT
 
  June Wolff        VP                 JWOLFF1
  Pat Lillard       Director,
                    Rebuying           PLILLA1
 
STORE REPLENISHMENT
  Syd Rauworth      Director           SRAUWO1
  Randy Lunz        Controller         RLUNZ1
  Virgil Carson     Field Coordinator  VCARSO1
         Replenishment Specialists     REPLEN1
 
OTHER ADDRESSES
 
ENGINEERING
 
  Barry Stevens   Sr. Director       BSTEVE2
 
REGULATORY AFFAIRS (FCC, UL)
 
  Mac Slayton       Manager            MSLAYT1
  Linda Dickerson   Secretary          LDICKE1
 
NATIONAL PARTS
  FAX Bob Thomas at (817) 870-5737.
 
MN-11-93
ONE MINUTE MERCHANDISER -- THEY'RE BACK!
 
It's time -- the holiday shoppers are back. You and your team have worked hard getting ready for this big event. The store is filled with merchandise and eager sales associates. Now it's up to you to bring it all together for your biggest holiday season
ever!
 
Your time is limited, and you need to spend it with your customers. (Remem-
ber, selling is a lot like counseling, especially at this time of year. Ho-
liday shopping is a difficult chore for most people, and they'll appreciate
any help they can get.) Here are a few quick thoughts to help you be as pro-
ductive as possible as you help your customers decide what to buy.
 
Keep in mind that your customers want and need your assistance in selecting
gifts for everyone on their lists. You are the expert; they expect you to be
able to recommend items for little children, growing kids, teens, and high
school and college students. Don't forget ideas for working and retired ad-
ults, moms, dads, grandparents, aunts and uncles, too.
 
If you haven't thought this through yet...do it now! Have several sugges-
tions for everyone on your customers' lists. Ask each and every shopper who
the next person on their list might be, then the next and the next. Don't
stop until they cry "Uncle" (without a name attached)! Don't be afraid to
ask them how much they want to spend. Almost everyone has a dollar amount in
mind when they buy gifts.
 
Your attitude shows! And your customer's perception of your attitude toward
them directly affects their willingness to buy from you. Keep your attitude
positive, especially when difficult situations arise (as they're bound to at
this time of year). No matter what, always strive to be more helpful, cour-
teous, and understanding of your customers' needs.
 
Take the time to listen. Your customers will be trying to tell you what they
want and need from Radio Shack and you. The more your customers believe that
you are placing their best interests before your own, the more willing they
will be to trust you and buy from you.
 
Good selling, and best wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving.
 
Chuck Sizer
E-mail CSIZER1
(817) 878-4141
 
MN-11-93
AUDIO -- DCC UPDATE: BONUS TAPE BONANZA!
 
Here's an incentive to help close that sale on an Optimus DCC. In November
and December, customers who buy the Optimus DCT-2000 (Cat. No. 14-675,
$699.99) will get the best bonus available on any brand DCC deck.
 
During those months, DCT-2000 buyers can get 6 prerecorded DCC tapes by mail
from Polygram -- absolutely free! They can choose from 25 of the hottest ti-
tles from all music categories including Jon Bon Jovi's Blaze of Glory; U2's
Zooropa; Blues Traveler; Carreras, Domingo and Pavarotti's Three Tenors; and
John Mellencamp's Human Wheels.
 
All the customer has to do is fill out the coupon you received last month,
choose 6 titles from the list on the coupon, and mail it to Polygram with a
copy of their Radio Shack receipt for the DCT-2000. (And they can order any
of the hundreds of available titles anytime through Express Order.)
 
MN-11-93
AUDIO -- CD MUSIC NOTES
 
Get ready for Christmas CDs -- four new titles in all, including many favor-
ite artists from the popular, country and classical fields. These new titles
are even better than last year's assortment, and we're offering them at a
bargain price -- only $4.99 (our competitors feature the same titles for as
much as $7.99)!
 
Also, Radio Shack is proud to announce we'll be carrying the official recor-
dings of the Gold, Silver, and Bronze medal winners from the 9th Van Cliburn
International Piano Competition 1993. The competition is renowned as a show-
case for the very finest young classical piano artists. Classical aficiona-
dos will treasure these performances, available on CD through TEW as Cat Nos
51-1115 (Gold) and 51-1116 (Bronze and Silver) for $14.99 each. (Express Or-
der will have the video versions available in December.)
 
MN-11-93
AUDIO -- TECH TALK IN PLAIN ENGLISH: UNDERSTANDING SPEAKER TERMS
 
This month we'll look at some commonly-used speaker terms which your custo-
mers may not fully understand.
 
But remind them that specifications only tell part of the story -- the only
way to really hear a speaker is to set it up at home and experiment with
different placements, receiver settings, and so on.
 
- Acoustic Suspension -- An enclosure type that uses a completely sealed box
  to provide accurate, "tight" bass response.
 
- Bass Reflex -- An enclosure that uses a tuned port for extended bass re-
  sponse. A port is nothing more than a hole in the box. Its size, depth,
  and length affect the way the speaker projects bass sounds. A "tuned" port
  is one specially designed to give extra bass output.
 
- Crossover -- An electronic device that divides music into frequency bands,
  sending the lowest frequencies to the woofer, middle range frequencies to
  the midrange driver (if one is available), and the high frequencies to the
  tweeters.
 
- Frequency Response -- A measurement that shows how much of the audible
  range a speaker can reproduce. (The human ear responds to frequencies from
  around 20 to 20,000 cycles per second.)
 
- Maximum Power Handling -- The peak short-term music power a speaker can
  handle without damage.
 
- Midrange -- In a three-way system, the driver that handles most vocals and
  much of the instrumental range, except for extreme highs and lows.
 
- Tweeter -- A small, lightweight driver for reproducing the highest musical
  frequencies (e.g., cymbals, female vocals, etc.).
 
- Woofer -- A driver that uses a large cone to move the large volume of air
  needed to reproduce the long wavelengths of bass instruments and drums.
 
MN-11-93
AUDIO -- NEW DEMO CD OUT
 
CD Demo Disk #3 is here, in time for holiday in-store play. It's packed with
exciting sounds from Sony Music artists like Screaming Trees, Joy White,
Jean-Luc Ponty, Shawn Colvin, and Michael Tilson-Thomas. One disk will be
sent to your store automatically. If you want more, order them from the Re-
gional Warehouse.
 
MN-11-93
AUDIO -- "DEFECTIVE" PORTABLE CD? CHECK THE CHARGE SWITCH!
 
Radio Shack Service Centers report that some stores have been sending them
portable CD players that don't really need repair.
 
All of our portable CD players (Cat Nos 42-5033, $149.99; 42-5035, $179.99;
42-5034, $129.99; and 42-5039, $199.99) come with a built-in nickel-cadmium
battery recharging circuit. None of them will operate from the batteries
with the charge switch in the charge mode.
 
Before you send a portable CD player to the service center, make sure the
charge switch (located inside the battery compartment) isn't set to CHG,
CHARGE or ON (depending on the unit). You'll save time and money for your
customer, the service center, and yourself.
 
MN-11-93
AUDIO -- COMPACT SPEAKER BRACKET
 
Owners of the XTS35 Compact Speakers (Cat. No. 40-1996, $24.99) might want
brackets to mount them. If they do, CMC has the brackets they need (Cat. No.
40-1997) for only $11.99 a pair.
 
MN-11-93
COMMUNICATIONS -- BUSINESS BAND RADIO FREQUENCIES
 
We're still getting questions about the "A" channel frequencies in our Busi-
ness Band radios. For example: one customer owns some of the old BTX-120s
(Cat. No. 19-1201) and wants to use them with the newer BTX-120s (Cat. No.
19-1202, $149.99). The store manager tells us that the customer was upset
because the 19-1201 had an "A" channel frequency of 151.625, while the 19-
1202 has an "A" channel of 151.600, and he didn't want to spend money for
crystals to make the frequencies match.
 
This raises a couple of issues. First, although we don't require customers
to show a license to buy a Business Band radio, everyone who buys one should
be licensed (or planning on getting a license). Further, "A" channel users
must be licensed for itinerant use. "Itinerant" is defined as temporary, mo-
bile, and moving often from place to place. Some businesses that fit this
definition include: a road crew that moves from city to city; a traveling
show (such as a circus or rock band) that needs 2-way communication to sup-
port its activities; or a surveyor or contractor that services several
cities.
 
Why include this frequency with a radio if most of our customers can't use
it? Because we need one channel installed to align and test the radios dur-
ing production. It makes sense to use itinerant frequencies for this pur-
pose.
 
So what can you do for the properly licensed customer who wants the old "A"
channel frequency in the new BTX-120? Order the 151.625 crystals through CMC
and install them in the 19-1202 "B" channel.
 
MN-11-93
AUDIO -- SCANNERS GO TO THE RACES
 
The March 1991 issue of Stock Car Racing magazine listed Radio Shack as a
source for scanners designed to pick up racing teams' frequencies. Some of
these frequencies have a number other than "0" or "5" in the 1000ths place
(e.g., 461.587). Our scanners are designed to pick up such frequencies; just
tune them to the nearest valid frequency.
 
The Specifications section of every scanner Owner's Manual lists the scan-
ner's "step" rate. This is the closest resolution the scanner will tune. (In
some bands it's 5 KHz, in others it's 12.5 KHz; in the AM aircraft band,
it's 25 KHz.) When you enter a frequency that falls in between these steps,
the scanner "rounds it off" to the nearest valid frequency. For example, if
you try to enter 151.473, the scanner rounds to 151.475.
 
All makes of scanners do this, but some competitors' models try to "fool"
you by displaying the frequency you entered, even though they listen on the
nearest valid frequency. Whether or not a scanner does this, it's still pos-
sible to hear transmissions on the desired frequency by tuning to the fre-
quencies immediately above and below it.
 
So, suggest that your customer listen to the desired frequency on both the
nearest valid frequencies. The closest frequency should give the clear-
estudio. With narrow band FM (like most scanner frequencies), you can be
2.5 KHz with little loss of audio quality.
 
MN-11-93
AUDIO -- TT PAD ADJUSTMENT ON HTX-202
 
If your customers have trouble getting the touch-tones on an HTX-202 2-Meter
Ham Radio Transceiver (Cat. No. 19-1120, $259.99) to work with a local re-
peater, tell them to try resetting their unit's touch-tone audio level.
 
To do this, they can adjust the touchtone pot (RV1001) down until the tones
don't decode, then up again until it just works. (Simply tuning down is not
as reliable as this method.) They should make no other adjustments!
 
Also, many repeaters will read back the tones once they decode properly. If
your customers don't know how to do this, they can find out from another re-
peater member.
 
MN-11-93
ELECTRONIC PARTS -- 22-132A INVERTER BACK IN STOCK
 
For about 6 months now, we've been unable to get stock on the 12 VDC to 120
VAC Power Inverter (Cat. No. 22-132A, $99.99). We're happy to report that
outstanding orders for the inverter should be filled by November, just in
time for the holidays. Don't forget this item when suggesting gift ideas
this season.
 
MN-11-93
ELECTRONIC PARTS -- PROJECTOR LAMPS STILL SELLING
 
Strong projector lamp sales continue with the introduction of twoopular
lamps to store inventory.
 
The two lamps currently available for stock go by the industry standard ANSI
Code names ENX (used in overhead projectors, Cat. No. 272-1504, $18.99) and
ELH (used in filmstrip/slide projectors, Cat. No. 272-1505, $19.99).
 
In addition, CMC offers lamps for overhead projectors, 8 mm and 16 mm slide
projectors, microfilm readers and reader-printers. The only lamps they don't
carry are those for medical/scientific and professional photo studio appli-
cations. But they do have complete coverage of the lamps most commonly used
by residential consumers, businesses, and schools.
 
To order lamps from CMC, just call
    (800) 433-2024
 
You can order using a manufacturer's part number (if the customer knows it),
or you can simply use the ANSI code, which is always marked on the lamp.
CMC's part number consists of the prefix "T272-," followed by the ANSI code
number. For example, if the lamp is an ENH (another lamp commonly used in
overhead projectors), the part number is T272-ENH.
 
MN-11-93
TELEPHONES -- CALLER ID SPECIAL PURCHASE
 
To meet the overwhelming demand for Caller-ID units, we've made a special
purchase of the CIDCO model SN30A2 (Cat. No. 43-911).
 
The units were shipped in the manufacturer's packaging and retail for only
$59.99. (Because they don't have a Radio Shack bar code, you'll have to
manually enter Cat. No. 43-911 into the POS whenever you sell one.)
 
Replenishment has allocated the units to stores in areas with "number only"
Caller-ID service that have previously sold Caller-ID.
 
Here is a quick comparison of the new unit, CIDCO's best seller, and our
popular 43-954.
 
Feature                  43-911             43-954
 
Brand                    CIDCO              Radio Shack 
 
Retail Price             $59.99             $69.99
 
Memories                 30 number-only     100 number-only
                                            or 50 name/number
 
Display                  3 lines OTV*       2 lines w/Scroll
                         Dot Matrix         12 segment
 
New Call Indicator       LED                In LCD display
 
Blocked Call Indicator   LED                In LCD display
 
Review                   Back/forth         Back/forth
 
Delete                   Single/all         Single/all
 
Battery                  9 volt             9 volt
 
Wall Mount Bracket       Yes                No
 
Warranty                 1-year CIDCO       1-year Radio Shack
 
* OTV (One Time View) -- all incoming call information is displayed at
  once, so there's no need to scroll between screens.
 
CIDCO will honor the warranty on these special purchase units. Return defec-
tive units with a fully completed Repair/Exchange Memo to:
 
    CIDCO Incorporated
    1055-H Cochrane Circle
    Morgan Hill, CA 95037
    Phone: (408) 779-1162
 
This one-time special purchase will help you maintain Caller-ID sales while
we make every effort to obtain additional quantities of 43-954.
 
MN-11-93
TELEPHONES -- NEW TRANSPORTABLE CELLULAR
 
Many of you have been asking when you'll get a replacement for the popular
CT-1033 Transportable Cellular Telephone (Cat. No. 17-1006, $149.99). The
answer is coming -- in late November -- in the form of the CT-1055 (Cat. No.
17-1007, $149.99). (Remember, these prices include activation and minimum
service commitment, and are $100 higher in California.)
 
The CT-1055 includes the battery and chargers, making it ideal for customers
who want to use their phone in one or more vehicles, or on the go, with a
full 3 watts of power. The phone allows the user to subscribe to up to four
cellular phone services and have a local telephone number in each city, to
save on roaming charges. Its memory is big enough to store fifty 32-digit
numbers (the CT-1033 stored thirty). Like the CT-1033, the CT-1055 also fea-
tures last number redial, cumulative call timer, and electronic lock.
 
MN-11-93
TELEPHONES -- DECORATOR PHONES OFFER VARIETY WITH FULL ONE-YEAR WARRANTY
 
Did you know that Radio Shack has a larger selection of decorator phones
than any of our competitors? That means your customers are sure to find the
phone with the look and style they want, at a price they can afford.
 
Here are just a few they can choose from (see Pages 72 and 73 in the Radio
Shack 1994 Catalog for more):
 
- The Contempra II (Cat. No. 43-827, $29.99), with its space-saving vertical
  design
 
- The compact fold-up Seashell (Cat. No. 43-830, $24.99)
 
- A variety of see-through Clear-Fones -- Cat. Nos. 43-817, $17.99; 843-820,
  $39.99; and 43-825 and 43-826, $49.99 each (the last two are in Flyer 509,
  October 28 - November 27, 1993, for only $29.99)
 
- The uniquely futuristic Starship Hemisphere (Cat. No. 43-832, $39.99)
 
The warranty for all our phones is one year. (The Owner's Manual for the Contempra II incorrectly listed the warranty as 90 days, while the POS cor-
rectly says one year. The mistake will be corrected in the next printing.)
 
MN-11-93
VIDEO -- ALL ABOUT THE VCR VOICE PROGRAMMER
 
The common household remote control was meant to increase TV viewers' com-
fort and convenience. Instead, it has brought clutter and confusion to many
homes, as home entertainment systems have gotten more complex. A stack of
components each with its own remote control, can make it more of a pain than
a pleasure for people to watch and record their favorite programs. Until
now.
 
Now, with the VCR VOICE Programmer (Cat. No. 15-1921, $149.99), anyone who
can talk can program and control a VCR. VCR VOICE acts as a universal remote
control, replacing TV, VCR, and cable box remotes. And unlike other remotes,
it can control two complete systems. The VCR VOICE recognizes up to four
voices, so the whole family can use it.
 
An easy-to-read display provides prompts during set-up and normal use --
there's no need to remember settings. The Programmer even prompts the user
to insert a tape prior to recording. VCR VOICE records as many as 15 pro-
grams up to 60 days in advance. Or it can record programs on a "Daily" or
"Weekly" basis.
 
VCR VOICE automatically selects the correct channel (3 or 4) or video input
when PLAY is pressed, and returns control to the TV or cable box when the
tape is stopped. It even resets channel numbers if the cable company changes
them. And there's no need to sit through annoying commercials in a recorded
program -- just say "Zap It" to skip past them.
 
We've just skimmed the surface here. Take time to dig into the Owner's Manu-
al and get your hands on a VCR VOICE now, so you'll be able to explain and
demonstrate its many features and capabilities. It's bound to be a strong
holiday seller.
 
MN-11-93
VIDEO -- "THUMBS-UP" EDITOR AVAILABLE
 
Camcorder enthusiasts can play at being Coppola or Spielberg with the new
Easy Home Video Editor (Cat. No. 15-1963, $199.99).
 
The editor makes editing a tape as simple as connecting the camcorder's out-
put to a VCR's input, playing the tape, and pressing a button. The user pre-
sses the editor's "thumbs up" button to select portions of a videotape for
copying to a blank tape, or the "thumbs down" button to select portions to
leave out.
 
The editor even has a built-in fader and enhancer for professional-quality
home video productions.
 
CMC has edit control cables that will allow your customers to use the editor
with a camcorder that has a 5-pin DIN Control-L jack, or a Panasonic-type 5-
pin jack. If the camcorder uses a 5-pin DIN Control-L jack, order Cat. No.
16-2334 ($7.99). For a Panasonic-type 5-pin jack, order Cat. No. 16-2335
($19.99). (See Page 4 in the 15-1963 Advanced Users Reference Manual for il-
lustrations of these connectors.)
 
Finally, for the home video director who has everything, there's our Sound
Effects Generator/Mixer (Cat. No. 32-1116, $129.99). The three-channel mixer
combines a mono microphone channel with two stereo line-level sources, so
you can mix dialogue with music. The sound effects generator offers 77 digi-
tally sampled sounds and effects, which can be modified and sequenced. It's
a natural companion for the editor!
 
MN-11-93
SECURITY -- PLUG 'N' POWER ADD-ON: THE ANYWHERE WALL SWITCH
 
The holiday season is the perfect time to sign up new Plug 'n' Power custom-
ers, and to help old customers add new accessories and modules. (In this
way, home security is like an "insurance policy" in more ways than one!)
 
The Anywhere Wall Switch (Cat. No. 61-2664, $14.99) is a useful addition for
any Plug 'n' Power user who has a number of modules to control. The switch
works with the 61-2609, 61-2611, 61-2663, and 61-2676 systems to control up
to four sets of lights or appliances.
 
The switch is easy to connect and use. The user simply sets the house code
dial inside the battery compartment to the same letter as the in-use Plug
'n' Power receiver. Then they set the slide switch, also inside the compart-
ment, to select the group of lights or appliances to be controlled by each
of the four rocker keys.
 
MN-11-93
COMPUTERS -- FAX MODEM FOR TANDY 3900
 
Looking for a fax modem for the Tandy 3900 (Cat. No. 25-3580, $1,499.00)?
CMC has what you need.
 
The BitFax Fax Modem (Cat. No. 25-3581, $199.99) lets the user send and re-
ceive faxes directly from the computer at 9600 bps. (No more printing docu-
ments to feed into the fax machine down the hall.) BitFax also allows users to receive faxes privately, direct to their computer terminal, rather than via the office fax machine where everyone can read their messages. It fea-
tures data compression and V.42 and MNP error correction.
 
BitFax receives faxes automatically, even while running other applications.
It can print fax files on any supported printer, or print files automatical-
ly as they are received. It lets the user view faxes directly from the screen; it even rotates and magnifies images! And if that isn't enough, Bit-
Fax also has these unique capabilities:
 
- Scheduled Fax Transmissions -- send multiple batches of files to multiple
  destinations to take advantage of lower phone rates and time zone differ-
  ences.
 
- Computerized, dBASE-Compatible Phone Book -- edit, delete, sort, export,
  or import phone numbers using dBASE or other compatible programs.
 
- Combine Multiple Documents -- save time and money by sending several files
  as a single fax.
 
- Send Word Processor Documents Direct -- send documents from WordPerfect
  5.1, MS Word 5.0, and WordStar directly from BitFax without converting
  them to text files.
 
MN-11-93
COMPUTERS -- CMC HAS DISK DRIVE
 
CMC now offers the High-Density 3.5" Diskette Drive (Cat No 25-4053 $99.99).
This 1.44 MB drive accepts both standard (720 KB) and high-density (1.44 MB)
diskettes. It works with all of these computers: 1000 TL/3 and 1000 RLX
(floppy drive only); 2500 SX/XL and XL/2; 2500 SX/25; 3000/NL; 4000 SX/LX;
4000 LX; 4016/4020 SX; 4016 DX; 4020/4025/4033 LX; 3100; 2100; 4800-series;
Sensation; MMPC.
 
MN-11-93
CALCULATORS -- WHAT COULD YOU BE SELLING IN CALCULATORS AND DATABASES?
 
If you've ever lost a sale because a customer needed a calculator or data-
base we don't carry, Merchandising needs your ideas.
 
We want to help you avoid having to say "No" to a customer who wants a sci-
entific, printer, database, or any 65-series product we don't currently
stock. It might be made by Texas Instruments, Sharp, Hewlett Packard, or
Casio -- if you're losing sales on it, we want to know!
 
So, what brand name calculators and databases could you sell, if you could
get them? Send speed mail to GDIXON1 or fax (800) 390-3802 by November 26,
1993!
 
MN-11-93
CALCULATORS -- ROLODEX UPDATE
 
Customers can order refill calendars for the Rolodex Pocket Planner (Cat No.
65-855, $19.99) and the Rolodex Executive Planner (Cat. No. 65-856, $89.99,
in Flyer 509 for only $57.88) direct from Rolodex by calling (800) 388-6552.
(Later shipments of 65-855 included the toll-free number, along with 1993-94
calendars. Although later shipments of 65-856 also included 1993-94 calen-
dars, they didn't include the toll-free number.)
 
Soon, CMC will have a PC-Link upgrade that will enable the 65-840, 65-860,
65-939, and 65-940 to communicate with a PC. More in next month's Merchan-
dising Newsletter.
 
MN-11-93
CALCULATORS -- REPLACEMENT INK-ROLLERS
 
Replacement ink-rollers for most major brand calculators are now available
through Tandy Distributor Sales. Call (800) 322-3690 for a complete cross
reference guide and pricing information for these products.
 
MN-11-93
MISCELLANEOUS -- CORRECTIONS TO WARRANTY POLICY INSERT
 
Please make these changes to the Manufacturer's Warranty Policy Listing for
Fiscal Year 1994 from the October 1993 Merchandising Newsletter.
 
On Page 2, there's a blank line. Here's how it should read:
 
               Warranty        Service/
Description    Manufacturer    Period        Replace
 
17-314
Antenna Valor  90 days         Note I
 
On Page 3, Cat. No. 43-908/910/911 should read 43-908/909/910.
(Cat. No. 43-911, Caller ID, appears on the next line).
 
MN-11-93
MISCELLANEOUS -- WHAT'S AN MSDS?
 
The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OSHA) requires businesses to have
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for chemical products they use. These
sheets describe the various chemicals in a product, the hazards associated
with them, and recommended first aid measures.
 
If a business customer asks you for an MSDS, you can get one from the Radio
Shack Regulatory Affairs office. Call (817) 390-2797, fax (817) 390-3092,
or write to:
 
    Radio Shack
    1400 One Tandy Center
    Fort Worth, TX 76102
    Attn: Mac Slayton
 
MN-11-93
F.Y.I. -- TANDY DISTRIBUTOR SALES
 
Tandy Distributor Sales can handle large quantity orders for electronic
parts and electromechanical components. Just get the information from your
customer and call (800) 322-3690.
 
MN-11-93
GIFTS -- HOW FAST CAN AN RC CAR GO?
 
For every radio controlled racing fan who ever wondered how fast our RC cars
really are, here's the scoop -- the actual and scale speeds for all of our
most popular models:
 
                                   Speed (mph)
Cat. No.    Description         Actual      Scale
 
60-4092     7 Function Racer     4.09       73.63
60-4096     Scorpion Track       7.90      102.70
60-4101     Black Wolf          17.04      170.40
60-4104     Police Car           4.09       75.00
60-4105     Sky Blaster          2.05       49.00
60-4107     Dino Track           3.97       95.00
60-4108     Force 1 Rally        3.10       49.60
60-4109     Turbo XR            10.42      156.00
60-4110     Range Buster         4.09       57.30
60-4111     Sound Bat            8.33      100.00
60-4112     Flame Thrower       10.23      133.00
60-4113     Off Road Tiger       4.50       54.00
60-4114     Fierce Warrior      10.70      107.00
60-4115     Jet Flash           11.00      154.00
60-4116     Sniper              11.00      116.00
60-4117     Tsauro X            17.00      170.00
60-4118     Sneaker              6.82      109.10
 
MN-10-93
AUDIO -- Build a Theater in Your Home!
 
The most exciting home entertainment concept today is Home Theater:
combining audio and video components into a single system.  But
Home Theater means more than just connecting a VCR to an audio system.
With the right mix of components, your customers can recreate the sights and
sounds of a movie theater right in their living rooms.
 
And it's not as difficult to get started as some customers might think.  All
they need is four or five components, including at least one or two they might
already own:  a TV, a Hi-Fi VCR or LaserDisc player, an audio/video receiver
with Dolby Pro-Logic Surround Decoder, and speakers.
 
The A/V receiver is the system's centerpiece; through it, the user controls
all the system's components, both audio and video.  A Dolby Pro-Logic Surround
Decoder (a feature of our finest Professional Series receivers) lets them hear
360 sound effects and on-screen dialogue, as well as high-fidelity music.  If
a customer doesn't want to replace their receiver, they can get the effect by
adding a Dolby Pro-Logic Surround Decoder (Cat. No. 15-1964, $199.99).
 
Your customers can experience the full impact of Home Theater by watching any
of the 3,000 movies currently available with Dolby Surround information
encoded in the soundtrack.  Using digital time delay, Dolby Pro-Logic
"steers" the sound between four channels (front left, center, front
right, and rear surround) to create an incredibly spacious effect.
Many customers already have music speakers for the front right and left
channels.  A pair of inexpensive speakers (that can handle frequencies
from 100 Hz to 7 kHz) are all they need to add for rear surround.
 
Once a customer has the basics (the decoder and surround speakers),
they can continue to build their system -- and that means more sales
for you!  Tell them a center channel speaker (like our Optimus PRO CS-1,
Cat. No. 40-4057, $79.99) makes dialogue sound like it's coming directly
from the screen, and a subwoofer (like our Optimus PRO SW-12, Cat. No.
40-4051, $149.99) enhances bass sounds.  Recommend a LaserDisc player,
to give them the best picture imaginable, or even a larger TV.
Once a customer enters the world of Home Theater, the possibilities are
limited only by their budget and your imagination!
 
 
RADIO SHACK INTRODUCES:
Affordable Home Theater Checklist
 
Here's what a home theater system is made up of:
 
- Television
- Audio/Video Receiver w/Dolby Pro-Logic Surround ($329-$599)
- Hi-Fi VCR or LaserDisc Player ($249-$499)
- Front Stereo Speakers ($59-$299)
- Center Channel Speaker ($19.99-$79.99)
- Surround Speakers ($26.99-$89.99)
 
MN-10-93
AUDIO -- Tech Talk in Plain Language: Understanding CD Players
 
Even if you're an audiophile (and who isn't?), you might still have
trouble explaining some of the terms commonly used in the industry.  If you've
ever had a customer ask you to explain "1-bit DAC" or "oversampling"
and found these terms difficult to explain in nontechnical English,
don't feel like the Lone Ranger.  This series will give you some simple
explanations to help you explain some of the popular industry "buzzwords"
to your customers.
 
1-Bit DAC
The first generation of CD players relied on
16- or 14-bit digital-to-analog converters (DACs) to "read" the sounds
encoded on the disc.  Although the introduction of 18- and 20-bit
converters appeared to offer audiophiles "more,"
higher resolution doesn't automatically mean better sound -- because
the music on CDs is still stored in 16-bit units.
 
Today, 1-bit DACs promise higher quality sound at
a more affordable price.  These converters produce output in smaller units
than their predecessors, eliminating the need for expensive converters that
can handle larger units of data.
 
Digital Filtering (Oversampling)
Like other digital systems, 1-bit DACs generate ultrasonic noise,
which has to be removed from the signal to make it "listenable."  The
Compact Disc standard requires each second of music to be "sampled" a
mind-boggling 44,100 times.  That means 44,100 separate units of data
must be processed for each channel every second.
 
At a sampling rate of 44,100 Hz, signals above 20,000 Hz come out
sounding like noise, not music.  Early analog filters removed that noise,
but they also made high frequencies sound unpleasantly harsh.  A
better-sounding solution has come from "oversampling" digital filters.  An
oversampling filter shifts ultrasonic noise to such a high frequency that it
can be removed by an analog filter without affecting the audible sound.
 
Next month:  "Understanding Speakers."
 
MN-10-93
AUDIO -- Sustain Pedal for Concertmate-1000
 
Now, owners of the Concertmate-1000 (Cat. No. 42-4020, $299.99) can expand
the palette of sounds available with the SP-1 Sustain Pedal (Cat. No. 42-4021,
$29.99), available through CMC.  The player simply depresses the pedal
to extend sounds of one instrument and sustain notes or chords of other
instruments. The pedal installs easily into the Concertmate's
SUSTAIN jack.
 
MN-10-93
AUDIO -- New DCC Head Cleaner
 
DCC technology requires a perfectly clean sound head to provide optimum
performance.  Dust and dirt in the DCC deck is a major cause of loss of "live"
sound, poor recordings, and tape damage.
 
Now CMC has the perfect add-on for all DCC sales.  Tell every DCC owner
you know that they can protect their investment and restore "live" sound
easily and efficiently with a DCC Head Cleaner (Cat. No. 42-4021, $29.99).
 
MN-10-93
COMMUNICATIONS -- What Does an SWR Meter Do?
 
SWR (Standing Wave Ratio) is a measure of the amount of
signal lost due to poor antenna performance.  An antenna with a high
SWR reduces the amount of signal actually transmitted through the air,
reducing clarity and range.  A Radio Shack SWR meter will help you tune the
antenna for peak performance.  See them on Catalog Page 93 and suggest them to
all your Ham and CB customers!
 
MN-10-93
COMMUNICATIONS -- Scanners and Imaging
 
You may have had customers ask, "Why do I occasionally hear another
signal (such as a cellular phone call) when I'm listening to an 800
MHz police or fire frequency on my scanner?"
 
To answer this question, we must explain something about how a radio
receiver works.  To begin with, all signals are present at the antenna.
A mixer in the receiver mixes input signals from the antenna with another
signal, called the Local Oscillator, or LO.
 
Tuning the radio shifts the LO frequency up or down so the Intermediate
Frequency or IF stage will accept the desired frequency.  The IF stage
filters and amplifies signals that go on to the rest of the receiver, where
we can hear them. Two frequencies meet this requirement:  the desired
frequency (the station you want to hear) and the IF image frequency.
 
To calculate the IF image frequency, double the IF frequency
and add this number to the desired frequency.  Most of our scanners
are "double conversion" and have a first IF of 10.7 MHz:
 
856.437     desired frequency
21.4        10.7 x IF x 2
 
877.837     image frequency
 
Since this frequency falls in the cellular phone band, it's conceivable a
cellular call on this frequency could be heard, even though the
receiver is tuned to 856.437 MHz, not the cellular frequency.
 
Some receivers are designed to reduce the image frequency's signal
to a level where it can't be heard.  It's easy to do this in an AM or FM
radio, because they have narrow frequency ranges.  But, to do this in a
radio with a wider range, like a scanner, requires a much more costly
scheme -- "triple conversion."
 
We offer two scanners with "triple conversion."  The PRO-43 (Cat. No.
20-300, $349.99) and PRO-2006 (Cat. No. 20-145, 299.99) have a first IF
of 610 MHz.  Using the same 856.437 MHz frequency example, the IF image would
be at 2,076 MHz (2 x 610 + 856.437).  Since a higher IF frequency spreads the
mixed signals further apart, and a signal at 2,076 MHz is less likely, the
triple conversion scheme is more immune to imaging problems.  It's still
important to remember that if a signal appeared at 2,076 MHz, it would be
heard.  All radios exhibit this phenomenon.  Changing the design simply makes
it more or less likely to occur.
 
It's not practical to make every scanner triple conversion; to do so
would inflate prices beyond many prospective hobbyists' price
range.  But, by understanding the features and value of both double and
triple conversion schemes, you can help your customers buy exactly what
they need.
 
MN-10-93
COMMUNICATIONS -- Scanner Antenna Adapter Modified
 
A new version of our Scanner Antenna Adapter (Cat. No. 278-208A,
$1.99) was shipped to stores in mid-September.  The adapter has been
modified so Motorola-type PL-259 plugs will now work with Bearcat scanners.
 
MN-10-93
ELECTRONIC PARTS -- CMC Gets PROwatt Inverters and Pocketpower Adapter
 
Later this month, CMC will have stock of the PROwatt line of inverters
and the Pocketpower universal auto adapter for notebook computers.
 
PROwatt Inverters
The inverters, ranging from pocket-sized models to a powerful 1500-watt
unit, convert vehicle battery power to AC power, so your customers can have
power wherever they need it -- in cars, vans, RVs, boats or mobile homes.
 
The PROwatt 250 (Cat. No. 22-134) plugs into any vehicle's
cigarette-lighter socket, and provides over 200 watts of continuous AC power.
It's highly efficient, providing up to 3 to 5 hours running time at full
power.  And the PROwatt 250 features built-in protection for the user's
vehicle battery.  It sounds an alarm when the battery starts to get low, and
automatically shuts off before the battery is completely drained, so there's
always enough capacity left to start the engine.  The unit regularly retails
for $199.99, but it's available from CMC for only $169.99.
 
The "heavy hitters" of the line, the PROwatt 800 (Cat. No. 22-135,
$499.99) and 1500 (Cat. No. 22-136, $849.99), must be hardwired to the
vehicle's battery.  They provide 800 and 1600 watts of continuous AC
power respectively, so they can handle even the largest power requirements.
 
Pocketpower Adapter
The Pocketpower Adapter (Cat. No. 22-133) works with a notebook
computer's supplied AC adapter/charger, allowing the user to run and
recharge the computer in a vehicle.  The unit plugs into any vehicle
cigarette-lighter socket.
 
The Pocketpower Adapter can also serve as an AC outlet to operate battery
chargers, cellular phones, camcorders, power tools, and other rechargeable
equipment.
 
The unit normally retails for $79.99, but CMC is offering it at the
special price of $69.99.
 
MN-10-93
ELECTRONIC PARTS -- More Adaptaplugs!
 
Here's an update to the list of non-Radio Shack portable CD players
that can use our Adaptaplugs.  Blanks indicate information that is not
available for publication.  Look at the product to determine its power (VDC)
or polarity.
 
Name/           Power    Connector  Polarity
Model           (VDC)      (mm)      (TIP)    Color
 
Denon VXP100      9
Kenwood DCP61     3      1.3 x 3.5            Orange
Kenwood DCP81     3      1.3 x 3.5            Orange
JVC XLP-70        6      1.6 x 4.0     +      Brown
JVC XLP-30        6      1.6 x 4.0     +      Brown
JVC XLP-20        6      1.6 x 4.0     +      Brown
Kenwood
Panasonic
SL-S330                  1.6 x 4.0            Brown
Panasonic
SL-NP1            3      1.3 x 3.5     +      Orange
Sony D-2                 2.1 x 5.5            Blue
Sony D-T2         9      2.1 x 5.5            Blue
Sony D-3          9      2.5 x 5.5            White
Sony D5-A         9      2.1 x 5.5            Blue
Sony D-9                 2.1 x 5.5          
Sony D-10         9      2.5 x 5.5            White
Sony D-11         9      2.1 x 5.5            Blue
Sony D-12         9      2.1 x 5.5            Blue
Sony D-25                2.1 x 5.5            Blue
Sony D33/D34      9      1.6 x 4.0     +      Brown*
Sony D-35                2.1 x 5.5            Blue
Sony D-66                2.1 x 5.5            Blue
Sony D101/D202    6      1.6 x 4.0     +      Brown*
Sony D111                1.6 x 4.0            Brown*
Sony D-180K       9      2.1 x 5.5            Blue
Sony D-180K       9      2.1 x 5.5            Blue
Sony D555         9      2.1 x 5.5            Blue
Technics SL-XP2   3      1.3 x 3.5     +      Orange
 
* Our brown adapters are equivalent to Sony's yellow.
 
Remember, our Adaptaplugs are less expensive than other suppliers', so
owners of other manufacturers' portable products will want to take
advantage of our comparable quality and lower prices.
 
We'll publish information about other Adaptaplug applications as it becomes
available.
 
MN-10-93
ELECTRONIC PARTS -- TNP Has Hard-to-Find Parts
 
Recently, Tandy National Parts has had many calls from stores trying to
locate the parts listed in the following table.  If you've been trying to
locate any of them, please note that they're available from National Parts:
 
          TNP Part
Cat. No.     No.       Description        Price
 
17-1006     Z-3964     Carrying Case      39.95
17-1051     WE-1034    Charger (original  41.54 factory replacement)
43-565      WE-0276    Power Adapter       7.20
 
If there are other parts you are having difficulty finding, just call
Tandy National Parts at (800) 433-5543 for help.
 
MN-10-93
ONE MINUTE MERCHANDISER -- A Tale of Two Customers
 
Chuck Sizer is on vacation -- in his absence we are re-running
his column which appeared in the November, 1991, Merchandising Newsletter.
 
A Tale of Two Customers
 
It was during the final days of our Grand Opening sale that the
little man with the Greek fisherman's cap came into the store.  He
held up a crumpled Radio Shack paper bag in his shaking hands as he
told his sad story about the burned-out AC adapter.  You see, it was
replaced once already at the store by the shopping mall, and they
would not replace it again.  He showed me where the manager had
written "REPLACED 10/6, DJ" on the wrinkled receipt.
 
After listening to the man's story, and studying his receipt, I
politely pointed out that his warranty had been honored and that the
warranty period did not start over when the replacement was made.
He suggested that both adapters must have been defective because
they burned out shortly after he hooked them up to his portable
radio.  I told him that anything was possible, but that Radio Shack
had made good on its warrantee and that the only way he could get a
new one was to buy it.
 
I'll never forget the look in that man's eyes.  They conveyed pain,
sorrow, exasperation and anger all at the same time.  I never saw
him again...
 
A few weeks later I met the biker for the first time.  He wanted to
return a Duofone answering machine.  The batteries had leaked and it
could have been entered in a science fair as an outstanding example
of corrosion at work.  He had no receipt.  He said it was his
girlfriend's and she wanted to buy a Phonemate.
 
I remembered the man in the Greek fisherman's hat.  In fact, he had
been on my mind ever since he left the store a few weeks back.  I
counted out a cash refund to the biker, and I told him the name of
the best place to buy the Phonemate.
 
The biker returned umpteen times during the four years that I ran
that store.  First he bought a radio, then a CB for his motorcycle,
then a CB for his Mercedes.  He bought all his stereo equipment from
me, as well as several computers for his home and business.  We
became good friends.  He spent thousands of dollars and always came
to ask for my advice on electronics.  Even if we didn't sell what he
needed, he would come to Radio Shack first, just to see if we did.
 
I love to tell stories, especially when they're true sagas about my
early days with Radio Shack.  It's comforting to know that this
teflon brain of mine can reach back and recount events of seventeen
years ago.  And if it helps to make a point, I don't mind sharing my
failures as well as my successes.  Both are equally important parts
of the learning experience.
 
I will never know what the total cost of that AC adapter really was.
Was it ten dollars?  One hundred?  One thousand?  Fifty thousand?
Was it one customer?  Plus his family?  Was it ten of his friends?
A third of his church congregation?  Half of his retirement community?
 
Don't wait to see the look that I saw in the eyes of the little man
in the Greek fisherman's cap.  Take care of each and every one of
your customers like they were your ONLY customer, and they will take
care of you!
 
Chuck Sizer
E-mail  CSIZER1
(817) 878-4141
 
MN-10-93
TELEPHONES -- Why 43-Series Tapes are Different Than 44-Series
 
Have you ever wondered or been asked why our 43-series tapes are
relatively more expensive than the 44-series, even though their
playing time is shorter?
 
If you've ever asked (or been asked) these questions, you should know
there's a good reason for the difference.  The 43-series tapes,
specially designed for use in answering machines, are made of
double-thick mylar to stand up to the continual rewinding and
fast-forwarding they get.  It costs a little more, but it also ensures
a tape that meets the special needs of answering machine users.
 
MN-10-93
TELEPHONES -- ET-442 Phone Addendum
 
Owners of the ET-442 Upright 10-Channel Cordless Phone (Cat. No. 43-574,
$119.99) may have noticed the CHARGE indicator on the base
flashing when they plug in the base or place the handset on the cradle.
 
Tell them that if this happens, they should leave the handset on the
cradle for at least 3 minutes so the phone can reload its security code
and do a self-test.  After that, the indicator should stop
flashing and remain lit.
 
Units that shipped from the vendor since the end of July included an
Addendum to the Owner's Manual explaining this procedure.
Future printings of the manual will incorporate this information in the
manual itself. 
 
MN-10-93
TELEPHONES -- Handsfree/Data Interface Kit for CT-351
 
Owners of the CT-351 Cellular Telephone (Cat. No. 17-1061) can now use
the phone in a car more easily and safely.  With the Handsfree/Data
Interface Kit (Cat. No. 17-617, $99.99) from CMC, they can set the phone
to automatically answer calls, then activate the hands-free speaker mode
after the first ring.  The kit allows installation of an external
antenna for even better performance.
 
MN-10-93
F.Y.I. -- TAD Display Tip
 
To get the most from your TAD displays, try recording a brief message
explaining the benefits of owning a Radio Shack telephone answering
device.  Put up your 5-day special sale display, with the TAD as the
centerpiece.  Load the tape with your message into the TAD and make a
small sign saying, "Touch here" to go on the OGM button.  Curious
customers who press the button will get to hear the benefits of the
machine and hear the voice chip's sound quality.
 
Thanks to John Fischer (01-1039) in the Shawsheen Plaza, Andover,
Massachusetts, for this idea.
 
MN-10-93
TELEPHONES -- Dual-NAM Programming Correction
 
There was an omission in the instructions for dual-NAM programming for the
CT-102/1033/1030/302 in the August Merchandising Newsletter.
 
On Page 3, Step 1 should have read, "Enter *3001 # security code SEL 9.
InSTALL appears on the display."  Be sure to correct your copy of the insert.
 
MN-10-93
TELEPHONES -- Avoid Overseas Mis-Connections
 
Customers who travel overseas might be unpleasantly surprised when
they try to use phones bought in U.S. Radio Shack stores while they're
overseas.  Our phones are designed for the U.S. market and don't work properly
in many foreign countries because of differences in telephone networks.
 
Our phones are approved by the FCC, a U.S. government agency, for use in
this country only.  Even Canadian phones must be approved by their DOC,
and have different circuitry than American phones.
 
Also, many of our phones and phone accessories are illegal to use
abroad (and many countries have severe penalties for using unauthorized
phones).  So, don't recommend them to your customers who want a phone
they'll be able to use overseas.
 
Remember, your customers can buy Radio Shack merchandise at InterTAN
stores in the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada.  Suggest they buy our
products in the country where they'll be using them.  You'll save them (and
yourself) an unnecessary hassle.
 
MN-10-93
VIDEO -- Stacked Antenna Connections
 
With the increased demand for antennas, you might also get more
customers who are interested in stacking TV antennas (that is, mounting
two identical antennas on a single mast).  In some areas, we
could be seeing a return to the "forests" of stacked antennas that
characterized "Suburbia" during the '50s and '60s.
(Viewers in areas without cable service never stopped stacking antennas.)
 
Why stack antennas?  There are two benefits:  increased gain (more signal)
and greater selectivity (less interference).  The gain achieved by stacking
antennas is cleaner than gain from an amplifier, because stacked antennas
increase gain without increasing noise.  Greater selectivity means rejection
of signals (or signal reflections) from the side and better reception of
signals in front of the antenna.
 
Besides being identical and on the same mast, stacked antennas must be
vertically spaced a minimum distance, based on the lowest channel received
in your area.
 
Lowest     Minimum   Lowest    Minimum
Channel    Spacing   Channel   Spacing
 
2          8 1/2'     6        5 '
3          7 '        FM       5 1/2'
4          7'         7-13     3'
5          6 1/4'     UHF      1 1/4'
 
Customers who want to attach two antennas to a TV or VCR can follow these
steps:
 
1. At each antenna, connect a 300-to-75 ohm matching transformer such as
   Cat. No. 15-1140.  Use a continuity checker to ensure the transformers are
   connected to both antennas in the same way.
 
2. Mount a 75-ohm splitter/combiner (Cat. No. 15-1141) on the
   mast between the two antennas.  Use tape to mount the splitter/combiner;
   do not drill holes in it.
 
3. Using short coaxial cables, connect the antennas to the inputs of the
   splitter/combiner.  If there are no polarity marks on the antennas'
   terminals, consider the corresponding right/left terminals on the antennas
   as being of the same polarity.
 
4. Run coaxial cable from the splitter/combiner's output to your TV/VCR.
 
5. Seal all connections with sealant tape.
 
MN-10-93
VIDEO -- Quick and Easy Video Connections
 
With recent changes to many local cable systems, you can expect greater
demand for A/B switches from customers who want to use an antenna
in conjunction with their cable box.  See this month's insert on "Quick
and Easy Video Connections" for a diagram showing how to connect such a
system, as well as other popular configurations.
 
MN-10-93
VIDEO -- Active-Matrix TV Update
 
Industry insiders predict that, in the next decade, TV systems using
active-matrix displays (like our Cat. No. 16-167) will replace the familiar
CRT as the industry standard for flat-panel color displays.  Active-matrix
LCDs have the greatest potential for low-cost, lightweight, low-power
color displays of any existing flat-panel technology; they're light,
need only a single lens to operate, and are highly optically efficient.
 
The bottom line:  active-matrix provides superior picture quality,
with better response and contrast than other TVs.
Besides being bulky and expensive, conventional TVs suffer from color
definition problems because they use three separate beams of light,
one for each of the primary colors.
 
In contrast, active-matrix systems can use bright light sources to give
crisp pictures in normal light conditions.  A larger active-matrix screen
simply uses a slightly brighter light source and a more powerful lens.
 
MN-10-93
VIDEO -- Use the Right Adapter with Active-Matrix TV
 
The 1994 Radio Shack Catalog and the Owner's Manual for the 2.5"
Active-Matrix LCD Color TV (Cat. No. 16-167, $249.99) recommend specific AC
and DC adapters (Cat. No. 16-2018, $19.99, and Cat. No. 16-2019, $19.99,
respectively) -- and there's a good reason why.
 
The recommended items are designed especially
for use with the active-matrix TV and its unique power requirements.
Although the 16-2018 and 16-2019 adapters' availability is delayed,
you should recommend no others.
 
While the 16-167 will work with a 270-1562 adapter, it's not an ideal match.
Customers who use this setup and try to listen privately through an earphone
will notice a distinct hum.  This might cause them to believe the TV is
defective when it's not.
 
The recommended adapters should be available by late fall.  In the
meantime, don't suggest substitutes that aren't really meant to be
used with the 16-167.  You'll save your customers the frustration of
having to deal with less-than-peak performance, and yourself the
inconvenience of having to deal with an irate customer.
 
MN-10-93
VIDEO -- KU-Band LNB Price Reduction
 
Here's exciting news for customers interested in upgrading their 9-foot
satellite dishes.  CMC has reduced the price of the KU-Band LNB (Cat. No.
16-2318) to $129.99 -- $70.00 less than the 1994 Radio Shack Catalog price.
 
MN-10-93
F.Y.I. -- Don't Forget to Cross Your Wires!
 
If you hear users of our long-range antennas say they don't receive
Channel 4 as strongly as other channels, ask them if they crossed the
crossover wires on top of the antenna during assembly.  Each Owner's
Manual includes directions and illustrations, but if the customer didn't
follow them, they might experience some reception problems.
 
MN-10-93
VIDEO -- New Care Products
 
It's a myth that dirt, dust, and tape oxides collect where a tape
contacts the components of an audio or video player.
 
In fact, damaging dirt collects just above and below the tape path, and in
gaps and grooves like those around the video drum and heads.  Cleaning tapes
does not reach the critical areas where dirt collects because they ride on the
surface of the parts touched by the tape.
 
This fall, Radio Shack introduces a revolutionary new line of audio/video
care products.  AudioBRUSH (Cat. No. 44-1202, $9.99), VideoBRUSH (Cat. No.
44-1203, $16.99), and 8mmBRUSH (Cat. No. 44-1204, $14.99) use a system of
fiber brushes housed within a cassette shell to automatically and safely
clean the critical inner components of an audiocassette, VHS, or 8mm
video player.  All three items are effective and simple to use, making
them ideal add-ons for a player or tape purchase.
 
- AudioBRUSH uses an advanced five-brush design to clean and demagnetize
  an audiocassette player, restoring "live" sound and unwanted hiss.
 
- VideoBRUSH relies on thousands of fibers, woven, locked and bonded into
  an extruded resin base, to remove dirt and restore color and sound quality
  to a VCR.
 
- 8mmBRUSH not only reaches the critical elements of a camcorder, it
  dehumidifies the unit as well.
 
MN-10-93
SECURITY -- Child Locator & Smoke Detector Provide Peace of Mind
 
One of the greatest catastrophes that can befall any family is a fire
in the home.  When a house fire breaks out, any parent has two immediate
needs:  first, to find out that the fire truly exists; second, to make sure
their children are safe.  The same applies to families with elderly
or bed-ridden members.
 
The Eveready Child Locator & Smoke Detector (Cat. No. 49-453, a $27.99
value, available now for only $19.95) is a battery-operated, self-contained
unit that can give your customers peace of mind on both of these concerns.
It's also suitable for use by hearing-impaired people
who need to know when there is a fire alarm.
 
The Smoke Detector installs easily and quickly on a ceiling.  The Child
Locator light comes with removable, non-damaging suction cups to attach it to
any window.  (The two units should be mounted within 15 feet of each other.)
 
When the Smoke Detector senses smoke, it sounds an alarm and triggers
the Child Locator light to flash, so firefighters can find the child's
room easily.  Each unit runs on one 9-volt Eveready battery
(included) and comes with a five-year limited warranty.
 
And now, in Flyer 509, October 28 - November 27, 1993, the complete
package is just $19.95, with a $2 rebate -- a small price to pay for
the peace of mind your customers need!
 
MN-10-93
F.Y.I. -- Security Note for California
 
Stores in California take note:  the California Fire Department has just
approved the 16-Zone Wireless Home Security System (Cat. No. 49-2010,
$199.99) for use in your state.
 
MN-10-93
VIDEO -- Correction to Control Center Manual
 
Some customers who bought our Burglar/Fire Alarm Control Center
(Cat. No. 49-485, $199.99) may have received an Owner's Manual without
a needed addendum.  To have complete, correct instructions for using their
control center, these customers should make a small change to the manual.
 
On Page 20, in the section "Setting the Entry/Exit Delay," they should
change Step 1 to read, "Be sure the system is not armed.  Then, press
PROGRAM on the remote keypad."  (The corrected manual includes these
instructions as Steps 1 and 2.)
 
When you sell one of these control centers, check the Owner's Manual
to be sure your customer is getting the corrected version, or make
sure they have this information added to their manual before they leave
the store.
 
MN-10-93
VIDEO -- Video Door Phone Alert
 
Be sure to tell prospective Video Door Phone (Cat. No. 49-2600, $399.99)
buyers that they cannot connect an extra monitor to the system as the original
Owner's Manual states.  (The manual has since been corrected.) If they do, the
CD camera module generates a voltage spike that false triggers the extra
monitor.  Also, the transmission line between the camera and monitor becomes
unregulated and the monitor picture will not stably display.
 
MN-10-93
MISCELLANEOUS -- Franklin Products Available from Express Order
 
The entire Franklin product line is now available at Radio Shack!
Those items not carried in retail stores are now available through
Express Order.
(Items with CMC part numbers can be ordered for your store through CMC.)
 
 CMC       Express     Franklin
Part No.   Order No.      No.      Description                        Price
 
N/A        10287688     ACE-200    Speaking Ace                       99.95
N/A        10287670     CW-50      Crosswords Puzzle                  69.95
EO-FP610   10287639     FP-610     Speaking French Professor         249.95
EO-GP620   10287647     GP-620     Speaking German Professor         249.94
N/A        10287654     KLM4000    Speaking Korean/English Master    299.95
EO-LM2015  10287621     LM-2015    Language Master                    69.95
EO-LM6000  10287704     LM-6000    Speaking Language Master          239.95
N/A        10287662     MED-55     Med-Spell                          89.95
EO-SDC300  10287696     SDC-300    Speaking Dictionary               119.95
EO-SM600   10285609     SM-600     Speaking Spanish Master           199.95
N/A        10287613     WN-1015    Word Master                        49.95
 
In other Franklin news, Flyer 509 (October 28 - November 27, 1993)
features the Franklin Digital Book (Cat. No. 63-2010) for the lowest price
ever -- just $149.99!  Note that today's configuration, shown on
Page 166 of the 1994 Radio Shack Catalog, comes packaged with the Dictionary
and Word Games.  (These two titles will be sold separately in the future.)
Digital Book software is also available through both CMC and Express Order:
 
 CMC        Express     Franklin
Part No.    Order No.      No.      Description              Price
 
63-2011     10274587     IC-102     Video Companion          69.99
63-2012     10279834     IC-109     Scrabble Dictionary      49.99
63-2013     10279842     IC-108     Baseball Encyclopedia    49.99
63-2014     10279859     IC-107     Organizer                99.99
63-2015     10279867     IC-105     Medical Therapeutics     99.99
63-2016     10279875     IC-106     Phys. Desk Reference    149.99
63-2017     10274595     IC-104     Adverse Drug             99.99
63-2018     10279883     IC-110     Baseball Manager         39.99
63-2019     10279891     IC-111     Pocket Stock Guide       59.99
63-2020     10279909     IC-113     Harrison's Medical       99.99
63-2021     10279917     IC-114     Encyclopedia             79.99
63-2022     10279925     IC-115     Game Gallery             39.99
63-2023     10279933     IC-116     Advanced Dictionary      79.99
63-2024     10279941     IC-101     Dictionary               59.99
63-2025     10279958     IC-118     Merck Manual             99.99
63-2026     10279966     IC-119     King James Bible         79.99
63-2027     10279974     IC-103     Word Games               29.99
 
Finally, you should have received Franklin displayers for three new
products:  Baseball, Scrabble, and Word Games.  The displayers were
shipped as a single package from Tandy Cabinets.  Add these
new products to your Franklin display.  If you haven't received your
displayers yet, you can order them from Tandy Cabinet as SF-841.
(Also, if you need more Franklin Display Pins, you can order them
through the POS system free of charge as FO-137.)
 
MN-10-93
MISCELLANEOUS -- Returning Franklin Products
 
All Franklin products carry a one-year warranty.  Defective products will be
exchanged for new, in-carton goods and returned to your store.  Return
defective products directly to Franklin at the following address:
 
Franklin Electronic Publishers
Attn: Service Department
122 Burrs Road
Mt. Holly, NJ  08060
 
Make sure your Radio Shack address is legible.
Franklin cannot return your product if they cannot read the address.
Merchandise is processed as Radio Shack product, then returned to your store.
(Make sure you note the customer's phone number, so you can call him or her
when the product comes back).
 
For faster processing and tracking, call Franklin
for a Return Authorization (RA) number at (609) 261-4800, extension 245.
 
MN-10-93
F.Y.I. -- Product Problems?
 
What can you do when you identify a problem with a product?
Obviously, the first thing you need to do is take care of the customer
who returns a defective product -- by replacing the product or having
it repaired (see the 1994 Manufacturer's Warranty Policy Listing insert
in this issue).
 
If you have repeated problems with the same product (e.g., 4 or 5 defective
units), let your DM or RM know about it.  They're in a position to determine
the scope of the problem -- they'll know if other stores in your district
or region are having the same problem.
 
Of course, you can always use the speed mail addresses from our "Who
Buys What" feature (most recently updated in August 1993) to communicate
directly with the buyer for the product series.  But, be sure to also keep
your DM and RM informed.
 
MN-10-93
MISCELLANEOUS -- Scientific Calculator Cross-Reference
 
Because you asked for it (and because we promised you one in the July
Merchandising Newsletter), here's an updated chart for you to use when
students come to you looking for a scientific calculator comparable to a
national brand model their instructor has recommended.
 
                                         Comparable
Cat No     Description                      Model
 
65-803     Programmable Graphing         Casio FX-6300 G
65-804     Programmable Graphing         Casio FX-7700 GB
65-815     Scientific                    None
65-816     Scientific                    Calcomp SR6A
65-817     40-Step Programmable          Calcomp SB8
65-983     Electrical Eng. Scientific    Casio FX-580
65-991     Programmable Scientific       Casio FX-50 F
65-993     1103 Step Programmable        Casio FX-4500 P
65-998     Full Feature Scientific       Casio FX-115 DH
65-999     40 Step Programmable          Sharp EL-5020
 
MN-10-93
F.Y.I. -- Tandy Distributor Sales
 
Tandy Distributor Sales, a specialized department within Tandy National
Parts, is an authorized distributor of electronic and electromagnetic
parts and components for over 35 different manufacturers.  Tandy
Distributor Sales can support large quantity orders for your customers
from these and other manufacturers, including Radio Shack parts and
components.  To contact Tandy Distributor Sales, call (800) 322-3690.
 
MN-10-93
MISCELLANEOUS -- Data Transfer Cables and PC Links
 
The 65-137 Data Transfer Cable, available through CMC ($19.99), works for both
the 65-847 and 65-862 organizers.  Page 164 in the 1994 Radio Shack
Catalog incorrectly lists this cable as Cat. No. 65-855.
 
The new PC link for the World Travelers' Directory/ Scheduler (Cat. No.
65-849, $129.99) will be available from CMC in December as Cat. No. 65-850.
Watch for more details.
 
MN-10-93
GIFTS -- Tool Time!
 
Customers in search of the perfect gift for any electronic, wood,
or model hobbyist need look no further than the Dremel Cordless
Minimite Precision Rotary Tool (Cat. No. 64-2840, a $49.50 value, available
now for only $34.88).
 
This special purchase, brand name item has major
national advertising support from the vendor, including ads in Sports
Illustrated and U.S. News and World Report.
 
Housed in rugged, shatter-resistant plastic, the Minimite features a
unique collet nut which allows fast replacement of bits without a wrench.
It's perfect for use with a variety of woods, brass, aluminum, white metal,
ceramics, fiberglass, and plastic.
 
This two-speed, battery-powered wonder comes complete with ten bits (our
competitors offer the same item with only five) and a removable battery pack
and charger to give it "more power!"
 
The battery pack fully recharges in just three hours, and is available
through CMC for $21.00.  Order Part No. CPT-755.
 
MN-10-93
GIFTS -- Santa Sez:  Sell DISCO!
 
It's time now to take out all the old, discontinued toys from the
back room, dust them off, make sure they're priced correctly,
and display them to sell for the upcoming holiday season.
You'll soon see shoppers trying to get the jump on the holiday
crowds, seeking out gift bargains for all the children on their lists.
Be ready for them and reap the benefits in sales!
 
While you're at it, don't forget to include Mr. Christmas Musical
Lights (Cat. No. 61-2729, $14.99) in your holiday display.
They're a natural add-on to a holiday shopper's ticket.
 
MN-10-93
GIFTS -- Game Genie Coupon
 
As you know, Radio Shack has two game enhancer products in this year's
catalog, the Game Genie for Gameboy (Cat. No. 60-5801, $39.99) and the
Game Genie for the Super Nintendo System (Cat. No. 60-5804, $59.99).
 
Recently, the vendor for these products planned an "Instant In-Store
Redeemable Manufacturer's Coupon" offer for all their dealers,
including Radio Shack.  The coupon, allowing the customer $5.00 off
the Game Genie for Gameboy and $10.00 off the Game Genie for Super
Nintendo, was to have run in a number of magazines in November.
 
Although the vendor cancelled this promotion, there may be a few coupons
circulating.  In the unlikely event a customer brings one into your
store and wants to redeem it, honor the price.  Then send an email
message to "LLUTZ1" in Merchandising stating how many coupons you
honored and for which product.
 
MN-10-93
COMPUTERS -- Shielded Speakers, Please!
 
If you've noticed a problem with the color on the monitor in your multimedia
system display, perhaps the problem is in your speakers.  If you're using
unshielded speakers near a PC, the speakers' magnets affect the color on
the CRT.  (The same is true of the TV set in a Home Theater system.)  To
avoid this problem, use our MMS-10 Stereo Speaker/Amplifier (Cat. No. 25-1096,
$79.99) or any of our other shielded speakers.
 
MN-10-93
GIFTS -- CMC Has Printer and Monitor Cables
 
Recently, four printer and monitor cables were transferred from
TEW to CMC.  All orders for these cables must be placed with CMC
at (800) 433-2024.
 
SKU         Description                 Length     Price
 
26-0223     25-pin male/Tandy port for     12'     17.99
            Tandy 1000 RL/RLX/TL3       Shielded
            3000/4000/5000/MPC/
            Sensation/WP/2/IBM,
            All Tandy Laptops
 
26-0290     36-pin male/36-pin male        25'     39.99
            Extension Cable for 
            26-2840
 
26-0255     VGA Monitor Extension          6'      26.99
            Cable                      Shielded
 
26-0257     Monitor Extension Cable        25'     14.99
            with DB9 connector for     Shielded
            EGA/CGA and monochrome
            monitors
 
MN-10-93
F.Y.I. -- The Cure for Blistered Thumbs!
 
Here's a tip for salesmakers who have blistered their thumbs trying
to put inventory savers (you know, those little rubber grommets you use
for fronting peg merchandise) over display pegs.
Just spray the grommets with a lubricant such as our Tuner Cleaner/Lubricant
(Cat. No. 64-3320, $4.99).  It's a little messy -- you'll want to use
the lubricant sparingly and with caution.   But it makes the inventory savers
much easier to put over the pegs.
 
Thanks to Al Neco (store 01-3830) in San Francisco, California, for this hint.
 
MN-09-93
AUDIO -- Surround Sound Demo Tape Update
 
In the July 1993 Merchandising Newsletter, you learned about
our surround sound demo tape, produced for Radio Shack by Fox Studios.
Now that you have the tape, use it to let customers experience the full
range of sounds from our Pro Logic  sound systems.  If you don't
have your copy of the tape yet, or need a replacement, call your DM.
(Watch for theft -- only a few replacements are available.)
 
Remember, these tapes are time-sensitive, so make as much use of them as
possible while we're allowed to play them.  The next tape should be in
your store around Christmas.  At that time, you must stop showing the
tape you currently have.  You'll receive further instructions on handling
and disposing of these tapes in a future Merchandising Newsletter.
 
MN-09-93
AUDIO -- DCC Bandwagon Keeps Rolling
 
With every passing month, more manufacturers are introducing new DCC
products -- a sure sign that the industry is confident in and committed
to the format!
 
Most recently, Marantz has introduced a high-end unit, retailing for
$1,199.99 (our Optimus DCT-2000, Cat. No. 14-675, uses the same drives
and sells for only $699.99).  Panasonic and Phillips have both entered
the market with portable DCC players.
 
Radio Shack has already made it possible for customers to order any
available DCC title through Express Order.  Beginning in late
September, we'll be offering customers a DCC Head Cleaner (Cat. No. 44-1211,
$14.99) through CMC.  And don't forget, CMC also has digital coax cables
(Cat. No. 42-2467, $39.99) and digital fiber optic cables (Cat. No. 42-2466,
$39.99).  With our economical, high-quality recorders, extensive selection
of titles, and now accessories, we provide customers with everything
they need to get on the DCC bandwagon!
 
MN-09-93
AUDIO -- Optimus Audio/Video Players Have Self-Demonstration Feature
 
Don't forget to use the self-demonstration feature of our 31-series
Optimus Professional Series Audio Video Receivers (Cat. Nos. 31-3023, 31-3026,
31-3024, and 31-3025) to show customers just how much these receivers
have to offer!  (Note that Cat. No. 31-3014, which is an audio receiver only,
doesn't have this feature.)  To use the feature:
 
- In power-off mode, hold RETURN and press POWER.
 
- All segments in the fluorescent display light and the display shows
  OPTIMUS RECEIVER CAN TURN YOUR LIVINGROOM INTO A HOME THEATER.
 
- After the message flashes, all the function and mode displays light
  one after another.  This is a good opportunity for you to tell the
  customer about the various functions and modes.
 
- The sequence repeats until you press POWER again.
 
MN-09-93
FEATURE2 -- Surround Sound Update: Center Mode Control
 
Our units with Dolby Pro Logic Surround Sound let customers choose the
Normal or Wide operating mode for center channel.  Normal takes
the low bass sounds out of the center channel and sends them to the
left and right speakers, allowing customers to use a space-saving,
compact center speaker, like our Optimus XTS 25 (Cat. No. 40-1999, $19.99).
Let them know that in Normal mode, the bass isn't filtered out; it's
redistributed, so two full-range front speakers provide the same bass
energy as three speakers!  Even with the bass redistributed, listeners
will hear an added dimension from the center speaker.
 
Wide means "wide range."  Since the bass isn't redistributed in
this mode, your customers will need a wide-range center speaker -- one
with full, extended bass response, like our Optimus PRO CS-1 (Cat. No.
40-4057, $79.99) to handle the lower frequencies.  In this mode, listeners can
enjoy the full spectrum of sound from all three speakers.
 
Because our center channel speakers are shielded to prevent video interference
from affecting TV reception, they can be placed directly on top of or below a
TV set.  They're perfect additions to any Home Theater system.
 
MN-09-93
AUTO SOUND -- Wiring Store Demos for New 14-Pin Connector
 
In last month's Merchandising Newsletter (August 1993), you read about
our new 14-pin Molex connector for auto sound products -- introduced to make
our products more user-friendly.  Until the manufactured adapter cables
arrive, you need to hard-wire a couple of the demos to get them on display.
 
This chart shows the view from the back side of the connector, where the
pins will be inserted.  (There are numbers marked on the back of the
connector, but only those with extra-sharp eyesight will be able to spot
them.)  You'll need a Molex connector (Part # 19A0056) and Molex pins
(Part # 19A0060) with 20-gauge wire.
 
BLUE         YELLOW     RED     PURPLE     GREEN     GRAY     WHITE
Switched                Main     Rear      Rear     Front     Front
Output      Memory     Power     Right     Left     Right     Left
(Antenna)                        (-)       (-)      (-)       (-)
 
YELLOW/     ORANGE/     BLACK     PURPLE/     GREEN/     GRAY/     WHITE/
RED         WHITE       BLACK     BLACK       BLACK      BLACK     BLACK
Phone                             Rear        Rear       Front     Front
Mute        Dimmer      Ground    Right       Left       Right     Left
                                  (+)         (+)        (+)       (+)
 
On the 5-pin DIN connector (Cat. No. 274-1215), the colors designate the
following:
 
GREEN     Left +      GRAY     Right -
BROWN     Right +     RED      Power
WHITE     Left -
 
Connect them to the Molex as follows:
 
GREEN     Socket 8     GRAY     Socket 2
BROWN     Socket 9     RED      Socket 12
WHITE     Socket 1
 
The red wire must also have an in-line fuse holder (Cat. No. 270-1211)
and 5 Amp fuse to protect the stereo, and a short length of black 20 gauge
wire to go into Socket 5 for the ground connection.  You may want to put
a spade connector (Cat. No. 64-3035) on the end of this wire.
 
You may also want to have red 20-gauge wire coming out of Sockets 6
(Dimmer) and 13 (Memory), tapped into the red wire from Socket
12 (with the 64-3035 taps) between the fuse holder and the Molex connector.
If the stereo you're using is 4-channel, set CH/4CH
to CH.
 
You can order the Molex parts from Tandy Distributor Sales at (800) 322-3690,
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.  Tandy Distributor Sales is a
department within National Parts that supports large-quantity sales.
Note that their phone number is different from the regular National Parts
number.
 
MN-09-93
COMMUNICATIONS -- Correction to Pager Repair and Return Information
 
The article "Pager Repair and Return Information" on Page 6 of
last month's Merchandising Newsletter (August 1993) contained some
incorrect addresses and phone numbers.
 
To return a pager which is defective at the time of activation,
send the defective unit with a repair/exchange memo and description
of the problem to:
 
MobileComm Distribution Center
6420 Cole Road
Jackson, MS 39213
(601) 977-1670 
 
The address to send pagers for repair is:
 
MobileComm Repair Center
Attn:  Personal Pager Division
403 East Ramsey, Suite 202
San Antonio, TX 78216
(512) 341-1624 
 
Be sure to correct this information in your copy of the August 1993
Merchandising Newsletter so you'll have a correct reference.
 
MN-09-93
COMMUNICATIONS -- Scanner Excitement!
 
Sales in scanners have been terrific this year; if you've been participating
in this growth area, congratulations!  Mark Clarke, Detroit RM, recognizes
the profit and sales potential for scanners and requires that every store
have a working display of one of our high-end desk top scanners with an
external speaker.  Of course, it's operating and programmed for all the
local action.  They connect the discone antenna and hang it from the
ceiling.  Behind the scanner is a local map with pins showing the locations
of police, fire, hospital, etc.  Stores often have a police
barricade ribbon across the map to draw special attention to the display.
 
If you're not up to speed on scanners, assign someone to set up this display.
To get the correct frequencies used in your area, use one of our scanner
books.  Our "Police Call" Radio Frequency Guides for different regions
(Cat. Nos. 62-1041 through 62-1049, $9.99 each), the Aeronautical Frequency
Directory (Cat. No. 62-1030, $21.99, available through CMC), and the Marine
Frequency Directory (Cat. No. 62-1031, $24.99, available through CMC) are good
references for active frequencies.  These guides and directories are updated
annually.
 
You can also program one of our scanners to search for active frequencies,
or find out if there's a local club that monitors your community's frequencies.
A police or fire department employee can also be a good source of information.
Here's just some of what you'll find:
 
Frequency Range      Types of Activity
 
153.785-155.98 MHz,  Local government, taxicab, delivery,
158.73-159.46 MHz    road crews
 
160.0-161.9 MHz      Railroad signals
 
118.0-136.975 MHz    Commercial aircraft
 
225.0-400.0 MHz      Military aircraft
 
453.025-453.95 MHz,  Emergency services
456.025-467.925 MHz
 
465.025-469.975 MHz  Police, fire, other mobile units/control stations
(associated repeaters usually operate 5 MHz lower)
 
Trunked radio, using the 800 MHz band, is used by police and fire departments
in some larger cities.  With up to 20 channels available, the transmitter
automatically selects an unused frequency, so several agencies can share
a system without interfering with each other.  Monitoring a trunked system
requires that each frequency be programmed into the scanner's memory.
It's also important to have a fast scanner (one with our HyperScan feature)
to prevent missing the first part of a transmission.
 
Recipe for scanner sales success:
 
- Set up a good demo.
 
- Find out what the customer needs (ask -- not everyone needs
  800 MHz), and sell it to him!
 
- Combine product knowledge with enthusiasm for the sale.
 
- Be proud of the price!
 
Good luck selling more scanners!
 
MN-09-93
COMMUNICATIONS -- New Radar/Laser Detectors Cover the Whole Spectrum
 
Since law enforcement agencies began using radar for traffic speed detection
in the late 70s, types of speed detection technologies have
mushroomed.  In different parts of the country, you'll find X, K,
Ka, wideband Ka, super-wideband Ka, and laser speed detection in use.
Customers demand a range of detectors to help them be aware of all
these means of speed detection.
 
Our current line of laser/radar, laser, and ultracompact radar
detectors offers something for every customer.
The "star" of the line is our Laser, X K and Super Wideband Ka Detector
(Cat. No. 22-1647, $199.99), which covers all electronic
speed detection methods.  Also noteworthy are our Laser,
X K-Band Detector (Cat. No. 22-1644, $119.99) and our Laser
Detector (Cat. No. 22-1650, $89.99).  (Note that 22-1647 is due in the
warehouses September 30, 1993, while 22-1644 is due October 31, 1993.)
 
Laser detectors are used in most states for speed detection.  Laser and
radar detectors are legal almost everywhere (the District of Columbia,
Illinois and Virginia currently have laws on the books affecting their use,
and laws change frequently).  Before you make a recommendation, check to be
sure detectors are legal in the states where your customer will be traveling.
 
The handy chart at the bottom of Page 105 in the 1994 Radio Shack Catalog
offers a quick comparison of the various detectors we sell, their
capabilities and features.  (Note that the 22-1645 and 22-1643 detectors
feature three meter LEDs, not five as shown in the catalog.)
 
Industry insiders agree that the FCC is not likely to approve any
increase in the frequencies used for speed detection, so the most
capable detectors now available should continue to provide
all the capability your customers will need for some time.
 
MN-09-93
COMMUNICATIONS -- Correction to CT-351 NAM Programming Instructions
 
The CT-351 cellular phone is not programmed exactly like the
CT-350, as reported in the August 1993 Cellular Telephone Programming
insert.  You do not need to enter the Program Mode to change the Lock Code
in the CT-351.  For the CT-351, instead of following Steps 9 - 12 on
Page 4 of the insert, follow these steps:
 
1. To change the Lock Code, type: MENU 1 1
   The phone responds with: SECURITY?
 
2. Type the five-digit security code the customer selected when they bought
   the phone (the default is 12345), then press STO.
   The phone responds with: NEW LOCK CODE?
 
3. Type the new four-digit lock code, then press: STO
   The phone responds with: STORED
 
Be sure to correct your copy of the insert.
 
MN-09-93
F.Y.I. -- 1994 Catalog Tips
 
Remove and destroy the coupons from catalogs designated for in-store use,
and make the proper notation on the MERCHANDISE ADJUSTMENT screen
on the back room computer.  Remember, catalogs are an inventory item,
accounted for like any other merchandise.
 
MN-09-93
ELECTRONIC PARTS -- Fuse Packaging Changes
 
In last month's Merchandising Newsletter (August 1993), you learned that
the new 1994 Radio Shack catalog features a repackaged fuse line,
with a larger number of fuses in the same size package.  While
the price is slightly higher than before, your customers get better
value for their money.
 
The new package will be introduced gradually as we run out of old
stock in the warehouse.  To simplify this change for you and your
customers:
 
1. Use the new gray peg tags for existing stock.
 
2. When the new stock number arrives, peg it according to fuse type
   and size, behind the old stock number.  Put a paper divider
   between the old and new stock numbers.
 
3. When you sell out of the old stock number, remove the paper
   divider, take down the peg tag for the old stock number, and put up
   the peg tag for the new stock number.
 
To avoid any confusion, be sure everyone on your staff knows of this change!
Here's a listing of old and new Cat. Nos. and quantities:
 
FAST ACTING
 
Size       Old Cat #  Old Qty  New Cat #  New Qty
 
1/4 AMP    270-1270     3      270-1002     4
1/2 AMP    270-1271     3      270-1003     4
3/4 AMP    270-1272     3      270-1004     4
1 AMP      270-1273     3      270-1005     4
1 1/2 AMP  270-1274     3      270-1006     4
2 AMP      270-1275     3      270-1007     4
2 1/2 AMP  270-1260     3      270-1008     4
3 AMP      270-1276     3      270-1009     4
4 AMP      270-1277     3      270-1010     4
5 AMP      270-1278     3      270-1011     4
6 AMP      270-1252     3      270-1012     4
7 AMP      270-1253     3      270-1013     4
8 AMP      270-1254     3      270-1014     4
10 AMP     270-1325     3      270-1015     4
 
SLOW BLOW
 
Size       Old Cat #  Old Qty  New Cat #  New Qty
 
1/4 AMP    270-1326     2      270-1017     4
1/2 AMP    270-1282     2      270-1018     4
0.375 AMP  270-1328     2      NONE
3/4 AMP    270-1329     2      NONE
1 AMP      270-1283     2      270-1021     4
1 1/2 AMP  270-1284     2      270-1022     4
2 AMP      270-1285     2      270-1023     4
2 1/2 AMP  270-1327     2      270-1024     4
3 AMP      270-1286     2      270-1025     4
4 AMP      270-1289     2      270-1026     4
5 AMP      270-1287     2      270-1027     4
6 AMP      270-1291     2      270-1028     4
7 AMP      270-1292     2      270-1029     4
8 AMP      270-1293     2      270-1030     4
 
CERAMIC FUSES
 
Size       Old Cat #  Old Qty  New Cat #  New Qty
10 AMP     270-1256     2      270-1039     4
15 AMP     270-1257     2      270-1040     4
20 AMP     270-1258     2      270-1041     4
 
FAST-ACTING 5X20 MM
 
Size       Old Cat #  Old Qty  New Cat #  New Qty
0.315 AMP  270-1249     2      270-1046     4
1/2 AMP    270-1241     2      270-1047     4
3/4 AMP    270-1242     2      270-1048     4
1 AMP      270-1250     2      270-1049     4
1 1/2 AMP  270-1243     2      270-1050     4
2 AMP      270-1244     2      270-1052     4
2 1/2 AMP  270-1245     2      270-1053     4
3 AMP      270-1246     2      270-1054     4
4 AMP      270-1247     2      270-1055     4
5 AMP      270-1248     2      270-1056     4
1.6 AMP    270-1235     2      270-1051     4
.063 AMP   270-1236               
 
SLOW BLOW 5X20 MM
 
Size       Old Cat #  Old Qty  New Cat #  New Qty
 
1/2 AMP    270-1169     2      270-1061     4
3/4 AMP    270-1170     2      270-1062     4
1 AMP      270-1171     2      270-1063     4
2 AMP      270-1172     2      270-1064     4
3.15 AMP   270-1173     2      270-1065     4
4 AMP      270-1174     2      270-1066     4
5 AMP      270-1175     2      270-1067     4
6.3 AMP    270-1176     2      270-1068     4
 
AUTO FUSES/FUSE KITS
 
Size       Old Cat #  Old Qty  New Cat #  New Qty
 
5 AMP      270-1263     3      270-1071     4
10 AMP     270-1279     3      270-1072     4
15 AMP     270-1280     3      270-1073     4
20 AMP     270-1268     3      270-1074     4
5 AMP      270-1205     2      270-1079     3
10 AMP     270-1207     2      270-1081     3
15 AMP     270-1212     2      270-1082     3
20 AMP     270-1208     2      270-1083     3
25 AMP     270-1214     2      270-1084     3
30 AMP     270-2109     2      270-1085     3
FUSE TAP   270-1204     4      SAME         4
 
MN-09-93
ELECTRONIC PARTS -- CMC Has Voltage Converters
 
Here's a convenient solution to the problem of voltage conversion for
your customers who travel or live overseas.  CMC now has voltage
converters in four different wattages to step down 220 volt
electricity to 110 volts for U.S.-made electrical appliances.
 
The 2-prong plug between these transformers is designed primarily
for use in continental Europe.  If the transformer is to be used in
other 220/240 VAC countries, an Adapter Plug Set (Cat. No. 273-1405,
$7.99 for a set of four) may be required.
 
Remember, transformers do not convert cycles.  Cycle-sensitive
motorized products such as clocks and stereo turntables may run faster
or slower when converted to run on foreign electricity.
 
To choose the right transformer, your customers must determine the
wattage rating of each appliance to be used.  Some examples are
listed below, but customers should  check the rating label on the product
or the specification list in the owner's manual to make sure they're
getting the correct wattage transformer.
 
- 200-Watt Step Down Transformer 220-110 (Cat. No. 273-1415, $39.99)
  can be used with answering machines, computer monitors, dot
  matrix printers, fans, small fax machines, hand blenders, hand mixers,
  juicers, keyboards, pasta makers, small stereo systems, televisions and
  VCRs (for playing tapes recorded in the U.S.), video games, and word
  processors.
 
- 500-Watt Step Down Transformer 220-110 (Cat. No. 273-1416, $64.99)
  can be used with blenders, food processors, computer systems,
  small copiers, large fax machines, small hand drills, meat slicers,
  stand type mixers, sewing machines, large stereo systems, and small vacuums.
 
- 1000-Watt Step Down Transformer 220-110 (Cat. No. 273-1417, $99.99)
  can be used with bread machines, coffee/expresso makers, large
  copiers, large food processors, irons, laser printers, plain paper fax,
  popcorn poppers, power tools, toasters, large vacuums, and waffle/sandwich
  makers.
 
- 1500-Watt Step Down Transformer 220-110 (Cat. No. 273-1418, $149.99)
  can be used with large expresso machines, frying pans,
  grills, kettles, microwave ovens, and toaster ovens.
 
MN-09-93
F.Y.I. -- "I Have to PAY for Your Catalog?!"
 
It's a proven fact...change causes people stress, and anytime you change
an established system, you must expect objections from customers.
Let's face it:  many of your customers will be a little turned off at the
idea of paying for a catalog they're used to getting for free.  You can
use the "FEEL-FELT-FOUND" approach to overcome this objection.
 
"I understand how you feel.  Many of my customers felt that way until
they found that the small purchase price was offset by the savings on
their very next purchase.  And with the other coupons, they could put
the item they wanted "on sale" whenever it was convenient for them to
buy!  Some of my customers are already planning major purchases on
one or our new items with the ten percent off coupon in the catalog!
Wouldn't you like to take one home while they last?"
 
When customers object, be understanding, but not apologetic.  Your Radio
Shack catalog is a valuable commodity, one that costs us millions of
dollars to produce and print each year.  It offers the world's most diverse
selection of consumer electronics products.  Sell it with pride!
 
MN-09-93
ONE MINUTE MERCHANDISER -- Converting Shoppers to Customers
 
In last month's column, we mentioned "shoppers" as opposed to "customers,"
and promised to discuss shoppers at a later date.  After paying customers,
shoppers are the most important group to your sales report.  Let's look 'em
over.
 
Have you ever considered that almost no one walks into your store by accident?
That's right, they come in for a reason!  They may not tell you the reason
right away, but they always have one.  (Keep an eye on them, in case their
reason for being there isn't honorable.)  Can you think of some reasons
why shoppers come in?  Here are a few:
 
- Have never been in a Radio Shack -- want to look around.
 
- Want to see the price range for some product line.
 
- Trying to fix something, don't know how, afraid to ask.
 
- Know what they want, want to see your selection first.
 
- Know what they want, don't know what it's called.
 
- Shopping for a gift, have vague ideas, want to look around for inspiration.
 
- A friend said "Radio Shack sells it" and they want to be sure we do.
 
- Lost, need directions.
 
- Want to steal something.
 
- Looking for a job.
 
- Looking for a rest room.
 
- Want to sell you something.
 
- Thought they saw something advertised, but don't see it in the store.
 
- Know they saw something advertised, but don't see it at the right price.
 
Most of these folks will identify themselves to you by
saying "Just looking!" in response to almost any "retail" greeting
(e.g., "May I help you?").  So why not try a different type of greeting?
Try saying "Hi!" or "Good morning," or some other friendly salutation.
Let the shopper get comfortable -- with the store and with you.
They will tell you why they came, either by their words or their actions.
 
Once it's clear the shopper wants or needs some help, drop everything and
help them -- now!  Be as helpful and friendly as you can be.
Remember, this little dance is a courtship; you want to start a true long-term
relationship.  Everything you do or say in the first few minutes will help
the shopper decide whether to remain a shopper or become a repeat customer.
 
Do your best to discover the shopper's real need and satisfy that need with
the absolute best solution we have to offer.  Don't try to sell the most
expensive, least expensive, or easiest-to-sell item.  Offer what's best for
them!  Let them know you care about their need, problem or situation.
Show them you are a true professional by always putting their needs first.
(It's also easier to sell something when it's right for the buyer!)
 
Sometimes we don't carry the item that would meet the shopper's needs.  What
do you do then?  If we have nothing close to what your shopper is looking for,
you can't really fill their need.  Don't fight it -- continue helping them
by directing them to someone who is likely to be able to solve their problem.
You may feel you have lost a sale for the short-term, but whenever that
person needs something electronic, they will think of you first -- because
you were able to put their needs before your own.  You have become their
personal electronics expert, and you can take that to the bank!
 
Your goal is to plant a very simple idea in the hearts and minds of our
customers and our shoppers:  that Radio Shack is the convenient,
friendly, neighborhood place to go for anything electronic, because odds
are we will have the solution to their problem, and we definitely
have the person who can help them find it...YOU!
 
Chuck Sizer
E-mail  CSIZER1
(817) 878-4141
 
MN-09-93
TELEPHONES -- Replacement Antennas for Major Brand Cordless Phones
 
Tandy Distributor Sales now has replacement antennas for many major
brand cordless telephones, including AT&T, Cobraphone, Code-a-Phone,
Emerson, G.E., Panasonic, Sanyo, Sears, Sony, Toshiba, and many others.
They also have "rubber-duckie" replacement antennas for most major
brands.
 
Tandy Distributor Sales is a department within Tandy National Parts that
supports large-quantity sales of electronic and electro-mechanical
parts from 40 different manufacturers.  You can't reach them using the
regular toll-free number for National Parts.
 
Instead, call (800) 322-3690, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday
to place an order or to check price and availability of an item.  All
you'll need to place an order is the brand name and model number of the
customer's telephone.
 
MN-09-93
F.Y.I. -- 1994 Catalog Tips
 
Always record a ticket and swipe the catalog barcode.  We need this
information to evaluate our advertising's effectiveness.  Even if the catalog
is sent to a commercial charge customer and reduced to $0.00, the bar code
must still be swiped and a ticket generated for tracking purposes.  (Record
each catalog individually, so your customer will be included in the tracking.)
 
MN-09-93
COMPUTERS -- National Parts Stocks Computer Items
 
The following items have been discontinued from the Radio Shack
warehouse system and are available from Tandy National Parts.
Just call (800) 433-5543 to place your order.
 
Cat. No.   Description               Retail Price
 
26-291     10' Shielded RS232 Cable     $24.95
26-292     25' Shielded RS232 Cable     $32.95
26-293     50' Shielded RS232 Cable     $46.95
26-294     100' Shielded RS232 Cable    $69.95
 
Tandy National Parts also has the Enhanced Keyboard (Cat. No. 25-4032A,
$99.99) in stock.  Ask for part number AXX-0267.  This keyboard is just
one of many computer hardware and software items you can order from
National Parts.  Here's a list of some others (call for price and
availability):
 
Cat. No.    Description
 
25-1083     512K ZIP RAM
25-2062     640K EX/HX
25-3504     2 MB/T1800
25-3507     1 MB RAM BOARD
25-3508     2 MB MEM 28/3820 HD
25-3527     6 MB MEM 3820 HD
25-3543     4 MB 4800/4600
25-3554     1 MG MEM BOARD 2800H
25-4055     SVGA ADAPTER
25-5136     8 MB SIMMS
25-6030     0K MEM BOARD
26-2852     1.5 MB/LP 950
26-2892     1 MB MEM LP 400/800
26-2893     2 MB MEM KIT LP 800
26-2895     DRUM LP 400/410/800
26-3971     32K/WP-10
 
Although inventory of the items on this list has been transferred from
the TSDC warehouse to National Parts, some are still available from
store inventory.  Contact your DM/RM first. If they can't find the item
you need, then call National Parts.
 
MN-09-93
VIDEO -- Miramar Videos Certified Double Platinum
 
The Recording Industry Assocation of America (RIAA) has certified
two Miramar computer animation video albums, The Mind's Eye
(Cat. No. 50-3016, $24.95) and Beyond the Mind's Eye
(Cat. No. 50-3023, $24.95).  Each is double platinum, signifying sales
over 200,000 units each.  Beyond the Mind's Eye, Miramar's
fastest selling title ever, attained that success less than eight
months after its release in October 1992.
 
In the first six months of 1993, only four longform music videos
achieved multi-platinum status.   The Mind's Eye and Beyond the
Mind's Eye were matched only by Billy Ray Cyrus' Live on Tour
and Garth Brooks' This is Garth Brooks -- a remarkable achievement!
Beyond the Mind's Eye has been on Billboard's Music Video and
Video Sales charts for over 33 weeks.  The Mind's Eye ranked
#35 on Billboard's list of top video sales for 1991.
 
Your enthusiasm and dedication have helped make these state-of-the-art
multi-platinum productions the top sellers in their field.  Congratulations!
 
MN-09-93
SECURITY -- Video Door Phone Correction
 
In the July 1993 Merchandising Newsletter, the article
"Video Doorphone" on Page 4 erroneously stated that the camera
and speaker on the Safe House Video Door Phone (Cat. No. 49-2600,
$399.99) can be left on continuously.  In fact, the system only stays
on for 3 minutes when CALL or SPEAKER OFF/ON
is pressed.  You can press SPEAKER OFF/ON again to have
the system work for another 3 minutes.
 
MN-09-93
SECURITY -- Correction to Consumer Support Phone Numbers
 
Two articles in the August 1993 Merchandising Newsletter listed
incorrect hours for Consumer Support ("Consumer Support Fields
Plug 'n' Power X-10 Questions," page 9, and "Speed Mail Addresses,"
page 12).  The correct hours are 9 AM to 7 PM CST (not 8 AM to 7 PM
as reported).  Sorry for the confusion!
 
MN-09-93
F.Y.I. -- National Parts Provides Ordering Hints
 
Here are some hints that will make it easier for you and your customers
to use the toll free numbers to order from Tandy National Parts.
 
Anytime you call, be sure to have the following information available
to speed the process and save time and money for everyone involved.
 
- Catalog number of the item you need the part for
- Model number of that item
- Additional description of the part (as detailed as possible)
- Manufacturer's part number (if available)
- Any reference numbers from the owner's or service manuals
 
Radio Shack retail stores can call:
 
(800) 433-5543
8:00 AM-9:00 PM (CST), Monday-Friday
9:00 AM-5:00 PM (CST), Saturdays
 
(This number is for stores only; please don't give it to customers.)
 
Customers can call:
 
(800) 442-2425
8:00 AM-5:00 PM (CST), Monday-Friday
 
MN-09-93
GIFTS -- Radio-Controlled Cars Have Multiple Frequencies
 
Did you know over half of our radio-controlled cars have different control
frequencies available?  This means you can sell a customer more than one
of the same model, or two different models, to race against each other.
Most radio controlled cars use either 27 or 49 MHz.  While two cars with the
same frequency cannot race against each other, two cars with different
frequencies can.
 
As you can see in the following chart, nine of the models we currently
carry are available with both frequencies.  (Each master pack contains an
assortment of frequencies, so every store receives an equal number of both
frequencies.)  Three other models are digital proportional (which means
they come with a variety of frequencies, indicated by different colored
flags on their antennas).
 
Variety of
 Cat. No.   Description        27 MHz  49 MHz  Freqs.
 
60-4092     7 Function Racer      3                
60-4096     Scorpion Tracks       3       3        
60-4101     Black Wolf                            3
60-4104     Police Car            3                
60-4105     Sky Blaster                   3        
60-4106     Wild Runner II        3                
60-4107     Dino Track            3                
60-4108     Force I Rally         3                
60-4109     Turbo XR              3       3        
60-4110     Range Buster          3       3        
60-4111     Sound Bat             3       3        
60-4112     Flame Thrower         3       3        
60-4113     Off-Road Tiger        3       3        
60-4114     Fierce Warrior                        3
60-4115     Jet Flash             3       3        
60-4116     Sniper                3       3        
60-4117     Tsauro X                              3
60-4118     Sneaker               3       3        
 
As the holiday selling season approaches, remember to suggest the fun
of racing radio-controlled cars to your customers who want a unique gift
idea. Start your engines!
 
MN-09-93
GIFTS -- Squiggle Wiggle Writer Replacement Pens
 
With all the excitement over the 1994 Radio Shack Catalog, it's easy
to overlook some other good sources (like the toy brochure) when you're
trying to think of gift ideas to suggest this holiday season.
Ideas like the new Squiggle Wiggle Writer (Cat. No. 60-2521, $5.99),
the unique pen that vibrates in different directions, allowing your
customers to create interesting designs as they write or draw.
 
It's a great novelty, and CMC also has replacement pens for the Squiggle
Wiggle Writer.  The replacement pen package (60-2544, $2.49) contains
one each of red, black, green, and blue.  That way, your customers can
keep this year's gift new, year after year!
 
MN-09-93
F.Y.I. -- 1994 Catalog Tips
 
Our new Radio Shack Catalog for 1994 offers a variety of coupons that
can easily save your customer over one hundred dollars...all for just $2.95!
But it's only effective if you use it the right way.
 
Remember, the catalog is designed to generate repeat business.
Encourage customers to take the catalog home and use their coupons
for future purchases.  Of course, if a customer asks if they
may use the coupon on this visit, let them.  But don't suggest
that they use it today.  Never use the coupon to pay for the
catalog itself.  Use the "10% OFF" coupon only for items marked as
"NEW!"
 
MN-08-93
AUDIO
 
DCC Makes Great Sense
 
Convenient, durable DCC is the ultimate audiocassette!  Audio experts have
hailed its superior sound quality and playback technology.  DCC offers
your customers skip-free sound comparable to a digital CD, with
the added bonus of being recordable.
 
At last, your customers will be able to make home recordings that duplicate
CD sound.  And Radio Shack's Optimus DCT-2000 system will play
existing music cassettes as well as the new DCCs.  So they'll still be
able to enjoy old favorites in their old formats until they become
DCC-available.  DCC is the perfect compliment to any existing sound system.
 
It shouldn't take long for old favorites to be available on DCC.  With 600
titles currently available and new releases appearing every month, the
music industry and artists alike are showing a major commitment to DCC.
That's because industry insiders know DCC is the premier digital
recording and playback system.
 
Some of the latest titles include Bobby Brown's Bobby,
Kenny G's Breathless, Reba McEntire's For My Broken Heart, and
Nirvana's Nevermind.  As you can see, there's something for everyone
on DCC, and the list keeps growing!
 
You can order any available DCC title through Express Order.  Just call
(800) 241-8742 between 9 AM and 5 PM CDT, Monday through Friday.
There is a small shipping and handling charge, depending on how many
items are ordered.
 
MN-08-93
Two-Year Warranty on Optimus Receivers
 
We're so confident of the quality of our Optimus  receivers (Cat. Nos.
31-3014, 31-3023, 31-3024, 31-3025, and 31-3026) that we're backing
them with a two-year warranty.
 
However, the first printings of these owner's manuals mistakenly state
that the warranty is for only one year.  The error will be corrected in
future printings of these manuals, but you need to inform your customers
of the true warranty period.
 
MN-08-93
Add a Subwoofer!
 
What do you get for the home theater user who "has everything?"
And what's a great add-on that makes a good speaker system like our
Minimus  7 (Cat. No. 40-2030/2045, $49.95, on sale in Flyer 506,
July 29 - August 28, 1993 for $29.99) even more exceptional?
The answer is simple:  a subwoofer!
 
The Optimus  PRO SW-12 (Cat. No. 40-4051, $149.99) supplements your
existing speakers' low-frequency drives, providing incredible, rolling bass
response on any system.  The SW-12 also gives theater-like special effects
(spaceship "fly-bys," gunfire, etc.) on a home theater system.
 
The surround sound demo tape announced in the July 1993 Merchandising
Newsletter is the perfect way to give your customers a taste of the
SW-12's tremendous low-bass energy.  Try it out today!  (If you still haven't
received your initial drop shipment, or if you need a replacement, contact
your RM or DM.)
 
MN-08-93
AUTO SOUND
 
New Auto Sound 14-Pin Connector Standard!
 
Good news for customers frustrated by the tangle of wires they
had to struggle with to connect auto sound products.
Our new 14-pin connector has everything you need to make the
connections simply and easily!
 
We're dropping the old 5-pin connector on new auto sound
products in favor of a more "user-friendly" 14-pin socket.
Eventually, all products will convert to this new standard.
 
While the old 5-pin connector was unique to Radio Shack's sound systems,
the new 14-pin connector is more universal.  It's manufactured by a
reputable world-wide supplier and is available as a standard stock item.
In addition, it's readily adaptable for both in-line and chassis mounting,
featuring a wiring color scheme that matches the EIA IS-25 industry
standard wire color codes.
 
The new 14-pin connector's adaptability and ease of installation
give your customers one more good reason to buy Radio Shack auto sound!
 
Adapters to convert your store demo from the 5-pin connector to the new
standard are being built.  (For now, you need to hard wire a couple of the
demos to get them on display.)
 
MN-08-93
Antenna Conversion Kit
 
CMC carries an RV Conversion Kit (Cat. No. 15-2303, $24.99)
for the 82 Channel Omnidirectional Antenna (Cat. No. 15-1618, $99.99).
This kit lets you easily mount the antenna to an RV or conversion van.
Hardware and instructions are included.
 
MN-08-93
ELECTRONIC PARTS
 
You'll Soon Get Projector Lamps
 
In the past, projector lamps have always been stocked and ordered
through CMC.  This fall, however, you'll be able to offer your customers
the two most popular lamps, while CMC will carry the 42 top movers, with
over 200 more available on special order.
 
The two lamps you'll stock go by the industry standard ANSI Code
names ENX (used in overhead projectors, Cat. No. 272-1504, $18.99) and ELH
(used in filmstrip/slide projectors, Cat. No. 272-1505, $19.99).
(Both are currently available through CMC.)
 
CMC's offerings will include lamps for overhead projectors, 8 mm and 16 mm
slide projectors, microfilm readers and reader-printers.  The only lamps
they won't carry are those for medical/scientific and professional photo
studio applications.  But they will have complete coverage of the lamps
most commonly used by residential consumers, businesses, and schools.
 
The procedure for ordering lamps from CMC is simple.  CMC is developing a
cross-reference guide of manufacturers' part numbers and prices.  Until
it's available, just call the CMC WATS operators in Fort Worth at
(800) 433-2024
 
If a customer has a manufacturer's part number, the operators
will be able to tell you whether the lamp is in stock or one they have to
special order.  They'll also tell you the lamp's retail price.
 
For now, the ANSI Code is your best "cross-reference guide."
When customers come to you with a burned-out lamp, just look for
the code number; it's always marked on the lamp.  CMC's part number will
be the prefix "T272-" followed by the ANSI code number.  For example,
if the lamp is an ENH (another lamp commonly used in overhead projectors),
the part number is T272-ENH.
 
MN-08-93
CMC Taking Customer Orders for JVC and Sony Adapters
 
Tired of saying "No" when your customers request AC adapters for
specific JVC and Sony products?  Now you can give them the customer 800
number to CMC [(800) 237-3056] and tell them that they can order the
adapters - fast! - with a credit card.
 
In the near future, we'll be stocking Adaptaplugs to fit all JVC
and Sony products (not just the DC ones that were listed in the July 1993
Merchandising Newsletter).  Watch future issues for more information!
 
MN-08-93
Inverters! Adapters! Converters!  Oh, My!
 
You've done a fantastic job of selling the 12VDC-to-115VAC Power Inverter!
Unfortunately, we haven't been able to get the item since our supplier sold
its business.  However, we expect to have more back in stock around
the middle of September.  Watch for it!
 
You'll also be glad to know that the design problem with the PL-259 Motorola
adapter (Cat. No. 278-208, $1.99) has been solved, and they will be
in stock within the next 30 days.
 
Finally, CMC will soon be stocking 220V converters in different wattage
styles.  They're perfect for your foreign customers who want to use
U.S.-made products overseas (or Americans who travel abroad).
 
MN-08-93
Fuse News
 
Fuse packaging and pricing changed with the 1994 Radio Shack catalog.  Soon,
the warehouse will be shipping you fuses with new stock numbers.
 
While the new packages are the same size as those you're used to,
they give the customer a larger quantity of fuses (at a slightly higher
price).  Be sure to rotate your stock to sell off the old packages
first.  Read next month's Merchandising Newsletter for more information!
 
MN-08-93
TELEPHONES
 
Helpful Hints for TAD-246 Owners
 
Here are some hints for customers who buy the TAD-246 Touch-Tone Remote
Control Microcassette Telephone Answering System (Cat. No. 43-755, $59.99).
 
Make sure they understand how important it is to insert the tape into
the unit carefully!  They must press the rear of the cassette
down all the way and push it back into place.  (This activates
the black switch on the right rear side of the cassette compartment.)
 
Let them know that the initial message they record for their callers is
recorded in memory in the TAD's microprocessor.  The tape won't function
while they are recording the message.  After recording, the TAD records
a backup copy on the tape.
 
Also tell them that since the machine uses the tape as its memory,
it records its own messages on the tape for use during operation or
after a power failure.  They must wait until the machine stops
fast-forwarding, rewinding, and playing before pressing another button.
If they don't wait, the front panel buttons have no effect.
 
In addition, when they erase the incoming messages, they must wait until
after the final beep before pressing ERASE.  If they don't wait,
the messages won't be erased.
 
Finally, if the machine doesn't work, they should try:
 
- Turning the tape over to the blank side
- Replacing the tape
- Erasing the tape (be sure to show them our bulk tape erasers)
 
MN-08-93
More Colorful Cords Are Here!
 
CMC stocks 25 ft. telephone handset cords in AT&T decorator colors,
at a price of only $7.95 each.  These are the same heavy duty, coiled cords
as those found on Page 14 of the 1993 catalog.  You'll find a list of 10
colors already stocked at CMC on page K-3 of your red CMC binder.  Now, these
10 additional AT&T colors are also available:
 
T279-00654 Forest Green  T279-14856 Country Blue
T279-00956 Sunny Yellow  T279-14940 Smokey Pearl
T279-00958 Mocha Brown   T279-24035 Burgundy
T279-09045 Cameo Green   T279-24037 Mahogany
T279-09049 Peach         T279-24039 Yellow Maize
 
MN-08-93
TRAINING
 
Winners Focus on the Customer
 
What makes a winner at Radio Shack?
A winner at Radio Shack keeps a "customer-first attitude,"
realizing that the entire sales process revolves around the customer.
Without the customer, you have nothing.  Sales without a customer is like
starting a garden in your backyard without soil.
The gardener first cultivates the soil, then plants seeds for future growth.
Like gardeners, winners at Radio Shack take care of customers, so
they will return time and again to make more purchases.
 
Winners do everything for the customer.  Each customer enters your store for
a purpose (with a want or need), and you must find that purpose.
Winners ask questions and educate customers who don't know what's available
in the latest technology products, telling them
the features and benefits that our products provide.
 
During the sales process, winners practice and use these steps from Fourteen
Steps to Selling.  Winners meet and greet customers within 30 seconds,
establish a warm and friendly bond, convey the attitude that
they are there to serve, and begin the sales process by
asking qualifying questions to determine needs and wants.
 
Once a product is identified which meets the customer's needs,
the winner shows that product to the customer.
Winners get the product in the customers' hands, so they can experience
the product's sound and feel.  This approach transfers the feeling of
ownership to the customer and lets them imagine the product in their home.
They'll experience the emotional need for the product,
and that will bring them closer to a positive buying decision.
 
Winners believe in the products that Radio Shack offers, and
convince the customer that the product's value equals or exceeds
the product's cost to the customer.  If you don't have this fundamental belief
in the quality of the products you sell, how can you convince a customer
to buy? Belief is an act of will.  Focus on the positive attributes of the
product and Radio Shack's added value.
 
Winners say something good about the product to the customer.
Winners use phrases such as:  "It's my personal favorite,"
"What an excellent choice you've made today," "We've sold thousands of them,"
"I own one of these and it's fantastic," "I gave one of these to my parents,
and they can't stop raving about it," and "It's our best buy."
 
Winners also use specific words to convey good feelings about the product,
such as: "best, great, classic, quality, fantastic, easy to use..."
Can you think of other words or phrases to add to this list
which would convey the right attitude and feeling to your customer?
Make these phrases and words part of your sales vocabulary,
and you'll build-up the customer's belief in the product.
 
Customers will invest in products which they believe in,
and they get this conviction from salesmakers who are convinced
that their products are the greatest.  Practice these techniques and become
one of the winners at Radio Shack this year!
 
MN-08-93
COMMUNICATIONS
 
Communications Products -- Part III, How to Sell
 
Here I sit at my laptop computer feeling pretty good about my first two
installments in the newsletter and wondering how to make good on my
promise to explain how to sell communications products in this one.
My mind drifts back...
 
Last week, I spoke with Kevin, a store manager with Radio Shack for about
two years.  He's already an expert in computer products; now he's reading
our study guides for his Amateur Radio license.  He'll take the written exams
for his Technician license in a couple of weeks, and promises he'll learn
Morse code for his Tech-plus.
 
This guy hit all my hot buttons!  Why?  It's not because he's getting a Ham
license, it's because he's got enthusiasm!  Because he loves what
he does -- he even told me so! -- I guarantee he's good at it, and will
continue to get better as he learns the products.  This salesmaker radiates
confidence!
 
Talking with Kevin, I was reminded of a speech I heard many years ago from
NCR's #1 salesman.  His performance was way above the pack, and he was
accepting the top sales award for the third year in a row.  Being nervous
in front of a crowd, he had to be coerced into saying a few words to explain
his success.  In a quivering voice he said, "There isn't a question about
an NCR cash register a customer can ask that I can't answer."  ("Aha!" I
thought, "product knowledge is the key!")
 
I'd been in retail for about six years then, in electronics about two.
I was sure I was going to be the best salesman around.  I had developed a
"one-liner" for every product in the store.
 
As soon as I finished with one customer, I'd walk briskly to the next, spot
the item they were looking at, and deliver my one liner.  Today, it might be
something like, "That handheld radio is specifically designed for personal
or family use.  It'll give you crystal-clear communication up to several
miles.  It's perfect for biking, hiking, camping -- even shopping!"
It's important to tell the customer what a good deal they are getting,
rather than leaving anything that important for them to figure out by
themselves.
 
So how do you sell communications products?  Just like anything else!
Get a unit out of stock and read the manual.  How many channels does it have?
What frequencies does it operate on?  What are the licensing requirements?
Know the cost of the product and the license, and how long it will
take to get licensed.  What's the product's range?  And to correctly identify
the service, ask, "Is your application for business, personal, or hobby use?"
 
There's no substitute for hands-on experience with a product and reading
the manual.  No one else can provide that for you, but here are some of
the basics of our current products.
 
- CB service, generally used for hobby or emergency applications,
  operates in HF with a typical range of 5-15 miles.
  No license is required.  Typical price for one radio is $50-$200.
 
- GMRS service, used for personal or family applications, operates in
  UHF with a range of 1-4 miles.  A 5-year FCC GMRS license costs $35,
  and additional radios can be added with no added fee.  A single GMRS
  radio costs $250.
 
- Business Band service operates in VHF with a range of 1-4 miles.
  A business license costs $35, plus a one-time fee of $95 to NABER for
  assigning a local frequency.  A single Business Band radio costs $150.
 
- Amateur Radio (Ham) service, used for hobby or public service
  applications, operates in VHF or UHF with a range of 1-20 miles.  Operation
  through repeaters is common, thus extending range to 20 miles.
  The only cost associated with obtaining an Amateur Radio license is the
  one-time fee exam preceptors may charge (a few dollars).  A single radio
  costs $260-$300.
 
In making your sale, remember to mix product knowledge with confidence and
enthusiasm.  It's a powerful blend!  Lock in the things that work and use them
over and over again.  Don't hold back when giving the price -- make sure your
tone of voice says that it's worth much more.
And don't forget -- smiles are contagious!
 
Happy selling!
 
MN-08-93
Pager Questions and Answers
 
Our pager program with MobileComm has been very successful, but as
with any program, questions sometimes arise.
Here are answers to some of the most-asked questions.
 
Q:  Why does it take so long to receive pagers after we
    place an order?
 
A:  MobileComm sends all pager orders by second day Federal Express.
    There is a processing time for both Radio Shack and
    MobileComm, as described in the article on Page 7.  Both Radio Shack and
    MobileComm are working to streamline this process.
 
Q:  Why does it take so long for the carrier to answer my
    customers' phone calls when they try to activate their pagers?
 
A:  MobileComm has been working to improve several areas where
    delays occur, and rerouting phone calls from overloaded service centers
    to other centers to help reduce customers' waiting time.
 
Q:  How can I get upated information on rates and services
    available in my area?
 
A:  For information on rates, optional services available, and areas of
    coverage for local area pagers, call (800) 944-4000.  For nationwide
    pagers, call (800) 925-5217.
 
Q:  What defects can a pager have, and what can we do about them?
 
A:  "Defective" pagers include pagers that don't work, pagers that
    were shipped to you with the wrong frequency, pagers with dual CAP codes,
    and pagers of the wrong type (local vs. nationwide).
 
  - If the pager is under warranty, call (601) 352-5991.
 
  - If it is not under warranty, tell your customer to contact the
    local MobileComm office for repair assistance, or call (800) 925-5217.
 
  - MobileComm's consumer warranty is three months for labor and
    six months for parts.
 
  - See Page 6 for complete information on repair and return.
 
Some of our older pagers (20-5002/5102/6002/6102) can no longer be repaired,
and we don't have access to parts for them.  If a customer brings one of
these pagers in, explain that it can no longer be repaired, and offer $20.00
towards the purchase of a new Tandy  Personal Pager (Cat. No. 17-6000,
$99.95).  Although the 17-6000 is a numeric display pager, a customer can
still use it with "tone-only" service if their carrier offers it.
 
Q:  Can Radio Shack sell pagers to anyone, regardless of their age?
 
A:  Yes, but MobileComm will not activate a pager for anyone under 18.
 
Q:  Are there store displays available?
 
A   Currently there are none, except the signs you received with your pager
    program.
 
Q:  What if my customer wants to buy several pagers and send them to
    different states?
 
A:  Because of the numerous CAP codes, baud rates, and frequencies
    involved, you can only sell pagers that will remain in your local area.
 
Q:  Why don't we stock pagers in our warehouses?
 
A:  MobileComm stocks over 1000 SKUs in frequencies, CAP codes, and baud
    rates to support our Cat. No. 17-6000.  It isn't feasible for the
    warehouses to stock these items for each region and keep them straight.
 
Q:  Can I ICST a pager to another store?
 
A:  We don't recommend you ICST a pager to a store outside
    your immediate area, since frequencies are assigned to specific areas.
 
 
The following pages contain information we originally ran in the
December 1992 and June 1993 Merchandising Newsletters, so you can have all
the specifics of our MobileComm pager program in one place.
(Reprinted from the December 1992 Merchandising Newsletter.)
 
MN-08-93
Pager Repair and Return Information
 
Radio Shack pagers are warranteed by MobileComm.
 
MobileComm's warranty to the consumer (three months labor, six months parts)
is fully described in the activation/service order brochure found inside the
box.
 
Additional Service Plan
 
MobileComm will offer Radio Shack customers Extended Service Protection (ESP).
We will not sell Tandy Service Protection (TSP) for the pagers.
 
Loan Pagers
 
MobileComm will provide loaner pagers to customers
who have purchased ESP from MobileComm and have service problems.
 
Defective at Time of Activation
 
MobileComm will notify the customer to return the pager to the local
MobileComm office for exchange (customers in cities where there is no
local MobileComm office will be asked to return the pager to the MobileComm
Distribution Center).
 
If the customer returns the pager to your store, you can provide him/her a
replacement unit and return the defective unit using a repair/exchange memo
(along with a description of the problem) to MobileComm at this address:
 
MobileComm Distribution Center
Attn: Personal Pager Division
804 Foley Street
Jackson, MS  39202
 
MobileComm will ship a replacement unit back to the store.
Contact the Distribution Center directly by calling (601) 352-5991.
 
Pagers Needing Repair
 
If your customer has an pager needing repair, instruct him/her
to return the pager to the local MobileComm office for assistance.
If there is not a MobileComm office in your area, have the customer contact
the Nationwide Messaging Customer Service department at 1-800-925-5217 for
assistance.  (Depending on whether the warranty period is still in effect or
whether ESP has been purchased, repair charges may apply.)
 
If the customer asks you to send the unit in, write up a regular repair tag
and give the customer the claim check.  Attach your full store address and
it send to:
 
MobileComm Distribution Center
6420 Cole Road
Jackson, MS 39213
 
MobileComm will return the unit to the store.
Do not ask MobileComm to return the pager directly to the customer.
Since you took the unit, you are responsible for its return to the customer.
You can contact the Repair Center directly by calling (512) 341-1624.
 
Refunding Customer's Money
 
If you need to refund the customer's money within the warranty period and
the unit is no longer in resellable condition, then return the pager using a
repair/exchange memo (along with reason for return) for new unit exchange
to the Distribution Center in Jackson, MS (see above address).
 
Canceling Service
 
The customer needs to call the local MobileComm office to cancel service.
Customers must verify cancellation of service at time of return.  The
customer's failure to notify the local MobileComm office will result in
continued customer billing, and the pager will not be able to be activated
by a new purchaser.
 
"Buyback" Program
 
For customers no longer needing paging service, MobileComm offers a unique
"buyback" policy.  Send customers to the local MobileComm office to process
the buyback.  MobileComm will purchase the unit from the customer.  (If there
is no local MobileComm office, have the customer contact the Nationwide
Messaging Customer Service department at (800) 925-5217 for assistance).
 
(Reprinted from the June 1993 Merchandising Newsletter.)
 
MN-08-93
Stocking and Ordering National and Local Pagers
 
We've gotten questions about why we don't stock national or local pagers
and why it takes 7-10 days to receive an ordered pager.  Here are the answers.
 
National Pagers
 
We don't stock national pagers because they
make up a relatively small number of the total number of pagers we sell.
It isn't worth stocking thousands of pagers in our stores to be able
to sell a few hundred a month nationwide.
 
Local Pagers
 
Although we at Radio Shack have only one local pager catalog number,
the 17-6000, MobileComm has over 1000 SKUs for what we know as the 17-6000.
Although the pagers look alike, they have different frequencies, data baud
rates, capcode sequences, etc.  This combination of variables makes it
impossible for us to stock these units in our warehouses -- that is why the
pagers come directly from MobileComm.
 
Order-to Arrival Time
 
As we noted in the May Merchandising Newsletter, shipment is
by Federal Express, but it still takes 7-10 days to process an order.
Be sure to tell the customer a realistic time to expect the pager.
If he or she is concerned about the length of time, remind them that the
process takes a while because it is complex and we are very careful.
 
Here's an example of why order processing takes at least 7-10 days.
If you create the order at the store on Monday, the order is transmitted to
Fort Worth that night.  On Tuesday, the order is processed and readied for
transmission to MobileComm.  The order is picked up by MobileComm and
processed for entry into their distribution system on Wednesday morning.
On Thursday, the order is transmitted from MobileComm headquarters
to their warehouse for shipment.  Depending on their workload, the pager will
be shipped either later that day (Thursday) or Friday.
 
So far the process described has taken one week.  Add regular 2-day Federal
Express transit time, and you get the pager either Monday or Tuesday of the
following week.  (And this schedule is based on everything working properly!)
 
MN-08-93
CMC Has Batteries and Crystals
 
Need another battery for the PRS-100 Handheld Transceiver (Cat. No. 19-900)?
CMC now has a 6.0V, 450 mAh rechargeable NiCad battery
(Cat. No. 19-302, $39.95).  A spare battery makes a great add-on sale!
 
CMC also has Transmit and Receive crystals for Business Band Radios
(Cat. Nos. 19-1201 and 19-1202).  These crystals retail for only
$9.95 each.  These frequencies have been added for the 2-Channel VHF
FM Transceiver (Cat. No. 19-1202, $149.99) only:
 
Transmit             Receive
 
BBT-152.300          BBR-152.300
BBT-152.315          BBR-152.314
BBT-152.345          BBR-152.345
BBT-152.360          BBR-152.360
BBT-152.375          BBR-152.375
BBT-152.405          BBR-152.405
BBT-152.420          BBR-152.420
BBT-152.515          BBR-152.515
BBT-152.540          BBR-152.540
BBT-152.570          BBR-152.570
BBT-154.600          BBR-154.600
BBT-154.625          BBR-154-625
 
MN-08-93
STORE REPLENISHMENT
 
Where Does TEW Merchandise Come From?
 
The TSDC warehouse that used to supply TEW merchandise is closed.  However,
we still have merchandise listed as TEW on the POS system.  Where does
it come from?
 
The answer:  our Regional Warehouse in Fort Worth (warehouse location #0203)
now supplies TEW merchandise to all areas.  As long as a TEW SKU is active
and authorized for a store, orders will be routed to this location.
Unlike the old TSDC warehouse, the Fort Worth Regional warehouse will
not create a backorder for an out-of-stock item.
If you receive a zero fill and you still need the item, you'll need to
reorder it.
 
We will continue to have active items designated in this way.  Many
will be computer products, but there will be other items.  Caller ID's
are a good example of a TEW consumer product.  Other items will be
designated TEW as specialized distribution requirements occur.
 
MN-08-93
COMPUTERS
 
Software Flash
 
It's time to get your computer software shelf ready for all the great products
headed your way this back-to-school/holiday selling season.
 
If you haven't already, now's the time to start clearing old titles off
your shelves and making room for new ones -- the titles your customers
will want this fall! Take all your discontinued clearance and clearance
products off the shelves and place them:
 
- in a basket or box with a big sale poster on it
 
- on a discount "super saver" or clearance table
 
- in your Clearance Corner
 
Whatever method you choose, remember to keep your display in a high-traffic
area, so your customers are aware of the great values there!
 
MN-08-93
SECURITY
 
Video Observation System On Sale
 
The Safe House  VSS-100 Video Observation System (Cat. No. 49-2500,
$299.99) is on sale in Flyer 506 (July 29 - August 28, 1993) for $279.99.
The system includes a camera, a 60-ft. cord, and a 9-inch black and white
monitor.  CMC has these accessories available:
 
The Wide Angle Lens (Cat. No. 49-2521, $49.99) lets the camera view
a larger field.
 
The 6-Ft. VCR Adapter Cable (Cat. No. 49-2510, $7.99) lets the user
connect the camera to a VCR to record a videocassette tape.
 
The 100-Ft. Camera Extension Cable (Cat. No. 49-2520, $39.99) lets
the user extend the camera to a maximum distance of 300 feet from the monitor.
 
Because the monitor is one-channel and accommodates only one
camera, we do not sell extra cameras for this system.  If the
camera doesn't work, forward it to a repair center for repair.
We will be selling a system that accommodates more than one camera
or monitor sometime in the future.  Watch for details.
 
MN-08-93
Video Doorphone Demo Hint
 
Looking for a way to show your customers how our new Video Doorphone
(Cat. No. 49-2600, $399.99) works?  Try this!
 
In mall stores (or any location where you have an "inside" entrance
to your store), mount the camera behind the back door entrance.  Run
two-conductor alarm cable to the front of the store and place the
doorphone's communicator on the counter.
 
If you have an extra Franklin displayer, you can cut out two holes and
mount the phone on an angle, then place a sign on the back of the display.
 
This makes it easier to know when you have a delivery, and at the same
time, give a quick demo to anyone who's at your counter when someone
comes to your back door.
 
Thanks to Dan Schultz, senior manager (01-9438) in the Crossroads Mall
in Boulder, Colorado, for this hint.
 
MN-08-93
Camcorders for In-Store Security
 
Stores in high-crime areas might want to take note: the Wireless Video
Distribution System (Cat. No. 15-1958, $99.99) is ideal for use as an in-store
anti-theft system!
 
You can connect any of our camcorders to the 15-1958's transmitter
portion.  Then connect the receiver portion's output to the input of
a VCR.  You can record anything the camera "sees."
It's much easier and provides a cleaner picture than trying to run
cables to the back room or video shelves. 
 
Thanks to John Sorenson (01-6743) of Greenfield, Indiana, for sharing
this idea.
 
MN-08-93
Consumer Support Fields Plug 'n' Power X-10 Questions
 
Consumer Support in Fort Worth now has technicians trained to respond to
inquiries about X-10 products (the 61-series Plug 'n' Power items). In the
past, all inquiries went to the vendor. 
 
As always, the numbers to call (between 8 AM and 7 PM CDT, Monday through
Saturday) are:
 
          For stores:     (800) 2TANDY4
          For customers:  (817) 878-6875
 
MN-08-93
ONE MINUTE MERCHANDISER
 
More Lines!
 
What do the actor and the barroom Romeo, the parking lot space painter
and the zoo keeper all have in common?
They all want more lines! You and I and everyone else at Radio Shack wants
more lines too.  We're talkin' lines per ticket here and it's a make-it
or break-it issue.
 
Why is it such a big deal?  Consider this...One of the things you have almost
no control over is the number of customers who walk into your store on any
given day.  Of that number, some will buy on their own, some you will sell,
and some will neither buy nor be sold.  Those in the last category are
shoppers, not customers, and they are gone for today.
We'll discuss their importance in a future OMM.
 
Given the relatively fixed number of tickets you will write on any day,
you have only two possible ways to increase sales.
The first is to substitute higher priced items by "selling up"
in features or quality.  The other is to sell more items to the same customer.
Let's assume you have done your best in caring for your customer
by providing the optimal solution for his or her needs.  Now that you are
ready to write up the sale, there remains one way to increase the size of
the ticket.
 
Charles Tandy used to say that your best prospect was the person
who bought from you most recently.  What better prospect could you have than
the one who is standing before you at the POS terminal?
This customer is now in the buying mode...their problem has been solved
or their need filled.  They are relaxed and have confidence and trust in you.
 
Seize this moment of opportunity!  Now is the time to offer every related
item or accessory that will improve performance, enjoyment, life of the
product or pride of ownership.  You'll not only add lines and dollars to the
ticket, you'll help your customer feel secure in dealing with a professional
who knows his or her products.
 
Every item in your store has several possible add-ons.  You can even make it
a game; it's just flat-out fun to see who can add the most to a ticket.
It is even possible to have more dollars of add-ons than the original sale!
Something we did in the "old days" was make the person who forgot
to suggest add-ons buy the rest of the crew a round of soft drinks or
coffee...Try it, it works!
 
Take advantage of all the tools at your disposal to sell your customers
everything necessary to get full utility and enjoyment from their purchases.
You'll be improving your professional image in the customers' eyes
and increasing your paycheck as well.  Good selling!
 
Chuck Sizer
Speed-Mail  CSIZER1
Phone (817) 878-4141
 
MN-08-93
Consumer Support!
 
Remember, Consumer Support covers all
Radio Shack non-computer products!
 
(800) 321-6680, Stores Only
 
9 am to 7 pm CST, Monday through Friday
9 am to 2 pm CST, Saturday
 
MN-08-93
Who Buys What
 
Here is the current "Who Buys What" list.
There have been changes recently, so take a careful look at the list.
 
Category    Description                            Buyer
 
12          Auto Sound                             Wayne Wilson
12          Auto Speakers                          Wayne Wilson
12          Radios                                 Colin Meyer
12          Weather Radios                         Colin Meyer
 
13          Music Systems                          Dave Shoemaker
14          Portable Tape Recorders                Colin Meyer
14          Tape Decks                             Lee Brayn
15          TV Antennas & Accessories              Dave Shoemaker
 
16          TV, VCR, Satellite, Camcorders         Dave Shoemaker
17          Cellular Carriers                      Chuck Sizer
17          Cellular Phones & Pagers               Dennis Godfrey
19          2-Way Radio                            Wayne Wilson
 
20          Scanners and Shortwave                 Wayne Wilson
21          CB Radio                               Wayne Wilson
22          Radar Detectors                        Wayne Wilson
22          Test Equipment                         Tim Oldham
23          Batteries and Chargers                 Leon Lutz
 
25/26           HARDWARE PRODUCTS
 
          CD-ROM Drives                            Bob McQuigg
          Computer Connectors                      Joel Cohen
          Furniture                                Ann Kennemer
          Hard Drives                              Joel Cohen
 
          Joysticks                                Marqueax Price
          Laptops/Notebook PCs/Accessories         Joel Cohen
          Mice                                     Ann Kennemer
          Modems (except laptops)                  Bob McQuigg
 
          Monitors                                 Joel Cohen
          Multimedia Upgrade Products              Bob McQuigg
          Paper/Labels                             Joel Cohen
          Pocket Computer                          Joel Cohen
 
          Printer Cables/Ribbons/Printwheels       Joel Cohen
          Printers & Printer Supplies              Joel Cohen
          Serial Cables/Connectors                 Ann Kennemer
          Sound/Music Boards                       Bob McQuigg
 
          Tandy 1000/2500 Hardware & Peripherals   Bob McQuigg
          Tandy Factory Direct Program             Joel Cohen
 
25/26           SOFTWARE PRODUCTS
 
          Accounting/Finance Software              Ann Kennemer
          DeskMate                                 Ann Kennemer
          Desktop Publishing Software              Ann Kennemer
          Diskettes/Media                          Ann Kennemer
 
          Educational Software (Home)              Marqueax Price
          Entertainment Software                   Marqueax Price
          Gamecards                                Marqueax Price
          Graphics Software                        Ann Kennemer
 
          Online Services Software                 Ann Kennemer
          Operating Systems                        Joel Cohen
          Productivity Software                    Ann Kennemer
          Utilities                                Ann Kennemer
 
270         Fuses, DC Adapters                     Tim Oldham
271         Resistors                              Tim Oldham
272         Lamps & Capacitors                     Tim Oldham
273         AC Adapters/Transformers               Tim Oldham
 
274         Plugs & Jacks                          Tim Oldham
275         Switches                               Tim Oldham
276         Semiconductors                         Tim Oldham
277         Project Boards                         Tim Oldham
 
278         Wire/RF Connectors                     David Busch
279         Phone Wiring and Accessories           Dennis Godfrey
28          Kits (Science Fair)                    Leon Lutz
31          Audio Receiver                         Lee Brayn
 
32          PA Equipment                           Dave Shoemaker
33          Headphones                             Lee Brayn
33          Mikes                                  Dave Shoemaker
40          Audio Speakers                         Lee Brayn
 
40          PA Speakers                            Lee Brayn
40          Raw Auto Speakers                      Lee Brayn
40          Raw Speakers                           Lee Brayn
42          Audio Accessories                      Lee Brayn
 
42          CD Players/Changers                    Lee Brayn
42          Keyboards                              Lee Brayn
42          Lightshows                             Lee Brayn
42          Turntables                             Lee Brayn
 
43          Telephone, FAX, Intercoms              Dennis Godfrey
44          Tape & Accessories                     Dave Shoemaker
49          Auto Alarms                            Wayne Wilson
49          Home Security                          David Busch
 
49          Pagers                                 Dennis Godfrey
50          Pre-Recorded Video Tape                Dave Shoemaker
51          Pre-Recorded Audio Tape                Lee Brayn
60          Toys                                   Leon Lutz
 
61          Electricals                            David Busch
61          Flashlights                            David Busch
61          Plug-N-Power/Other Controls            David Busch
61          Seasonal                               Tim Oldham
 
62          Books                                  Tim Oldham
63          Clocks/Timers/Watches                  Mark Verdeyen
63          Copiers                                Mark Verdeyen
63          Health Products                        Mark Verdeyen
 
63          Metal Detectors                        Mark Verdeyen
63          Other Elec Aids                        Mark Verdeyen
63          Spell Checkers                         Mark Verdeyen
 
64          Chemical Products/Magnets/Tape         David Busch
64          Electrical Terminals                   David Busch
64          Hardware                               David Busch
64          Soldering Equipment                    David Busch
 
65          Calculators                            Mark Verdeyen
65          Databanks                              Mark Verdeyen
68          Premiums (flashlights)                 Leon Lutz
 
MN-08-93
David Busch Joins Radio Shack
 
In July, David Busch joined the Personal Electronics
and Parts group as Buyer of Home Security,
Electricals, Tools, Chemicals, and Wire and Cable.
 
David brings over 20 years of electronics industry experience
to his new position.  Most recently, he bought and marketed
computers with QVC, America's largest TV shopping network.
Welcome David to the Radio Shack Merchandising team!
 
MN-08-93
Radio Shack Merchandising Buyers by Category
 
Robert B. Miller, Vice President, Merchandising, (817)390-3135
Rick Borinstein, Director, Merchandising, (817) 390-2736
 
Communication/Automotive
Joel Guskin, Manager
390-2771
 
Dennis Godfrey, Buyer (390-3239)
17          Cellular Phones & Pagers
279         Phone Wiring and Accessories
43          Telephones, FAX, Intercoms
49          Pagers
 
Wayne Wilson, Buyer (390-3233)
12          Auto Sound
12          Auto Speakers
19          2-Way Radio
20          Scanners & Shortwave
21          CB Radio
22          Radar Detectors
49          Auto Alarms
 
 
Personal Electronics & Parts
Gordon Dixon, Manager
390-3232
 
Tim Oldham, Buyer (390-2670)
22          Test Equipment
270          Fuses, DC Adapters
271          Resistors
272          Lamps & Capacitors
273          AC Adapters/Transformers
274          Plugs & Jacks
275          Switches
276          Semiconductors
277          Project Boards
62           Books
 
Mark Verdeyen, Buyer (390-3132)
63          Clocks/Timers/Watches
63          Copiers
63          Health Products
63          Metal Detectors
63          Other Electronic Aids
63          Spell Checkers
65          Calculators 
65          Databanks
 
David Busch, Buyer (390-3173)
278         Wire/RF Connectors
49          Home Security
61          Electricals
61          Flashlights
61          Plug-n-Power /Other Controls
61          Seasonal
64          Hardware & Terminals
64          Tape/Chemical Products/Magnets
 
 
Audio/Video & Seasonal
Dick Donnelly, Manager
390-3584
 
Lee Brayn, Buyer (390-3235)
14          Tape Decks
31          Audio Receivers
33          Headphones
40          Audio Speakers
40          PA Speakers
40          Raw Auto Speakers
40          Raw Speakers
42          Audio Accessories
42          CD Players/Changers
42          Keyboards
42          Lightshows
42          Turntables
51          Pre-Recorded Audio Tape
 
Dave Shoemaker, Buyer (390-2775)
13          Music Systems
15          TV Antennas & Accessories
16          TV, VCR, Satellite, Camcorders
32          PA Equipment
33          Mikes
44          Tape & Accessories
50          Pre-Recorded Video Tape
 
Leon Lutz, Buyer (390-3236)
23          Batteries and Chargers
28          Kits (Science Fair)
60          Toys
68          Premiums (flashlights)
 
Colin Meyer, Buyer (878-6633)
12          Radios
12          Weather Radios
14          Portable Tape Recorders
 
 
Cellular Carriers
Chuck Sizer, Manager
878-4141
 
 
Computers
Bob MacQuigg, Manager
390-3208
 
Bob MacQuigg, Manager (390-3208)
25/26     CD-ROM Drives
          FAX Products (for desktop PCs)
          Tandy 1000/2500 Hardware and
          Peripherals
          Modems (except laptops)
          Multimedia Upgrade Products
          Peripherals
          Sound/Music Boards
 
Joel Cohen, Buyer (390-2873)
          Computer Connectors
          Hard Drives
          Laptops/Notebook PCs/Accessories
          Operating Systems
          Paper/Labels
          Printers & Printer Supplies
          Tandy Factory Direct Program
 
Ann Kennemer, Buyer (338-2331)
          Accounting/Finance Software
          Backup Power Supplies
          DeskMate 
          Desktop Publishing Software
          Disk Cases/Accessories
          Diskettes/Media
          Furniture
          Graphics Software
          Mice
          Productivity Software
          Serial Cables/Connectors
 
Marqueax Price, Buyer (390-2730)
          Educational Software (Home)
          Entertainment Software
          Gamecards
          Joysticks
Special Projects
Joe Ratner, Manager
878-6897
 
MN-08-93
Speed Mail Addresses
 
What happens to your speed mail message when you send it to a buyer?
Well, that depends.  Many speed mail messages to buyers are
support-related -- the way a product works, problems you're having with it,
etc.  These messages are forwarded to Consumer Support.
Consumer Support works with the buyers and other departments
(like engineering and NQC) to get you the best answer in the fastest manner.
 
Speed mail that's appropriate for buyers to spend time on -- like that about
new products you'd like to see -- is still answered from Merchandising.
 
So if you send speed mail to a buyer and then hear an answer from Consumer
Support, don't worry.  The fact that you got your answer is the important
thing.  Buyers are very busy, and though they'd each like to talk to every
store manager and employee personally, the number of you (lots) versus the
number of buyers (few) makes that impossible.  This is why the Consumer
Support group was established, so please work with them.
 
In fact, you can help save time by contacting Consumer Support directly
for those questions that they can answer.
 
(800) 321-6680
 
8 am to 7 pm CST
Monday through Saturday 
 
Randy Rau is the lead Consumer Support Engineer.
You can send mail to him at:  RRAU1@CSS
 
Here are some other mail addresses you may need.
 
Merchandising Addresses
 
Bob Miller        VP           RMILLE1
Rick Borinstein   Director     RBORIN1
 
 
Merchandise Groups
 
 
Personal Electronics
 
Gordon Dixon    Manager        GDIXON1
Mark Verdeyen   Buyer          MVERDE1
Tim Oldham      Buyer          TOLDHA2
David Busch     Buyer          DBUSCH1
 
 
Audio/Video
 
Dick Donnelly   Manager        LDONNE1
Lee Brayn       Buyer          LBRAYN1
Leon Lutz       Buyer          LLUTZ1
Colin Meyer     Senior Buyer   CMEYER1
Dave Shoemaker  Buyer          HSHOEM1
 
 
Computers
 
Bob MacQuigg     Manager        BQUIGG1
Joel Cohen       Buyer          JCOHEN1
Ann Kennemer     Buyer          AKENNE1
Marqueax Price   Buyer          MPRICE1
 
 
Cellular
 
Chuck Sizer      Manager, Cellular Mktg   CSIZER1
 
 
Communications/Automotive
 
Joel Guskin      Manager        JGUSKI1
Dennis Godfrey   Buyer          DGODFR1
Wayne Wilson     Buyer          WWILSO1
 
 
Merchandising Support
 
June Wolff    VP                   JWOLFF1
Pat Lillard   Director, Rebuying   PLILLA1
 
 
Store Replenishment
 
Syd Rauworth    Director           SRAUWO1
Randy Lunz      Controller         RLUNZ1
Virgil Carson   Field Coordinator  VCARSO1
 
 
Other Addresses
 
 
Engineering
 
Barry Stevens    Sr. Director   BSTEVE2
 
 
Regulatory Affairs (FCC, UL)
 
Mac Slayton      Manager          MSLAYT1
Linda Dickerson  Secretary        LDICKE1
 
 
National Parts
 
FAX Bob Thomas at (817) 870-5737.
 
MN-07-93
VIDEO
 
Surround Sound Demo Tape
 
You asked for one, and we are sending you a surround sound demo tape!
This tape will help promote all our Pro-Logic  sound systems including
our new Stand Alone Decoder (Cat. No. 15-1964, $199.99).
It will also excite your customers and give you something new to look at.
 
The tape clips, which were produced by Fox Studios, run about 17 minutes,
then repeat once for total play of about 35 minutes.
These clips were chosen from 12 recent hit movies,
including Last of the Mohicans, Edward Scissorhands, Ferngully,
Cocoon II, The Abyss, Hoffa, Hot Shots, Big, War of the Roses, Toys,
White Men Can't Jump, and Die Hard.
They will draw a lot of attention to your store.
 
We will periodically furnish you with new tapes containing updated films.
One element of the program requires us to discontinue showing old tapes
when the new ones arrive.  We need your cooperation to continue this program
without interruption.
 
The tapes will be drop shipped, one per store.  Be careful with your
tape -- replacements are limited.  If you need a replacement, contact your RM
or DM.
 
MN-07-93
The Mind's Eye and Beyond
 
The Mind's Eye  (Cat. No. 50-3016, $24.95) and Beyond the Mind's Eye  videos
(Cat. No. 50-3023, $24.95), both by Miramar ,
feature computer-generated animation with vivid color
and intriguing shapes which change and blend into one another.
 
Encompassing scenes from prehistory and antiquity through the post-modern era,
these videos are both educational and entertaining.
One thought-provoking scene shows abstract green shapes turning into a tree,
which then alters from a triangular conifer to a stately elm.
As the viewing angle recedes, the tree becomes part of the larger landscape,
surrounded by lakes and hills. Finally the "camera" moves back far enough
to reveal that the scene is covered by a dome within a futuristic environment.
 
Miramar formed these videos by combining about 60 animated scenes from various
artists and grouping them thematically.  They also added relaxing background
music (Beyond the Mind's Eye was orchestrated by award winning Jan Hammer).
 
The Radio Shack versions are 5 to 8 minutes longer than those
carried by other retailers.  In addition to winning Best Animation
at the '93 Telly Awards, the videos have been on both the Top Video
Sales Billboard Chart and the Top Laserdisc Sales Billboard Chart.
 
So, get ready to field questions about these videos and
respond to the interest they have created!  Sales have been great -- overall,
more than 200,000 videos have sold -- so keep up the selling! You can also use
them to show off our quality TVs and VCRs.
 
MN-07-93
Camcorder Battery Values
 
CMC has an affordable battery (Cat. No. 16-2303, $39.99) for slim-style
camcorders.  It replaces the BT-30N type battery used in Radio Shack
Models 127 and 128 (Cat. Nos. 16-827 and 16-828), as well as all Sharp Slim
Cams.  Compare its low price to those of our competitors (ranging from $49.95
to $59.95).  It's a terrific value!
 
MN-07-93
TRAINING
 
Asking (and Asking) for the Sale
 
After you've completed your presentation/demonstration, answered
all the customer's questions, and offered a trial close, do you walk away
if the customer says "No"?
Or, do you realize that the sale begins when the customer says "No"?
 
Accepting the customer's "No" means losing sales -- do not accept it.
One way to handle "No" is to ask, "Do you mind if I ask why?"
Then listen to the customer's reply, respond with a confident objection,
and ask for the order again.
 
Keep in mind that your goal as a Radio Shack salesmaker is to create
and keep customers.  Focus on your customer and learn to
determine what the customer means by "No."  To some customers,
"No" means, "I'm really not sure.  I'd like to have this
product, but I need some reassurance and support in overcoming
my fears, uncertainties, and doubts so I can make the right decision."
For others, "No" means, "I have made a decision. I am not
going to buy today, and additional sales pressure will irritate me
and lead me to shop elsewhere."
 
The way to learn the difference between the first and second "No" is to
close early and often.  Not responding to an objection keeps you from helping
the customer who is asking for help.
 
Maintain rapport and empathy with your customers by using softening phrases.
Try saying: "I understand how you feel;" or  "You're right to be
concerned;" or "That's a good point;" or "That's exactly why..."
 
Or, try one of these phrases:  "I used to feel the same way myself;"
"Thank you for bringing that up;" or "It's all right."
 
If, for example, the customer says, "It's too expensive. I'll
find something cheaper elsewhere," you can respond, "You're
right to be concerned.  I have a budget to live within, too.  If I hear
you correctly, it's more than you planned to spend.  Is that correct?"
Wait for the customer to say, "Yes," then say, "You can take it with
you now and invest only $20 a month.
That would be in your range, wouldn't it?"
 
Then review the product features the customer wants and try closing again.
Adding value during this critical phase persuades the customer to act now.
Do this by saving one of the product's best features or benefits until last,
and don't mention this benefit in your initial presentation/demonstration
stage.
 
If this doesn't work, try asking if there are any other obstacles
standing in the customer's way.  If there are, deal with them confidently and
close again.  Keep adding value and asking for the sale.
If you can't close the sale, turn the sale over to the store manager
or another salesmaker.
 
The only time you fail is when you don't try -- and we are not failures
at Radio Shack!  We offer our customers quality products, exemplary service,
and unbelievable value.  So don't accept "No" until you've asked for the sale
at least three times and then tried the turnover.
 
MN-07-93
CALCULATORS
 
Selling A Scientific Calculator
 
Most of your customers who want to purchase a scientific calculator
have a specific purpose in mind (for example, a student may need to fill
a requirement for a class).  At first look, scientific calculators seem rather
complex.  One model might say it has 112 features, while the one next to it
(which may look more advanced and cost more) has only 79.
 
Realize that feature numbers are relative and open to interpretation.
Some calculators may count features differently than others -- one may count
a feature that performs three functions as three features.
But, do not try to oversell your customer.
A high school student who is about to take "Introduction to Physics" does
not need our top-of-the-line model!
 
A commonly asked question is "What does `programmable' mean?"
A programmable calculator can store a series of steps which can
be recalled later.  For our physics student who may be concerned about
remembering formulas, simply point out that he or she can store formulas in
the calculator, recall them later, and then enter the particular numbers to
solve any problem.
 
Many teachers recommend certain calculators to their students, usually
naming the national brand.  Use this chart when customers come to you looking
for our comparable models.
 
                                               Comparable
Cat No          Description                       Model
 
65-815          Scientific                        None
 
65-998          Full Feature Scientific          Casio FX-115 DH
 
65-999          40 Step Programmable             Sharp EL-5020
 
65-991          Programmable Scientific          Casio FX-50 F
 
65-983          Electrical Eng. Scientific       Casio FX-580
 
65-993          1103 Step Programmable           Casio FX-4500 P
 
65-803          Programmable Graphing            Casio FX-6300 G
 
65-804          Programmable Graphing            Casio FX-7700 GB
 
We will publish an expanded list around back-to-school time, after
the new catalogs are issued.
 
MN-07-93
MISCELLANEOUS
 
More Gamepack Batteries from CMC
 
CMC carries gamepack batteries for the three most popular handheld
computer games:  Nintendo Game Boy, Sega Game Gear, and Atari PC
Engine GT.  These lightweight, rechargeable ni-cad power
packs last much longer than ordinary AA batteries and have the added
convenience of a belt clip on the back.  Each Gamepack comes with an
AC charger.
 
CGP-G014 ($19.95) -- The Nintendo Game Boy Battery Pack
provides 6.0V of power and up to 12 hours run time.
 
CGP-G011 ($29.95) -- The Sega Game Gear Battery Pack
provides 9.0V of power and up to 3 hours run time.
 
CGP-G013 ($29.95) -- The Atari PC Engine GT Battery Pack
provides 9.0V of power and up to 3 hours run time.
 
MN-07-93
Universal Remotes -- Great for Travel
 
Universal Remotes have so many uses that it seems impossible
to present a totally new one, but here it is:
they are wonderful for customers who travel frequently!
Travelers find it more convenient to use their own remotes
than those bolted to hotel room night stands.
 
Customer feedback has been great.  We recommend the Realistic  Model 150
Four-in-One Remote (Cat. No. 15-1902, $49.95, flyer 505 -- $29.95), which
is able to "learn" commands from the hotel's remote.
Simply press the Universal's "learn" key, followed by the function key
to be actuated (the channel, volume, or on/off).
Then press the function key on the hotel's remote, and the Universal
is ready to go!
 
A Universal Remote is a great gift for the frequent traveler
who "has everything!"
 
MN-07-93
Radio Shack Batteries are Environmentally Safe
 
Because Radio Shack  values the environment, we are removing
materials like mercury, cadmium, and lead from our batteries.
Our new batteries comply with the Clean Water and Clean Air Acts -- 
so your customers can be certain that our batteries are safe.
 
We have removed all mercury from our carbon zinc (red) and zinc-chloride
(green) batteries, so those shipping from our distribution centers are now
mercury-free.
 
We have discontinued all mercury hearing aid batteries.  Warehouse stock
should be gone soon.  (States that prohibit sale of mercury hearing aid
batteries are not being replenished from our distribution centers.)
The zinc-air hearing aid battery is a suitable replacement.
 
              Replace            With
Name          Cat. No.          Cat. No.
 
P675M         23-145          23-157 or 23-257
13M           23-146          23-158 or 23-258
312M          23-148          23-159 or 23-259
 
These batteries will also be discontinued due to their mercury content.
Use the replacements indicated:
 
                   Replace             With
Name               Cat. No.          Cat. No.
 
675 Pager          23-1521         23-157 or 23-257
MP 401 Duracell    23-660          23-023
PX32B Duracell     23-463          23-1502
TR175B Duracell    23-601          23-1503
 
The following "hard-to-find" special purpose batteries will be discontinued
due to their mercury content.  Unfortunately, we do not have suitable
replacements.
 
Discontinued
 
23-1515         RM 640 Duracell Battery
23-109          RS 343 Watch Battery
23-462          RM 625 Duracell Battery
23-670          304116 Duracell Battery
 
As of July 1, 1993, many states require a rechargeable logo on all
nicad batteries, products containing nicad batteries, and nicad batteries
or battery packs contained within products, as well as associated packaging.
Similar regulations cover sealed lead-acid rechargeable batteries.
Radio Shack is complying with these requirements.
 
The Portable Rechargeable Battery Association, which monitors state and
federal regulations covering rechargeable batteries, is keeping Radio
Shack up-to-date on changes that affect us.
Watch future editions of the Merchandising Newsletter
to find out what else Radio Shack is doing to protect the environment.
 
MN-07-93
Video Door Phone
 
As household burglars become more crafty and daring, customers are
becoming more interested in security surveillance systems -- not
only to provide protection against unwanted intruders, but also to keep
themselves safe from thieves masquerading as "delivery men."
 
The new Safe House  Video Door Phone (Cat. No. 49-2600, $399.99)
allows your customer to hear the door chime, observe and talk to the person
at the door, then decide whether or not to open the door.  The compact inside
unit, which mounts easily on any wall, includes a black and white monitor with
phone.  It also has an intercom for hands-free discussion.
 
The outside unit consists of a call button and an all-weather LED camera.
The camera has low-light sensitivity, so it works well in the dark.
 
For added safety, the camera and speaker can be turned on any
time or left on continuously.  Apartment dwellers will appreciate the door
release feature which allows them to unlock an exterior door.
(Small business owners can use the feature to let customers into their
shops while they work in back.)
 
Set up a system in your store so customers can try it out.
And, as you demonstrate this system, remind customers that nothing
is more important than their safety.
 
MN-07-93
AUDIO
 
Exciting New Audio Products Coming!
 
Begin now to make room for the new audio arrivals.  Get your demos and
discontinued items prepped and ready to go! Focus on the following ways to
improve your opportunity to close sales quickly.
 
1. Speakers tend to show scratches after being displayed over time.  Get out
   the polish or scratch remover (try Old English) to make them look new.
   Try furniture crayon to cover up deeper scratches.
 
2. Round up those owner's manuals, accessories, remotes, etc.,
   and have them handy to go with the unit.
 
3. Insure that your display has the latest "version" out.
   If not, sell the demo and replace it.  [Example: the old model PRO-60
   Headphone (Cat. No. 33-999, $49.95) is silver and gray.
   The new version is silver and black. Reduce the old one to $24.99.]
 
4. Make sure the product works.  Take a demo "test drive."
 
5. Be proud of the way you display the product.  Don't treat it like
   second-hand material.  Your customer has to be proud when making the final
   purchase.  Remember, it's a new item to the customer.
 
MN-07-93
Have You Heard Surround Sound?
 
Without question, the hottest feature in receivers today is Surround Sound.
The live-action sound effects make your home theater experience seem
seem much more real.  Explosions to the left, right, overhead, in front of you
and behind...even the subtle sounds of the environment --
puts you right there in the middle of the action!
 
In the basic Dolby surround systems, center information such as on-screen
dialogue is reproduced as a "phantom" channel that seems to come
from a point between the left and right speakers.
In Dolby Pro-Logic  Surround Sound systems, there is a center channel
intended for a center channel speaker (which is placed close to the TV
or screen).  Dialogue always appears to come right from the picture.
This lets you space the left and right speakers for the best stereo effect
on music and sound effects.
 
Radio Shack now has one shielded speaker, the Minimus  12.5
(Cat. No. 40-1995, $19.95), which is a good center channel speaker.
Look for the exciting new center channel and home theater speakers
coming this fall.
 
MN-07-93
TELEPHONES
 
Cellular Adapters
 
CMC now offers the CEL-NM612-DC DC Adapter ($49.95) for charging the CT-350
Cellular Telephone (Cat. No. 17-1060) from a vehicle's cigarette lighter socket.
It fully charges a completely discharged battery in approximately 6 hours
-- even while the phone is in use!
 
For cellular phones that also have DC eliminators or DC adapter/chargers,
CMC has an adapter which allows a customer to use it from any 110V AC
wall outlet.  The CEL-ACDC Adapter ($24.95) gives the user the flexibility of
a handheld phone at home or in the office when used with a DC adapter/charger
or DC eliminator.  This chart shows you which adapter lets you use the
CEL-ACDC with other Radio Shack phones.
 
Unit                      Requires
 
CT-300 (17-2001)          DC Eliminator
     and                  17-612, CMC
CT-301 (17-1050)          
 
CT-350 (17-1060)          DC Adapter/Charger
                          17-616, CMC
 
CT-302 (17-1051)          CEL-NM612-DC, CMC
 
MN-07-93
Cellular NAM Programming
 
For years, we have told you not to divulge our NAM programming
instructions to customers because they were confidential.
However, that ruling has now been changed.
So if you have a customer who needs this information,
do not hesitate to provide it.  (See page 3 of the November 1992 Merchandising
Newsletter for NAM programming instructions.)
 
MN-07-93
COMMUNICATIONS
 
Laser Detector Sounds in Excessive Heat
 
Normally, radar detectors do not remain on when a car is turned off.
The cigarette lighter socket on most new cars even shuts off with the ignition.
However, we recently saw a case where the new Road Patrol  Laser
Detector (Cat. No. 22-1650, $99.95) was wired in and left on all the time.
Closed up and left in the hot Arizona sun, the detector sounded when
the car's interior temperature became excessively high (greater than 175 F).
 
Remind your customers that 175 F is the upper temperature limit for
all common electronic components.  Generally, electronics return to normal
when the temperature drops, but it always better to keep electronics out of
extreme heat (or cold).
 
MN-07-93
Communications Products -- Part II, the Laws
 
Last month, we covered the basics of Citizen's Band, Amateur, Business Band,
and GMRS, and explained how to determine which one to suggest to a customer.
The key is to simply ask if it's for business, personal, or hobby use.
 
This article, Part II, deals with the laws affecting each service,
so you can confidently provide valid information for your customers.
 
Citizens Band
Although no license is required, the Citizens Band Radio Service is regulated
by Part 95 of FCC Rules.  A copy of Part 95 is included with every CB we sell.
 
- Modifying a CB radio in any way voids its FCC type acceptance and makes
  operation illegal.
 
- A CB antenna cannot be over 60 feet high or 20 feet above the building
  to which it is attached.
 
- Channel 9 is reserved for emergency communications and requests for
  directions.
 
CB transmission is typically AM (Amplitude Modulated) and limited
to 4 watts of AM carrier output power.  At Radio Shack, we rate our
equipment under the 5-watt input standard.  ("Input" means input
power to the final amplifier stage, not DC power to the radio or fuse
rating.)  Five watts in is roughly the same as 4 watts out,
so our "5 Watt" radios offer full legal power.
 
On CB, you can transmit plain language communication concerning personal
or business activities, as well as emergency messages or traveler's
assistance.  Music, whistles, sound effects, and profanity are not allowed.
 
SSB (Single Side Band -- either upper or lower) is permitted, although
it is usually reserved for channels 24 through 40.  Since SSB signals
are narrower than AM, more power is permitted -- 12 watts PEP (Peak
Envelope Power) -- making this mode ideal for longer-distance
transmission.  However, transmission must be "local," since the FCC
prohibits transmission to or from a station more than 155.3 miles away.
Tuning is a little more critical to SSB than to other services, but most
users feel this is part of the adventure!
 
Power amplifiers for CB are not allowed -- their manufacture and sale
are prohibited (although ownership is not).  "Linear amplifiers" made in
the U.S. for the Amateur Radio service are not approved for sale if they
work on the CB band.  It is definitely illegal to operate a power amp on CB!
 
You can't beat CB for reliable highway communications.  Wherever you travel,
you can count on a CB radio to get you help when you need it.  And Radio
Shack is America's #1 seller of CB equipment!
 
Amateur Radio
Amateur radio use is limited to hobby and public service; business
use is not permitted.  Many types of communication are allowed:  Morse code,
voice, teletype, facsimile, even television!  There are amateur radio
satellites which every user has access to;
even NASA's space shuttle carries amateur radio equipment.
 
There are several classes of Amateur Radio license -- Novice, Technician,
General, Advanced, Extra -- and each upgrade offers more privileges.
 
Since the requirement to learn Morse code has been dropped for the Technician
license, it's the easiest one to get.  Let new or potential amateur radio
operators (or hams for short) know that both our Radio Shack HTX-202 2-Meter
Transceiver (Cat. No. 19-1120) and new Radio Shack
HTX-404 MHz (70 CM) Amateur UHF FM Transceiver (Cat. No. 19-1140)
can be operated legally by someone who has a Technician license or higher.
 
Two written exams, which can be taken through a local ham club, are the
only requirements to obtain a Technician license
(and one of these tests is the same as the Novice written exam.)
Radio Shack carries complete study guides which include the actual test
questions and multiple choice answers you will see on the exam.
 
Amateur radio frequencies are allocated in "bands," rather than specific
frequencies, although some bands or band segments are regulated by
international agreement.  There are a lot of frequencies allocated for amateur
radio.  The popular 2-meter band, for example, offers about 800 frequencies
(with 5 kHz spacing).  By choosing the proper band, two hams can contact each
other reliably from across town or around the world.  The maximum power limit
for U.S. stations is 1500 watts output (although an FCC guideline suggests
power be limited to that required to establish reliable communications).
 
Amateur radio operators follow a fairly rigid format for calling each other
and use their call letters religiously.  They are self-policing; so, anyone
who thinks he or she can just buy a radio and get on the air will be shocked
at how quickly they are discovered.
 
Business Band
The Private Land Mobile Radio Service is regulated by Part 90 of FCC Rules.
Eligible users include people who operate:  commercial activities;
educational, philanthropic, and ecclesiastical institutions (including members
of the clergy); and hospitals, clinics, and medical associations.
 
Radio Shack offers an ideal way to enter the world of reliable 2-way business
communications.  Everything needed is in one box!  Our
Realistic  BTX-120 Transceiver (Cat. No. 19-1201, $149.95) operates in the
popular VHF high band (about 150 MHz) and offers an extremely good value
and performance (range is several miles).
 
Remind customers that the frequency that comes in the BTX-120 radio's
"A" channel (151.625 is already installed) is for
itinerant (temporary, mobile) use only.  They cannot get licensed solely for
that frequency unless they're involved in activities which cover a broad
geographical (multi-county or multi-state) area, like road crews.
 
The NABER-suggested, FCC-approved frequency goes in the "B" channel.
Order the crystals for the approved "B" channel through
CMC after the customer has FCC approval and the
license in hand.  (The customer must be licensed to be able to operate.)
NABER charges an application fee in addition to that charged by the FCC; the
address and form for NABER is included with the BTX-120.
 
It's also worth noting that our Pro-Quality Handheld Wireless FM Mike
(Cat. No. 32-1224, $139.95), which transmits at 170 MHz, has the same licensing
requirements as a business band radio.  The only difference is that,
for the microphone, there's no need to request a frequency through
NABER, but FCC application must be made.
 
GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service)
GMRS is also commonly known as the Personal Radio Service, which more
accurately describes its use.  Although it's ideal for camping, hiking,
skiing, and shopping, this service remains little-known.  But GMRS offers
the user so much, it won't stay a secret for long!
 
Once someone in the family holds a license, any immediate family
member can use a GMRS radio -- even a child can operate the radio if
a parent holds a valid license!  [The owner's manual for the
PRS-100 Handheld Transceiver (Cat. No. 19-900, $249.95) includes
detailed instructions for obtaining a license.  Take time to read
it and the included forms to increase your product knowledge.]
 
GMRS is FM (Frequency Modulated) and falls in the UHF radio spectrum
(about 462 MHz).  Its range is several miles, with good penetration through
buildings and excellent sound quality.
 
Some GMRS frequencies are reserved for repeaters.
A repeater can extend a handheld radio's range up to 20 miles.
GMRS repeaters require that a special tone be transmitted, one of which
is too low to be heard.  Since our PRS-100 Handheld Transceiver
is made for local handheld-to-handheld use, it doesn't generate the
required tone and it uses frequencies not allocated for repeater use.
You might get a request for a radio with the local repeater frequency and
CTCSS tone capability, but today's volume business is not with repeaters.
Volume sales come from the radio we currently sell!
 
Next month, we'll discuss closing the sale.  Until then remember, at
Radio Shack, radio is not only a core business, it's part of our name!
 
MN-07-93
ELECTRONIC PARTS
 
21-516 Chargers are OK!
 
For some time now, we've been telling stores to use a True RMS
voltmeter to check the voltage output of our Ni-Cd Battery Charger (Cat. No.
21-516).  We were wrong.  No meter, including an RMS meter, will read
the proper voltage when the unit is out of the charge circuit.
 
You need to measure PEAK voltage -- the maximum voltage available to charge
the batteries.  Since it's not convenient to measure the voltage after the
batteries are fully charged, use a small value electrolytic capacitor
to simulate the condition for your measurement.  Try this procedure:
 
1. Observing the proper polarity, connect a DC voltmeter to the
   charger's connector.
 
2. Set the voltmeter's range to at least 30 volts DC.
 
3. Plug the charger into an AC outlet.
 
4. Note the average voltage (typically 11-12 volts, depending on the meter's
   internal circuitry).  This varies since the wavelength is unfiltered DC.
 
5. Observing the proper polarity, connect a 10 F electrolytic capacitor
   (such as Cat. No. 272-1013) across the meter's leads and watch the voltage
   climb!  When the reading stabilizes, note the charger's peak voltage
   reading.  Expect between 25 and 30 volts.  Although only available during
   each "peak" (60 times/sec), this is plenty of voltage to fully charge a 12
   volt battery.  A reading below 20 volts would indicate a defective charger.
 
When you connect a nickel-cadmium battery across the charger, it stores the
voltage just like the capacitor.  The battery "sees" the peak voltage,
not the average voltage.
 
MN-07-93
Adaptaplugs are Adaptable in More Ways than One!
 
With the profusion of portable audio and other devices on the market
today, it's hard to keep track of all the applications for Radio Shack's
family of Adaptaplugs , sold with many of our power adapters.
 
An Adaptaplug fits on the end of a device's cord and allows you to use
a standard power unit (your vehicle's cigarette lighter jack) for
a variety of items (portable radios, CD players, etc.).  And they're
adapt able in more ways than one -- you can use them on a vast
array of products, including many not sold at Radio Shack.  This chart shows
some non-Radio Shack portable CD players that can use our Adaptaplugs.
(Blanks indicate information that is not available for publication.
You can determine power (VDC) or polarity by looking at a product.)
 
Name/            Power         Connector    Polarity       Model          (VDC)           (mm)                                          (TIP)        Color
 
Panasonic SL-S330             1.6 x 4.0                    Brown
Panasonic SL-NP1   3          1.3 x 3.5          +         Orange
 
Sony D-2                      2.1 x 5.5                    Blue
Sony D-T2          9          2.1 x 5.5                    Blue
Sony D-3           9          2.5 x 5.5                    White
Sony D5-A          9          2.1 x 5.5                    Blue
Sony D-9                      2.1 x 5.5                    
Sony D-10          9          2.5 x 5.5                    White
Sony D-11          9          2.1 x 5.5                    Blue
Sony D-12          9          2.1 x 5.5                    Blue
Sony D-25                     2.1 x 5.5                    Blue
Sony D33/D34       9          1.6 x 4.0          +         Brown *
Sony D-35                     2.1 x 5.5                    Blue
Sony D-66                     2.1 x 5.5                    Blue
Sony D101/D202     6          1.5 x 4.0          +         Brown *
Sony D-180K        9          2.1 x 5.5                    Blue
Sony D555          9          2.1 x 5.5                    Blue
 
Technics SL-XP2    3          1.3 x 3.5          +         Orange
 
*Our brown adapters are equivalent to Sony's yellow.
 
It's worth pointing out that our Adaptaplugs are less expensive than
other suppliers', so owners of other manufacturers' portable
products will want to take advantage of our comparable quality and lower
prices.  Once you start letting customers in on the "secret," you'll
have a constant demand in your store for Adaptaplugs!
 
MN-07-93
TECHLINE Rechargeable Soldering Gun is Perfect for Summer
 
Remind your customers that the TECHLINE  Rechargeable Soldering Gun
(Cat. No. 64-2194, $39.95) is perfect for summer electrical and mechanical
projects, like repairs on automobiles, boats, and camping equipment.
Competitively priced, the gun runs on nickel-cadmium batteries for
extra-long working life (it solders up to 250 joints on a single charge!).
 
This handy, battery-powered gun can travel with you anywhere you
might need to do repairs away from a power source -- on trips and
excursions, or on a farm, ranch, or remote work site.  Even at home,
the unit frees you from your workbench power supply.
 
Remember to tell customers about and sell them Radio Shack's
entire line of durable TECHLINE  tools -- all covered by our
1-year limited warranty!
 
MN-07-93
Book Takes the Mystery out of Meters
 
Although few would admit it, many beginning electronic hobbyists are
"scared" to buy their first meter.  "What do all those controls do?
What do the displays mean?  How can I use this?" are questions they
often have, but are afraid to ask.
 
Radio Shack has a source they can go to for the answers.  Using Your
Meter (Cat. No. 62-2039), a handy 144-page book, is filled with
easy-to-follow instructions, diagrams, and examples
that are perfect for the beginning hobbyist or any non-professional user
of VOM and DVM multitesters.
 
Chapters cover basic concepts, multitester measurements, measuring
individual and circuit components (like doorbells, phones, amplifiers,
and power supplies), and troubleshooting common household appliances.
With this book, your customers will be able to measure voltage,
current, and resistance with confidence, and have a better
understanding of the effects of electricity.
 
Using Your Meter is a perfect companion to a customer's first meter
purchase, and an ideal add-on for the more experienced user who wants
a single reference.
 
MN-07-93
Eliminate Guesswork When Identifying Breakers
 
Any customer who has had to replace a household AC fuse or reset a
circuit breaker has probably experienced some frustration and wasted time
in the process.  Most people rely on guesswork and the "trial-and-error"
method to locate the right circuit breaker.  You know how it works -- someone
stands by the fuse box, throwing switches and shouting back and forth
to another family member inside the house who says whether or not the right
breaker was thrown.
 
Radio Shack's AC Circuit Tester (Cat. No. 61-2721, $29.95) offers a
solution to this dilemma.  If a customer wants to find out which circuit
breaker protects the outlets in the living room, for example, they simply plug
the circuit tester's transmitter into an outlet in that room and pass the
tester's receiver over each circuit breaker or fuse.  The receiver beeps and
lights up when it passes over the breaker for the living room outlet.  Since
there's no direct electrical connection to the receiver, there's no need to
turn power off and on.  Your customers will save time and avoid having to
reset clocks, VCRs, and other appliances.
 
Our circuit tester's affordable price is just a fraction of the
$100.00+ your customers might pay elsewhere for a similar unit.  It's a unique
value and a good investment for any home electrician or home owner!
 
MN-07-93
Consumer Support!
 
Remember, Consumer Support covers all Radio Shack non-computer products!
There are a couple of things you can do to help
the support group handle your calls more smoothly.
 
- If your call is transferred to audix, leave your name
  and telephone number (don't just leave the store number).
 
- Leave a description of your problem.
 
- If you need copies of documents, such as programming instructions, leave
  your fax number so they can be sent to you.
 
(800) 321-6680, Stores Only
9 am to 7 pm CST, Monday through Friday
9 am to 2 pm CST, Saturday
 
MN-07-93
ONE MINUTE MERCHANDISER
 
A Few Answers to Cellular Speed-mail
 
Unfortunately, I accidentally dumped a speed-mail letter from my
computer this morning.  Fortunately, I read it before that happened;
unfortunately, I don't know who sent it.  Fortunately, today is the
deadline for this column and I was previously unfortunately
uninspired.  Now, I can share several of my cellular-related
speed-mail answers here, for the enlightenment of all.
 
SPIFFS
The $15 spiff is still in place any time you activate a cellular phone.
There was not a memo which stopped this SPIFF.
You get this SPIFF the same way you get any other Radio Shack SPIFF -- by
claiming it on your payroll.
 
Several carriers pay "extra" SPIFFS.  Your carrier or DSM
will tell you about them.  You do not claim them on your payroll.
The carrier pays Fort Worth, and we cut a check shortly after we receive
the carrier's check and a detail report of who to pay.
If you did not get paid, contact your carrier or ask your DSM;
you were probably left off the detail report.
If the carrier can show that you were on the detail report, and you still
did not get paid, contact me by speed-mail or phone immediately.
 
Activations in Distant Cities
We can usually help you activate a phone in a distant city.
You may work through my office (Cellular Marketing), or through another
store in the distant city.  The carrier can fax you the application, and you
fax it back when it's completed.  Be sure to get the system's parameters from
the carrier when you get the customer's phone number (they will be different
from your carrier's parameters.) You do not have to do anything special to get
your cellular commission -- just enter the phone number as usual on the POS or
later on the DR.  Our computer will verify that it is a valid cellular number
and that it is not a duplicate of one previously entered.  We will
know which cellular carrier to bill from the unique Area Code/NXX combination.
 
Activations Without a Sale
We do not pay a commission to the store when you activate a phone
that was previously sold by a store elsewhere.
The company might receive a commission from the new carrier.
Send in the phone number, but don't use POS; send a speed mail to
Daily Reports to report the number.  Yes, this is fair because it enables us
to actually pay you more than we receive on many phones, so you can sell those
phones competitively and profitably.  This practice also makes up for those
customers who discontinue service early.  Our goal is to place as much of the
profit from selling cellular on your store's P+L as possible.  Cell Cellular!!!
 
Chuck Sizer
E-mail  CSIZER1
(817) 878-4141
 
MN-07-93
SECURITY
 
Whistler 525 Brings Simplicity to Car Alarms
 
For customers who want the protection of a car security system
without the inconvenience of complicated installation, Radio Shack
has a special purchase Whistler 525 Alarm (Cat. No. 49-794, $49.95).
The Whistler 525 features simple, 2-wire installation that even a
novice can perform.  There are no accessories for the Whistler 525;
it's a basic, low-cost system.
 
The manufacturer is providing service for this product, so you'll need to
refer customers to their warranty information for service instructions.
If you get a defective store unit, return it to Whistler with a
complete store exchange memo -- remember, Radio Shack store numbers
don't mean anything to outside manufacturers!
 
MN-07-93
plug 'n power Starter Kit
 
Our plug 'n power  Remote Lamp Control Set (Cat. No. 61-2674, $24.99)
lets your customers control a lamp with the supplied remote control.
This easy starter set is ideal for customers who are considering a large-scale
plug 'n power security system, but who want to try out the system first.
 
The lamp control kit comes ready for installation -- it uses standard
AC power.  It works from across a room or even room-to-room, and turns lamps
on and off, as well as dims them to any level.
 
MN-06-93
VIDEO
 
Private Cable Club's Programming Comes to Radio Shack
 
To serve you and our customers better, we have changed cable
programming companies.  This service is now handled by Private Cable Club
(instead of Satellite Source).
 
Private Cable Club provides more programming and better service,
but at the same low price.  They have been closely associated with Radio
Shack for several years and are excited about working with us.
In fact, the parent company of Private Cable Club supplies some of our
fine satellite equipment.
 
Each customer who purchases a Nine-Foot Dish System
from Radio Shack can order a module (decoder) for the receiver
and 14 cable programs through Private Cable Club
(compared to 11 with Satellite Source).
The cable programs are TNT, Cartoon, TBS, CNN,
Headline News, A&E, CMT, TDC, TLC, FAM, LIFE, TWC, WGN, and USA.
 
For the first year, the module and the programming cost only $549.00 (including
shipping and handling via 2-day UPS).  The module is a one-time purchase, but
the programming must be renewed annually.
 
If you have any questions about programming or want to place an order
for the module and programming, contact Private Cable Club at:
 
(800) 877-4828
9 AM to 8 PM CT, Monday - Saturday
 
MN-06-93
Single Event 8mm Tapes
 
Get ready for summer with Radio Shack's new 30- and 60-minute 8mm tapes.
The tapes are shorter than our regular 120-minute tapes
and are great for recording single events -- like birthday parties,
anniversaries, or children's sports.
 
Length            Cat. No.         Price
 
30 minute          44-456          $4.99
60 minute          44-457           5.99
 
MN-06-93
Important Notice on the 16-412 TV/VCR Owner's Manual
 
The owner's manual for the Model 20 19-Inch Color TV/VCR (Cat. No. 16-412,
$599.95) lists Auto Repeat Playback as a feature.
This feature would let the user set the TV/VCR to automatically repeat playback
of a tape when the tape ends.  However, Auto Repeat Playback is not actually a
feature of this TV/VCR.
 
Make sure you tell your customers who are interested in the 16-412 about
this inaccuracy in the owner's manual.
 
MN-06-93
MISCELLANEOUS
 
Stay Current on Franklin Digital Book Software
 
Franklin has begun promoting Radio Shack as its national retailer,
so you will have customers coming into your store looking for the
Franklin Digital Book (Cat. No. 63-2010, $199.99).
Make sure your book is on display and operational.
If you no longer have your Franklin displayer, order another one (DB-0431).
 
Here is a list of the software currently available from CMC.
Note that Franklin's Manufacture Number is also listed, since you may
receive calls asking for software by the Franklin number.
 
                Franklin                              Expected
Cat No.          Number          Name                   Avail.       Price
 
63-2024          IC-101          Dictionary             Incl.       $59.99
63-2011          IC-102          Video Companion        Now          69.99
63-2027          IC-103          Word Games             Incl.        29.99
63-2017          IC-104          Adverse Drug           Now          99.99
63-2015          IC-105          Medical Therapeutics   Jun          99.99
63-2016          IC-106          Phys. Desk Reference   Jun         149.99
63-2014          IC-107          Organizer              Jul          99.99
63-2013          IC-108          Baseball Encyclopedia  Jun          49.99
63-2012          IC-109          Scrabble Dictionary    Jun          49.99
63-2018          IC-110          Baseball Manager       Jun          39.99
63-2019          IC-111          Pocket Stock Guide     Jul          59.99
63-2020          IC-113          Harrison's Medical     Sep          99.99
63-2021          IC-114          Encyclopedia           Jul          79.99
63-2022          IC-115          Game Gallery           Jul          39.99
63-2023          IC-116          Advanced Dictionary    Aug          79.99
63-2025          IC-118          Merck Manual           Oct          99.99
63-2026          IC-119          King James Bible       Sep          79.99
 
MN-06-93
Ordering Franklin Language Master
 
The Franklin Language Master LM6000SE (Cat. No. 63-920, $499.99) is a new
Franklin learning aid especially developed for learning or visually
disabled students.  This speaking book includes a dictionary with 300,000
words, a thesaurus, and a 70-topic grammar guide.
To make it easier for visually impaired students, the letters are larger
than those on other Franklin books.
 
The Language Master includes ten interactive language games.
Now learning can be fun, instead of a struggle, for learning disabled students. 
Because the Language Master is designed for special applications,
stock will only be available through the Fort Worth 0203 regional warehouse.
To place an order, FAX an ICST to:
 
Nancy Garrison
FAX # (817) 390-8339
 
MN-06-93
65-Series Data Bank Repair
 
Four of our data banks are serviced at Tandy  Service Center 40-0804.
Here's the information:
 
                                       Service
Description            Cat. No.          Rate
 
EC-319 Rolodex          65-932          $20.00
EC-339 Rolodex          65-939          20.00
EC-340 Rolodex          65-940          25.00
EC-345 Scheduler        65-945          40.00
 
Before you send a customer's data bank for repair,
check its batteries.  Often, installing new batteries will correct a problem,
but if it doesn't, send all 65-932, 65-939, 65-940, and 65-945 data banks to:
 
Tandy Service 40-0804
7435 Airport Freeway
Fort Worth, TX 76118
Attn: Greg Portwood
 
Note: Remember that you must replace a data bank's battery
very quickly to avoid losing data.
 
MN-06-93
Kodak Service Number
 
Last year we offered a special purchase Kodak camera (Cat. No. 63-6001,
$18.88).
 
Although we are proud to be specialists in servicing consumer electronics, we
do not service cameras.  If you have a customer who needs to have one of these
cameras repaired, give him or her the Kodak Customer Service line's telephone
number.  Because of the warranty limitation, the customer must verify to Kodak
that the camera was purchased within the last year.
 
(800) 237-5398
8 AM to 6 PM, Monday - Friday
 
MN-06-93
The Charles Tandy Book
 
Tandy's Money Machine: How Charles Tandy Built Radio Shack Into the World's
Largest Electronics Machine (Cat. No. 62-2425, $14.95) by Irvin Farman
details Tandy  Corporation's transition from a humble leather goods store
in Fort Worth, TX to a world-wide retailer of consumer electronics and
computers.
 
The book discusses Charles Tandy's early management style -- he
convinced his employees to invest in the company so both the company
and the employee benefitted.  In fact, some of the early store managers who
started off earning about $200 a month retired with over $10 million in stock!
 
Tandy wanted the business and his employees to prosper,
so he began searching for other businesses to acquire and expand.
When Tandy found Radio Shack, he saw the long-term potential for consumer
electronics growth and began to transform the company.
 
To learn how Charles Tandy and a loyal cadre of executives
made such a Cinderella-style transformation, you'll have to read the book.
 
The Tandy book is especially good reading for biography or history buffs
(Tandy Corporation grew along with Fort Worth and Texas).
And, because the company has realized such dynamic growth, you can also suggest
the book to customers in business for themselves or students enrolled in or
interested in business school.
 
MN-06-93
More on In-Store Remote Testing
 
Often, the best ways to show customers you care about their
satisfaction are also the simplest.
 
How about this idea? Simply tape an IR Sensor
(Cat. No. 276-0099, $5.95) to a POS terminal's monitor.  When a customer
buys a Universal remote, tell him or her to point it at the
infrared sensor.  The sensor will flash if the remote is working properly.
 
This is a novel way of sending each customer home confident that
the new product in their hand will perform "as advertised!"
 
Thanks to Dodd Bulger, store manager (01-9346) in Marietta,
Georgia, who had an inspiration while reading the "Remote Testing
Hint" in the May 1993 Merchandising Newsletter.
 
MN-06-93
COMMUNICATIONS
 
Crystals and Repeater Use with the 19-900 GMRS Radio
 
Frequencies for the PRS-100 Handheld Transceiver (Cat. No. 19-900, $249.95),
a General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) radio are fixed and cannot be altered.
 
Some stores have also asked about using the GMRS radio with repeaters, but
this radio does not work with GMRS repeaters.
The repeaters require a CTCSS (Carrier Tone Coded Squelch System)
tone on the carrier.  CTCSS prevents noise, unwanted signals, and even
our 19-900 HT (Handy-Talkie) from accessing a repeater.
Our radios were never intended to work with repeaters.
However, these radios are perfect for their intended purpose -- to permit
reliable HT to HT GMRS communications!
 
GMRS is still new, but you have thousands of customers who need a GMRS now.
They just don't know about it until you let them know!
(Filling communication needs is our job.)
 
MN-06-93
Do New Scanner Laws Affect 800 MHz Scanners?
 
On April 19, 1993, the FCC passed a new law which made illegal scanners that
are capable of modification to receive cellular frequencies.
The new law also says that products which are easy to modify cannot be
manufactured or imported after April 26, 1994.
Frequency converters (not sold by Radio Shack) which can receive
or be easily altered to receive cellular frequencies are included in this rule.
 
How does this law affect our 800 MHz scanners? Very little.
Our scanners have the cellular frequencies defeated,
in strict compliance with the law.  The law will change how we manufacture
our products, but all other manufacturers will be making changes at the same
time.  Customers should know that this new law does not make existing scanners
illegal, and it will not cause us to change specifications,
performance, or our frequency coverage.
 
At Radio Shack, modifications to any product have always been taboo.
And it is illegal to listen to cellular phone transmissions.
If you suggest or pass any information about modification and your
customer breaks the law, you have committed the crime of "aiding
and abetting" -- anyone who "aids and abets" is as guilty
as the individual who actually commits the crime and can be convicted
of the same crime.
(Of course, we'd much rather have you working for us than doing laundry
at a federal prison!)
 
MN-06-93
Flexible Antenna for 21-1665 TRC-226 CB Transceiver
 
CMC will soon offer a Flexible
Antenna with TNC Connector (Cat. No. 21-900, $19.99) as a replacement for
the existing telescoping antenna on the TRC-226
40-Channel Citizens Band Transceiver (Cat. No. 21-1665, $139.95).
There has been a lot of interest in this type of antenna.
 
This antenna is designed especially for the 21-1665.
Because the antenna was designed and constructed specifically for the
TRC-226, it shouldn't be used with any other radio.
 
MN-06-93
Communications Products: Part 1 -- The Basics
 
Radio Shack is already the largest retailer of CB radios in the U.S.,
and we are rapidly becoming a major retailer of amateur, business, and
GMRS radios.  These services require a "real"
FCC license which the customer must obtain before transmitting.
 
These radios will be a major growth area, and it is important that you
understand the basics of each service, what to recommend, and how the customer
can get a license.
 
The Customers
 
There are three kinds of customers for these products.
 
1. Those who know the laws, the service, and what they want to buy.
 
2. Those who have misconceptions about the laws and what they want to buy.
 
3. Those who have a communications need and hope it can be solved
   with 2-way radios.
 
Since few customers know the laws or exactly what they want,
you must be especially knowledgeable or you will quickly lose their
confidence -- and the sale.  In a future article, we will discuss the laws
surrounding these services, but for now, let's concentrate on the basics.
 
CBs can be used for commercial or private communications.
For reliable communications at a terrific price, CB equipment cannot
be matched -- and it is an important "core" business for us.
 
Compared to CB, business band, GMRS, and amateur radio transceivers
(which are FM) have superior audio quality, less interference, and their
range is more dependent on antenna height than band conditions.
These factors combine to make them a more reliable communication service
than CBs for the upscale buyer.
 
The Radios
 
How do you match a customer with the correct service?
This simple question will help:  is the need business, personal (non-profit),
or hobby oriented?
 
Business would be farming, nursery, security patrol, construction,
vehicle dispatch, etc., essentially anything that operates for profit.
 
Recommend that the customer obtain a Business Band license and buy the BTX-120
2-Channel VHF FM Transceiver (Cat. No. 19-1201, $149.95).
 
Personal would be hunting/fishing, contact with family members
(hiking, skiing), coordinating religious (or other non-profit) events,
and parade communications (if non-profit).  These activities must not be
for profit.
 
Recommend that the customer obtain a GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service)
License and buy the PRS-100 Handheld Transceiver (Cat. No. 19-900, $249.95).
 
Hobby would be talking to other "hams" around town or across the world,
making autopatch calls using local repeaters;
connecting computers with another ham to transfer data or information
(even connecting to the Space Shuttle via computer link);
learning about communications; sending TV, radioteletype, or Morse code
signals; or even bouncing signals off the moon.
 
Recommend:
 
- Scanner to listen to local hams on 144-148 MHz
 
- HTX-202 2-Meter FM Transceiver (Cat. No. 19-1120, $259.95)
 
- Books on Amateur Radio or a computer study guide
 
- A shortwave radio with BFO (Beat Frequency Oscillator) to listen
  to distant hams on 20 meter USB (Upper Side Band)
 
- A contact name for local amateur radio club
 
Remember to identify the customer's needs as business, personal, or hobby
(don't sell a radio for the wrong purpose).
Just because the customer likes the size of the GMRS radio or the price
of the Business Band radio, he can't switch!
Sell each customer what he or she needs, and they'll be happy.
 
The next issue of the Merchandising Newsletter will review the procedures
to obtain an FCC license, and a later issue will discuss how you can promote
and sell communications products.
 
MN-06-93
Stocking and Ordering National and Local Pagers
 
We've gotten questions about why we don't stock national or local pagers and
why it takes 7-10 days to receive an ordered pager.  Here are the answers.
 
National Pagers
 
We don't stock national pagers because they
make up a relatively small number of the total number of pagers we sell.
It isn't worth stocking thousands of pagers in our stores to be able
to sell a few hundred a month nationwide.
 
Local Pagers
 
Although we at Radio Shack have only one local pager catalog number,
the 17-6000, MobileComm has over 1000 SKUs for what we know as the 17-6000.
Although the pagers look alike, they have different frequencies, data baud
rates, capcode sequences, etc.
This combination of variables makes it impossible for us to stock these
units in our warehouses -- that is why the pagers come directly from
MobileComm.
 
Order-to Arrival Time
 
As we noted in the May Merchandising Newsletter, shipment is
by Federal Express, but it still takes 7-10 days to process an order.
Be sure to tell the customer a realistic time to expect the pager.
If he or she is concerned about the length of time, remind them that the
process takes a while because it is complex and we are very careful.
 
Here's an example of why order processing takes at least 7-10 days.
If you create the order at the store on Monday, the order is transmitted to
Fort Worth that night.  On Tuesday, the order is processed and readied for
transmission to MobileComm.
The order is picked up by MobileComm and processed for entry into their
distribution system on Wednesday morning.
On Thursday, the order is transmitted from MobileComm headquarters
to their warehouse for shipment.  Depending on their workload, the pager will
be shipped either later that day (Thursday) or Friday.
 
So far the process described has taken one week.
Add regular 2-day Federal Express transit time,
and you get the pager either Monday or Tuesday of the following week.
(And this schedule is based on everything working properly!)
 
MN-06-93
Amateur Radio Accessories
 
We are running this article again because last month we ran it under the
title "Scanner Accessories." However, the subject is amateur radio
accessories, not scanners.
 
CMC now carries a rechargeable, Ni-Cad Battery Pack (Cat. No. 19-300, $39.95)
for the Realistic  HTX-202 2-Meter Transceiver (Cat. No. 19-1120, $259.95).
This battery pack allows users to keep a charged battery
at all times by charging one battery pack while using another.
 
Tell all hams about this 7.2v, 600mAH battery
pack and the protective Soft Case (Cat. No. 19-1121, $9.95),
also available from CMC.  Both make terrific add-on sales.
 
MN-06-93
New Laser Detector 22-1650
 
Police in some areas of the country are converting from X and K
band radar to the new laser guns.  Customers are asking for a detector which
will warn them of laser transmissions, and now you can sell them a laser
detector that works by itself or with their X/K or Ka band detector.
Our new Road Patrol  Laser Detector (Cat. No. 22-1650, $99.95) mounts
by itself or next to the present radar detector.
It can even be powered from the radar detector.
 
Here's a little rundown on the technology.
The "Laser" gun is not a visible laser like you see at laser light shows;
it is actually IR (infrared), and transmits a stream of pulsed IR light
at the target.  If the target is moving towards the gun, the last pulses in
each stream return sooner than the first pulses because the target
has moved closer in the time it takes to send the stream.
The slight difference in return speed allows the gun to accurately detect
the target's speed.
 
The gun has a very narrow field, so it must be mounted on a tripod
or accurately sighted by the officer.  Unlike most radars, it does not remain
"on" all the time.  Instead, each target is "shot" with one or two streams.
The 22-1650 Laser Detector has superior sensitivity and can often pick up
scattered or reflected pulses.  It does not even need to see the entire stream.
And, if laser gun manufacturers change the timing of the pulses,
our detector will still work.
 
MN-06-93
TELEPHONES
 
Caller ID Availability
 
Here is an updated list of states that have already approved caller ID.
Local government still has final approval on instituting
caller ID in an area, so a city may not approve it even though the state has
passed approval.
Also, the local phone company has to install the equipment to provide service.
 
States          Availability          Svc Date
 
Alabama          Metro Areas                  2/92
Arizona          Phoenix                      2/93
Arkansas         Yell County (Ind)            8/92
Colorado         Denver, Boulder              1/93
Conn-SNET        Major Metros                 1/93
Delaware         Virtually All                4/91
FL(Bell)         Virtually All                7/91
FL(GTE)          Tampa                        9/91
FL(Centel)       Tallahassee                  9/91
FL(Sprint)       Wntr Pk, Alt MNt Spgs        7/91
Georgia          Metro Areas                  2/91
Idaho            Boise                        2/91
Illinois         Chicago                      1/92
Indiana          Indianapolis                 4/92
Iowa             Cncl Blff, Ds MNs            6/91
Kentucky-GTE     Lxngtn, Elizabethtown        8/90
Kentucky-BS      Metro Areas                  9/91
Louisiana        Metro Areas                  8/91
Maine            Portland & Metro Areas      10/90
Maryland         Virtually All               10/89
Mass             S, N Boston                 11/92
Michigan         Detroit                      3/92
Minn             Mankato (Ind)                2/93
Miss             Metro Areas                  8/91
Nebraska         Omha, Lncln (USW & LTel)     1/91
Nevada           Reno - Nev Bell              7/92
Nevada           Las Vegas - Centel            1/91
N. Hampshire     Major Metros                 12/92
New Jersey       Virtually All                11/87
New Mexico       Albuquerque, Santa Fe        11/92
NY-NYNEX         Rock co., LI, Pough, Roch    12/92
N. Carolina      Greensboro, Charlotte, Ral.   1/93
OH-Cinc Bell     Cincinnati                   10/92
OH Bell          Columbus                      1/93
Oklahoma         Muskogee, Tulsa               7/91
Oregon           Portland, Salem               3/93
S. Carolina      Major Metros                  7/92
Tennessee        Metro Areas                  11/88
Vermont          Metro Areas                   4/90
Virginia         Metro Areas                  10/90
Washington       Seattle/Tac/Olym/Brwtn        6/93
Wash DC          Virtually All                 2/91
W. Virginia      Metro Areas                   7/89
Wyoming          Cheyenne                      2/93
 
This list was copyrighted in 1993 by Research First Consulting.
 
MN-06-93
TRAINING
 
Enthusiasm!
 
What does enthusiasm mean to you? According to Webster's Dictionary,
enthusiasm is an intense feeling for a subject or cause; eagerness or zeal.
How often do you experience enthusiasm as a salesmaker at Radio Shack?
 
Have you ever gotten excited about a new product, anticipating its arrival
at your store, eager to take it out of its box and start
using it to see what it can do? Do you then mention this product to your
customers, getting them excited in turn?
 
Of course you have had these experiences -- we all have.
But what happens when you are no longer excited about a product?
What happens to your enthusiasm? What impression do you give your customer?
 
Imagine how you would feel as a customer being greeted
by a salesperson who seems uninterested in the products they have to sell.
You'd probably politely excuse yourself and find a store with a salesperson 
who is truly enthusiastic about the store's products.
People don't buy from lifeless salespeople; they buy from people
who can convey their excitement about a product.
 
To be successful at Radio Shack, you must keep your enthusiasm
going during each product presentation, even if it's the 100th time
you've demonstrated that MovieCorder or answering machine.
 
If you feel that you are not conveying excitement about products,
play a game with yourself and imagine that you are seeing the
product for the first time.
This attitude will help you enliven each presentation by keeping
the spark in your eye and a lift in your voice.
Keep in mind that each customer's questions will unearth
new possibilities for products that you might not have thought of before.
 
Also, keep yourself excited by reminding yourself that you are an electronics
and consumer expert and that customers are coming to you seeking your advice.
 
By getting excited about your products, you'll present the products
to your customers with more zest.
Your customers will enjoy your energy and enthusiasm
and look forward to doing business with you in the future!
 
MN-06-93
AUDIO
 
Taking A Look at Surround Sound
 
Surround sound is the wave of the future in home entertainment.
As people's lives become more complex, more and more they prefer to
relax at home, rather than going out for entertainment.
As always, Radio Shack is poised to meet this trend.
 
You may wonder exactly what "surround sound" is.
After all, the term seems to be a buzzword for all types of systems.
 
"Surround sound" provides movie theater sound from a home system.
It is a general term for several different types of systems
that use at least two additional speakers to add another dimension to recorded
sound.  Surround sound, in simple terms, is a system with side speakers,
rather than one with all sound concentrated at the front.
 
So, how did this technology come about?
Dolby Laboratories originally developed a way of encoding information
into the left and right channels of movie soundtracks for better sound.
 
Although this technology was a breakthrough, movie theaters were reluctant
to change all their equipment because of the large cost involved.
In 1977, the release of Star Wars changed this penurious attitude.
Theaters that had surround sound packed in audiences and thrilled
them with the sound of starships thundering from the back of the theater, while
those that did not have surround sound rushed to install it.
 
Today most good movie theaters use surround sound to enhance the realism of the
show and draw the audience into the action.
The sound appears to come, not only from the screen, but from every direction.
The movie industry's foray into quality sound led to today's
in-home surround sound.
 
Surround sound has come a long way.
For example, Pro-Logic  added a center channel for dialog so
characters' voices seem to come from the screen, not the surrounding walls.
It also uses "steering logic" to move sound to the proper speaker location
for added realism.
 
Watch the Merchandising Newsletter over the next few months for an
in-depth explanation of surround sound and its various components.
 
MN-06-93
Test Your Weatheradios
 
Since summer storms come up suddenly in most parts of the country, take
this opportunity to familiarize yourself with each 12-series Weatheradio .
This way, you can offer your customers a device that provides weather
warnings for personal safety and peace of mind.
 
To make sure each customer gets a reliable product, we suggest you test all
alert Weatheradios before selling them.
Most NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) weather radio
stations broadcast a test alert signal once a week (usually on Wednesday).
Find out when their test signal will be sent, then set out your alert
Weatheradios and make sure the alert feature functions properly.
This way, you are sure to provide your customers with products
they can rely on!
 
MN-06-93
DCC Addendum
 
The following information supplements the owner's manual for the
Optimus  DCT-2000.  After the DCC shipped to your stores, a point was
discovered which needs clarification.  An addendum is being included with the
new product.  If your customers don't have that addendum, copy this page and
provide it to them.
 
Under "Programming a Sequence of Tracks" on page 16, Step 1:
After you load the DCC, make sure the tape direction indicator
shows > (if necessary, press DIRECTION).
Press REWIND (<<) to rewind the tape
to the very beginning of Side A.  Then press >>| to move
the tape to the beginning of the first track. Then go to Step 2.
 
Also, if you rewind or fast-forward the DCC to the very
beginning or the end of the tape during programmed play and want to
replay the sequence, make sure the tape direction
indicator shows > (if necessary, press DIRECTION).
Press >>|, then press PLAY.  The tape moves
to the beginning of the first programmed track and begins playback.
 
This change will also be incorporated into future printings
of the owner's manual.
 
MN-06-93
Kudos to Scratch and Fix!
 
Vic Wolynski (store 01-8875) of Bird Plaza Shopping Center in Cocoa, FL sent
a personal testimonial on the CD Scratch 'n Fix (Cat. No. 42-127, $9.95).
He accidentally scratched a CD while moving some merchandise around the
store and, rather than spend $15.00 on a new CD, decided to try Scratch 'n Fix.
 
Vic impressed several customers with the spray and his "elbow grease."
He notes that the spray works "awesome-like" and the CD now plays
perfectly.
 
MN-06-93
CALCULATORS
 
Radio Shack Comparison Chart
 
Many customers (especially students) come in to our stores looking for certain
national brands or the Radio Shack comparable calculator.
Frequently a certain calculator has been recommended to them because
of its features.  Here is a list of Radio Shack comparable models for
calculators and data banks.
 
Some functions or keys may differ, and the models frequently do not look
exactly the same.
This information is for the closest comparable Radio Shack model.
 
Cat No.         Manufr       Mfr's Model
 
65-892          Canon          LC-82T
65-944          Casio          DC-200
65-991A         Casio          FX-50F
65-998          Casio          FX-115DH
65-983          Casio          FX-580
65-993          Casio          FX-4500P
65-803          Casio          FX-6300G
65-804          Casio          FX-7700GB
65-957          Casio          HR-8B
65-959 (Avail. 7/1/93)
                Casio          HR-150L
65-862          Casio          SF-A10
65-847 (Avail. 7/1/93)
                Casio          SF-4600
65-917          Casio          SL-200
65-596          Casio          SL-300LU
65-910C         Casio          SL-760LU
65-870          Sharp          EL-731
65-999          Sharp          EL-5020
65-946          Sharp          EL-6190
65-947          Sharp          ZQ-2200
 
MN-06-93
TECHNICAL TALK
 
What Makes a Product "Good"?
by Julian Hirsch
 
One of the most important goals of every consumer is to make the best
possible choice in every purchasing decision. "The best" can be defined
in many ways:  the least expensive, most expensive, smallest, largest,
most reliable, newest, oldest, and, for a small percentage of buyers,
the one that gives the best performance regardless of other considerations.
 
Frequently "best performance" is equated with "most expensive," although
few people can afford the costliest product in the category of their
principal interest.  When the product is ornamental the equation may be
perfectly valid, since its price can truly be a major part of the item's
"value."
 
But what about high-fidelity components?  In general, their function is
to reproduce music (or other sounds) with some degree of realism and
believability.  I think most of us are looking for the closest approach
to the live listening experience that we can attain within our budgets
(and, ultimately, the current state of the art).
 
Unfortunately, what makes a hi-fi product "good" is not easily defined.
For most people, sound quality is the criterion of goodness, but what
determines the quality of sound?  In my view, the sound is determined
primarily (say, about 95 percent) by the source (the recording), as
modified by the loudspeakers and the listening-room acoustics.  To a much
smaller degree, the electronic components -- CD player, amplifier, or tuner
-- can affect the ultimate sound, though hardly as much as some people would
have you think.  Passive accessories, such as cables and the like, have
virtually no effect.
 
So the questions still remain:  What is good sound, how do you get it, and
how do you recognize it when you hear it?  I would not presume to answer
those questions for you.  For me, the sound I hear at a live performance
in a well-designed concert hall is by definition good (disregarding the
specific music being played).  I have never heard reproduced orchestral
music that comes close to duplicating the live sound, nor do I ever
expect to.
 
So what is my goal in the enjoyment of recorded music?  I am willing to
settle for a "bare bones" outline of the original live performance,
translated to my home well enough that I can recognize what it is trying to
mimic.  At best, the reproduced sound suggests the quality of a concert
hall, though it would not fool me (or anyone else) for a moment.  Your goal
may be very different, of course, and fortunately each of us can travel his
own path toward its attainment.
 
But consider, if you will, the extreme subtlety of any sonic differences
resulting from a hi-fi system's electronics, and the enormous range of
prices that can be paid for components whose actual electrical properties
differ by very small amounts, if at all.  I realize that my suggestion will
raise the blood pressure of some readers, for which I apologize in advance,
but does anyone really think that an amplifier costing $3,000 gives a
tenfold improvement in sound over one costing $300? Certainly some people
do, but double-blind listening tests have shown that very few, if any,
listeners can actually hear the differences between those extremes unless
one of the amplifiers is poorly designed, defective, or overloaded in
some way.
 
In sharp contrast, the differences between speakers are usually unmistakable.
A $3,000 speaker will almost certainly sound better than a $300 speaker,
though not necessarily ten times better.
 
I recognize that my criteria of goodness are not neccesarily yours.  What I
am suggesting is that each prospective buyer of a hi-fi component or system
trust his or her own ears.  You may be told by an audiophile or a hi-fi
salesman that Model A sounds much better than Model B and therefore
is worth its substantially higher cost.  Often a neophyte who does not hear the
described qualities is reluctant to question the claims of those who say they
do.  That is understandable, and following an expert's guidance may seem like
an easy and logical choice.  Just remember, though, that sometimes the emperor
really has no clothes, despite the acclaim of those who praise his wardrobe.
 
I am not suggesting that expensive, "high-end" electronics are a fraud, or
that they do not offer value for the money.  Most that I have seen and used are
very good by any standard.  But their added value is not in their sound
per se.  A $1,000 watch, for example, might not keep time more accurately or
last longer than one costing $25, but it may still be well worth its cost in
respect to materials and workmanship, to say nothing of style.
 
The same is true of good high-end audio products.  I find most of them to
be gemlike in appearance and control action, and they usually use the
finest components and construction techniques.  If money were no object, I
would probalby have them in my system.  I recognize how easy it is to convince
yourself that these expensive products sound better than more affordable ones,
but I have also make A/B comparisons between them and their mass-market
equivalents and found no audible differences whatever.
 
So I guess "good" is what you can afford.  That probably applies to just about
anything we buy, from candy to cars.  But why credit your choice with
qualities it does not have?  We are fortunate that today's audio components
give us more good sound per dollar than ever before.  Enjoy them for what they
are.
 
Special thanks to Stereo Review for letting us use Julian Hirsch's
"Technical Talk" in its entirity.
 
MN-06-93
ONE MINUTE MERCHANDISER
 
A Basic Ingredient for Retail Success -- Part 2
 
Last month we promised you a list of things you can do to improve
your store's level of service.  Peruse the list and you just might find a few
things you can add to keep your customers coming back.
 
- Greet customers with a warm, genuine smile.  Direct eye contact and simple
  verbal greetings like "Good morning!" are much more effective than the old,
  "May I help you?"
 
- Wait for the customer to tell you why they have come into your store.
  They will tell you, on their schedule, either by their words or by
  their actions.
 
- Listen to your customer's entire story.  Don't butt in or act impatient.
  Be interested, nod your head, look directly at the customer to show
  that you are absorbing every word.
 
- Sell the best solution to each customer's needs, not the most or least
  expensive or the easiest to sell.
 
- Avoid nit-picking over warranties or sales slips -- if the product
  is ours, make the customer happy.
 
- Offer to help customers carry their purchases to their car.
 
- If we don't sell something a customer needs, help them find a place
  that does.  (Every time you do this you make a payment into a
  "lifetime customer" annuity.)
 
- Offer to go over the operation of newly purchased products.
  Of course, you must be able to operate it first!
  This is a great time to sell add-ons.
 
- When you are out of stock on an item, write the customer's name and phone
  number in a "promises" logbook.
  Review the book daily and when an item comes in, pick up the phone and
  "dial for dollars."
 
- Follow up on big ticket purchases with a thank-you card or a phone call
  to make sure everything is going well.
  This is also a good time to offer accessories to enhance the enjoyment
  or utility of that major purchase.
 
- Never prejudge a prospect on the basis of age, race, sex, appearance,
  or even past spending habits.  Treat everyone like a VIP because, to you,
  everyone is! The most professional looking person could be in debt up to his
  designer necktie, while the millionaire good 'ol boy may appear in tattered
  jeans and muddy boots.
 
- Learn your customers' names and use them respectfully.
 
- Empathize with your customers.  Express joy at their successes, sympathy for
  their troubles and understanding of their anger.
 
- Thank everyone as he or she leaves.  Even if a person did not buy anything,
  say, "Thanks" for shopping in your store.
 
The idea is to make the shopping experience as pleasant as possible
for the customer.  People come to Radio Shack because they want to avoid the
grand scale of "super stores." They also come because they expect a much
higher level of service.
 
This is a people business...people buy from people who sell.
You will only be successful to the extent that you are able to meet
your customers expectations of extraordinary service.  Remember...you are the
most important ingredient in the recipe for customer satisfaction.
 
Chuck Sizer
 
MN-05-93
VIDEO
 
Three-in-One Big Button Remote Control
 
With the price reduced to just $19.95, the Three-in-One Big Button Remote
Control (Cat. No. 15-1906, usually $29.95) may be the biggest selling item
ever! Even though this remote replaces three other remotes (such as a TV or
VCR, and a cable converter remote), it is easy to operate.
All you do is tell the 3-in-1 which remote controls you want it to replace,
and it does the rest.
 
For additional convenience, the 3-in-1 has a feature called "Punch Through"
which allows you to use two different devices (the TV and VCR) without
telling the remote to change devices.
 
This promotion will certainly bring droves of customers into your store.
Make sure all your employees understand the basics of this remote,
so they can all sell it.
 
MN-05-93
MISCELLANEOUS
 
Alkaline Battery Packs Available Again
 
Alkaline battery packs will be arriving in your store during May.
These packs have been sold out since Christmas.
 
When you point out the newly stocked battery packs to your customers,
take this opportunity to remind them that our batteries are consistently
chosen as the longest lasting, best value, and as having the most
consistent performance in comparison tests!
 
MN-05-93
Game-Pack Batteries
 
CMC has added a Game-Pack Battery for the PC Engine GT, Atari Lynx, and has
lowered the price on both the Game Boy and Game Gear Batteries.
These batteries are rechargeable, and play can continue while charging the
battery.
A charger is included.
 
- CGP-G011 ($29.95) -- 9.0V, 1000 mAh battery for Sega Game Gear.
  Provides up to 3 hours run time.
 
- CGP-G013 ($29.95) -- 9.0V, 1000 mAh battery for PC Engine GT and Atari
  Lynx.  Provides approximately 3 hours run time.
 
- CGP-G014 ($19.95) -- 6.0V, 650 mAh battery for Nintendo Game Boy.
  Provides up to 12 hours run time.
 
MN-05-93
Remote Testing Hint!
 
How do you assure your customers that their new Universal remote is working
properly? Simply demonstrate the remote before the customer leaves the store
by pointing the remote at the lens of any camcorder or security camera.
 
If the remote is working, you will see the infrared emitter glowing
(most emitters have a pulsing glow, rather than a steady glow).
The camera lens "translates" the infrared light into the visible
range.
 
(Demonstrating the remote control also reminds both you and the customer
that these remotes need batteries!)
 
Tell customers that they can bring their remotes into the
store any time to "test" them.  This test only takes a few minutes of your
time, but it gives you an opportunity to stay in touch with your customers.
 
Thanks to Mike Fornatale, store manager (01-2296) of Park Ridge, New
Jersey, for this hint.
 
MN-05-93
ELECTRONIC PARTS
 
Dremel Cordless Rotary Tool
 
CMC now carries a replacement battery (Cat. No. CPT-755, $21.00) for the
Dremel Cordless Rotary Tool (Cat. No. 64-2840, $34.88).
It is a 4.8V, 500 mAh battery to use in the 750 MiniMite.
 
The Dremel Cordless Rotary Tool can be used for drilling PC board,
grinding metal, precision woodworking, refinishing,
model building, and other craft projects.
It comes with ten removable bits.
 
MN-05-93
Mega Cable
 
MEGACABLE  Speaker Wire (Cat. No. 278-1268, $.99/foot) increases an
amplifier's output by allowing more signal to travel through the cable.
These cables are ideal for large, high-power stereo systems such as
large home systems.
 
These cables lose less signal, so you don't have to turn them up as high
to achieve the desired amount of volume.
This prevents distortion.
 
Here is a comparison chart (courtesy of the Tandy  Wire Division) between
MEGACABLE and our major competitor's cable.
 
                                  Competitor's
Parameter          MEGACABLE          Cable 
 
Copper Stranding     7 x 37/36        3 x 87/36
Number of Strands    259              261
Copper CMA           6475             6525
Cable Dimensions    .220 x .450      .215 x .440
Cable Weight/Feet   .07815 lb        .07520 lb
DC Resistance/Ft    .0080 ohms       .0120 ohms
 
Even though the other cable has more strands of copper, MEGACABLE has more
copper per foot due to the tighter lay.
This allows the cable to lie flatter
(when you remove it from the spool) and bend better.
 
MEGACABLE's tighter lay also results in lower DC resistance.
This gives greater conductivity, better signal transmission at low
frequencies, and less distortion and power loss.
 
MN-05-93
Adapters for Travel
 
Summertime, for many, means rest, relaxation, and travel.
But, traveling to a foreign country without a power converter can be a hassle.
Imagine this picture -- a customer has arranged a nice vacation,
packed, arrived at a destination, and then finds that he can't use
his shaver.  What to do?
Either purchase an adapter overseas (which is not easy to
do in a hamlet in northern England or on an island) or purchase all new
appliances.
Do your customers a favor and make sure they are prepared.
 
American appliances are designed to run from 110/120-volt power sources,
but many other countries use 220/240-volt power.
Without a power converter, hairdryers, shavers, electric toothbrushes,
coffee pots, and other electrical appliances designed to run on a 110/120-volt
power source can overload and may possibly explode.
 
The type of converter needed depends on the appliance's maximum wattage.
 
- The 50-Watt Foreign-Travel Voltage Converter (Cat. No. 273-1401, $15.95)
  operates appliances rated up to 50 watts. This includes razors, electric
  toothbrushes, radios, cassette recorders, calculators, ni-cad
  battery chargers, and contact lens sterilizers.
 
- The 1,000-Watt Foreign-Travel Voltage Converter (Cat. No. 273-1402,
  $16.95) operates appliances rated up to 1,000 watts. This includes
  low-powered heating appliances, such as irons, portable heaters, hot
  rollers, and curling irons.
 
- The 1,600-Watt Foreign-Travel Voltage Converter (Cat. No. 273-1404,
  $19.95) operates appliances rated up to 1,600 watts. This includes hair
  dryers, lamps, toasters, food/bottle warmers, and immersion heaters.
 
- The Dual Power Range Foreign-Travel Voltage Converter (Cat. No. 273-1410,
  $33.95) has two settings. It can operate appliances rated up to either
  1,000 or 1,600 watts.
 
Although these converters fit most foreign electrical outlets,
recommend to your customers that they also take along a Plug Adapter Set
(Cat. No. 273-1405, set of 4 for $7.95).
 
Caution your customers that these converters are not for continuous use
and cannot be used with desktop computers, clocks, TV sets, typewriters,
high-fidelity equipment, or permanently installed equipment. 
 
MN-05-93
Spike Protector
 
Do you know what happens when several electrically powered appliances are
on one line, and one appliance turns off?
If the appliance is large (like an air conditioning unit, refrigerator,
or even a vacuum cleaner), the extra electricity can move
through the line to the other appliances on the line and can damage them.
 
Excess electricity traveling through lines is known as either a "spike"
or a "surge" depending on its duration.
Spikes occur quickly and are easy to intercept.
You can help your customers protect their electrical equipment by selling
them a spike protector.
 
Here are a few common features of spike protectors to help you better
understand them.  A spike protector's energy capacity is an important rating.
It tells (either in joules or watts) how much energy a protector can absorb.
The higher the number (in a direct comparison), the better.
Also, the response time, or how well a protector can limit the first part
of an extremely fast spike, is a good comparison point.
 
Of lesser importance is a protector's clamping voltage, which is the
amount the protector allows through to the appliance.
Clamping levels below 1,000 volts usually prevent damage to sensitive
equipment.  Current capacity refers to the protector's durability level when
it is subjected to major spikes.
 
Get to know the full line of Radio Shack  spike protectors and
help protect your customer's equipment!
 
Warning:  Spike protectors are not lightning arrestors.
Nothing can protect against a direct hit from lightning.
 
MN-05-93
COMMUNICATIONS
 
Allow 7-10 Days to Receive Pagers
 
When you order a pager, either local or national, you need to allow
7 to 10 days for delivery after the pager is ordered.
Even though national pagers are shipped via overnight express, you still need
to allow 7 to 10 days.
 
MN-05-93
Thumbs Up to the PRO-46 Programmable Scanner
 
The March/April issue of National Scanning Report gives its "Thumb
of Approval" to the new Realistic PRO-46 100-Channel Direct Entry
Programmable Scanner.  In "Things That Work," Larry Miller commends the
new PRO-46 (Cat. No. 20-305) for its frequency coverage and price.
 
The PRO-46 has the looks of the PRO-42 (a 10-channel handheld with 30-54,
138-174, and 380-512 MHz frequency coverage) and the price of the PRO-35
(under $200).
 
The PRO-46's distinguishing feature is its ability to scan 800 and 900 MHz.
Miller explains, "...it includes the frequency coverage that many people
need as more and more police, fire and emergency medical services `move on up'
to 800 and 900 MHz."
 
Also, an additional jack lets the user recharge nickel-cadmium batteries
and operate the scanner at the same time.
Other features include a 2-second scan delay, a lock-out function,
ten channel-storage banks, memory backup, a weather band key,
and a priority function that checks a selected channel every 2 seconds.
 
"...it is firmly positioned to be a widely sought-after model
that's going to appeal to a wide variety of people," Miller concludes.
 
MN-05-93
Cellular Remount Kits
 
National Parts has Remount Kits for cellular phone and scanner antennas.
These kits are for customers who want to move an antenna to a new location.
Contact National Parts at (800) 433-5543 for information.
 
MN-05-93
Scanner Accessories
 
CMC now carries a rechargeable, Ni-Cad Battery Pack (Cat. No. 19-300, $39.95)
for the Realistic  HTX-202 2-Meter Transceiver (Cat. No. 19-1120, $259.95).
This battery pack allows customers to keep a charged battery
at all times by charging one battery pack while using another.
 
Tell all scanner enthusiasts about this 7.2v, 600mAH battery
pack and the protective Soft Case (Cat. No. 19-1121, $9.95) which is
also available from CMC.  Both make terrific add-on sales.
 
MN-05-93
Licensing the BTX-120 Transceiver
 
Before a customer uses the BTX-120 VHS-FM Business Band Transceiver
(Cat. No. 19-1201, $149.95), he must obtain authorization from the FCC.
Customers can receive authorization by contacting either NABER
(National Association for Business and Educational Radio) or SIRSA (Special
Radio Service Association) and completing FCC Form 574 (which is included
with the radio).
 
The only questions the customer must fill out on FCC Form 574 are:
 
2-5, 12, 13, 18, 20-25, 30-34, and 37
 
Some of the questions require special information which you need to provide
to the customer. Here are the answers to questions 2, 4, 20, and 31.
 
2. MO        20. IB
 
4. 20K0F3E   31. 90.75A1
 
For additional information, refer to the July 1992 Merchandising
Newsletter, pages 4-6, or call NABER at (800) 759-0300 or SIRSA at
(203) 528-5112.
 
MN-05-93
GMRS License Required for Using 19-900 Handheld Transceiver
 
The Federal Communications Commision requires anyone using the PRS-100
Handheld Transceiver (Cat. No. 19-900, $249.95) to have a license.
However, only individuals can apply for and receive a license.
Since Radio Shack is a business, we are in a "catch 22,"
and you cannot legally demonstrate the 19-900.
 
But, you can sell the 19-900 without demonstrating it.
Tell potential customers everything you know about this radio,
experiences other radio users have had with this and similar radios,
and go through the owner's manual with customers.
By looking through the manual with a customer, you can be sure
you remember to tell him or her about FCC requirements,
battery and operational hints, and how to take care of the radio at home.
 
MN-05-93
TELEPHONES
 
The World Catches up to Our Technology...the 43-212
 
The "A" channel on the old 43-212 Intercoms has been deleted on new units.
We did this because U.S. electric companies now use the "A" channel frequency
for automated meter reading! They send a signal down the AC power line which
instructs a house's meter to signal back its current reading.
These signals cause intercoms set to the "A" channel to blast with noise.
 
If you have a customer who purchased the 43-212 with the intention of
adding more intercoms later, apologize and explain the situation.
 
Thanks to Ron Bastian (store 01-3463) in the Douglas Shopping Center
in Douglas, AZ for bringing this situation to our attention.
 
MN-05-93
TRAINING
 
Certification Means You Care!
 
When do customers become confident that you are the right person to buy from?
It's usually when they realize the salesmaker cares both about them
and their needs -- and that the salesmaker is competent and knowledgeable
in the product category the customer is interested in.
 
Dealing with someone who is specialized in the retail electronics
industry is very important to your customers.  Think about it.
Would you want a farmer to give you a root canal?
Or a restaurant chef to represent you in court?
People like to use specialists whenever they can, and your specialty
is consumer electronics.
 
By taking the time to study, learn, and understand the different
certification manuals, you increase your product knowledge and, thus, your
ability to sell electronics to your customers.
Taking the time to become a Sales Specialist shows your customers
you really care about helping them.
 
But how do your customers find out you are up-to-date on the features,
functions, and benefits of the products you are selling?
One way is to let them know you participate in extensive product
skills tests and you receive ongoing training about new products through
the Radio Shack  Sales Training Department.
You might even show them your Training Certificates in the areas
where you are certified.
Let customers know you are interested in helping them make
the most informed buying decision possible.
 
Your qualification, training, and experience help you stay aware
of what it takes to completely satisfy a customer.
And satisfying the customer is the most important goal
of Radio Shack's commitment to "Crowning Customer Service."
 
You can improve your awareness through the Radio Shack Certification Program.
Be a Certified Sales Specialist and let your customers know you care.
 
MN-05-93
ONE MINUTE MERCHANDISER
 
A Basic Ingredient for Success
 
Having successful shop is very simple...just sell what people
want, accept their money, and say `thank you.'
 
Linh Van Nguyen
Phu Bai, South Viet Nam 1969
 
Linh's business was smaller then, consisting of black market American
cigarettes, coffee, and candy bars, plus a few homemade foods.
Everything was arranged on banana tree leaves and a rice straw mat by the
side of the road leading to the ancient city of Hue.
Today that business is located on this side of the world, has several
locations, and grosses millions of dollars every month.
Much has changed in Linh's life, but his business philosophy remains the same.
 
If commerce is the transfer of goods for financial consideration,
then Linh's description of business has one surplus
element...the `thank you.'
You see, Linh never intended to just be in business, but rather to be
successful in both business and in life.
Like Linh, we can make the choice between just being in business and
being successful.
 
Today, we might say, "Retail is a very simple business, but it is not
easy."
Our products, procedures, and promotions are more complicated than ever.
There is too much competition (with too many product
choices) chasing too few customers with fewer dollars to spend.
How can we rise above the rest and be the most successful retailer?
Let's try adding my friend Linh's very basic but extra "success"
ingredient...service.
 
Most of the basic ingredients that go into running a Radio Shack store are
decided for you by Fort Worth, but the execution is in your hands.
And, if there is one single thing you can absolutely
control in your store, it is the level of service you extend to
your customers.  By giving your customers the best possible service,
you are virtually guaranteed to be highly successful.
 
People like to be pampered and treated with a little extra courtesy.
They love having someone listen to them who appears to really care
about them and what they are saying.
Customers will even pay a little more for a product when they trust
and feel comfortable with the seller.
They will gladly go out of their way to refer their
friends to a business that specializes in extraordinary service.
 
Think about the level of service you extend to your customers and make
every effort to improve it.
Commit to be the best you can be when it comes to serving those who walk
into your store.
 
Next month we will give a list of specific actions you can take to keep
your customers coming back.
Meanwhile, keep in mind what I learned that day on the road to Hue:  always
say "Thank you!"
 
Chuck Sizer
 
MN-05-93
COMPUTERS
 
Additional Parts Moved to CMC
 
The following part numbers have been moved from Tandy Systems Distribution
Center (01-0055) to CMC.
Order these items from CMC by calling (800) 433-2024 or FAXing (800) 821-1959.
 
Cat. No.          Description                     Price
 
25-1075          3.5" 720K Int. Floppy Drive     $109.99
25-3532          Modem Tandy 3800                 249.99
25-3545          Mini-Trackball Tandy 4800/4860    99.99
25-3555          Modem Tandy 2800                 199.99
26-0222          Printer Cable 12' Tandy Edge      32.99
26-1259          Printer Cable 12' IBM Edge        32.99
26-1401          Prntr Cbl 6' Model I/III/4/4P/4D  19.99
26-2816          CSF-300 Cut Sheet Feeder for
                      DMP 300/302/442/2103          299.99
26-2828          Four Way Printer Switch             59.99
26-2829          Serial/Parallel Converter           99.99
26-2840          Printer Cable Extender              29.99
26-2901          Sheet Feeder LP 400/410            249.99
26-2902          Sheet Feeder LP 800                249.99
26-3020          Printer Cable 4 pin/4 pin for
                      COCO/MC-10                      5.99
26-4401          Printer Cable Model II/12/16/16B,
                      Tandy 2000/6000                19.99
 
MN-05-93
AUDIO
 
Speaker Special!
 
We have put together a great combination of speakers for a low
price! Customers get two Minimus -7 speakers and one 12-inch Subwoofer
(Cat. No. 40-4050) for $199.95, and the sound is comparable to systems costing
twice as much.
 
This combination could be a nice addition to a surround sound system,
used as extra speakers in a large room, or the beginning components
of an excellent home theater system.
 
This offer lasts only as long as there are subwoofers available.
 
MN-05-93
DCC Update: Fiber-Optic Cable!
 
The participants of the C-Class Management Seminar asked for Digital
Cables, and we have arranged for CMC to carry the Fiber-Optic Cable
(Cat. No. 42-2466, $39.95) and the Digital Coax Cable
(Cat. No. 42-2467, $39.95).
The Fiber-Optic Cable has a digital optical connector, while the
Digital Coax Cable has a digital coax connector.
Each cable is one meter long.
 
These cables convey messages between an audio source (like your CD
player) and the DCC deck via light, rather than the standard EMS pulse system.
Signals transmitted via light do not undergo digital-to-analog conversion.
 
When signals undergo conversion, noise and distortion may be introduced.
Digital transmission preserves the sound's digital purity,
providing the user with exact audio copies.
 
You may be wondering if these cables have other advantages, since DCC makes
copies that sound exactly the same anyway.  Well, they do.
In addition to recording between two DCC players, the cables can
transmit signals between DAT (Digital Audio Tape) Decks and DCC or CD, as well.
 
MN-05-93
5 HD-90 Tapes and Utility Case
 
How do your customers safely carry their personal stereos and keep up with
headphones, tapes, and batteries?
Now you can offer them our new HD-90 Audio Cassette Five-Pack with
free Carry Case (Cat. No. 44-1802, a $20.92 value)!
The cases hold ten cassette tapes, or five tapes and a stereo, or
batteries, (or a sandwich...)!
Made of durable nylon, the black case repels dirt and liquids
to protect electronic investments.
 
The case, along with the five tapes, is currently priced at $9.95
-- $11.00 less than the cost of a comparable case and the tapes
if they were sold separatey!
 
MN-05-93
GIFTS
 
Take Care of Your VCR!
 
With the approach of both Mother's Day and Father's Day, you have a great
opportunity to promote the Realistic  VCR Care Kit (Cat. No. 44-1801,
usually $19.95, now $16.95).  The kit includes:
 
- A VCR cover to keep dust away from sensitive internal components.
 
- A video head dry-cleaning system to keep a VCR performing
  up to its potential.
 
- A T-120 Supertape.
 
If a customer were to buy these three care-giving items separately,
they would cost nearly $23.00.
 
Put a few VCR Care Kits near the cash counter and some more near the VCRs,
so they are highly visible.
And suggest them to all your customers!
 
MN-05-93
AUTO SOUND
 
Crank It Up!
 
Spring is the season for "Crank It Up" contests, so we have
reduced the price of the Realistic  18-Inch Woofer
(Cat. No. 40-1309, $139.95) to $99.95.
This excellent price will help your customers add to their "radical" custom
stereo systems (both in the car and the home).
 
Also, dust off your component speaker shelves so you can sell new speakers
to add on to or replace current car speakers or to upgrade a customer's
car stereo system.
 
Add the new Auto Tweeter Set (Cat. No. 40-1391, $19.95) for brilliant
highs on the road, and get ready to Crank It Up!
 
MN-05-93
SECURITY
 
Accessories from CMC
 
CMC has three new accessories for the Safe House
Wireless Alarm System (Cat. No. 49-2010, usually $199.95, now $149.95).
Remember to mention these with each sale or inquiry.
 
The extra Smoke Alarm Siren Detector (Cat. No. 49-2020, $24.95)
detects a smoke detector's siren.
This detector "hears" another siren when it is too far away for the human
ear to hear.
 
The Wireless Infrared Sensor (Cat. No. 49-2025, $59.95) detects changes
in infrared energy that result from a rapid change in temperature as from
an intruder's body heat.  Covers a 43' x 54' area.
The sensor can be placed up to 150' from the control base.
 
The Extra Key Chain Remote Control (Cat. No. 49-2030, $24.95) offers
the ultimate in convenience.
It allows users to activate or deactivate the alarm system as they
leave or approach the home.
 
MN-05-93
STORE REPLENISHMENT
 
Reviewing Ad Item Quantities
 
Many store managers are more concerned with promotional orders
than any other kind of ordering our replenishment system does.
This is understandable because promotional sales provide an
extra boost that increase a store's sales.
 
Store managers can productively involve themselves in this
process by using: well timed reviews, the tools provided, and good judgment.
 
Review ad quantities at these two periods during a flyer:
 
1. On the Friday just prior to the start of sale pricing.
 
2. On the second Friday of the flyer period.
 
There are three useful tools in this process:
 
1. The green sheet for a flyer or SOS memo for short term events.
 
2. The Merchandising Guide (planogram) for flyers.
 
3. Recent Count or Count and Need reports for the event.
 
First Review
 
The Friday before the date that sale pricing begins is an ideal
time to review the quantities on hand at the
beginning of a Flyer Ad (by that time the warehouses have
shipped the ad orders). The combination of on-hand and in-transit
quantities reported on the POS system is the ad coverage.
 
Also, at this time the POS system shows model quantities
(MQs) which include needs for the flyer. If goods are available
in the warehouse, the on-hand and in-transit quantities should
equal these MQs (allowing for any sales since the last cycle
order). Most importantly, if discrepancies are found in this
review, there will be time to make adjustments, complete
transfers, or place orders before the in-home date for the flyer.
 
Here are some simple steps to follow in completing this first
review of Flyer quantities for a store:
 
1. Using the blank store-use column on the green sheet, write down
   the sum of the in-transit and on-hand quantities for each item.
   In the same space note the current MQ for each item and leave
   space for a needs notation.  The notations should look like this:
 
   OH+Intr/ MQ / Other
   For example, 6 / 20 / 14
 
2. Locate the merchandise in the store, verifying counts and the
   salable condition of the merchandise.
 
3. Make adjustments to correct inaccurate counts or transfer
   damaged product to "As-Is Inventory." This merchandise will be
   replaced in the next week's replenishment as needed to fill the
   model quantities for the items involved.
 
4. Identify excesses by noting them with a circled quantity
   next to the item on the green sheet. Notify your DSM of
   excesses.  This can be confirmed by checking the most recent billing
   to see if none were shipped when you ordered some.
   If shipments are possible, enter the ICSTs
   immediately so replenishment to the receiving stores
   will be reduced accordingly.
 
5. Review items with quantities of 0.
   These items are probably out at the warehouse,
   and will have to be filled with transfers from other stores.
   (The warehouse is out if you ordered an item last time, but none were
   shipped.)  Contact your DSM and check recent Count Reports for guidance.
 
6. Review the Merchandising Guide (planogram) for the flyer and
   determine how to use this guide for the quantities supplied.
 
7. After the above reviews, there may be three or four items that
   are available in the warehouse where a larger quantity is desired.
   If these are high value items such as CPUs, camcorders, or cellular phones,
   contact your DSM for guidance.
   For other items, an Exception Stock Order for a small additional
   quantity (often just one or two additional units) may be desired.
 
Second Review
 
Do the second review for a flyer on the second Friday
of the flyer (the first Friday after the flyer reaches the customer's home).
The timing of this review is important. On the Sunday following this Friday,
the final replenishment ad order for the flyer will be placed. Also, it
is much easier to understand how items are going to sell for the
balance of the flyer event by this time.
 
The focus of this review is not on ordering merchandise (merchandise
availability is limited at this point), but rather
how to get the most out of the merchandise remaining in
your store and district. The steps in this review are:
 
1. Using the green sheet and view screens on the POS, scan the
   quantities on-hand and in-transit for each item.
   There is no need to write down these quantities for each item,
   but make notes where there are large excesses or needs.
 
2. Review the latest Count Reports and see if needs can be transferred in
   or excesses transferred out. When making transfers to other stores, be
   certain that ICSTs are input on the POS immediately.
   If you do this promptly, the final ad order on that Sunday will be reduced
   by the system for these ICSTs.
 
3. Review displays and make appropriate adjustments for the available
   quantities.
   Make certain displays are filled as much as possible from stock.
   This is a good time to give some extra emphasis to an item
   that hasn't been selling as well as expected.
 
For short term promotions, the critical review time is about one
week prior to the start of the ad.  Since these events are 4 to 10 days in
length, you only have time for one review.
The steps are similar to the those described for the first flyer review.
Just use the SOS memo about the event instead of the green sheet.
 
Summary
 
The "good judgment" part of this process is to use restraint in placing
exception orders and being aggressive in transferring overstocks.
 
The best time to transfer excess stock is just before a promotional event.
We'll save more sales by anticipating what customers will want in other
stores than by waiting until those stores run out of stock.
 
Don't order for floor stacking programs.
Store orders (where needed) should only be small quantities of a few items.
Quantities of unsold ad merchandise are a primary cause of excess inventory
which can become a serious problem to a store.
 
Your goal in this process is to gain sales without gaining excess inventory.
 
MN-05-93
Radio Shack Merchandising Buyers by Category
 
Robert B. Miller, Vice President, Merchandising   390-3135
Rick Borinstein, Director, Merchandising          390-2736
 
 
Communication/Automotive
Joel Guskin, Manager
390-2771
 
Dennis Godfrey, Buyer (390-3239)
17          Cellular Phones & Pagers
279         Phone Wiring and Accessories
43          Telephone, FAX, Intercoms
49          Pagers
 
Wayne Wilson, Buyer (390-3233)
12          Auto Sound
12          Auto Speakers
19          2-Way Radio
20          Scanners, Shortwave
21          CB Radio
22          Radar Detectors
49          Auto Alarms
 
Personal Electronics & Parts
Gordon Dixon, Manager
390-3232
 
Tim Oldham, Buyer (390-2670)
22           Test Equipment
270          Fuses, DC Adapter, Joysticks
271          Resistors
272          Lamps & Capacitors
273          AC Adapters/Transformers
274          Plugs & Jacks
275          Switches
276          Semiconductors
277          Project Boards
278          Wire & Connectors
61          Flashlights
61          Electricals
61          Seasonal
62          Books
64          Tools & Hardware
 
Mark Verdeyen, Buyer (390-3132)
49          Home Security
61          plug 'n power 
63          Timers
63          Watches
63          Health Products
63          Metal Detectors
63          Clocks
63          Spell Checkers
63          Copiers
63          Other
65          Calculators & Databases
 
Audio/Video & Seasonal
Dick Donnelly, Manager
390-3584
 
Lee Brayn, Buyer (390-3235)
14          Tape Decks
31          Audio Receiver
33          Headphones
40          Raw Speakers
40          Audio Speakers
40          Raw Auto Speakers
40          PA Speakers
42          Audio Accessories
42          Turntables
42          Keyboards
42          CD Players/Changers
42          Lightshows
51          Pre-Recorded Audio Tape
 
Leon Lutz, Buyer (390-3236)
23          Batteries
28          Kits
60          Toys
61-2729     Musical Lights
61-2795     Pencil Sharpener
68          Premiums (flashlights)
 
Colin Meyer, Buyer (878-6633)
12          Weather Radios
12          Weather Radios
14          Portable Tape Recorders
 
Dave Shoemaker, Buyer (390-2775)
13          Music Systems
15          TV Antennas & Accessories
16          TV, VCR, Satellite, Camcorders
32          PA Equipment
33          Mikes
44          Tape & Accessories
50          Pre-Recorded Video Tape
 
Cellular Carriers
Chuck Sizer, Manager
878-4141
 
Computers
Bob MacQuigg, Manager
390-3208
 
Mark Clauder, Buyer (390-3173)
25/26     Tandy 1000/2500 Hardware and Peripherals
          Multimedia Upgrade Products
          Sound/Music Boards
          Modems (except laptops)
          CD-ROM Drives
          FAX Products (for desktop PCs)
 
Joel Cohen, Buyer (390-2873)
          Tandy 3000/4000 Hardware and Peripherals
          VGA/SVGA Monitors
          Laptops/Notebook PCs/Accessories
          Backup Power Supplies
          Printers & Printer Supplies
          Printer Cables/Ribbons/Printwheels
          Paper/Labels
          Hard Drives
          Operating Systems
 
Ann Kennemer, Buyer (338-2331)
          Miscellaneous Accessories
          Mice
          Diskettes/Media/Disk Boxes
          Furniture
          Personal Finance Software
          DeskMate 
          Desktop Publishing Software
          Graphics Software
          Productivity Software
          Online Services Software
          FAX Software
          Serial Cables/Connectors
          Computer Spike Protectors
          Utilities
 
Marqueax Price, Buyer (390-2730)
          Joysticks
          Educational Software (Home)
          Entertainment Software
 
MN-05-93
Speed Mail Addresses
 
What happens to your speed mail message when you send it to a buyer?
Well, that depends.  Many speed mail messages to buyers are
support-related -- the way a product works, problems you're having with
it, etc.  These messages are forwarded to Consumer Support.
Consumer Support works with the buyers and other departments
(like engineering and NQC)
to get you the best answer in the fastest manner.
 
Speed mail that's appropriate for buyers to spend time on
-- like that about new products you'd like to see --
is still answered from Merchandising.
 
So if you send speed mail to a buyer and then hear an answer
from Consumer Support, don't worry.
The fact that you got your answer is the important thing.
Buyers are very busy, and though they'd each like to talk to every
store manager and employee personally, the number of you
(lots) versus the number of buyers (few) makes that impossible.
This is why the Consumer Support group was established,
so please work with them.
 
In fact, you can help save time by contacting Consumer Support directly
for those questions that they can answer.
 
(800) 321-6680
 
8 am to 7 pm CST
Monday through Saturday
 
Randy Rau is the lead Consumer Support Engineer.
You can send mail to him at:  RRAU1@CSS
 
Here are some other mail addresses you may need.
 
Merchandising Addresses
 
Bob Miller          VP           RMILLE1
Rick Borinstein     Director     RBORIN1
Mary Shockey        Office Mgr   MSHOCK1
Mary Ann Slater     Secretary    MSLATE1
 
Merchandise Groups
 
Personal Electronics
 
Gordon Dixon         Manager        GDIXON1
Mark Verdeyen        Buyer          MVERDE1
Tim Oldham           Buyer          TOLDHA2
 
Audio/Video
 
Dick Donnelly        Manager        LDONNE1
Lee Brayn            Buyer          LBRAYN1
Leon Lutz            Buyer          LLUTZ1
Colin Meyer          Senior Buyer   CMEYER1
Dave Shoemaker       Buyer          HSHOEM1
 
Computers
 
Bob MacQuigg         Manager        BQUIGG1
Joel Cohen           Buyer          JCOHEN1
Ann Kennemer         Buyer          AKENNE1
Mark Clauder         Buyer          MCLAUD1
Marqueax Price       Buyer          MPRICE1
 
Cellular
 
Chuck Sizer          Manager, Cellular Mktg  CSIZER1
 
Communications/Automotive
 
Joel Guskin          Manager        JGUSKI1
Dennis Godfrey       Buyer          DGODFR1
Wayne Wilson         Buyer          WWILSO1
 
Merchandising Support
 
June Wolff           VP                  JWOLFF1
Pat Lillard          Director, Rebuying  PLILLA1
 
Store Replenishment
 
Syd Rauworth         Director            SRAUWO1
Randy Lunz           Controller          RLUNZ1
Virgil Carson        Field Coordinator   VCARSO1
 
Other Addresses
 
Engineering
 
Barry Stevens        Sr. Director        BSTEVE2
 
Regulatory Affairs (FCC, UL)
 
Mac Slayton          Manager            MSLAYT1
Linda Dickerson      Secretary          LDICKE1
 
National Parts
 
FAX Bob Thomas at (817) 870-5737.
 
MN-04-93
VIS Price Breakthrough!
 
The Memorex  Video Information System  (Cat. No. 16-376, $699.95)
is on sale for $399.95! This is a price and technology breakthrough.
 
Now that you have soaked up information about the extras and benefits of VIS,
go back and review the basics.
Experiment with the controls so you can demo the system without pausing
to think about the next step.
You can even try connecting a pair of speakers and listening to the VIS
play an audio CD so you can hear VIS' quality sound.
(There are music information discs, too.)
 
Familiarize yourself with Compton's Multimedia Encyclopedia
(since it comes with the VIS player) and resolve to tell prospective VIS
customers at least one interesting fact you learn.
Remind them that for less than the price of a regular encyclopedia,
they get Compton's (which is an experience in itself) and
the VIS player.
 
There's so much to tell your customers about VIS -- things you never thought
about before.
As Seymore the Owl says, "Anything you can think of, VIS can deliver."
 
MN-04-93
Franklin Displayers
 
There have been several requests for extra Franklin Display Pins (Part
No. FO137), the white plastic "thumb tacks" that hold the clear plastic
cover on Franklin displayers.  If you need some extras (they're easy to lose),
order them through Toy Warehouse 0503.
 
You can order a dozen of these pins directly from the warehouse.
The pins are free, and you order them through the POS system.
 
MN-04-93
Centel Cellular Becomes "Sprint" Cellular
 
Centel Cellular is changing its name.  Due to the Sprint-Centel merger,
Centel Cellular will become "Sprint Cellular" on April 21.
 
We thought you should know in advance to avoid confusion.
 
MN-04-93
STORE REPLENISHMENT
 
A New Tool to Help Manage Store Inventory
 
One of the challenges that store managers face is staying familiar with the
level of store merchandise when a replenishment system does the weekly
ordering. Senior Managers brought this point to the attention of the Fort
Worth management team in a meeting last April.
They asked that a tool be installed on the POS system which would aid store
managers in reviewing stock on a regular basis.
Because of other changes to the POS system, it took a while, but this
reporting tool is now on the POS system.
 
We call this tool The Stock Review Report, and it is part of the 4.25 patch
to the POS system.
This report can be used to review stock by SKU and see that merchandise
is displayed, priced, and accounted for accurately in the perpetual (and
keep you in touch with your store's stock content).
 
The columns and information shown on this report are:
 
SKU # and Description
 
Status          Active (ACT) or Discontinued (DISC)
 
Selling Price          The current permanent selling price.
                       Temporary promotional pricing,
                       advertised or unadvertised, is not reported here.
 
Model Quantity          The most recent model transmitted to
                        the store's POS system from Fort
                        Worth.  Models are updated daily for
                        changes.  If an item is coming up in a
                        flyer, the model will cover needs for that event.
 
In-transit Qty          Quantity billed from a warehouse or
                        charged to the store on an ICST, but
                        not yet received or cleared in the store POS system.
 
On-hand Qty             The quantity on hand at the time of this report.
 
Check Quantity          Blank column for store use.
 
Action Taken            Blank column for store use.
 
Reviewed By          Blank space at top of page for entering name and date. 
                     May be used at local store or as a DSM option.
 
Do not simply use this tool to write down a count for every item
in a store every month and adjust the perpetual
for any variances with a count error adjustment.
Since the POS system keeps detailed records of counts,
this would waste time.  Also, there are many different reasons for count
variances which require different actions.
 
We recommend you use this report to review Regional items
on a regular basis.
The report can be produced by warehouse type or merchandise category,
depending on a store's local needs.
A store might produce this report for one or two categories
of merchandise on selected weekdays.
This merchandise could then be reviewed by answering these questions
and acting appropriately:
 
MN-04-93
On The Sales Floor
 
1. Is the item on display?
2. Is the item clean and functional?
3. Is the item priced correctly?
 
In The Stock Room
 
1. Is the stock all in one place and within its category?
2. Should some of the back stock be put on display?
3. Is there an overstock of the item?
 
Check counts on items as needed.
A visual check without written notations should be sufficient on most items.
Written notations are needed only where there is doubt about
on-hand quantity.
The situation should be reviewed thoroughly for on-hand quantities
that seem incorrect.
It is important to first understand what is wrong with the count
and then take appropriate action:
 
- Is the check count accurate? If in doubt, count again.
  Inspect all areas where merchandise is stored.
 
- Is input missing on an ICST for something shipped in or out?
  Input the ICST information.
 
- If a received order or ICST has not been cleared in the POS system,
  clear it.
 
- If an item is out for repair, make sure it is recorded in the repair log.
  Follow-up may be necessary.
 
- Is an SAR pending on this item? Follow-up may be necessary.
 
- Has an old layaway expired?
  Make sure that the merchandise is available for sale again.
 
- If merchandise has been taken for store use or destroyed because
  it was damaged, make adjustments.
 
- Has there been a POS system failure or has the POS system
  been restored recently? Call POS support for direction.
 
- Are there a large number of items with unexplainable count errors?
  Call POS support for direction.
 
- Are there a few items with counts that are incorrect
  for none of the above reasons?
  If so, do a #7 count error adjustment on these items.
  This will correct the perpetual counts both in the store's system
  and in Fort Worth, resulting in more accurate replenishment.
 
A store manager who routinely reviews merchandise in this way
will become very knowledgeable about merchandise quantity and its location.
The store's displays will be filled with merchandise
that is ready to demonstrate and sell.
Replenishment will be more accurate because perpetual on-hand will be better
kept with these periodic reviews.
 
As we go forward, we may find other uses for the Stock Review Report!
The Senior Managers were right -- this tool can be useful to a store manager
in improving sales and profits.
 
MN-04-93
AUTO SOUND
 
New 12-1990 Car Stereo
 
The Realistic  AM/FM Stereo Car Cassette Player (Cat. No. 12-1990, $149.95)
replaces the 12-1942, but it has updated styling.
Like the stereo it replaces, the 12-1990's features include:
 
- CD Input Jack -- so you can connect a portable CD player.
- Phase-lock-loop (PLL) -- tuning to ensure accurate tuning.
- Auto Reverse -- lets you play both sides of a cassette without
  turning it over.
- 24 Preset stations -- let you set 18 FM and 6 AM stations
  and play them at the touch of a button.
- Line-out jacks -- to connect an equalizer/booster.
 
MN-04-93
TRAINING
 
The Bear and the Alligator
 
Once upon a time, there lived an alligator and a bear.
The alligator lived in the swamp and rarely traveled on the land,
while the bear loved the land and seldom swam in the swamp.
One day the alligator and the bear decided to fight, but they couldn't
agree where to hold the fight.
 
Both the bear and the alligator recognized that the winner
would be determined, not by power or skill, but by location.
Alligators fight better in a swamp, and bears have the advantage on land.
 
In sales, you need to think about which sales method allows you
to declare victory (close more sales).
When a customer enters your store, don't be a bear in the swamp and start
a sales conversation focusing
on reasons why you think the customer should invest in the product.
 
Be a bear on land and start a sales conversation focusing
on the customer's needs and how the product's features will meet those needs.
This stakes out your sales territory and puts you on on solid ground,
where you will have the advantage and will probably be victorious
in closing the sale.
 
Here are a few questions to ask yourself to see if you
are working on good sales ground.
 
- Are you greeting the customer within 30 seconds?
 
- Do you ask at least three questions to determine
  a customer's wants and needs?
 
- Are you presenting and demonstrating products
  that will meet the customer's needs?
 
- Do you have equipment that is fully operational
  so you can demonstrate Radio Shack's superior products?
 
- Are you asking for the sale?
 
- And, are you providing all the add-on merchandise needed
  to operate the product once the customer leaves the store?
 
If you answered "yes" to these questions, then you
are offering your customer Radio Shack's Crowning Customer Service -- service
that says you put your customer first.
So stake out your territory by putting the focus on your customer -- and
then ask for the order!
 
MN-04-93
AUDIO
 
CD Demos Available
 
There are still plenty of Sony Demo CD #2s (Cat. No. DB-00405, $4.85)
available from the regional warehouses.
Order one (or two) of these if you have lost your copy or if you want one
to use in a different part of the store.
You can even record the CD onto tape to demo tape decks.
 
This CD contains a wide variety of songs which should appeal to most
of your customers.
 
MN-04-93
DCC Update: Publicity!
 
The April 1993 issue of Popular Mechanics magazine (pp. 49-51)
gives an excellent overview of DCC, focusing on the differences between
analog cassettes, DCC recordings, and Sony MD.
While the article doesn't hype the Radio Shack product, it does use the
Optimus  DCT-2000 as its research unit and praises DCC in general.
You'll learn about:
 
Data Compression
Data stored on a CD can be compressed 75% to fit on a DCC tape by
leaving some of it out: DCC "take[s] advantage of the limitations of the
human ear" by leaving off data below the ear's range.
 
Recording Ease
DCC allows you to set ID markers on the tape so you can easily find a
portion of tape and avoid listening to unrecorded time.
 
Textual Information
The DCC player can display textual information about each CD
(name of the artist, track, or album).
 
Pre-recorded Tapes
DCC releases are spread across a wide variety of genres, not concentrated
in pop like Sony MD.
 
Popular Mechanics sums up by saying, "There was no variation in sound
quality..." between CD and DCC.
 
MN-04-93
Cassette Adapter Price Reduced
 
CMC has reduced the price of the T16-TA3 Cassette Adapter for VHS-C
Tape from $64.95 to $29.95.
Be sure to mark this change on pages B-5 and B-6 of the Audio/Video section
of your red CMC binder. 
 
MN-04-93
SECURITY
 
Safe House Surveillance System on Sale!
 
The Safe House  VSS-100 Video Surveillance System (Cat. No. 49-2500,
$299.95) is on sale in Flyer 502 (March 25 - May 1, 1993) for $279.95.
Included in the system is a camera, a 60-ft. cord, and a 9-inch black and
white monitor.
 
These accessories are available from CMC:
 
Wide Angle Lens (Cat. No. 49-2521, $49.95) --
enables the camera to view a larger field. The wide angle lens will be
at CMC around the first of May.
 
6-Ft. VCR Adapter Cable (Cat. No. 49-2510, $7.95) --
allows the user to connect the camera to a VCR so you can record to
a video cassette tape.
 
100-Ft. Camera Extension Cable (Cat. No. 49-2520, $39.95) --
lets you extend the camera to a maximum distance
of 300 feet from the monitor.
 
Note:  Because the monitor is one channel and accommodates only one
camera, extra cameras are not sold for this system.
If the camera does not work, forward it to a repair center for repair.
 
We are currently reviewing the possibility of selling a system
that accommodates more than one camera or monitor.
 
MN-04-93
TELEPHONES
 
TAD-265 Is Powerful and Feature Packed
 
The TAD-265 Cordless Telephone Answering System (Cat. No. 43-730)
is a portable cordless telephone combined with an answering machine
which has very sophisticated features.
It's complete and versatile, but you need to
qualify your customer before selling this system.
 
Tell your customer about all the features this system includes,
and be sure the customer is looking for all these features.
Recommend that the customer be prepared to read the owner's manual carefully.
 
Be sure you understand the basics of the system yourself before
you explain them to the customer.
Familiarize yourself with the two quick-reference cards
provided with the owner's manual, especially the handset quick reference.
Before your customer leaves the store, explain (and demonstrate) that
the handset operates just like any other cordless phone, and show how it acts
as a remote control for the answering machine.
 
Auto call is one of the system's most useful features.
The TAD will call a designated telephone or pager number to tell you
when you have messages, and you can then use remote commands to access the TAD
and listen to your messages.  Here's a quick guide to auto call.
 
1. Set the TAD's CPC switch to MIN.
 
2. Be sure the TALK and ANSWER indicators are off
   and you have listened to all messages.
 
3. Store a personal security code (which allows you to 
   access the TAD from a touch-tone phone).
 
4. Store the telephone or pager number you want the
   TAD to call when you have messages.
 
5. Turn on the auto call function as described in the owner's manual.
 
6. Set the TAD to answer calls.
 
Also, share these operating hints with your customers:
 
- To perform any remote operation from the handset, the TALK and
  ANSWER indicators on the handset and the base must be off.
  Press TALK to turn off the TALK indicator and STOP to turn off the
  ANSWER indicator.
 
- When checking the answering machine's outgoing announcement,
  listen through the handset (not the base) to hear the announcement.
 
- To operate the TAD from the handset, you must first press REMOTE
  then press the command key on the handset.
 
- The owner's manual does not mention setting the CPC
  switch to MIN in the auto call instructions.
  But, in some telephone exchanges, auto call will not work
  as described unless you select this setting.
 
When you know how the system works and can
anticipate the questions that might arise, you can sell it to the customer
who is looking for all the features it has to offer.
And you'll be assured that those who purchase this sophisticated answering
system are satisfied with their purchase for years to come.
 
MN-04-93
New Caller ID Phone System Works in More Areas
 
The new DU FONE  Caller ID System 300 (Cat. No. 43-954, $69.95)
is shipping to all stores which are authorized for either form of
caller ID service.  It replaces earlier versions of caller ID which were
equipped with either number only or name and number ID, but could not convert
between the types.
 
The internal circuitry of the DU FONE Caller ID System 300
works with both types of ID service, displaying the name and number if
available, or number only if name service is not offered.
 
This system stores and displays up to 100 number only Caller ID
records or 50 name and number records.
 
Remember, before you can receive this system, your DSM must
supply Replenishment with the following information:
 
1. Your store number and address
2. Your complete phone number
3. Date the service is to activate
 
Call your local phone company (not Fort Worth) to find out if your area
currently has caller ID service or to find out when you will get it.
 
MN-04-93
Upright Cordless Phone!
 
With spring approaching, your customers' attention will move from the indoors
to the outdoors.  So now is the perfect time to suggest the ET-442
Cordless Electronic Phone (Cat. No. 43-574, $129.95) which allows customers
to bask in the sun or perform household fix-ups outside without missing
important calls.
 
The ET-442's Super CCT Noise-Reduction Circuit provides users with sound
comparable to a corded phone.  The phone has ten frequencies, so your customer
can choose the one with the least interference from other telephone users.
 
The ET-442's sleek, upright design compliments any decor when it is resting on
the base.
 
MN-04-93
43-703 Arrives
 
The TAD-346 Dual Microcassette Telephone Answering System
with Voice Mail and Voice Stamp (Cat. No. 43-703, $99.95) has just arrived!
 
This system's many features include remote operation,
announcement-only option, two-way record, room monitor,
and switchable message length.  This system also allows you to leave
a private message for people who know your voice-mail code.
 
MN-04-93
COMMUNICATIONS
 
Best Cellular Add-on
 
What's the best add-on for a cellular phone?
After you've sold the antenna, TSP, extra battery, etc, try a pager!
Why? A pager can significantly reduce the cost of
cellular phone operation by allowing your customer to keep it turned off.
Customers see who is calling on the pager's display and only return
important calls on the cellular phone -- then return the rest at home or
back at the office.  This trick also helps customers manage
time, and it makes a battery go a long way between charges.
So, if your store has both cellular and pager authorization -- sell 'em
together.  They're a natural!
 
MN-04-93
ELECTRONIC PARTS
 
Auto Power Controller
 
The Archer  Auto Power Controller (Cat. No. 61-2781, $49.95)
makes it easy to turn on several appliances or components with one switch.
You simply choose one appliance as the controlling unit, turn it on,
and everything else plugged in to the power strip comes on, too.
Along with the control outlet, there are four switched outlets and one
unswitched outlet for a component that needs constant AC power.
 
This set-up is ideal for a computer or home entertainment system.
For example, you can designate the stereo receiver as the controller
and control a TV, cassette player, CD player, amplifier, and a VCR
with one switch.  Connect the VCR to the unswitched outlet so it will hold the
recording times even when the stereo receiver is switched off.
 
The Auto Power Controller has a built-in spike protector and noise filter,
too.
 
The Auto Power Controller is on sale in Flyer 503!
 
MN-04-93
Digital Multimeter Now Shipping
 
The Micronta  Auto-Range Digital Multimeter (Cat. No. 22-174, $89.99)
should be in your store by May.
 
This is a true RMS multimeter which is small enough to take from the
lab or workbench to the field or to use around the home.
It uses the latest IC and display technology with the lowest
possible number of components.  Its many features include:
 
- LCD Bar Graph Display -- makes nulls, peaks, and trends more apparent.
 
- Fully Auto-Ranging -- makes the meter easier and safer to use.
 
- Volts or dBm Voltage Display -- matches the unit of measure
  to the application.
 
- Continuity Function -- checks the continuity of wires or traces.
 
The digital multimeter includes a low-battery indicator, folding stand,
UL listing, and a built-in thermometer.
 
MN-04-93
Shielded Coax Cables Vary Between -/+ Five Ohms
 
Archer  50- and 75-Ohm Shielded Coax Cables
(Cat. Nos. 278-1312 through 278-1317) have a -/+ 5-ohm tolerance.
For example, the impedance of a 50-ohm cable can vary between 45 to 55 ohms
depending on the signal's frequency.  This variation is normal.
 
The 1993 catalog (page 110) lists these cables with differing impedance levels
(for example, the 278-1312 is listed as 52 ohms), but they are all actually
either 50- or 75-ohm with the -/+ 5-ohm tolerance.
Once a customer decides he or she needs one of the 50-ohm (or 75-ohm) cables,
the selection should be based on what the cable will be used for, loss per
foot, and its diameter.
Do not worry about the catalog's impedance listing.
 
Generally, 50-ohm cables are used for scanners, radios, and CBs, while
TVs and satellites require 75-ohm cable.
Computers' impedance requirements should be checked individually.
 
Note:  The smaller the cable's diameter, the greater the signal loss
as the signal moves through the cable.
 
MN-04-93
VIDEO
 
Model 157 MovieCorder Input Cable Now Available
 
The owner's manual of the Model 157 MovieCorder  (Cat. No. 16-858, $899.00)
states that you can dub (copy) onto a tape in the MovieCorder from
a tape in another VCR.  This is accurate, however, you need an input cable
(not included with the MovieCorder) to do so.
 
The additional cable, the A/V Input Cable for the Model 157 MovieCorder
(Cat. No. 16-2332, $24.95), is now available from CMC.
 
MN-04-93
16-121 TV Lists Wrong Fuse
 
The manual for the Portavision  Home/Auto 5-Inch Black and White TV
(Cat. No. 16-121, $79.95) lists the wrong replacement fuse for the
DC adapter cord. The manual lists Cat. No. 270-1246, which is a 3-amp,
20 mm (the wrong size) fuse.
 
The correct fuse is Cat. No. 270-1276, which is a standard-size fuse
(Fast-Acting 1 1/4 x 1/4") of the same rating.
 
MN-04-93
Memorex Satellite System
 
April is "Satellite Month," so get ready to answer loads of questions
and sell satellites! The Memorex  Satellite System consists of these items:
Antenna (Cat. No. 16-2508), Feedhorn (Cat. No. 16-2510),
Receiver (Cat. No. 16-2511), and LNB (Cat. No. 16-2512).
 
Satellite Brochure
Make sure you have plenty of "Memorex Home Satellite TV" brochures
to give to customers who show an interest in satellite.
This brochure answers many initial questions that customers unfamiliar with
satellite may have.
 
How to Order a Satellite System
Call your Regional Sales Office and tell them which stock numbers and
what quantity you need.  Remember, you must order each piece of the
satellite system, since there is not a single stock number that will get
you the whole system.  And, you must order the satellite system
because it is not part of the replenishment system.
 
Product Questions
If you have questions on the satellite components
(LNB, feedhorn, dish, or receiver), or how a VCR is hooked up to the receiver,
call the Radio Shack Consumer Service Line at: (800) 321-6680
 
Note:  This 800 number is for store use only.
The Consumer Service Line answers customer questions at: (817) 878-6890
 
Decoder/Programming Questions
As a service to our customers, "Satellite Source" handles our
satellite programming and the decoder sales.
If you or your customers have a question about programming
or about the VCII Plus Decoder, you can call the Source at:
 
To order programming: (800) 477-1234
 
For programming details: (800) 395-6463
 
Computer Data Print-Out
You should provide your satellite customer with a satellite dish
Alignment Data Print-Out.  This assists with dish alignment and the site
survey mentioned in the owner's manual.
Order form DB-101 listed on your forms order screen, then
follow the instructions that come with the program.
 
Installation Questions
As an additional service to our customers,
we recommend that Digitron Communications do the installation.
(They are the only company you should recommend.
To do otherwise is a direct violation of our contract with Digitron.)
 
Because Digitron is not part of Tandy  or Radio Shack ,
the customer needs to deal directly with them.
There is a list of current installation charges at the end of this article.
You may make this information available to your customers, but
remember:
You CANNOT add the cost of the installation to the sales ticket!
 
Why Digitron?
Digitron personnel are skilled professionals, highly trained in their field,
and have the experience to install and program the Memorex System.
They also keep up with current industry trends which change almost daily.
Finally, like Radio Shack, Digitron is committed to total customer satisfaction.
Cost of installation is not included in the Memorex System's price.
The customer must pay Digitron directly.
 
For additional information call either:
Digitron (818) 773-6440, or
Radio Shack (817) 878-6890
 
For installation orders only, call Digitron toll-free:
(800) 238-8876
 
Digitron's Service and Installation
Following is a description of Digitron's service and installation for
the Memorex Residential Satellite System.
 
Standard Complete Installation per Owner's Manual
 
Standard Installation (includes 8 items listed below)           $495.00
- Site survey (day of installation)
- Ground mount (using Radio Shack supplied mount or equivalent)
- Installation of feedhorn, LNB, dish drive motor
- All electronics to be installed inside home at customer's desired location
- Tracking of dish for maximum reception
- Running cable to one television set (includes 75 ft. of trenching)
- Complete programming of system
- Explanation of system operation to customer
- Materials provided:  concrete and all necessary hardware
 
Electronics Installation (includes 5 items listed below)           $325.00
- Installation of feedhorn, LNB, dish drive motor
- All electronics to be installed inside home at customer's desired location
- Tracking of dish for maximum reception
- Complete programming of system
- Explanation of system operation to customer
 
Note:  The customer is responsible for installing all items
including, but not limited to, performing site survey,
installing ground mount, burying and running of cable,
assembling and mounting of dish.
 
Non-Standard Installation Items Subject to Additional Charges
 
- Roof mounts, including all materials          $300-500.00          ea.
- Descrambler module Installation                     25.00          ea.
- Additional T.V. outlets
            Up to 50 ft. from satellite receiver      50.00          ea.
            Over 50 ft. additional                      .35          ft.
- VCR hookup                                          15.00          ea.
- Stereo hookup
            Up to 10 ft. from satellite receiver      30.00          ea.
            Over 10 ft. additional                      .35          ft.
- Wall fish                                           35.00          ea.
- Cement/asphalt cut and restoration                  10.50          ft.
- Sidewalk boring                                      7.50          ft.
- Additional direct burial cable                       1.00          ft.
- Custom pole mounting
            Free standing pole above 5 ft. below 10 ft.10.00          ft.
            Free standing pole above 10 ft. out ground       per quote
            Pole attached to building above roof      295.00
            (up to 21 ft. high)
            Hill mount above 30 degree inclination           per quote
            Special soil conditions                          per quote
- Adverse weather conditions                                 per quote
- Filters/screening for T.I.                                 per quote
- Plans and permits                                          per quote
- Conduit for cable                                     1.00          ft.
- Trenching (over 75 ft.)                               2.00          ft.
- Abort Installation                                   75.00          ea.
- Preliminary Site Survey                             100.00          ea.
  ($50.00 rebated if installation performed)
- Mileage (more than 50 miles from installer)            .50          mile
 
Note:  All above non-standard charges
include necessary hardware and materials to perform work.
All or some of the above items may be subject to sales tax.
 
Service Charges
Service charge:  minimum charge $95.00 including 1 hour
Hourly rate (in fifteen minute increments):  $60.00
 
MN-04-93
Four New Car Cord/DC Adapters for MovieCorders at CMC
 
CMC has added four Car Cord/DC Adapters for Radio Shack MovieCorders.
The Car Cord/DC Adapter allows the user to operate the MovieCorder  from a
vehicle or other 12-volt power source that has a cigarette lighter
adapter such as the Ni-CD Battery Pack (Cat. No. T16-DV124, $89.95)
or Lead Acid Battery Pack (T16-DV127, $59.95).
These are great accessories for people on the go!
 
The Car Cords retail for $29.95 each and are available for these models:
 
Car Cord          MovieCorder
Cat. No.          Name          Cat. No.
 
16-2326          Model 127          16-827
16-2326          Model 128          16-828
16-2327          Model 151          16-852
16-2327          Model 152          16-853
16-2327          Model 153          16-854
16-2327          Model 154          16-855
16-2328          Model 155          16-856
16-2329          Model 157          16-858
 
MN-04-93
COMPUTERS
 
Parts Moved to CMC
 
The following items were recently moved
to CMC from Tandy  Systems Distribution Center (01-0055)
or Force Feed Warehouse (01-0803).  You must now order these from CMC:
 
SKU              Description                                     Price
 
25-3520          Battery T1400 LT                               $79.95
25-3521          Battery T1400 FD/HD                             79.95
25-3526          Battery T1500/1800/2810/2820/3800/3810/3820 HD  99.95
25-3536          Battery T1100 FD/HD                             29.95
25-3537          Battery Charger (25-3526)                      229.95
25-3541          Battery T4800/4860 HD                          109.95
25-3556          Battery T2800 HD                                49.95
25-3579          Battery T3830 SL                               199.95
26-0204          150MB Data Tape Cart                            44.95
26-0218          40MB Data Tape Cart                             32.95
26-0221          20MB 5.25" Disk Cart                           119.95
26-0246          60MB Data Tape Cart                             37.95
26-1287          Ribbon LMP 2150                                 17.95
26-1297          Ribbon TRP 100                                   7.95
26-1412          Roll Paper Quik Printer II                      11.95
26-1413          Ribbon LP I/II/IV                               19.95
26-1414          Ribbon LP III/V                                  9.95
26-1424          Ribbon LP VII/DMP 100                           13.95
26-1428          Roll Paper CGP 115                               6.49
26-1449          Ribbon DW II/DMP 410                             7.95
26-1458          Ribbon DWP 210/230/520                           7.95
26-1480          Blk MiniPens PC 2/CGP 115                        2.95
26-1481          RGB MiniPens PC 2/CGP 115                        2.95
26-1483          Ribbon DMP 120/200                              11.95
26-2805          Kit A LP 1000                                  199.95
26-2806          Kit B LP 1000                                   99.95
26-2825          Ribbon DMP 2200                                 22.95
26-2827          Ribbon Refill DMP 440                           19.95
26-2834          Ribbon DMP 2120                                 39.95
26-2836          Ribbon Refill DMP 2120                          18.95
26-2842          Drum Cart. LP 950/990                          149.95
26-2843          Developer Cart. LP 950/990                     149.95
26-2877          Battery Box DMP 310                             59.95
26-2885          Battery JP 250                                  49.95
26-2891          PDL Cartridge LP 410/800                       399.95
26-2897          Developer Cart. LP 400/410                     159.95
26-2898          Developer Cart. LP 800                         159.95
26-3951          2.8 Diskette WP 100/101                         16.95
26-3954          Multi-Strike Ribbon WP 100/101                  11.95
26-3955          Correction Tape WP 100/101                       6.95
26-3956          PW Courier 10 WP 100/101                        16.95
26-3957          PW Courier 12 WP 100/101                        16.95
26-3958          PW Pica 10 WP 100/101                           16.95
26-3959          PW Letter Gothic WP 100/101                     16.95
26-3960          PW Script 12 WP 100/101                         16.95
26-3961          PW Prestige Elite WP 100/101                    16.95
 
MN-03-93
Using Your Imagination Helps You Rack Up Sales!
 
Think for a minute about the 44-689 Carry Case ($7.95) which is sold
for personal stereo players.  What comes to mind?
After you mentally peruse the store trying to remember what this
is, perhaps you begin to think about all the times you have sold it
as an add-on to customers purchasing personal stereos (and you smile smugly).
What about the 44-681 Carry Case ($9.95)?
Not the same story.
You can sell this as an add-on to carry tapes, too, can't you?
 
Everyone agrees that you can increase, sometimes double, your sales total
with add-ons.
But lots of times, we try to sell only "product matching" add-ons.
This means we show customers only things which go together or are grouped
together in the same section of the store.
 
However, if you use your imagination, you can sell across product
lines.
Back to those carry cases:  what about selling them for other things
not related to personal stereos?
For example, they work very well to hold test meters and battery checkers.
After all, we don't sell cases specifically for test meters and battery
checkers, but most people like to keep them clean and protected.
 
Since these cases aren't designed for meters or battery checkers,
they don't fit snugly.
But with a little creativity, you can use the excess space as an advantage.
Point out to customers that the extra space is the perfect amount of room
for test leads and other accessories (more add-ons).
If the customer doesn't want more test leads, suggest he or she put some
foam around the meter or battery checker to provide extra protection.
 
Here are a few pairings we came up with for the carry cases and test meters,
but there are lots more.
 
 Case      Fits
 
22-149*    22-220, 22-214, 22-161
 
44-689     22-184, 22-194, 22-166
           22-201, 22-212,
 
44-681     22-185, 22-164, 22-183
           22-186, 28-4013
 
* The 22-149 Carry Case ($ 7.95) was in the 1992 catalog.
 
So take a walk through your store and be creative in putting together
your own combinations.
You're only limited by your imagination
 
MN-03-93
ELECTRONIC PARTS
 
276-068/9 Catalog Mistake
 
Occasionally we make a mistake, and it takes a while for someone to catch it.
The 1990, 1991, 1992, and 1993 Radio Shack  Catalogs all contained an
incorrect listing, which someone recently reported to us.
 
The 276-068/9 red and green LED panel lamps are both listed as requiring 12
volts of DC.
However, the 276-068 red LED panel lamp requires 1.9 volts DC, and the
276-069 green LED panel lamp requires 2.1 volts DC.
 
MN-03-93
IDC Connector Tool at CMC
 
The 276-1596 IDC Connector Tool ($12.95) is scheduled
to arrive at CMC in mid to late April.
 
This tool attaches IDC-type connectors, such as the 276-1559
25-Position D-Sub Male ($3.99) or the 276-1525 34-Position Header ($2.49),
to flat cables for computers.  The 276-1596 is 9 13/16 inches long.
 
If you do not have one of these tools, but need one before April,
do a stock transfer from within your district.
(There are still about 1,900 tools in the field.)
 
MN-03-93
New Voice IC!
 
We have just introduced a new Voice IC (Cat. No. 276-1325, $17.99).
It is ideal for ham radio hobbyists or anyone who uses repeat recordings,
such as radio stations who identify themselves frequently.
 
It is also great for experimenters to build into talking projects,
like a talking alarm system or an electronic memo pad.
You can use this 20-second chip to create your own hand-held recorder.
Just add a speaker, a microphone, and some capacitors, switches, and resistors.
 
MN-03-93
plug 'n power Troubleshooting
 
Here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions
about the plug 'n power  system.
Hope they help!
 
What is the difference between the lamp module and the appliance module?
The appliance module contains an electro-mechanical relay (which
clicks when you turn it on) to control TVs, stereos, and coffee makers, etc.
The lamp module contains a solid-state relay known as a "triac" which
gives the lamp module its dimming capability.
 
Can more than one lamp be dimmed or brightened at the same time?
Yes, if you own a Maxi Controller.
You press buttons 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, etc. and then press "on."
Modules set to 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 go on together as a group.
You can then press brighten or dim as a group.
 
Can I have more than 16 modules?
Yes.  Any number of modules can be set to the same unit code
and they will all respond to the signals from the controller simultaneously.
The numbered keys on the
controllers refer to "groups" of modules.  You can set any number
of modules to the same unit code, and they will respond together.
You can further expand your system by setting modules to other house codes.
There are 16 of these to choose from (A through P); so with 16 unit codes
and 16 house codes, 256 groups of modules can be controlled.
 
Can I have more than one controller in the same house?
Yes.  You can have as many controllers and as many types of controllers
as you want.
The modules obey the signals they receive as long as they match the
house code and unit code they are set to.
 
Will the system work from one house to another?
It is possible for plug 'n power signals (which are transmitted on
your house wiring) to travel from one house to another if
the two houses are on the same pole transformer.  If your
neighbor seems to be turning your lights on and off, try setting
your system to a different house code.
(There are usually less than 4 or 5 houses on the same pole
transformer and you have 16 house codes to choose from.)
 
Why can't the regular wall switch module be used to control a
fluorescent light?
The wall switch module is a two-wire device and is connected
"in series" with the light bulb.  The signals transmitted
from plug 'n power controllers are transmitted "across"
your house wiring from live to neutral wires.  These signals will
not pass through the light bulb or through a fluorescent tube.
The ballast in a fluorescent light acts as a block to the signals.
Because the standard wall switch module has dimming capability
(fluorescent lights must never be dimmed), there is a risk
of damage to the module, the fluorescent light ballast, or both.
 
I need a way to control my fluorescent kitchen ceiling light (since it's
fluorescent, I can't use a lamp module).
The light is controlled from a wall switch, so I can't use an appliance module,
either.  Is there a wall switch available for controlling a fluorescent light?
Yes.  A wall switch module for controlling fluorescent
lights (Cat. No. 61-6291, $64.99) is available as part of this system.
However, this module does not contain a dimmer, and because
it is a heavy duty module, it requires "live" and "neutral" connections.
In many cases there is not neutral wire available
at the wall switch, so the module usually needs
to be installed by a qualified electrician.
There is also a system called "Decora Electronic Controls"
available from Leviton Manufacturing Co.
This system is compatible with the plug 'n power system.
It is available through electrical distributors and should be professionally
installed.
 
I am controlling a fluorescent lamp from an appliance module
and have noticed that sometimes when I turn the module off
from a controller, it mysteriously pops back on a few seconds later.
The module works fine with a regular incandescent light bulb.  Why?
All plug 'n power modules have a feature called "local control."
This lets you turn a module on by turning off the light or appliance switch
then turning it on again.
There is a circuit in the module which "looks" for a change in the load
being controlled to detect this.
Some kinds of fluorescent lights store voltage in their ballasts which takes
a long time to die away after the lights are turned off.
This can cause the module to think that the on-off switch has
been turned off and on again, and the module's local
control circuitry thinks of this as a request to turn on.
The problem can be fixed by plugging a cube tap into the
appliance module and then connecting a 7 1/2-watt night light
to the same module as the fluorescent lamp.
When the module is turned off, the night light will "soak up"
the voltage stored in the ballast of the fluorescent lamp.
As an alternate solution, the module's local control may be defeated
by cutting the PCB trace to PIN #7 of the main IC inside
the module (this should be done by a qualified technician only).
 
I listen to my local AM radio station in the evening and have noticed
a buzz in my radio since I installed plug 'n power.
The buzz goes away when I turn the lights off, but I don't want to listen
to the radio in the dark.  What can I do?
This sound is caused by the lamp module which contains a dimmer.
All dimmers interfere with AM radios and cordless telephones; some are worse
than others.
The level of interference depends on the station you are listening to.
(The lamp module should not interfere with FM stations.)
To listen to an AM station, plug your lamp into an appliance module
which doesn't contain a dimmer, and there should be no more interference
with your radio.
 
I would like to install a wall switch module in my garage,
but it gets very cold out there.  What is the operating
temperature range of plug 'n power?
The integrated circuits used in plug 'n power
are designed to operate from 32-122  F (0-50  C).
The modules generate some heat from
their power supplies, so the temperature can fall a bit
below freezing without affecting the module's operation.
 
If you have suggestions which you think would benefit other salesmakers,
please let us know.  We'll be happy to publish them.
 
MN-03-93
AUTO SOUND
 
New 120-Watt Speaker System
 
The new 12-1720 3-Way Speaker System ($79.95) features
excellent sound in modern, European-style cases.
The moisture-proof 6- x 9-inch speakers include a woofer for rich
bass and a 2 1/2-inch midrange and a 1 1/2-inch piezo tweeter for smooth sound.
 
The 12-1720 sound system directly replaces the 12-1859 3-Way Speaker System.
 
MN-03-93
AUDIO
 
DCC Update!
 
Do not use or sell an audio cassette cleaner to clean the Optimus  DCT-2000
(Cat. No. 14-675, $699.95).
Because the DCC has a different type of tape head,
the cassette cleaner might damage the DCC deck.
Also, an audio cassette tape head cleaner won't have any effect on a DCC deck.
We are currently working on a safe and effective DCC head cleaning solution.
 
Also, you don't need to demagnetize the DCC because its head is
made from a material which does not maintain a magnetic charge.
 
Pre-Recorded DCC Tapes
 
Some large music store chains are beginning to stock pre-recorded
DCC tapes (some have as many as 250 titles)!
Check with the music stores in your area to see which ones are stocking
these tapes and the number of titles available.
You can use the list of titles as a DCC closing tool with your customers!
 
Thanks to Bernadette Nelson (Store No. 01-9512) of Port Richey, FL for
this suggestion.
 
MN-03-93
SECURITY
 
CMC Security Accessories
 
Infrared Sensor
CMC has a Wireless, Passive Infrared Sensor (Cat. No. 49-2025, $59.95)
for the Wireless Security System (Cat. No. 49-2010, $ 199.95).
The sensor works by detecting changes in infrared energy that result
from a rapid change in temperature.  It protects a 43 by 54 ft area.
 
Key Chain Remote
The Key Chain Remote (Cat. No. 49-904, $19.95).
is a great accessory for the Auto Security System (Cat. No. 49-770, regularly
$69.95, in Flyer 501 for $49.95).  What a handy item for people on the go!
 
MN-03-93
TELEPHONES
 
43-573/574 Manual Addendum
 
Some of your customers may have noticed that the charge indicator on the base
of the ET-441 Cordless Electronic Telephone (Cat. No. 43-573, $109.95) or the
ET-442 (Cat. No. 43-574, $129.95) flashes when the phone is first plugged in or
when the handset is placed on the cradle.
Tell them there is nothing wrong with the phone;
it is reloading its security code and performing self tests.
 
If this happens, tell customers to leave the handset on the cradle for at least
3 minutes.  All future printings of the owner's manuals for these phones will
mention the flashing charge indicator.
 
MN-03-93
FAX Switch Finally Arrives
 
The new DU FONE  AFX-200 Automatic FAX Switch (Cat. No. 43-1243,
$119.95) is now on its way to the warehouses.
This FAX switch can be used with a FAX machine in combination with a telephone,
modem, dictation phone, or answering machine.
 
You simply attach the FAX switch to the phone line, and it routes telephone
calls and FAX messages to the proper machines.
 
MN-03-93
43-650 Voice Dialing Phone
 
The new DU FONE -600 Voice Dialing Phone (Cat. No. 43-650, $139.95)
offers the ultimate in dialing convenience.
The phone's state-of-the-art technology allows the user to say
the name of the person he or she wants to call,
and the phone dials the person's programmed number.
 
It can also store three single touch numbers, which can be used for
emergency services, along with 50 speed-dial numbers.
 
As a selling technique, let each salesmaker "teach" your demo phone a number,
so everyone can show customers our newest example of high-tech phone technology.
(Use numbers that will not annoy the recipient of the call, such as a bank
with a time or weather line.)
 
MN-03-93
COMMUNICATIONS
 
New MobileComm Address
 
The MobileComm Distribution Center has been relocated.
The distribution center is where you return
defective pagers only if there is not a MobileComm office in your area.
Remember to include a description of the pager's problem.
 
The new address is:
 
MobileComm Distribution Center
6420 Cole Road
Jackson, MS  39213
 
See the December 1992 issue of the Merchandising Newsletter (page 4)
for a full description of pager repair and return procedures.
If you have trouble with these procedures, call Patty at (601) 977-1670.
 
MN-03-93
Pager Accessories
 
CMC has added two new safety chains to protect your investment.
This is a great way to secure Tandy  pagers from falling to the floor
or into a commode.  (Don't laugh, it's the most common reason for repair!)
 
Each chain has a swivel clip that attaches to the pager and a large
clasp to secure it to a belt loop.
The gold-tone chains are long enough to put the pager in a pocket,
and they come in two styles.
 
17-6049          Small Figaro Pager Chain          $9.95
17-6050          Medium Gucci Pager Chain          $11.95
 
MN-03-93
Mobile Phone Mounting Kit
 
CMC now carries the Tandy  Mobile Mounting Kit which contains everything
necessary to mount
the Tandy CT-302 Transportable Cellular Telephone (Cat. No. 17-1051, $549.95
without activation).
The phone easily slides on and off the adjustable mounting bracket for quick
mounting and removal.
 
The mounting kit features a cigarette-lighter adapter for charging and powering
the phone in a vehicle.
 
MN-03-93
Realistic Shortwave Radio
 
Realistic  Shortwave gives your customers a window to the world.
Here are some frequencies you can suggest to new customers:
 
Eastern US
 
Morning          BBC                         15220
                 Radio Moscow                9655, 9755
 
Afternoon        Radio Moscow                11995
                 Kol Israel                  11587
                 Radio Kuwait                13620
 
Evening          Swiss Radio International   9885
                                             12035
                 BBC                         9590, 9915
                 Islamic Republic of Iran    9022
                                             11790, 15260
 
Night            BBC                         5975
                 Radio Moscow                7270
 
Western US
 
Morning          BBC                         9740
                 Radio Moscow                9655, 9755
 
Afternoon        Radio Moscow                15425, 17695
                 Kol Israel                  11587
                 Radio Kuwait                13620
 
Evening          Swiss Radio International   9650
                                             9885
                 BBC                         9590, 9915
                 Islamic Republic of Iran    9022
                                             11790, 15260
 
Night            BBC                         5975
                 Radio Moscow                7270, 9825
 
MN-03-93
MISCELLANEOUS
 
Franklin Product Returns
 
All Franklin products carry a one-year warranty.
Defective products will be exchanged for new, in-carton goods
and returned to your store.
Return defective products directly to Franklin at the following address:
 
Franklin Electronic Publishers
Attn: Service Department
122 Burrs Road
Mt. Holly, NJ 08060
 
Make sure your Radio Shack address is legible.
Franklin cannot return your product if they cannot read the address.
Merchandise is processed as Radio Shack product then returned to your store.
(Make sure you note the customer's phone number, so you can call him or her
when the product comes back). 
 
For faster processing and tracking, call Franklin
for a Return Authorization (RA) number at (609) 261-4800, extension 245.
 
Catalog Numbers Switched on Two Franklin Products
 
The Radio Shack catalog numbers on two Franklin Spelling Aces ($29.95) were
inadvertently reversed on the display information cards.
Franklin model numbers and descriptions (features and benefits) are correct.
The Franklin model number is located in the upper right corner; and the
Radio Shack catalog number is in the lower right corner.
 
Since other stores sell Franklin products, customers may need the
manufacturer number, too.  The correct numbers are:
 
Product             Radio Shack    Manufacturer
                      Cat. No.        Number          Name
 
Pocket Spelling Ace   63-691          SA-95
Spelling Ace          63-677          SA-98
 
Make sure your factags are correctly placed.
 
MN-03-93
VIDEO
 
Video Tape 5-Packs
 
Don't forget to tell your movie buff customers about our Video
Tape 5-Pack (Cat. No. 44-491, $19.95).
It is a bundle of five standard, 120 minute tapes,
which run a total of 30 hours at the EP speed.
These long-playing tapes are great to stock up on for TV epics
or for recording an entire week of soap operas!
 
Flyer 502 will feature this 5-Pack for $9.95!
That means each tape is less than $2.00! 
 
MN-03-93
VCR Care Kit
 
The new VCR Care Kit (Cat. No. 44-1801, $19.95) keeps your customer's VCR
looking and performing like new!
Its video head dry-cleaning system cleans the entire tape
path, including all video, audio, control track, and erase heads.
 
The VCR cover protects against dust and moisture that can get into the interior
of the unit and cause damage and wear to internal parts. 
The cover has a clear front panel for using a remote control and rear panel
cutouts for routing cable.
 
The kit also contains a Supertape High Grade T-120 tape which provides
superior color resolution, sharper images, and clearer sound than ordinary
video tape.
 
Watch for sales on the VCR Care Kit! 
 
MN-03-93
16-412 TV/VCR
 
The owner's manual of the Model 20 19-Inch Color TV/VCR (Cat. No. 16-412,
$599.95) lists Auto Repeat Playback as a feature.
This feature would let the user set the TV/VCR to automatically repeat playback
of a tape when the tape ends.
However, Auto Repeat Playback is not actually a feature of this TV/VCR.
 
Future printings of this owner's manual will be correct.
 
MN-03-93
44-233A/232 Tape Erasers Require A Cooling Period
 
Bulk Tape Erasers (Cat. No. 44-233A, $31.95 and Cat. No. 44-232, $19.95)
temporarily stop when they are used too long without a cool down period.
After a tape eraser cools, its thermal protector resets itself,
and it can be used again.
 
Because tape erasers get very hot, they must have a cooling period.
Even "professional" bulk erasers have a continuous "on" period
of only about three minutes -- compared to one minute for the 44-233A
and 44-232.
However, professional erasers cost much more (about $100)
and are larger and heavier.
 
In the one minute of erasing time you get with the 44-233A/232, you can
erase an entire
VHS tape (about 30 seconds for each side) or about four audio cassettes.
If your customer needs to erase more than this amount in a 30-minute period,
suggest that he or she look into purchasing a more expensive unit.
 
If your customer's bulk tape eraser reaches a point where it will
no longer reset, return the eraser and an explanation of the problem to:
 
TE Electronics -- Azle
200 Commerce Street
Azle, TX 76020
 
Note:  Because the tape eraser contains such a strong magnet,
advise customers to remove their wristwatches before operating it.
 
MN-03-93
Customer Support Line for Universal Remote Controls
 
Radio Shack now has a new toll-free
support number specifically for Universal Remote Controls (Cat. Nos. 15-1904,
15-1905, and 15-1906).  This number is for you and your customers.
Make sure you give out the correct number!
 
(800) 989-5000
 
This toll-free number is being added to future printings
of Universal Remote Control owner's manuals.
 
MN-03-93
Have Defective VIS CD-ROMs?
 
It should never happen, but if you believe you have defective media
in a VIS package, you can exchange it through Tandy Software Assembly (TSA).
 
TSA Warranty Exchange
205 NW 7th Street
Ft. Worth, TX  76111
 
When you return the media, be sure to include your store number
and current address.
 
The exchange is not free; the cost varies by package title and
will be charged to the store's 4001 account.
If you have questions, you can call or FAX TSA at:
 
(817) 336-3612 (voice)
(817) 338-1917 (FAX)
 
The numbers and address are for store use only.
 
MN-03-93
Poison/Battery Information
 
If you take a call from someone who needs emergency
information about a chemical we sell (like PC board etchant or tuner cleaner),
determine the catalog number of the product.
Then have the person call the Rocky Mountain Poison Control Center.
The center has all of our chemical products on file by name and catalog number.
 
(303) 623-5716
 
If you take a call from someone who needs emergency
information about button-cell batteries (for example, if someone
swallows a button-cell battery), have them
call the National Button Battery Ingestion Hotline.
 
(202) 625-3333.
 
If you take a non-emergency call from a business requesting
an MSDS (materials safety data sheet) for OSHA compliance,
write to:
 
Radio Shack
1400 One Tandy Center
Fort Worth, TX 76102
Attn: Mac Slayton
 
Do not write for a sheet unless a customer specifically requests it.
 
MN-03-93
STORE REPLENISHMENT
 
Improving In-Stock Conditions and Parts and Accessories Sales
 
Parts and accessories are currently a very profitable part of our business,
and they have a good sales trend.
You can improve your store's share of this growing business by following
a simple procedure with each order you receive.
This procedure will improve your in-stock condition on parts and
accessories, and it is as simple as A B C.
 
Next time you receive an FFD order, mark items on your store's copy
of the billing as A, B, or C while you are putting away the order.
 
A is for an out-of-stock item for which nothing was received or ordered.
Since the SKU was not 0 billed, list it in the margin with an "A" next to it.
 
B is for an item that was sold out by the time the order arrived in your store.
In other words, you fill an empty peg with the new order amount.
 
C is for an item which you received more of than will fit on the display.
 
When the order is completely processed, you have two kinds of information
noted on the billing.
First, of course, you have overages and shortages noted for filing an SAR.
This is very important in maintaining accurate counts for replenishment.
 
Second, your A B C notations will help you take action to improve
replenishment this way:
 
A Items
- Check your counts and correct as needed. An overstated count will
  stop replenishment!
- If your counts are accurate, your model quantity may be low.
  To correct a low model, place an exception order for twice the model
  quantity.
  This will help keep you in stock long enough to allow your sales to raise
  the model quantity.
 
B Items
- Check your counts and correct as needed.
  An overstated count will stop replenishment!
- Check previous billing to see if this item had been out at the warehouse.
  If you are just getting resupplied, the order may be enough.
- After the above checks, you may determine that the model quantity is low.
  If so, place an exception order for twice the model quantity.
 
C Items
- Check your counts and correct as needed.
  An understated count will result in excess replenishment!
- Check the model quantity. Try to let your display accommodate this
  quantity. This avoids the need for refilling from back stock.
- If the model is extremely high relative to normal sales expectations
  (for example 80 when you only need 4), then advise replenishment of this
  discrepancy via E-mail at REPLEN1.
 
Stores that are using this procedure are improving their stock
positions and sales in parts and accessories.
We have described this procedure for Force Feed, but it can also be applied
to parts and accessories on regional orders.
Remember this will work only if you process orders promptly and apply
the A B C procedure consistently.
 
MN-03-93
Police Call Directories
 
The new 1993 edition of the 9-volume set of "Police Call Directories"
($9.95) is now available from the Force Feed Warehouse (rather than CMC).
These books will not be replenished automatically; you must order them.
 
Order only the catalog number which will work in your state.
(The catalog numbers are the same as they have always been.)
 
Cat. No.          States Covered
 
62-1041          CT, ME, MA, NH, NY, RI, VT
62-1042          DE, MD, NJ, PA
62-1043          MI, OH
62-1044          IL, IN, KY, WI
62-1045          IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, ND, SD
62-1046          DC, FL, GA, NC, SC, VA, WV
62-1047          AL, AR, LA, MS, OK, TN, TX
62-1048          AZ, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, WY
62-1049          CA, OR, WA
 
MN-02-93
Learning Your High-Tech Product$ Pay$ Off
 
Since February is usually a slow month, take this time to become thoroughly
familiar with the high-tech products that you might not know well or that
shipped shortly before Christmas -- when you were super busy.
 
Perhaps the best way to learn about our products is to take each one
out of its box, read its owner's manual, and actually try using it.
Your product familiarity will help you qualify customers and sell
the appropriate add-ons.
 
Take, for example, the Memorex  8mm Model 17 TV/VCR
(Cat. No. 16-409, $799.95).
This remarkable product has received wonderful reviews,
but its sales are not up to potential.
Have you ever tried this product to see for yourself
everything it does?
Imagine yourself telling customers (with genuine enthusiasm) things
they can't read in the catalog, such as:
"You can use the TV/VCR to view a subject you are filming
with a camcorder while you're filming it."
Or explain to them why the "flying erase head for glitch-free editing"
is important, or even what it is!
 
A reporter covering Hurricane Andrew in South Florida recently tested the Model
17 for field durability, and here's what he said to Video magazine
(February 1993, page 36).
Listen to the excitement which his knowledge and experience with the product
conveys compared to the flat descriptions we often hear.
 
Despite the rigors of the field, roads fit only for jeeps, dust, heat
and endless hours of recording, pause-and-restart playback and fast-forward
scanning, the [TV/VCR] unit came through with flying colors and all
features intact.
 
Makes the Model 17 sound pretty good, doesn't it?
You don't need to try to convince your customer to buy --
if you present products well, they sell themselves!
 
But this is only part of the story.
Add-ons can account for half or more of a ticket if
you know which ones can benefit your customer.
Keeping our example of the Model 17 TV/VCR, you might suggest a mobile
or home antenna, 8mm tape, cleaner, portable battery pack (available
from CMC) or the Model 17's carry case (also available from CMC).
Of course, add-ons depend upon the customer's intended use for each product,
but the more you tell a customer about the product, the more he or she
will tell you what they need to go with it.
And with the customer's needs in mind, you can suggest even more add-ons!
Get it? 
 
MN-02-93
Sell Discontinued Toys
 
Now that Christmas is long gone, you need to get rid of any discontinued toys
still in stock.
Make sure they are displayed prominently and priced correctly.
 
Suggest that parents pick up these toys while the prices are great.
They can hide the toys until another occasion requiring a
present -- like a birthday!
 
MN-02-93
MISCELLANEOUS
 
What If You Forget the EC-332's Password?
 
What happens if a customer forgets the password for the EC-332 Directory
Scheduler/Organizer (Cat. No. 65-949, $ 129.95)?
The owner's manual cautions users not to forget
the password or they will have to reset the directory -- which clears all the
information in secret areas.
 
However, Radio Shack's consumer support group has found a way around this
dilemma!
If the user forgets the password, when asked for the password, he or she
simply types:
 
* 66 *
 
This number allows the user to access the secret area and change the password
to a new one -- one he or she can remember.
 
MN-02-93
Data Link Cable for Graphic Calculators
 
CMC has added another Data Link Cable (Cat. No. 65-137, $19.95).
This cable connects two EC-4034 Programmable Graphic Calculators
(Cat. No. 65-804, $99.95) for data sharing.
 
MN-02-93
Rolodex Calendars Customer Service Number
 
The Radio Shack  Pocket Planner by Rolodex (Cat. No. 65-855, $19.95) and
the Radio Shack Executive Planner by Rolodex (Cat. No. 65-856, $99.95)
were sold with both 1992 and 1993 calendars included.
 
To order calendars or to handle customer inquiries about Rolodex products,
call Rolodex's toll-free customer service number:
 
(800) 388-6552
 
This number is listed in the owner's manuals of all Executive Planners
and in all but the earliest shipments of the Pocket Planners.
 
MN-02-93
Franklin Digital Books Software
 
The first digital books for the Franklin Digital Book Series
(Cat. No. 63-2010, $199.99) will be available later this month through CMC.
 
- Video Companion (Cat. No. 63-2011, $79.99) --
  Descriptions of 6,700 movies, which you can search by title, cast,
  theme, or topic.
 
- Handbook of Adverse Drug Reactions (Cat. No. 63-2017, $99.99) --
  Lists drug interactions, which you can search by
  brand or drug name.
 
A broad range of book subjects will ship in March, with more
introduced throughout 1993.
 
MN-02-93
AUDIO
 
Minimus 77 Speakers Highly Rated by Consumer Reports
 
Because of their low cost and high quality, Consumer Reports
(December 1992) chose Realistic Minimus -77 Speakers
(Cat. No. 40-2054, black, and 40-2055, white, $79.95) as one
of the best speaker options for ambient sound in a Pro-Logic or Dolby
Surround Sound System.
 
In Pro-Logic and Dolby Surround Sound Systems, ambient
sound comes from the back of the room and enhances the main speakers.
Since Minimus-77 speakers are compact and inexpensive, suggest that your
customers purchase them as their front and rear speakers
for balanced, exciting home theater stereo sound.
 
MN-02-93
DCC Media Accolades
 
The Optimus DCT-2000 (Cat. No. 14-675, $699.95) made the front cover of the
February 1993 issue of Gizmo Magazine,
a division of Consumer Electronics.
The story detailed the DCT-2000, highlighting the high quality of sound
the user can achieve with the DCC.
Gizmo's staff unanimously agreed that they "were unable
to distinguish any differences between the original CD and
the DCC copy regardless of the music [they] recorded. . ."
 
They noted that they could "distinguish between DCC and analog compact
cassettes almost without fail."
 
Take the test yourself!
See if you can determine if it's live, CD, or DCC.
And try it on your customers, too!
 
MN-02-93
DCC and Neon Don't Mix
 
When the Optimus DCT-2000 (Cat. No. 14-675, $699.95)
faces a pink or red neon light, it
does not accept commands from the front panel.
Due to the sensitivity of the remote control/infrared receiving circuit,
neon lights can interfere with the operation of the deck.
Both the red neon tube of the Radio Shack  sign and the pink neon
in the Neon Clear-Fone (Cat. No. 43-825/826) and the Krystalite Neon Phone
(Cat. No. 43-809/810) interfere with the DCC's operation,
making it function erratically or not at all.
 
To avoid this problem, place the DCC in a location where its infrared
receiver does not face neon lights.
 
If customers want to use the DCC in a place with neon lights,
or for use in your store where the Radio Shack neon sign affects the unit,
just cover the infrared receiver eye with dark tape and operate
the unit from the front panel without the remote control.
 
Note: Infrared motion detectors do not interfere with the DCC's ability
to operate.
 
Thanks to Store Manager Mike Bertaut of Lake Sherwood Mall (store 01-8377)
in Baton Rouge, LA, who diagnosed neon as the problem with DCC's inability
to accept panel commands.
 
MN-02-93
Ask 3 Pertinent Questions During A Sale
 
Asking questions during a sale shows your interest in solving the
customer's needs -- not just in making a sale.
Ask questions to gain more insight into what the customer wants.
Often customers don't even know for sure -- they depend upon you
to ask the right questions to help them figure out what they need!
 
MN-02-93
ELECTRONIC PARTS
 
DC to AC Power Inverter Is Great for Warm-Weather Activities
 
With spring just around the corner, lots of customers will be looking
for ways to enjoy their small appliances outdoors.
The 12VDC-to-115VAC Power Inverter (Cat. No. 22-132, $99.99) supplies
140 watts of power from a car's lighter jack to run lights, TVs, camcorders,
battery chargers, and more.
 
MN-02-93
Multimeter with PC Interface
 
The New LCD Digit Multimeter (Cat. No. 22-182, $129.99) works with
PC-compatibles to read continuous log measurements when you collect
AC and DC voltages, AC and DC amps, ohms, and frequencies.
 
You simply plug the multimeter into a standard serial port and
program the software provided (a BASIC program) to have the multimeter
check an appliance at a set time interval.
The PC records the data so you can analyze it later.
 
MN-02-93
plug 'n power Questions
 
Customer questions about plug 'n power  products are answered
from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday
by X-10's USA Customer Service Line:
 
(201) 784-9700
or
(201) 784-1936
Voice Mail
 
MN-02-93
21-516 AC Charger Doesn't Measure Full Voltage
 
The 21-516 Ni-Cad Battery Charger ($6.99) charges
CB Walkie Talkies rated up to 18 volts.
However, when you measure the charger's output on a voltmeter,
you can only measure 10 to 12 volts.
 
The reason for this is that the adapter half rectifies the AC to convert
the power to DC.
Our meters measure the RMS voltage and "see" only half the volts.
 
To measure the full voltage output, connect a capacitor across the
meter's leads while measuring the voltage.
You can also use one of our true RMS meters, such as the
Auto-Range Digital Multimeter (Cat. No. 22-174, $89.99) or the
True RMS Meter (Cat. No. 22-175, $99.95).
 
Also be aware that 21-156 Ni-Cad Battery Charger will
not ruin devices that take less than 18 volts to charge,
even though it charges 18 volts.
 
MN-02-93
No Carry Case for the 64-2194 Soldering Gun
 
The 1993 catalog incorrectly lists a carry case as an accessory provided
with the Techline  Rechargeable Soldering Gun (Cat. No. 64-2194, $39.95).
However, a carry case is not included.
 
Reassure your customers that, even without the carry case, the 64-2194
soldering gun is a good value.
It includes a battery charger to charge batteries overnight,
a trigger-activated light, and the equivalent of 20 watts of soldering
power -- enough for 250 solder joints between charges.
 
MN-02-93
COMMUNICATIONS
 
Police Call Directories
 
The new 1993 edition of the 9-volume set of "Police Call Directories"
($9.95) is now available from the Force Feed Warehouse (rather than CMC).
These books will not be replenished automatically; you must order them.
 
Order only the catalog number which will work in your state.
(The catalog numbers are the same as they have always been.)
 
Cat. No.          States Covered
 
62-1041          CT, ME, MA, NH, NY, RI, VT
 
62-1042          DE, MD, NJ, PA
 
62-1043          MI, OH
 
62-1044          IL, IN, KY, WI
 
62-1045          IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, ND, SD
 
62-1046          DC, FL, GA, NC, SC, VA, WV
 
62-1047          AL, AR, LA, MS, OK, TN, TX
 
62-1048          AZ, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, WY
 
62-1049          CA, OR, WA
 
MN-02-93
20-189 AC Adapter Charger for Older Scanners
 
The 20-189 AC Adapter Charger ($.99) has been discontinued
and is no longer available from the warehouse.
However, there are over 3,000 adapters still available throughout
the Radio Shack store system,
so check other local stores if you need to locate one.
 
Ask your DM to help you find one of these adapter chargers if you can't find
one in your local area.
 
MN-02-93
MobileComm Introduces Low-Cost Nationwide Paging
 
MobileComm's new CityLink Messaging is an affordable paging option for
your customers who travel nationwide but also need a paging service at home.
 
When customers travel to any
of MobileComm's 540 cities in the United States and Canada,
they can change their coverage by entering the destination city's area code
from a touch tone phone.
The pager then receives pages in the new city.
 
Anyone paging your customer dials the same 800 number
and PIN to send a message.
When the customer returns home,
he or she calls the 800 number to again receive messages at home.
 
MobileComm CityLink Messaging
provides all the same features as Nationwide Messaging.
The monthly rate ($34.00) includes 300 digital pages
with no extra day or change-of-location charges.
 
MN-02-93
VIDEO
 
Customer Support Line for Universal Remote Controls
 
Radio Shack now has a new toll-free
support number specifically for Universal Remote Controls (Cat. Nos. 15-1904,
15-1905, and 15-1906).
This number is for you and your customers.
 
(800) 989-5000
 
This toll-free number is being added to future printings
of Universal Remote Control owner's manuals.
 
MN-02-93
AUTO SOUND
 
12-1969 Equalizer/Booster Replaces the 12-1959
 
The new 60-Watt Stereo 7-Band Equalizer/Booster (Cat. No. 12-1969, $79.95)
directly replaces the 12-1959.
Like the unit it replaces, the 12-1969's features include:
 
- CD Input Jack so you can connect a portable CD.
 
- Built-In Fader Control to accurately balance the front and rear
  speaker outputs.
 
- Two types of Inputs so you can use the equalizer/booster
with a radio or tape player that has line output jacks.
 
MN-02-93
TELEPHONES
 
43-951"A" Caller ID System Arrives Before 43-951 Sells Out
 
The warehouse accidentally shipped the new DU FONE
Caller ID System (Cat. No. 43-951A, $69.95) before shipping every
DU FONE
Caller ID System (Cat. No. 43-951, $69.95).
 
There are two differences in these systems.
The original system stores 10 calls in memory and has a DC jack for
power (and uses a 9-volt battery for backup power).
The "A" system stores 30 calls in memory.
However, it doesn't have a DC jack, so it is powered by a 9-volt battery only.
 
Do not worry about which system is sent to you, just sell what you have.
But, be aware of the difference.
 
MN-02-93
Problem with the 43-337 Mini Wall-Fone Will Be Fixed Soon!
 
National Quality Control is working to solve the problem
of the bad dialer IC in the Mini Wall-Fone (Cat. 43-337, $39.95).
The bad IC causes the phone to die.
The phone's manufacturer will supply NQC with a new dialer IC and with
a diode to prevent the IC from breaking again.
 
Send any broken phones to the service center to be fixed.
 
MN-02-93
Setting the 43-730 Telephone's CPC Switch
 
The Auto Call feature of the TAD-265 Cordless Telephone Answering System
(Cat. No. 43-730, $199.95) calls you at a designated telephone
or pager number when someone leaves a message on the TAD.
You can then call the TAD and listen to the message.
 
This feature may not operate properly if the TAD's CPC switch
is not set to MIN.
 
Set the CPC switch to MIN if auto call does not operate
as described in the TAD's owner's manual.
Also, the TAD must be set to answer calls before it can call you with
any messages, so press ANSWER on the TAD until the answer
indicator lights.
 
MN-02-93
Low-Priced Cellular Phone
 
Quick, what's your lowest priced cellular phone?
If you said $199.95, you're forgetting something.
The CT-103 Mobile Phone (Cat. No. 17-1077) is discontinued,
and we are offering it at $59.95 with basic activation
($159.95 in California).
 
It's a great deal for your customers, so let's move 'em out!
 
MN-02-93
ONE MINUTE MERCHANDISER
 
Basic or Economy?
 
Reach around and pat yourself on the back!
You did an incredible job of selling cellular phones last year.
In spite of product shortages, fierce competition, carrier and procedure
changes, you managed to add double-digit percentage increases to the number
of cellular phones sold.
(Don't we wish we could do that in a few more categories?)
 
Every time there is a change, confusion reigns.
We have tried to keep this confusion to a minimum
by issuing memos only when a major change in cellular procedures occurs.
However, recent feedback indicates that
pricing based on what we call "Basic" or "Economy" plans is still unclear.
Papa OMM would like to take a stab at clearing things up.
 
First of all, let's concede the fact that "multiple pricing" is,
in itself, confusing.
Now that we all agree that it is difficult,
let's quit griping about it and learn to use it to sell more cellular.
 
First of all, "Basic" and "Economy" are Radio Shack terms.
It is possible that a carrier has a plan called "Basic" that
is an "Economy" plan, or vice versa.
We could have used some other words, letters, or numbers
and still have had the same problem.
So Rule #1 is: Don't enter the name of carrier's plan into the POS,
enter the appropriate Radio Shack term.
 
Only eight carriers have plans which we would call "Economy."
However, these carriers have many different markets and use different
names for their plans in each market.
Rule #2 is: If your carrier is one of these, you need to know which plan
results in a sale at the Economy price.
If you don't know. . . find out!
Ask your DSM, the carrier, or me.
We will be glad to help you get the answer.
 
Only these carriers have Economy type plans:
 
1. Bell Atlantic (includes Metro Mobile)
 
2. BellSouth (includes Cellular One in southern
   Wisconsin)
 
3. Cellular One of Metro New York/New Jersey
 
4. Centel
 
5. Contel (includes Cellular One markets that are owned and managed
   by Contel -- you will know)
 
6. GTE
 
7. ICN
 
8. SNET
 
Therefore, Rule #3 is: If your carrier is not on this list,
all plans are Basic, no matter what name is used by the carrier.
 
Finally, if your carrier has an Economy type plan, and your
customer insists on activating on that plan, refer to Rule #4, which is:
Sell the phone for the Economy price ($125 more than the Basic price)
except in California, where all sales are made at the California price.
 
I hope this makes the whole deal a little less confusing.
If not, let me know and we can talk it over.
CELL CELLULAR!
 
Chuck Sizer
E-Mail "CSIZER1"
 
MN-02-93
TRAINING
 
The Twelve-Month Customer
 
Everyone loves return customers.
You know the ones I'm talking about -- the customer you call a "regular."
The minute you see one walking into your store,
you know he or she is going to buy something.
It's a sure sale, right?
Now, wouldn't you like to have even more of those "regular" customers?
It really is as simple as PMA.
 
That's right, PMA -- Positive Mental Attitude.
Only you and your sales team can show it to the customers.
When should PMA start?
Any time you are breathing and conscious is a correct answer,
but your customers will only see it when they are around you.
 
You should feel confident with the knowledge that your customers are
benefiting from dealing with a manager and staff who have
the ability to give unmatched customer satisfaction.
How many times have you helped a customer with that one-of-a-kind
hard to find battery for his dog collar?
Or how about the time the elderly gentleman needed that "thingamajig,"
or little "doohickey?"
Did he tell you that he had searched everywhere and couldn't find one?
Only Radio Shack had the answer.
Does it make you proud?
And, more important, do you think these satisfied return customers
will be back?
Of course they will, and they will tell a friend about you, as well.
 
Your confidence and presence in the store is more than most businesses
can offer.
Just remember to offer your PMA to everyone.
And don't forget the battery card.
Everyone loves something that is free.
You might have just created another 12-month customer.
 
Greet a Customer Within 30 Seconds
 
How often have you walked into a store and been ignored by the "help?"
We want our customers to feel welcome in our stores!
The best way to do that is to welcome them personally by saying,
"Good afternoon, thanks for stopping in!"
This kind of warm reception breeds good feelings,
and people buy from salesmakers they like!
 
MN-02-93
Important February Dates
 
FLYER 500: Winter Sale
Thursday, Jan. 28
through Wednesday, Feb. 27
 
Thursday, Feb. 4
Winter Sale Newspaper Ad
 
Thursday Feb. 11
Speaker Sale Newspaper Ad
Remember, speakers will be 1/3 off!
 
Wednesday Feb. 10 (6:00 pm)
through Monday, Feb. 15
1/3 Off All Speakers!
(Includes Radio Support)
 
Sunday, Feb. 14
Repeat Newspaper Ad:
1/3 Off All Speakers
 
Monday, Feb. 15
President's Day
 
Thursday, Feb. 18
Winter Sale
Newspaper Ad Runs Again
 
Thursday, Feb. 25
through Sunday, Feb. 27
Triple Dip -- Flyers 500  and  501
 
MN-01-93
TRAINING
Setting Goals for 1993
 
We all make New Year's resolutions -- to lose weight,
to spend more quality time with our families, to get spending under control
(especially after the holiday season), or to make more money.
Some of us keep these resolutions and successfully meet our new goals.
What makes one person achieve success while another quits trying
before the Super Bowl?
 
Well, it all has to do with three things:
(1) being very specific about the goals you set;
(2) developing and working your plan every day; and
(3) learning from your experiences.
 
Be Specific About Your Goals
It's not enough to simply say you want to do something.
For example, if you want to earn more money,
you must be very specific about the amount of money you'd like to earn.
Start by listing your monetary goals for 1993.
Write down three financial goals (earning more money through sales, TSP,
and RSVP); and three personal enhancement goals
(such as learning the parts department to enhance your sales).
Finally list three "thing" goals, such as objects you'd like to acquire
with the money you earn.
 
Develop and Work Your Plan
Once you have formulated your goals, develop a working plan
on how you are going to accomplish them.
It's always wise to look at the winners.
Find others in your store or district who have set similar
goals in the past and who have achieved positive results;
talk to your store manager, your district sales manager and other
successful salesmakers.
By incorporating their sales tips into your sales approach,
you'll be on your way to achieving the results you want.
But you must work your plan daily -- look at your nine goals
and remind yourself what you're after.
 
Learn from Your Experiences
The only way you can fail is if you give up.
Life is like riding a bicycle; you won't fall off unless you stop pedaling.
So keep on pedaling and working your plan.
Learn from dealing with your customers -- if
you can't close a sale, ask your store manager what you
said or did that kept you from closing.
Learning from your experiences will help you build your successes.
 
If you set specific goals, develop and work your plan every day,
and learn from your dealing with customers, you can only be successful.
Set your sights high and reach for the gold. 
 
MN-01-93
AUDIO
DCC Update
 
Great Review
With a great review in the December issue of Stereo Review,
and the increasing availability of pre-recorded tapes
(available through TandyVision ), sales of the Optimus
DCT-2000 (Cat. No. 14-675, $699.95) are growing.
 
Other Advertising
Another manufacturer of DCC, Philips, has begun a world-wide
advertising program to help launch DCC.
The program, which is primarily aimed at increasing public awareness
of DCC technology, will bring curious customers into your store and
help validate the Optimus DCT-2000 as state-of-the-art technology.
 
Demo More
To demo the DCC deck in your store,
use the "Peter Nero with Fort Worth Symphony Pops"
digital compact concert (Cat No. 51-4161, $14.95).
DCC Blank Tape (Cat No. 44-975, $9.95) is available
in limited quantities in stores.
 
National Pride
Remember, the Optimus DCT-2000 DCC deck
is the only DCC deck made in America!
 
MN-01-93
CD and Cassette Accessories
 
CD players and cassette players were popular gifts this Christmas season,
so get ready to sell lots of accessories when customers
find out they really do need all the "extra stuff."
Remind customers that these additional items will keep their new equipment
sounding great for years.
 
For CD Players
 
- CD Carry Bag (Cat. No. 42-217, $17.95) -- Carries up to
  five discs and a portable CD player; includes a shoulder strap.
 
- Scratch 'n Fix (Cat. No. 42-127, $9.95) -- Fills in light
  scratches on discs to eliminate "skipping."
 
- CD Player Lens Cleaner (Cat. No. 42-123, $14.95) -- This
  disc-shaped cleaner is safe
  for home and portable CD players, but not for magazine-type changers.
 
- CD Cleaning System (Cat. No. 42-116, $12.95) -- Removes
  dirt, oil, and dust from CDs.
 
- Budget CD Cleaner (Cat. No. 42-113, $4.95) -- This inexpensive
  kit includes a base, pad, and fluid.
  It is perfect to stash in the car for auto or portable CD players.
 
For Cassette Players:
 
- Head Cleaner Kit (Cat. No. 44-1162, $2.89) -- Cleans
  the entire tape path by running through the player.
 
- Head Cleaner/Demagnetizer Kit (Cat. No. 44-1167, $5.95) -- Works
  with answering machines, too.
  Comes with demagnatizing tape, probe, mirror, and cleaning solution.
 
Recommend some or all of these cleaning and maintenance products to your
customers, depending on their audio systems.
 
MN-01-93
SECURITY
High-Frequency Shield Provides a Protective Blanket for Your Car
 
Your customers can protect their cars (even convertibles) with the 
Mobile Alert  Proximity Intrusion Sensor (Cat. No. 49-640, $39.95).
The sensor works by emitting high frequencies
which detect movement within its protection zone.
When an intruder enters the frequency field, the sensor triggers an alarm.
 
The Proximity Intrusion Sensor adds either an additional element
of security to an existing
system or works alone with open areas such as convertibles, boats,
campers, and motorcycles.
Although it will not penetrate metal, the sensor works fine with
glass, plastic, and wood.
 
Note: It is illegal to use the Proximity Intrusion Sensor in the
state of New York.
 
MN-01-93
ELECTRONIC PARTS
Rechargeable Soldering Gun Accessories
Consumer Mail has added three tips
for the Techline  Rechargeable Soldering Gun (Cat. No. 64-2194, regularly
$39.95, on sale in Flyer 499 for $29.88).
They make this portable soldering tool even more versatile.
 
64-2195          20w Blade Tip          $9.95
64-2196          Replacement Tip         9.95
64-2197          40w Blade Tip          10.95
 
MN-01-93
New Battery Stock Numbers
 
The 23-196 and 23-197 Cordless Telephone Batteries have both been
renamed recently.
The 23-196 Cordless Telephone Battery ($9.95, 3-pack),
which is a 3.6-volt, .250Ah Ni-cad battery with a "B"
connector, was formerly sold by CMC and was called the CTB-1034 TW.
 
The 23-197 Cordless Telephone Battery ($9.95, 3-pack)
is also a 3.6-volt, .250Ah Ni-cad battery.
However, it has an "A" connector and was called the CTB-1034 TA
by CMC.
 
MN-01-93
New Adaptaplug for Radar Detectors
 
The new 270-1576 Adaptaplug  ($2.49) connects to the
Universal DC Adapter (Cat. No. 270-1528, $9.95).
This plug is designed to work with the Road Patrol XK 
Radar Detector (Cat. No. 22-1627).
It also plugs in to the Cobra model RD2110 and some Uniden and Whistler
radar detectors.
 
You can order this plug from CMC by calling (800) 433-2024
or FAXing (800) 821-1959.
 
MN-01-93
Adaptaplug for Sony
 
You have been requesting an Adaptaplug to use with Sony
Compact Disc Players D-33 and D-101, and now CMC has one for you!
The 270-1575 Adaptaplug ($2.49) is used with the 270-1562 DC Adapter.
 
You can order the 270-1575 Adaptaplug from CMC by calling (800) 433-2024
or FAXing (800) 821-1959.
 
MN-01-93
Replacement Battery Available for the 23-184 Battery
If you are having trouble finding a battery to replace the 23-184 Camcorder
Battery (which has been discontinued), call CMC.
The higher capacity, 6-volt, 2200mAh CCB-1903 ($59.95)
is used in 8mm Camcorders which normally use an NP55 or NP77 type battery.
Examples include Radio Shack Models 151 (16-852), 152 (16-853),
153 (16-854), and 154 (16-855).
 
MN-01-93
Circuit Breaker Identifier
 
With the new year, lots of customers will begin repair and remodeling
projects on their homes.
The Archer  AC Circuit Breaker Identifier (Cat. No. 61-2721, $29.95)
provides customers
a safe and fast way to work with their homes' electrical wiring and circuits
without having to stand at the circuit breaker box and turn AC power switches
on and off.
 
MN-01-93
Techline Plan-O-Gram!
 
The new Techline  Plan-o-Gram has just arrived in your store.
It was designed so you can gather all the Techline products
together -- either on two wing walls or on the end of a gondola,
depending on your store.
 
This Plan-O-Gram should help you get your store organized and
ready for the New Year!
 
MN-01-93
COMMUNICATIONS
Police Call Directories
 
The new 1993 edition of the 9-volume set of "Police Call Directories"
($9.95) is now available from the Force Feed Warehouse (rather than CMC).
These books will not be replenished automatically; you must order them.
 
Order only the catalog number which will work in your area.
The catalog numbers are the same as they have always been.
 
Cat. No.          States Covered
 
62-1041          CT, ME, MA, NH
                 NY, RI, VT
 
62-1042          DE, MD, NJ, PA
 
62-1043          MI, OH
 
62-1044          IL, IN, KY, WI
 
62-1045          IA, KS, MN, MO
                 NE, ND, SD
 
62-1046          DC, FL, GA, NC
                 SC, VA, WV
 
62-1047          AL, AR, LA, MS
                 OK, TN, TX
 
62-1048          AZ, CO, ID, MT
                 NM, NV, WY
 
62-1049          CA, OR, WA
 
MN-01-93
Low-Profile, High-Performance Cellular Antenna
 
Give your cellular antenna customers the same high-performance
micro-strip technology that the space shuttle uses.
The new Radome Cellular Antenna (Cat. No. 17-321, $49.95)
is rectangular-shaped and sends transmissions at an angle,
rather than straight out.
 
Because this mag-mount antenna is flat, it is less obtrusive than
regular antennas.
When placed on the roof of a car,
it is not visible to others.
 
MN-01-93
Pager Sales Going Well!
 
The official word is: pager sales are going well!
Some of the distribution "bugs" are still being worked out,
but this is to be expected when going into a new product market with
a new direct distribution system.
 
Remember to refer customers to MobileComm 800 numbers for activation, not
a local MobileComm reseller.
Contact MobileComm at:
 
Local Area Pager          (800) 944-4000
Nationwide Pager          (800) 925-5217
 
If you need to call MobileComm about a pending order, you must
give them your store and the invoice number.
They can't look up the information without both numbers.
 
Keep up the good work in pager sales!
 
MN-01-93
Older Pagers Can't Be Repaired
 
Some of our older pagers, the 20-5002/5102/6002/ 6102, can no longer
be repaired, and we do not have access to parts for them.
If a customer brings one of these pagers in, explain that
the pager can no longer be repaired, and offer $20.00
towards the purchase
of a new Tandy  PersonalPager (Cat. No. 17-6000, $99.95).
 
Although the 17-6000 is a numeric display pager, a customer can still use it
with "tone only" service if it is available from the carrier.
 
MN-01-93
19-1120 Transceiver Cannot Be Modified
 
The Realistic HTX-202 2-Meter FM Transceiver (Cat. No. 19-1120, $259.95)
cannot be modified to expand its frequency coverage.
This design feature was chosen so the transceiver does not pick
up intermodulation interference (intermod) from other radio services.
 
Remember Radio Shack's policy:  don't modify products to do things
they weren't originally designed to do.
 
MN-01-93
20-013 Antenna: Very Versatile
 
Do you know that the Discone Scanner/Ham Roof Antenna (Cat. No. 20-013, $59.95)
can also be used as a transmit antenna?
 
It works at 144 MHz (2 meters amateur radio) and
functions as a low-power antenna for the VHF Business Band.
It is also good for 440 MHz (70 cm amateur band) and the 1296 MHz amateur band.
The 20-013 is an omnidirectional transmit antenna and has unit (0db) gain.
 
MN-01-93
F.Y.I.
Another Toll-Free Line Makes Reaching CMC Easy
CMC has dedicated a toll-free line to order taking only!
Use this line only if you already know the part numbers you want to order.
Operators on this line will not be able to do cross referencing.
 
(800) 321-3133
 
For help with cross-referencing or other questions,
continue to use the regular toll-free number:
 
(800) 433-2024
 
Don't forget the FAX lines for orders only, too.
These are great when the other lines are busy.
Remember: Always include your store number
and telephone number when sending a FAX order to:
 
(800) 821-1959
 
MN-01-93
Protect Your Valuable Communications Equipment
 
Help your customers protect their communications equipment with the
Archer  Coaxial Gas-Tube Antenna Discharge Unit (Cat. No. 20-021, $19.95).
This type of surge protector helps prevent burn-out damage
caused by increased voltages from nearby lightning strikes,
high-powered transmitters, and massive energy surges.
Its state-of-the-art gas discharge technology is the best
defense against both lightning and electromagnetic pulse surges!
 
The discharge unit is ideal for the CB Base Station Antenna
(Cat. No. 21-967, $79.95),
scanner base station antennas (Cat. Nos. 20-013/014/176),
or for operators of ham, commercial, or marine radios.
In fact, it can be used for any radio with up to 50 ohms impedance
and 500 watts of power.
 
You should sell two surge protectors to all customers who purchase
outdoor communications antennas: one to mount at the antenna and one to mount
at the entrance to the house.
 
You can build your add-on sales with the following hook-up items which are not
sold with the surge protector:
 
- Two lengths of coaxial cable with PL259 connectors on the ends
 
- One PL259-to-PL259 adapter (Cat. No. 278-192, $2.19)
 
- An 8-foot ground rod (Cat. No. 15-529, $15.95)
 
- 8-gauge or larger wire (Cat. No. 15-035, $3.59)
 
- Sealant tape (Cat. No. 278-1645, $2.49)
 
Don't forget that you are doing your customers a favor by selling
them surge protectors.
 
Note: Nothing can protect equipment from a direct lightning
strike.
 
MN-01-93
TELEPHONES
New Caller ID Phone System Works in All Areas
 
The new DU FONE 660 Feature Phone with Caller ID (Cat. No. 43-955,
$119.95) works in any area which is authorized for caller ID
service -- both number only or name and number.
 
The internal circuitry of the DU FONE 660
is able to recognize both types of ID service and can go from one type
to the other with the flip of a switch.
This feature makes this phone perfect for areas which are
currently authorized for number-only caller ID,
but are expecting to be authorized for number and name caller ID soon.
 
Additionally, the DU FONE 660 takes the date and time of
each call, then saves the information in case you miss the call.
 
MN-01-93
Green Stickers Indicate Fixed Answerers
 
The manufacturer of the
DU FONE TAD-410 (Cat. No. 43-398, $69.95) and the
DU FONE TAD-412 (Cat. No. 43-399, $79.95) has reworked
many of the faulty TADs.
 
TADs which have been reworked have green "B" stickers placed
on the bottom of each cabinet, on the outside of each giftbox, and
on the outside of each master carton.
 
If you have any TADs which break due
to bad parts or poor workmanship, return the unit to your local
service center for a free repair.
See "TAD Servicing for Faulty Workmanship or Bad Products" on page 2 of
the November 1992 issue of the Merchandising Newsletter
for more information about the manufacturer's service agreement.
 
MN-01-93
New Speaker Phone
 
The new DU FONE  Telephone Amplifier (Cat. No. 43-200, $29.95)
combines the best of two good products.
 
It has the automatic sensitivity adjust of the
DU FONE-102 (Cat. No. 43-292), and its operation rivals a full
duplex unit just like the DU FONE-102.
But its style is more like that of the classic telephone company
style speakerphone, which the Electronic Telephone Amplifier System was
(Cat. No. 43-278). 
 
And -- the price has been reduced!
 
MN-01-93
Sell Discontinued Items
 
Now that the Christmas selling season is over, you need
to clean out your stock and get rid of discontinued items.
Remember: fine wine improves with age; merchandise doesn't.
 
Make sure all discontinued items are price-marked and clean.
They should be properly tagged and well displayed so customers
can see the excellent values you have available.
 
MN-01-93
F.Y.I.
 
Have A Very Large Order?
If you have a customer who wants to purchase at least 500 of an end
product, contact your district or regional manager.
The DM or RM will then contact Rick Borinstein who will discuss
the possibility of a discount and merchandise availability.
 
Look at the inside back cover of the 1993 catalog to determine normal
customer discounts.
Additional discounts will be based on circumstance and bids.
 
MN-01-93
ONE MINUTE MERCHANDISER
 
Cellular and You -- Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
 
Yesterday, our first cellular phone wasn't in the catalog,
and we only sold it at Computer Centers.
It sold for over twenty times what you see a mobile phone advertised for today.
In those early days only wealthy individuals or very profitable businesses
could afford to buy one.
Some of the first models needed special equipment
or had to be connected to a computer so you could program the phone number.
 
Today, over ten million people have cellular phones,
but this is only a single digit percentage of the potential market.
Compare that to the VCR which is now in almost three out of four homes
in the USA.
As cellular phones become smaller and easier to use,
more of your customers will come to Radio Shack to buy them.
 
Tomorrow is beginning to come into focus today.
The operative words are "Wireless" (what goes around, comes around),
"PCS" (personal communication services),
"CT-2" (second generation cordless telephone),
and "Digital" (digital everything and everything digital).
The new product categories will be personal communications devices,
"PDA's" (personal data assistants), satellite
positioning/ mapping/directing devices, and combinations of all the above.
 
The future will not arrive all at once. . . and that's good,
because we are not all properly prepared to sell in tomorrow's environment.
Tomorrow's business world will see a vast expansion of strategic alliances,
as we have now with our cellular carriers.
These alliances bring together the strengths of two or more companies
to share expertise and bring new products and services to the consumer.
We all need to work together in order to prosper
in this highly competitive decade.
 
Our immediate future calls for an aggressive cellular promotional calendar
as far as the merchandising eye can see.
Tandy has increased its commitment to cellular by building
a new factory to manufacture digital phones in the USA.
Radio Shack has increased its commitment to cellular by compensating
you for activating the phone when you sell it,
and by changing our accounting procedures to insure that every sale
is more profitable for the store.
 
Cellular today, personal communications tomorrow -- both
demand a well-trained salesmaker to make it all happen.
If you are not cellular qualified, and not enthusiastic about selling it,
you are greatly handicapping yourself and Radio Shack -- today and tomorrow.
 
Consider making a New Year's resolution to become cellular qualified
so you can profit by our promotional plans.
Study the course, take the test, and become completely familiar with
your carrier's activation procedures.
You will then have a solid foundation for today's sales
opportunities and an endless stream of new products to sell tomorrow.
 
Chuck Sizer
 
MN-01-93
F.Y.I.
 
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
Health care companies and other businesses sometimes require material
safety data sheets.
These describe the various chemicals in a product and the hazards associated
with them and recommend first aid.
 
If a business customer requests an MSDS sheet, you can obtain one by
writing to the address below.
Do not write for a sheet unless a customer specifically requests it.
 
Radio Shack
1400 One Tandy Center
Fort Worth, TX 76102
Attn: Mac Slayton
 
MN-01-93
COMPUTERS
Software for Older Computers
 
CMC still has software for older model computers.
 
Titles are available for the Color Computer, Model I/III/4, MC-10,
PC-1/3, PC-2, Model 100, Tandy 102/200 and Tandy 6000.
Many prices have been reduced.
 
Check with CMC or look in the back of the Computer Section of your CMC
red binder for a catalog of these titles.
There is also a list of part numbers by model number on pages 44-47.
Here are some of the more popular titles:
 
Computer
Title                    Cat. No.          Price
 
Model I/III/4
13 Ghosts                26-1927          19.95
Success with Math II     26-1972          19.95
 
Color Computer
OS-9 Level II            26-3031          79.95
Typing Tutor             26-3152          19.95
 
MC-10
Games                    26-3361          2.95
 
PC-1/PC-3
Engineering Math II      26-3526          2.95
 
PC-2
Math I                   26-3709          2.95
 
Model 100, Tandy 102/200
Data Manager             26-3836          2.95
 
Tandy 6000
Basic                    26-3904          129.95
 
MN-01-93
MISCELLANEOUS
Karaoke Music System Needs More AC Power at High Volumes
 
The optional 273-1454 AC adapter recommended in the owner's manual
of the Karaoke Music System (Cat. No. 14-856, $39.95) is adequate for low
to medium sound levels only.
If your customer uses the system at high volumes with this adapter,
the sound may "break up."
For high volume use, sell customers the high current 273-1655 AC adapter.
 
When using the 273-1655 adapter, use the green barrel plug
with the tip set to negative (-) and set the voltage switch
to the 6-volt position.
 
An addendum has been added to current Karaoke Music System owner's manuals and
a running change is being made for future printings of the owner's manual.
 
MN-01-93
VIDEO
Let Benjamin Bunnie Sell VIS
 
Discis Books has supplied all stores with a not-for-resale CD
featuring Benjamin Bunnie.
It is available to help sell VIS.
Emphasize to customers that this software package is just one of many which
can improve their children's early reading and learning skills, and that
it will help children recognize reading as a form of
entertainment -- distinct from television.
 
Discis Book's titles range from classics like Cinderella
and The Tell-Tale Heart to contemporary favorites like
The Paper Bag Princess and Scary Poems for Rotten Kids.
New selections for more advanced readers are currently shipping, too.
 
The yellow insert, VIS SOFTWARE, will be updated periodically
to show current software titles.
It will include Discis' new titles and all other vendors', as well.
You may copy this list and distribute it to customers who are interested in
VIS.
 
MN-01-93
VIS Screen Flicker
 
Do not be concerned if you are encountering a slight screen "flicker"
with Compton's Multimedia Encyclopedia on VIS.
Compton's high-resolution mode is meant to give more detail to the viewer;
however, this technology is more advanced than some televisions on which
it is displayed.
 
To minimize in-store flicker, use your "Seymore the Owl" demo disc, which
uses a lower resolution and does not include text,
and a 19- or 20-inch television (no larger).
 
MN-12-92
ONE MINUTE MERCHANDISER
The Art of Giving
 
At this time of year we usually talk about the finer points of caring
for your customers and your fellow workers during the Christmas selling season.
This year, however, I'd like to paraphrase something I recently heard
at a fund-raising luncheon.
It's not meant to suggest that you stop selling gifts,
but rather as a gift to you that could help you help others
during this busy month.
 
We give of ourselves when we give gifts of our heart:
joy, understanding, tolerance, kindness, sympathy, love, and forgiveness. . .
 
We give of ourselves when we give gifts of our mind:
ideas, dreams, purpose, ideals, principles, plans, inventions, and poetry. . .
 
We give of ourselves when we give gifts of our spirit:
hope, vision, beauty, aspiration, peace, and faith. . .
 
We give of ourselves when we give gifts of our time:
when we are minute builders of more abundant living for others. . .
 
We give of ourselves when we give the gift of our words:
encouragement, inspiration, praise, thanks, and guidance. . .
 
We give of ourselves when we give our community a good person,
our home a devoted parent (daughter or son), our country a loyal citizen. . .
 
The finest gift a person can give to this age and time is the gift
of a constructive and creative life.
 
Best wishes to you and your loved ones for a successful December
and a joyful Holiday Season!
 
Chuck Sizer
 
MN-12-92
Golden Season Goodwill
 
Encourage customers' good feelings toward your store
and Radio Shack by postponing the date their warranties go into
effect until the day after Christmas.
This way customers don't lose warranty time while presents
sit under trees.
Tell each customer what you are doing and write on the receipt
that the warranty date will begin December 26.
 
You can postdate a customer's TSP , too!
 
MN-12-92
ELECTRONIC PARTS
Battery Pack Offer
 
We are offering Alkaline Multi-Pack batteries for this Christmas selling
season.
With the wider choice in battery packs,
you should significantly increase your battery sales.
 
Offer your customers a choice of the regular Alkaline 2 or 4 pack
or the larger 8 to 12 pack depending on the battery type.
These are all priced to give the customer a real value.
 
23-650          Alkaline D Cell          Pack of 8          $7.99
23-651          Alkaline C Cell          Pack of 8           7.99
23-652          Alkaline AA Cell         Pack of 12          6.99
23-653          Alkaline 9 Volt          Pack of 4           6.99
23-655          Alkaline AAA             Pack of 12          6.99
 
You will receive information from Store Planning on how to position
these packs for increased sales.
And Replenishment will monitor the sales of these packs so you will have
plenty to sell!
 
MN-12-92
Battery Talk
 
Consumer Mail Center is a terrific source for batteries.
CMC stocks a variety of hard-to-find and unusual batteries
that you do not stock in your store.
There are nine different battery classifications at CMC.
 
Battery cross reference lists for each battery classification
are in your CMC red binder.
These are currently being updated.
Watch for the new list to arrive in your store in January.
 
Here are the nine battery classifications, each with a brief description.
Every CMC battery will have one of the following prefixes.
 
CLB -- Lithium Batteries are used as replacement batteries in computers
(memory backup), flea collars, flashlights, beepers, and smoke detectors.
Lithium batteries are known for their extra long life and greater durability
under temperature extremes.
The extra long shelf life of lithiums make them excellent batteries
to store in the home for emergency situations.
There is also a separate cross reference list for memory back-up
batteries in the CMC red binder.
 
CCB -- Camcorder Batteries are used as spare or replacement batteries
for camcorders and are rechargeable.
CMC carries replacements for Radio Shack and other brands, such as
Sharp, Sony, Panasonic, JVC, Magnavox, RCA, and many more.
(Some of these batteries may have 16-series part numbers.)
 
CEL -- Cellular Telephone Batteries are used as replacement and spare
batteries for cellular telephones.
CMC stocks batteries for Radio Shack and other brands, such as GE, Motorola,
Nokia-Mobira, Panasonic, and many more.
 
CGP -- Game Pack Batteries are extra-life power packs for Nintendo Game Boy
or Sega Game Gear.
They are light, Ni-cad batteries that clip on a belt and can be recharged
while playing.
 
CLT -- Laptop Computer Batteries are spare or replacement
batteries for laptop or notebook computers that are manufactured
by vendors other than Tandy.
CMC currently stocks fourteen types of laptop batteries. 
 
CMB -- Communication Batteries are replacement batteries used for
two-way scanners, pagers, and walkie-talkies which are used by
police officers, fire fighters, doctors, business people and amateur
radio operators.
(Some of these batteries may have 19- and 20-series part numbers.)
 
CNB -- Consumer Batteries are classified as such because they are
easily installed by the general public, and are used for a variety of
purposes including hearing aids, watches, calculators, and photo needs.
These batteries are stocked by CMC and include brands like Eveready,
Ray-O-Vac, and Duracell.
The battery cross reference list includes CMC consumer batteries as well
as those stocked in stores.
 
CPT -- Cordless Power Tool Batteries are used for cordless power tools.
CMC carries only Makita-type in 7.2 and 9.6 voltages.
 
CTB -- Cordless Telephone Batteries are battery packs used for cordless
telephones.
Those not stocked in your store are available from CMC.
Most cordless telephone batteries from CMC come with connectors and are
consumer installable; some come without connectors and require soldering.
CMC carries batteries for Radio Shack cordless telephones as well as for
AT&T and Bell Telephone, Cobra, GE, Panasonic, Uniden, and many more.
There is a visual comparison chart for cordless telephone batteries
in the CMC red binder as well as a separate cross-reference for Radio
Shack cordless phones. 
 
MN-12-92
VIDEO
CMC Video News!
 
Consumer Mail Center has some terrific accessories for the newest
Radio Shack MovieCorders.  To help you remember these items
for your holiday sales, here is a list by model number.
 
Memorex  VHS Model 128 (Cat. No. 16-828)
 
16-2300          Pause Remote                       $19.95
16-2301          Step Ring 43mm to 46mm               4.95
16-2302          Lens Filter Kit 43mm ND/FD/UV       29.95
16-2303          6v, 3200mAh Extra Battery           44.95
16-2304          DC/Adapter Charger                  79.95
16-2323          RF Adapter                          39.95
16-2326          Car Cord                            29.95
CCB-6610         "Y" Connector for 5-Hr Power Packs   9.95
CCB-6630         5-Hour Power Pack                   69.95
CCB-6630M        Battery Eliminator Module Only      19.95
 
Memorex VHS-Compact Model 155 (Cat. No. 16-856)
 
16-2307          1.5 Telephoto/.65 Wide Angle Lens Kit
                 37mm kit with 27mm step ring        $99.95
16-2308          RF Adapter                           39.95
16-2309          Lens Filter Kit 37mm ND/FD/UV        29.95
16-2310          6v, 2000mAh Extra Battery            49.95
16-2328          Car Cord/ DC Adapter                 29.95
CCB-1906         6v 1600mAh Extra Battery             39.95
CCB-6610         "Y" Connector for 5-Hr Power Packs    9.95
CCB-6654         5-Hour Power Pack                    69.95
CCB-6654M        Battery Eliminator Module Only       19.95
T16-TA3          Cassette Adapter                     64.95
 
Memorex 8MM Model 157 (Cat. No. 16-858)
 
16-2311          6v, 1600mAh Battery                 $49.95
16-2312          Pause Remote Control                 34.95
16-2313          1.4 Telephoto/ .70 Wide Angle Lens   99.95
16-2314          ND/UV Lens Filter Kit                39.95
16-2315          Free Arm Accessory Shoe              54.95
16-2325          6v, 2200mAh Battery                  69.95
16-2329          Car Cord/ DC Adapter                 29.95
CCB-6610         "Y" Connector for 5-Hour Packs        9.95
CCB-6653         5-Hr Power Pack Kit                  69.95
CCB-6653M        Battery Eliminator Module Only       19.95
 
Don't forget, CMC has accessories and batteries for older models, too.
 
MN-12-92
VIS Media Excitement!
 
The media loves VIS!
Check out these media clips and tell your customers
what the media "experts" think.
 
When kids catch a glimpse of the new gadget from Texas electronics
giant Tandy Corporation, they may never again settle for `The Cat in the Hat.'
Instead, they'll flip on the TV, slide a compact disc into the VCR-like
device and the TV will read them a story like `Just Grandma and Me.'
Adults, too, should be captivated. . .
 
Detroit News/Free Press
 
This introduction is the most important step yet
in the consumerization of computer technology.
 
Dan Sorenson
Electronics Columnist, Tuscon Citizen
 
MN-12-92
AUTO SOUND
New Car Cassette Player
 
The new AM/FM Stereo Car Cassette Player (Cat. No. 12-1814, $59.95), which
is not listed in the 1993 catalog, will be arriving in your stores soon.
It replaces the AM/FM Stereo Car Cassette Player (Cat. No. 12-1927)
and features
8 watts of power, a compact size, local/distance circuitry, and more.
 
MN-12-92
RADIOS
Chronomatic 263 Clock Radio Rated Best!
 
The November 1992 issue of Consumer Reports rated the Chronomatic
263 (Cat. No. 12-1573, $ 27.95) as the best basic model clock radio!
The main reason for this honor is the larger than normal digits.
 
Consumer Reports also liked the Realistic  272 (Cat. No. 12-1580, $49.95)
which features a headphone jack and an external FM antenna for picking up
more stations.
 
MN-12-92
MISCELLANEOUS
Check Your Desk Clocks
 
Some LCD Table Alarm Clocks (Cat. No. 63-744, $11.95)
have problems which prevent the clocks from displaying the time properly.
All clocks in the warehouse are being returned to the manufacturer.
New stock will be arriving soon.
 
Check your store inventory.
If any store stock unit malfunctions, sell it "as-is."
 
MN-12-92
New Products and Displays
 
All Franklin products now have exciting new displays with
informational header cards, which you have just received.
Make sure the new displays are in working order for the holiday season!
 
Additionally, two new revolutionary products are being introduced
in time for the Christmas selling season:
 
The Digital Book (Cat. No. 63-2010, $199.99) provides
instant access to any information in the two
digital books included, the Merriam Webster dictionary and the exciting
Word Games.  Additional digital books will be available soon.
 
The Speaking Language Master Special Edition (Cat. No. 63-920, $499.99)
is a speaking language resource specially designed for the learning
disabled, blind, visually, or speech impaired.
Not all stores will display this product,
but it will be available by special order through your RSM.
 
Note: Most discontinued Franklin products do not fit the new displays.
 
MN-12-92
Big Bag Advertising
 
Steve Rosman, a Senior Sales Representative in Nanuet, NY (store 01-1334),
suggests that you offer large Radio Shack bags to customers who are juggling
several small bags from other stores.
The customer appreciates the convenience, and you get walking advertisement.
Steve says, "Seeing so many people walking around with Radio Shack bags
really creates a lot of excitement."
 
MN-12-92
COMMUNICATIONS
Pager Repair and Return Information
 
Radio Shack pagers are warranteed by MobileComm.
 
MobileComm's warranty to the consumer (three months labor, six months
parts) is fully described
in the activation/service order brochure found inside the box.
 
Additional Service Plan
MobileComm will offer Radio Shack customers
Extended Service Protection (ESP).
We will not sell Tandy Service Protection (TSP) for the pagers.
 
Loan Pagers
MobileComm will provide loaner pagers to customers
who have purchased ESP from MobileComm and have service problems.
 
Defective at Time of Activation
MobileComm will notify the customer
to return the pager to the local MobileComm office
for exchange (customers in cities where there is no
local MobileComm office will be asked
to return the pager to the MobileComm Distribution Center).
 
If the customer returns the pager to your store,
you can provide him/her a replacement unit
and return the defective unit using a repair/exchange memo (along with
a description of the problem)
to MobileComm at this address:
 
MobileComm Distribution Center
Attn: Personal Pager Division
804 Foley Street
Jackson, MS  39202
 
MobileComm will ship a replacement unit back to the store.
Contact the Distribution Center directly by calling (601) 352-5991.
 
Pagers Needing Repair
If your customer has an pager needing repair, instruct him/her
to return the pager to the local MobileComm office
for assistance.
If there is not a MobileComm office in your area,
have the customer contact the Nationwide Messaging Customer Service
department at 1-800-925-5217 for assistance.
(Depending on whether the warranty period
is still in effect or whether ESP has been purchased,
repair charges may apply.)
 
If the customer asks you to send the unit in, write up a regular repair tag
and give the customer the claim check.
Attach your full store address and it send to:
 
MobileComm Repair Center
Attn:  Personal Pager Division
403 East Ramsey, Suite 202
San Antonio, TX  78216
 
MobileComm will return the unit to the store.
Do not ask MobileComm to return the pager directly to the customer.
Since you took the unit, you are responsible for its return to the customer.
You can contact the Repair Center directly by calling (512) 341-1624.
 
Refunding Customer's Money
If you need to refund the customer's money within the warranty period and
the unit is no longer in resellable condition,
then return the pager using a repair/exchange memo
(along with reason for return) for new unit exchange
to the Distribution Center in Jackson, MS (see above address).
 
Canceling Service
The customer needs to call the local MobileComm office to cancel service.
Customers must verify cancellation of service at time of return.
The customer's failure to notify the local MobileComm
office will result in continued customer billing,
and the pager will not be able to be activated by a new purchaser.
 
"Buyback" Program
For customers no longer needing paging service,
MobileComm offers a unique "buyback" policy.
Send customers
to the local MobileComm office to process the buyback.
MobileComm will purchase the unit from the customer.
(If there is no local
MobileComm office, have the customer contact the Nationwide Messaging Customer
Service department at 1-800-925-5217 for assistance).
 
MN-12-92
New Deluxe FAX Machine
 
The TANDYFAX 1505 (Cat. No. 43-1216, $599.00) is a new deluxe model which is
not in the 1993 catalog.
The features that differentiate this FAX machine from all the rest are:
an automatic paper cutter, a ten page automatic document feeder,
an automatic FAX/answering machine switch-over which routes non-FAX
calls to your phone or answering machine, and many more.
 
MN-12-92
FAX Programming Sheets
 
National Parts now has extra programming sheets for the TANDYFAX  1040
(Cat. No. 43-1201, $319.95).
These sheets were not available initially, however, they are now in stock.
To order extra programming sheets, call National Parts at (800) 433-5543
and order:
 
Description             Cat. No.          Price
 
Company Sheet           HM-0506         $1.00
Function Sheet          HM-0507          1.00
Telephone Number Sheet  HM-0508          1.00
 
MN-12-92
F.Y.I.
Check National Parts
 
Have you had a customer come into your store looking for parts in large
quantities?
Tandy National Parts can support requests from customers wanting to purchase
large quantities of electronic and electro-mechanical components.
Don't let these potential sales get by; call National Parts
and give them the opportunity to support you and your customer.
 
Tandy National Parts Spiff program is designed to compensate your store and
salesmaker.
If you do not have the latest spiff guidelines, ask your DM or National Parts
for details.
 
Contact National Parts for information pertaining to price and availability
for these types of orders.
 
(800) 322-3690
 
Don't overlook an opportunity to increase your bottom line and Radio
Shack's overall profits.
 
MN-12-92
TRAINING
Crowning Customer Service
 
We are in the midst of the Golden Quarter, our busiest time of year.
Even now, Radio Shack's goal is to be the ultimate service and convenience
store for consumer electronics.
Stop one moment and ask yourself,
"Am I offering Crowning Customer Service and convenience
to all my customers?"
First, let's define these terms from the customer's perspective.
 
What do customers want from the shopping experience?
They want a store that:
 
- is easily accessible
- allows them to get in and out quickly
- has knowledgeable salespeople
- has quality and reliable products and guaranteed service
  (no unpleasant return experiences)
- takes care of them and their needs
- makes them feel important (not like just another body with a checkbook)
- has trustworthy salespeople
 
Well, are you offering Crowning Customer
Service and a convenient shopping experience?
Here are some things to keep in mind as you help your customers.
 
Store Readiness
 
Your store's appearance is even more important during
these hectic shopping days.
Restock and straighten displays between rushes.
Get products ready to demo: load tapes, CDs, and batteries before
you show products to customers.
A salesmaker who easily demonstrates products is
way ahead of one who must frantically search for a tape or battery.
 
Product Awareness
You can't offer your customers good gift-giving suggestions
if you don't know the products.
Ask questions to determine who a gift is for and what that individual likes.
Customers will frequently be looking to you for answers.
They know how much they'd like to spend and have a vague idea what they want,
but they need you to guide them to the right decision.
There's an awful lot to choose from, so keep up with what's new!
 
Be Quick, Courteous, and Efficient
Quick, courteous, and efficient service is the backbone of Radio Shack's
service challenge.
Nothing else you do is more important.
After you have done everything you can, AFTO -- Ask For The Order.
Then quickly and efficiently process the sale, thank them for their wise
choice, and invite them to return.
 
Continuing the Sales Relationship
Get customers' names and addresses to send them advertising over the next year.
Let customers know you do not see this as a one-time
holiday transaction; you want to build a year-long relationship with them.
Your great service and convenience, in turn,
increases your customer base and earnings.
 
So be the one who offers Crowning Customer Service and convenience,
and reap the rewards.
 
MN-12-92
F.Y.I.
Special Purchase Items Are Great Stocking Stuffers
 
We have made several special purchases aimed at bringing more customers into
your stores.
Seize this opportunity to show off all of our products
while customers are in the mood to buy!
 
- Swiss Army Knife (Cat. No. 64-2841, $9.99)
  includes knife, bottle opener, screwdriver, wire stripper, tweezers, and
  toothpick.
 
- Dremel Mini Tool (Cat. No. 64-2840, $34.88) includes 10 tool bits to
  strip wood, drill, and sand.
 
- Zircon Electronic Stud Sensor (Cat. No. 64-2810, $9.99)
  quickly locates the center of wooden studs or metal frames to easily
  hang shelves or locate pipes or wiring.
  This is a low-cost version of the STUDSENSOR (Cat. No. 64-2825, $24.95).
 
- Aurora Portfolio Calculator (Cat. No. 65-503, $11.88)
  is a big-button calculator and memo pad in a folding case.
 
- Keyboard Calculator (Cat. No. 65-826, $4.95) fits on your computer's
  keyboard so you don't have to leave the computer to do calculations.
 
- Executive Planner with Calculator (Cat. No. 65-502, $19.95)
  has a week-at-a-view calendar pad.
 
These small products are perfect stocking stuffers!
 
MN-11-92
ONE MINUTE MERCHANDISER
 
Peak Load Merchandising
 
At this time of year, when customer traffic is building toward its peak,
professional merchandising is more important than ever.
Your store must show that you are proud of the merchandise and proud
of America's Technology Store .
 
Here are a few ideas to help you keep up with customer flow
and improve your store's appearance during the Christmas selling season:
 
- Rearrange displays and signs between rushes.
  Attractive displays draw customers into your store and make them want to buy.
 
- Assign areas of the store to each employee to clean up.
  More shoppers means more to clean up, so housekeeping must be as continuous
  a process as restocking battery bins.
 
- Be sure everything works the first time you turn it on!
  Your shoppers will want to see or hear the merchandise in action.
  Use fresh batteries, top-quality tapes or disks, and interesting software
  to make all products work to their maximum potential.
 
- Light every display.
  This includes displays on tape decks, receivers, and VCRs,
  as well as clocks and clock radios.
  Don't try to save electricity by turning equipment off during the
  day -- this is the least expensive advertising you can buy!
 
- Keep your merchandise presentations simple.
  Massing accessories all over displays can confuse your customers.
  Introduce add-ons after you close the sale of the main item.
 
- If you run out of a hot item,
  focus your enthusiasm on an overstocked item.
  Re-merchandise displays constantly to show a variety of exciting
  and well-stocked products.
  Shoppers quickly lose their enthusiasm when they see a shopped-out
  appearance in a store.
 
- Make gift suggestions for everyone on your customer's shopping list.
  Remember that Christmas shopping is a chore for many people,
  so try to make their shopping trip a pleasant experience by playing Santa
  with Radio Shack gift ideas!
 
Good luck, good selling, and Happy Thanksgiving!
 
Chuck Sizer
E-MAIL "CSIZER1"
 
MN-11-92
COMMUNICATIONS
 
Amateur Radio Book Discontinued
 
We're sorry but
Digital Communications with Amateur Radio, a book published by Radio
Shack, has been discontinued.
The book is currently recommended in the manual for the HTX-100 10-Meter
SSB/CW Mobile Transceiver, (Cat. No. 19-1101, $199.95).
Suggest that customers look in a book store for another book that answers
amateur radio questions and concerns.
 
MN-11-92
We Sell Pagers!
 
We have re-entered the pager market, and you have just received several
packets with lots of information you need to sell Tandy  pagers.
Here are the numbers for customers to call about rates,
optional services available, and areas of coverage:
 
Local Area Pager          (800) 944-4000
Nationwide Pager          (800) 925-5217 
 
Local area pagers will be handled by store replenishment.
Nationwide pager orders should be placed only for customer orders.
This is not a store stock item.
 
MN-11-92
No Rubber Duck Antenna for TRC-226 Walkie-Talkie
 
There is no optional rubber duck antenna for the TRC-226 40-Channel Walkie
Talkie (Cat. No. 21-1665, $139.95), and there are no plans
to provide one in the future.
Customers who want a rubber duck antenna should be sold the TRC-207 Walkie
Talkie (Cat. No. 21-1645, $99.95).
 
MN-11-92
New Realistic PRO-39
 
The new Realistic  PRO-39 scanner (Cat. No. 20-303, $299.95)
replaces the PRO-37.
The two scanners have the same features, but the PRO-39 packs them into
a much more compact unit.
 
MN-11-92
TELEPHONES
 
 
TAD Servicing for Faulty Workmanship or Bad Products
 
To assist you with the cost of in-warranty repairs on the
TAD-410 (Cat. No. 43-398, $69.95) and the TAD-412 (Cat. No. 43-399, $79.95),
we have made an agreement with the manufacturer.
 
Effective with units serviced October 15, 1992, the cost of in-warranty
repairs for product failures caused by  bad parts or poor workmanship 
will be paid by the manufacturer.
This program will be in place until January 1, 1994.
Any units arriving in the service center after January 1, 1994,
will be repaired and charged to your store as usual.
 
MN-11-92
FM-Wireless Intercom
 
The Plug 'n Talk  Intercom System
(Cat. No. 43-224, $69.95/pair) features a lock-bar, so an area
can be monitored without the talk button having to be pressed.
A light on the lock-bar stays on as long as the intercom
is locked.
These two features make the intercom perfect for use in a child's room at night.
The intercom also has a call-tone button that tells the other party that you
are calling and comes with three FM frequencies
so you can choose the one with the least noise and interference.
 
MN-11-92
New TAD-265 with Cordless Phone
 
The new DU FONE  Cordless Telephone/Answering System
TAD-265 (Cat. No. 43-730, $199.95), which includes our Super CCT
Noise-Reduction Circuit for sound comparable to that of a corded phone,
is now shipping.
It has lots of features such as "auto call" -- the
TAD-265 will take a message on the answering machine, then call
a pager to inform the user of a message.
 
CMC offers a great add-on for the TAD-265: a headset with a microphone
(Cat. No. 43-431, $24.95) that allows the user to conduct a "hands-free"
conversation.
 
MN-11-92
Revised CT-350 Programming
 
Note:  This is a reprint of the memo dated October 8.
This set of instructions is complete and is a correction to the October 1992
Merchandising Newsletter article on page 5.
The last article incorrectly contained an extra asterisk in Step 7.
 
The CT-350 cellular phone (Cat. No. 17-1060, 399.95) is significantly
different to program than our other models.
Here is an expanded set of instructions with step numbers and more examples.
This will make programming easier.
 
1. To enter the Program Mode, type:
   *3001#12345<STO>00
   The phone responds: STORE NOT DONE
 
2. To program the user's phone number, type:
   <RCL> 0 2
   The phone responds with:
   11111111111
   or a previously programmed phone number
 
 3. Press and hold <CLR> until the display is empty.
 
 4. Type in the customer's cellular phone number,
    then <STO> 0 2 -- for example:
    8173906875 <STO> 0 2
    The phone responds with:  REPLACE CONTENT?
 
 5. Press: <STO>
    The phone responds with:  STORED
 
 6. Now enter the carrier parameters by typing:
    <RCL> 0 3
    The phone responds with:
    38*1*1*334*15*15
    or previously programmed parameters
 
 7. Press and hold <CLR> until the display is empty
    Type in cellular carrier's parameters followed by
    <STO> 0 3
    For example:
    00038*1*1*334*05*10 <STO> 03
 
    where
    00038      = Home ID or system ID
    1          = Access method
    1          = Local control option
    (333       = "A" carrier)
    334        = "B" carrier
    05         = Overload class
    10         = Group ID
 
For Step 7, fill in the parameters (blanks) as you will use them in your store:
 
_ _ _ _ _ * _ * _ * 3 3 _ * _ _ * _ _
 
Note:  Be sure to fill in all blanks, inserting leading zeros if
necessary.
 
The phone responds with:  REPLACE CONTENT?
 
8. Press:  <STO>
   The phone responds with:  STORED
 
9. To check or change the Lock Code, type:
   <RCL> 0 1
   The phone responds with:
   911#* 911#0* 1234
 
10. To change the Lock Code, type:
    <CLR> <CLR> <CLR> <CLR>
    The phone display must now read:  911#* 911#0*
 
11. Type the new four digit lock code, then type:
    <STO> 0 1
 
    The phone responds with:  REPLACE CONTENT?
 
12. Press:  <STO>
    The phone responds with:  STORED
 
13. Exit the NAM programming mode by switching the power off.
 
Note:  Wait at least two hours after receiving the cellular
telephone number from the cellular carrier before trying
to make or receive a call.
After powering the phone up again, you will receive "NAM ERROR"
if errors were made while programming.
 
You can also get a copy of these instructions from Customer Service by calling
FAXBack and requesting document 9004.
 
MN-11-92
VIDEO
 
KU-Band Satellite Upgrade
 
If you have a customer who wants to upgrade an existing C-Band Satellite System
to a C/Ku-Band system,
sell both the Ku-Band LNB (Cat. No. 16-2318, $199.95) and the C/Ku Feedhorn
(Cat. No. 16-2322, $169.95).
 
The C/Ku-Band Feedhorn replaces the existing C-Band feedhorn, and
the Ku-Band LNB is in addition to the existing C-Band feedhorn.
Both of these items can be ordered from CMC by calling (800)
433-2024 or FAXing (800) 821-1959.
 
If you have a customer who wants to purchase a C/Ku-Band system,
call your regional manager and order the Complete C-Band System ($1,995.00)
minus the C-Band Feedhorn (Cat. No. 16-2510, $99.95).
The customer will get credit for a C-Band Feedhorn.
Then call CMC and order the C/Ku Feedhorn (16-2322) and the Ku-Band
LNB (Cat. No. 16-2318).
 
MN-11-92
Remote Operation with Cable
 
If you sell a remote control such as Cat. Nos. 15-1902/
4/5/6 to a customer with cable,
tell them that their cable box may require
"remote control activation" before the remote control will work.
If activation is required, the customer may have to pay a monthly fee
to the cable company for the use of the remote control feature.
The customer should check with the local cable company for details.
 
MN-11-92
Car Cords with DC Adapters
 
By popular demand, CMC has added two car cords with DC adapters for those
customers who want to operate a camcorder from an automobile.
 
Car Cord/DC adapter (Cat. No. 16-2327, $29.95), works with 8mm models:
151 (Cat. No. 16-852); 153 (Cat. No. 16-854); 152 (Cat. No. 16-853); and 154
(Cat. No. 16-855).
 
Car Cord/DC Adapter 16-2329 ($29.95), works with the Model
157 (Cat. No. 16-858).
 
MN-11-92
Model 20 19-Inch Color TV/VCR Owner's Manual Correction
 
The owner's manual for the Model 20 19-Inch Color TV/VCR (Cat. No. 16-412,
$599.95) contains two errors.
 
On page 18, under "Immediate Recording," Step 5 instructs you to press
REC on the TV/VCR.
However, you must press both REC and PLAY.
 
On page 24, under "Dubbing a Video Cassette," in Step 3,
before you set the tape
speed, you must press TV/AV so AV appears on the screen.
Also, Step 4 instructs you to press REC on the TV/VCR.
Here again, you must press both REC and PLAY.
 
MN-11-92
F.Y.I.
 
Special Purchase Toys
 
We are offering several low-priced special purchase toys (that
are not in the toy brochure) to lure people in to your store
and get the Christmas selling season started.
 
- The Xylotone (Cat. No. 60-2212, $12.88), featuring Disney's Beauty
  and the Beast characters, is an electronic organ that comes
  with a song book so your customers can play it immediately.
 
- The Laser Gun Keychain (Cat. No. 60-2416, $2.99) makes space noises
  when you pull the trigger.
 
- The LCD Mini Black Jack (Cat. No. 60-2463), LCD Mini Slot Machine (Cat.
  No. 60-2464), and LCD Mini Poker (Cat. No. 60-2465) are small LCD
  electronic games to enjoy anywhere.
  They are $9.95 each and require two "AA" batteries.
 
- GE Nite Lite (Cat. No. 61-2728, $2.44) comes as everybody's favorite
  Disney characters: Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and all their friends.
 
As long as customers have toy purchases on their minds,
show them some of our new entertainment software and big ticket toys, too!
And don't forget batteries.
 
MN-11-92
SECURITY
 
Overhead Garage Door Switch
 
According to law enforcement agencies, the primary entrance used by burglars
is the overhead garage door.
The Overhead Garage Door Switch (Cat. No. 49-570, $21.95)
provides security for this vulnerable home entrance and works with
Alarm Panels 49-470/475/485.
 
A sensor mounts to the garage floor, and a magnet mounts
3/8" above the sensor on the garage door.
When the magnetic force between these two components is broken,
a message is sent to the alarm panel.
 
The switch installs easily with anchors or epoxy to any garage door.
It is made of durable materials to ensure a long life.
Side-to-side flexibility helps it adapt to misaligned doors.
Order the Overhead Garage Door Switch from CMC by calling (800)
433-2024 or FAXing (800) 821-1959.
 
MN-11-92
plug 'n power Accessories
 
CMC has exciting new accessories for users of plug 'n power
security systems.
 
Customers can now easily turn on lights and appliances anywhere in their home
with the same remote control used for the TV, VCR, and cable converter.
The Powerhouse Infrared Mini Controller (Cat. No. 61-2658, $39.99)
can program the customer's Six-in-One Audio/Video Remote Control
(Cat. No. 15-1905, $59.99)
to work with a plug 'n power control panel.
Lights can even be dimmed using the Mini Controller!
Its features include:
 
- Plug-in readiness -- no wiring necessary
 
- Controls up to eight lamp or appliance modules
 
- Has an "All Lights On" button to flood your house instantly
 
- Has an "All Lights Off" button to turn off all lights with a
  single touch
 
CMC also carries a Three-Button Wall Switch with Dimmer (61-2563, $15.99).
It operates with any plug 'n power wireless receiver to control unit codes
1 through 3, 5 through 7, 9 through 11, or 13 through 15.
It has a bright/dim rocker key switch which allows adjustment of lights
connected to lamp modules anywhere in the home.
The Three-Button Wall Switch Requires 4 "AAA" alkaline batteries.
 
With the Motion Sensing Dual Floodlight with Remote Switching
(Cat. No. 61-2604, $49.99),
floodlights come on when the sensor detects motion.
It works independently, or you can set it to turn on indoor lights at dusk
-- just add lamp modules.
Any Command Center can be used to control the floodlights manually.
Bulbs not included.
 
For the new Wireless 8-Zone Security Console (Cat. No. 61-2609, $99.95),
CMC carries a Remote Transmitter (Cat. No. 61-2561, $24.99).
This handheld remote arms the system with or without exit/entry
delay and with or without motion detectors armed.
This remote also controls up to four lights or appliances.
 
You can get any of these products from CMC by calling (800)
433-2024 or FAXing (800) 821-1959.
 
MN-11-92
AUTO SOUND
 
 
New 170-Watt Trunk Mount Amplifier
 
The new Trunk Mount Amplifier (Cat. No. 12-1967, $149.95)
has just arrived in your store.
It is not listed in the 1993 catalog.
It has 170 watts to add power to your customer's stereo system
with minimum distortion.
 
Because this amplifier reaches temperatures of more than 200  F,
it cannot be installed with regular speaker wire.
Have your customer use mega cable such as 18-gauge stranded hook-up wire
(Cat. No. 278-1220, $3.99).
 
MN-11-92
AUDIO
 
Demo, Demo, Demo the DCC!
 
The Digital Compact Cassette Deck (Cat. No. 14-675, $699.95)
will be arriving in selected stores in mid-November,
and the best way to sell it is by demonstration.
Let customers hear the quality of sound the DCC can reproduce from a CD to
a blank cassette tape.
 
Make a demo tape in advance to show customers, but do not
duplicate an entire disk.
Put various 30-second passages on one tape; make sure you have all
types of music so you have enough appropriate selections on one tape to appeal
to a wide customer base.
For convenience and for that extra "demo edge," index the tapes so
you can go straight to music your customer appreciates.
 
MN-11-92
CD Scratch 'n Fix
 
New CD Scratch 'n Fix (Cat. No. 42-127, $9.95) is a great CD add-on.
It allows the user to "repair" minor scratches on any CD.
Just spray it on the CD, and the CD player
can then read through the scratch instead of getting stuck or returning
to the beginning of the track.
 
MN-11-92
No Repeat CD Player
 
The new Optimus  CD-620 5-Disc Front-Loading Carousel Changer
(Cat. No. 42-5024, $229.95) is good to use for store display
because it will never get stuck
in repeat mode (playing the same music series over and over)
when playing a deeply scratched CD.
Instead, the CD player waits a few seconds,
returns to the beginning of the track, and stops.
 
MN-11-92
New Digital CD Sampler for Store Listening is Coming Soon
 
Can't decide what music to play over your store's audio system?
The answer to your dilemma is coming soon.
You will receive version II of the digital CD sampler in early November.
Be looking for it and enjoy some great sound!
 
MN-11-92
MISCELLANEOUS
 
New STATX Helps Protect High-Tech Equipment
 
Help your customers protect high tech purchases by suggesting
that they use new Archer  Anti-Static Spray
by STATX (Cat. No. 64-3310, $3.99) to repel dust.
It works by eliminating the static that attracts dust.
STATX also safely cleans electronics without scratching
and prevents static shock.
 
Spray STATX on your store displays to keep them clean and shiny, too.
 
MN-11-92
F.Y.I.
 
TSP Telephone Tips
 
Here are some tips to minimize your telephone time when you call
the TSP  department about replacement items for TSP customers.
 
- Have the "TSP Number" ready -- the store number plus
  the sales ticket number that the TSP sale was recorded on.
 
- If a customer returns a TSP item without the sales ticket, call TSP at
  (800) 433-5502.
  After the recorded message plays, press "3" then "2."
  You will be put in touch with the correct department to search for the TSP
  number.
 
- If the item to be replaced is discontinued, you need to know the catalog
  number for the item you will use for the replacement item.
  Remember to replace items "feature for feature" rather than by using retail
  cost for the comparison.
  (TSP has final approval on replacement items.)
 
- Items with a retail price greater than $49.95 are to be sent to a Tandy
  Consumer Service Center for repair, instead of TSP.
  (Use the last catalog price for this determination.)
 
If there are any unusual or special customer considerations, please ask the
customer service representative to let you speak to a supervisor or manager.
 
MN-11-92
ELECTRONIC PARTS
 
Wrong Bar Code on Metal- Oxide Varistor
 
The bar codes on the back of some Archer 
Metal-Oxide Varistors (Cat. No. 276-570B, $1.59)
incorrectly reflect information for another product.
 
What you need to do is check to see if the 276-570Bs in your stock
have correct bar codes.
If they do not, mark a diagonal line through the bar codes.
Make sure it's a diagonal line so no part of the bar code is complete.
When you sell the 276-570B, just enter the bar code information into
the computer manually.
Stock coming from the warehouse will have correct bar code information.
 
MN-11-92
Grommets Not Provided with Miniature Lamps
 
Page 116 of the 1993 catalog incorrectly states that miniature lamps
(Cat. Nos. 272-1139/40/41, $.99 each) come with grommets and shows a picture
of a lamp with a grommet attached.
This description should state that the grommet is not included and the
picture should show a plain lamp.
 
MN-11-92
Eliminator Modules for 5-Hour Camcorder Power Packs
 
Exciting news!
CMC now carries the battery eliminator modules found in the 5-Hour Camcorder
Power Packs as separate part numbers.
 
They have also added a "Y" connector that connects two different battery
eliminators to one 5-Hour Power Pack.
This enables customers to power both a camcorder, which uses one type of
battery, and a light
accessory, which uses a different type of battery, from one power pack.
For example, by connecting the "Y" adapter
and two different battery pack modules, 
you can power a camcorder, which uses a BT30 type battery, and a light,
which uses an NP77H type battery.
 
You can also make customer's power packs more versatile by enabling him or her
to power two different camcorders.
 
Each battery module costs $19.95 and is available as follows:
 
CCB-6630M
Battery eliminator module only, for Sharp BT30 type batteries.
Same as the battery eliminator found in the CCB-6630 5-Hour Power Pack
that is also used for Realistic  MovieCorders 16-827/828.
 
CCB-6651M
Battery eliminator module only, for Sony NP55, NP77H or 23-184 type batteries.
Same as the battery eliminator found in the CCB-6651 5-Hour Power Pack
that is also used for Realistic MovieCorders 16-852/853/854/855.
 
CCB-6652M
Battery eliminator module only, for Cannon 8 type batteries
BPE-77K, BPE-718, BPE-722, or CCB-1015/1015A.
Same as the battery eliminator found in the CCB-6652 5-Hour Power Pack.
 
CCB-6653M
Battery eliminator module only, for RCA and Hitachi 8mm
type batteries BB060, BB120, VMBP82, VMBP83, or CCB-1907.
Same as the battery eliminator found in the CCB-6653 5-Hour Power Pack that is
also used for MovieCorder  16-858.
 
CCB-6654M
Battery eliminator module only, for Palmcorder C-format and 8mm type batteries
BNV14U, BNV22U, PVBP15, PVBP17, or CCB-1606.
Same as the battery eliminator found in the CCB-6654 5-Hour Power Pack
that is also used for MovieCorder 16-856.
 
CCB-6610
"Y" connector for 5-Hour Power Packs, $9.95
 
MN-11-92
TRAINING
 
What Do You Do When You Have Too Many Customers?
 
Picture this: you're helping a customer decide on a present for a child,
and another salesmaker is processing a sale at the cash-and-wrap counter.
A couple enters your store and proceeds to the computer area,
a young man enters and goes to the car stereo area,
a group of teenagers comes in and starts playing with the CDs
and the phone rings.
What do you do?
What can you do?
 
Especially during the Christmas holiday season, this situation occurs
quite often.
Can you ignore these customers and hope that they'll wait patiently
until you finish with your present customer --
that they'll take a number like in a bakery waiting line?
You can't ignore the phone -- it could be your District Sales Manager,
Fort Worth, or a potential customer calling.
 
During this busy holiday shopping season,
you must immediately recognize all customers when they
first enter your store and tell them that
you'll be with them in a few minutes.
Turn to the customer that you're helping and
say, "Excuse me for one moment."
To the newly arrived customer, say: "I'll be with you in a few minutes.
We have excellent new and exciting products in our store.
Why don't you have a look around, and I'll be right with you."
Then go back to the customer you were helping.
 
If you're with a customer who will require a lot of time, such as one looking
at a computer or audio system, it's OK to walk away saying,
"Take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with Windows.
I'll be back right after I take care of this customer."
Then wait on your other customer,
and go back to the computer customer after a few minutes.
 
Customers understand that this is a busy time of year and that
they may have to wait.
But if you ignore them, they'll go elsewhere.
 
If the phone is ringing, excuse yourself by saying, "Let me get that.
I'll be back in a few moments." 
If you can't deal with the call quickly, take the customer's
name and phone number, and call them back when the in-store customers leave.    
Paying attention to customers also helps your store prevent
shoplifting problems.
If a potential shoplifter enters your store,
and you say, "Hello, I'll be with you in a minute,"
this person will probably leave your store.
(Remember shoplifters want to remain unnoticed.)
They'll go somewhere else where the salespeople do not acknowledge
all customers when they come in the store.
Congratulations! You've prevented a potential store loss
and done your job well.
 
So enjoy this holiday shopping season and be sure that you immediately
greet all customers.
This will lead to a profitable golden quarter for you.
 
MN-11-92
F.Y.I.
 
Leave a Message for Consumer Support!
 
The new consumer support group has been swamped with calls!
The group has only five people trying to take around 350 calls each day.
Until they can get more people trained, your call may be transferred to
audix, their voice mail system.
 
There are a couple of things you can do to help
the support group handle calls more smoothly.
 
- If your call is transferred to audix, leave your name
  and telephone number.
  Don't just leave the store number (it takes consumer support longer
  to look it up than it will take you to leave it).
 
- Leave a description of your problem, so consumer support can research
  the problem before they call you back.
 
- If you need copies of documents, such as programming instructions, leave
  your fax number, and they will send them to you.
 
Remember consumer support covers everything
Radio Shack sells that isn't computer related!
 
(800) 321-6680
 
Stores Only
8 am to 7 pm CST
Monday through Saturday
 
MN-10-92
AUDIO
 
Is Your Store Audio Ready?
 
When customers come in to your store, the environment should get them
excited about Radio Shack and our products.
One of the best ways to generate this excitement is through
the music playing in your store.
 
Marketing psychology studies have shown the following about music: 
 
- Music stimulates and excites customers, causing them to stay longer in
  a shopping environment and increasing the chance that they will
  purchase something.
 
- The tempo of music directly affects the excitement level of customers
  and the productivity level of the people working in the store.
 
The current store layout features the audio section right in the center
of the store.
If your store has only two speakers accompanying this system,
you can't achieve the level of sound necessary to get customers excited.
You need to add another set or two of Minimus -7 or Minimus-77 speakers
at the front and back of the store.
 
To determine where your store needs more speakers, walk around the store and
find any places where the sound is weak.
Then install some speakers near the ceiling.
This way, rich stereo sound reaches every nook of the store,
providing great background sound for your outstanding sales performance.
 
MN-10-92
New Audio/Video Rack
 
How many of your customers purchase great audio and
video components -- then take them home and put them on the floor?
Suggest that they pick up the new audio/video rack (Cat. No. 42-3032, $129.95)
for displaying  all  their components.
 
This rack can be assembled quickly and easily, so set one up in your
store and fill it with equipment.
Show customers how easy it is to put together a home theater.
 
MN-10-92
Pro-Logic Surround Sound Advantages
 
Dolby Pro-Logic is the ultimate in surround sound processing.
Through "steering logic," it actively moves sound, taking home audio/video
systems to a level virtually equal to many theater systems.
 
For Pro-Logic to achieve this level of performance,
the system requires at least five speakers:
a center channel located above or below the TV, a left channel and a right
channel speaker, and at least two surround channel speakers.
The reason for the center channel speaker is so an actor's voice or
action taking place directly on the screen doesn't appear to come from one side.
The Pro-Logic process works by decoding the sound from appropriate source
material (such as a video tape, laser disk, or MTS broadcast).
The sound is then "steered" to the proper speaker location.
The system increases and decreases the sound
from the proper speakers to match the on-screen action.
 
Take the example of an airplane moving across your television screen from left
to right.
The left speaker increases its sound then decreases it
as the airplane travels from the left channel to the center channel.
As the airplane passes the center of the screen, the center channel
decreases while the right speaker increases.
The two or more surround sound speakers are monaural and provide background
sound, as well as the front-to-rear and rear-to-front illusion of movement.
This total combination can provide the sound of the airplane
moving across the viewer's living room.
 
The Pro-Logic difference is the most noticeable when action
that takes place off screen is heard coming from speakers
in the proper direction.
Imagine a scene where an actor is alone in a room and a door
(off-camera) opens.
You actually know the direction the person will enter from
before you see them! 
This ability to anticipate action draws viewers into the film.
 
Radio Shack's Optimus  STAV-3160 receiver with Pro-Logic
(Cat. No. 31-3019, $399.95) has an additional feature called test tone which
allows the user to adjust the balance of individual speakers
to compensate for poor acoustics in strangely shaped rooms.
 
More audio/video systems with Pro-Logic will be arriving soon.
Look for them and explain the Pro-Logic difference to your customers.
 
MN-10-92
F.Y.I.
 
Always Check the Batteries,
Especially on Micro Sonic Flashers!
 
We are offering a special purchase on Micro Sonic Flashers (Cat. No. 60-1102,
$1.49), a line of very small cars, trucks, and military craft.
Some of these toys may reach your store with weak or dead batteries.
The batteries are built-in and not replaceable.
 
Before you sell one of these flashers,
make sure the battery in each toy works.
To test the battery, press down the back end of the vehicle and see if
it makes sound or lights up.
 
If a toy's battery has already died, sell the toy as a "where is/as is"
item.
 
You need to check the batteries in any product that comes with
built-in batteries before selling it.
 
MN-10-92
ELECTRONIC PARTS
 
New TECHLINE Tools
 
You asked for it, and TECHLINE  is here!
TECHLINE is a new high-quality line of tools carrying a one-year
replacement warranty.
 
For this new line of tools,
we sought out unique, specialty tools your customers won't find anywhere
else, like the TECHLINE Swiss Army Knife (Cat. No. 64-2001, $29.95)
and the Bits-Selector (Cat. No. 64-1976, 19.95)
with 10 assorted slotted Phillips and Torx bits.
These tools are made with technicians and industrial users in mind, but
hobbyists will enjoy the line, too.
The tools are produced with strong materials to last a long time.
 
In order to keep all the high end tools in one special area,
some of the highest quality Archer  tools have been moved to the
TECHLINE area.
These tools will appear under the TECHLINE name and will be given
new catalog numbers.
 
As soon as the entire line is ready for shipment,
you will receive a store Plan-o-gram featuring all of them.
 
MN-10-92
VIDEO
 
Cable Compatible Connections
 
There is a simple way to connect a VCR and TV to a cable system,
enabling the user to record one channel while watching another.
This method also allows the user to record directly from cable
without switching wires around.
 
The customer needs some or all of the following materials
to make these connections:
 
- High isolation A/B switch (Cat. No. 15-1249, $6.99)
- Hybrid splitter/combiner (Cat. No. 15-1141, $3.95)
- Optional outdoor antenna (any model)
- Optional band splitter (Cat. No. 15-1252, $4.99)
 
For the illustrated method to work, the TV and VCR must be cable-compatible.
If the TV is not cable-compatible, connect an optional outdoor antenna
to one of the A/B switch inputs.
 
You need a band splitter at the TV only if you receive UHF stations.
 
(diagram)
 
Copy and distribute this diagram to customers
who intend to use this method to make cable compatible
connections.
 
MN-10-92
S-VHS Cable Answers
 
Do you know that S-Video and S-VHS are both names for the same thing?
 
The "S" prefix stands for Super.
S-Video has to do with VIS systems
or laser disks, while S-VHS refers to VCR use.
You will be hearing lots about the new S- systems in the future.
For now, here is some information to answer your most
frequently asked questions concerning S-systems.
 
S-Video's main advantage is that it provides more lines of horizontal
resolution than either RF input or base band.
These additional lines mean a much clearer picture for the viewer.
 
The new Memorex Super VHS Model 35 (Cat. No. 16-705, $549.95) comes with
an S-VHS cable.
Tell your customers to locate the cable before discarding any of the packing
materials.
 
CMC carries extra S-VHS cables (Cat. No. 15-1510, $12.95) for customers who
need to connect video components with S-video terminals
and high-resolution system color TVs.
The cables are six feet long.
You can order the cable from CMC by calling (800) 433-2024 or FAXing (800)
821-1959.
 
MN-10-92
SECURITY
 
If Using More Surveillance Cameras. . .
 
Remember to use only one monitor per camera
with the ready-to-use
Safe House  Model VSS-100 Video Surveillance System (Cat. No. 49-2500).
If more than one "viewing" device is required,
use a VCR output cable to distribute the signal to regular TV sets.
 
Order the VCR/Monitor Cables (T49-2510, $7.95)
and the optional 100-foot extension
cables with couplers (T49-2520, $39.95)
from CMC by calling (800) 433-2024
or FAXing (800) 821-1959.
 
MN-10-92
COMMUNICATIONS
 
Images Are Deceiving
 
You may have customers who think they have defective scanners because
the scanners pick up broadcasts from stations on the wrong frequency.
What they are really intercepting on the alternative frequency is an "image."
 
Images occur when a station appears on a frequency other than
its normal frequency.
For example, you might find 453.275 also on 474.675 on a scanner with
intermediate frequency of 10.7 (intermediate frequency is part of the internal
circuitry).
To see if you have found an image, do some math.
Double the intermediate frequency of 10.7 MHz (21.4) and subtract that from
the new frequency: 474.675 - 21.4 = 453.275.
If the answer is the regular frequency, then you have tuned to an image.
 
Note:  10.7 is the most common intermediate frequency.
A different intermediate frequency will be noted in the owner's manual.
 
Occasionally you might get interference on a weak or distant channel
from a strong broadcast 21.4 MHz below the tuned frequency.
This occurs rarely, and the image signal is usually cleared whenever
there is an actual broadcast on the frequency.
 
Images occur more frequently in hand-held scanners than in base models,
although the PRO-43 acts more like a base model.
 
MN-10-92
21-1550 Manufacturing Defect
 
A manufacturing defect has been found on the 21-1550 TRC 481 Mobile Radio:
one or both of the fuse holders break.
This may happen before the unit is taken out of the box or after the customer
has received the unit.
 
Any units you receive with broken fuse holders will be repaired by your local
repair center at no charge.
Electrical failures will be repaired at regular rates.
Normal shipping and handling charges will apply.
 
Check any units you have in stock to see if this problem exists.
The radios in the warehouse have been reworked, so good
stock is available. 
 
MN-10-92
21-1646 TRC-222 Defect
 
A manufacturing defect has been located on the 21-1646 TRC-222
40-Channel 5-Watt Walkie-Talkie Radio, causing the unit not to transmit.
 
Any customer units which do not transmit properly should
be returned to your local repair center.
There will be no repair fee.
However, normal shipping and handling charges will apply.
 
MN-10-92
CB Walkie-Talkie Adapter Correction
 
The September 1992 issue of the Merchandising Newsletter
contained an error in an article on page 6.
 
The article said to use the 278-174 adapter for connecting an external
antenna to the TRC-226 CB.
This adapter, however, will not work.
The correct adapter is the 278-118.
Here is a corrected reprint of the article.
 
New CB Walkie-Talkie with Dual Battery Packs
 
The TRC-226 CB Walkie-Talkie (Cat. No. 21-1665, $139.95) replaces the TRC-221
(Cat. No. 21-1664).
At 7 1/2 x 2 1/2 x 1 3/8", this compact CB is smaller than most.
It has a TNC antenna mount (not BNC) for a telescopic or external antenna.
 
One of the new TRC-226 features is dual battery packs: one of which
holds 8 alkalines and the other which holds 10 Ni-Cds with a charging circuit.
If the  rechargeable Ni-Cds run down, you can use alkaline pack instead.
 
The optional speaker mike for the TRC-22 is our popular 19-310.
This is the same speaker as the one used
on the 2-meter and business band radios.
 
To connect an external antenna to the TRC-226, use the 278-118 adapter ($3.49)
so it will accept the PL-259 plug.
 
MN-10-92
TELEPHONES
 
Caller ID Unit Services
 
Depending on your area, your store may be eligible to stock either the
DU FONE  85-Memory Caller ID System (name and number, Cat. No.
43-953, $89.95) or the DU FONE Calling Number ID System (number only,
Cat. No. 43-951, $69.95).
 
The model your store stocks is determined by the type of caller ID service
supplied by the local telephone service.
Some local phone services are equipped to provide both phone number
and name identification, while others can provide only number identification.
Call your local phone service to find out which is available in your area.
The two systems are incompatible.
 
Before you can receive authorization to acquire either system,
your DSM must supply Tom Harris (the 43-Series buyer) with the following
information:
 
1. Your store number and address,
 
2. Your complete phone number,
 
3. The specific caller ID service your local phone company
provides -- either number only (43-951) or name and
number (43-953).
Contact the phone company;
don't take anything for granted,
 
4. Date the service is to activate.
 
Many times caller ID service is promoted in an area before
actually going online.
Before ordering products, call the phone company to be sure
your area currently has the service.
If activation of the service is delayed and your store is already
activated to receive products, it could be left with products you have
no way to sell.
For example, California has been approved for service, but implementation
by the phone company has been delayed many times -- and
may never happen.
 
MN-10-92
Programming the CT-350 Revisited
 
The July 1992 issue of the Merchandising Newsletter included instructions
for programming the CT-350 cellular telephone.
Since then, we have found an easier and more direct method of accomplishing
this procedure.
 
1. To enter the Program Mode, type:
   *3001#12345<STO>00
   The phone responds:  STORE NOT DONE
 
2. To program the user's phone number, type:
   < RCL > 0 2
   The phone responds with:
   11111111111 or a phone number
 
3. Press and hold < CLR > until the display is empty.
 
4. Type in the customer's cellular phone number -- for example:
   8173906875 < STO > 0 2
   The phone responds with:  REPLACE CONTENT?
 
5. Press: < STO >
   The phone responds with:  STORED
 
6. Now enter the carrier parameters by typing:
   < RCL >  0 3 
   The phone responds with:
   38*1*1*334*15*15
   or previously programmed parameters
 
7. Press and hold < CLR > until the display is empty
   Type in cellular carrier parameters (for example):
   00038*1*1*334*05*10 *< STO > 03
   where
   00038       = home ID or system ID
   333         = "A" channel
   (334        = "B" channel)
   05          = 0 + last digit of phone #
   10          = Group ID
   The phone responds with: REPLACE CONTENT?
 
8. Press: < STO >
   The phone responds with:  STORED
 
9. To check or change the Lock Code, type:
   < RCL >  0 1
   The phone responds with:
   911#* 911#0* 1234
 
10. To change the Lock Code, type:
    < CLR > < CLR > < CLR > < CLR >
    The phone display must now read:  911#* 911#0*
 
11. Type the four digit lock code, then type:
    < STO >  0 1 
    The phone responds with:  REPLACE CONTENT?
 
12. Press:  < STO >
    The phone responds with:  DONE
 
13. Exit the NAM programming mode by switching the power off.
 
Note: Wait at least two hours after receiving the cellular telephone
number from the cellular carrier before trying it.
After powering the phone up again, you will receive NAM errors
if errors were made while programming.
 
MN-10-92
Elegant New Clear Phone
 
The new clear Krystal  III Phone (Cat. No. 43-821, $39.95) is now
available.  Its sleek, modern design makes it perfect for home or office.
 
It features:
 
- Hold button with LED light
- One touch redial of last number called
- Flash button for use with special services
 
An idea for an attractive display is to put a brightly-colored photograph
under the phone, so customers can see the picture through the phone.
 
MN-10-92
AUTO SOUND
 
New Sound Options!
 
The 1993 Radio Shack catalog has lots of exciting new sound system components.
Here are some to get familiar with:
 
AM/FM Stereo Cassette (Cat. No. 12-1989, $129.95)
This auto stereo features a pull-out option so you can remove it when
you're not in your vehicle.
You also get auto stop and 30 memory tuning locations.
 
3-Way Crossover Network (Cat. No. 12-1968, $49.95)
The Realistic  3-Way Crossover provides improved sound performance
from a vehicle's multi-speaker system by directing a selectable range of
audio frequencies to a specific speaker.
The 12-1968 features remote operation, multi-amplifier compatibility,
polarity control, and line-level input drive.
 
40-Watt Equalizer/Booster (Cat. No. 12-1966, $59.95)
This 40-watt 7-band equalizer/booster lets your customers adjust their sound
to suit their tastes.
It features four-speaker output and built-in fader controls to conform to a
car's acoustics.
Connect a portable CD player to the equalizer via the CD jack.
 
MN-10-92
MISCELLANEOUS
 
Calculator vs. Security
 
When you display the EC-332 Calculator (Cat. No. 65-949, $129.95),
do not connect it to a security device.
The alcohol you use to clean an item before sticking on a security
device will discolor this calculator's case.
 
MN-10-92
Desktop/Portable Copier Accessories
 
Where do you get accessories for the Tandy  PPC 750 (Cat. No. 63-686)?
At CMC, of course.
Consumer Mail stocks the replacement drum (Cat. No. 63-687, $199.95)
as well as a blue toner cartridge (Cat. No. 689) and a red toner cartridge
(Cat. No. 63-690) for $129.95 each.
You can order these copier accessories from CMC by calling (800)
433-2024 or FAXing (800) 821-1959.
 
MN-10-92
Maximize Your Labeling System
 
Here are a couple of ways to help your customers make the most of their
Professional Labeling Systems (Cat. No. 63-647).
 
CMC carries an Anelia PS Font cartridge (Cat. No. 63-631, $24.95) which
looks like:
  
(example of font)
 
Additionally, look at all the great tape colors available!
 
          Black type/yellow tape            63-621,  $14.95
          Black type/green tape             63-622,  $14.95
          Black type/blue tape              63-623,  $14.95
          Black type/red tape               63-624,  $14.95
          Gold type/black tape              63-625,  $16.95
          Red type/white tape               63-626,  $14.95
          Blue type/white tape              63-627,  $14.95
          Red type/clear tape               63-628,  $14.95
          Blue type/clear tape              63-629,  $14.95
          Gold type/clear tape              63-630,  $16.95
 
You can order these accessories from CMC by calling (800)
433-2024 or FAXing (800) 821-1959.
 
MN-10-92
ONE MINUTE MERCHANDISER
 
Say What?  Say How?
 
It's been said that what you say isn't nearly as important
as how you say it.
Well, I guess you can always use diplomacy to get yourself out of
a situation that tact would have prevented in the first place,
but it seems to me that the "how" and the "what" are equally important in
the retail business.
 
Honestly, some of the things I hear in stores (including Radio Shack)
are just amazing!
Here are a few examples.
Recently, a friend and I were in a privately owned custom lamp shop.
My friend wanted a floor lamp that was on display but with a different,
more expensive shade in place of the one shown.
The salesperson said, "We can't do that!" We left.
 
Earlier that day, we were in the mall and I cruised the Radio Shack,
as I often do (good source for OMM's).
A salesperson was looking at a customer's vacuum tube and said, "I'm sorry,
we don't stock these."
The customer left.
 
There were other places to look for lamps,
but where the heck was that guy going to buy a #807 transmitting tube?
(Hint -- Consumer Mail -- a $24.95 ticket.)
 
We eventually went back to the lamp store, and
this time we were helped by the owner.
She said, "No problem! The shade you want is a little more
expensive than the one shown, but I can give you a small credit for it.
What other areas of your home could benefit by the addition
of a beautiful lamp?"
I almost cried. . . she was too good!
 
I can only hope that the tube customer will go to another Radio Shack.
Perhaps the salesmaker will say, "No problem!
We can take care of all your tube needs.
It will be here in just a few days.
Perhaps you should order a spare. . ."
 
Here's a little exercise to try in your store.
Listen to yourself and the rest of your sales team.
After the customer has left, analyze what just went down.
Critique each other and do a little role playing.
What should have not been said?
What could have been said in a nicer, warmer, selling-er,
add-on-ing-er, closing-er way?
 
Chuck Sizer
 
(817) 878-4141
E-MAIL "CSIZER1"
 
MN-10-92
TRAINING
 
Are You a Nester or a Super Salesmaker?
 
Have you ever gone bird watching, watched a nest of fledglings,
or watched an animal show on the Disney Channel?
Some of the baby birds are really adventurous;
without mother's help, they jump out of the nest, raring to go.
Others, the "nesters," need a gentle push to get up and going.
 
It's the same with salespeople.
The "nesters" roost near the cash-and-wrap counter,
seeming to hold to the computer for dear life.
It's like they're afraid that some customer will come in to the store and
steal the computer, and they are there to protect it.
Or are they maybe clinging to the computer for security,
too afraid to get involved with the customers?
Ask yourself if you're a "nester," seldom venturing
away from the counter territory.
If you have the tendency to hang close to the cash-and-wrap counter,
you need to rethink your selling strategy.
 
Make our 30/32 program part of your daily routine.
That means you need to be on the selling floor and take the initiative
to greet and meet customers within 30 seconds of when they enter
your store.
You can't do that effectively from behind the counter.
On the floor, you'll be closer to customers when they enter the store,
ready to offer them Crowning Customer Service and
ensure them a positive shopping experience.
 
Leave reluctance and hesitation behind when you enter the store for the day.
Take some chances and approach customers with the thought
that this customer has come into your store for a purpose,
and you're there to uncover that purpose.
Become the store detective -- greet the customer and start asking questions
to determine his or her needs and wants.
Don't worry about being rejected if you don't close the sale.
Remember, the sale begins when the customer says, "no."
Don't take "no" as a negative, but as a chance to discover the
real objection and turn doubts into positive feelings for the product,
Radio Shack, and you as the salesmaker.
Who knows, you may even make that sale!
 
Decide today that you want to be a super salesmaker, not a "nester."
Commit yourself to offering your customer the kind of service
everyone expects from Radio Shack, America's Technology Store .
 
MN-10-92
ELECTRONIC PARTS
 
plug 'n power Questions
 
Customer questions about plug 'n power  products are answered
from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday
by X-10's USA Customer Service Line:
 
(201) 784-9700
or
 
(201) 784-1936
Tech Support Voice Mail
 
MN-09-92
New Catalogs Are Here!
 
Dave Beckerman, Senior Vice President of Marketing Services
 
The cover of our 1993 Catalog proudly proclaims our message to America.
 
The back cover continues the front cover theme of "Radio Shack,
America's #1 Electronics Store" and expands on it with the claim
"The Technology Leader for over 70 Years."
It is substantiated by a paragraph that reads:
 
Nobody compares.
Now more than ever, Radio Shack is the smart place to shop for
the best in electronics.
Discover an unsurpassed selection of quality products,
the latest in technology, plus fast personal service at nearly
7000 locations nationwide.  It's no wonder each year
50 million Americans shop America's Technology Store.
 
To prove the point,
we illustrate the back cover with four of the new hi-tech products
that are featured in the catalog.
 
The entire catalog has been redesigned this year with a new,
more open look:  brighter, more modern, and much more useful
to customers.
We have included not only the merchandise, but special F.Y.I.
informational blocks that explain technical terms and how-to information,
as well as model-to-model feature comparison charts
which make it both easier for customers to select the models they need
and more beneficial for your salesmaker training.
 
Take a look at a few of the page spreads and you'll see
what I mean.
The catalog opens with a welcome to Radio Shack,
America's Technology Store, from John Roach (on page 2).
Additionally, there is a quick index
and our eight-point "Creating New Standards" theme.
 
The front section also introduces the customer to America's Telephone Company,
and continues our telephone presentation with DU FONE  Cordless
phones.
Note our first F.Y.I. information block (on page 4),
explaining Advanced Super CCT Circuitry, the Com-Lok 
security system, and other features.
Take a minute and look at the model comparison chart on page 5.
What good looking spreads!
 
We've included some information blocks explaining what certain
products are and what they do.
For example, take a look at the block about answering machines on page 7.
 
As you flip through the pages, you'll see that the catalog is chock full
of good information, well displayed with larger page sizes and exciting
typography.
The catalog itself is perfect bound,
with a square back edge like a magazine,
rather than the less expensive saddle-stitching we have normally used.
I'm sure you'll be very proud of this year's catalog
and find that your customers will welcome it
as a much more useful and informative advertising.
 
MN-09-92
Late Date Memo
 
You just received a Late Date Memo dated August 18.
The memo will be updated every month to keep you up to date on expected
availability dates and any catalog corrections we've verified.
Hang on to each memo until it is replaced by the next one.
 
If you find an error in the 1993 catalog (such as an incorrect description,
picture, or catalog number), please let us know.
We'll make a correction in the next Late Date Memo
so everyone will have the most current information.
 
MN-09-92
TRAINING
"Successability"
 
Have you ever stopped to think, "What makes one store more successful
than another?"
"What contributes to the `successability' of a sales leader?"
Some of you may be thinking that the successful store has more customers,
it's in a better location, it has more traffic, etc.
Some of these reasons are valid, but the primary reason one store
is more successful than another has to do with you.
 
That's right, the main reason a store thrives in today's market
is how the salespeople are perceived by their customers.
If your customers like what you're doing, they'll come back to you
and spread the word to their friends that your store is the place to be.
If they're not happy with your service, not only will they leave and not
return, they'll spread the word that your store is not the place to shop! 
 
The reason one salesperson is successful at having customers return to the
store and leave with good feelings about the products and the service
while another is not depends on five factors: attitude, product knowledge,
sales ability, customer service, and perseverance. 
 
Attitude is always looking at the glass as half-full, not half-empty.
Keep a smile on your face and a true desire to offer assistance
to all who enter your store.
Even though you have made numerous presentations on a product,
remember that this might be the first time this customer
has seen a 486 computer or a MovieCorder.
Keep your presentation fresh and exciting
for all customers so they sense excitement, not apathy.
 
Product knowledge means always becoming an "expert in your store."
Do you know your entire product line?
Are you aware of the features, functions, and benefits
of the top-of-the-line products in your store?
Have you completed all of the product certification programs?
Do you learn something every day that offers your customers
a benefit that will make their lives easier and more enjoyable?
 
Sales ability is offering the customer what they want,
or at least trying to locate a solution to a problem.
Ensuring that wants are satisfied and needs are fulfilled shows customers
that you care.
Make sure you truly care for your customers,
and are not simply interested in helping yourself.
If you can convey your concern and willingness to help customers,
they will put their trust in you and buy from you.
 
Customer service is remembering that your customer is everything.
Without customers we would not be in business.
Your customer puts bread on our tables and money in our pockets.
To win over a customer, you must offer exemplary service.
Your customer can go to a lot of places to purchase electronic products, but
they'll come to you if you offer the service that meets their high expectations.
Always keep this question in the back of your mind,
"How do I like to be treated when I'm a customer?"
Then act and treat your customers the way you would like to be treated.
 
Perseverance to be the best means going the extra mile.
It only takes a little more effort to be lots better.
Look at the winners -- they are always striving to be just a little better
and, ultimately, the best.
As Albert Einstein said, "Being successful is one part brains and
99 parts sweat and tears."
Are you up to the challenge?
 
Watch and listen to the sales leaders and put these five factors into practice
and you'll be a winner, too.
 
MN-09-92
F.Y.I.
Customer Support Line
 
Where do you turn when you find yourself with questions concerning consumer
electronics like satellite equipment, cellular phones, fax machines,
car alarms, and audio/video equipment?
The Customer Support Line provided for stores and
customers can assist you and your customers with difficulties.
 
There are two lines: one for customers only and another for stores only.
 
Customer Only Line
(817) 878-6890 
8 am to 7 pm CST
Monday through Friday
 
Store Only Line
(800) 321-6680 
8 am to 7 pm CST
Monday through Saturday
 
To receive Customer Support's consumer electronics division,
press 1 when your call is answered.
 
MN-09-92
AUDIO 
Cost-Effective CD Options
 
Two new cost-effective five-disc CD chargers await your customers:
the Optimus  CD-6220 5-Disc
Front Loading Carousel Changer (Cat. No. 42-5024) and the Optimus CD-6130
5-Disc Top Loading Carousel Changer (Cat. No. 42-5025).
Both products allow you to listen uninterrupted to five discs, program 32
music selections in any order, and set the CD to "random" play.
These CD players feature eight-times oversampling to ensure excellent
live sound, and come with a remote control.
 
Both CD chargers are attractively priced to be competitive.
The CD-6220 sells for $229.95, and the CD-6130 costs $219.95.
 
MN-09-92
New Competitively Priced Receivers
 
You can offer your customers two new receivers packed with features.
Note the attractive low prices on both models.
 
The new 70-watt Optimus  STA-900 Receiver (Cat. No. 31-2120, $249.95)
features a five band equalizer with a remote.
 
The economical 50-watt Optimus STA-825 (Cat. No. 31-2105, $199.95) includes
a remote control.
 
MN-09-92
Speaker Mounting Brackets
 
Consumer Mail Center now carries both the black mounting bracket
(Cat. No. 40-2053) and the white mounting bracket (Cat. No. 40-2062)
for the Minimus-77 Speakers.
Each pair sells for $19.95.
They also carry white mounting brackets for the Minimus-7 (Cat. No. T40-2045,
$19.95).
 
You can order the brackets from CMC by calling (800) 433-2024 or FAXing
(800) 821-1959.
 
MN-09-92
Great Price in Portable CD
 
The new Optimus  CD-3260 (Cat. No. 42-5018,
$159.95), includes eight times oversampling, which provides
the best sound possible.
The Bass-Boost feature allows you to enjoy extended low frequencies, too.
 
It's hard to believe that for this great low price, you also get:
 
- 20-track programmable memory
- 2-way repeat of one or all tracks
- Built-in Ni-Cd charging circuit for rechargeable batteries
- Line-out jacks
 
Because this CD has line-out jacks, it can be used with your home stereo.
 
MN-09-92
AUTO SOUND
New High-Power Pull-Out AM/FM Cassette
 
One of the newest products in your store is the Realistic  High-Power AM/FM
Stereo Car Cassette Player (Cat. No. 12-1988, $179.95).
It features:
 
- A removable chassis 
- 26 watts 
- Digital tuning 
- Auto reverse 
- 30 presets (12 AM and 18 FM)
- Line outputs (not mentioned in the 1993 catalog)
 
MN-09-92
Hook-Up for Auto Accessories
 
One thing your customers can do to ensure proper accessory installation is
to wire their own accessory power terminals (terminals that only have
power when the ignition is on).
They can then connect their audio accessories to these terminals for power
instead of locating a new point on the fuse block each time.
 
This method provides the maximum power available with the minimum
voltage drop from the battery.
The connection provides both constant power and power that switches on when
the ignition is turned on, providing up to 20 amps of continuous power (25 amps
peak) for hooking up accessories.
 
The customer needs the following materials to make these connections:
 
- 10-gauge hook-up wire (Cat. No. 278-568)
- 30-amp relay (Cat. No. 275-226)
- Two power filters (optional, Cat. No. 270-055)
- Two fuse holders (Cat. No. 270-1215) and 20-amp fuses (Cat. No. 270-1208)
 
To wire the constant power terminal (a terminal that always has power),
route a length of 10-gauge hook-up wire directly from the battery
to a position under the dash where the wire will be easy to access.
Install a fuse holder
close to the battery, where it is easily accessible.
We recommend connecting a power filter as close as possible
to the point where accessories are installed.
 
To wire a terminal that has power only when the ignition is turned on,
refer to the diagram and these steps:
 
1. Route a length of 10-gauge hook-up wire directly from the battery
to a position under the dash near the fuse block (where you are going
to put the relay).
 
2. Install a fuse holder and fuse on the hook-up wire close to the battery. 
Leave the wire loose.  It will be hooked up later.
 
3. Locate a fuse terminal that supplies power only when the vehicle's
ignition is turned on.
 
4. Connect a wire from the fuse terminal you located in Step 3
to the 86 on/off terminal on the 30-Amp Relay.
 
5. Connect a wire from the relay's 85 ground terminal to a metal part of
the vehicle.
Either the car's metal frame or a piece of solid steel which is fastened to
the frame is the best place to ground the system.
 
6. Connect the wire you routed from the battery (in steps 1 and 2) to
the relay's 87-12V IN terminal.
 
7. Connect a length of wire from the relay's 30/51 12V OUT terminal
to the optional power filter.
 
Notes: The 275-226 30 Amp Relay is not to scale; it is enlarged to show
everything coming from it.
The dotted line indicates a pre-existing wire and the heavy solid lines
represent new 278-568 red 10-gauge wires.
 
Also, don't forget to sell female quick-disconnects (Cat. No. 64-3039),
grommets (Cat. No. 64-3025) to protect the wires, electrical tape,
and a ground-loop isolator (Cat. No. 270-054) for connecting the radio
to a booster or CD.
 
MN-09-92
Read the Owner's Manual
 
We are experiencing a high rate of return on burned out car stereos and
other equipment because customers
are not installing them properly.
Many of these problems result, simply, because customers do not read
the included directions.
Stress to your customers that they must read the owner's manual,
and understand the directions in it before they attempt to install
a car stereo or related equipment.
 
MN-09-92
F.Y.I.
Special Purchase Items to Increase Store Traffic
 
In order to increase Labor Day Weekend store traffic,
several inexpensive "tempter" items are being advertised
in your local newspapers.
So get ready for a customer stampede looking to pick up these great buys!
 
- The Philips Slider Light (Cat. No. 61-2534, $1.99) is a compact, sporty
  flashlight which is available in four neon colors.
  Make sure you sell three AA batteries for use with this light.
  The light includes a carry strap for "no hands" use and decals
  so your customers can personalize their lights.
 
- Kodak's S10 35mm Camera (Cat. No. 63-6001, $18.88) comes with a roll of
  24-exposure Gold 200 film and two batteries.
  The camera features focus-free shooting and a built-in flash.
 
Customers will be in a festive, buying mood, so seize the opportunity
to show off Radio Shack's newest big ticket items, as well.
 
MN-09-92
VIDEO
TV/VCR Carrying Case
 
Now you can safely carry your 8mm TV/VCR Combination (Cat. No. 16-409)
while traveling.
CMC has a handy soft carrying case (Cat. No. 16-2013, $49.45)
that allows the unit to be operated while inside the case.
 
The case can also be used to protect the unit from dust at home and provides
ample room to carry an AC adapter, car cord, tapes, and other accessory items.
 
MN-09-92
Instant Viewing with a Camcorder
 
Wouldn't it be nice if you could view tapes immediately after you have
recorded them on your camcorder?
CMC has an AV input cable (Cat. No. 16-2324, $19.95) for the
Memorex  2.7" Pocket TV (Cat. No. 16-163) that turns the Pocket TV
into a mini-monitor.
Now you can see your own films any where, any time!
 
Hint: this camcorder, cable, TV combination is especially great for
entertaining children while traveling.
 
MN-09-92
Super VHS Cable
 
Looking for a Super VHS Cable? Call CMC.
They stock a six foot cable (Cat. No. 15-1510, $12.95) for connecting
video components with S-video terminals (such as Super VHS VCRs)
and high-resolution system color TVs.
 
You can order the cable from CMC by calling (800) 433-2024 or FAXing
(800) 821-1959.
 
MN-09-92
SECURITY
Smoke Detector Alternative
 
How do you protect an area from fire where a smoke detector isn't practical?
A heat sensor, of course.
 
CMC now has two heat sensors to use with the Burglar and Fire Alarm Control
Center (Cat. No. 49-470) or a similar system.
Cat. No. 49-483 is a 190 degree sensor and Cat. No. 49-482 is 135 degree
sensor.
These sensors sell for $6.95 each.
 
MN-09-92
COMMUNICATIONS
Scanner Memory Death!
 
Some of you may have customers bringing in older scanners, such as the
PRO-30, that seem to be having memory problems.
Chances are the backup lithium battery has expired.
Some of the older scanners were introduced 6 to 7 years ago with 7-year
lithium batteries.
When the backup memory dies, the scanner will not hold programmed channels
when it is turned off and then on again.
 
You can fix the problem by simply changing the backup lithium battery.
If the scanner still fails to hold information in memory,
send it to a repair center to have them check the main circuit board.
 
MN-09-92
New CB Walkie-Talkie with Dual Battery Packs
 
The TRC-226 CB Walkie-Talkie (Cat. No. 21-1665, $139.95) replaces the TRC-221
(Cat. No. 21-1664).
At 7 1/2 x 2 1/2 x 1 3/8", this compact CB is smaller than most.
It has a TNC antenna mount (not BNC) for a telescopic or external antenna.
 
One of the new TRC-226 features is dual battery packs: one of which
holds 8 alkalines and the other which holds 10 Ni-Cds with a charging circuit.
If the rechargeable Ni-Cds run down, you can use alkaline pack instead.
 
The optional speaker mike for the TRC-22 is our popular 19-310.
This is the same speaker as the one used
on the 2-meter and business band radios.
 
To connect an external antenna to the TRC-226, use the 278-174 adapter ($3.99)
so it will accept the PL-259 plug.
 
MN-09-92
New Realistic PRO-43
 
The Realistic PRO-43 (Cat. No. 20-300, $349.95) is a new upgrade scanner.
It features AM/FM mode selection and the 200-400 MHz band.
The PRO-43 is triple conversion, which gives you freedom from images.
 
Images occur when you pick up transmissions from other frequencies.
Watch for a full explanation of triple conversion and images in
an upcoming issue of the Merchandising Newsletter.
 
MN-09-92
DX-390 Radio Manual Correction
 
The owner's manual for the DX-390 AM/FM World-Band Portable Radio (Cat. No.
20-214) says on page 8, "With an optional AC adapter, such as
Cat. No. 273-1650, you can power the receiver from standard AC power."
 
The correct adapter is Cat. No. 273-1655.
 
A running change will be made in manual to correct the adapter number.
 
MN-09-92
Want to Save Money?
 
Lynn Glover of Carbondale, IL (store 01-6477) recently passed
along a helpful hint to save
your store some money while helping to preserve the environment.
Use tags from past sales for
National Parts and Consumer Mail orders instead of buying index cards.
Lynn uses the larger size of the two small FAC-tags, and notes, "The tags
fit in an index card box nicely and save a couple of bucks for the store."
 
MN-09-92
ELECTRONIC PARTS
plug 'n power Questions
 
Customer questions about plug 'n power  products are answered
from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday
by X-10's USA Customer Service Line:
 
(201) 784-9700
 
MN-09-92
TELEPHONES
New TANDYFAX 1040
 
With the introduction of the TANDYFAX  1040 (Cat. No. 43-1201, $319.95),
a FAX machine is now an option for all of your customers.
This low-cost multi-function facsimile machine
also works with an answering machine and as a personal copier.
 
Note this impressive list of features:
 
- Receivers can readily identify your FAXes because they're automatically
  sent with your phone number and company name
 
- Reports print out in any of five languages
 
- Automatically takes FAXes, but beeps for incoming regular phone calls
 
- Resolution adjusts to ensure high quality copies
 
- Has 16-level halftone shades for sending photographs
 
Don't hesitate to show the TANDYFAX 1040 to customers who want to purchase
a copier.
Mention that they can acquire two products in one for less than
the cost of purchasing them individually.
 
MN-09-92
17-611 Manual Correction
 
A few manuals for the Tandy  Charger/Discharger (Cat. No. 17-611)
which charges batteries for the CT-300 series portable phones
contain an error on the back cover.
The warranty states in one place that it is valid for one year and
in another that it is for 90 days.
Both places should say the charger carries a 90-day warranty.
 
A running change has been made in the manual, and all new ones coming
from the warehouse will have the correct warranty statement.
 
Check the 17-611s you have in stock and correct the warranty statement if
necessary.
 
MN-09-92
43-760 Manual Correction
 
Some TAD-274 Telephone Answering Systems (Cat. No. 43-760)
were shipped with a mistake in the owner's manual under "Storing Numbers
in Memory" on page 12.
If the customer attempts to program the phone as instructed, only the
first number entered will be stored.
 
Step 8 on page 12 should say:
 
Repeat steps 4 through 7. (not steps 3 through 7)
 
The manuals currently in the warehouse will be changed.
Make sure you tell customers who purchase phones currently in stock in your
stores that this problem exists.
 
MN-09-92
ONE MINUTE MERCHANDISER
Can We Talk?
 
Communication is a delicate art.
I often wonder if we are doing as good a job as can be done.
 
When we send out a memo and hear nothing,
is that because no one read it?
Or because the memo was perfectly written, and everyone understood it?
 
When something changes, is it better to send a one page memo
and several follow-ups, or a multi-page memo
covering every possible angle of the change?
 
If a memo looks too long, will people race through it
skimming over important facts trying to find the meat?
Is "too long" a different length for different readers?
I guess memos are like that old male saying about skirts:
they should be "long enough to cover the subject but short enough
to keep your interest."
Sometimes it's difficult to find that perfect balance, but we always try.
 
Speaking of balance, let's remember that communication is not a one-way deal.
If something is unclear, and the rest of the memo doesn't clear up
the uncertainty, then it's time to ask for more information or a clarification.
 
Most often, someone who has more experience or more information
can solve the riddle. . . a senior manager or DSM for example.
When that doesn't help, it's time to turn to the source of the memo.
A quick E-mail message should get you the answer.
It also lets us know that we might have to clarify our message.
 
Remember, it takes two to communicate!
We want you to be as informed as possible.
When that doesn't happen the first time, let us know so we can correct
the situation and get you all the information you need.
 
Chuck Sizer
(817) 878-4141
E-MAIL "CSIZER1"
 
MN-09-92
Profitable Sales Growth
 
Radio Shack's goal is to continue profitable sales growth through perfect
execution by a superior team.
The path to success includes:
 
Superior Staffing
Hire the best people, give them product and selling skills, and
expect only the best from them.
 
Superb Store Appearance
Maintain clean, well-lit stores, focusing on dominant product and technology
areas. 
 
Crowning Customer Service
Treat customers honestly and fairly, ensuring them a positive shopping
experience.
 
Exemplary Expense Control
Justify expenses with projected return on investments, and reduce controllable
expenses as a percentage of sales.
 
MN-08-92
ONE MINUTE MERCHANDISER
What Price Cellular?
 
Within a few days you will be receiving your copy of the 1993 catalog.
After you flip through it trying to find every new product, turn to page 16.
Take a look at the lower left-hand column titled "Let's Talk About Cellular
Pricing."
This is an important new scoop, so take a minute to familiarize yourself
with it right away!
 
There's a big change going on with cellular around the country,
and you need to know what's happening.
But first, here's a little refresher course on how cellular
has been priced up to now:
 
- Carriers pay us a commission to refer our customers to them
  as subscribers to their service.
 
- We have always given that commission back to the customer
  in the form of lower phone prices.
 
- In the past, if a customer's purchase did not result in a commission
  for Radio Shack (except where prohibited by law),
  the price of the phone was $300 higher than the "activated" price.
 
OK, so what's new?
 
First of all, commissions peaked last year.
On average, this year's agreements with our carriers are
for lower commissions than in the past.
As a result, you will notice that instead of a $300 reduction
from the "unactivated" price, we now show only a $250 reduction.
The less we get from the carrier, the less we have available to give back to
our customer.
 
Here's the newest wrinkle.
Several carriers now pay a higher level of commission for
"Basic" or higher service plans, and a lower commission
for "Economy" type plans.
If you've been following along so far,
you probably already have this figured. . .
"Economy" type plans pay about half the commission of a "Basic" plan,
so the price of the phone falls halfway between
the "activated" price and the "unactivated" price because
we have half the commission to give back to the customer.
 
In much simpler terms, a phone activated on the "Economy" type plan
will cost the customer $125 more than if they activated on the "Basic" plan.
You should only put customers on an "Economy" plan
if they do not intend to use their phone very much,
perhaps only for emergencies or strictly urgent calls.
In this case, even though they pay more for the phone,
the lower monthly service charge will give them the lowest cost
of ownership over time.
 
Does this apply to all markets, in all parts of the country?
No. . . But you will be notified by official memo
of the carriers where this extra $125 for "Economy" type plans will apply.
If it applies to you, take extra care to put your customers on the plan
that is best for them, and make sure you charge the right price for the phone!
 
Chuck Sizer
 
MN-08-92
Merchandise Motivation
 
Have you ever seen a person hold someone else's baby and say,
"I wish I had one of my own?"
That's the concept behind merchandise motivation.
 
The phrase we use is Transfer of Ownership, which means actually putting
the product in the customer's hands and letting them operate it.
Emphasize the pleasure of owning the product.
Appeal to the emotions --
"You'll really enjoy watching this pocket-size LCD color TV
anywhere you go.
You can take it to the ballpark to view the instant replay or keep
up with all your favorite shows while lounging outside."
 
Once they hold the product and play with it,
it's easier for them to imagine owning it --
or maybe even think about how they can't live without it!
 
MN-08-92
ELECTRONIC PARTS
Lithium Batteries Available
 
Remember that AA and 9-volt lithium batteries are available at Consumer Mail.
These popular sizes can give extra long dependability to pagers, beepers,
security systems, garage door openers, photo flashes, tape players, and more.
Suggest them for hard-to-reach items like smoke alarms and wall clocks.
These batteries not only provide increased longevity but also withstand
extreme temperatures.
 
1.5V AA Lithium Battery (CLB-L91BP-2, $7.99/2 pack)
 
The 1.5V AA lithium battery is lighter than other AA batteries
and performs well in extreme temperatures.
 
9-volt Lithium Battery (CLB-U9VL, $9.95)
 
The 9-volt lithium battery supplies twice the operating time and shelf-life
of premium alkaline cells.
 
To place an order, call CMC at (800) 433-2024 or send a FAX to (800) 821-1959.
 
MN-08-92
plug 'n power Questions
Customer questions about plug 'n power  products are answered
from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST Monday through Friday
by X-10's USA Customer Service Line:
 
(201) 784-9700
 
MN-08-92
COMMUNICATIONS
200-Channel Portable Scanner With Hyperscan
 
The New Realistic  PRO-43 200-Channel Portable Scanner (Cat. No. 20-300,
$349.95) with Hyperscan is Radio Shack's premiere handheld scanner.
It combines extended frequency coverage with an interference-fighting
triple-conversion circuit and Realistic's exclusive HyperScan  high-speed
scanning system.
 
Its features include:
 
- Access to over 48,000 frequencies, including the 200-400 MHz military
  aircraft band and the 800 MHz public safety band
 
- Access to commercial aircraft, ships, amateur radio operators,
  and transportation services
 
- HyperScan system, which scans at 25 frequencies per second
  and searches at 50 frequencies per second
 
- Ten storage banks, which allow grouping and selection of channels by
  frequency or by type of service
 
- Automatic and manual AM/FM mode selection
 
- Memory saver
 
This scanner is arriving in your stores now.
Be sure to tell customers about its great features and the
exciting broadcasts they can receive.
In fact, display a scanner in your store
set to your local police or fire department's frequencies.
 
Suggest the Police Call Guide, available from Consumer Mail,
which lists frequencies used by emergency and commercial services.
The scanner can even receive the frequencies used by the Space Shuttle.
See "Listen To Space!" in the next column.
 
MN-08-92
Listen To Space!
 
Have you ever wondered what astronauts talk about while they cruise around
above the earth?
With a scanner like the Realistic  PRO-43,
you can hear what the US Space Team discusses.
(And if you understand Russian, you can listen to the Russians, too!)
 
The astronauts describe their experiences
to amateur radio operators and school children on
frequencies 145.21 and 145.35 MHz.
 
Their broadcasts may discuss the beautiful sunrises and sunsets
visible from space, the effects of weightlessness,
and perhaps some of the experiments they are performing.
 
MN-08-92
Entering UHF Scanner Frequencies
We receive many frantic calls from customers who complain
that our scanners "don't work!"
The problem, though, is not with the product itself, but with the way
the customer is trying to program the frequencies.
 
When entering a UHF frequency, you must enter 4 digits after the decimal
point.
For example, you cannot enter 469.012 for 469.0125.
The FCC designated frequencies are 12.5 kHz apart, so the frequencies will
always end with one of the following three digit sequences:
 
   xxx.x000    xxx.x500
   xxx.x125    xxx.x625
   xxx.x250    xxx.x750
   xxx.x375    xxx.x875
 
If your customer says the frequency he wants to hear is 510.537,
show him that the complete frequency should be 510.5375
(and explain the reason).
The scanner will accept this complete frequency and you will be regarded as
a wizard!
 
MN-08-92
COMPUTERS
Computer and Copier Accessories
 
Many discontinued computer accessories and supplies
are now available through Consumer Mail.
These items are compatible with the older systems some of your customers
are still using.
 
COMPUTER SOFTWARE
 
MS-DOS
 
25-1155 SCRIPSIT Tandy 1000/2000    $79.95
25-1240 Talking Text Writer 49.95
 
Custom Fonts
 
25-1158 Custom Font for PC Compatibles/2000 24.95
25-1305 Font Download Utility (B&F) 99.95
 
XENIX
 
25-4212 Profile 286 799.00
25-4213 SCRIPSIT 286    399.95
 
Color Computer Software
 
26-3084 Shanghai    29.95
26-3172 GFL Football    29.95
26-3271 Micro Mission Laser Surgeon 29.95
90-0441 Enchanter   29.95
90-0443 Hitchhiker's Guide  29.95
90-0445 Hitchhiker's Guide III  29.95
90-0449 Wishbringer 29.95
90-0452 Zork I  29.95
90-0455 Zork III    29.95
 
COMPUTER SUPPLIES
 
Fanfold Labels
 
26-0247 Clear Mail Labels 500/pk    19.95
26-0248 EDP Labels 250 ea. of 4 colors  8.95
26-0281 White File Folder Labels 1500/pk    8.95
26-0282 Color File Folder Labels 375 ea./4 colors   9.95
26-0299 Laser Printer Labels 30/sheet 750/pk    7.95
 
Plotter Supplies
 
26-1281 CGP-220 Black Ink Pack  12.95
26-1282 CGP-220 Tri-Color Ink Pack  18.95
26-3507 PC-1 Printer Ribbon 2.75
 
Printer Roll Paper
 
26-1333 CGP-220 3/pk 8.5x500    10.95
26-1402 LP I/II/IV/DMP 200 2/pk 8.5x500 24.95
26-1405 Quick Printer (26-1153) 3/pk 4.75x130   24.95
26-1407 Plotter/Printer (26-1190) 1/pk 9x90 5.95
26-3506 PC-1 6/pk 1.75x18   2.29
26-3606 PC-2 6/pk 2.25x30   4.95
76-1003 PT 210/TRP 100 6/pk 8.5x100 29.95
 
COMPUTER HARDWARE
 
Cartridges and Data Tape
 
26-0220 Bernoulli 8" 20 MB Cartridge    119.95
26-1372 Bernoulli 8" 10 MB Cartridge    99.95
26-1391  1/4" 48 MB DC300XL/P   34.95
 
Interface Board
 
T26-2875    Serial Interface Board DMP 136 (26-2868)    49.95
 
COPIER SUPPLIES
 
88-2042 EPC-150 Legal Size Paper 300 Sheets 19.95
88-2045 EPC-150 Universal Liquid Toner 6qt. 24.95
88-2046 EPC-150 Letter Size Paper 500 Sheets    34.95
88-2051 PPC-200 Dry Toner 2/pk  45.95
 
Delight your customers by locating these hard-to-find accessories,
and they will reward you with lots of return sales.
To place an order call CMC at (800) 433-2024 or send a FAX to (800) 821-1959.
 
MN-08-92
Attache Case for Laptops
 
Consumer Mail is now carrying a hard attache case for laptop
computers.
This case (Cat. No. 25-3519, $89.95) is the best protection available for
all laptop PCs, even notebook PCs.
 
It holds the PC, a battery, and a power supply.
There is an accordian file in the lid with storage for a pen and business
cards.
The case's premium shock- and abrasion-resistant features include:
 
- Double wall of high-density polyethelyne, with air cushion
 
- Quality wear-resistant foam lining for extra shock absorption
 
- Special latching mechanism to prevent the case from opening
  when upside down
 
To place an order, call CMC at (800) 433-2024 or send a FAX to (800) 821-1959.
 
MN-08-92
Calculators Galore!
 
Calculators are the spotlighted items to sell in August,
so we put together a chart of the features of some of our
most advanced and best-selling models.
 
The features on these durable calculators include scientific and engineering
components, both popular items at back-to-school time.
 
     EC-4026    EC-4024 EC-4035 EC-4032
Cat. No.    65-993  65-991  65-983  65-998
 
Power   lithium solar,  lithium solar,
 
Source  batts.  lith. batt. batt.   lith. batt.
 
        backup      backup
 
Display Lines   2   1   1   1
 
Mantissa    10 digit    10 digit    10 digit    10 digit
 
Functions Per Key    5  2-3 2   2
 
Phone #, Memo Store yes no  no  no
 
Program Step Storage    1103    29  N/A N/A
 
# Operating Modes   9   9   3   3
 
Auto Power Off  yes yes yes yes
 
Case Included   yes yes yes yes
 
Engineering Symbols yes no  no  yes
 
Equivalent  Casio   Casio   None    Casio
    FX4500P FX-50F      FX-115D
 
Price   47.95   34.95*  39.95   21.95
 
* The EC-4024 (Cat. No. 65-991) will be on sale for $18.88 from
August 15 through September 5.
 
Operating modes (such as calculation, angular unit,
and display modes) allow the user to change the calculator's operating
characteristics.
Calculation mode sets calculators to function in
different units, such as watts, or to work in Base- n mode.
Angular modes are related to trigonometric calculations and radians.
Display modes relate to answer presentation, such as decimal places.
 
Familiarize yourself with these calculators because customers will
have lots of questions for you!
 
MN-08-92
SECURITY
Auto Wiring Diagram Error
 
The manual for the Remote Control Alarm System (Cat. No. 49-796)
contains an error in the wiring diagram on pages 27 and 28.
Wiring the alarm system as shown in the manual causes the dome courtesy lights
to come on unnecessarily, so they burn out prematurely.
 
The diagram shows the blue wire from the motion sensor going to pin 10.
This wire should lead to pin 12.
 
A running change will be made in future editions of this manual.
 
The brown trunk and hood pin switches are correctly shown connected to pin 12.
 
MN-08-92
AUDIO
Styli Cross-Reference List
 
Consumer Mail Center has compiled a comprehensive
cross-reference list for turntable styli,
and they're all in stock!
 
This listing is sorted numerically by the OEM (Original Equipment
Manufacturer) part number that appears on the needle or cartridge
and cross lists to the appropriate Radio Shack part number.
You can use the visual reference chart in the CMC red binder to verify
that you've got the right part number.
 
The cross-reference list is three-hole punched and the pages are numbered
for inserting into the "Styli" section of your CMC red binder.
 
This cross-reference is 92 pages long and very extensive
(over 30,000 styli are referenced), and is available to you
for the nominal cost of $2.50.
To receive a copy of the new list, contact Consumer Mail at (800) 433-2024
or FAX (800) 821-1959 and ask for CMC-STYLIREF.
 
Save time and make sales!
Use the new styli cross-reference list to identify your customer's stylus
needle right there in your store.
Order a copy of CMC's STYLIREF for your red binder today!
 
MN-08-92
TELEPHONES
Time/Day Voice Stamp Feature on New TAD
 
The new DU FONE  TAD-274 Telephone Answering System
(Cat. No. 43-760, $119.95), which is both a phone and an answering machine,
is the first of this type to include a time/day voice stamp.
This feature announces both the time (with AM and PM) and the day of the week
that a message was recorded.
 
Other features include:
 
- Two way recording -- Records your phone conversation.
 
- Programmable Security Code -- Helps prevent unauthorized remote
  operation.
 
- Call Break-Through (CBT) with Programmable Code -- Alerts you to an
  important call when the TAD answers calls.
 
Tell your customers what a great opportunity this is to get a phone with all
these features at such a low price!
 
MN-08-92
TRAINING
The Three Rs: Back to School with Radio Shack
 
I'm sure the words "Back to School" conjure up different thoughts
for all of us.
Some of us cringe at the thought of school, while others have pleasant
recollections of those golden days.
Whatever feelings you have,
it's almost that time and those school bells will soon be ringing.
 
Many parents buy their kids' school supplies
without realizing there are many products
we sell at Radio Shack that their child will need.
It will be up to you to question your customers
to see if they have children and then to see what they'll
need to make the school year get off to a good start.
 
By asking the customer if he/she has children,
you begin the qualification stage of selling.
If there are children, ask what their ages are.
Knowing this helps you identify the products you can offer
that will meet each child's educational needs.
 
You might find out the customer has a child
about to enter school for the first time.
Ask your customer if their family owns a MovieCorder .
If the answer is "no," place one of our MovieCorders in their hands.
Talk about the images from the first day of school that can be captured
with a camcorder.
Imagine being able to relive this event in years to come!
Get the customer excited about the product and what the product
can do, and you'll make the sale.
 
What if the customer mentions children in elementary school?
You'll want to present some of these products to your customer:
Science Fair  Kits and Play 'n Learn Games that help children learn
while enjoying themselves.
Math Blaster Plus software can help improve math skills, and
software presentations in general help children become familiar with 
computers.
Show off all educational software while hinting at the genius
hidden within their child.
All of these educational products will help
your customer's children improve their skills
and have a fun learning environment at home.
 
If they have a teenager at home, selling a set of headphones
will be easy.
This allows the teenager to listen to the stereo while other children study
in peace and adults relax.
Also mention our complete line of calculators.
Be sure to check the calculator chart on page 5 of this issue.)
There are not only the obvious academic uses, but mention
introducing young adults to financial responsibility while presenting a
checkbook model.
A new alarm clock or clock radio for the student can assure parents
that teenagers will be at their desks when the school's morning bell rings.
Don't forget to show off telephones to those parents who want to reclaim
their own phones.
 
For the college-bound student, there are many avenues to explore.
How about a STEREO-MATE  personal cassette player for recording a lecture
or taking notes, a wordprocessor, or even a laptop computer?
For post-study hours, suggest a stereo receiver
or a portable CD player for the dorm room.
A pair of Minimus -7 speakers can put big sound in small spaces!
 
There are many more products not mentioned here that are appropriate
for selling for back to school.
Why don't you make additional notes and start asking your customers
if they have children?
And if they answer "yes," you'll be ready to offer them products
that will help their children get the most from their education.
 
MN-07-92
TELEPHONES
Dual-NAM Programming Instructions for the CT-350 Cellular Phone
 
Here are the dual-NAM (Number Assignment Module) programming instructions
for the CT-350 Handheld Portable Cellular Telephone (Cat. No. 17-1060).
 
Remember: This procedure is intended for use only by
Radio Shack store personnel.
Do not give this information to a customer or any other outside
person.
 
Notes
 
When you enter a parameter, you must enter the listed number of digits,
even if the parameter for your area has fewer digits.
For example, if the home identification in your area is 38,
you must precede the number with zeros (00038) to make a total number
of five digits.
 
The lock code is set to 1234 at the factory.
However, you can change the lock code at the end of this procedure.
Let the customer choose a number they can remember.
If your customer forgets the lock code, you must send the
phone to your service center to have the number read.
 
Program
 
The NAM programming mode is turned on by keying in a password
code to the memory location 00.
Press:
 
*3001#12345 ( STO ) 0 0
 
If this sequence is keyed in properly, "STORE NOT DONE" will appear
and NAM programming can begin.
If a wrong password is entered, the error text "NOT ALLOWED" will appear.
Should this error occur, turn the unit off and start over.
 
To program the user's phone number for NAM1, press:
 
(RCL) 0 2
 
The number currently programmed in NAM1 or the default "1111111111"
will appear on the screen.
Then press (with no spaces in between):
 
(CLR) (user's name *) (user's telephone number with area code) (STO) 0 2
 
* If the user wants a name inserted, press (Alpha).
Then enter the customer's name (see owner's manual for
instructions on entering names).
Press (Alpha) again, then enter the telephone number.
 
To program the parameters for NAM1, press:
 
(RCL) 0 3
 
The default "38*1*1*334*15*15" will appear.
Press (CLR) for two seconds,
then the new parameter numbers, as provided by the local cellular
carrier (see below), followed by:
 
(STO) 0 3
 
NAM2 is programmed like NAM1 except enter (RCL) 0 4 for the
phone number and (RCL) 0 5  for NAM2 parameters.
 
The contents of the parameter locations (03 and 05) are in the form:
 
SIDH*EX*LUM*IPCH*ACCOLC*GIM
 
where:
 
   star (*) =  separator: * -key
 
   SIDH     =  Home System ID: 5 digits
 
   EX       =  Access method:
                 1 = area code used (typically 1)
                 0 = area code not used
 
   LUM      =  Local Use Mark: 1 or 0 (typically 1)
 
   IPCH     =  Initial Paging Channel: 3 digits
                 (typically 334 for B and 333 for A system)
 
   ACCOLC   =  Access Overload Class 15
 
   GIM      =  Group ID Mark: 2 digits, range 0 - 15
 
After entering the NAM parameters, set the lock code by pressing:
 
(RCL) 0 1 (CLR) (CLR) (CLR) (CLR) (4 digit lock code) ( STO )  0  1
 
The screen will then ask "REPLACE CONTENT?"
Press (STO) again to confirm.
 
Example
 
Here is how to program the telephone number, name, and parameters
on a phone located in Fort Worth, TX.
 
To set the telephone number as (817) 555-7838 and a name, press:
 
(RCL) 0 2 (CLR) (Alpha) (name) (Alpha) 8 1 7 5 5 5 7 8 3 8 (STO) 0 2
 
To set the NAM1 parameters, using the Fort Worth,
TX area parameters which are:
 
SIDH    =  38 (enter 00038)
EX      =  1
LUM     =  1
IPCH    =  334
ACCOLC  =  15
GIM     =  10
 
Begin with (RCL) 0 3 (CLR), then enter:
 
0 0 0 3 8 * 1 * 1 * 3 3 4 *
 
1 5 * 1 0 (STO) 0 3
 
Exit NAM programming mode by switching the power off.
 
MN-07-92
CMC Cellular Accessories
 
Consumer Mail Center has lots of helpful extras to increase your customers'
enjoyment of their portable cellular telephone purchases.
Selling these items will also boost your overall sales.
You can order by calling CMC at (800) 433-2024
or FAXing them at (800) 821-1959.
 
For the CT-300/301
 
Battery Cycler (Cat. No.T17-611, $49.95)
 
The Battery Cycler for the CT-300/301 (Cat. Nos. 17-2001/1050)
completely discharges the battery before recharging to prevent Ni-Cad
memory build-up and allow the battery to charge to full capacity.
This charger can help revitalize a battery pack which already has
a memory build-up.
It includes indicators to show the battery's charging/discharging status.
 
For the CT-1033
 
Cellular Telephone Battery Charger (Cat. No. T17-610, $54.95)
 
This battery charger is designed for 12 volt,
2.3 Ah rechargeable
sealed lead acid battery packs and is used with the CT-1033 (Cat. No. 
17-1006).
 
For the CT-350
 
Slim Battery (Cat. No. T17-609, $79.95)
 
This rechargeable battery is designed specifically to power the
CT-350 Handheld Portable Cellular Telephone.
It is slimmer than the 17-608 standard battery stocked in the stores.
The slim battery will be available after August 15.
See the "CT-350 Battery Times" article below.
 
Rapid Charge/Discharge Cycler (Cat. No. T17-615, $79.95)
 
This charger is designed especially for use with the
CT-350 and can recharge the battery
inside the telephone while charging an extra battery at the same time.
Because an extra battery can be charged,
this item allows customers to be away from the
charger for a long time.
 
Mobile Adapter/Charger (Cat. No. T17-616, $39.95)
 
This adapter/charger is designed so your customers
can recharge the CT-350 in the car.
It features two charging stages -- quick charging,
which quickly charges the battery to near full capacity,
and trickle charging, which automatically completes the charging process
and maintains a full charge until the battery is removed from the charger.
 
MN-07-92
CT-350 Battery Times
 
Radio Shack offers more than one battery choice for the
CT-350 Cellular Phone (Cat. No. 17-1060).
Note the approximate talk and standby times for the 17-608
standard battery and the T17-609 slim battery (available through CMC).
 
    Standard 17-608 Slim T17-609
 
Talk time   1 hour, 15 min. 40 min.
Standby 16 hours    8 hours
 
MN-07-92
COMPUTERS
Batteries for Laptops
 
Consumer Mail Center has added two more replacement batteries to the
CLT-laptop line.
With the CLT-120 for the AST Premium Exec and the
CLT-122 for the Texas Instruments TM 3000,
the line is expanded to fifteen different battery types.
 
CMC SKU Manufacturer    Model           Retail Price
 
CLT-120 AST             Premium Exec    109.95
CLT-117 Compaq          LTE, LTE286      99.95
CLT-104 Epson           Equity LT        89.95
CLT-119 Magnavox        Metalis286, 386  79.95
CLT-119 Mitsuba         Ninja-286N       79.95
CLT-105 NEC             Multispeed HD    89.95
CLT-106 NEC             Multispeed EL    89.95
CLT-119 Packard-Bell    PB286NB,         79.95
                        PB386SXNB
CLT-122 TI              TM 3000         109.95
CLT-101 Toshiba         T-1000           39.95
CLT-102 Toshiba         T-1100           59.95
CLT-110 Toshiba         T-1100+          69.95
CLT-112 Toshiba         T-1000 LE,SE,XE  69.95
CLT-112 Toshiba         T-1200XE         69.95
CLT-103 Zenith          18192            59.95
CLT-109 Zenith          18392, 18393    129.95
CLT-111 Zenith          18392, 18393    129.95
CLT-108 Zenith          18193            99.95
 
Selling these batteries is an easy way to add lines to your tickets.
To place an order, call CMC at (800) 433-2024 or
FAX them at (800) 821-1959.
 
MN-07-92
ELECTRONIC PARTS
plug 'n power Questions
 
Customer questions about plug 'n power  products can be answered from
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST Monday through Friday by X-10's USA Customer
Service Line:
 
(201) 784-1936
 
MN-07-92
COMMUNICATIONS
Licensing for the BTX-120 Business Band Transceiver
 
Who Needs A License?
 
Before you sell the BTX-120 Business Band Transceiver
(Cat. No. 19-1201), you must tell the
customer that he or she must have an FCC license to legally transmit
using the radio.
The customer does not have to have a license at the
time of sale.
If the customer tells you they do not intend to get
a license, do  not  sell them the product.
 
Of course, if the customer already has a business band license,
they can use the unit as soon as the crystals for their
frequency arrive (or immediately if they are licensed to operate
on the supplied frequency).
There is no temporary license to use
this radio.
 
What Frequency Can The Customer Use?
The BTX-120 comes with a crystal installed to allow it to operate
on 151.625 MHz.
This is assigned by the FCC as an itinerant
frequency.
Refer to "Who Can Use the Itinerant Frequency?" for
more information about operating on the supplied channel.
To determine what frequency the customer can operate on,
have them call NABER (National Association of Business and Educational
Radio) at (800) 759-0300 or SIRSA (Special Industrial Radio
Service Association) at (703) 528-5115,
depending on the type of operation the customer will be doing.
See "Who Should Call NABER?" and "Who
Should Call SIRSA?" later in this article.
Have the customer call before the sale to help
prevent possible refunds.
Tell the customer not to call the FCC.
 
Remember, the unit only operates on the 151 MHz band.
There are other groups of frequencies available for business use,
but this unit will not operate on those other frequencies.
We cannot get the other frequencies, and the unit cannot be modified to use
those frequencies.
Additionally, CTCSS (Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System),
which is a privacy mechanism, will not be available for this unit.
 
The appropriate organization, NABER or SIRSA,
will determine whether the customer is eligible for a license,
and will send him or her a form to fill out.
The customer returns this form with a fee to the organization.
The organization then assigns a frequency.
The customer must then order crystals and also
send the FCC a completed Form 574 (included with the unit).
Part 90, the instruction book for this form
which includes all licensing rules, is available from NABER
for $19.45 plus shipping and handling.
SIRSA and NABER will assist the customer with both
their forms and FCC Form 574.
If everything is properly filled out,
the customer should receive the FCC license in about 8 weeks.
 
See the related article, "Frequency Crystals for BTX-120," located on page 6
of this issue of the Merchandising Newsletter,
for information about ordering the crystals.
 
Can We Demonstrate The Unit?
 
Radio Shack has a license to operate on the supplied frequency
and our stores can demonstrate the units.
Our call sign is WNRR545; transmit this call sign when you complete a demo.
Under no circumstances may a customer operate using this
call sign.
They may not use this call sign to run tests to see if
the unit meets their needs. These units have a range of about 1
mile. You can demo them in the mall or area where your store is
located. If you have only one unit, transmit to a scanner.
Do not use the units for store operations.
Our license is for demonstrations only.
 
Who Can Use The Itinerant Frequency?
 
The BTX-120 comes with 151.625 MHz crystals installed in Channel "A."
This frequency is assigned for itinerant operation,
defined as operation of a radio at unspecified locations for varying periods
of time.
Types of businesses that might qualify are trade show exhibitors,
photographers, and news people who travel to many
locations throughout the country, and construction crews and
others who work in many locations for varying periods of time.
Have the customer call NABER to determine if they can use the
itinerant frequency.
Customers who can operate on the itinerant
frequency do not need to apply through NABER. They send
their completed FCC Form 574 directly to the FCC with the $35
license fee.
 
Who Should Call NABER?
 
Customers who feel they are included in the eligibility listing below should
call NABER.
This information is provided as reference only; NABER should
make any determination of eligibility.
NABER may be contacted at (800) 759-0300.
 
NABER Eligibility
 
Persons primarily engaged
in any of the following activities are eligible to hold authorizations in
the business radio service to operate stations for transmission of
communications necessary to such activities of the licensee:
 
- The operation of a commercial activity
- The operation of educational, philanthropic, or ecclesiastical institutions
- Clergymen activities
- The operation of hospitals, clinics or medical associations
 
NABER Fee
 
NABER's fee is $75; this does not include the FCC fee of $35.
It takes about 3 weeks to get the license through NABER, including FCC time.
Part 90 is also available from NABER.
 
Who Should Call SIRSA?
 
The BTX-120 may also be used in the special industrial services
defined below.
The determination of eligibility for this service is
made by SIRSA, the Special Industrial Radio Service Association.
SIRSA may be contacted by the customer at (703) 528-5115.
 
SIRSA Eligibility
 
Persons regularly
engaged in any of the following activities are eligible to hold
authorizations in the Special Industrial Radio Service to operate radio
stations for the transmission of only those communications essential
to such activities of the licensee.
(Persons engaging in some activities
which are eligible under this paragraph and in some which are not, and
desiring to use radio in connection with both types of activities should
apply for authorization in the Business Radio Service.)
 
- The operation of farms, ranches, or similar land areas, for the
  quantity production of crops or plants; vines or trees (excluding
  forestry operations);
  or for the keeping, grazing or feeding of livestock
  for animal products, animal increase, or value enhancement.
  Persons establishing eligibility under this subparagraph may use their radio
  facilities in connection with the gathering or processing of products
  grown or raised for them by others
 
- Plowing, soil conditioning, seeding, fertilizing, or harvesting for
  agricultural activities
 
- Spraying or dusting of insecticides, herbicides, or fungicides, in
  areas other than enclosed structures
 
- Livestock breeding service
 
- The operation of a commercial business regularly engaged in the
  construction of roads, bridges, sewer systems, pipelines, airfields, or
  water, oil, gas, or power production, collection, or distribution systems.
  Other engineering projects, normally classified as heavy construction
  activities, will be considered on the merits of the showing made; however,
  the construction of buildings is not included in this category
 
- The operation of mines for the recovery of solid fuels, minerals,
  metal, rock, sand and gravel from the earth or sea, including the
  exploration for and development of mining properties
 
- Maintaining, patrolling or repairing gas or liquid transmission
  pipelines, tank cars, water or waste disposal wells, industrial storage
  tanks, or distribution systems of public utilities.  Persons establishing
  eligibility under this subparagraph may use their radio facilities in
  connection with the containment and cleanup of industrial liquid spillage
 
- Acidizing, cementing, logging, perforating, or shooting activities,
  and services of similar nature incident to the drilling of new oil or gas
  wells, or the maintenance of production from established wells
 
- Supplying chemicals, mud, tools, pipe, and other materials or
  equipment unique to the petroleum and gas production industry, as the
  primary activity of the applicant if delivery, installation or
  application of these materials requires the use of specifically fitted
  conveyances
 
- The delivery of ice or fuel to the consumer for heating, lighting,
  refrigeration or power generation purposes, by means other than pipelines
  or railroads when such products are not to be resold following delivery.
  Persons establishing eligibility under this subparagraph may use their
  radio facilities in connection with the servicing of the equipment that
  uses or consumes the products delivered
 
- The delivery and pouring, of ready mixed concrete or hot asphalt mix
 
SIRSA Fee
 
SIRSA's fee is $120; this does not include the FCC fee of $35.
It takes about 2 months to get the license through SIRSA, including FCC time.
Part 90 is also available from SIRSA.
 
MN-07-92
Frequency Crystals for BTX-120
 
Crystals to change the transmission frequency on the 19-1201 BTX-120
Business Band Transceiver are available from Consumer Mail.
The Catalog Numbers for receiving crystals begin with "BBR;"
transmitting crystals begin with "BBT."
Make sure you know which frequency you need (from 151.145 to 151.955)
before ordering.
The crystals are $19.90 a pair and will be received 4 to 6 weeks after
the order is placed.
To place an order, call CMC at (800) 433-2024 or FAX them at (800) 821-1959.
 
These crystals should be ordered only after NABER, SIRSA, or the FCC
has determined that the customer is eligible to use the radio.
See the related story, "Licensing for the BTX-120 Business Band Transceiver,"
on page 4 of this issue of the  Merchandising Newsletter .
 
MN-07-92
Battery Pack for the BTX-120
 
An extra Ni-Cad battery pack (Cat. No. 19-301, $39.95) for the
19-1201 BTX-120 Business Band Transceiver
will soon be available from Consumer Mail.
The battery pack is 8.4 Volts, 600 mAH.
Order the battery pack from CMC  after September 30  by calling
(800) 433-2024 or FAXing (800) 821-1959.
 
Customers can purchase battery packs from other sources at their own risk.
(Using another vendor's battery voids the warranty.)
 
At this time, we have no plans to carry desktop or fast chargers.
 
MN-07-92
Shortwave Reception
 
Programs from all over the world are broadcast on
shortwave radio, also known as world-band radio.
Many channels broadcast 24 hours a day, so customers listening to
shortwave can always pick up something interesting!
 
We have several shortwave receivers available -- from our top-of-the-line
Realistic  DX-390 (Cat. No. 20-214, $239.95)
to the DX-350 (Cat. No. 20-209, $59.95) for budget-minded listeners.
 
Demo Frequencies
 
When demo-ing the unit or suggesting stations to new shortwave customers,
try tuning in to Costa Rica's Radio For Peace International.
It broadcasts 24 hours a day on these frequencies (in KHz):
 
7375, 13630, 15030, 21565
 
England's BBC channel also broadcasts 24 hours a day on these frequencies:
 
5975, 9590, 12095, 15400, 6175, 9640, 15070, 15575, 7325,
9915, 15220, 17640, 9410, 11750, 15260, 17705, 9515
 
Other 24 hour broadcasting stations include
Voice of America, World Service of Christian Science Monitor, and Radio 
Moscow.
 
Reference Sources
 
Many books and magazines about shortwave listening are available through your
local library or newsstand.
Consult sources such as World Radio Handbook, Radio Amateur's Handbook,
Passport to World Band Radio, Monitoring Times, and Popular
Communications.
These publications can help customers learn about the conditions that make
long-distance reception possible and provide up-to-date listings for shortwave
broadcasts in English and foreign languages.
 
MN-07-92
RADIOS
12-241 Weatheradio Adapter Correction
 
Page 4 of the owner's manual for the Crystal-Controlled Weatheradio
(Cat. No. 12-241) stated under "AC Power"
that the user will need an AC adapter
to power the radio from a standard AC outlet.
However, the suggested model (Cat. No. 273-1651) will not fit this radio.
The correct adapter for this product is Cat. No. 273-1431.
The correct adapter will be listed in future printings of the owner's manual.
 
Also, the caution states that the adapter should supply 9 volts.
The adapter should supply 7.5 to 9 volts, so the caution should read:
 
"You must use an adapter that supplies 7.5 to 9 volts . . ."
 
MN-07-92
AUDIO
Tape Recorder Out of Stock
 
The Realistic  Micro-14 Microcassette Tape Recorder (Cat. No. 14-1175) and
Realistic  Micro-16 Microcassette Tape Recorder (Cat. No. 14-1176)
are out of stock in the warehouse.
It will be several months until these recorders are restocked.
 
We will let you know when these recorders become available.
 
MN-07-92
Defective Cables
 
Merchandising sent a memo to all stores
on April 1 (no, it wasn't an April Fool's joke)
instructing you to return all 42-2442 and 42-2474 cables
to the Force Feed Distribution Center by April 30 for full credit.
Our records indicate that some stock remains in the stores.
This could be actual units or incorrect perpetual counts.
 
If you have any remaining merchandise, you must now get rid of it.
It is defective.
Remove it from inventory using the following procedure:
 
- Select "Merchandise Adjustments" from the Stock Menu.
- Select "Adjust."
- Select "Beyond Reasonable Repair."
 
If you no longer have stock but your perpetual still shows a quantity,
remove it from the perpetual using the following procedure:
 
- Select "Merchandise Adjustments" from the Stock Menu.
- Select "Adjust."
- Select "Inventory Count Error."
 
MN-07-92
Wear Your Nametag!
 
Check right now -- are you wearing your nametag?
We take pride in everything we put our name on -- and that includes YOU!
You're part of the winning team -- show your pride in yourself,
your products, and your company!
 
MN-07-92
SECURITY
Ignition Cutoff Module Installation
 
We have seen a high rate of return on ignition cutoff modules
for our Remote Control Alarm Systems (Cat. Nos. 49-796/850/875).
This may be because the modules are not being installed correctly.
Here is some information that may help.
 
The main control module's red wire must always remain hot,
while its blue wire must only be hot when the ignition key is on.
For it to work, these conditions must be met by the blue wire:
 
1. Zero volts with ignition off
2. Twelve volts with engine running
3. Twelve volts in the "crank" the engine position
 
Some points in the fuse block may go dead when the engine is cranked.
If the person installing the system takes power
for the system or any accessories from the fuseblock,
he or she should use a voltmeter or trouble light to
find a place which meets conditions 1, 2, and 3.
Then he should connect or splice the wire at that place.
 
MN-07-92
Auto Security Extras at CMC
 
Consumer Mail stocks these
remotes and pagers for use with auto security systems.
Order these products from CMC by calling
(800) 433-2024 or FAXing (800) 821-1959.
 
     Extra  Used    Retail
CMC No. Product With    Price
 
T49-902 Remote  49-850  19.95
T49-901 Remote  49-796  14.95
T49-920 Pager   49-796  31.95
T49-903 Remote  49-875  21.95
T49-921 Pager   49-875  39.95
 
MN-07-92
ONE MINUTE MERCHANDISER
Happy New Year!
 
Has Papa OMM been sneaking into Calvin's closet to sit a spell in
the time machine?
I could sure use the help today.
It's one of those deadline times when the words aren't exactly flowing,
and I don't have a Hobbes to do my ghost writing.
 
If I had Calvin's cardboard box, it could take me back to last week
when there was some quiet time on Wednesday afternoon.
Or was it Tuesday?
I'd really like to take it back to the 60's to see what
the heck I did that makes it so hard to remember things now.
 
OK -- reality check -- no time machines, and Calvin and Hobbes are just
figments of a clever cartoonist's mind.
But it is time for our fiscal new year,
so let's make it a time to do some meaningful
reflection and personal inventory-taking.
 
I've heard it said, "The person who has one foot in yesterday
and the other in tomorrow is making a mess all over today."
Remember this when thinking about yourself.
It's always a good idea to take stock of yourself
so you know where and what you are,
compared to what you believe you should be.
But don't make a career out of it -- take a good look at your shortcomings
and strengths, then come back to now.
 
Spending too much time in the past or in the future is wasteful and can
even be harmful.
We can't do anything about the past because it's gone forever.
We can prepare ourselves for the future,
but we can't affect future events today.
The very best thing that we can be
doing today is working on today -- it's really all we have.
 
Chuck Sizer
 
MN-07-92
CMC 800 FAX Line
 
The CMC 800 FAX line has been a great success!
Please continue to FAX your orders during peak telephone and sales times.
The CMC FAX line is:
 
(800) 821-1959
 
Here are some pointers to help make this service even better:
 
- Always include your store number when sending
  a FAX.
  Orders without a store or telephone number are impossible to process.
  Remember that your FAX machine can be programmed to print your FAX
  or telephone number and store number on all transmissions.
  This could be a real time- and problem-saver.
 
- If you FAXed an order and have not received your merchandise,
  check your records.
  Did you include your store number and telephone or FAX number?
  You may need to resubmit your order.
 
- Print the part numbers  clearly  on your order sheet.
  FAX transmissions are often not very clear.
 
If you are having problems with an order you're FAXing to CMC,
make sure you are giving us all the information we need to place your order.
And of course, check your CMC catalog
to be sure the item you want comes from CMC.
 
MN-07-92
Add More Lines
Making sure your customers have everything they need isn't
just a good idea -- it's exceptional customer service!
There are obvious add-ons such as batteries, tapes, and head cleaners.
But there can be others, as well.
Continue to qualify throughout the sale.
Ask questions and listen to the answers.
You may discover a hidden need that the customer didn't know we could fulfill,
and add even more lines to your ticket!
 
MN-07-92
TELEPHONES
Dual-NAM Programming Instructions for the CT-350 Cellular Phone
 
Here are the dual-NAM (Number Assignment Module) programming instructions
for the CT-350 Handheld Portable Cellular Telephone (Cat. No. 17-1060).
 
Remember: This procedure is intended for use only by
Radio Shack store personnel.
Do not give this information to a customer or any other outside
person.
 
Notes
 
When you enter a parameter, you must enter the listed number of digits,
even if the parameter for your area has fewer digits.
For example, if the home identification in your area is 38,
you must precede the number with zeros (00038) to make a total number
of five digits.
 
The lock code is set to 1234 at the factory.
However, you can change the lock code at the end of this procedure.
Let the customer choose a number they can remember.
If your customer forgets the lock code, you must send the
phone to your service center to have the number read.
 
Program
 
The NAM programming mode is turned on by keying in a password
code to the memory location 00.
Press:
 
*3001#12345 ( STO ) 0 0
 
If this sequence is keyed in properly, "STORE NOT DONE" will appear
and NAM programming can begin.
If a wrong password is entered, the error text "NOT ALLOWED" will appear.
Should this error occur, turn the unit off and start over.
 
To program the user's phone number for NAM1, press:
 
(RCL) 0 2
 
The number currently programmed in NAM1 or the default "1111111111"
will appear on the screen.
Then press (with no spaces in between):
 
(CLR) (user's name *) (user's telephone number with area code) (STO) 0 2
 
* If the user wants a name inserted, press (Alpha).
Then enter the customer's name (see owner's manual for
instructions on entering names).
Press (Alpha) again, then enter the telephone number.
 
To program the parameters for NAM1, press:
 
(RCL) 0 3
 
The default "38*1*1*334*15*15" will appear.
Press (CLR) for two seconds,
then the new parameter numbers, as provided by the local cellular
carrier (see below), followed by:
 
(STO) 0 3
 
NAM2 is programmed like NAM1 except enter (RCL) 0 4 for the
phone number and (RCL) 0 5  for NAM2 parameters.
 
The contents of the parameter locations (03 and 05) are in the form:
 
SIDH*EX*LUM*IPCH*ACCOLC*GIM
 
where:
 
   star (*) =  separator: * -key
 
   SIDH     =  Home System ID: 5 digits
 
   EX       =  Access method:
                 1 = area code used (typically 1)
                 0 = area code not used
 
   LUM      =  Local Use Mark: 1 or 0 (typically 1)
 
   IPCH     =  Initial Paging Channel: 3 digits
                 (typically 334 for B and 333 for A system)
 
   ACCOLC   =  Access Overload Class 15
 
   GIM      =  Group ID Mark: 2 digits, range 0 - 15
 
After entering the NAM parameters, set the lock code by pressing:
 
(RCL) 0 1 (CLR) (CLR) (CLR) (CLR) (4 digit lock code) ( STO )  0  1
 
The screen will then ask "REPLACE CONTENT?"
Press (STO) again to confirm.
 
Example
 
Here is how to program the telephone number, name, and parameters
on a phone located in Fort Worth, TX.
 
To set the telephone number as (817) 555-7838 and a name, press:
 
(RCL) 0 2 (CLR) (Alpha) (name) (Alpha) 8 1 7 5 5 5 7 8 3 8 (STO) 0 2
 
To set the NAM1 parameters, using the Fort Worth,
TX area parameters which are:
 
SIDH    =  38 (enter 00038)
EX      =  1
LUM     =  1
IPCH    =  334
ACCOLC  =  15
GIM     =  10
 
Begin with (RCL) 0 3 (CLR), then enter:
 
0 0 0 3 8 * 1 * 1 * 3 3 4 *
 
1 5 * 1 0 (STO) 0 3
 
Exit NAM programming mode by switching the power off.
 
MN-07-92
CMC Cellular Accessories
 
Consumer Mail Center has lots of helpful extras to increase your customers'
enjoyment of their portable cellular telephone purchases.
Selling these items will also boost your overall sales.
You can order by calling CMC at (800) 433-2024
or FAXing them at (800) 821-1959.
 
For the CT-300/301
 
Battery Cycler (Cat. No.T17-611, $49.95)
 
The Battery Cycler for the CT-300/301 (Cat. Nos. 17-2001/1050)
completely discharges the battery before recharging to prevent Ni-Cad
memory build-up and allow the battery to charge to full capacity.
This charger can help revitalize a battery pack which already has
a memory build-up.
It includes indicators to show the battery's charging/discharging status.
 
For the CT-1033
 
Cellular Telephone Battery Charger (Cat. No. T17-610, $54.95)
 
This battery charger is designed for 12 volt,
2.3 Ah rechargeable
sealed lead acid battery packs and is used with the CT-1033 (Cat. No. 
17-1006).
 
For the CT-350
 
Slim Battery (Cat. No. T17-609, $79.95)
 
This rechargeable battery is designed specifically to power the
CT-350 Handheld Portable Cellular Telephone.
It is slimmer than the 17-608 standard battery stocked in the stores.
The slim battery will be available after August 15.
See the "CT-350 Battery Times" article below.
 
Rapid Charge/Discharge Cycler (Cat. No. T17-615, $79.95)
 
This charger is designed especially for use with the
CT-350 and can recharge the battery
inside the telephone while charging an extra battery at the same time.
Because an extra battery can be charged,
this item allows customers to be away from the
charger for a long time.
 
Mobile Adapter/Charger (Cat. No. T17-616, $39.95)
 
This adapter/charger is designed so your customers
can recharge the CT-350 in the car.
It features two charging stages -- quick charging,
which quickly charges the battery to near full capacity,
and trickle charging, which automatically completes the charging process
and maintains a full charge until the battery is removed from the charger.
 
MN-07-92
CT-350 Battery Times
 
Radio Shack offers more than one battery choice for the
CT-350 Cellular Phone (Cat. No. 17-1060).
Note the approximate talk and standby times for the 17-608
standard battery and the T17-609 slim battery (available through CMC).
 
    Standard 17-608 Slim T17-609
 
Talk time   1 hour, 15 min. 40 min.
Standby 16 hours    8 hours
 
MN-07-92
COMPUTERS
Batteries for Laptops
 
Consumer Mail Center has added two more replacement batteries to the
CLT-laptop line.
With the CLT-120 for the AST Premium Exec and the
CLT-122 for the Texas Instruments TM 3000,
the line is expanded to fifteen different battery types.
 
CMC SKU Manufacturer    Model           Retail Price
 
CLT-120 AST             Premium Exec    109.95
CLT-117 Compaq          LTE, LTE286      99.95
CLT-104 Epson           Equity LT        89.95
CLT-119 Magnavox        Metalis286, 386  79.95
CLT-119 Mitsuba         Ninja-286N       79.95
CLT-105 NEC             Multispeed HD    89.95
CLT-106 NEC             Multispeed EL    89.95
CLT-119 Packard-Bell    PB286NB,         79.95
                        PB386SXNB
CLT-122 TI              TM 3000         109.95
CLT-101 Toshiba         T-1000           39.95
CLT-102 Toshiba         T-1100           59.95
CLT-110 Toshiba         T-1100+          69.95
CLT-112 Toshiba         T-1000 LE,SE,XE  69.95
CLT-112 Toshiba         T-1200XE         69.95
CLT-103 Zenith          18192            59.95
CLT-109 Zenith          18392, 18393    129.95
CLT-111 Zenith          18392, 18393    129.95
CLT-108 Zenith          18193            99.95
 
Selling these batteries is an easy way to add lines to your tickets.
To place an order, call CMC at (800) 433-2024 or
FAX them at (800) 821-1959.
 
MN-07-92
ELECTRONIC PARTS
plug 'n power Questions
 
Customer questions about plug 'n power  products can be answered from
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST Monday through Friday by X-10's USA Customer
Service Line:
 
(201) 784-1936
 
MN-07-92
COMMUNICATIONS
Licensing for the BTX-120 Business Band Transceiver
 
Who Needs A License?
 
Before you sell the BTX-120 Business Band Transceiver
(Cat. No. 19-1201), you must tell the
customer that he or she must have an FCC license to legally transmit
using the radio.
The customer does not have to have a license at the
time of sale.
If the customer tells you they do not intend to get
a license, do  not  sell them the product.
 
Of course, if the customer already has a business band license,
they can use the unit as soon as the crystals for their
frequency arrive (or immediately if they are licensed to operate
on the supplied frequency).
There is no temporary license to use
this radio.
 
What Frequency Can The Customer Use?
The BTX-120 comes with a crystal installed to allow it to operate
on 151.625 MHz.
This is assigned by the FCC as an itinerant
frequency.
Refer to "Who Can Use the Itinerant Frequency?" for
more information about operating on the supplied channel.
To determine what frequency the customer can operate on,
have them call NABER (National Association of Business and Educational
Radio) at (800) 759-0300 or SIRSA (Special Industrial Radio
Service Association) at (703) 528-5115,
depending on the type of operation the customer will be doing.
See "Who Should Call NABER?" and "Who
Should Call SIRSA?" later in this article.
Have the customer call before the sale to help
prevent possible refunds.
Tell the customer not to call the FCC.
 
Remember, the unit only operates on the 151 MHz band.
There are other groups of frequencies available for business use,
but this unit will not operate on those other frequencies.
We cannot get the other frequencies, and the unit cannot be modified to use
those frequencies.
Additionally, CTCSS (Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System),
which is a privacy mechanism, will not be available for this unit.
 
The appropriate organization, NABER or SIRSA,
will determine whether the customer is eligible for a license,
and will send him or her a form to fill out.
The customer returns this form with a fee to the organization.
The organization then assigns a frequency.
The customer must then order crystals and also
send the FCC a completed Form 574 (included with the unit).
Part 90, the instruction book for this form
which includes all licensing rules, is available from NABER
for $19.45 plus shipping and handling.
SIRSA and NABER will assist the customer with both
their forms and FCC Form 574.
If everything is properly filled out,
the customer should receive the FCC license in about 8 weeks.
 
See the related article, "Frequency Crystals for BTX-120," located on page 6
of this issue of the Merchandising Newsletter,
for information about ordering the crystals.
 
Can We Demonstrate The Unit?
 
Radio Shack has a license to operate on the supplied frequency
and our stores can demonstrate the units.
Our call sign is WNRR545; transmit this call sign when you complete a demo.
Under no circumstances may a customer operate using this
call sign.
They may not use this call sign to run tests to see if
the unit meets their needs. These units have a range of about 1
mile. You can demo them in the mall or area where your store is
located. If you have only one unit, transmit to a scanner.
Do not use the units for store operations.
Our license is for demonstrations only.
 
Who Can Use The Itinerant Frequency?
 
The BTX-120 comes with 151.625 MHz crystals installed in Channel "A."
This frequency is assigned for itinerant operation,
defined as operation of a radio at unspecified locations for varying periods
of time.
Types of businesses that might qualify are trade show exhibitors,
photographers, and news people who travel to many
locations throughout the country, and construction crews and
others who work in many locations for varying periods of time.
Have the customer call NABER to determine if they can use the
itinerant frequency.
Customers who can operate on the itinerant
frequency do not need to apply through NABER. They send
their completed FCC Form 574 directly to the FCC with the $35
license fee.
 
Who Should Call NABER?
 
Customers who feel they are included in the eligibility listing below should
call NABER.
This information is provided as reference only; NABER should
make any determination of eligibility.
NABER may be contacted at (800) 759-0300.
 
NABER Eligibility
 
Persons primarily engaged
in any of the following activities are eligible to hold authorizations in
the business radio service to operate stations for transmission of
communications necessary to such activities of the licensee:
 
- The operation of a commercial activity
- The operation of educational, philanthropic, or ecclesiastical institutions
- Clergymen activities
- The operation of hospitals, clinics or medical associations
 
NABER Fee
 
NABER's fee is $75; this does not include the FCC fee of $35.
It takes about 3 weeks to get the license through NABER, including FCC time.
Part 90 is also available from NABER.
 
Who Should Call SIRSA?
 
The BTX-120 may also be used in the special industrial services
defined below.
The determination of eligibility for this service is
made by SIRSA, the Special Industrial Radio Service Association.
SIRSA may be contacted by the customer at (703) 528-5115.
 
SIRSA Eligibility
 
Persons regularly
engaged in any of the following activities are eligible to hold
authorizations in the Special Industrial Radio Service to operate radio
stations for the transmission of only those communications essential
to such activities of the licensee.
(Persons engaging in some activities
which are eligible under this paragraph and in some which are not, and
desiring to use radio in connection with both types of activities should
apply for authorization in the Business Radio Service.)
 
- The operation of farms, ranches, or similar land areas, for the
  quantity production of crops or plants; vines or trees (excluding
  forestry operations);
  or for the keeping, grazing or feeding of livestock
  for animal products, animal increase, or value enhancement.
  Persons establishing eligibility under this subparagraph may use their radio
  facilities in connection with the gathering or processing of products
  grown or raised for them by others
 
- Plowing, soil conditioning, seeding, fertilizing, or harvesting for
  agricultural activities
 
- Spraying or dusting of insecticides, herbicides, or fungicides, in
  areas other than enclosed structures
 
- Livestock breeding service
 
- The operation of a commercial business regularly engaged in the
  construction of roads, bridges, sewer systems, pipelines, airfields, or
  water, oil, gas, or power production, collection, or distribution systems.
  Other engineering projects, normally classified as heavy construction
  activities, will be considered on the merits of the showing made; however,
  the construction of buildings is not included in this category
 
- The operation of mines for the recovery of solid fuels, minerals,
  metal, rock, sand and gravel from the earth or sea, including the
  exploration for and development of mining properties
 
- Maintaining, patrolling or repairing gas or liquid transmission
  pipelines, tank cars, water or waste disposal wells, industrial storage
  tanks, or distribution systems of public utilities.  Persons establishing
  eligibility under this subparagraph may use their radio facilities in
  connection with the containment and cleanup of industrial liquid spillage
 
- Acidizing, cementing, logging, perforating, or shooting activities,
  and services of similar nature incident to the drilling of new oil or gas
  wells, or the maintenance of production from established wells
 
- Supplying chemicals, mud, tools, pipe, and other materials or
  equipment unique to the petroleum and gas production industry, as the
  primary activity of the applicant if delivery, installation or
  application of these materials requires the use of specifically fitted
  conveyances
 
- The delivery of ice or fuel to the consumer for heating, lighting,
  refrigeration or power generation purposes, by means other than pipelines
  or railroads when such products are not to be resold following delivery.
  Persons establishing eligibility under this subparagraph may use their
  radio facilities in connection with the servicing of the equipment that
  uses or consumes the products delivered
 
- The delivery and pouring, of ready mixed concrete or hot asphalt mix
 
SIRSA Fee
 
SIRSA's fee is $120; this does not include the FCC fee of $35.
It takes about 2 months to get the license through SIRSA, including FCC time.
Part 90 is also available from SIRSA.
 
MN-07-92
Frequency Crystals for BTX-120
 
Crystals to change the transmission frequency on the 19-1201 BTX-120
Business Band Transceiver are available from Consumer Mail.
The Catalog Numbers for receiving crystals begin with "BBR;"
transmitting crystals begin with "BBT."
Make sure you know which frequency you need (from 151.145 to 151.955)
before ordering.
The crystals are $19.90 a pair and will be received 4 to 6 weeks after
the order is placed.
To place an order, call CMC at (800) 433-2024 or FAX them at (800) 821-1959.
 
These crystals should be ordered only after NABER, SIRSA, or the FCC
has determined that the customer is eligible to use the radio.
See the related story, "Licensing for the BTX-120 Business Band Transceiver,"
on page 4 of this issue of the  Merchandising Newsletter .
 
MN-07-92
Battery Pack for the BTX-120
 
An extra Ni-Cad battery pack (Cat. No. 19-301, $39.95) for the
19-1201 BTX-120 Business Band Transceiver
will soon be available from Consumer Mail.
The battery pack is 8.4 Volts, 600 mAH.
Order the battery pack from CMC  after September 30  by calling
(800) 433-2024 or FAXing (800) 821-1959.
 
Customers can purchase battery packs from other sources at their own risk.
(Using another vendor's battery voids the warranty.)
 
At this time, we have no plans to carry desktop or fast chargers.
 
MN-07-92
Shortwave Reception
 
Programs from all over the world are broadcast on
shortwave radio, also known as world-band radio.
Many channels broadcast 24 hours a day, so customers listening to
shortwave can always pick up something interesting!
 
We have several shortwave receivers available -- from our top-of-the-line
Realistic  DX-390 (Cat. No. 20-214, $239.95)
to the DX-350 (Cat. No. 20-209, $59.95) for budget-minded listeners.
 
Demo Frequencies
 
When demo-ing the unit or suggesting stations to new shortwave customers,
try tuning in to Costa Rica's Radio For Peace International.
It broadcasts 24 hours a day on these frequencies (in KHz):
 
7375, 13630, 15030, 21565
 
England's BBC channel also broadcasts 24 hours a day on these frequencies:
 
5975, 9590, 12095, 15400, 6175, 9640, 15070, 15575, 7325,
9915, 15220, 17640, 9410, 11750, 15260, 17705, 9515
 
Other 24 hour broadcasting stations include
Voice of America, World Service of Christian Science Monitor, and Radio 
Moscow.
 
Reference Sources
 
Many books and magazines about shortwave listening are available through your
local library or newsstand.
Consult sources such as World Radio Handbook, Radio Amateur's Handbook,
Passport to World Band Radio, Monitoring Times, and Popular
Communications.
These publications can help customers learn about the conditions that make
long-distance reception possible and provide up-to-date listings for shortwave
broadcasts in English and foreign languages.
 
MN-07-92
RADIOS
12-241 Weatheradio Adapter Correction
 
Page 4 of the owner's manual for the Crystal-Controlled Weatheradio
(Cat. No. 12-241) stated under "AC Power"
that the user will need an AC adapter
to power the radio from a standard AC outlet.
However, the suggested model (Cat. No. 273-1651) will not fit this radio.
The correct adapter for this product is Cat. No. 273-1431.
The correct adapter will be listed in future printings of the owner's manual.
 
Also, the caution states that the adapter should supply 9 volts.
The adapter should supply 7.5 to 9 volts, so the caution should read:
 
"You must use an adapter that supplies 7.5 to 9 volts . . ."
 
MN-07-92
AUDIO
Tape Recorder Out of Stock
 
The Realistic  Micro-14 Microcassette Tape Recorder (Cat. No. 14-1175) and
Realistic  Micro-16 Microcassette Tape Recorder (Cat. No. 14-1176)
are out of stock in the warehouse.
It will be several months until these recorders are restocked.
 
We will let you know when these recorders become available.
 
MN-07-92
Defective Cables
 
Merchandising sent a memo to all stores
on April 1 (no, it wasn't an April Fool's joke)
instructing you to return all 42-2442 and 42-2474 cables
to the Force Feed Distribution Center by April 30 for full credit.
Our records indicate that some stock remains in the stores.
This could be actual units or incorrect perpetual counts.
 
If you have any remaining merchandise, you must now get rid of it.
It is defective.
Remove it from inventory using the following procedure:
 
- Select "Merchandise Adjustments" from the Stock Menu.
- Select "Adjust."
- Select "Beyond Reasonable Repair."
 
If you no longer have stock but your perpetual still shows a quantity,
remove it from the perpetual using the following procedure:
 
- Select "Merchandise Adjustments" from the Stock Menu.
- Select "Adjust."
- Select "Inventory Count Error."
 
MN-07-92
Wear Your Nametag!
 
Check right now -- are you wearing your nametag?
We take pride in everything we put our name on -- and that includes YOU!
You're part of the winning team -- show your pride in yourself,
your products, and your company!
 
MN-07-92
SECURITY
Ignition Cutoff Module Installation
 
We have seen a high rate of return on ignition cutoff modules
for our Remote Control Alarm Systems (Cat. Nos. 49-796/850/875).
This may be because the modules are not being installed correctly.
Here is some information that may help.
 
The main control module's red wire must always remain hot,
while its blue wire must only be hot when the ignition key is on.
For it to work, these conditions must be met by the blue wire:
 
1. Zero volts with ignition off
2. Twelve volts with engine running
3. Twelve volts in the "crank" the engine position
 
Some points in the fuse block may go dead when the engine is cranked.
If the person installing the system takes power
for the system or any accessories from the fuseblock,
he or she should use a voltmeter or trouble light to
find a place which meets conditions 1, 2, and 3.
Then he should connect or splice the wire at that place.
 
MN-07-92
Auto Security Extras at CMC
 
Consumer Mail stocks these
remotes and pagers for use with auto security systems.
Order these products from CMC by calling
(800) 433-2024 or FAXing (800) 821-1959.
 
     Extra  Used    Retail
CMC No. Product With    Price
 
T49-902 Remote  49-850  19.95
T49-901 Remote  49-796  14.95
T49-920 Pager   49-796  31.95
T49-903 Remote  49-875  21.95
T49-921 Pager   49-875  39.95
 
MN-07-92
ONE MINUTE MERCHANDISER
Happy New Year!
 
Has Papa OMM been sneaking into Calvin's closet to sit a spell in
the time machine?
I could sure use the help today.
It's one of those deadline times when the words aren't exactly flowing,
and I don't have a Hobbes to do my ghost writing.
 
If I had Calvin's cardboard box, it could take me back to last week
when there was some quiet time on Wednesday afternoon.
Or was it Tuesday?
I'd really like to take it back to the 60's to see what
the heck I did that makes it so hard to remember things now.
 
OK -- reality check -- no time machines, and Calvin and Hobbes are just
figments of a clever cartoonist's mind.
But it is time for our fiscal new year,
so let's make it a time to do some meaningful
reflection and personal inventory-taking.
 
I've heard it said, "The person who has one foot in yesterday
and the other in tomorrow is making a mess all over today."
Remember this when thinking about yourself.
It's always a good idea to take stock of yourself
so you know where and what you are,
compared to what you believe you should be.
But don't make a career out of it -- take a good look at your shortcomings
and strengths, then come back to now.
 
Spending too much time in the past or in the future is wasteful and can
even be harmful.
We can't do anything about the past because it's gone forever.
We can prepare ourselves for the future,
but we can't affect future events today.
The very best thing that we can be
doing today is working on today -- it's really all we have.
 
Chuck Sizer
 
MN-07-92
CMC 800 FAX Line
 
The CMC 800 FAX line has been a great success!
Please continue to FAX your orders during peak telephone and sales times.
The CMC FAX line is:
 
(800) 821-1959
 
Here are some pointers to help make this service even better:
 
- Always include your store number when sending
  a FAX.
  Orders without a store or telephone number are impossible to process.
  Remember that your FAX machine can be programmed to print your FAX
  or telephone number and store number on all transmissions.
  This could be a real time- and problem-saver.
 
- If you FAXed an order and have not received your merchandise,
  check your records.
  Did you include your store number and telephone or FAX number?
  You may need to resubmit your order.
 
- Print the part numbers  clearly  on your order sheet.
  FAX transmissions are often not very clear.
 
If you are having problems with an order you're FAXing to CMC,
make sure you are giving us all the information we need to place your order.
And of course, check your CMC catalog
to be sure the item you want comes from CMC.
 
MN-07-92
Add More Lines
Making sure your customers have everything they need isn't
just a good idea -- it's exceptional customer service!
There are obvious add-ons such as batteries, tapes, and head cleaners.
But there can be others, as well.
Continue to qualify throughout the sale.
Ask questions and listen to the answers.
You may discover a hidden need that the customer didn't know we could fulfill,
and add even more lines to your ticket!
 
MN-06-92
Summer, At Last!
 
At last, summer is here!
Kids are out of school and thoughts turn to vacation.
Radio Shack has lots of products geared to warm weather and outdoors.
Your customers will love them!
 
For traveling long distances in the car, a new auto stereo system helps
the miles go faster.
Suggest the affordable model 12-1943 which includes an FM signal enhancer
for the "in-between spaces."
Record favorite compact discs on Radio Shack's best MIV Digital-Ready tape,
and take along the same high-quality sound as you get on your home stereo.
Summer is also a good time to push mobile cellular phones.
Car trouble is never fun, but help can be reached more easily
with a car phone,
especially in remote areas.
 
Suggest that customers add peace of mind to their outings
by packing a travel alarm clock.
The LCD Anywhere Clock (Cat. No. 63-836), which sticks to almost
anything, helps prevent vacationers from missing flights, tours, etc.
 
Now is a good time to remind your customers how special
their vacations are, and that a camcorder will record
the great times to relive again.
The lightweight Memorex  MovieCorder  Model 153 (Cat. No. 16-854)
makes recording easy and fun.
 
While customers are away from home, their valuables are vulnerable to 
burglars.
Show them a Safe House  security system
with accessories to fit their needs.
Whether they're leaving for a long time
or just popping out, remind them to
catch important calls with an answering machine.
The DUoFONE  TAD-412 (Cat. No. 43-399) answering machine
features remote message retrieval for added convenience.
 
For hanging around the house and relaxing,
a cordless phone may be the way to maximize outdoor time
while taking care of business.
Even our budget-priced models provide excellent clarity.
 
Being outdoors anywhere after dark, even the backyard, calls for a flashlight.
From the tiny penlight to the 3-in-1 Fluorescent Search and Warning
Lamp, we sell one for every need.
They are great gift ideas!
 
Of course, kids require extra entertainment for long summer days.
Radio-controlled cars, electronic chess and other games
keep kids playing for hours.
Lots of neat software is available, too, for those who have computers.
Parents feel better about allowing little ones out to explore if they stay
in touch with Archer Space Patrol  Walkie Talkies (Cat. No. 60-4016).
The belt clip feature allows children
to use their hands while ensuring that the unit won't get lost.
 
So get ready for the warm months with great displays and then ENJOY summer
sales!
 
MN-06-92
New Products
 
We have some great new products and accessories hitting your stores for
summer fix-it projects.
 
Circuit Breaker Identifier
 
The Archer  AC Circuit Breaker Identifier (Cat. No. 61-2721, $29.95)
makes it easy and safe
to locate the breakers and fuses that control power
to outlets in a home or office.
The user plugs the transmitter into the outlet,
then passes the receiver component over the door of the distribution box.
It beeps to identify the correct circuit breaker or fuse.
 
The Circuit Breaker Identifier should not replace good electrical practices!
It is only intended to help find out
how the user's home or office is wired.
 
Light Bulb Life Extender
 
The Light Bulb Life Extender (Cat. No. 61-2726, $4.99)
eases the filament-jolting surge of power that occurs
when a light is turned on.
This jolt occasionally causes filaments to explode, ruining the bulb.
 
The Light Bulb Life Extender is the ideal solution for hard to reach lights
because bulb life can be extended by up to 200%
while decreasing energy consumption by up to 10%.
Each package contains two Light Bulb Life Extenders and sells for $4.99.
This product does not work with 3-Way lights.
 
Touch Light Control
 
The new Touch Light Control (Cat. No. 61-2771, $14.95) changes a light's
status
from off to on and then to brighter levels by simply touching the lamp.
It features three levels of light.
To increase sales, set up the Touch Light Control
in your store with the Halogen Desk Lamp (Cat. No. 61-2552)
so customers can experience the fun for themselves.
 
Code Red Flashlight
 
Stores are now stocked with a special purchase of Code Red flashlights
(Cat. No. 61-2550, $15.88).
When you display this light, do not use the included 20-year battery.
If you do, it will begin to lose power.
If this type of battery is never turned on,
it is always fully charged,
so it's excellent to keep for emergencies (in the car, for example).
To demo this light, use a regular battery.
 
Highway Emergency Kit
 
Remember to sell two "D" batteries for the flashlight included in
the new Radio Shack Highway Emergency Kit (Cat. No. 61-2103).
The kits will be arriving in your stores soon.
 
MN-06-92
New CMC Products
Consumer Mail Center has some accessories for replacement
and add-on to
keep your customer's products running well and updated.
To place an order, call CMC at (800) 433-2024 or
FAX them at (800) 821-1959.
 
Blades
 
Replacement blades (T61-2795) for the
Cordless Pencil Sharpener (Cat. No. 61-2795) are in stock.
They come five to a package for $2.49.
 
Garage Door Switch
 
CMC has the T49-570 Garage Door Switch (N.C. or normally closed)
for security systems.
A switch, which mounts to the garage floor, interfaces with a magnet
that mounts to the garage door.
The garage switch is wired to an alarm panel that controls
all of the home's switches.
When the unit's circuit is broken, the alarm sounds.
 
Lead Acid 12V Power Pack
 
For those times when your customer needs a portable DC power supply,
CMC now offers a 12v, 7Ah, lead acid power pack (T16-DV127, $59.95).
Power any portable, such as ham radio, video camcorder, business band radio,
or CB with a DC power cord from the cigarette lighter socket on the battery.
An AC charger is included.
 
MN-06-92
TRAINING
Caring After the Sale
 
Have you ever received a follow-up letter or call from your car dealer
to see how the service was on your maintenance check-up?
Or a card from a local store to see how you're
enjoying the product that you just purchased?
How does it make you feel?
 
I know it makes me feel pretty good.
Good enough to continue going back to these businesses and
good enough to tell other people about the great service
offered by these establishments.
This sign of customer concern is one way
a business keeps growing and succeeding when others fail.
 
Our business at Radio Shack is built on this concept of repeat customers.
In fact, over 70% of our business comes from customers
who return to shop again.
How can you, as store personnel, keep customers coming back?
And how can you increase the number of repeat customers in your store?
 
Well, you need to Care After the Sale.
Caring after the sale means following some simple
rules that will give you an advantage with your customers.
Begin by thanking the customer.
A simple "thank you" goes a long way in making the customer
feel that you do care.
Think how you feel when you buy something and the clerk thanks you,
wishes you a nice day, and even remembers your name.
Make an effort to thank the customer, smiling when you say it,
use their name, and offer your assistance in the future.
 
Whether they buy or not, give each customer
a battery club card and their free battery for the month.
This added touch makes the customer glad they stopped by.
They got something free, and it increases the chance that
they'll stop by each month for their free battery.
When they return, you will have the opportunity to greet them by name
(if you can) and show them something exciting.
 
Are you maintaining a file card on each customer
who makes at least a $50 purchase or who comes in regularly to your store?
Make sure you include a name, address,
and phone number, what was purchased, and any notes you may
have made during the sale.
Include notes about the family --
children's ages, hobbies, etc.
(You get the picture!)
 
Make special notes on the file card,
and call a customer when you know that a particular product
is going on sale that he or she might be interested in
or when a new product has just come in that he or she
will flip over.
 
Send a thank-you note within 24 to 36 hours after the sale.
Make it brief, in your own writing, and include your name and store address,
stating that you appreciate their business and want
to be of continuing service to them.
 
After a week or ten days, call to see how they're doing
and how they're enjoying the product.
Customers will appreciate the extra attention.
 
Taking care of customers after the sale will reward you
with customers who will return again and bring others with them.
 
MN-06-92
AUDIO
PA Systems Line Transformer
 
CMC carries the T32-1033 ($14.95), a 40 watt, 70 volt Line Transformer
which simplifies the installation of multiple-speaker PA systems.
Use this transformer to minimize power loss in the speaker wiring,
especially when installation requires wires running over 50 feet.
It also helps maximize the available amplifier power
and distributes power evenly in the system.
Use one transformer at each speaker location.
 
MN-06-92
Double Up!
 
CMC has extra headphones for the Wireless Headset and Transmitter
(Cat. No. 32-2050).
The transmitter connects to a stereo system or TV, then sends the sound to
the headset or headsets via an infrared monaural signal.
The headset allows the wearer to listen to the sound without bothering others.
 
The extra headphones (Cat. No. T32-2050) are priced at $29.95.
 
MN-06-92
VIDEO
Using Camcorders Abroad
 
We have a few tips for customers planning to use their VHS camcorders
while traveling in Europe.
Recharging the battery pack is no problem
as long as a special America-to-Europe AC plug is used.
You can order this plug from National Parts (Cat. No. JC-0127, $3.60).
 
Playback is also possible, although not on a European TV.
Use the RF converter (modulator) and antenna cable
provided with their camcorder, as well as an F-to-1/8-inch adapter
(Cat. No. 278-257) to connect the camcorder to a portable TV
made for use in the USA, such as our color
LCD TVs (Cat. Nos. 16-162 and 16-163).
 
MN-06-92
Volume Control on the Six-in-One Remote
 
Because of the complexity of the Six-in-One Audio/Video remote
control (Cat. No. 15-1905),
some instructions were intentionally not included in the owner's manual.
 
On some devices, the remote controls have a volume control
(such as a TV, CD, and others under AUX 1 and AUX 2)
while others (VCR, some cable converters, and Plug 'n Power ) do not.
The remote units were shipped with all cable
volume selections in the "off" position
because not all customers wish to use the volume commands for cable
converters at the expense of "Punch Through"
(see description below).
The following command sequence turns the inactive cable volume control
buttons on:
 
A---B---C---9---9---9---
 
(Cable) --- (Volume Up)
 
This sequence, when repeated, toggles the 15-1905 to the opposite on/off
state.
 
"Punch through" refers to a situation where the remote is
set to control a device that does not have a volume control, such as a VCR.
If the previous device controlled was a TV,
and the user wishes to adjust the TV's volume,
the user just increases the volume in the usual manner.
Even though it's set to the VCR, the remote automatically punches
the volume command through to the TV
since the VCR does not have volume capabilities.
 
 
Programming Device Keys on Remote Controls
 
Some customers have complained that the Four-in-One Remote Control
(Cat. No. 15-1904) and Six-in-One Remote Control (Cat. No. 15-1905)
do not react to their commands.
Apparently the remote appears to accept the programming of a device key,
but nothing happens when the key is pressed.
 
Re-initializing the unresponsive device key generally corrects the problem.
Press:
 
A---B---C---9---9---9---
 
(device key) --- (same device key)
 
The same device key must be pressed a second time so the key again
functions for the device for which it is named.
For example, to re-initialize the VCR key, the user presses the first
six keys shown followed by (VCR) --- (VCR).
 
To make a key function as a different device, press:
 
A---B---C---9---9---9---
 
(device key) --- (different device key)
 
The first six keys alert the remote that a command follows.
The next key is the device the user no longer wants to use.
The last key is the device to which the user wishes to reprogram that key.
For example, to program the VCR key to function as the TV key, the user
presses the first six keys shown then (VCR) --g (TV).
 
For complete instructions, refer to the "If you have Problems"
section of the owner's manual (page 65 for the Four-in-One and
page 132 for the Six-in-One).
 
MN-06-92
America Action Repair
 
We know our Repair Centers are good.
America Action, maker of the Action Television (model ACN-3508),
even stated in its owner's manual that the TV could be returned to Radio Shack
stores for repair!
However, we will not repair the Action Television.
If a customer needs one of these products repaired,
please provide this toll-free number,
and America Action will take care of any problems.
 
(800) 982-3389
 
MN-06-92
Five-Hour Power Packs from CMC
 
For your camcorder customers,
Consumer Mail has  five  different models
of 5-hour power pack kits available;
each sells for $69.95.
These are lightweight power supplies (less than 3 lbs)
which can be worn on the hip with the user's belt or the adjustable
belt provided in the kit.
 
Each kit includes a 6V, 6.5Amp Hour lead acid battery,
padded case with belt loop, adjustable belt, camcorder battery module,
and UL approved AC charger.
 
Simply plug the 3 ft. cord from the battery module to the power pack,
slide the battery module into the camcorder in place of the regular
camcorder battery, and you're ready to record for up to five hours!
Recharge the power pack after each use with the AC charger provided in the
kit.
 
Sharp-type Camcorder Power Pack Kit (CCB-6630)
 
This power pack is for Sharp-type camcorders that normally use
BT30 batteries, including Radio Shack Cat. No. 16-827.
 
Sony-type Camcorder Power Pack Kit (CCB-6651)
 
This power pack is for Sony-type camcorders that normally use
NP55, NP77H or 23-184 batteries, including Radio Shack
Cat. Nos. 16-852/853/854/855.
 
Canon 8-type Camcorder Power Pack Kit (CCB-6652)
 
This power pack is for Canon 8-type camcorders that use BPE-77K,
BPE-718, BPE-722 or CCB-1015/ 1015A batteries.
 
RCA and Hitachi 8mm-type Camcorder Power Pack Kit (CCB-6653)
 
This power pack is for RCA and Hitachi 8mm-types using BB060, BB120, VMBP82,
VMBP83 or CCB-1907 batteries.
 
Palmcorder C-format and 8mm-type Camcorder Power Pack Kit (CCB-6654)
 
This power pack is for Palmcorder C-format and 8mm types
using BNV14U, BNV22U, PVBP15, PVBP17 or CCB-1906 batteries.
 
These batteries may be ordered by calling CMC at:
 
(800) 433-2024
FAX (800) 821-1959
 
MN-06-92
Video Surveillance System Reminders
 
The May issue of the Merchandising Newsletter
featured an article on the ready-to-use Safe House  Model VSS-100
Video Surveillance System (Cat. No. 49-2500).
Accessories for this home or office security system
are currently stocked in CMC.
 
Order the VCR/Monitor Cables (T49-2510, $7.95)
and the optional 100-foot extension
cables with couplers (T49-2520, $39.95)
from CMC by calling (800) 433-2024.
 
Remember to use only one monitor per camera.
If more than one "viewing" device is required,
use a VCR output cable to distribute the signal to regular TV sets.
 
MN-06-92
COMPUTERS
Toner Capacity for PPC-750 Personal Copier
 
Page 8 of the owner's manual for the PPC-750 Personal Copier (Cat. No. 63-686)
indicates that each toner cartridge is good for 2,500 copies.
This number is too high, according to tests
made recently by a leading consumer products testing magazine.
The average number of copies
from a toner cartridge is closer to 1,000.
 
The number of copies yielded per toner cartridge will vary,
depending upon the relative amount of toner needed per page.
A page with lots of graphics will require more toner than a text page,
and will use toner faster than a page with text only.
 
We suspect that a large number of copiers are being returned for repair
because the customer expects the toner cartridge to deliver
far more copies than it is capable of.
We're investigating why there is such a disparity
between initial testing and what we are finding now.
We may make a change in the owner's manual, but
until we do, be certain to advise customers that the 2,500 number
is too high.
 
MN-06-92
COMMUNICATIONS
HTX-202 Errors Defined
 
There is some confusion about the error codes on the
Realistic  HTX-202 2-Meter Transceiver (Cat. No. 19-1120).
Error codes ER1 and ER2 appear when the radio experiences a problem.
 
ER1 indicates an internal RAM error.
It appears when the memory backup battery is dead, when something
has caused the memory contents to become corrupt,
or as a result of physical or static electric shock.
To clear this error, turn off the unit.
Then turn it back on while holding down the "function" and "D" buttons.
This clears the memory.
 
If the error returns after you clear the memory,
send the unit to a Repair Center.
 
ER2 indicates a PLL unlock.
The radio gives this error if the PLL alignment is off
or if the transmitted signal interferes with the internal PLL frequency.
This error has been reported most frequently when using the
supplied "rubber ducky" antenna with either a high-power
battery pack or with an external DC source.
 
ER2 can usually be avoided by using an external antenna,
such as our 2-Meter Magnetic-Mount antenna (Cat. No. 19-210),
when using external DC power.
 
If the problem persists, send the transceiver
to a Repair Center.
 
MN-06-92
Carrying Pouch for the HTX-202
 
CMC now carries a leather-like Soft Case (Cat. No. T19-1120, $9.95)
which holds the 2-Meter Handheld Transceiver (Cat. No. 19-1120).
Clear vinyl windows allow full use of the unit
while offering protection from the elements.
The hand strap and belt clip remain outside the case.
 
MN-06-92
ELECTRONIC PARTS
Fuse Holder Mislabeled
 
Page 8 of the May Merchandising Newsletter incorrectly stated that
the Glass Fuse 10-Pak (Cat. No. 270-1262) was mislabeled.
Actually, it is the Fuse Holder (Cat. No. 270-367) which is mislabeled.
The 270-1262 is labeled correctly.
 
The Fuse Holder is "UL Recognized,"
not "UL Listed," as reported.
("UL Listed" refers to a working product;
"UL Recognized" refers to a component of a working product.)
Please make a note of this correction.
 
MN-06-92
Homeminder Repair
 
If a customer brings a Homeminder (Cat. No. 61-2673) to your store for repair,
check it out first.
It may just need internal fuses replaced or the codes set correctly.
If it really needs repair,
send the unit to:
 
TCS 40-0804
7435 Airport Freeway
Fort Worth, TX 76118
Attn: Greg Portwood
 
For any questions you or your customers might have about
our plug 'n power  security systems (special applications,
expanding the system, trouble shooting, etc.),
call X-10's USA Customer Service Line at (201) 784-1936
Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm EST.
 
MN-06-92
More Sound in Stores!
 
Most Radio Shack stores are long and narrow, with the stereo sound
concentrated at the front of the store.
Why not put additional speakers near the back of stores
to even out the sound?
Customers will linger longer in your store, thus
increasing the chances of their making more purchases!
The tempo of the music also affects the people
working within the store.
So remember to keep the tunes you play up-beat and lively.
 
MN-06-92
Hook-Up for the 49-475 Burglar and Fire Alarm Control Center
 
There is some confusion regarding in-store hook-up of the new 49-475
Burglar and Fire Alarm Control Center.
With the update from the 49-470 to the 49-475,
the terminal equivalents for connecting alarm components
into the control panel changed.
This table lists the old terminal numbers from the 49-470
and the new ones for the 49-475.
 
Alarm Component Terminal Equivalents
 
    49-470                                    49-475
 
1   Zone 1  NO                            1   Zone 1  NO
2   Zone 1  NC                            2   Zone 1  NC
3   Zones 1 & 2 Common                    3   Zone 1  Common
4   Zone 2  NC                            5   Zone 2  NC
5   Zone 2  NO                            4   Zone 2  NO
                                          6   Zone 2  Common
                                          7   Zone 3  NO
6   Zone 3  NC                            8   Zone 3  NC
7   Zones 3 & 4 Common                    9   Zone 3  Common
8   Zone 4  NC                            10  Zone 4  NC
9   Panic   Common                        11  Panic   Common
10  Panic   NO                            12  Panic   NO
11  Key switch  -                         13  Key switch  -
12  Key switch  +                         16  Key switch  +
13  Main Arm LED    -                     14  Arm LED
14  Main Loop LED   -                     15  Status LED
15  Loop 1  -
16  Loop 2  -
17  Loop 3  -
18  Loop 4  -
19  Common  +
20  Prealarm    +                         34  Prealarm    +
21  Prealarm    -                         35  Prealarm    -
22  ACC Power   +                         22  ACC Power   +
23  ACC Power   -                         21  ACC Power   -
24  Burglar Relay   NO                    29  Burglar Dialer  NO
25  Burg & Fire Relay   Common            28  Burglar Dialer  NO
25  Burg & Fire Relay   Common            27  Fire Dialer NO
26  Fire Relay  NO                        26  Fire Dialer NO
27  Sys. Smoke Det. #1  NO                33  GND Sys. Smoke Det. #1
28  Sys. Smoke Det. #3  NO                32  Sys. Smoke Det. #3  NO
29  Sys. Smoke Det. #4  +                 30  Sys. Smoke Det. #4  +
30  Sys. Smoke Det. #5  - & Batt. Input   31  Smoke Det. #5   -
33  Burg Alarm  +                         25  Burg Alarm
34  GND -                                 24  GND
35  Fire Alarm  +                         23  Fire Alarm
36  Batt. Input +                         19  Batt. Input +
30  Batt. Input -                         20  Batt. Input -
37  AC Input                              17  AC Input
38  AC Input                              18  AC Input
 
MN-06-92
ONE MINUTE MERCHANDISER
 
Do Unto Others. . .
 
One evening, not too long ago, I had occasion to drop into the
neighborhood "big name" drug store to buy a small item.
The place was rather quiet and after I found what I needed,
I went over to the check-out.
The cashier was busy at the front door cleaning the glass.
 
She looked toward me as I placed my purchase on the counter.
"May I help you?" she asked half-heartedly.
"Yes." I replied.
"May I help you?" she asked again,
as she continued to clean the fingerprints from the glass door.
Once again, I replied, "Yes."
 
Realizing that I had entered the Twilight Zone of the "retail
conversation loop,"
and not wanting to stand at the check-out all night,
I broke down and made the first move.
"I'd like to pay for this," I added,
holding up my stuff so she could see it.
"Oh," she mumbled as she took a few more lazy swipes
at the glass then walked slowly in my direction.
 
You probably know what I was thinking. . . something like
"Why the heck do you think I'm waiting here at the cash register,
you silly person," (or words to that effect).
 
Once behind the sanctity of the counter she gave me that most famous
of all great add-on pitches. . . "ISZATIT?"
"THATTLDOIT," I replied, and off I went.
 
As you can tell, I've been thinking about that experience since it happened.
I wondered how many times I may have turned a customer off by my laziness,
lack of enthusiasm, inattention, or just plain disinterest.
How often did I let some menial task interfere with the most important
part of the job -- taking care of my customers and
selling them everything they could possibly need and want?
 
Did I show that I cared about my customers' concerns by
looking them in the eye and nodding my head as I listened quietly to
what they tried to explain to me?
Did I always try to solve their difficulty first,
before I attempted to sell them something else?
 
Did I extend every human dignity and act with common courtesy toward
every person who walked in my store,
or did I prejudge my customers and only give VIP treatment to a select few?
 
I can't honestly say that I can answer my own questions
the way I would like to.
I wasn't perfect, nobody is.
But if we are occasionally reminded of how we would like to be treated,
we will know how to treat our own customers.
 
Chuck Sizer
 
MN-06-92
Balloon Security
 
Richard Carlton, Store Manager of 01-1129 in Somerville, MA,
has stumbled on an effective and decorative security booster.
To bring some seasonal spirit into his store in February,
he attached heart-shaped helium balloons to blockbuster products.
 
Soon a young man attempted to steal one of the "ballooned" items
by cutting through the attached security cord.
But he was dragging along a bright red
indicator of his crime.
Richard notes, "Even if [the thief] were to cut the balloon cord,
we at the counter would have seen the balloon sail to the ceiling."
 
The store's solution:
Purchase lots of these "security devices"
at a quantity discount -- they last two weeks.
 
MN-06-92
Thank you!
 
Thank you for contributing articles and ideas
to the Merchandising Newsletter.
We get some great input from those
of you in the field.
If you know of anything that others would be interested in,
such as new ways to demo a product
or an unusual use for the product, speed mail your suggestion
to the Merchandising Newsletter editor.
Remember that the Merchandising Newsletter is an instrument
to help you;
it's your publication.
 
If you have suggestions for new products
or a problem with a product,
contact the proper buyer.
Many of the buyer's responsibilities have changed recently,
and they are still receiving misdirected mail.
Refer to the "Who Buys What" list on the back page
of the April Merchandising Newsletter
to see to whom to write.
 
MN-05-92
ONE MINUTE MERCHANDISER
Three years ago I ran the following piece by Robert Fulghum
because I had something to say and couldn't put the words together by myself.
Recently, I have received requests for it
so I thought it must be time to run it again ...
 
All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten
 
All I really need to know about how to live and what to do
and how to be I learned in kindergarten.
Wisdom was not at the top of the graduate-school mountain,
but there in the sandpile at Sunday School.
These are the things I learned:
 
Share everything.
Play fair.
Don't hit people.
Put things back where you found them.
Clean up your own mess.
Don't take things that aren't yours.
Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.
Wash your hands before you eat.
Flush.
Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
Live a balanced life -- learn some and think some and draw
and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.
 
Take a nap every afternoon.
 
When you go out into the world, watch out for traffic,
hold hands, and stick together.
 
Be aware of wonder.
Remember the little seed in the Styrofoam cup:
The roots go down and the plant goes up
and nobody really knows how or why,
but we are all like that.
 
Goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even the little seed
in the Styrofoam cup -- they all die.
So do we.
 
And then remember the Dick-and-Jane books
and the first word you learned --
the biggest word of all --
LOOK.
 
Everything you need to know is in there somewhere.
The Golden Rule and love and basic sanitation.
Ecology and politics and equality and sane living.
 
Take any one of those items and extrapolate it
into sophisticated adult terms and apply it to your family life
or your work or your government or your world
and it holds true and clear and firm.
Think what a better world it would be if we all --
the whole world --
had cookies and milk about three o'clock every afternoon
and then lay down with our blankies for a nap.
Or if all governments had as a basic policy to always put things
back where they found them
and to clean up their own mess.
 
And it is still true, no matter how old you are --
when you go out into the world,
it is best to hold hands and stick together.
 
The author speaks to the child in each of us,
and we understand by feeling rather than thinking.
Hold on to that feeling when you deal with your customers
and all the other people in your life,
and you will find that they come back to you again and again
with friendship and trust.
 
Isn't that what you really want,
and isn't that what will help you be a success in business
and in the business of life?
I think so!
 
Chuck Sizer
 
From ALL I REALLY NEED TO KNOW I LEARNED IN KINDERGARTEN
by Robert Fulghum.
Copyright   1986, 1988 by Robert Fulghum.
Reprinted by permission of Random House, Inc.
 
MN-05-92
AUTO SOUND
Improved Packaging for Subwoofer Tube
 
Good news! The packaging has been strengthened
on the new Realistic  Amplified Subwoofer tube (Cat. No. 12-1718).
 
This tube sits on plastic "feet" behind the seat,
in the hatchback, or in the trunk.
We have heard that some "feet" are broken in shipping,
so the packaging has been re-designed to alleviate the problem.
 
Show this subwoofer tube to all your car stereo customers
who are looking for that extra deep bass punch.
 
MN-05-92
STORE REPLENISHMENT
How Orders Support Flyers
 
Our ad order system is very complex and we continue to improve it.
Here are a few points about ad orders
that might be useful for you to know.
 
Most flyers are now covered with three orders.
To understand this,
let's review the calendar for a typical flyer event.
It begins on a Thursday with sale pricing
and three days of "triple dip" in which sale prices
are in effect for both the new and the last flyer.
 
On or about the following Wednesday,
our customers actually receive the flyer,
thus making our second Saturday the best sales day of the flyer period.
 
The flyer continues in effect for two more weeks,
finishing up in another "triple dip" period
when sale pricing begins for the next flyer.
 
With this calendar in mind,
you can now understand the three orders we place for a flyer:
 
1. The first order is placed two to three weeks prior
   to the start date for sale pricing.
   This order covers what we expect to sell
   in the first two weeks of the flyer period.
   This order has a reference number that begins with "R1"
   and should arrive in stores two to seven days prior
   to the start of sale pricing.
 
2. An interim replenishment order is placed for all stores
   on the first Monday following the "triple dip" days.
   With this order we replace merchandise that was sold
   in the first days of sale pricing.
   This order has a reference number which begins with "R3"
   and is shipped on each store's next cycle date.
 
3. On the second Sunday of a flyer we re-estimate sales
   for the flyer by store and SKU,
   and place orders for the balance of your needs.
   This order is generally small and has a reference number
   that begins with "R2."
   It is expected to arrive in stores by the next Friday.
 
(The first part of the reference number [R1, R2 and R3]
is unrelated to the order in which the flyer replenishment orders are placed.)
 
Watch for the SOS memo after our final order for each flyer.
Sometimes we do not order merchandise
because of general store excesses or if the warehouse is out of stock.
This memo will advise you about specific items.
 
We have heard that some stores have received the final flyer order late --
two or three days prior to the end of a flyer period.
If you receive an order late and can document it with an invoice
which has an "R2" order reference number on it,
please advise us immediately by speed mail.
This information could be valuable
not only for correcting your store's problem,
but for improving the timeliness of shipments to stores in a whole area.
 
When you receive your green flyer line-up listing
of all the items in a coming Flyer event,
immediately check your counts on these items.
Stores are often incorrectly replenished for flyer events
because of inaccurate perpetual counts.
If you correct a count prior to an event,
your replenishment will be adjusted on your next regular cycle order date,
even if that date is the next day.
 
If the warehouse is out of stock on an item
when the first flyer order is placed,
the system will continue to try to order your ad coverage
with each cycle order until the event begins;
therefore, it is not necessary to use an Exception Stock Order to do this.
 
Antenna Promo Replenishment
 
We will continue to cover major antenna promotions
with special advance orders.
We placed the orders for the February-March flyer in the first week of 
December
and soon we will be placing orders for the fall event.
Stores that are not normally refilled for outdoor antennas
(with 0 model quantities) will not be covered on these orders.
If you feel our records on whether to order antennas
for your store may be incorrect,
check with your district manager.
 
MN-05-92
Warranties Void Overseas
 
Just a reminder that Radio Shack warranties are void when the product
is permanently taken outside the U.S.
InterTan may service some products,
but there is no guarantee.
 
For example, if someone visiting from France
buys a tape recorder here in the United States,
be sure he knows the Radio Shack warranty cannot be honored in France,
and that he may not be able to get it serviced there.
He will also be unable to purchase a service warranty there for this product.
He needs to check it out thoroughly before he takes it back with him.
 
Any service needed on the product can only be done in the United States.
 
MN-05-92
AUDIO
Our Mike is Very Popular!
 
The 170 MHz Pro Microphone System (Cat. No. 32-1224) is a smashing success!
(We recently spotted George Carlin using this system.)
Show your customers this terrific mike at the incredible price of $129.95.
 
Because of its popularity, however,
we are having difficulty keeping sufficient quantities in stock.
Some should always be available, and we are working
to get more in the warehouse as quickly as possible.
Thanks for your patience.
 
MN-05-92
Need New Pads for the Portable CD Auto Mounting Bracket?
 
Some of our customers are requesting replacement rubber shock pads
for the portable CD player auto mounting bracket (Cat. No. 42-3050).
These pads are called "nav-com vibration suppressor boots,"
and the material was originally developed for
cushioning instruments in aircraft.
 
You may order these replacement pads from National Parts at (800) 433-5543,
part no. F-0340.
 
MN-05-92
GIFTS
A Father's Day Grand Slam!
 
Father's Day is coming up -- June 21st!
Once again, Radio Shack has the perfect gift for Dad.
The new Big League Baseball electronic encyclopedia
(Cat. No. 63-699, $99.95)
from Franklin Electronic Publishers, Inc.
is a palm-sized encyclopedia which weighs only 5 ounces.
 
"This is the greatest invention of all time."
according to Steve Wulf,
veteran baseball writer with Sports Illustrated.
Sports Illustrated writer Albert Kim reports,
"The Franklin computer's data base contains 620,000 batting stats,
270,000 pitching stats and biographical information
on every major leaguer in history."
(Sports Illustrated issue 04/13/92, Vol. 76, No. 14.)
 
Learn how to use this powerhouse of information
so you can show it to all your customers.
Fathers everywhere will thank you!
 
MN-05-92
VIDEO
MovieCorder Model 127 Accessories at CMC
 
Don't forget about all the great accessories available
for the MovieCorder  Model 127 (Cat. No. 16-827) at Consumer Mail:
 
MovieCorder Model 127 Battery (T16-BT30, $44.95)
 
The battery for MovieCorder Model 127 is back in stock at CMC
and at a new low price of $44.95!
We recently experienced a shortage, but plenty are available now.
This popular camcorder battery (6v, 3200mAh)
is sure to be a hot item during the graduation and vacation season ahead.
 
Pause Remote Control (T16-20ME, $19.95)
 
This control allows you to operate the camcorder
from up to 15 feet away.
 
New! Step Ring (T16-4346, $4.95)
 
This step ring converts 43mm lens to 46mm to accommodate 46mm accessories.
 
New! Lens Filter Kit (T16-43MM, $29.95)
 
This filter kit contains 3 lenses:
 
- ND6x4 -- Use outdoors or in bright light to prevent video washout.
- UV Haze -- Use as a lens protector and morning haze reducer.
- FD -- Use indoors to correct the blue-green tinge
  caused by fluorescent lighting.
 
3200mAh Battery (T16-BT30, $44.95)
 
6 volt lead acid battery.
 
Extended-Life Ni-Cad Battery Pack (T16-DV124, $89.95)
 
The 4500mAh DC battery pack
has a cigarette lighter socket and requires the appropriate DC adapter cord
from the camera to the battery.
It includes a carry strap and 110v AC charger.
 
DC Adapter/Charger (T16-VRU30, $79.95)
 
This unit charges the battery and,
when used with the auxiliary power cord (supplied with the camcorder),
powers the camcorder from a vehicle battery.
Use only in vehicles with 12-volt negative ground electrical systems.
 
Order these products from CMC by phone at (800) 433-2024
or FAX them to (800) 821-1959.
 
MN-05-92
New! Video Surveillance System
 
The Safe House  Model VSS-100 Video Surveillance System
(Cat. No. 49-2500, $299.95)
is an important and affordable addition
to any home or business security system.
 
[picture here]
 
This complete, ready-to-use system,
which includes a high-resolution video camera,
9-inch B&W video monitor and adjustable camera mounting bracket,
makes it easy to monitor activities in remote locations.
The system delivers a high-quality video picture
even in low-light situations.
A built-in, high-sensitivity microphone makes it ideal
for monitoring a child's indoor or outdoor play area or a baby's nursery.
The system is for indoor use only.
 
The adjustable mounting bracket allows the camera
to be positioned at the best viewing angle for the area to be observed.
 
The system comes with a 60-foot plug-in connecting cable for easy hookup.
Up to three optional 100-foot extension cables may be added,
allowing a distance of up to 360 feet between camera and monitor.
The VSS-100 monitor has a VCR output
so activities may be videotaped for later viewing.
 
Optional 100-foot extension cables with couplers (T49-2520, $39.95)
and VCR/Monitor Cables (T49-2510, $7.95)
are available through the Consumer Mail Center at (800) 433-2024.
 
MN-05-92
Manual Corrections for Preprogrammed 4-in-1 Remote
 
There are some code errors in the manual for the Preprogrammed 4-in-1 Remote
(Cat. No. 15-1904A).
 
Some codes are listed in the owner's manual that are not in the unit:
 
- TV -- 048, 060, 080, 145 (Code 039 replaced Code 048)
 
- VCR -- 017, 018, 020, 052, 055, 072
 
- Cable -- 010, 039, 084, 207 (Code 000 replaced Code 084)
 
One code is in the unit but is not listed in the owner's manual:
 
- Laser Disk -- VCR 203 (Code for the 16-302)
 
These errors should be corrected in the next version of the manual.
 
MN-05-92
Satellite Support Numbers
 
The March 1992 issue of the Merchandising Newsletter
provides complete details for ordering and installing
the Memorex  Satellite System.
Here is a short list of the phone numbers for satellite support:
 
Product Questions
 
Radio Shack Satellite Hotline
 
- Store use only (800) 321-6680
- Customer use * (817) 878-6890
* This is the customer service number for satellite, FAX and cellular support.
 
Programming or Decoder Questions
 
- Satellite Source (800) 477-1234
 
Installation
 
- Digitron (800) 238-8876
  in California (800) 258-8876
 
For Additional Information
 
- Digitron (818) 882-8876
- Radio Shack (817) 878-6890
 
MN-05-92
Clarification to Manual for New 20" Stereo TV
 
There is a minor error on pages 11 and 12 in the owner's manual
for the new 20" Stereo TV (Cat. No. 16-254).
Under "Setting the Automatic-On Timer and Channel,"
the manual says to set the hours, minutes, and channel,
then power the TV off with the remote control.
 
It will not work correctly unless the OSD (on-screen display)
disappears before the TV is powered off.
This can be done by waiting for the OSD to time-out
or by pressing the display button on the remote.
 
The manual will be corrected in future shipments.
 
MN-05-92
TELEPHONES
Cellular Battery Rapid Charger/Discharger
 
Consumer Mail has a new Rapid Charger/Discharger for cellular batteries.
CMC part no. T17-611 ($49.95) is used with the 17-604 cellular battery pack.
By completely discharging the battery before recharging,
you can help prevent Ni-Cad memory build-up
and allow the battery to charge to full capacity.
This charger can help revitalize a battery pack
which already has a memory build-up.
 
The 17-604 battery works with the CT-300 (Cat. No. 17-2001)
and the CT-301 (Cat. No. 17-1050) cellular telephones.
 
MN-05-92
FAX Switch in Short Supply
 
Our DUoFONE  AFX-150 FAX Switch
(Cat. No. 43-1240) is so popular that
we're having a hard time keeping it in stock at the warehouse!
We hope to always have some available,
and expect to be fully stocked in June or July.
 
Our customers appreciate this switch,
which allows them to use one phone line for both voice and FAX calls.
 
MN-05-92
Handsets Available Only as Parts
 
We stock the handset pieces for 43 series telephones,
but not whole handsets.
 
First try to determine if your customer needs a new handset.
Often, only a part needs to be replaced rather than the whole handset.
A handset consists of top plastic, bottom plastic,
cabinet screws, receiver, mike, internal wiring, and
receiver and mike holders.
 
You must order the various parts of the handset and put them together
if you need a complete unit.
 
MN-05-92
Recording Controls: 3 or 6 Volts?
 
A Recording Control plugs into your phone line
and also the remote and auxiliary input jacks on a tape recorder,
allowing the recorder to automatically record your calls.
 
The 43-228 and 43-236 recording controls will not work
with cassette recorders that operate on 3 volts
(2 "AA" or "AAA" batteries).
These controls use power from the recorder to operate,
causing the recorder to run too slow in the record mode.
When the tapes are played back, voices sound like chipmunks!
 
With 3 volt recorders, use our new 43-263 recording control
which has its own power source.
 
The 43-228 and 43-236 controls can be used with the
14-1053/1058/1150/1151 tape recorders since they operate from 6 volts.
 
If your recorder is voice actuated,
the controller will stop recording if your call is placed on hold.
If you don't have a voice actuated tape recorder,
you can use the 43-263 control, which is voice actuated.
 
MN-05-92
RADIOS
Press Release
Realistic 2-Channel Business Band Transceiver Now Available at Radio Shack
 
Fort Worth, Texas (April 6, 1992) --
Radio Shack is now offering its first
two-way business radio service transceiver,
the Realistic  BTX-120.
The 2-channel, VHF-FM hand-held unit is designed specifically for business use
and is ideal for construction sites, factories, warehouses, school campuses,
hospitals and entertainment complexes -- wherever dependable,
short-range business communication is needed.
 
This compact, lightweight radio (less than 15 oz.) comes ready to operate
on the 151.625 MHz business channel.
Optional plug-in crystals permit operation on a second channel, if desired.
A built-in circuit automatically adjusts for a wide variety of voice levels
to ensure clear and understandable transmissions.
The adjustable squelch control eliminates background noise
between transmissions.
 
The Realistic BTX-120 operates at 1-watt power with an effective range
of up to one mile.
A three-way indicator lights when transmitting,
receiving or when battery power is low.
 
The unit comes with a removable and rechargeable nickel-cadmium battery pack
and UL-listed AC charger.
A 150mm detachable antenna, belt clip and vinyl carrying case
are also supplied.
 
A Federal Communications Commission license is required to operate the 
BTX-120.
An application form is included with the owner's manual.
 
 
The Realistic BTX-120 2-Channel VHF-FM Portable Business Band Transceiver
(Cat. No. 19-1201) sells for $149.95 at nearly 7,000 Radio Shack stores
and participating dealers nationwide.
 
A speaker microphone (Cat. No. 19-310, $17.95) and clip-on speaker
(Cat. No. 20-009, $9.95) work with the BTX-120.
Crystals will be available from CMC by special order.
Stay tuned to the  Merchandising Newsletter  for more information
about accessories for this product.
 
Radio Shack has a corporate license WNRR545 which you can use
to demo the unit.
This number can be used only for short time periods
for product demonstrations.
This corporate license cannot be used for any other purpose,
and any misuse of this license will result in disciplinary action.
 
MN-05-92
13-Series Racks Not Available Separately
 
The 13-series music system racks are not available separately.
The system is sold as a unit, and we do not stock extra racks.
 
If a damaged system is shipped to your store from the warehouse,
write an SAR (Stock Adjustment Report) to the warehouse
to see if they can replace the broken item.
 
If a customer comes into your store and wants to replace a broken piece,
you must satisfy him as best you can.
We do not carry spare parts for this system!
If you break apart a store stock unit to satisfy the customer,
you must sell the leftover parts as separate items.
It is no longer a unit.
 
MN-05-92
Can You Modify the HTX-202? April Fool!
 
On April 1st, a message was posted on a national bulletin board system
describing how to modify the HTX-202 to:
 
- Open up the receive frequencies to 118-227 MHz
- Open up the transmit frequencies to 140-159.995 MHz
- Enhance the LCD backlighting
- Add 16 more memories
 
The message was intended as a joke, and had an April Fool! note
at the end.
However, it was modified and posted on several other systems
without the April Fool message.
It is unlikely for someone to actually do these modifications,
since most of the components referred to do not exist in the product.
But we've been receiving some questions,
so we're passing this information on to you.
 
We've said it before, and we'll surely say it again:
There are no modifications available for the HTX-202!
We intentionally designed the transmit and receive sections
to be as tight as possible to reduce the annoying interference
that most handheld ham radios receive.
So, if one of your customers asks,
let 'em know the real scoop.
 
MN-05-92
ELECTRONIC PARTS
Accessories from CMC
 
Game-Pak Batteries
 
A completely new line of batteries has been added at Consumer Mail:
Game-pack batteries (CGP) for those customers
asking for a power pack
for Nintendo Game Boy or Sega Game Gear.
These two are lightweight, Ni-cad batteries that clip on a belt
and can be charged while playing.
 
Game-Pack for Nintendo Game Boy (CGP-G014, $34.95)
 
This 6v-700mAh game-pack is a Nintendo Game Boy compatible,
rechargeable power pack.
The battery plays up to 13 hours,
and requires an 8 hour charging time.
 
Game-Pack for Sega Game Gear (CGP-G011, $59.95)
 
This 9v-1000mAh game-pack is a Sega Game Gear compatible,
rechargeable power pack.
The battery plays up to 13 hours,
and requires a 12 hour charging time.
 
Lithium Batteries Available
 
Two new lithium batteries, AA and 9v, are now available at CMC.
These popular sizes can give extra-long dependability
to pagers, beepers, security systems, smoke alarms,
garage door openers, photo flashes, tape players and more.
Suggest them for hard to reach items like wall clocks.
 
1.5v AA Lithium Battery (CLB-L91BP-2, $7.99/2 pack)
 
The 1.5v AA lithium is lighter than other AA batteries,
and performs in extreme temperatures.
 
9-Volt Lithium Battery (CLB-U9VL, $12.95)
 
This 9-volt lithium supplies twice the operating time
and shelf-life of premium alkaline cells.
 
Halogen Search Light Replacement Bulb
 
Need a replacement bulb for the Halogen Search Light (61-2505)?
Call CMC.
The T272-100, 125v-100 watt replacement bulb is a real value at $6.95.
 
All of these products can be ordered from CMC at (800) 433-2024,
or FAX your order to (800) 821-1959.
 
MN-05-92
New Alarm Control Center
 
The 49-470 Burglar and Fire Alarm Control Center has been updated!
The new product is Cat. No. 49-475 and sells for only $149.95.
 
The main difference is that the 49-475 has the terminal strips
on the sides of the box.
This makes it much easier to hook up than the 49-470,
where the strips were in two rows across the bottom.
 
MN-05-92
Packaging Correction on Glass Fuse 10-Pak
 
The packaging for the Glass Fuse 10-Pak (Cat. No. 270-1262)
labels it as "UL Listed."
This is incorrect -- this product is "UL Recognized."
("UL Listed" refers to a working product;
"UL Recognized" refers to a component of a working product.)
Please make a note of this for yourselves and your customers.
 
MN-05-92
Plug 'n Power Questions
 
Customer questions about Plug 'n Power  products can be answered
from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST Monday through Friday
by X-10's USA Customer Service Line:
 
(201) 784-9700
 
MN-05-92
Remember "3 or More"
 
Be sure to take advantage of the "Buy 3 or More of the Same
Catalog Number" promotion.
This new quantity discount program should be a real winner.
Just remember these simple basics:
 
- All "Audio" Supertape is included.
  (Refer to catalog page 104 for catalog numbers.)
 
- The six Enercell Super Alkalines (23-550/551/552/553/555 and 23-023)
  are included.
 
- The quantity discount of "10% Off 3 or More of the Same Catalog Number"
  means just that...
  the customer  cannot  mix "C's" and "D's" or Type "I's" and
  Type "IV's" or "60's" and "90's."
 
To qualify, the customer must purchase 3 or more of the same catalog
number (example:  3 of 44-960 or 3 packages of 23-552.)
The signs are very clear and there should not be any confusion.
 
- The discount is off the regular selling price.
  If we run a promotion,
  the customer benefits from the lower promotional price,
  but they do not get a second discount.
  (This is consistent with our normal quantity discount policy
  spelled out on page 96 of the catalog.)
 
This promotion has been so successful that we have a battery shortage!
All types of batteries are in short supply at the warehouse,
but we're working to get more available as soon as possible.
 
This program can increase your average dollar per ticket
if you suggest "3 or More" to every customer.
Try It!
 
MN-04-92
Merchandising Prepares for the 21st Century
 
The Radio Shack Merchandising Department has been reorganized
to improve its efficiency, effectiveness, and growth.
Four buying "teams" have been created within the department,
each consisting of a Merchandise Manager and Buyers.
These groups will be able to react quickly to the changing market
and make adjustments as necessary to meet company goals.
The groups are structured as follows:
 
Personal Electronics, Seasonal Products and Parts Group.
Merchandise Manager: Gordon Dixon.
Buyers: Dick Hedrick, Leon Lutz and Dave Wolf.
This group is responsible for all personal electronics (63- and 65-series),
parts (27-series), home security, Plug 'n Power ,
electrical devices, books,
tools and hardware, batteries, science fair,
toys and other seasonal products.
 
Communication and Automotive Group.
Merchandise Manager: Joel Guskin.
Buyers: Bob Katz and Tom Harris.
This group handles all auto sound, radar detectors and security devices,
telephones, FAX machines and telephone accessories,
scanners, CBs, walkie-talkies, ham/marine and short-wave equipment.
 
Audio/Video Group.
Merchandise Manager: To Be Announced.
Buyers: Michael Latham and David Shoemaker.
This group manages all television, VCR, camcorder, satellite and video
accessories, all component audio (tape decks, receivers, CDs, and speakers),
music systems, portable radios, Stereo Mates, boom boxes, tape recorders,
headphones and audio accessories.
 
Computer Group.
Merchandise Manager: Bob MacQuigg.
Buyers: Mark Clauder, Joel Cohen, Jef Fike, Ann Kennemer, Colin Meyer,
and Kate Titsworth.
This group handles all computer hardware, software, peripherals
and computer accessories.
 
Each Merchandising Group is responsible for market analysis,
product line development,
sales/inventory planning, tracking and control, 
order placement and follow-up, and the overall communication
of product information to the stores.
The merchandise managers will coordinate the development
of the business plans that will produce the results
necessary to keep Radio Shack America's #1 electronic retailer
throughout the 90's and into the 21st century.
 
Bob Miller, Vice President of Merchandising,
and Rick Borinstein, Merchandising Director,
announced these changes as a significant step
in the way Radio Shack conducts business.
In today's increasingly competitive business environment,
these changes provide the method by which
the merchandising department can be more responsive
to market changes in order to provide the products
and marketing strategies Radio Shack needs
to assure strong sales and profit growth for the future.
 
The most immediate change you will notice
is that many buyers now have different product line responsibilities.
An updated "Who Buys What" list follows. [actually at the end of this file]
Please save it for future reference.
 
MN-04-92
TRAINING
Ringing Up Sales With Better Phone Techniques
 
Every call to your store represents an opportunity. There
is a customer at the other end of the line who wants
someone to help him make a decision to buy.
The first impression you give your customer is important.
 
Here are some tips to help you polish your telephone
manners to improve your sales.
 
1. Preparing your attitude.
   Telephone calls are just another way customers visit your store,
   so make every visit as pleasant as possible.
   Never treat a call as an interruption.
 
2. Answer promptly.
   Even if you're with a customer,
   when a telephone rings a second time, assume it's for you.
   Always answer before the third ring.
   But remember that the customer in the store has first priority.
 
3. Avoid putting callers on hold.
   It is better to take a caller's name and number
   and return the call than to put them on hold.
 
4. Smile.
   A smile comes across in your voice.
   Nothing makes you stand out from the crowd
   like a pleasant telephone personality.
 
5. Identify your store and yourself.
   "Thanks for calling Radio Shack at __________.
   This is ______.
   How may I help you?"
   The way you answer the telephone sets the tone for the entire conversation.
   Make it informative and friendly and you'll find customers
   can't help but respond the same way.
   Give the customer every reason to buy from YOU.
 
6. Listen.
   Let the customer finish every sentence, every thought.
   Customers sense impatience when you are just waiting to say something else.
   The more information a customer gives you,
   the more you know that will help you convince them
   to come into your store and buy from you.
 
7. Get their name.
   People like to be called by name.
   You are building a customer relationship
   when you talk with them on the telephone.
 
8. Never assume that what they ask for is what they want.
   I cringe when I'm in a store and I hear a clerk answer "no"
   or "I'm afraid not" or "No, we carry the Radio Shack brand"
   to the first question they are asked.
   Would you have done the same thing with a customer in your store?
   I hope not.
   Here's how a telephone pro would handle it:
 
   Customer -- Do you carry the Whizbang VCR?
 
   Salesmaker -- What features of the Whizbang were you looking for?
 
   Customer -- My brother bought one, and I like the way you can program
   it on the TV screen. They have a great idea there.
 
   Salesmaker -- You're right.
   On-screen programming is a terrific convenience.
   That's why we offer it on eight models
   of our Memorex  and Realistic  VCRs in stock right now.
   With that many models, I'm sure we can find one that's perfect for you.
   May I set an appointment to show you one?
 
   Customer -- Sure.
 
9. Sell the idea of coming into the store.
   A sale isn't a sale until the cash is in the drawer.
   Your objective on the telephone is to raise the customer's interest
   to a level that brings him into the store to see you.
 
10. Listen to yourself.
    How do others hear you when they call?
    Is your voice clear, crisp and friendly,
    or do you give short, brusque answers?
    You would be surprised at how much you can improve
    just by "listening while you talk."
 
When you use good telephone techniques, you present
a positive image of yourself and Radio Shack.  Do the
job right and you will hear another bell ringing...the one
on the cash drawer.
Good luck and good selling.
 
MN-04-92
Our Name Is On Our Door -- On Our Products -- And On Our People
 
We take great pride in providing our customers with high quality
products at competitive prices.  That pride should carry through
in your sales presentations.  Wearing your name badge indicates
that you take pride in working for America's #1 electronics
retailer.
 
Wear your name badge with pride in yourself and in Radio Shack.
 
MN-04-92
To Scrap or Not to Scrap...
 
Concerned about when to scrap
damaged merchandise and when to sell it
at a highly discounted price?
Here are some guidelines.
 
First -- Merchandise should only be "scrapped" when it is BEYOND
reasonable repair and cannot be sold, i.e., it is thrown away as
scrap.  When an item is coded to the scrap account, the full cost of
the item is removed from the store inventory and charged against gross
profit.  The item is considered to have been destroyed and/or thrown
away.
 
Second -- If the item is only slightly damaged or its appearance is
impaired, a new reduced selling price may need to be set.  If so, it
should be set according to the current Radio Shack authorized discount
policy on "AS-IS" merchandise shown below.
 
AS-IS Merchandise (with warranty) -- The District Sales
Manager can set a special reduced selling price on CURRENT
merchandise  that is "believed to have been used" or that is
functional but has some cosmetic damage, i.e., scratched,
dented, shopworn, a customer return, etc.
(The product should be tagged to clearly indicate that it is sold
"AS-IS -- with warranty.")
 
AS-IS (without warranty) -- If a product is returned to
the store as uneconomical to repair, the item should be sold
"AS-IS -- without warranty."  The District Sales Manager must
establish an "AS-IS" selling price for any such merchandise
that has a POS price of $100.00 or more.  Store Managers may
establish the "AS-IS" selling price for any such merchandise
that has a price under $100.00.  The product should be tagged
to clearly indicate that it is sold "AS-IS -- without warranty."
(Some states and/or local laws also require that a "customer return"
be identified as such prior to resale.
If you are in such a state or local area, please mark "customer return"
on the tag also, if applicable.)
 
A code to indicate the reason for the reduced selling price is to be
entered on the POS Merchandise Entry Screen at the time of the sale.
The sales ticket must reflect that the product is sold "AS-IS -- with
warranty," or "AS-IS -- without warranty," whichever is applicable.
 
"Blanket" or pre-defined authorizations for discounting any
merchandise are not to be issued by field management.  The District
Sales Manager must give approval on each specific situation.
Discussions about price changes should never be held
in the presence of a customer.
 
MN-04-92
AUDIO
New Fashion Statement for Minimus
 
Until recently, the only mounting brackets available
for the white Realistic  Minimus -7
and Minimus-77 were black!
Although the brackets worked,
the white speakers with black mounting brackets
would never have made fashion's "Top 10" list.
 
Consumer Mail has come to the rescue!
Realizing that in-home decor is a fashion statement,
CMC now carries  white  mounting brackets
for the Realistic Minimus-7 (Cat. No. 40-2045)
and the Realistic Minimus-77 (Cat. No. 40-2055).
 
The Minimus-7 white brackets are $17.95, CMC Part No. T40-2045,
and the Minimus-77 white brackets are $19.95, CMC Part No. T40-2055.
 
MN-04-92
COMPUTERS
Laptop Computer Battery Replacements at CMC
 
New! Consumer Mail has provided another sales opportunity
with the laptop computer battery replacements listed below:
 
CMC SKU MANUFACTURER    MODEL   RETAIL PRICE
 
CLT-117 Compaq  LTE, LTE286 109.95
CLT-104 Epson   Equity LT   89.95
CLT-119 Magnavox    Metalis286, 386 79.95
CLT-119 Mitsubishi  Ninja-286N  79.95
CLT-105 NEC Multispeed HD   89.95
CLT-106 NEC Multispeed EL   89.95
CLT-119 Packard Bell    PB286NB, PB386SXNB  79.95
CLT-101 Toshiba T-1000  39.95
CLT-102 Toshiba T-1100  59.95
CLT-110 Toshiba T-1100+ 69.95
CLT-112 Toshiba T-1000 LE, SE, XE   69.95
CLT-112 Toshiba T-1200 XE   69.95
CLT-103 Zenith  18192   59.95
CLT-109 Zenith  18392, 18393    129.95
CLT-111 Zenith  18392, 18393    129.95
CLT-108 Zenith  18193   99.95
 
Order them from CMC at (800) 433-2024
or by FAXing (800) 821-1959.
 
MN-04-92
VIDEO
Camcorder 5 Hour Power Packs
 
For your camcorder customers,
Consumer Mail has a 5 hour power pack kit in four different models.
These are lightweight power supplies which can be
worn on the hip with either the user's belt
or the adjustable belt included in the kit.
 
Each kit includes a 6v, 6.5Amp Hour, sealed lead acid battery,
padded case with belt loop,
adjustable belt,
camcorder battery module,
and UL approved AC charger.
 
Plug the 3 ft. cord from the battery module to the power pack,
slide the battery module into the camcorder
in place of the regular camcorder battery
and you're ready to record for up to 5 hours!
Recharge the power pack after each use with the AC charger
provided in the kit.
 
Sony-type Camcorder Power Pack Kit (CCB-6651, $69.95)
 
This power pack is for Sony type camcorders that normally use NP55,
NP77H, or 23-184 batteries,
including Radio Shack Cat. Nos. 16-852/853/854/855.
 
Canon 8-type Camcorder Power Pack Kit (CCB-6652, $69.95)
 
This power pack is for Canon 8 type camcorders that use BPE-77K,
BPE-718, BPE-722 or CCB-1015/1015A batteries.
 
RCA and Hitachi 8mm-type Camcorder Power Pack Kit (CCB-6653, $69.95)
 
This power pack is for RCA and Hitachi 8mm types using BB060,
BB120, VMBP82, VMBP83 or CCB-1907 batteries.
 
Palmcorder C-format and 8mm-type Camcorder Power Pack Kit (CCB-6654, $69.95)
 
This power pack is for Palmcorder C-format and 8mm types using BNV14U,
BNV22U, PVBP15, PVBP17 or CCB-1906.
 
These Power Packs may be ordered from CMC at (800) 433-2024
or by FAXing them at (800) 821-1959.
 
MN-04-92
RADIOS
AM/FM Pocket Radio Pricing
 
The AM/FM Pocket Radio (Cat. No. 12-725) shows up on the POS
as $14.95.  This price is correct!
 
The price cards read $19.95.
They will not be updated on an individual basis,
but will be corrected when the next update is sent.
Please correct your store signs in the meantime.
 
MN-04-92
Press Release
Two-Meter Amateur Antenna Now Available at Radio Shack
 
Fort Worth, Texas (February 26, 1992) -- Radio Shack stores
nationwide are now offering a new magnetic mount amateur radio
antenna that operates in the 2-meter ham band (144-148 MHz
frequency range). It is ideally suited for use with the recently
introduced Realistic  HTX-202 2-meter VHF-FM Handheld
Transceiver (Cat. No. 19-1120).
 
The antenna features a sleek, black tapered 5/8-wave stainless
steel whip that provides 3dB of gain by concentrating more power
toward the horizon. The antenna can handle over 100 watts.
 
The base contains a two-pole magnet capable of withstanding
85 mph winds. The molded covers are made of weather-resistant ABS
plastic.  The antenna comes with a 16-foot RG-58 low-loss coaxial
cable with PL-259 connector.
 
The antenna is manufactured by Tandy Electronics in its TDP antenna
factory in Swannanoa, North Carolina.
 
The 2-meter amateur antenna (Cat. No. 19-210) sells for $37.95
and is available at nearly 7,000 Radio Shack stores and
participating dealers nationwide.
 
MN-04-92
ELECTRONIC PARTS
New! LED Electronic Sign Board
 
The Micronta  LED Electronic Sign Board (Cat. No. 63-950, $179.95)
is ideal for advertising for small businesses, giving instructions for
conferences, and displaying "specials of the day"
in small markets or cafeterias.
You are able to input up to four original messages
of up to 600 characters each.
The board can repeatedly scroll a single message or any sequence of messages.
 
The sign board can also be connected to security systems.
When the alarm is triggered, the board displays a special
preprogrammed message to police or security personnel who may be
passing by your home or office.
 
Additional features include:
 
- Two-speed Scrolling Display controls how quickly the
  message scrolls across the display
 
- Memory Back-up Power saves your messages for up to 3 months
  if the sign board is disconnected from AC power
 
- Letters over 1" high
 
- Easy message editing
 
- Typewriter-style keypad with folding dust cover
 
- Memory backup system with battery-test button and LED indicator
 
- Alarm signal jack and input plug with 6-foot extension cord
 
- Rest on any flat surface or wall-mount with adjustable mounting plate
 
- For indoor use only
 
- Includes UL listed AC adapter
 
Be sure to add the 2 "AAA" batteries needed for memory backup.
#ENDCAR
 
MN-04-92
Plug 'n Power Questions
 
Customer questions about Plug 'n Power  products can be answered
from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST Monday through Friday
by X-10's USA Customer Service Line:
 
(201) 784-9700
 
MN-04-92
AUTO SOUND
Audio Line-Out Converter Available at Consumer Mail
 
How about a great add-on for those low power (4 watts or less per channel)
car stereo systems!  As you know, several of our models (12-1927,
12-1948, 12-1940, 12-1947) do not come with line out cables
(cables with 2 RCA plug ends) that can hook to amplifiers, boosters
and equalizers.
 
Expand your customers' range of installation for auto sound.
Suggest CMC part T12-LOC-E Audio Line-Out Converter.
This electronic line output converter
converts a high-level output signal to a pre-amp/line-level signal
with left and right channel RCA outputs.
 
This $24.95 unit features high power input capability as well as 2, 4, and 6
channel interfacing possibilities,
including individual gain adjustments for each channel.
Compact design allows easy mounting.
 
This converter can be ordered from CMC by phoning (800) 433-2024
or FAXing (800) 821-1959.
 
MN-04-92
About the Optimus CD-36...
 
The Optimus  CD-36 (12-1941) under-dash CD-player is designed
for a 2-speaker system.
To take advantage of more than 2 speakers
in a car stereo system,
the Fader Control (270-048) is necessary.
The Fader Control adjusts front-to-rear speaker balances
and is easy to install under the dash.
 
MN-04-92
Consumer Mail Phone Numbers
 
(800) 433-2024 -- Phone
or
(800) 821-1959 -- FAX
 
MN-04-92
Who Buys What
 
Category-Description-Buyer
 
12-Radios-Mike Latham
12-Auto Sound-Tom Harris
12-Auto Speakers-Tom Harris
12-Weather Radios-Bob Katz
13-Music Systems-Dave Shoemaker
14-Tape Recorders-Mike Latham
15-TV Antennas & Accessories-Dave Shoemaker
16-TV, VCR, Satellite, Camcorders-Dave Shoemaker
17-Cellular Phones & Pagers-Bob Katz
19-Ham and Marine-Bob Katz
20-Scanners and Shortwave-Bob Katz
21-CB Radio-Bob Katz
22-Test Equipment-Dave Wolf
22-Radar Detectors-Bob Katz
23-Batteries-Leon Lutz
 
25/26/90 - HARDWARE PRODUCTS
 
 Tandy 1000 Hardware & Peripherals-Mark Clauder
 Tandy 2500 Hardware & Peripherals-Mark Clauder
 Tandy 3000/4000 Hardware & Peripherals-Jef Fike
 Multimedia Upgrade Products-Mark Clauder
 Color Computer Hardware-Mark Clauder
 Sound/Music Boards-Mark Clauder
 VGA Monitors-Jef Fike
 Laptops/Notebook PCs/Accessories-Colin Meyer
 Pocket Computer-Colin Meyer
 Wordprocessors-Colin Meyer
 Point-of-Sale Hardware-Joel Cohen
 Networking Products-Joel Cohen
 Backup/Uninterruptible Power Supplies-Joel Cohen
 Digitizers-Colin Meyer
 Scanners (Hand & Full Page)-Colin Meyer
 Miscellaneous Accessories-Jef Fike
 Mice-Ann Kennemer
 Joysticks (260/270 Series)-Leon Lutz
 Joysticks (900-Series)-Ann Kennemer
 Diskettes/Media-Ann Kennemer
 Disk Cases & Accessories-Ann Kennemer
 Furniture-Ann Kennemer
 AT-IDE/SCSI Hard Drives-Jef Fike
 Modems (except laptops)-Mark Clauder
 CD-ROM Drives-Mark Clauder
 FAX Products (for PCs)-Mark Clauder
 Printers & Printer Supplies-Colin Meyer
 Printer Cables/Ribbons/Printwheels-Colin Meyer
 Paper/Labels-Colin Meyer
 Serial Cables/Connectors-Joel Cohen
 Computer Connectors-Joel Cohen
 Computer Spike Protectors-Dick Hedrick
 
25/26/90 - SOFTWARE PRODUCTS
 
 Business/Personal Management Software-Ann Kennemer
 DeskMate -Ann Kennemer
 Desktop Publishing Software-Ann Kennemer
 Forms Management Software-Ann Kennemer
 Graphics Software-Ann Kennemer
 Productivity Software-Ann Kennemer
 Online Services Software-Ann Kennemer
 Accounting/Finance Software-Joel Cohen
 Operating Systems-Joel Cohen
 Utilities-Joel Cohen
 Communications Software-Joel Cohen
 Programming Languages-Joel Cohen
 SchoolMate -Maggie Sherrod *
 Education, K-12-Maggie Sherrod *
 Educational Software (Home)-Kate Titsworth
 Entertainment Software-Kate Titsworth
 Color Computer Software-Kate Titsworth
 
270-Fuses, DC Adapter, Joysticks-Leon Lutz
271-Resistors-Dave Wolf
272-Lamps & Capacitors-Dave Wolf
273-AC Adapters/Transformers-Dave Wolf
274-Plugs & Jacks-Dave Wolf
275-Switches-Dick Hedrick
276-Semiconductors-Dick Hedrick
277-Project Boards-Dick Hedrick
278-Wire & Connectors-Bob Katz
279-Phone Wiring and Accessories-Tom Harris
28-Kits-Leon Lutz
31-Audio Receiver-Mike Latham
32-PA Equipment-Dave Shoemaker
33-Mikes-Dave Shoemaker
33-Headphones-Mike Latham
40-Raw Speakers-Mike Latham
40-Audio Speakers-Mike Latham
40-Raw Auto Speakers-Mike Latham
40-PA Speakers-Dave Shoemaker
42-Audio Accessories-Mike Latham
42-Turntables-Mike Latham
42-Keyboards-Leon Lutz
42-CD Players/Changers-Mike Latham
42-Lightshows-Leon Lutz
43-Telephone, FAX, Intercoms-Tom Harris
44-Tape & Accessories-Dave Shoemaker
49-Home Security-Dick Hedrick
49-Auto Alarms-Bob Katz
49-Pagers-Bob Katz
50-Pre-Recorded Video Tape-Dave Shoemaker
51-Pre-Recorded Audio Tape-Mike Latham
60-Toys-Leon Lutz
61-Flashlights-Leon Lutz
61-Electricals-Dick Hedrick
61-2729-Musical Lights-Leon Lutz
61-2795-Pencil Sharpener-Leon Lutz
61-Plug 'n Power  and Other Controls-Dick Hedrick
62-Books-Dave Wolf
63-Timers-Dick Hedrick
63-Watches-Dick Hedrick
63-Health Products-Dick Hedrick
63-Metal Detectors-Leon Lutz
63-Clocks-Dick Hedrick
63-Spell Checkers-Dave Wolf
63-Copiers-Dave Wolf
63-Other-Dave Wolf
64-Tools & Hardware-Dick Hedrick
65-Calculators & Databases-Dave Wolf
68-Premiums (flashlights)-Leon Lutz
 
* Maggie Sherrod is in the Education Marketing Department
 
MN-03-92
You know how great our batteries are.
Don't forget to tell your customers!
Use this press release to remind your customers
that Radio Shack is "America's Battery Store."
 
Press Release
Radio Shack Batteries Outlast the Rest
 
St. Paul, Minn. (December 30, 1991) -- Every year,
there is bound to be at least one battery-powered gift
under most Christmas trees.
This year was certainly no exception.
 
KSTP-TV Channel 5, an ABC-affiliate in St. Paul, Minnesota,
recently offered a timely public service to its viewers.
Consumer Correspondent Steve Filmer tested six major battery brands
and reported his results,
along with tips on selecting batteries for gifts that require them.
 
Filmer evaluated batteries purchased randomly off retail shelves,
including Ray-O-Vac, Duracell, Kodak, Varta, Energizer and Radio Shack .
In what KSTP explained was an "unscientific" experiment,
battery-powered toys were used to test the longevity of each battery.
Radio Shack batteries lasted longer than the other brands tested.
 
In addition, Filmer's "bang for the buck" test
compared the longevity of each battery brand to its price.
Radio Shack batteries ranked highest in this evaluation.
 
Bernard S. Appel, Radio Shack president, said,
"These results do not surprise me.
In a recent test by a major consumer magazine,
Radio Shack batteries were among those receiving the highest rating."
 
According to Appel, there is a good reason why Radio Shack's batteries
always test well.
"We're `America's Battery Store'," he said.
"Our batteries are top quality, but so are many others.
The secret is that we sell more than one hundred million batteries every year.
Our stock turns over so quickly, our batteries are always fresh."
 
"Some brands don't have freshness dates," Filmer said during the program.
"Of those we bought that were dated, some were two years old."
 
Radio Shack stocks 113 different types of standard and rechargeable batteries.
"And," concluded Appel, "we can special order
any other type if it is still in production.
And best of all, those Christmas toys and gifts
will run longer on Radio Shack batteries."
 
The tests conducted by KSTP-TV are not scientific.
KSTP-TV does not endorse any battery brand or brands.
 
MN-03-92
AUDIO
DCC Availability
The press is filled with information about Digital Compact Cassette (DCC),
which isn't a surprise.
DCC is an exciting new audio technology
that doesn't make the previous technology obsolete:
the recorders play both the new digital tapes
and the older (conventional) analog tapes.
DCC, like CD, provides high-quality digital sound
and allows the user to program the order of music selections.
 
With this kind of technology on the horizon,
we're certain your customers have been asking you about it.
When will we carry it?
How much will it cost?
 
Assure your customers that we will carry DCC.
Our current estimate is that it
will be introduced during the second half of calendar year 1992.
(No one sells DCC yet,
although it has been displayed by many manufacturers at electronics shows.)
The Merchandising Newsletter will advise you of prices and specifications
as information becomes available.
 
MN-03-92
VIDEO
278-1645 Warehouse Shipments Are OK to Sell
 
Recently you were advised to dispose of all store stock
of the 278-1645 outdoor antenna connector sealant tape.
Thank you for your cooperation in accomplishing this task.
 
Many have inquired by E-mail if the merchandise
you are now receiving from the warehouse is okay to sell.
Be assured that it is.
All warehouse quantities of this item
have already been replaced with acceptable product.
 
Stock and sell -- with confidence --
what you are now receiving from the warehouse.
 
MN-03-92
Memorex Satellite System
 
The Memorex  Satellite System consists of the following items:
Antenna (Cat. No. 16-2508),
Feedhorn (Cat. No. 16-2510),
Receiver (Cat. No. 16-2511),
and LNB (Cat. No. 16-2512).
Take advantage of the great sales opportunity
that satellite offers.
 
Product Questions
 
If you have questions on the satellite components
(i.e., LNB, Feedhorn, Dish, Receiver),
or how a VCR is hooked up to the receiver,
call the Radio Shack Satellite Hotline at:
 
(800) 321-6680
 
NOTE: This 800 number is for store use only.
If your customers have a question they can call the same Hotline
at:
 
(817) 878-6890
 
Decoder/Programming Questions
 
As a service to our customers,
satellite programming and the sale of the decoder
is handled by "Satellite Source."
If you or your customers have a question about programming
or about the VCII Plus Decoder you can call the Source at (800) 477-1234.
 
Computer Data Print-Out
 
You should provide your satellite customer with a satellite dish
Alignment Data Print-Out.
This assists with dish alignment and the site survey
that the installation manual talks about.
Order form DB-101 listed on your forms order screen.
Follow the instructions that come with the program.
 
How to Order a Satellite System
 
Call your Regional Sales Office
and tell them which stock numbers and what quantity you need.
Remember, you must order each piece of the satellite system,
as there is not a single stock number that will get you the whole system.
And you must order the satellite system
because it is not part of the replenishment system.
 
Installation Questions
 
As an additional service to our customers,
we can recommend the installation of the satellite system
by Digitron Communications.
(They are the only company that should be recommended by you.)
 
You CANNOT add the cost of the installation to the sales ticket!
 
This may cause some misunderstanding on the customer's part.
Remember, we are only "recommending" Digitron for installation.
They are not part of Tandy or Radio Shack,
so the customer needs to deal directly with Digitron.
At the end of this article is a list of current charges.
You may make this information available to your customers.
 
Why Digitron?
 
Digitron personnel are skilled professionals, highly trained in their field
and have the experience to install and program the Memorex System.
They also keep up on current industry trends which change almost daily.
Finally, like Radio Shack,
Digitron is committed to total customer satisfaction.
 
Cost of installation is not included in the price of the Memorex System.
The customer must pay Digitron directly.
 
For additional information call:
 
Digitron (818) 882-8876
or
Radio Shack (817) 878-6890
 
For installation orders only, call Digitron toll-free:
 
(800) 238-8876
(800) 258-8876 in California
 
Digitron's Service and Installation
 
Following is a description of Digitron's service and installation for
the Memorex Residential Satellite System.
 
Standard Complete Installation per Owner's Manual
 
Standard Installation
(includes 8 items listed below) $495.00
 
- Site Survey (Day of installation)
- Ground Mount (Using Radio Shack supplied mount or equivalent)
- Installation of feedhorn, LNB, dish drive motor
- All electronics to be installed inside home at customer's desired location
- Tracking of dish for maximum reception
- Running cable to one television set (includes 75 ft. of trenching)
- Complete programming of system
- Explanation of system operation to customer
- Materials provided:  Concrete and all necessary hardware
 
Electronics Installation
(includes 5 items listed below) $325.00
 
- Installation of feedhorn, LNB, dish drive motor
- All electronics to be installed inside home at customer's desired location
- Tracking of dish for maximum reception
- Complete programming of system
- Explanation of system operation to customer
 
Note: Customer is responsible for installing all items
including, but not limited to, performing site survey,
installing ground mount, burying and running of cable,
assembling and mounting of dish.
 
Non-Standard Installation Items Subject to Additional Charges
 
- Descrambler Module Installation  $25.00 ea.
- Additional T.V. outlets
    Up to 50 ft. from satellite receiver  50.00 ea.
    Over 50 ft. additional  .35 ft.
- VCR hookup    15.00   ea.
- Stereo hookup
    Up to 10 ft. from satellite receiver  30.00 ea.
    Over 10 ft. additional  .35 ft
- Wall fish  35.00 ea.
- Cement/asphalt cut and restoration  10.50 ft.
- Sidewalk boring  7.50 ft.
- Additional direct burial cable  1.00 ft.
- Custom pole mounting
    Free standing pole above 5 ft. below 10 ft.  10.00 ft.
    Free standing pole above 10 ft. out ground  per quote
    Pole attached to building above roof (up to 21 ft. high)  295.00
    Hill mount above 30 degree inclination  per quote
    Special soil conditions  per quote
- Adverse weather conditions  per quote
- Filters/screening for T.I.  per quote
- Plans and permits  per quote
- Conduit for cable  1.00 ft.
- Trenching (over 75 ft.)  2.00 ft.
- Abort Installation  75.00 ea.
- Preliminary Site Survey ($50.00 rebated if installation performed)  100.00 
ea
-Mileage (more than 50 miles from installer)  .50 mile
 
Note:  All above non-standard charges
include necessary hardware and materials to perform work.
All or some of the above items may be subject to sales tax.
 
Service Charges
 
Service charge:  Minimum Charge $95.00 including 1 hour
Hourly rate (in fifteen minute increments):  $60.00
 
MN-03-92
Accessories from CMC
 
Consumer Mail Center has what you need!
Just look at some of our video accessory offerings:
 
DC Adapter/Charger for 16-827 (T16-VRU30, $79.95)
 
Currently in stock is a DC adapter/charger for the
Memorex  MovieCorder  Model 127 Camcorder (Cat. No. 16-827).
With this adapter you can charge the camcorder battery
from an automobile battery.
This accessory also allows the user to power the camcorder
from a 12v DC power source when used with the
auxiliary power cord supplied with the 16-827.
 
37mm Lens Filter Kit (T16-37mm, $29.95)
 
This item is a 37mm filter kit for the
Memorex  MovieCorder  Model 154 Camcorder (Cat. No. 16-855).
The 3 lens kit contains:
  - Neutral Density (ND) for outdoor use
    or in bright light to prevent washout
  - UV Haze lens protector and morning haze reducer
  - FD used indoors for correcting the blue-green tinge
    from fluorescent lighting
 
Telephoto/Wide Angle Lens (T65-6515, $99.95)
 
This product, which features a 1.5 telephoto and .65 wide angle lens,
is a 37mm kit with a 27mm step ring for use with the
Memorex  MovieCorder  Model 154 Camcorder (Cat. No. 16-855).
 
Super VHS Cable (T15-0180, $12.95)
 
We now have a six foot
gold cable which connects video components
with S-video terminals, Super-VHS, or "Y,C" ports,
such as Super-VHS VCRs and high-resolution system color TVs.
 
Ni-Cad Battery Pack (T16-DV124, $89.95)
 
Just when you thought everything was going up,
CMC lowers the price on this item to $89.95.
This extended-life, 4500 mAh, Ni-Cad battery pack
has a cigarette lighter socket for operating camcorders or other portables
with the appropriate DC power cord.
It comes with a carrying strap and a 110v AC charger.
What a terrific value!
 
Ordering from CMC
 
Ordering from the Consumer Mail Center is convenient, safe, and toll-free!
Here are a few reminders about the advantages of ordering from CMC.
 
Toll-Free Call
 
There is absolutely no cost involved when you place
an order with Consumer Mail Center.
 
Call Toll-Free (800) 433-2024
 
FAX Toll-Free (800) 821-1959
 
The FAX line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for your convenience.
FAX us your orders after business hours or when the sales floor
activity slows down!
 
No Shipping/Handling Charge
 
Consumer Mail does not charge shipping and handling
for delivery to your store.
 
Liberal Return Policy
 
Any shipment can be returned to CMC 60 days from date of receipt.
Your store will receive full credit for any merchandise
returned in resaleable condition within this period.
Include a copy of your packing list.
 
Warranty
 
CMC provides a 90 day warranty on all shipments.
 
Extended Warranties
 
All crystals have a lifetime warranty with CMC.
Your store is entitled to free replacement on any crystal
originally shipped by CMC, any time.
 
Tubes are also included in the extended warranty program.
CMC offers lifetime replacement to your store on all
tubes whether you have a Realistic  90 day or a Lifetime  tube.
 
Yes, I Can Get That For You!
 
You can't go wrong.
Call CMC today, and tell your customer,
"Yes! I can get that for you."
 
MN-03-92
TELEPHONES
Sell CT-102s Before CT-103s
 
The new CT-103 has begun shipping from the warehouse,
but if you still have a CT-102 available
in your store or in your area -- sell the CT-102 first!
 
The new CT-103 is cosmetically identical to the CT-102.
You even program them the same way.
The insides are somewhat different
(the circuits were re-designed for the manufacturer's efficiency),
but this is transparent to the user.
All the accessories are interchangeable.
 
Do your part to help us increase warehouse efficiency
by reducing the number of SKUs carried there.
Sell out the CT-102s (Cat. No. 17-1076)
before selling any CT-103s (Cat. No. 17-1077).
 
MN-03-92
Bells! Bells! Bells!
 
It is no secret that we have been running out of stock
on some of our bells, particularly the outdoor bell (Cat. No. 43-174).
Wish we could give you better news,
but they probably won't be in the stores until around April or May.
 
MN-03-92
Music-On-Hold
 
Many stores have received
the Music-On-Hold Module (Cat. No. 43-153),
and we're beginning to hear about problems with this unit.
 
If a customer has a problem with this item,
give him a refund and hold on to the unit for now.
Do not return it to the vendor!
 
We'll provide more information as soon as
we identify the problem and its solution.
 
MN-03-92
Caller ID Update
 
Product Upgrade
 
The new DUoFONE  Caller ID System (number only, Cat. No. 43-951)
units have a 30 number memory.
There is no price change
and they can be identified by the suffix "A" (43-951A).
However, these new units will not be shipped to stores
until all 10 number memory units have left the warehouse!
 
Call Waiting
 
Currently there is no technology available
to send the Caller ID data along with the Call Waiting tone.
Consequently, there are no units available that can provide call ID
information for Call Waiting.
 
Availability
 
Following is information on Caller ID availability as of press time:
 
Alabama:  Limited rollout expected first quarter of 1992.
 
Phoenix, AZ:  Service expected to roll out first quarter of 1992.
 
California:  Judge has recommended to PUC that service
             not be permitted;  PUC has not made final decision.
 
Denver, CO:  Service expected to roll out first quarter of 1992.
 
Jacksonville, FL:  Name and number delivery trials in limited
                   area to begin in May or June.
                   Stores in the affected area will receive DUoFONE
                   Caller ID System (name and number, Cat. No. 43-953)
                   units approximately 30 days prior
                   to actual rollout.
 
Indiana: Possibly first quarter of 1992.
 
Kentucky:  Limited rollout scheduled for March 1, 1992.
 
Massachusetts:  Telephone companies are reviewing tariffs
                that have been approved; no decisions have been made yet.
 
Nebraska: Service available in Omaha Metro area.
          The 43-953 (name and number) units will be shipped
          as soon as available.
 
New York:  Recommendation to PSC that NY Tel be permitted to conduct
           18 month trial in Rockland County and Poughkeepsie.
 
North Carolina:  Under reconsideration by PUC.
 
Pennsylvania: State Supreme Court decision expected last half of 1992.
 
South Carolina:  Under consideration by state Supreme Court.
 
Memphis, TN:  Name and number delivery trials in limited area
              to begin in March.  Stores in the affected area will
              receive the 43-953 (name and number) units
              as soon as they become available.
 
Note:  States and/or cities not listed above
either already have Caller ID or are nowhere near
filing or approval of tariffs.
The above information is culled from many sources,
including local phone companies and regional holding companies,
and may have some inaccuracies.
Also remember, the information was current when written,
but is subject to change
and may not be completely accurate by the time you receive it.
 
MN-03-92
Press Release
Outgoing Call Restrictor Now Available at Radio Shack
 
Fort Worth, Texas (January 15, 1992) --
The new DUoFONE  Outgoing Call Restrictor
from Radio Shack is an excellent cost-cutting addition
to any home or business telephone system.
It puts an end to high phone bills
caused by toll calls made without authorization --
and just one unit plugged into any RJ11 modular jack
controls all phones on the line.
 
Quickly and easily installed,
the Outgoing Call Restrictor protects against unauthorized calls
to toll-charge areas and pay-per-call services
such as "976" and "900" numbers
without interfering with other normal telephone operations.
Its built-in microprocessor even allows the user
to restrict calls to a number or numbers within a specific area code.
 
The DUoFONE Outgoing Call Restrictor
is easily programmable from any touch-tone phone keypad on the same line.
A preselected personal code prevents unauthorized changes in settings.
Its "smart" factory settings
already include the most frequently desired options
including many pay-per-call service area codes,
local and long distance information numbers
and international dialing codes.
"911" emergency calls can never be restricted.
 
Other features include a battery back-up
in the event of a power failure and  a low battery tone.
 
The DUoFONE Outgoing Call Restrictor sells for $69.95
and is available at nearly 7000 Radio Shack stores
and participating dealers nationwide.
 
MN-03-92
Sell the Add-Ons!
 
Want to increase your sales with easy add-on, high-profit items?
Sell the Personal Stereo Case (Cat. No. 44-689) for only $7.95!
Your customers can use this case to carry personal stereos,
calculators, test equipment, and micro-cassette recorders.
 
Another easy add-on is the Clip-On Mini Speaker (Cat. No. 20-009) for $9.95.
This can be clipped to a collar,
then plugged into a personal stereo or micro-recorder
that is in a personal stereo case or pocket.
 
Did you know the $19.95 CD Player-to-Cassette Adapter (Cat. No. 12-1951)
can work with anything that has an earphone output jack?
Hook the adapter to a scanner, walkie-talkie, or mono tape recorder
for increased sound.
 
Don't ignore these easy add-ons!
 
MN-03-92
RADIOS
DTMF on HTX-202
 
Some hams report that they cannot use the DTMF (Touch-Tone) function
of the Realistic  HTX-202 Transceiver Radio (Cat. No. 19-1120)
to access some repeaters and autopatches.
 
A feature of the HTX-202 is DTMF "hang time,"
which eliminates the need to hold down the PTT button
while pushing the front panel keys to generate touch tones.
This "hang time" is long enough to be incompatible
with ACC brand repeater controllers,
which will not respond to a set of tones
if there is an unmodulated carrier of more than about a second
following the tones.
 
The solution is to go to the main parameter menu
and turn the "AUTOREPLY" (Ar) function "ON."
This will eliminate the DTMF hang time
and make operation with the ACC controller/autopatch possible.
 
MN-03-92
Great Review of the HTX-202
 
The December 1991 issue of U.S. Scanner News
(pages 6 and 7) had some great things to say about
the Realistic  HTX-202 2-Meter Transceiver (Cat. No. 19-1120).
 
They state, "The HTX-202 is a quality radio through and through,"
and perhaps "the buy of the century."
Reviewer Lonnie Gorsline (N7RYT) notes that at $259.95,
"you just can't get a better radio for the price and options.
The radio deserves the 4 out of 4 stars I rate it."
 
Let your customers know what a terrific transceiver this is
-- and we're not the only ones who say so!
 
MN-03-92
Weatheradio Availability
 
We realize that spring weather is just around the corner
and your customers are asking for
the Desk Weatheradio  Alert (Cat. No. 12-140).
Some should be available in the warehouse by late March,
and more should be arriving later this spring.
 
MN-03-92
Press Release
Radio Shack Introduces Realistic DX-380 World Band Radio
 
Fort Worth, Texas (January 21, 1992) --
Shortwave radio listening is easy with the Realistic  DX-380,
Radio Shack's newest world band radio
now available in Radio Shack  stores nationwide.
 
The DX-380 is a compact, lightweight (24.7 oz. with batteries)
portable receiver ideal for the traveler or for persons living overseas.
It is capable of receiving broadcasts on AM, FM, long wave and shortwave 
bands.
 
This versatile unit offers continuous coverage of domestic AM and FM stations.
The 13 international shortwave bands can bring in
an interesting variety of English and foreign language broadcasts
from around the world.
 
The DX-380's advanced (PLL synthesized) circuitry
ensures precise digital tuning.
The push-button keypad permits direct access to the desired frequency
which can then be fine-tuned using the rotary dial.
A manual control lock prevents accidental power shut-off
or frequency change.
DX/Local and Narrow/Wide switches reduce distortion and interference
when listening to shortwave, medium wave (AM band) and longwave broadcasts.
 
The fast-response LCD display shows the time, band, frequency,
signal strength and other indicators in large, easy-to-read characters.
The dual time feature can be set to show local time,
the universal time coordinate (UTC)
or the local time of a city in another time zone.
For easy selection, 45 favorite frequencies can be stored in memory,
18 in the shortwave bands and up to 9 each on AM, FM and LW bands.
 
The DX-380 also serves as multi-featured clock radio with
built-in alarm/standby buzzer and sleep timer.
 
The unit operates on 4 "AA" batteries or
on AC/DC power (using optional adapters).
Two additional "AA" batteries keep the clock running
and protect stations stored in memory if power is interrupted.
 
Other features include a folding stand
for securely positioning the receiver at an angle
and a headphone jack for private listening in stereo.
 
The Realistic DX-380 (Cat. No. 20-213) sells for $179.95 at
nearly 7000 Radio Shack stores and participating dealers nationwide.
 
DX-380 Specifications
Frequency Coverage
 
FM  87.5-108 MHz
LW  150-519 kHz
MW  520-1710 kHz
SW Bands    2.300-2.495  MHz (120 meters)
    3.200-3.400  MHz (90 meters)
    3.900-4.000  MHz (75 meters)
    4.750-5.060  MHz (60 meters)
    5.950-6.200  MHz (49 meters)
    7.100-7.300  MHz (41 meters)
    9.500-9.900  MHz (31 meters)
    11.650-12.050 MHz (25 meters)
    13.600-13.800 MHz (21 meters)
    15.100-15.600 MHz (19 meters)
    17.550-17.900 MHz (16 meters)
    21.450-21.850 MHz (13 meters)
    25.670-26.100 MHz (11 meters)
 
Specifications
 
Circuit
    FM  Super Heterodyne
    LW/MW/SW    Double-Conversion Super Heterodyne
 
Output  Nominal 400 mW @ 10% THD
 
Antenna
    LW/MW   Built-in Ferrite
    SW/FM   Supplied Telescopic
 
Jacks
    External Power  DC in 6V
    Stereo Headphones   1/8 inch
    Antenna AM External
 
Dimensions  7 7/8 x 4 7/8 x 1 3/8 inches
 
Weight  24.7 oz. with batteries
 
MN-03-92
Provide Information!
 
When sending e-mail about quality control problems,
please be certain to provide the date codes.
 
When returning defective merchandise to a vendor,
be sure to legibly write:
 
Your store number
Your store phone number
Your name
Stock number of the item
 
Without this information, you will not get replacement merchandise.
 
MN-03-92
STORE REPLENISHMENT
"The Computer Says I Have One, But..."
 
What an embarrassing situation!
But is it really the computer's fault?
Maybe the product is in the back room instead of on display.
Maybe you forgot to account for an item that was used in the store.
Maybe you didn't get as many as you were supposed to in the last shipment,
but you didn't count properly.
 
Regardless of how it happened, you can't sell the product!
Worse yet, Fort Worth Replenishment thinks you have one,
and may not send another!
Make sure all your merchandise is on display,
and maintain your perpetual inventory accurately --
it will help improve sales!
 
MN-03-92
COMPUTERS
Diskettes Discontinued
 
The 5 1/4" 80 track, double density (720K) 3-pack (Cat. No. 26-409)
has been discontinued.
Sell instead the 40 track, double density (360K) 3-pack (Cat. No. 26-411).
 
The 5 1/4" 80 track, double density (720K) 10-pack (Cat. No. 26-410)
has also been discontinued.
Sell instead the 40 track, double density (360K) 10-pack (Cat. No. 26-412).
 
MN-03-92
Preparation
 
Preparing your store, your merchandise, your knowledge,
your appearance, and your attitude
are the keys to entering a selling opportunity with confidence!
 
MN-03-92
AUTO SOUND
New Subwoofer Tube
 
The new Realistic  Amplified Subwoofer tube
(Cat. No. 12-1718, $99.95) is now available!
 
The subwoofer is compatible with any car audio system.
This tube-style speaker can be easily installed
behind the seat, in the hatchback, or in the trunk.
Most installations require no cutting as the sound
penetrates through the cushions of the vehicle.
The lighted on/off switch conveniently mounts under the vehicle's dash.
 
If your customers are looking for extra punch,
this speaker provides the deep bass they want by
enhancing low frequencies (30 Hz to 250 Hz) at all power levels,
up to 100 watts.
 
MN-03-92
Subwoofer Amplifier
 
Meet the new Realistic  120-watt Subwoofer/Stereo Power Amplifier
(Cat. No. 12-1964, $139.95).
This full-range amplifier is designed to enhance a stereo system.
Or, as a subwoofer amplifier it can produce extra-low frequency sounds.
The amplifier is equipped with both a five-pin speaker input
and line-level phono inputs so it is compatible with any radio/tape player.
 
To use the amplifier as a subwoofer amplifier,
the car stereo must have either front and rear speaker harnesses
or a front speaker harness and line outputs.
 
This product is available now,
so remember to show it to all of your car stereo customers.
 
MN-03-92
ELECTRONIC PARTS
Plug 'n Power Questions
Customer questions can be answered
from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST Monday through Friday
by X-10's USA Customer Service Line:
 
(201) 784-9700
 
MN-02-92
ONE MINUTE MERCHANDISER
Talkin''Bout Cellular
 
For those who may be unaware,
Papa OMM's real job is to initiate and maintain marketing agreements
with cellular operating companies.
So once in a while
it seems fair to use this column to discuss cellular issues.
 
You are now, and will continue over the next few months,
to be part of some pretty hot cellular promotions.
One look at our advertising plans for the coming weeks
will make it clear that your customers
will be walking in to buy cellular more often than in the past.
 
Take advantage of this increased demand by making sure
you and your store are "cellular ready."
This means everyone is trained to sell the equipment and the carrier
(the phone is only half of the sale!).
Your display should be prominent,
with carrier materials calling attention to your cellular department.
Know your carrier's rate plans,
and sign up the customer for the plan which is best for them.
 
Keep in mind that Radio Shack receives a referral fee
(sometimes called a commission -- never called a kickback)
for bringing a new subscriber to the carrier.
If an existing subscriber "upgrades" to a new style phone
or replaces one that was lost or stolen,
he is usually not a new subscriber and we do not receive a commission.
Under these conditions,
the phone is to be sold at the "UNactivated" price.
(Reread this paragraph aloud three times.)
 
Often, carriers run contests or promotions in which you may win prizes.
All contests must be cleared by Fort Worth
to make sure the prizes fall within the company's guidelines.
If you hear of any prizes which exceed a value of $50 or are paid in cash,
please have your DSM contact us immediately
so we can restructure the promotion to fit the guidelines.
We want all contests to be rewarding for as many salesmakers as possible,
as well as providing a chance to have fun and sell some extra phones.
 
We work together with our carriers to get phones sold to our customers,
so good relations are a must!
Any time you are having difficulties that prevent you from selling phones
quickly and easily, send an E-mail to document the problem.
Include all the  facts  so we can take steps
to get the situation improved as quickly as possible.
 
Cellular will be hotter than ever this year,
so prepare yourself and your store to meet the demand
that our advertising programs will create.
Get ready...get set...cell, cell, cell!!!
 
Chuck Sizer
 
MN-02-92
STORE REPLENISHMENT
 
Ways To Make Replenishment Work For Your Store
 
For more than four months,
over 95% of our Radio Shack store merchandise needs
have been ordered with a centralized replenishment system.
This program is working and here to stay.
Successful store managers are now focusing on ways
to make this program work better for their stores.
Here are seven ways to make replenishment work better in your store.
 
1. Take accurate physical inventories
   and follow input instructions carefully.
   Fort Worth's perpetual record of a store's inventory
   begins with this count and is then maintained
   with the daily transmission of various sales, receipt,
   and adjustment transactions.
 
2. Make necessary adjustments to perpetuals daily
   as these can affect the next day's replenishment order.
   Adjust for known thefts and count errors.
   Make certain items for store use and unsalable damaged items
   are adjusted out of your inventory.
 
3. Process receipts and ICSTs promptly in your POS system.
   If this is not done, Fort Worth perpetuals are not adjusted for shortages,
   overages and transfers, thus making replenishment orders inaccurate.
   Also, prompt receiving improves the accuracy of reported
   in-stock percentages which are used in Fort Worth
   to monitor the quality of replenishment for your store.
 
4. Transmit sales, receipt and adjustment transactions daily.
   This allows Fort Worth to create orders with the most up-to-date
   information.  Replenishment orders are calculated
   on the morning of your cut-off day.
   Ad orders might be done on any given day, including Sunday.
 
5. Keep stock orderly and salable both on the sales floor
   and in the stock room.
   Now that you are not ordering most of your needs,
   keeping well-organized stock is more important than ever
   as a way of knowing what you have in your store to sell.
 
6. Make certain your DSM understands and is communicating with
   the Replenishment Specialist assigned to your district
   about any exceptional conditions in your store.
   Replenishment can be adjusted, limited or temporarily stopped
   for conditions such as remodeling, mass stock transfers,
   and exceptional sales trends.
 
7. Do not abuse the exception ordering ability,
   but use it with discretion to cover truly exceptional situations.
   These orders are occasionally needed
   to compensate for merchandise out for repair,
   merchandise shortages on pending claims,
   repeating "out of stocks" on accessory items, and other special needs.
 
If all this seems a little obvious and like what you should be doing anyway,
you understand an important point.
With replenishment, a store manager who is disciplined in managing a store
should save time, which can then be rededicated to personal selling
and sales training.
If you are not gaining time for sales,
then it's time to renew your efforts to make replenishment work better for 
you.
 
MN-02-92
Meet the New Merchandising Newsletter
Welcome to the new Merchandising Newsletter.
After many years, we are making some changes in the format.
We believe the new look reflects the changes you're seeing in your stores.
The major "sections" correspond to how the stores are sectionalized.
The "One Minute Merchandiser" is still here,
and we've added a new column called "Store Replenishment"
which will let you know how to make this important program work for you.
 
We plan to provide specific product news and
"for your information" articles.
We will also feature items from Consumer Mail.
Hints and tips, problems and trouble-shooting techniques
will be included as we discover them.
You can help by sending speed mail to the Merchandising Newsletter Editor,
describing your successes and problems with products.
"Who Buys What" will only be printed periodically or if it changes,
so be sure to save back issues of the Merchandising Newsletter.
 
This newsletter is for you.
Let us know what information we need to give you
to help you do your job better.
 
MN-02-92
AUDIO
Music System CD Operation Tips
 
Modulaire-570 and Realistic System 320
 
If you cannot get the CD player
on the Modulaire -570 (Cat. No. 13-1246)
or the Realistic  System 320 (Cat. No. 13-1238) to operate,
remember to first turn the LOCK/RELEASE screw to the RELEASE position
and remove the two transit screws.
 
MN-02-92
Playing Long Discs on the 13-1238
 
The Realistic System 320 (Cat. No. 13-1238) has an additional problem.
Due to the design of the CD player,
it cannot play CDs whose recording time exceed 74 minutes.
(The latest Michael Jackson disc is an example.)
Quality Control and the manufacturer have identified the problem,
but the solution will take a little time.
Please be patient.
 
MN-02-92
Portable CD Player Adapter
 
Customers who would prefer to use an AC adapter rather than batteries with the
Optimus  CD-3360 Portable CD Player (Cat. No. 42-5028)
need look no further --
a new 3 volt AC adapter is just arriving in the warehouse.
It is Cat. No. 273-1659 and sells for $16.95.
 
MN-02-92
Thanks for the Great Mike!
 
The new 170 MHz Pro Microphone System (Cat. No. 32-1224)
has received good reviews from
several rock and roll bands across the country.
We have received letters thanking us for offering
this great mike system at the terrific price of $129.95.
 
Keep in mind that this system is available in 3 different frequencies
to allow up to 3 mikes to be used at the same time.
Each mike is labeled channel "A," "B" or "C" for easy identification.
 
MN-02-92
COMMUNICATIONS
New Scanner Guides at CMC
Maritime Frequency Directory
 
New! Consumer Mail Center has added a Maritime Frequency Directory (V62-1031).
This single volume contains over 27,000 listings by community
and includes the new 1991 ITU (International Telecommunications Union)
frequency charts.
With this guide, listeners can quickly identify maritime frequencies
with actual license-holders in the continental U.S. and District of Columbia.
Frequency, type of service, channel number, ship and coastal frequencies,
call sign, and additional information about the frequency
are provided for each listing.
 
Keep your customers informed at a bargain price!
Suggested retail for the 400-page Maritime Frequency Directory is only $24.95.
 
MN-02-92
Police Call Guide
 
The 1992 version of the Police Call Guide is now in stock at CMC.
New in this year's guide is a revised Combined Frequency List
containing virtually every VHF-UHF frequency or frequency range
for even the most sophisticated scanners.
This list has been revised to include extended frequency ranges
for the new continuous tuning receivers.
The 1992 guides also have police radio codes and
approximately 9,000 new frequencies.
 
These guides are a natural for every scanner sale and are published
in nine regional volumes covering the 48 mainland states and Puerto Rico.
Call CMC, or check your red CMC binder for the correct volume for your area.
Make sure you have the latest version available for your customers.
The Police Call Guide suggested retail is $9.95.
 
MN-02-92
New Version of DC Adapter
 
The Universal DC-to-DC Adapter (Cat. No. 270-1560)
has been replaced by a slightly different version, Cat. No. 270-1560A.
The tip colors are different:
 
270-1560    270-1560A
Green   Blue
Black   Orange
Yellow  White
 
For example, if you are using this adapter with the
Realistic  PRO-37 scanner (Cat. No. 20-138),
your instructions state to use the green tip on the 270-1560.
If you are using the 270-1560A, use the blue tip instead.
 
MN-02-92
ELECTRONIC PARTS
Plug 'n Power Accessories from CMC
 
The Plug 'n Power  line of convenience and security electrical items
continues to expand at Consumer Mail.
With these items available from CMC,
we can now accommodate those customers with special needs
rather than send them elsewhere.
 
Here are the newest `PnP' items added to the CMC family
with brief descriptions and suggested retail prices.
 
Wall Mounted Controller (T61-6319, $89.95)
 
For on/off/dim control of up to three `PnP' modules.
Decora styling.
 
Wall Switch with Dimming (T61-6381, $59.95)
 
A `PnP' single pole, wall-mounted, incandescent light switch
with local on/off/dim.
Full range manual dimming and switching capabilities
as well as remote switching capabilities from controllers.
Rated 500 watts max., 60 watts min.
Decora styling.
 
Wall Switch, Fluorescent (T61-6291, $64.95)
 
A `PnP' single pole, wall-mounted switch with local on/off.
For use with fluorescent lighting, switch-control appliances,
or high-wattage incandescent lighting where dimming is not allowed.
Rated 15A (a neutral wire is necessary for installation of this device).
Decora styling.
 
Fixture Module with Dimming (T61-6376, $64.95)
 
Responds to `PnP' on/off/bright/dim/all-on/all-off commands.
For incandescent fixtures.
Junction-box mounted.
Fixture relay switch module for incandescent fixture.
Rated 250 watts.
 
Fixture Module, Fluorescent (T61-6375, $64.95)
 
Relay output.
Responds to `PnP' on/off/all-on/all-off commands where dimming is not allowed.
Junction-box mounted.
Rated 4A (resistive or inductive only).
 
Signal Bridge (T61-6299, $59.95)
 
Installs across both `hot' wires of a 120/240 volt residential system
to ensure good `PnP' signal strength throughout the house.
Recommended for use in residences of 2,500 sq.ft. or more.
 
Plug-In Noise Filter (T61-6288, $39.95)
 
Installs between outlet and "offending" appliance (refrigerator, etc.)
to reduce jamming and falsing on `PnP' systems.
 
In-Line Noise Filter (T61-6287, $39.95)
 
Prevents interference generated by fixture components
from interfering with DEC signals.
 
Plug 'n Power Questions
 
Customer questions can be answered
from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST Monday through Friday
by X-10's USA Customer Service Line:
 
(201) 784-9700
 
MN-02-92
Ordering from Consumer Mail
 
Remember, CMC is always adding new items.
Call us at 1 (800) 433-2024
if there is something you can't find.
We may already have what you're looking for,
or we may want to consider adding your item in the future.
 
Don't forget the toll-free FAX number:
 
1 (800) 821-1959
 
for ordering merchandise from CMC.
This line is available 24 hours a day,
7 days a week for your convenience.
FAX us your orders after business hours or when the sales floor is not busy!
 
MN-02-92
Chemicals Now Have HCFCs
 
The old versions of the 64-series chemicals
(64-2315, 64-2320, 64-2321, 64-2322, 64-2324, and 64-2325)
have been reformulated without straight chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
and now contain hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs),
which are much better for the environment.
 
The old stock numbers were 64-23xx.
The new stock numbers (as shown on page 133 of Catalog No. 472)
for the chemicals with HCFCs are 64-33xx
(64-3315, 64-3320, 64-3321, 64-3322, 64-3324, and 64-3325).
 
MN-02-92
VIDEO
Fuzzy Logic
 
Thanks to fuzzy logic, some camcorders,
such as the Memorex  MovieCorder  Model 154 (Cat. No. 16-855),
see the world like you do.
With these camcorders, anyone can shoot beautiful, professional quality video.
Note: The artificial intelligence of the
Memorex MovieCorder Model 127 (Cat. No. 16-827)
accomplishes a similar task to the fuzzy logic used by the Model 154.
 
What in the World is Fuzzy Logic?
 
Computer fuzzy logic is an information processing technique
which transcends "black and white" distinctions,
allowing a computer to deal with "gray areas" of ambiguity,
much as a human being does.
The real beauty is that you don't have to know exactly how fuzzy logic works.
You just take pictures and have fun; the camcorder figures out the rest.
 
Fuzzy Logic Auto Focus
 
Fuzzy logic auto focus is an extension and refinement of digital auto focus,
the mainstream method used today.
The system works by dividing the visual field into zones,
and determining the location of the subject
using both contrast and brightness (light/dark) information.
Fuzzy logic auto focus gives priority to the center,
but when the subject is not at the center of the picture,
it smoothly expands or reduces the size of the focus zone
according to 21 fixed focusing rules.
This sophisticated logic works together with a modified inner lens mechanism
to make focusing faster than ever before, even when following a moving 
subject.
The user, of course, can always take charge by switching to manual focus.
 
Fuzzy Logic Auto Exposure (Iris)
 
With conventional auto exposure, the iris setting is determined
by the overall brightness of the entire picture.
This can cause havoc when you try to capture that beautiful shot
backlit by the sunset or glimmering sea (or any other form of backlighting).
On playback, the subject looks like
an underexposed and unrecognizable silhouette.
 
Fuzzy logic auto exposure (iris) solves this problem by
dividing the visual field into zones,
and gives priority to the zone which contains the subject.
The system is so sophisticated and high-speed
that you need never worry, even when panning quickly into backlight.
 
Fuzzy Logic White Balance
 
The human eye has the remarkable ability to see consistent colors,
regardless of the light source.
For instance, white paper looks white in any light.
But camcorders are sensitive to the color temperature of the light source,
and this can make things look reddish under incandescent light,
or bluish under fluorescent light.
The conventional means of compensating --
TTL (through-the-lens) auto white balance --
has a number of problems:
large areas of green or blue are overcorrected and look faded or gray,
and close-ups of faces tend to discolor.
Fuzzy logic auto white balance solves these problems by segmenting
the visual field and employing nine compensation rules.
The bottom line:  faithful, vivid color under any lighting conditions.
 
MN-02-92
RADIOS
 
Packet Radio Hookup for HTX-202
 
Amateur radio's fastest growing segment is packet radio,
which provides error-free communication between computers
via radio rather than through telephone lines.
Packet uses a modified X.25 protocol.
 
Here's how to configure the Realistic  HTX-202 Transceiver
(Cat. No. 19-1120) for packet hookup:
 
[diagram]
 
Almost any type of capacitor will work, for example:
Cat. Nos. 272-1069, 272-109, 272-135, etc.
(Use mono-lithic ceramic if you want small size.)
 
The resistor can be 1/8 watt, 1/4 watt, or 1/2 watt
(Cat. Nos. 271-1325 and 271-027).
 
Thanks to Joe LeBlanc (N5UBX) of Lafayette, LA
for advising us of this hookup information.
 
MN-02-92
GIFTS
Water Resistant Watches
 
Be sure to point out to your watch customers that
our water-resistant watches are not suitable for many water activities.
They are wearable around sinks and when swimming,
but should not be worn when highboard diving or scuba diving.
 
MN-02-92
TELEPHONES
 
CMC Cellular Accessories
 
The following cellular accessories are now in stock at Consumer Mail.
This list identifies the cellular unit and the suggested retail prices.
Use the toll-free FAX number to order from CMC:  1 (800) 821-1959.
 
Charging Stand (T17-602, $64.95)
 
For CT-300 (17-2001) and CT-301 (17-1050).
Requires A/C adapter or mobile mounting kit.
 
Rapid Battery Charger (T17-605, $89.95)
 
For CT-302 (17-1051).
 
Extra Battery Charger (T17-610, $54.95)
 
For CT-1033 (17-1006).
 
MN-02-92
Why Sell DISCO?
Our ability to sell discontinued products makes it possible
for us to update our product line with the latest innovations
and best values available.
If we don't sell the old stuff, we can't bring the new stuff in!
 
Selling disco also decreases your store's devaluation,
which increases profitability.
Salesmakers make commissions plus spiffs.
Customers save money.
In short, everybody wins!
 
MN-02-92
Who Buys What
CATEGORY-DESCRIPTION-BUYER
 
12/13-Radios-Tom Harris
14-Tape Recorders-Bob Katz
15-Antennas-Dave Shoemaker
16-TVs/VCRs/Satellite Systems-Dave Shoemaker
 
17-Cellular Mobile Telephones-Joel Guskin
   (Cellular Carrier Issues Only-Chuck Sizer)
19-Personal Communications-Dave Wolf
20-Pagers-Joel Guskin
 
20/21-CBs and Scanners-Bob Katz
22-Test Equipment/Radar Detectors-Dave Wolf
23-Batteries-Leon Lutz
25-Tandy 1000 Computers-Mark Clauder
 
25-Tandy MS-DOS Laptops-Colin Meyer
25-Tandy 2500/4000 Computers/Peripherals-Jef Fike
25/26/90-Modems-Mark Clauder
26-Model 100, Tandy 102/200-Colin Meyer
 
26-Color Computers (Hardware)-Mark Clauder
26-Printers and Printer Supplies-Colin Meyer
26-Wordprocessors and Pocket Computers-Colin Meyer
26-Serial Cables/Connectors-Dick Hedrick
 
26-Joysticks and Power Protectors-Gordon Dixon
25/26/90-Furniture/Workstation Accessories-Ann Kennemer
25/26/90-Mice-Ann Kennemer
26/90-Color Computer Software-Kate Titsworth
 
25/26/90-Accounting/Industry Specific Software-Joel Cohen
25/26/90-Books and Personal Mgmt. Software-Ann Kennemer
25/26/90-Business Mgmt. Software-Ann Kennemer
25/26/90-Online Services Software-Ann Kennemer
 
25/26/90-Communications Software-Joel Cohen
25/26/90-Database/Spreadsheet Software-Ann Kennemer
25/26/90-Desktop Publishing/Graphics Software-Ann Kennemer
25/26/90-Entertainment/Home Education Software-Kate Titsworth
 
25/26/90-Networking Products-Joel Cohen
25/26/90-Programming Tool Software-Joel Cohen
25/26/90-School/University Education Software-Maggie Sherrod
25-SchoolMate and SchoolMate Products-Maggie Sherrod
 
25-Tandy DeskMate-Ann Kennemer
25/26/90-Utilities Software-Joel Cohen
25/26/90-Word Processing Software-Ann Kennemer
25/26/90-XENIX/UNIX/Operating Systems-Joel Cohen
 
270-Parts-Gordon Dixon
271-Parts-Dave Wolf
272-Parts-Dick Hedrick
273/274-Parts-Dave Wolf
 
275/6/7-Parts-Dick Hedrick
278-Parts-Dave Wolf
279-Phone Accessories-Joel Guskin
28-Kits-Leon Lutz
 
31-Receivers/Audio-Michael Latham
32-PA Amps/Mixers-Michael Latham
33-Mikes and Headphones-Michael Latham
36-Telephone Systems-Joel Guskin
 
40-Speakers-Michael Latham
42-CD Players/Changers/Turntables-Michael Latham
43-Cordless Phones/TADs/FAXes-Joel Guskin
43-Intercoms/Accessories/Corded Phones-Jack Schuster
 
44-Blank Tapes and Accessories-Bob Katz
49-Security-Dick Hedrick
50-Pre-Recorded Video Tapes-Dave Shoemaker
51-Records/Pre-Recorded Audio Tapes-Michael Latham
 
60-Toys-Leon Lutz
61-Electrical-Gordon Dixon
62-Books-Leon Lutz
63-Timers-Tom Harris
 
64-Tools and Hardware-Gordon Dixon
65-Calculators-Gordon Dixon
68-Premiums-Leon Lutz
 
If you have ideas for new products or if your customers frequently ask
about a particular product, contact the appropriate buyer:
 
E-Mail:  Merchandising 01-0025
 
Speed Memo:  Radio Shack Merchandising
             1500 One Tandy Center
             Ft. Worth, TX  76102
 
MOM-10/11-93
THE FRONT LINE -- MULTIMEDIA IS HOT
 
If you've watched our competitors' newspaper ads, you've noticed the increa-
sing number of multimedia systems beginning to appear. It seems that what we
have known for more than a year is now becoming common knowledge around the
industry -- multimedia is hot!
 
Why this "sudden" shift in people's interest to multimedia as the home com-
puter of choice? First of all, a multimedia computer can do the standard PC
functions of word processing, spreadsheet manipulation, and database manage-
ment. Then, it goes beyond these basic functions to deliver several addi-
tional dimensions of performance:
 
- High-fidelity audio sound
 
- Massive, "cost effective," content delivery (made possible through the CD-
  ROM drive)
 
- Communications across telephone lines to remote PCs and database services
 
These features let today's multimedia PC deliver interactive home education
and startlingly realistic games and entertainment programs. The multimedia
PC can even be the home's communications center. Obviously, we will see fur-
ther refinements and enhancements to these new multimedia functions, but the
general outline of the home PC for the year ahead has clearly taken shape.
 
Here are five ways you can take advantage of this trend:
 
1. Continue to show every available prospect both the Tandy MMPC (25-1640) &
   Sensation. The MMPC is priced at $1,399 ($1,599 with monitor) to be right
   in the thick of the action for the entry-level home multimedia user. Just
   add amplified speakers for the full enjoyment of multimedia sound. You
   should also offer a modem as a communications add-on for the MMPC.
 
   Your older Sensation (25-1650) at $1,699 is priced to move your store de-
   mo into someone's home this Christmas! Its built-in software makes it the
   easiest to use of the multimedia computers. Just add amplified speakers.
 
2. Upgrade kits that let owners of older PCs add multimedia features to
   their systems are expected to sell in record volumes this year. The arti-
   cle that starts on Page 9 of this M.O.M. suggests how you can take exist-
   ing store inventory and display your own multimedia kits. By simply brin-
   ging together several individual peripherals from your store's inventory
   and repackaging them with the appropriate cable, you can reduce your in-
   ventory of end-of-life peripherals and pick up some good Christmas sales.
 
   Realize that all of those 2500 SX/33 and Tandy 2100 systems you will be
   selling to first-time users will really sparkle with the addition of our
   $99.99 Game Pack (25-1701). It includes a sound board, joystick, and
   shielded speakers plus some software. Offer one with every basic system
   that is not already configured with a sound board.
 
3. A multimedia computer is a lot more fun with a couple of state-of-the-art
   CD titles that take full advantage of its capabilities. One reason multi-
   media has taken months to really gain momentum is that it has taken soft-
   ware publishers that long to begin to produce applications that really
   take advantage of the quantum advance in hardware.
 
   While there is still a shortage of knockout multimedia titles (a shortage
   that the industry is certainly rushing to fill!), some of the well-done
   releases like Virgin's Dune (25-3151), Kyrandia (25-3153) or Time-Warn-
   er's Almanac (25-6204) are good recommendations for your multimedia buy-
   ers. And, don't forget the most famous multimedia title of them all --
   Virgin's 7th Guest (25-1847). Your store has a self-running demo of 7th
   Guest that should be installed and running on one of your MPC systems at
   all times. (See the installation note on Page 4.)
 
4. An important trend that is sure to continue in the months ahead is the
   improving communications capability of the home PC. The home computer can
   be a sophisticated message center complete with fax and forward, remote
   message retrieval, and a whole string of other functions. Also, modems
   will be getting both faster and cheaper. We are giving you sale pricing
   on both of our modems this Christmas: 25-3025 will be priced at $49.99,
   and 25-3027, its fax/modem cousin, at only $79.99. Offer them and close
   sales.
 
5. Finally, but still important, you need to learn the new features of this
   year's Sensation (25-1651). If you can "navigate" and demonstrate the key
   elements of the original Sensation (25-1650), you simply need to spend a
   few minutes finding your way around WinMate's new telephone Message Cen-
   ter, the Action! Multimedia Presentation Manager and the Lotus Organizer.
   While the hardware specs of the new Sensation have improved dramatically,
   remember that the first-time owner will be more impressed with what it
   does rather than what it is. Demonstrate features instead of quoting
   "feeds and speeds" if you want to impress that prospect with what Sensa-
   tion can really do for the whole family.
 
Again this year you have the easiest-to-use, high-performance home computers
and peripherals in the industry. Show them proudly and SELL, SELL, SELL!
 
MOM-10/11-93
THE CREDIT LINE -- RSVP ACCOUNT REVIEWS AND Q&A
 
Portfolio Improvement Program
 
To maintain accurate information that lets us extend RSVP credit privileges,
we conduct periodic reviews of cardholders' credit files. Our recent review
covered these cardholder groups: accounts to be closed; accounts needing
credit updates/reviews; accounts where credit limit is changed; and accounts
"left alone."
 
Based on the results of this RSVP cardholder file review, we sent letters,
nationwide, notifying certain RSVP cardholders that their accounts have been
closed. All had been inactive for over a year, and all scored below a desig-
nated level on the portfolio review. In each letter, we provided a toll-free
800 number to call TRW. If one of these former cardholders visits your
store, refer him/her to 1-800-682-7654 to find out why the account was
closed.
 
Another group of RSVP cardholders was notified that an adjustment was made
in their credit limit. Again, they were given the same 800 number for TRW if
they have questions.
 
Some inactive cardholders, who scored above a designated level, were not
sent letters. However, if any of these cardholders present an RSVP card in
your store, you'll receive a "Call Center" message on your screen. When it
appears, do not assume anything. Simply call Voice Authorizations at 1-800-
767-7818. The cardholder will not have to complete an application or other
paperwork. When you call the center as instructed, we will do an immediate
account review and approve or decline the sale at that time. If the cardhol-
der is declined, you can bet that some serious financial problems occurred
since the account was originally opened.
 
By informing RSVP cardholders of their account status, we hope to eliminate
the "block code" problems you faced last year. However, the review codes
from last year are still in the system. It is possible some of those card-
holders may appear this year, but the probability is small.
 
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT RSVP
 
Q. May I phone-in an RSVP application from a customer who does not have a
   "bank" card, but does have a valid credit card account with another Tandy
    merchant?
 
A. YES! Phone-in RSVP applications from customers who have a valid Computer
   City, Incredible Universe or McDuff/VideoConcepts Purchase Power credit
   card.
 
Q. May customers have an application back if they are not approved?
 
A. NO! The Equal Credit Opportunity Act requires that we keep declined ap-
   plications for at least 26 months. You can give the customer a copy, but
   you must keep the original in your store. (Keep a 26-month file for this
   purpose.)
 
Q. Why do we get charged back for fraud losses?
 
A. Do you have losses on bad checks? Do you have losses due to shoplifting?
   Fraud losses are just like bad checks and theft. The store that received
   credit for the sale must also absorb the expense of the loss. It is simp-
   ly a cost of doing business.
 
   You are the eyes and ears of the RSVP credit program. If you have any
   doubts about an applicant's ID or intentions, it is up to you to inform
   the Operations Center that you have a "Code 10" application. This signals
   the operator to be extra, extra cautious about considering the applicant
   for approval.
 
Q. How do we process Insurance Replacement Certificates?
 
A. The replacement certificate entitles the cardholder to repair or replace-
   ment of merchandise only, and does not have a cash value. The customer's
   copy of the certificate lists the item(s) approved for replacement, but
   does not give the value. The customer may opt to replace with other mer-
   chandise, as long as it does not exceed the amount approved by the insur-
   ance company.
 
   Call Voice Authorizations at 1-800-767-7818 to get the approved amount
   and authorization code. You will be given a ChargeGard account number to
   process the charge for the item(s). Do not charge the approved replace-
   ment amount to the customer's RSVP account.
 
   If the customer upgrades, they can pay the difference in cost by charging
   it to their RSVP account. Process the difference the same way as any or-
   dinary RSVP transaction.
 
   Tandy Service Plans (TSP) are not covered by ChargeGard Payment Protec-
   tion. Therefore, if the customer elects to add on or renew a TSP, they
   must pay for it in some other way. They can't charge it to the ChargeGard
   account.
 
   The store must complete the certificate and mail it to Tandy Credit in
   Fort Worth. The certificate is good for one visit only; all monies autho-
   rized are good for one sale.
 
Q. Why do we take back merchandise that may be several months old?
 
A. Tandy Credit may contact the store regarding a voluntary repossession
   when the customer is unable to continue making payments. We only do this
   when the alternative seems a total loss. We do not want someone retaining
   the use and benefits of a product if they can't (or won't) pay for it.
   You are not obliged to give full retail credit for the merchandise. A
   fair value that you can obtain and show a profit through resale is suffi-
   cient. If you believe the value is zero, then say so.
 
If you have other questions about the RSVP credit program, or credit in
general, send speed mail to Tandy Credit (01-0038).
 
MOM-10/11-93
COMPUTER SUPPORT SERVICES -- MORE FAXBACK HELP
 
Your store received a Faxback Help Diskette along with the September M.O.M.,
which you should've installed in your store on any computer running Windows
3.1.
 
Included in this POP along with the October/November M.O.M. is a second disk
which contains listing of selected consumer products. This help file inclu-
des Faxback document numbers for ordering Spanish summaries of owner's manu-
als for these products.
 
Please make sure you are familiar with these help files -- it will save you
time in getting the information you need for your customers.
 
We are always striving to improve support and the information we provide to
store personnel. The Faxback system is constantly being updated, and more
and more non-computer products are being added.
 
If you have any suggestions or problems with the information provided by the
Faxback system, contact Cynthia Davis at (817) 878-4116 (or send email to
"cdavis3").
 
Remember that this 800 line is for store and customer use:
 
    FAXBACK (800) 323-6586
 
Give this number out to your customers -- point them in the right direction
toward more, useful information on their Radio Shack products.
 
MOM-10/11-93
COMPUTER SUPPORT SERVICES -- TWO EASY PHONE NUMBERS
 
These are the only two numbers you need to remember for getting support from
Customer Support Services.
 
This is the telephone number that you can give out to your customers for di-
rect support from Ft. Worth. Customers can reach any of the appropriate sup-
port teams by dialing the number and following the voice prompts.
 
    Customer: (817) 876-6875
 
The 800 telephone number is for store support. Remember that this number
is not to be given to customers. Every call we take on the 800 line from a
customer means one less call we can take from you.
 
    Store: (800) 2Tandy4
 
MOM-10/11-93
COMPUTER SUPPORT SERVICES -- SUBJECT OF THE MONTH -- 7TH GUEST INSTALLATION
 
Here's how to install The 7th Guest on the MMPC (25-1640) and the Sensation
(25-1651):
 
Note: The Seventh Guest is a DOS application that won't run under Windows.
 
1. From the CD ROM prompt, with the demo CD in the drive, type:
   INSTALL <ENTER>
 
2. The first three screens give information on installation. Press <ENTER>
   to move through these screens.
 
3. The next two screens flash while the install program performs diagnostics
   on CD ROM and video speed. Press <ENTER> to move through these screens.
 
4. If you see UNKNOWN VIDEO CARD -- PLEASE INSTALL VESA DRIVER, ignore this
   message for now by pressing <ENTER>.
 
5. This screen appears with two options:
      SVGA 486 Based machines
      MCGA 386 Based machines
   Press <ENTER> to continue to select the (SVGA) option.
   Press <ENTER> to accept settings.
 
   NOTE: When installing on Sensation (25-1650), a prompt for a sound option
         appears. Select Option 10 (Tandy Sensation).
 
6. SETUP starts copying files to the hard drive. After all the files have
   been copied, this message appears:
      Type T7G <ENTER> to play The 7th Guest Demo
      IMPORTANT: Reboot Computer
   Reboot the computer before starting the demo.
 
7. To start the demo, go to the C: prompt and type:
   CD C: D 7G <ENTER>
   T7G <ENTER>
 
The demo starts.
 
If, at this time, you encounter a blank screen, follow these steps to change
the video option to MCGA.
 
1. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 above & select MCGA at Step 5 by arrowing down.
 
2. Press Y to ignore the warning message and force the choice.
 
3. Accept the changes and press <ENTER>.
 
4. At the C: D 7G> prompt, type T7G <ENTER> to run the demo.
 
(If the customer purchased The 7th Guest program from another vendor and can
not get it to run, they can contact Virgin, the vendor, at (714) 833-8710
for an updated driver.)
 
MOM-10/11-93
TANDY FACTORY-DIRECT -- TFD UPDATE
 
HOW TO MAKE THE SALE
 
Things are changing fast at TFD! We have items discontinued, new items add-
ed, prices lowered, and availability changed. Attached to this month's MOM
are masters of the current TFD Order Forms dated 11/9/93. Be sure to destroy
any older forms you have on hand -- they're obsolete! Reproduce the new
forms locally as needed. Fort Worth cannot supply additional copies of these
forms to stores.
 
To minimize problems regarding product availability from TFD, take a minute
to review these TFD sales and ordering procedures:
 
1. Consult with your prospects to determine their computer needs.
 
2. After determining needs, recommend the TFD computer, upgrades, and acces-
   sories that best meet your customers' requirements.
 
3. Here's the crucial step: call the TFD Order Line while your customer is
   still in the store to determine the availability of the components you
   need.
 
4. Complete the sale, call the TFD Order Line back for a confirmation num-
   ber, and finish processing the sale in the normal manner.
 
Remember, you must check availability before committing the factory and
yourself to an order. We can trace over 90% of TFD ordering problems to
failure to check before you sell. Do both yourself and your customer a fa-
vor, and call before your customer leaves the store.
 
MOM-10/11-93
TANDY FACTORY-DIRECT -- WHAT'S DISCONTINUED
 
These items are no longer available through Factory-Direct:
 
259-1650 TFD   SENSATION
 
   The factory has no inventory of the base machine and none will be avail-
   able. Destroy any TFD Sensation order forms you have on hand. Please do
   not call the factory to ask if any "exceptions" can be made -- there are
   no 259-1650 platforms available from the factory. Also, the factory can
   not accept a store-stock Sensation for customization.
 
259-5138 TFD   4 MB RAM UPGRADE FOR SENSATION
259-7240 TFD   1 MB VIDEO RAM UPGRADE FOR SENSATION
259-7256 TFD   50DX2 CPU UPGRADE FOR SENSATION
259-4079 TFD   60/120 MB TAPE DRIVE
 
MOM-10/11-93
TANDY FACTORY-DIRECT -- WHAT'S NEW
 
Here are new peripherals to offer your TFD customers.
 
Creative Labs OmniCD CD-ROM (259-7258), at $465, requires one 5 1/4" bay
or it can interface directly with SoundBlaster Pro (259-1700). It features
double-speed, 300 KB/sec data transfer rate, multi-session photo CD compat-
ibility, 680 MB data capacity, 64 KB RAM buffer, and is CD-ROM XA ready.
Plus, it includes Aldus PhotoStyler SE and Quick CD.
 
Colorado Memory Systems 120/250 MB Tape Drive (259-7257), which replaces the
259-4079, can store up to 250 MB (compressed) on a single tape, using the
supplied software.
 
The tape drive, at $272, should be available for installation in TFD units
by the time you receive this M.O.M. Check with the TFD Order Desk before
accepting orders for it. This item is not available as a stand-alone unit;
it must be integrated in a TFD system.
 
MOM-10/11-93
TANDY FACTORY-DIRECT -- WHAT CAN STAND ALONE
 
Now you can offer your customers a high-quality 17-inch monitor for less
than $900, delivered right to their door!
 
Due to many requests from the field, Factory-Direct's new 17-inch monitor
(259-4092), announced in the July/August issue of the M.O.M., can now be or-
dered without having to be part of a TFD system. This means that customers
can order this monitor from TFD without purchasing a TFD CPU! And, more
great news: the shipping and handling charge for the stand-alone monitor has
been reduced to just $45!
 
Here are a few points to remember about this monitor:
 
- 17-inch (16-inch visible) flat square technology CRT reduces glare and
  provides enhanced viewing area
 
- 0.31 mm dot pitch produces sharp images
 
- Automatically scans horizontal frequencies from 30-65 KHz, and vertical
  frequencies from 50-90 KHz
 
- Compatible with a wide variety of video standards
 
- Supports VESA flicker-free modes
 
- Microprocessor-based digital control system saves up to 12 user-definable
  display settings; includes 12 factory-preset settings
 
- Universal power supply
 
No 259-4092 monitors may be ordered for store use, or "on spec." This offer
is available only for the 259-4092 monitor -- no other TFD items may be or-
dered without a CPU.
 
MOM-10/11-93
SYLVAN SUCCESS
 
Sylvan Technology Center
Part of the Sylvan Learning Center Network
 
Master Your Computer...FAST!
Training On Today's Most Popular Software
 
- Getting Started with PC and DOS 3.x/4.x
- Getting Started with PC and DOS 5.0
- Getting Started with Tandy DeskMate 3
- Getting Started with Windows 3.0
- Getting Started with Windows 3.1
- Getting Started with Works for Windows
- Getting Started with WordPerfect 5.1
- Getting Started with WordPerfect for Windows
- Getting Started with Lotus 1-2-3, 2.3
- Getting Started with Lotus 1-2-3, 3.1
- Getting Started with dBase IV, 1.1
- Getting Started with Paradox 3.5
- Getting Started with Word for Windows 1.1
- Getting Started with Word for Windows 2.0
- Getting Started with Excel 3.0
- Getting Started with Excel 4.0
- Getting Started with Microsoft PowerPoint v2.0
- Getting Started with Microsoft Mail and Schedule+
 
All Getting Started courses only $99
 
Sylvan Technology Centers are located in selected markets nationwide.
 
MOM-10/11-93
SYLVAN SUCCESS -- LATEST & GREATEST
 
Sylvan Technology Centers announce the availability of Continuing Education-
al Units (CEU) on all of Sylvan's PC skills training courses. Effective No-
vember 1, 1993, all Radio Shack salesmakers and customers are eligible to
receive CEU credits upon completion of a PC skills training course. Each
training course represents 0.8 CEU credits.
 
Sylvan Technology Centers have been awarded the ability to assign CEU cre-
dits through the National Association for Continuing Education and Training,
IACET. Upon completion of a PC skills training course, participants receive
a Certificate of Completion that identifies the total number of CEU credits
earned.
 
Radio Shack store managers and salesmakers can also receive CEU credits by
completing a PC skills training course through a Sylvan Technology Center.
Contact Peggy McDaniels, (817) 338-2343, to receive additional information
on employee enrollment in a Sylvan training course.
 
MOM-10/11-93
SYLVAN SUCCESS -- SALES TIPS
 
In today's changing economic environment, individuals must maintain a compe-
titive advantage whether they are currently employed or seeking employment.
Radio Shack stores are equipped to provide a total solution to the training
and technology needs of these individuals.
 
When recommending Sylvan's PC skills training program to Radio Shack custo-
mers, remember these hot sales tips:
 
- Exciting course titles -- Radio Shack customers can receive PC skills
  training on more than 18 popular PC application titles. (Please see the
  box for the most recent course titles available!)
 
- 85% proficiency guaranteed -- Each Radio Shack salesmaker or customer who
  completes a Sylvan training course will achieve a minimum of 85% profi-
  ciency on the skills required to efficiently and effectively use the ap-
  plication package.
 
- CEU credits available on all Sylvan training courses -- The IACET, a na-
  tionally recognized organization, has awarded Sylvan Technology Centers
  the ability to distribute CEU credits to individuals who complete a train-
  ing course. After a detailed evaluation of Sylvan's training methodology,
  the IACET evaluated Sylvan's training program using their high standards
  of training and education excellence and determined that Sylvan's PC
  skills program is effective and comprehensive.
 
MOM-10/11-93
SYLVAN SUCCESS -- CLASS NOTES
 
All Sylvan PC skills training courses are designed to enable participants to
master functions and commands at a comfortable pace while they effectively
and efficiently learn to use the intended application package. Sylvan's
training program utilizes a building block approach to learning. Each course
guides the participant through a journey of skill exercises, practice tests,
and section reviews.
 
Radio Shack salesmakers and store managers are invited to enroll in a Sylvan
training course for $40. Just contact Peggy McDaniels at (817) 338-2343.
 
MOM-10/11-93
SYLVAN SUCCESS -- LET US KNOW
 
Please let us know about your training success stories, as well as sales
tips you may have, that can assist other Radio Shack salesmakers when sell-
ing Sylvan training.
 
FAX your stories, comments, questions, or suggestions to:
 
    (410) 880-8717
    ATTN: STC Training Marketing
 
MOM-10/11-93
PRODUCT NEWS -- ZOOMER: MORE GOOD THINGS TO COME
 
With its full complement of built-in applications and easy-to-use functions,
Zoomer is leading the Personal Digital Assistant revolution. But, soon, a
wide range of accessories will add even more flexibility and power.
 
Here is a list of what we will offer and the expected availability dates.
 
                                                              Avail.   Order
Cat. No. Description                                Price      Date     From
 
16-2018  AC adapter                                $19.99    11/15/93    REG
 
25-3101  Serial cable (null modem) for connec-
         tion to PC (5', PDA to 9 pin)              24.99    11/30/93    CMC
 
25-3102  Infrared interface for connection to
         PC serial port                               TBA     3/30/94    CMC
 
25-3103  Replacement styli (2 per pack)              7.99    11/20/93    CMC
 
25-3104  Deluxe ballpoint pen-style stylus           5.99    11/30/93    CMC
 
25-3105  Zoom 2400 bps serial pocket modem           99.99   11/30/93   0055
 
25-3106  Serial cable for connection to
         modem (18", PDA to 25 pin)                  19.99   11/30/93    CMC
 
25-3107  SunDisk FlashDisk 1.8MB PCMCIA memory
         card (up to 20MB available special order)  249.99   11/30/93    CMC
 
25-3108  Leather slip case                           24.99   11/30/93    CMC
 
25-3109  PalmConnect PC connection software with
         serial cable (25-3101); duplicates PDA
         address book, note book and date book
         functions on PC with full ink support
         and comma-separated value file import
         to address book file                       119.99  11/15/93    0055
 
25-3110  Intellilink for Windows; transfers text
         data between PDA and PC applications in-
         cluding Lotus Organizer, ACT! for Windows,
         Paradox, Word for Windows, and many more
         (25-3101 cable needed)                      99.99  11/15/93     CMC
 
25-3111  Motorola NewsCard PCMCIA wireless E-mail
         pager with EMBARC service (Customers call
         the EMBARC 800-number for activation and
         service options)                           249.99  11/30/93     CMC
 
25-3112  AMT 2400 bps PCMCIA modem (Driver re-
         quired, installed at no charge through
         Tandy Service with purchase)               299.99 11/30/93    CMC
 
Included with each Zoomer is an offer from GeoWorks: Zoomer owners can get a
1 MB SRAM PCMCIA card for $219.99, or a 2 MB card for $319.99 (this replaces
the 256K SRAM PCMCIA card mentioned in the 1994 Radio Shack Catalog).
 
We are trying to expedite the availability of these accessories, but please
don't promise delivery to your customers earlier than the dates shown. We
will keep you updated on the status of everything.
 
MOM-10/11-93
PRODUCT NEWS -- FEATURING THREE NEW MACHINES: 3900, 3100, AND 2100
 
Radio Shack has introduced three new machines in the last few months. Get to
know them and show your computer prospects copies of the attached feature
sheets.
 
TANDY 3900
Tandy's newest notebook computer, the Tandy 3900 (25-3580), is shipping to
selected stores. This computer is stockable only in stores having a high
sales volume history of notebook computers. Special customer orders from
stores that are not on the approved list must be processed by your Regional
Sales Manager.
 
Here are some highlights of this hot, new notebook:
 
- Cyrix Cx486SLC, 25 MHz processor
- 2 MB standard RAM, expandable to 4 MB or 8 MB
- 120 MB hard drive, with 2-step power down
- 3 1/2" 1.44 MB floppy disk drive
- 640 x 480 resolution with 64 grey shades
- Built-in trackball standard
 
TANDY 3100
The new Tandy 3100 boasts business-class performance and features at a home
PC price. This 33 MHz 486 SX-based PC includes these money- and time-saving
features:
 
- Bundled software valued at more than $380 -- including America Online
- Local bus video -- reduces the amount of time needed to process and draw
  sophisticated graphics
- ENERGY STAR energy efficient -- could save more than $150 annually on
  electrical bills
- Built-in SoundBlaster audio card -- brings to life today's hottest games
 
TANDY 2100
The Tandy 2100, a scaled-down version of the 3100, is an ideal entry-level
PC to show your computer prospects. It's packaged with the same bundled
software as the 3100, but features a less expensive, 25 MHz 486 SX micro-
processor.
 
There's also room for expansion. Memory is expandable to 32 MB on the main
logic board, and the machine has three 16-bit and one 8-bit expansion slots,
plus three open device bays. Also, the customer can upgrade the video from
800 x 600 in 256 colors to 1024 x 768 in 256 colors.
 
MOM-10/11-93
PRODUCT NEWS -- DMP 206 AND 205 AND AN ADD-ON
 
DMP 206
Just a reminder: the popular, value-priced DMP 206 (26-2906), $249.99, is an
even better value for your customers when purchased along with any CPU. The
DMP 206 can be sold at just $199.99, when sold with a computer. As always,
our various discount programs cannot be combined, so be sure to "work the
math" and give your customers the best deal possible. For more details about
the DMP 206, see Page 9 of the September '93 M.O.M.
 
DMP 205
Another new-for-'94 printer you should show with pride is the new DMP 205
(26-2904), $329.99. (It's on sale in Flyer 509 at $279.99.)
 
This super-fast 24-pin printer is color ready, and can print at speeds up to
240 characters per second with a graphics resolution of 360 x 360 dpi. The
DMP 206 has built-in Roman and Sans Serif fonts that are software scalable
from 8-32 points. The built-in 27K input buffer helps keep wait time to a
minimum, and 4-way paper handling makes day-to-day printing chores a breeze.
 
The DMP 205 emulates the Epson LQ860, LQ870, LQ2500/2550 printers, assuring
compatibility with most popular color software titles. The optional four-co-
lor ribbon (26-2900), $29.99, is a natural add-on sale that is sure to im-
prove both your paycheck and your customer's satisfaction.
 
FOUR COLOR RIBBON
We've got good news! The four-color ribbon (26-2900) has been in short
supply for the past several months, but now we've changed to a new vendor,
and the 26-2900 is now in good supply. And, more good news: We've brought
the 26-2900 "home" -- it is now being made right here in the good 'ol USA!
 
MOM-10/11-93
PRODUCT NEWS -- KITS MAKE IT EASY TO JOIN MULTIMEDIA BANDWAGON
 
Multimedia is the hottest thing to hit computers since the hard drive, and
now your store can cash in on the high demand for multimedia upgrade kits at
very competitive prices. Be sure to check your stock file for the latest low
prices.
 
STORE-ASSEMBLED KITS
This might require a little work on your part. Some of these kits have com-
ponents that are already in store inventory, but some require an upgrade
from Tandy Software Exchange, an audio cable, and possibly inventory "swap-
ping" within districts.
 
It is up to each store to package and display the kits. Remember, it's one
thing to tell your customers what they'll be getting, but it is a much more
powerful statement to show them all the parts together. Box the SKUs as a
group and try tying them together with a festive bow. Display the kits in a
prominent place and use a program, such as Print Power Pro or Print Shop, to
create an attention-getting sign for each kit.
 
Here are the "recipes" for each kit:
 
Kit #1 (internal)
    25-1090     16-Bit Audio Board (with Windows 3.0 & MM extensions)
    25-1077A    CDR 1000 CD-ROM Drive
    700-0102    Windows 3.0 U  3.1 Upgrade Kit
(at Tandy Software Exchange)
 
Kit #2 (internal)
    25-1085     16-Bit Audio Board (with Windows 3.0 & MM extensions)
                & Drive (same as 25-1077)
    700-0102    Windows 3.0 U 3.1 Upgrade Kit (at Tandy Software Exchange)
 
Kit #3 (external)
    25-1700     SoundBlaster Pro Audio Board
    25-1098     CDR 3100 CD-ROM Drive
    42-2475     "Y" Cable
 
Kit #4 (internal; not MPC-compliant)
    25-1701     Sound Galaxy (audio board, speakers, & joystick)
    25-1091     CDR 1501 CD-ROM Drive
 
Note: The user can't play CD audio through the computer, but WAV files play.
      If CD audio is needed, use the 25-1096 MMS-10 stereo speaker/amp to
      "mix" externally.
 
Kit #5 (internal)
    25-1099     SoundBlaster
    25-1092     CDR 1100 CD-ROM Drive
 
Kit #6 (internal)
    25-1097     SoundBlaster Pro Basic
    25-1092     CDR 1100 CD-ROM Drive
    42-2475     "Y" Cable
 
RECORDING THE SALE ON THE POS
There are no separate SKU numbers for these multimedia kits. When recording
the sale, process the collection of items like any other system package (ie,
select "system pricing," enter the SKUs, and key in the overall total dollar
amount for the kit).
 
WAREHOUSE-ASSEMBLED KITS
Merchandising will have some kits pre-packaged and labeled at the warehouse.
These kits will then be drop-shipped to stores that have a history of high-
end peripheral sales. Since supplies are limited, no kit reorders will be
possible; all multimedia kits will be in the field by Thanksgiving.
 
SPECIAL OFFER ON MULTIMEDIA SOFTWARE
In addition to fantastic kit prices, here's an added incentive for your mul-
timedia prospects. Your customers can receive 50% off the catalog price on
any of these CD-ROM software packages when purchased with a kit.
 
CAT. NO.   TITLE                REG. PRICE  PRICE W/KIT
25-1920    Publish It             $29.99      $14.99
25-4260    Line & Shape            24.99       12.49
25-4286    Interactive Story I     39.99       19.99
25-4287    Interactive Story II    39.99       19.99
25-6151    Movie Guide             29.99       14.99
25-6204    Time Almanac            79.99       39.99
 
Get on the multimedia bandwagon this season! And, don't forget to suggest
joysticks, the MMS-10 speaker amp, and additional software to your multime-
dia customers. There's a lot of "next-generation" multimedia products on the
horizon for '94, but we must sell what we've got to make room!
 
MOM-10/11-93
PRODUCT NEWS -- WESTERN DIGITAL SERVES US TASTE OF "CAVIAR"
 
Radio Shack has entered into a special arrangement with Western Digital Cor-
poration that allows your store to sell Western Digital "Caviar" IDE hard
drive kits to your customer with virtually no repair exposure on your part.
 
Included in this month's POP kit are some materials provided by Western Dig-
ital that will help you successfully sell hard drives, as well as a perma-
nent easel sign outlining the program to your customers. Here are the high-
lights:
 
- You can choose from three different sizes:
 
  25-0100 -- 212 MB WD IDE Drive at $269
  with sub 13ms access time, 64K cache, and 5.75 MB/sec transfer rate
 
  25-0101 -- 340 MB WD IDE Drive at $359
  with sub 13ms access time, 128K cache, and 5.75 MB/sec transfer rate
 
  25-0102 -- 420 MB WD IDE Drive at $449
  with sub 13ms access time, 128K cache, and 5.75 MB/sec transfer rate
 
- Guaranteed compatibility with any AT-compatible computer
 
- Three-year warranty
 
WHAT'S INCLUDED
What a deal! The kits ship complete with a 3 1/2" IDE hard drive, complete
installation instructions for any AT-compatible computer, screws and an ad-
apter kit to mount the drive into a 5 1/4" bay (including mounting bracket,
5 1/4" bezel, and activity LED), and an IDE cable. The kit also includes EZ
Setup software to reconfigure the computer's CMOS so it will recognize the
new drive.
 
800 NUMBER FOR INSTALLATION SUPPORT
Notice the toll-free 800 number on the Western Digital easel sign. Your cus-
tomers can call this number for direct, expert help with any installation
problem (Computer Support Services will be able to help as well). The 800
number is also useful if your customers need any additional parts, such as
an IDE controller, to complete the installation.
 
If your customers are hesitant to do the installation themselves, Repair
Services offers special, low rates on installation:
 
$29.00 -- Install and format any of the Western Digital hard drive kits
$49.00 -- Install and format any of the Western Digital hard drive kits,
          and install customer-provided software
 
Note: Although the Western Digital hard drive kits are guaranteed compatible
      with any AT-architecture computer, Radio Shack Service Centers are not
      able to accept any non-Tandy computers for hard drive installation.
 
With today's big applications, .WAV files, computer-generated movies, and
multi-MEG games, fast and big hard disk storage is more than just a conven-
ience -- it's a necessity! Cash in on the "Hard Drive Rush" -- thar's gold
in them thar' drives!
 
MOM-10/11-93
PRODUCT NEWS -- MORE SHAREWARE
 
Here is the next assortment of titles available to you through Shareware.
 
STELLAR DEFENSE II (25-6310)
  In this great arcade game, you're a Lagarian Star Fighter in a desperate
  fight to save your galaxy from the relentless onslaught of the Yarian in-
  vaders. Pilot your ship in a free movement spectrum, out-maneuvering your
  opponents in a series of Yarian conflicts by dodging ray-traced asteroids
  & your opponents' attacks. This fast-action game features excellent sound
  with support for SoundBlaster and other sound cards and truly stunning VGA
  graphics!
 
  System Requirements: IBM-compatible PC; 640K RAM; 1.2 MB of free disk
  space; VGA video; SoundBlaster supported.
 
  Registration Fee: $20
 
SOLAR WINDS (25-6311)
  Solar Winds combines fast-action arcade excitement with a detailed story
  that develops as you progress through the game! You're Jake Stone, bounty
  hunter. As you explore the galaxy on various missions, you fend off hos-
  tile attackers to achieve your goals. Meanwhile, a dark and mysterious
  plot develops. The nature of the plot won't be fully revealed until you
  solve Solar Winds. A terrific story and a beautifully-orchestrated musical
  sound track combine to make this one of the year's top releases!
 
  System Requirements: IBM-compatible PC with 286, 386 or higher processor;
  512K RAM; 1.2 MB of free disk space; DOS 3.0 or higher; VGA video; mouse
  or joystick optional; AdLib and SoundBlaster supported.
 
  Registration Fee: $30
 
JET PACK (25-6312)
  It's high adventure and great arcade action when you use your new model
  L1069-E Jetpack to explore 100 treacherous levels of dungeons! Equipped
  with a jet turbine pack and armed with a powerful phase shifter, you
  search the dungeons for precious gems. Watch out, though! There's danger
  around every corner, and you'll need all your wits and reflexes (and, of
  course, your trusty blaster) to survive the dangers of this far-off world.
  Play against the computer, or with up to seven of your friends. With the
  built in editor, you can even create levels of your own to play and share
  with your friends!
 
  System Requirements: IBM-compatible PC; 512K RAM; 425K free disk space;
  joystick optional; SoundBlaster supported.
 
  Registration Fee: $20
 
MEGABACK (25-6313)
  Now you can get the same backup protection the pros use! With MegaBack,
  you can save all your important files and data on floppies as insurance
  against system failure. Don't worry -- unlike other utilities, this one is
  simple to learn and easy to use. Powerful features like data compression,
  automatic formatting, incremental backup, and built-in file viewer make
  this program the best of its class! It's all wrapped up in an easy-to-use
  menu system that makes the program fun and straightforward to use.
 
  System Requirements: IBM-compatible PC; 640K RAM; 540K of free disk
  space; mouse optional.
 
  Registration Fee: $39-59
 
CYRUS CHESS (25-6314)
  Now you can have a great chess partner anytime! With Cyrus, you can brush
  up your skills, or just play a relaxing game. Multiple skill levels let
  you set the program's intelligence. From duffer to grand master, this pro-
  gram will always provide challenging opposition. Rich feature set includes
  hint mode, back up any number of moves, save games in progress, and print
  play history. Board set-up feature lets you replay classic games or prac-
  tice strategies. You'll see why this is the best chess partner you can
  have!
 
  System Requirements: IBM-compatible PC; 640K RAM; EGA or VGA.
 
  Registration Fee: $0
 
PROTOCAD 3D (25-6315)
  ProtoCAD 3D is an amazing package that instantly converts your CAD draw-
  ings into three-dimensional solid model renderings. Now you can view solid
  renderings of objects you've created in your CAD program from any angle.
  You can even print the results! Great for presentations, or just to get a
  feel for how a design will translate to reality. This is the same kind of
  tool that the experts use! This is an excellent companion for the Draft
  Choice CAD program, which is also featured in the Shareware product line.
  Get ProtoCAD 3D, and bring your CAD designs to life!
 
  System Requirements: IBM-compatible PC; 640K RAM; 800K free disk space;
  Hercules, EGA or VGA video; dot matrix or laser printer; mouse optional.
 
  Registration Fee: $59
 
BERT'S DINOSAURS (25-6316)
  This fun coloring program is for children of all ages, but is especially
  good for introducing young ones to the computer. Designed by educators, it
  can be used by young children with a minimum of assistance. They'll be en-
  tranced for hours placing pre-drawn dinosaurs on a variety of backgrounds.
  Coloring the resulting pictures is as easy as pointing and clicking with
  the mouse. Of course, they can save or print their masterpieces. This ex-
  cellent educational program is the fun way to teach children PC skills,
  preparing them for a high-tech future.
 
  System Requirements: IBM-compatible PC; 640K RAM; 440K free disk space;
  VGA video; mouse required.
 
  Registration Fee: $30
 
WINDOWS ICON COLLECTION (25-6317)
  Now you can customize your Windows system with new icons to give it a look
  all its own! We've packed 2001 new icons into nine different libraries or-
  ganized according to category, so you can attach them to the programs in
   your system.
  From popular spreadsheets to obscure games, this collection has an icon
  for everything! Select from: animals, business programs, arrows & symbols,
  games, miscellaneous, people & cartoons, programming languages & utili-
  ties, computer system symbols, and utility programs.
 
  System Requirements: IBM-compatible PC; Microsoft Windows 3.1 or higher;
  350K of free disk space; VGA video; mouse.
 
  Registration Fee: $0
 
WINDOWS TRUETYPE COLLECTION (25-6318)
  Jazz up your system with eight great new TrueType fonts! Now you can make
  an impression with these beautiful typefaces:
 
  - Aapex (similar to Aachen)
  - Century normal & bold (similar to Century Schoolbook)
  - Cursive Elegant (similar to Snell Roundhand)
  - Fritz Quad normal & bold (similar to Friz Quadrata)
  - Microstile normal & bold (similar to Eurostile)
  - Old English
  - Sample ESF (samples of other ESF TrueType fonts)
  - Zap Chance (similar to Zapf Chancery)
 
  System Requirements: IBM-compatible PC; Microsoft Windows 3.1 or higher;
  350K of free disk space; VGA video; mouse.
 
  Registration Fee: $25
 
WINPAK SCREEN SAVERS (25-6319)
  By installing WinPak#1, users can select from eight new screen savers that
  offer a variety of entertaining screen animations. Each of these screen
  savers allows you to set a custom time-out value and an optional security
  password. These screen savers can be used to save screens and provide en-
  tertaining animation sequences or password security while you're away from
  the computer.
 
  System Requirements: IBM-compatible PC; Microsoft Windows 3.1 or higher;
  350K of free disk space; VGA video; mouse.
 
  Registration Fee: $15
 
MOM-10/11-93
PRODUCT NEWS -- QUICKSHOT JOYSTICK SOFTWARE OFFER COULD SEEM MISLEADING
 
The QuickShot Joystick (26-378) on Page 172 of the new '94 Radio Shack Cata-
log had a software bonus offer (see blue box) that should have read:
 
  Microprose F117-A
  condensed version Demo
  software included.
 
The software bundled with the joystick is not the complete version. (The
text on the 26-378 box is correct.)
 
Remember "Customer Satisfaction." If your customer was misled by the catalog
and insists on getting the complete software package, you can give the cus-
tomer the full package (25-3146), but remove the $5.00 vendor discount cou-
pon from the 26-378 box.
 
MOM-10/11-93
PRODUCT NEWS -- SOFTWARE/MANUAL REPLACEMENT FOR TANDY/RS MANUFACTURED ITEMS
 
If you need a replacement diskette or manual for Tandy/Radio Shack software,
call:
 
   Tandy Software Replacement
   (817) 347-7960
 
Tandy Software Replacement can supply replacement diskettes or manuals for
virtually all 25-26 series software manufactured by Tandy/Radio Shack. Be-
fore you turn a customer away, call Tandy Software Replacement.
 
MOM-09-93
THE FRONT LINE -- DEMYSTIFYING THE COMPUTER LINEUP
 
Your new 1994 Catalog shows a desktop computer lineup with five models. And,
last month's M.O.M. introduced you to our 2 new Tandy Factory-Direct models. 
These positioning points on the new models will help you offer your pros-
pects the correct ones, after you properly qualify them for proposed use and
budget.
 
First, attempt to qualify your customer for primary use. Will the prospect
be doing traditional professional computing, consisting mainly of word pro-
cessing, desktop publishing, spreadsheets, and data bases? This person could
be running a small business or home office, or could simply be bringing work
home from the office. The requirements for professional computing are a fast
microprocessor (486), fast video (preferably local bus), 4MB or more of sys-
tem RAM, and a relatively large hard drive.  Such a system would smoothly
run Windows and Windows-based applications.  The system also should allow
for reasonable expansion:  upgrade processors, more system RAM, and an open
drive bay to later accommodate a tape backup or CD-ROM drive.
 
On the other hand, the prospect might be more focused on lifestyle comput-
ing, sometimes called "home or family computing." Common applications in-
clude home education, entertainment, and communications. These systems, with
their emphasis on content delivery and interactivity, today commonly feature
CD-ROM drives, sound cards, game ports, and modems. After you qualify your
computer prospect as either a professional or lifestyle user and after you
gauge their budget for a system, you are ready to direct them to the appro-
priate product or products:
 
             Professional         Lifestyle
 
Entry Level  Tandy 2100           2500 SX/33
             25-1624              25-1623
 
 
Mid-Level    Tandy 3100           MMPC
             25-1632              25-1640
 
Top-of-Line  Factory-Direct:      Sensation!
             Mid-Tower and        25-1651
             Desktop, 259-77xx
 
At the entry level, you are offering either a basic 386-processor/107 MB HD
system at $799.95 (2500 SX/33, 25-1623) or a basic 486-processor/130 MB HD
system at $1099.00 (Tandy 2100, 25-1624).  Their "three-digit" hard drives
reasonably support Windows and a couple of major applications. MS Works for
Windows preinstalled on both systems gives the first time user immediate
functionality.  It includes easy-to-use text processing supported by a draw
program, spell checker & thesaurus; spreadsheet with a variety of templates;
and a flexible data base application.  Once the first-timer has mastered ba-
sic computing, he or she can later add a game card & joystick, sound board,
modem, and other peripherals to enjoy the additional elements of lifestyle
family computing.
 
At the mid-level, the two choices are more specialized. With the profession-
al Tandy 3100 (25-1632), the customer has a higher performance platform with
a fast 33 MHz 486 processor and a generous 212 MB hard drive. Fast local bus
video is a further investment in performance.  The SoundBlaster audio card
is the only feature that overlaps the lifestyle feature set.
 
The mid-level lifestyle MMPC platform (25-1640), on the other hand, has a
smaller 130 MB hard drive and standard SVGA video, but with a fast CD-ROM
drive and SoundBlaster audio card, both preinstalled to deliver immediate
multimedia computing. The bundled CD software reflects the CD-ROM capability
and surpasses the standard DOS/Windows/Works suite of a professional compu-
ter.  This system really shows the first-timer the true enjoyment and power
of home computing.
 
At the top-of-the-line in professional computing, TFD offers the sophistica-
ted user a full menu of options, including chassis (desktop or mid-tower);
processor speed (25 MHz 486 SX to 66 MHz DX2); system RAM (4 to 64 MB); fast
local bus video with 1 MB RAM (expandable to 2 MB); CPU cache (8K to 1 MB);
hard drives (130 to 340 MB), other peripherals, and software.  Topped off
with a choice of monitors, your professional user can order a personally
designed "dream system."
 
Finally, at the top of the lineup for your lifestyle computer customer is
the unit designated by most trade magazines as "best-of-class" -- the Tandy
Sensation .  The latest model (25-1651) delivers performance and features
that are state-of-the-art in home computing. The hardware is a powerful 33
MHz 486 processor with 212 MB hard drive, complemented by fast local bus
video and 1 MB video RAM. The CD-ROM drive offers fast dual transfer rate
and Kodak photo CD compatibility.  The SoundBlaster card is 16 bit compat-
ible. And, the modem offers FAX at 9600 bps send and receive.
 
However, Sensation's real distinction is its bundled software. WinMate makes
navigating through multimedia computing a real pleasure, even for the begin-
ner.  Some significant enhancements for this fall include a full-featured
"In-Touch" communications module and the incorporation of Lotus Organizer
for Windows into the personal organizer sections. The addition of Macrome-
dia's Action! lets the user easily assemble a multimedia presentation from a
variety of text, sound, and graphic materials.
 
In all selling situations, remember to first qualify your prospects for the
type of system needed -- professional or lifestyle -- as well as for price. 
Use the full range of your computer product line to be sure your prospects
are presented the appropriate model(s) for their needs. You will soon get a
reputation for really knowing your computers.
 
MOM-09-93
SALES TRAINING -- DEFINING YOUR SALES
 
sell:  To establish faith, confidence or belief. To persuade someone of the
       value of something.  To convince.
 
TO ESTABLISH FAITH, CONFIDENCE OR BELIEF
 
I have no faith in gadgets.  Sounds strange from someone in our business,
doesn't it? But, faith is defined as "unquestioning belief that does not re-
quire proof or evidence." With gadgets, I only believe what I can prove to
myself.
 
In selling, there is only one aspect of the sale the customer can have faith
in...and that's the salesmaker. Do you inspire faith, confidence and belief?
 
Test yourself:  Do you greet customers with a smile and a friendly acknowl-
edgment as soon as they enter your store; or do you wait until they are set-
tled on a piece of merchandise before you acknowledge they are there?
 
Greet customers promptly or run the risk they'll "lose faith" in you and
your service.  When you greet customers promptly, you establish credibility.
Whether they are looking for a $2,000 computer system, a 19-cent resistor,
or help with their VCR, customers believe you are there to serve and ready
and willing to help.  You start on the road to building faith, confidence,
and belief in you as a salesmaker and as an advisor worthy of their trust.
 
TO PERSUADE SOMEONE OF THE VALUE OF SOMETHING
 
Before you can persuade someone of the value of something, you must under-
stand what value is.
 
value: 1) the worth of a thing at a certain time.  2) a fair or proper equi-
       valent in money, commodities, etc., especially for something sold or
       exchanged; a fair price or return.
 
A crescent wrench is a useful thing.  It has great value if I am tightening
a nut. But, if I need to drive a nail, its value decreases.
 
You must help your customer establish the value of what you sell. You will
make a sale when the value of the merchandise meets or exceeds what the cus-
tomer feels is a fair exchange for their money.  A sign can present a price,
but only you can interact with the customer, asking questions to uncover
needs and presenting relevant benefits to establish value.
 
TO CONVINCE
 
Once you have established value, your job as a salesmaker is to convince the
customer to take action...to buy. You must ask for the order.  You must
close the sale.
 
When I was a child, I hated taking cough medicine.  I knew it would make me
feel better (I knew the value), but I had to be convinced to take it because
the taste was so bad.  Now, I don't recommend that you use the same methods
my parents did to convince me.  (I don't think your customers will like it
if you hold their nose until they open their mouth, then pop in the merchan-
dise.)
 
You can convince them to take action by discovering how to make the item
that is of value attainable.  It may be through monthly installments with an
RSVP account or lease.  It may be through a layaway program. It could be as
simple as an offer to help them load it into their car. Make the offer and
ask for a commitment.
 
"If I could show you how to own this for just $25 a month with no interest
until 1994, would you take it home today?" "Shall we get the paperwork out
of the way before I help you load it in your car?" "Do you need any addi-
tional information before I write the order?"
 
The definition of sell includes three equally important parts. Think of the
three parts as rungs on a ladder, each leading to the next step in your
climb to sales success.  First, establish a rapport with your customers --
build faith, confidence, and belief by greeting them promptly and profes-
sionally.  Second, ask questions and present relevant benefits. Finally,
close the sale by convincing them to act on what they've learned.
 
Does what you're doing now help the customer build faith, confidence, or be-
lief?  Does it help persuade them of the value of merchandise or convince
them to take it home? If it does, then you've discovered the secret -- a se-
cret so simple it's often overlooked. The secret is a focus, not on the mer-
chandise, not on the presentation, but on the customers and what they want.
 
At Radio Shack , we call this Crowning Customer Service. Your customers will
call it a great way to do business. You will call it a way to earn more, en-
joy your job more, and end each day satisfied with how you treated the peo-
ple that started out as strangers, and ended up as friends.
 
(All definitions are from Webster's New World Dictionary, Third College
Edition, copyright 1988 by Simon and Schuster)
 
MOM-09-93
THE CREDIT LINE -- RSVP/TANDY COMPUTER LEASING
 
RSVP
CALL CENTER MESSAGE MEANS "CALL CENTER"
 
> From time to time, credit quality reviews are done and credit review codes
  are placed on accounts.  When you swipe a ValuePlus card or input an ac-
  count number, a "Call Center" message may appear on your screen.
 
A Call Center message does not mean "decline." It means exactly what it
says: call the Operations Center -- specifically Voice Authorizations at
1-800-767-7818.
 
Too often, Call Center messages do not result in calls to Voice Authoriza-
tions. Instead, sales associates have been known to tell customers: "I can't
process your sale;" "the system won't accept your card;" "your card has been
rejected," or "I'll try again later." Disappointed customers walk away and
sales associates lose sales that quick phone calls to Voice Authorizations
might have saved.
 
There're several reasons why a Call Center message might appear. If the rea-
son is to simply update old or stale credit information or incorrect credit
data, most customers will work with you to update their account so the sale
can be accommodated.  If the Call Center message appears because your custo-
mer is over-extended or has developed deliquent pay habits, then the trans-
action will probably be declined.  But, never assume that a Call Center mes-
sage means a "decline." Call Voice Authorizations and find out why the mes-
sage appeared.  In many cases, you'll be profitably surprised!
 
Interest Rates: Why 21%?
 
Interest rates on bank cards range anywhere from 11.9% up to 18%, depending
on which company's direct mail promotion you just received. A lower cost of
funds, fee income, discount and transaction fees, and more selective approv-
als all contribute to a bank's ability to charge a "lower" rate.
 
For example, banks typically charge retailers a 1.5% discount fee, compared to the 1.0% ValuePlus sales premium that's returned to your store's P&L. Va-
luePlus has no annual cardholder or individual transaction fees. Most bank
cards require cardholders to pay a hefty annual fee & retailers to pay tran-
saction fees. What about a grace period? Forget it with bank cards; yet, Va-
luePlus allows customers a 25-day interest-free grace period with each mon-
thly statement.  Some bank cards compound interest twice monthly, while Va-
luePlus computes interest once a month, using the average daily balance me-
thod.  And, when was the last time a bank card offered a 0% interest and/or
no payments promotion to its cardholders?
 
Once all costs, fees, and money-saving promotions are taken into account, a
ValuePlus card is a better value than most.  It is also a convenience card
-- a credit advantage that is separate and distinct from bank cards.
 
CHARGEGARD: GO AHEAD AND ASK
 
The ChargeGard Plan is an integral part of the ValuePlus Credit Card Pro-
gram. Unfortunately, ChargeGard enrollments have dropped significantly -- to
about 30%.  But remember, Tandy Credit retains a portion of the ChargeGard
premiums paid.  These dollars help to "subsidize" the various 0% interest/no
payments credit promotions you are able to offer your customers--promotions
that help increase store traffic, and boost sales...and your paycheck! That
is why salesmakers should take the initiative to achieve a 50%+ penetration
rate in ChargeGard enrollments.  And, don't forget, a $10.00 SPIFF is paid
for each new ValuePlus account with ChargeGard. The salesmaker gets $5.00,
and your store's P&L is credited with $5.00. (The SPIFF is paid on new ac-
counts and does not apply to enrollments on existing accounts after a card
is issued.)
 
The success of ChargeGard is important to your ValuePlus Credit Card Pro-
gram. You should offer ChargeGard coverage to every ValuePlus customer, in-
cluding existing cardholders.  All you have to do is ask! 
 
TANDY COMPUTER LEASING
Another Success Story
 
Pete Starks, manager 01-8035, San Angelo, Texas, took full advantage of the 90-Day Deferred Payment program to close his lease sales during a 5-week period in July/August.  Pete had a 90% success rate on leases.
 
According to Pete, "Leasing benefits the store in terms of dollars per
ticket and includes maintenance, which also helps meet Tandy Service Plan
(TSP ) goals.  It is another alternative to close a sale, and offers a big
advantage to both business and municipal customers because they can expense
small payments over time.
 
"With the 90-Day Deferred Program," Pete says, "the customer has the advan-
tage of using the computer free for three months, and Sanwa takes responsi-
bility for lease end equipment instead of the store. Paperwork is easy, too.
The customer completes the application, and the monthly payment is automati-
cally computed on the POS proposal."
 
Pete concludes,"...leasing helps meet dollar-per-ticket and TSP goals in one
shot!"
 
Your customers may call Sanwa direct at 1-800-745-4825 if they have lease inquiries such as: early buyout quotes, tax benefits, protection from tech-
nical obsolescence, adding a Tandy Service Plan & software on their leases,
etc.
 
MOM-09-93
SYLVAN SUCCESS
 
Master Your Computer... FAST!
Training On Today's Most Popular Software
 
- Getting Started with PC and DOS 3.x/4.x
- Getting Started with PC and DOS 5.0
- Getting Started with Tandy DeskMate  3
- Getting Started with Windows 3.0
- Getting Started with Windows 3.1
- Getting Started with Works for Windows
- Getting Started with WordPerfect 5.1
- Getting Started with WordPerfect for Windows
- Getting Started with Lotus 1-2-3, 2.3
- Getting Started with Lotus 1-2-3, 3.1
- Getting Started with dBase IV, 1.1
- Getting Started with Paradox 3.5
- Getting Started with Word for Windows 1.1
- Getting Started with Word for Windows 2.0
- Getting Started with Excel 3.0
- Getting Started with Excel 4.0
- Getting Started with Microsoft PowerPoint v2.0
- Getting Started with Microsoft Mail and Schedule+
 
All Getting Started courses only $99
 
Sylvan Technology Centers are located in selected markets nationwide.
 
MOM-09-93
SYLVAN SUCCESS -- LATEST & GREATEST
 
Nationwide, Radio Shack salesmakers agree that once they experience a train-
ing course at a Sylvan Technology Center, they consistently sell more train- ing courses, earn better commissions, and see fewer computer returns.
 
Feedback by Radio Shack store managers and salesmakers collected from Sylvan
course evaluations indicates that the overwhelming benefits of taking a Syl-
van training course include:
 
- Freedom to move through a Sylvan course at a pace comfortable to the indi-
  vidual.
 
- Valuable information that salesmakers can use when selling computers and
  training to customers.
 
- Help in gaining confidence about basic skills and computer knowledge,
  which ultimately helps in closing sales.
 
MOM-09-93
SYLVAN SUCCESS -- SALES TIPS
 
When selling hardware or a Sylvan training course, it is important to estab-
lish early in the dialog what the customer's ultimate goals are for using a
computer, prior to recommending a total computer solution. If, after selling
a customer $2,000 worth of computer equipment, a salesmaker asks the custom-
er to purchase a training course, most likely the customer will resist spen-
ding an extra $99 even if training is needed.
 
You can enjoy increased selling success in hardware, software, and training
sales, as well as increased total earnings, if you ask these qualifying
questions:
 
- What do you want your new computer to do -- word processing, spreadsheet,
  or database functions?
 
- How much computer experience do you have -- at work or at home?
 
- Do you know which software applications you would like to use?
 
- Do you have the time to read manuals, talk with friends, and learn how to
  use your computer on your own; or would you like to learn to use the ap-
  plication of your choice in one full day?
 
Once you determine their level of experience and the functions they want to
perform, you can then come up with the best total computer solution for each
computer purchaser.
 
Training courses that benefit the new user include Getting Started with PC
and DOS and Getting Started with Windows.  Experienced users who want to
learn new software applications can enroll in courses like Getting Started
with WordPerfect.  When customers can understand how to use their computers
and perform the functions they need, they are satisfied with their total
purchase.
 
MOM-09-93
SYLVAN SUCCESS -- CLASS NOTES
 
If your store needs additional Sylvan P.O.P. materials, such as course
catalogs or passports, contact Peggy McDaniels at (817) 338-2343.
 
MOM-09-93
SYLVAN SUCCESS -- LET US KNOW
 
Please let us know about your training success stories, as well as sales
tips you may have, that can assist other Radio Shack salesmakers when sell-
ing Sylvan training.
 
FAX your stories, comments, questions, or suggestions to:
 
(410) 880-8717
ATTN: STC Training Marketing
 
MOM-09-93
PRODUCT NEWS --  NEW TANDY FACTORY-DIRECT FORMS
 
Attached to this month's M.O.M. are new order forms for Tandy Factory-Direct
computers.  The new forms correct these errors:
 
- The Sensation ships with MS-DOS 6 preinstalled, not MS-DOS 5.0
 
- The OMNI II MT has three open 5 1/4" drive bays, not two
 
- The OMNI Profile II series is not EPA "Energy Star" certified
 
Please destroy any old forms and reproduce the latest forms locally. Due to
the rapid evolution of the TFD program, we cannot send multiple copies of
new order forms to the stores.
 
We've also attached a revised features chart for the new OMNI Profile II
and OMNI II MT systems.
 
MOM-09-93
PRODUCT NEWS -- GET READY -- TANDY'S Z-PDA IS COMING
 
Once again, Radio Shack is on the cutting edge of consumer electronics tech-
nology, with the new Tandy Z-PDA  Zoomer Personal Digital Assistant. Get
ready for this revolutionary selling opportunity -- the first shipments of
the Tandy Z-PDA (25-3100) are on the way!
 
The Tandy Z-PDA is one of the first products delivered in the new personal
digital assistant category. Therefore, it's important not only to test drive the Tandy Z-PDA when it arrives in your store, but also to familiarize your-
self with this category.  The information in this article will help you pre-
pare for the PDA revolution and answer customer questions about the Z-PDA
and its competition.
 
The subject of much media hype, PDAs combine the ability to store & communi-
cate data with an easy-to-use pen interface into a battery-powered, pocket-
size personal productivity device.  Other methods of data organization just
don't compare.  Compared to electronic organizers, PDAs are much easier to
use and more powerful, flexible, and expandable. And, next to notebook com-
puters, PDAs are much smaller, lighter, less expensive, and easier to use.
 
Leading the PDA revolution, the Tandy Z-PDA uses state-of-the-art, custom-
designed and manufactured miniaturized circuitry and packs it into a pocket-
size product that can communicate with the world.
 
Zoomer's Project Manager Joe Ratner explains the driving forces in develop-
ing the Tandy Z-PDA: "The goals for Zoomer, which I'm sure you will agree we
have exceeded, were to design a new product that people would want to always
carry with them to store, retrieve, look up, and communicate the information
that is becoming more and more important to a successful career and life."
Here are some objectives Tandy and Casio worked to achieve, with their part-
ners GeoWorks, Palm Computing, America Online, and Intuit, and how the Tandy
Z-PDA measures up:
 
- Small size -- Smaller than a VHS cassette, the Tandy Z-PDA will easily fit
  in a suitcoat pocket or purse, even with its built-in cover.
 
- Light weight -- At one pound, the Tandy Z-PDA is easy to carry everywhere.
 
- Always ready to use -- With a battery life of 100 hours, the Tandy Z-PDA
  will run for months of normal use on three AA alkaline batteries.
 
- Protects user's valuable data -- The backup batteries will keep the user's
  data intact for more than two months if main batteries fail. Users can al-
  soback up data on an optional PCMCIA memory card or to a PC.
 
- True ease of use -- In addition to handwriting recognition, which is great
  for entering small amounts of text, and a pop-up on-screen keyboard for
  entering larger amounts of ASCII text data, the user's input can be saved
  as electronic ink (just as it was written on the screen) and still make
  use of special features such as alarms, events, and an alphabetical ad-
  dress book. Most functions are available by just tapping the screen, while
  less often used or more advanced functions appear on easy-to-navigate me-
  nus. Complete context-sensitive help is available at the touch of an icon.
 
- A full complement of essential applications built-in -- An address book,
  date book, and note book manage personal information. Pocket Quicken and a
  form calculator keep track of finances and calculate complex equations on
  the spot. For reference, users can check a dictionary/spell checker/the-
  saurus, 26-language translator, & data book with US holidays, area codes,
  international dialing codes, airport codes, nutrition guide, the Declara-
  tion of Independence and Constitution and information on all 50 states and
  over 200 countries worldwide.
 
- Communications -- In addition to an RS232 serial port, the Tandy Z-PDA al-
  so has an infrared serial port for wireless communications. Using a serial
  cable or IR, Z-PDAs can transfer pages of data from one unit to another or
  link together to share each other's solid-state "drives." Also, using the
  cable or IR (with an IR receiver for the other end), users can print in-
  formation from virtually every printer available. With the appropriate
  software on a PC, Z-PDA data can be backed up; new data can be created on
  the PC and downloaded to the Z-PDA; or data can be transferred between
  desktop PIM programs, such as Lotus Organizer Borland Sidekick, and the
  Tandy Z-PDA. Users can even move data from an outdated Sharp Wizard, Casio
  BOSS, or HP 95LX to the Tandy Z-PDA. America Online is built-in for access
  (with an optional modem and cable) to E-mail, ASCII text fax and US mail
  sending, news databases, stock quotes, and financial and travel informa-
  tion. The Tandy Z-PDA can even access American Airlines SABRE reservation
  system. And, Motorola plans to supply a data pager and Embarc service for
  the Z-PDA, which allows E-mail to be received wirelessly with the same
  ease and coverage of standard paging. Fax/modems are available today and
  fax software is on the way.
 
Zoomer's main competitor, the Apple "Newton" MessagePad is an eye-catching
product with a lot of "gee whiz" sounds and graphics and fax software built-
in. But, according to a Wall Street Journal article, one of Newton's key
features falls short.  The cursive recognition feature "isn't good enough to
make it useful," complains one user.  The MessagePad uses a dictionary-based
handwriting recognition system, which gives good accuracy on words in the
dictionary.  But, if a word is not in the dictionary (like names and addres-
ses which make up a big part of the user's data), the MessagePad will come
up with a word that is often completely off-base. With the Z-PDA's charac-
ter-based recognition, the system may get a letter or two wrong, but it will
be close to the correct spelling, which can easily be corrected.
 
Apple also boasts of its MessagePad's assistant application, which can per-
form eight different actions, such as scheduling. For example, if you enter
"lunch with Bob Friday," the MessagePad would put an appointment in its date
book for noon on the next Friday with a Bob from your address book. This
looks impressive, but it's not really a lot faster than tapping Friday at
noon and entering "lunch with Bob."
 
As you can see from the following chart, Zoomer outshines Newton with:
 
- a more convenient size
- a cover
- 10 times the battery life
- games and reference information
- better support of electronic ink
- easier to use software
- better calculation capability
- Pocket Quicken for finances
- more flexible personal information management applications
- far better communication capability with America Online built-in
 
Features                           ZOOMER              NEWTON
Fits in suitcoat pocket            Yes                 Get a bigger pocket
Battery use per year (estimated)   22                  209
Alkaline battery cost (appr/year)  $22                 $209
Battery Gauge                      Don't need          Yes
AC adapter                         Optional            Yes
Ink support                        Yes                 Limited
Recognition                        Print               Print, cursive, shape
Address/date/note/world clock.. . .Yes                 Yes
Calculation forms                  19                  4
America Online                     Yes                 NewtonMail
Pocket Quicken                     Yes ($50+ value)    N/A
Dictionary/spell check/thesaurus   Yes ($100+ value)   N/A
26-language translator             Yes ($80+ value)    N/A
Games                              Yes ($30+ value)    N/A
Almanac-style reference info       Yes                 N/A
Optional Fax/Modem                 <$150               $169
Optional PC link software          $100                $149
 
Out of the box, the Tandy Z-PDA has over $260 in added value and $187 per
year in lower operating costs, plus America Online and easier to learn and
use software. (See the attached chart for a comprehensive comparison.)
 
Get the Z-PDA out on the counter displays, learn how to demo it, and take
advantage of the tremendous excitement this new product category is genera-
ting.
 
MOM-09-93
PRODUCT NEWS -- EXPRESS ORDER PREPARES FOR MORTAL MONDAY
 
Radio Shack's Express Order program takes the hassle off your hands and puts
great new titles, like Mortal Kombat, into your customer's hands.  Through
advanced registration, customers can get video games delivered to their door
the day they become available in the USA.
 
As this issue of the M.O.M. hits the stores, thousands of Mortal Kombat
games are hitting the homes of Radio Shack customers.  Express Order custo-
mers who placed their order by September 5 are getting this exciting arcade
game delivered to their door on Mortal Monday, September 13.  Radio Shack
customers will be among the first Supreme Mortal Kombat Warriors nationwide. 
This great new service makes ordering easy for both you and your customer.
Customers simply visit your store, order what they want, and wait 5-7 work-
ing days for delivery right to their door.  All you have to do is tell them
about the program.
 
Express Order has great offers not just on video games, but on everything
from PC and Mac software to VHS movies and DCC titles.  Look in your store's
Express Order Catalog for a list of available products and watch the flyers
for more blockbuster announcements.
 
MOM-09-93
PRODUCT NEWS -- MY PAINT: "BEST EVER"
 
After watching computer demos over the past eight years with Radio Shack, I
think the My Paint demo is by far the best ever.  My store is in a small
mall, and we write more tickets than any store in Indianapolis.
 
The My Paint demo runs on a Tandy 2500 SX/33 sitting on the lease line.
Folks of all ages stop to try out the software, and because it stops them,
they see lots of Radio Shack goodies they just have to have.  I recommend
that any store that wants to draw attention to itself should have this soft
ware demo up and running constantly.  It is a winner!
 
MOM-09-93
PRODUCT NEWS -- DMP 206: A GREAT PRINTER AT A GREAT PRICE
 
QUALITY YOU CAN SEE
The new DMP 206 (26-2906), recently shipped to your store, is a real break-
through in quality printing at an affordable price. The DMP 206 is a high-
density, 24-pin dot matrix printer that can print in a variety of type
styles including:
 
- Monospaced characters (standard, condensed, and compressed)
- LQ (Roman Letter-Quality font) correspondence characters
- Proportionally-spaced characters
- Bold
- Underline
- Italics
- Superscript/subscript
- Graphics (standard and high-resolution)
 
The DMP 206 features a high-speed LQ mode, a super-speed draft mode, automa-
tic paper loading, and a 1" perforation-skip function. This lightweight (7.3
lbs) printer can use either tractor-fed fanfold paper (4-10"), or friction-
fed single-sheet paper.
 
The printer is shipped complete with a Windows driver diskette containing
drivers that take full advantage of the DMP 206's features when printing
from Windows.  At just $249.99, the DMP 206 is an excellent value for your
home and home-office customers.
 
SPECIAL "BUNDLED" PRICING AVAILABLE
As a special incentive for your computer prospects, the DMP 206, regularly
$249.99, can be sold with any computer system for just $199.99, a $50 dis-
count!
 
In order to sell the DMP 206 at this special price:
 
- The DMP 206 must be sold with a CPU, on the same sales ticket. If you are
  selling a DMP 206 with a Tandy Factory-Direct order, write them up on dif-
  ferent sales tickets but reference the TFD order on the printer ticket.
 
- The $50 discount on the DMP 206 replaces any system discounts, coupon dis-
  counts, or other "dollars-off" or "percentage-off" promotions. Discounts
  may not be combined.
 
Use this special $50 discount on the DMP 206 as a closing tool when you are
selling a computer system. Your customers will appreciate the "special" you
have offered them, your sale will be $200 larger, and your paycheck will be
bigger!
 
MOM-09-93
PRODUCT NEWS -- LOOK OUT!
 
Keep your heads up for the Microprose sweepstakes featured with Ancient Art
of War (25-1888).  Last month's M.O.M. gave you a rundown of all the prizes
awarded by Microprose.
 
Every store should have received a tear pad that, unfortunately, allows cus-
tomers to enter without purchasing the product. Please don't encourage this.
Instead, encourage the sale of the software. The product is selling very
well chainwide.  Keep it up!
 
MOM-09-93
PRODUCT NEWS -- RESOURCE-HUNGRY GAMES AND MS-DOS 6
 
Some publishers have reported problems loading and running resource-hungry
games, notably Strike Commander and Legacy, on computer systems with DOS 6.
If your customers are experiencing problems, suggest they try this:
 
- Make a "clean" floppy boot disk.
- Check the publisher's recommendations for what files should be included in
  the CONFIG.SYS & AUTOEXEC.BAT files, then create CONFIG.SYS & AUTOEXEC.BAT
  accordingly. Be sure to copy any needed drivers from the hard disk to the
  floppy boot disk.
 
If problems persist, tell them to call the software publisher's support line
and/or call Computer Support Services for help.
 
MOM-09-93
PRODUCT NEWS -- IMPORTANT NOTICE: LEGACY SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
 
The outside of your Legacy box (25-1993) states that the product is compat-
ible with all 286 or better computers.  While Legacy will run on a 286 ma-
chine, this is not the best environment for it.  Inside the box, a 386 com-
puter is suggested. If you have a customer interested in  Legacy and they're
using a 286 computer, advise them that the product is truly more playable in
the 386 enviroment.
 
MOM-07/08-93
THE FRONT LINE -- WHAT YOU SELL IS WHAT YOU GET
 
Anyone who has ever worked in more than one Radio Shack  store knows that
each store has its own, unique personality -- a personality shaped by its
location and the demographics of its customers, the ebb and flow of its bus-
iness or residential traffic, and the proximity and strength of its competi-
tors or partial competitors.
 
How well a particular store performs is largely determined by the skill and
dedication of the store's manager and salesmakers. But, the success of dif-
ferent products is strongly influenced by the basic needs of the customers
who frequent the store.
 
COMPUTERIZED SYSTEM DOES ITS PART
 
Stocking a chain of 4,600 company stores presents unique challenges if each
store is to be provided with a product mix best suited for its individual
customers.  This is why, two years ago, Radio Shack installed a costly and
sophisticated replenishment system, which can profile, on computer, the
sales pattern of each individual store.
 
Over time, the computer model for each store was based less on initial
startup assumptions and more on specific store sales history. Additional
system refinements and a more experienced Replenishment Team have resulted
in a system that truly works.
 
Distribution continually tests the performance of the system, and even tests
it against store personnel's ability to replenish the store under the old
store-order system.  Given the huge number of stocking units maintained in
an average store, it should be no surprise that, overall, the computer
clearly does the best job.
 
DOING YOUR PART
 
The implications are immense.  To be more successful and competitive, the
entire Radio Shack store chain must improve inventory turns and reduce the
number of "dead" (slow moving) items in each store.  The computer is helping
us realize that a dead item in one location can be a good mover in another.
 
The goal now is for store managers to help the system by keeping good per-
petual inventory counts, and by promptly and accurately recording all inven-
tory, including transfers.
 
This attention to store inventory counts promises to reduce slow-turn mer-
chandise and inevitable writedowns resulting from technology moving forward
and products becoming obsolete. And, on the positive side, you will clear
more room for inventory that is frequently being requested and bought by
your customers.
 
PUTTING THE PARTS TOGETHER
 
With computer products, the best example of how you fit into this new model
is notebooks.  Sales history has revealed that low-priced products (like the
1100 HD) sell best, even in stores that successfully sell the entire line
from top to bottom.  Realistically, if you don't sell one 1100 HD or 3800 HD
per month, you will probably find that a glamorous top-end notebook is real-
ly a bad inventory gamble, based on your store's established traffic pat-
tern. Satisfying your curiosity about this new notebook will all-too-easily
turn out to be a major store writedown in six months.  As it gathers dust,
that notebook will somehow seem less glamorous (except to shoplifters!).
 
If Radio Shack is to successfully distribute and sell some of the more spe-
cialized, high-ticket computer products, you must trust the statistical wis-
dom of the distribution system to give you the best long-term odds for per-
sonal success. It is always safer to special-order for a customer than to
speculate through store stocking on exotic items. When we distribute new
notebooks and other items in the months ahead, realize that if you have sold
them, you will get them. If you don't get them, don't try to "beat the sys-
tem" to get ahead. The new replenishment system has proven that those who
try to stock their stores by instinct often lengthen, rather than shorten,
their odds for personal success.
 
If you are in a new store or a relocation situation, you can always work
through your DM to help your Distribution Specialist in Fort Worth adjust
replenishment.  But, if you are in a well-established store with existing
sales history, you can best achieve personal success by keeping your inven-
tory counts straight and your mind on the realization that what you sell is
what you get.  Store inventory is not the smart place to gamble. Use the
distribution system instead, and devote your efforts to where they really
pay off -- in sales to customers.
 
MOM-07/08-93
THE FRONT LINE -- CMC/NATIONAL PARTS PRICING DIFFERS
 
Products already discontinued and being closed out at your store will show
lower and lower retail prices on your POS system, as the writedown process
continues.  Final sales may take place at well below original store cost.
 
Some of these same items will continue to be stocked by either CMC or Na-
tional Parts for months, even years, to ensure customer access to essential
peripherals and supplies.  These will remain priced at or near the original
retail price, since CMC and National Parts may need to reorder occasionally.
 
Don't expect CMC or National Parts to sell to you at below their cost by
quoting the customer a POS retail price.  If you cannot fill the order from
your own store stock or through a store transfer, call CMC or National Parts
for the correct retail price.
 
MOM-07/08-93
SALES TRAINING -- VALUE JUDGEMENTS
 
The new catalog with new models will arrive soon, and with it comes one of
the most challenging times of the year.  Several of our lines have new mod-
els coming out that replace existing merchandise.  Are you prepared for the
selling challenge?
 
SOMETHING OLD...SOMETHING NEW
 
In the electronics industry, only one thing is certain --
things will change.
There is a constant flow of new technology that updates product offerings.
In a perfect world, new models would appear in your store just as the last
of the old went out the front door.  But, in reality, this rarely happens.
 
At Radio Shack, discontinued item pricing is a tool we use to help move
older inventory out of your store (or the warehouse).  Our merchandising
department is charged with providing products at a competitive price, but
price is only one element of value.  You must translate a product's price
into value for the customer.
 
So, what is the difference between a product's price and its value?  Price
is the actual cost of obtaining the product.  Value is the relative worth
individual customers place on the product in terms of what their current
needs may be.  Is the value of a glass of water higher to someone in the
desert than to a someone camping beside a clear, clean lake? Almost certain-
ly.  Your challenge is to uncover the customer's needs.
 
But, what has this got to do with comparing merchandise? Relative value is
the key to moving discontinued merchandise as new stock arrives.  Point out
the differences in products. Many times you will discover that the differen-
ces in the feature/benefit list are few, and that there is a substantial
savings in the discontinued price.  Compare the difference in performance
and price.
 
MACHINE VS. MACHINE
 
Here's an example of a benefit-value comparison:
 
In qualifying your customer, you discover that the user plans to do mostly
word processing on their new desktop.  You have a 486 SX 25 MHz machine with
a 130 MB hard drive in stock priced at $1,299 with monitor, and a new intro-
duction 486 SX 33 MHz machine that has been introduced at the same price
without monitor.
 
One of the keys is to offer the comparisons early.  Don't conclude a sales
presentation on one machine, then go on to the next as a separate presenta-
tion. Make comparisons early and settle on the one that seems best suited to
your customer's needs.  Many sales have been lost because a customer seemed
excited about one machine, then was shown a second alternative that confused
them on which to buy.  Give the comparisons early, select the machine that
meets their needs, then focus on that product and close, using relative val-
ue to help you tie down the sale.
 
Back to the example:
 
"Mr. Prospect, you indicated that your main interest is in a machine to do
word processing.  You will find the performance of these two machines differ
only slightly when it comes to spell checking or printing a document.  And,
both machines have plenty of capacity to store the program and lots of
files.  If you feel your needs will stay relatively constant over the next
few years, I would recommend the 25 MHz model.  You can save hundreds of
dollars if you make the decision to get one while they last.  Shall we take
a look at how this machine meets your needs?"
 
Using comparisons can help you "open up" the reluctant customer.  Some cus-
tomers seem almost hostile to qualifying questions.  Others can seem reluc-
tant to answer.  Using product comparisons can help you demonstrate a "need
to know" in the customer's mind so you can assist them with the buying deci-
sion.
 
Here's another example: "This 2500 SX/33 offers a Windows accelerator chip
that can really speed up Windows-based graphics, while the 425 SX offers a
larger hard drive for storing bigger databases. Which one do you think would
help you most as you use the computer:  faster speed or larger storage capa-
city?" This comparison question gives your customer a reason to respond,
bringing them closer to getting what they want and need. You have demonstra-
ted a "need to know" based on caring about their use of the computer. Either
way they answer sets you on the path to helping them make the big decision -
- the decision to buy!
 
You have to prepare.  Think about product comparisons in advance.  Look at
the two products side by side.  Compare them feature for feature, and trans-
late the features into benefits.  Once you have a firm grasp on these dif-
ferences, you're ready to compare the relative value for your customer, not
just quote the difference in price. Involve other salesmakers in your store
when you're thinking about product comparisons.  One good idea seems to fol-
low another in these discussions, and everyone involved will sell more as a
result.
 
If customers have trouble choosing which machine best meets their needs,
write down the differences in terms of benefits.  Divide a sheet of paper
into two columns and run down the list.  Just remember, the list should in-
clude more than a list of features...it must translate those features into
benefits relevant to that customer.
 
Remember, too, that qualifying is an essential step in delivering Crowning
Customer Service. Ask questions to qualify the customer and use relative va-
lue comparisons to meet their needs.  You'll sell more because your custom-
ers will get exactly what they want; and you'll earn more through spiffs on
discontinued items.  Everybody wins when you deliver Crowning Customer Ser-
vice.
 
MOM-07/08-93
COMPUTER SUPPORT SERVICES -- NUMBER FOR CONSUMER SUPPORT
 
In the past, Computer and Consumer Support had different phone numbers, but
now you can use the main 800-number for Computer Support to also reach the
Consumer Support Team.
 
Call (800) 2TANDY4, select 1 to talk to an agent, then select 4 for the
Consumer Support Team.
 
Remember, this number is for store personnel only! The telephone number to
give to customers is (817) 878-6875.
 
If your customer asks why we do not have free support, you should answer:
"We do offer free support.  We just ask that you pay for the toll call.
We do not charge you for the support."
 
MOM-07/08-93
CSS SUBJECTS OF THE MONTH -- SHERLOCK HOLMES ON SENSATION
 
Scenario:  I am having problems running my new Sherlock Holmes CD on the
           Sensation system.
 
Sherlock Holmes II does not work on the Sensation.  When looking for CD-ROM
software, you should look for titles that carry the MPC Multimedia Logo.
 
MOM-07/08-93
CSS SUBJECTS OF THE MONTH -- MIRACLE KEYBOARD WITH SENSATION
 
The Miracle Keyboard (25-1821) can be used with the Tandy Sensation.  It
uses the MIDI interface that is standard on the Sensation.
 
Here's how to use the keyboard with the Tandy Sensation MIDI interface:
 
1. Connect the MIDI connector to the Sensation's MIDI port.
 
2. Connect the OUT cable end to the IN port of the keyboard.
   Connect the IN cable end to the OUT port of the keyboard.
 
3. In the Windows environment:
   a. In the Control Panel, set the MIDI Mapper for Tandy MIDI Setup.
   b. Set the Edit to Tandy MMA instead of Tandy MIDI System.
   c. Also in the Control Panel, set the Drivers for Tandy MMA MIDI port.
 
You should now be able to play the file CANYON.MID through the keyboard.
 
MOM-07/08-93
CSS SUBJECTS OF THE MONTH -- PROGRAM MANAGER SCREEN ON SENSATION
 
Occasionally, it may be helpful to have the Program Manager come up as the
default desktop, rather than the WinMate desktop.  One instance is when the
SHELL= line in the SYSTEM.INI file must read SHELL=PROGRAM.EXE in order to
run certain software.  WinMate comes default with the line reading
SHELL=DESKTOP.EXE.
 
To change the line and work in Windows, for example, follow these steps:
 
1. At the MS-DOS prompt, change to the Windows directory.
 
   CD \WINDOWS <Enter>
 
2. Load the file SYSTEM.INI.
 
   EDIT SYSTEM.INI <Enter>
 
3. The first line in this file is:
 
   SHELL=DESKTOP.EXE
 
   Change the syntax of this line to:
 
   SHELL=PROGMAN.EXE
 
4. Exit the Edit function using the <ALT><X> key combination.  At the prompt
   to save the loaded file, press <ENTER>.
 
5. Reload the Windows program, and the Program Manager screen should now
   come up.
 
Note: If you ever want the WinMate screen back as the default, follow these
same steps and change the line back to SHELL=DESKTOP.EXE.
 
MOM-07/08-93
CSS SUBJECTS OF THE MONTH -- SENDING A FAX FROM SENSATION
 
Sending a fax with the PhoenixFax software bundled with Sensation is very
simple.  But, remember that the fax/modem included with Sensation is a send
fax only.
 
Here is the procedure for sending a fax from Sensation.
 
 1. Go into the window Program Manager.
 
 2. Open the Control Panel.
 
 3. Go into PRINTERS.
 
 4. Highlight PHOENIXFAX on COM 2.
 
 5. Set as default printer, then Close.
 
 6. Go into your word processor and type your document.
 
 7. Go to the menu bar and select PRINT.
 
 8. Click on OKAY within Print, and a box named PRINT A FAX appears.
 
 9. Select RECIPIENT.
 
10. Choose a name in the Address box, then hit COPY.  The name moves over to
    the Recipient box.
 
11. Hit OKAY to transmit.
 
MOM-07/08-93
CSS SUBJECTS OF THE MONTH -- LINKS 386 ON SENSATION
 
Links 386 will work on the Tandy Sensation.  Following the instructions in
the Links 386 manual, word-for-word, will enable the user to play this game
on Sensation.  But, the one thing the manual does not cover is which VESA
driver to select.  That driver is VESA1D.EXE.
 
Follow these steps to select the driver.
 
1. Install Links 386, following the instructions on Page 8 of the player's
   manual.
 
2. Run VESALIB at the  C:\LINKS386> prompt, following the instructions on
   Page 10 of the players manual.
 
3. Once VESALIB is finished running:
 
   a. At the  C:\LINK386> prompt, type SETVESA, then press <ENTER>.
 
   b. Select INSTALL VESA DRIVER.
 
   c. At the next screen, select TRIAL AND ERROR method.
 
   d. The next screen is a list of VESA drivers.  Page down to WESTERN 1D,
      highlight this and press <ENTER>.
 
   e. Follow the instructions, and the program will install the driver to
      your AUTOEXEC.BAT file.
 
   Note: The line that SETVESA installs to your AUTOEXEC.BAT file should be
   the first line in the batch file and it should read:
 
      C:\LINKS386 VESA WESTERN VESA1D.EXE
 
4. When the Sensation reboots, close Windows, go to the  C:\LINKS386> prompt
   and type GOLF or LINKS386.
 
MOM-07/08-93
CSS SUBJECTS OF THE MONTH -- ICON CREATION IN WINMATE
 
WinMate comes standard with a number of icons already on the WinMate desk-
top.  To create additional icons for software or programs that do not auto-
matically install an icon, follow this procedure.
 
 1. From the WinMate Desktop, click on the PROGRAM MANAGER icon.
 
 2. Double-click on ACCESSORIES.
 
 3. Double-click on PAINTBRUSH.
 
   If you want to use an existing "diamond" icon, follow Steps 4-9.  If you
   want to use your own picture, create it with Paintbrush now, then skip
   to Step 10.
 
 4. Click on FILE, then OPEN.
 
 5. Insert the WinMate Data CD.
 
 6. Click on the Drive's down arrow and choose DRIVE D:
 
 7. Choose this path:  D:\PICTURES PROGRAMS
 
 8. Choose the picture you want and click on OK.
 
 9. Make any desired changes to the icon.
 
10. Click on FILE, then SAVE AS.
 
11. Save the file using this path:
 
    C:\WINDOWS filename.BMP
 
12. Exit PAINTBRUSH and then close ACCESSORIES.
 
13. Click on the HOME icon to return to the Desktop Main Menu.
 
14. Double-click on the door for the group you want to add the new icon to.
 
15. Click on the DESIGN icon.
 
16. Click on ADD and then on PROGRAM.
 
17. For the command line, enter:
 
       C:\pathname filename.ext
 
    Where pathname and filename are the correct paths and file to be used.
 
MOM-07/08-93
CSS SUBJECTS OF THE MONTH -- DISAPPEARING ICON IN WINMATE
 
If one of the icons on the WinMate desktop disappears from the screen,
there is an easy procedure for bringing it back.  Simply bring the default
desktop back as the WinMate desktop.
 
For example, if the HOMEVIEW icon disappears, follow this procedure:
 
1. Click on VIEW.
 
2. Highlight and click on CHANGE.
 
3. Click on MAIN.
 
4. Click on MAIN from the Listbox.
 
5. Click on FILE.
 
6. Click on SELECT.
 
7. At the desktop, click on VIEW, highlight and click on HOMEVIEW (for ex-
   ample), then click on SET.
 
MOM-07/08-93
CSS SUBJECTS OF THE MONTH -- MS-DOS 6 AND CD-ROM
 
The new MSCDEX driver in MS-DOS 6 is in the DOS directory instead of the BIN
directory, so after installing MS-DOS 6 on a running system, this change
must be made for the CD-ROM to function:
 
Edit the AUTOEXEC.BAT file. Change the line |bin|mscdex to |dos|mscdex.
 
MOM-07/08-93
TANDY FACTORY-DIRECT -- THE SOLD, THE OLD, AND THE NEW
 
It's the beginning of a new selling season, and that marks a whole host of
changes for Tandy Factory-Direct.  The computer factories have been sold,
old products have been discontinued, new products have been announced, and
the 1994 catalog is out.  Let's take a look at the effects of these changes.
 
AFTER THE SALE TO AST
 
How does the sale of our computer factories affect Tandy Factory-Direct? The
short version of the answer is:  very little!  The relationship between Ra-
dio Shack and Tandy 's manufacturing units has always been one of customer/
supplier.  As many of you know, Tandy announced in January that computer ma-
nufacturing was to be spun off into a separate and independent corporation,
to be known as TE Electronics.  Before that transaction was finalized, Tandy
sold its computer manufacturing facilities to AST.
 
In the beginning, Tandy computers were built by Tandy factories, to Tandy
specifications.  Now, Tandy computers are being built, mainly in the same
facilities, by AST factories, still to Tandy specifications.  Tandy compu-
ters continue to provide your customers with unique, value-added features,
continue to be supported and maintained by Tandy, and continue to be speci-
fied, engineered, and certified by Tandy.  There is still no better value
than a Tandy computer!
 
DISCONTINUED TFD ITEMS
 
These items have been removed from the Tandy Factory-Direct program.  They
are no longer available, so please don't quote them to your Tandy Factory-
Direct prospects.  (The attached updated forms reflect these changes).
 
259-1082    512K Video Ram Upgrade for 2500 SX/33
259-1090    MPC Kit
259-1097    SoundBlaster Basic Kit (replaced by 259-1700)
259-1622    Tandy 2500 SX/33 Base Chassis
259-4045    VGM-225 Monitor
259-4047    VGM-340 Monitor
259-4128    85 MB IDE Drive
259-5136    10 MB RAM Upgrade for 2500 SX/33
259-5137    4 MB RAM Upgrade for 2500 SX/33
259-7100    107 MB IDE Drive
259-7185    2nd Floppy Drive for 2500 SX/33
269-0328    Game Card
 
NOW, THE GOOD NEWS
 
New Monitors! New Memory! And, two brand-new, blazingly-fast computers!  Be
sure to check the attached new Tandy Factory-Direct order forms for memory,
cache, and video RAM upgrade specifics, and see the feature article on the
New VGM-390 VESA-compliant monitor on Page 10.
 
The new computers are the OMNI Profile  II and the OMNI-II MT.  They replace
the OMNI Profile and the OMNI Profile MT series, respectively.  Just like
their predecessors, these new-series machines share the same motherboard and
differ only in power supply size, number of expansion slots and bays, weight
and size.  The OMNI Profile II should be available by the time you receive
this M.O.M., and the OMNI-II MT should be available by the end of the month.
 
See the next page for the specifics on these two machines, and pass copies
of the attached feature sheet on to your Factory-Direct customers.
 
MOM-07/08-93
TANDY FACTORY-DIRECT -- NEW TFD ORDER FORMS ATTACHED
 
Attached to this month's M.O.M. are all-new Tandy Factory-Direct order
forms.  These forms are completely new, so be sure to destroy all previous
Tandy Factory-Direct forms and only use the forms dated 8/15/93.
 
Due to the rapid evolution of Tandy Factory-Direct systems, we are not able
to provide your store with multiple copies of the order forms, so please
reproduce them locally.
 
MOM-07/08-93
TANDY FACTORY-DIRECT -- 17-INCH MONITOR NOW IN STOCK
 
A high-end, professional-quality 17-inch monitor is now available exclusive-
ly through Tandy Factory-Direct.  Here are some of the features of this ex-
citing new monitor (259-4092):
 
- 17-inch (16-inch visible) flat square technology CRT reduces glare and
  provides enhanced viewing area
 
- 0.31 mm dot pitch produces sharp images
 
- Automatically scans horizontal frequencies from 30-65 KHz, and vertical
  frequencies from 50-90 KHz
 
- Compatible with a wide variety of video standards, including VGA, IBM
  8514/A, Super-VGA, 1024 x 768 non-interlaced, and 1280 x 1024 non-inter-
  laced
 
- Supports VESA flicker-free modes
 
- Microprocessor-based digital control system saves up to 12 user-definable
  display settings.  Also includes 12 factory-preset settings
 
- Universal power supply operates on 100-120/220-240 V 60/50 Hz for use
  anywhere in the world
 
- Dual signal inputs allow connection to two video sources, such as VGA
  (D-sub) and 1280 x 1024 (BNC), and either can be selected with a front
  panel switch
 
We won't be able to supply demos of this monitor to any store, so be sure to
save and copy this article.
 
MOM-07/08-93
TANDY FACTORY-DIRECT -- NEW TFD OMNI MACHINES ARE BLAZINGLY-FAST
 
The new OMNI Profile II and OMNI-II MT computers are coming to Tandy Factory 
Direct.
 
A slim-line case gives the OMNI Profile II computer a sleek look, while four
peripheral bays and five ISA slots provide the expandability required for
traditional PC applications.
 
A mid-tower case gives the OMNI-II MT computer a small footprint, while five
peripheral bays and 7 ISA slots provide the flexibility needed by today's
"power-user" PC owners.
 
They both include these state-of-the-art features:
 
- Available with these Intel 80486 CPUs: 25 MHz SX, 33 MHz SX, 33 MHz DX,
  50 MHz DX2, 66 MHz DX2
 
- VESA local bus (VL-Bus) S3 GUI accelerator provides superior Windows & VGA
  performance
 
- ZIF (Zero-Insertion-Force) socket allows easy Intel OverDrive or Pentium
  performance upgrades
 
- 1 MB Video RAM standard, expandable to 2 MB
 
- 4 MB System RAM standard, expandable to 64 MB
 
- 8K CPU cache, expandable on-board to 1 MB write-back, direct mapped
 
- "Fast" IDE hard disk interface with block mode support
 
- 1.44 MB Floppy drive, with 2.88 MB FD support
 
- Industry-standard keyboard and PS/2-style mouse included
 
- Ports: (1) PS/2 keyboard, (1) PS/2 mouse, (1) parallel printer, (2) DB9
  serial
 
- 3 full-length and 2 1/2-length available ISA expansion slots (OMNI Profile
  II)
  4 full-length and 4 half-length available ISA expansion slots (OMNI-II MT)
 
- Case-mounted speaker
 
- (2) 5 1/4" accessible drive bays (OMNI Profile II)
  (3) 5 1/4" accessible drive bays (OMNI-II MT)
 
- (1) 3 1/2" FD Drive bay
 
- (1) 3 1/2" internal HD drive bay
 
- 145-Watt power supply (OMNI Profile II)
  200-Watt power supply (OMNI-II MT)
 
-  4.4 x 17.3 x 16.3" (HWD), 22 lbs. (OMNI Profile II)
  18.2 x  6.5 x 17.4" (HWD), 34 lbs. (OMNI-II MT)
 
- MS-DOS, OS/2 & Novell certified
 
- EPA "Energy Star" Certified (OMNI Profile II only)
 
Here are the SKU numbers for both new computers:
 
OMNI Profile II
Model        Cat. No.
425 SX       259-7706
433 SX       259-7707
433 DX       259-7708
450 DX2      259-7709
466 DX2      259-7710
 
OMNI-II MT
Model        Cat. No.
425 SX MT    259-7713
433 SX MT    259-7714
433 DX MT    259-7715
450 DX2 MT   259-7716
466 DX2 MT   259-7717
 
MOM-07/08-93
THE CREDIT LINE -- RSVP/TANDY COMPUTER LEASING
 
RSVP
 
MORE ON "90 DAYS SAME AS CASH"
 
When we introduced our "90 Days Same As Cash" program, the running rules
called for minimum monthly payments that were slightly higher than the reg-
ular payment schedule listed in the Radio Shack Credit Account and Security
Agreement.  But, the higher minimum monthly payments led to confusion and a
number of calls to Cardholder Services.
 
Customers talked.  We listened.  To help eliminate any misunderstanding, mi-
nimum monthly payments associated with our "90 Days Same As Cash" program
are now identical to the payment schedule in the customer's copy of the Ra-
dio Shack Credit Account and Security Agreement:
 
Purchase                Minimum Monthly Payment
$100.00 - $400          $15.00
$400.01 - $600          $20.00
$600.01 - $800          $25.00
$800.01 - $1000         $30.00
 
The minimum monthly payment on purchases over $1,000 is 1/33 of the total
purchase amount, including taxes, rounded up to the next dollar.
 
In truth, customers who take advantage of our "90 Days Same As Cash" offer
must make higher payments than the minimum due if they are to pay off the
purchase within 90 days.  If they don't, the remaining balance -- plus in-
terest from the date of purchase -- rolls to a regular revolving account.
"90 Days Same As Cash" lets your rate-sensitive customers buy now and save
interest expense if they pay off the qualifying purchases in full within 90
days.
 
HOW DOES THE CREDIT REVIEW PROCESS WORK?
 
When you call (or fax) an application to the Operations Center, the opera-
tor/analyst inputs the data into a New Accounts Processing System.  The ap-
plication is scored on two "scorecards."  The first is a model that accesses
the applicant's credit bureau report and compiles a point score, using both
application and credit bureau data.  The second is a bankruptcy risk score,
compiled using the credit bureau data only.
 
While the point score indicates if the applicant is "credit worthy," the
risk score shows a statistical probability of whether or not the applicant
will encounter extreme financial difficulty in the future.  These two scores
are combined with a calculated ratio of the applicant's debt-to-income, or
"debt utilization."  This determines if the applicant is over-obligated
based on current income.
 
A combination of scores exceeding an established level equals automatic ap-
proval.  A score below an established level results in an automatic decline.
A score between the two levels results in a manual review by the operator or
a supervisor, depending on the sale amount and the score combination.
 
If the application is approved, you will be told within minutes the appli-
cant's new account number and credit limit.  If the application is declined,
you will be given a pending number, and the applicant will receive notice of
our decision in the mail.  Just remember, because of federal privacy stat-
utes, you will not be told the reasons for a decline/pending decision.
 
TANDY COMPUTER LEASING
 
LEASING CAN BUILD GREATER SALES
 
The commercial leasing program available through Tandy Computer Leasing
(TCL) and Sanwa Leasing Corporation is designed to close sales, overcome the
cost objection, and build repeat business with add-on and upgrade options.
 
Jim MacKenzie, manager of Radio Shack 01-1302 in Manchester, New Hampshire,
realizes this, and within 2 months, has closed over $50,000 in sales through
lease financing.  MacKenzie gives his insight: "Leasing is easier than ever
before.  There is less paperwork -- only a one-page application.  Leasing
allows a business to purchase computer equipment and usually write-off pay-
ments as a normal business operating expense.  Once you have a lease custo-
mer, you have a customer for life!"
 
What's great about writing a lease agreement is that you can include train-
ing, software, installation and Tandy Service Plan  coverage.  Your business
customer gets the advantage of 100% financing, plus the tax benefits of
leasing.
 
"90-DAY DEFERRED PAYMENT LEASE"
 
To help you generate more sales, TCL has extended the "90-day Deferred Pay-
ment Lease"  promotion another full month, through August 31.  You can offer
this special promotion on all Tandy 386- and 486-based desktop and laptop
notebook PCs.
 
Here are the terms of the TCL lease promotion:
 
- 39-month term with 36 payments
- .0335 rate factor
- No up-front security deposit
- Fair Market Value (FMV) purchase option
- Minimum monthly lease payment of $50.00
 
Fax your lease applications to 1-800-877-5327.  If you are ready to write up
a lease sale and need help, call 1-800-78-TANDY.  A Sanwa representative
will "hand-hold" you through the application process.  This can lead to
higher approval rates and faster turnaround for you and your customers.  The
application is the key to helping us meet your expectations.
 
MOM-07/08-93
SYLVAN SUCCESS
 
Master Your Computer...FAST!
Training On Today's Most Popular Software
 
- Getting Started with PC and DOS 3.x/4.x
- Getting Started with PC and DOS 5.0
- Getting Started with Tandy DeskMate  3
- Getting Started with Windows 3.0
- Getting Started with Windows 3.1
- Getting Started with Works for Windows
- Getting Started with WordPerfect 5.1
- Getting Started with WordPerfect for Windows
- Getting Started with Lotus 1-2-3, 2.3
- Getting Started with Lotus 1-2-3, 3.1
- Getting Started with dBase IV, 1.1
- Getting Started with Paradox 3.5
- Getting Started with Word for Windows 1.1
- Getting Started with Word for Windows 2.0
- Getting Started with Excel 3.0
- Getting Started with Excel 4.0
- Getting Started with Microsoft PowerPoint v2.0
- Getting Started with Microsoft Mail and Schedule+
 
All Getting Started courses only $99
 
Sylvan Technology Centers are located in selected markets nationwide.
 
MOM-07/08-93
SYLVAN SUCCESS--LATEST & GREATEST
 
As you might have seen in the last two issues of the M.O.M., Sylvan Tech-
nology Centers has released two new courses this summer -- Getting Started
with WordPerfect for Windows and Getting Started with Excel v4.0 ! Both
courses retail for $99.00 and are available at your local Sylvan Technology
Center.
 
As a reminder, Sylvan Technology Centers course catalogs do not include
these new releases.  All Radio Shack salesmakers should mention that these
courses are available when distributing Sylvan's course catalogs to custo-
mers.
 
If your store needs additional counter cards, course catalogs, or Sylvan
passports, please contact Peggy McDaniels at (817) 338-2343.
 
MOM-07/08-93
SYLVAN SUCCESS -- SALES TIPS
 
A first-time purchaser's biggest hurdle in purchasing a personal computer
system is a concern, or fear, about using a computer. Most computer returns
are the result of frustrated users who don't know how to begin using their
computer systems. Sylvan can help you avoid these returns by keeping cus-
tomers satisfied with their computers.
 
Customers enrolled in Sylvan training benefit from the industry's most ex-
perienced instructional designers, a sophisticated multimedia delivery sys-
tem, and Sylvan's extensive course titles and on-site training specialists.
Remember these key selling points of Sylvan's training:
 
Learn to use your computer in one day.  Computer users can learn a PC soft-
ware application in just one, full day at a local Sylvan Technology Center.
 
Receive a FREE subscription for after-training support.  Upon completion of
a training course, each Sylvan participant receives a 45-day subscription to
Sylvan's hotline support.  Customers can call Sylvan (not Radio Shack sales-
makers) and have their software application questions answered.
 
Sylvan makes registration easy. Customers and Radio Shack employees can en-
roll, locate the nearest Sylvan Technology Center, and get course informa-
tion through Sylvan's toll-free number, 1-800-967-1200.  And, Radio Shack
salesmakers can get selling assistance from Sylvan's sales consultants at
this number.
 
Guaranteed results. Sylvan guarantees that each training participant will
achieve at least an 85% proficiency level on his/her software application.
 
Hands-on training. Each Sylvan training participant works on a state-of-the-
art computer workstation at a pace comfortable to the individual.
 
MOM-07/08-93
SYLVAN SUCCESS -- CLASS NOTES
 
When selling Sylvan passports:
 
- Complete the information on the inside cover of the passport.
 
- Call 1-800-967-1200 to enroll, to obtain course information, or to find
  the most convenient Sylvan Technology Center for your customer.  Do not
  contact your local Sylvan Technology Center directly.
 
- When selling a Sylvan training passport, look at the back panel of the
  Sylvan Registration Kit for P.O.P. input directions.
 
MOM-07/08-93
SYLVAN SUCCESS -- LET US KNOW
 
Please let us know about your training success stories, as well as sales
tips you may have, that can assist other Radio Shack salesmakers when sell-
ing Sylvan training.
 
FAX your stories, comments, questions, or suggestions to:
 
(410) 880-8717
ATTN: STC Training Marketing
 
MOM-07/08-93
PRODUCT NEWS -- 14-INCH SUPER VGA MONITOR ON ITS WAY
 
The new VGM-390 14-inch super VGA monitor (25-4091) is now shipping. This
new monitor replaces the VGM-340 (25-4047) and delivers some excellent new
features.
 
The VGM-390 is VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) compliant.
This means that the VGM-390 operates flicker-free, as specified by VESA.
The benefit to your customer is less fatigue and eyestrain
during prolonged computing sessions.
 
Other features include:
 
- RGB analog signal system for crisp characters and sharp graphics
- Operates in non-interlaced mode at most resolutions
- 0.39 mm dot pitch provides sharp detail
- Tilt/swivel base included
 
The price? $399.99.  And remember, you are authorized to sell this monitor
at a $75.00 discount when you sell it with a CPU.
 
MOM-07/08-93
PRODUCT NEWS -- ENTRY-LEVEL TANDY MMPC: POWER AND PIZAZZ
 
Full of Features
 
In a news release dated July 8, Radio Shack introduced the Tandy Multimedia
Personal Computer (25-1640) and described the MMPC as its "first fully-
equipped 80486-based multimedia PC."
 
Priced at less than $1,600, the affordable, entry-level MMPC is designed for
price-conscious consumers. It's easy-to-use, but powerful enough to run so-
phisticated software.
 
Here's a rundown of features you'll want to share with your customers.
 
Key Features        Tandy Multimedia PC
Microprocessor      25 MHz 80486 SX (with overdrive upgrade socket)
Memory              4 MB RAM (expandable to 64 MB)
Storage             130 MB hard drive, 3 1/2" 1.44 MB floppy drive
Graphics Support    (512K VRAM) 640 x 480 (256 colors), 800 x 600 (256
                    colors), 1024 x 768 (16 colors)
CD-ROM Drive        375 ms average access time. 150 KB transfer rate.
                    Multi-session Kodak Photo CD compatible.
Built-In Audio      SoundBlaster Pro
Bundled Software    MS-DOS 6 with tools, Windows 3.1, MPC Microsoft Works
                    with applications, America Online, San Diego Zoo Ani-
                    mals, World Atlas, ToolWorks Reference Library
Expansion           Two 16-bit expansion slots
Built-In Ports      Game/MIDI, serial, parallel
Keyboard            101-key enhanced keyboard
Mouse               2-button mouse
Power Supply        145-watt switchable
Footprint (HWD)     4.2 x 15.5 x 15 inches
Certification       FCC Class B, UL Listed
 
MMPC Operating Hints
 
Each store received an S.O.S. memo, dated July 19, outlining more details
of Tandy's Multimedia PC.  Here is a quick refresher of those details:
 
1. In the MMPC startup cycle, press F2 to run setup appears.  This is an
   option, not a requirement.  Press F2 only if you need to run the setup
   utility!  Let the machine continue to boot as normal.  The message disap-
   pears after a few seconds.
 
2. To produce sound from multimedia programs, you need to connect a set of
   amplified speakers or headphones to the jack on the back of the computer.
   (Neither multimedia program sound or audio CDs play through the built-in
   speaker.) The owner's manual states that, when you use headphones, audio
   CDs play from the front panel connector.  In fact, both audio CDs and MPC
   sound play from the rear jacks on the sound board.
 
3. The manual for an upcoming version (4.0) of the ToolWorks World Atlas
   program was mistakenly packaged with some early units (3.2.1), included
   on the system CD.  In the 4.0 manual, there are menu screen icons for
   placing map markers and taking notes, instead of displaying flags and
   playing anthems.
 
   The manual for the US Atlas is correct and can be used as a reference for
   the World Atlas icon functions. If customers insist on a replacement man-
   ual, contact Computer Support for a replacement.
 
   A press release for the Multimedia World Atlas also contained information
   about a different version of that software.  Do not tell customers that
   World Atlas includes location views of cities or motion video.  These
   features are not in the version shipping with MMPC (25-1640).
 
4. If you need to replace a defective CD, contact:
 
   Tandy Software Exchange
   401 N.E. 38th Street
   Fort Worth, TX  76106
   (817) 347-7960
 
MOM-07/08-93
PRODUCT NEWS -- MPC UPGRADE STATUS (MURPHY'S LAW REVISITED)
 
The June M.O.M. erroneously reported that MPC and Sensation upgrades were
available.  As this article is being written (late July), the upgrade for
early MPC system and Sensation customers was still not ready for shipment.
 
In all probability, the Sensation offers will be in the mail to customers
by the time you receive this M.O.M, with the MPC & MPC kit offers not far
behind.  Thank you for your patience and understanding.
 
MOM-07/08-93
PRODUCT NEWS -- NEW COMPATIBLE RIBBONS MEAN EXTRA SALES
 
Check out the compatible ribbons on Page 182 of the new catalog, then see
the complete compatibility chart attached to this month's M.O.M. These rib-
bons fit dozens of the most popular printers on the market today -- Epson,
Panasonic, Star, even Apple printers!
 
The ribbons will be stocked in the Force Feed Warehouse and distributed to
you early in September.  Additionally, the packaging is being re-done on the
laser printer cartridges to show what other laser printers they will fit.
Compatible ribbons and toner:  your key to increased customer satisfaction
and increased sales!
 
MOM-07/08-93
PRODUCT NEWS -- SHAREWARE OFFERS REAL BARGAINS
 
WHAT IS SHAREWARE?
 
Select authors let us package their fully-functional programs and make them available to you at distribution cost.  If your customers find the package useful, they are requested to pay the author's registration fee.  Or, they can throw the package away
or pass it on to a friend, and their total in-vestment is only $5.99.
 
Shareware authors will commonly provide attractive incentives for register-
ing.  Printed manuals, updated versions and bonus programs are just a few things that may be provided after registration.  See your program documenta-
tion for specific details.
 
The Shareware concept is based entirely on the honor system, and works quite
well.  (Most people are honest and won't violate the trust placed in them
by the software author.) This way, people can get quality software at affor-
dable prices, and the authors are rewarded for their work.
 
WHAT IS TITANIUM SEAL?
 
Of the tens of thousands of Shareware titles released every year, less than 1% receive the coveted Titanium Seal Award. These titles scored highest in sales, and in technological brilliance in graphics, sound and interface de-
sign.  Only winning authors are published by Titanium Seal.
 
Titanium Seal Software has the titles you want most.  They are fully func-
tional and have features usually found in packages costing much more.  They contain either a complete manual or an on-line help system on the disk.  That's Titanium Seal's supreme value!  Through Shareware, your customers can try dozens of Titanium Seal
titles without spending a fortune.
 
WHAT TITLES ARE AVAILABLE?
 
Here is the first assortment of Titanium Seal titles available to you
through Shareware.
 
* Some 640K RAM PCs (e.g. Tandy TL and TL/2) may require additional memory
  to run programs which require 640K RAM.  Video and other drivers use some
  of 640K RAM and must be moved to high memory.
 
WOLFENSTEIN 3D (25-6300)
  As an escaped prisoner, you are forced to battle your way through relent-
  less hordes of evil Nazis guarding a multi-level, 3-D castle.  This extra-
  ordinary "virtual reality" animated game is accompanied by sensational,
  digitized sound and music. Exclusive "texture mapping" technology displays
  fabulous graphics.
 
  System Requirements:  Tandy/IBM compatible PC 286* or above, 640K RAM,
  1.4 MB of hard disk space, VGA monitor; mouse, joystick, or sound card
  optional.
 
  Registration Fee: $35
 
GOODBYE GALAXY (25-6301)
  This sensational new sequel to the original Commander Keen video game fea-
  tures spectacular graphics and superior sound quality.  In Goodbye Galaxy,
  you, as Keen, receive a distress signal & fly off to help an alien world.
  While exploring this far-off planet, you have close encounters with a va-
  riety of bizarre and devious creatures; some are humorous, but most are
  dangerous.
 
  System Requirements: Tandy/IBM compatible PC*, 640K RAM, 1.1 MB of hard
  disk space, EGA or VGA monitor; joystick, Adlib or Sound Blaster card
  optional.
 
  Registration Fee: $35
 
GALACTIX (25-6302)
  In Galactix, you are the last and only person who can save a dying civili-
  zation from waves of merciless alien invaders who are intent on annihila-
  ting all life on Earth.  Mind-blowing digitized speech, music and sound
  effects will have your eyes and ears popping.
 
  System Requirements: Tandy/IBM compatible 286 PC* or above, 2.5 MB of hard
  disk space, VGA monitor; mouse, joystick, Adlib or Sound Blaster board
  optional.
 
  Registration Fee: $15
 
SHRAPNEL CITY (25-6303)
  You vs. Dr. Proton in an explosive fight to the finish. Watch out for
  flying metal as you duke it out in a Western-style showdown. Make sure
  your guns are loaded.
 
  System Requirements: Tandy/IBM compatible 286 PC* or above, 2.5 MB hard
  disk space, VGA monitor; mouse, joystick, Adlib or Sound Blaster board
  optional.
 
  Registration Fee: $15
 
VGA SLOTS (25-6304)
  This package emulates six popular slot machine games.  Note: This is not a
  gambling device.  For amusement use only.
 
  Registration Fee: $5
 
FORBIDDEN PLANET (25-6305)
  You're Cosmo, a young alien on your way to Earth for a Disneyland vacation
  with your parents.  Your spaceship breaks down on the way and your parents
  disappear.  All alone on the deadly Forbidden Planet, you must fight off
  sinister aliens and find your parents before its too late. Sizzling graph-
  ics and an awesome soundtrack take you into a new dimension of outer space
  action.
 
  System Requirements: Tandy/IBM compatible PC 286* or above, 640K RAM,
  2.5 MB hard disk space and VGA monitor.
 
  Registration Fee: $35 for 3 adventures
 
ENVISION PUBLISHER (25-6306)
  Turn your PC into a brilliant desktop publisher.  Create professional cat-
  alogs, advertisements, illustrations, flyers, sales sheets, cards, and
  more in minutes.  Includes scalable fonts (4 to 198 points), style sheets,
  WYSIWYG (What-You-See-Is-What-You-Get) display, word wrap, graphics and
  illustration, and more.
 
  System Requirements: Tandy/IBM compatible 450K RAM, 1.2 MB of hard disk
  space, Mono, Hercules, CGA, EGA or VGA monitor; mouse optional.
 
  Registration Fee: $69
 
DRAFT CHOICE (25-6307)
  Draw professional plans, blueprints, and schematics on your PC.  Draft
  Choice gives you the power of CAD products costing hundreds of times this
  registration fee.  Design anything like a professional, even if you can't
  draw a straight line.  You get zoom, scaling, auto dimensioning, rotation,
  multiple layering, and Compels Parametric Drawing. Prints to virtually any
  dot matrix or laser printer and supports plotters.
 
  System Requirements: Tandy/IBM compatible PC, 384K RAM, 560K of hard disk
  space, Hercules, CGA, EGA, or VGA monitor; mouse optional.
 
  Registration Fee: $69
 
FORMGEN II (25-6308)
  Design any form you need with typeset precision on your PC. Invoices, pur-
  chase orders, order forms, credit applications, and more.  Use the handy
  built-in templates or design your own from scratch. The powerful on-screen
  editor includes automatic line and box drawing, shading, and auto-text po-
  sitioning.  FormGen II is as versatile as products costing ten times more.
 
  System Requirements: Tandy/IBM compatible 286 PC  or above, 2.5 MB of hard
  disk space, VGA monitor; mouse, joystick, Adlib or Sound Blaster board op-
  tional.
 
  Registration Fee: $49
 
PRINT PARTNER (25-6309)
  Have your own print shop.  Do banners, signs, and calendars in minutes.
  Includes scalable, multiple fonts, stock pictographs, and picture editing.
  Choose from a huge selection of stock pictures and fancy typestyles to
  create a wide variety of messages.
 
  System Requirements: Tandy/IBM compatible PC , 640K RAM, 3 MB of hard disk
  space, Hercules, CGA, EGA, or VGA monitor.
 
  Registration Fee: $15
 
HOW DOES THE PROGRAM WORK?
 
We previously tested the program in a number of stores and the sell-through
was outstanding. In order to maximize the efficiency of the program, we are
shipping the product directly from our vendor (Softkey) to your store. This
allows us to have assortments of the best-selling titles available for sale
on a very timely basis.
 
You should have already received the first assortment of these titles. Here
is some additional information to make the program run smoothly:
 
- The cartons are marked "Shareware By Softkey" and have a shipping label
  on them with the order and store number. A billing for the order number is
  in the POS system and should be cleared in the normal manner.  Also, there
  should be a packing list in the carton with titles and quantities.
 
- An SAR may be filed in the normal manner for any missing or
  incomplete shipments.
 
- Stores may not reorder this merchandise under any circumstance. We will do
  one replenishment order of this assortment by the end of August for those
  stores that have a quick sell-through.
 
- By the end of October, you will receive a second assortment with all new
  titles.  Shipment quantities to your store will be based on sales history
  of your first assortment.
 
- Defective disks, blank or defective shutter, etc., may be replaced and
  sent directly to your customer by faxing the customer's name, address, and
  your store number to (407) 367-1611. This number is valid until August 15,
  1993.  The vendor is moving, and we will provide a new number to you soon.
 
MOM-07/08-93
PRODUCT NEWS -- HOT, NEW, COOL PACKAGING FOR COMPUTER PRODUCTS
 
Your Radio Shack accessories "Creative Computer Products" are all getting a
new look.  Watch for the bright, innovative packaging on some of your old
standbys, as well as the new-for-'94 products.
 
First in your store was the colorful package (26-341) of three disk boxes.
These cool ski colors are hot this year. Also new for '94 is the copy holder
(26-336) and handheld trackball (25-2003), both of which are starting to
move.
 
Coming soon, if not already there, are the dust covers (26-342 and 26-343)
for monitors and keyboards.  The light brown nylon is a welcome change, with
the new, bright-color header card. The old plastic covers are closing out at
a great price.
 
Move these new packages to the front and add on to those computer ticket
sales with some much needed (and don't forget profitable!) accessories.
 
MOM-07/08-93
PRODUCT NEWS -- SOFTWARE FLASH
 
The August 1993 Merchandising Newsletter reminded you to clear old titles
off your shelves and make room for new ones.
 
If you haven't cleared your shelves yet, take all your discontinued and
clearance products off the shelves and place them in a high-traffic area.
You can either display them in a basket or box with a big sale poster, on a
"super saver" table, or in your Clearance Corner.
 
MOM-07/08-93
PRODUCT NEWS -- SWEEPSTAKES ALERT
 
Any day now, MicroProse's Ancient Art of War (25-1888) will arrive in your
store.  And, MicroProse and Radio Shack have teamed up to offer an exclusive
sweepstakes for Ancient Art of War customers. Prizes will be handled direct-
ly by MicroProse.
 
- Grand Prize  -- genuine leather MicroProse flight jacket   ($150.00 retail
  value)!
 
- First Prize  -- MicroProse aviator watch by Gruen ($135.00 retail value).
 
- Second Prize -- MicroProse carry-all bag (retail value $34.00).
 
- Third Prize  -- MicroProse aviator sunglasses (retail value $24.95).
 
Ancient Art of War customers will find an entry form inside the box. Howev-
er, in some states, stores will have entry form tear pads at the counter.
These were sent out in the last POP kit.
 
The MicroProse Customer Information Line is informing all callers of this
great promotion.  This is a great opportunity to sell many, many copies of
this great game!
 
Demos headed your way:    The 7th Guest CD (25-1847)
                        Ancient Art of War (25-1888)
 
MOM-07/08-93
PRODUCT NEWS -- RADIO SHACK HAS CREEPY COLLECTOR'S EDITION
 
Radio Shack stores are the only places nationwide to carry the Collector's
Edition of Legacy (25-1993). Impressively packaged, the box echoes a scary
laugh when opened, and the disk and manual come wrapped in spider webbing.
 
Selling this product should be as easy as one-two-three. It is eagerly awai-
ted by the gaming public, and you're the only ones with the Collector's Edi-
tion. In addition, MicroProse Customer Service Line is spreading the word
about this product and telling people to get it at Radio Shack.
 
Thanks for all the great input on what your customers are asking for out
there in the gaming and education world.  Keep on sending your input.
 
MOM-07/08-93
PRODUCT NEWS -- CHANGE OF ADDRESS
 
Tandy Software Exchange has moved. Please make a note of the new address and phone number.
 
Tandy Software Exchange
401 N.E. 38th Street
Fort Worth, TX 76106
(817) 347-7960
 
We are sorry if you were inconvenienced during the move, but we're now back
to business as usual.
 
MOM-06-93
The Front Line
 
Tandy Unveils Zoomer Personal Digital Assistant
 
A New Product Category
 
Several times, this column has attempted to chronicle new milestones
in the "digital revolution."
The original desktop computer is constantly evolving in multiple directions.
Aside from its traditional role as a digital data processor,
the computer is gaining more sound and graphics
to become an exciting home entertainment and content delivery platform.
We described Sensation  as one of these breakthroughs in digital appliances.
 
A decade ago, a state-of-the-art review of the portable arena would
have discussed the past ten years of steady progress in more portable
and powerful handheld calculators.
By that time, the first desktop computers had already progressed
into very basic pocket computers as well as full-featured, 15-20 pound
"luggable" computers.
Then in 1982, the Tandy  Model 100 appeared as another milestone
in portable computing.
Today, we take the full-featured, 6-pound notebooks, the subnotebooks,
and the pocket-size digital organizers (Casio Boss, Sharp Wizard, etc.)
for granted.
 
Currently, the industry is abuzz with the emergence, once again, of a
new category -- the so-called "personal digital assistant" or PDA.
Two major product development efforts defined this new class of devices,
as revealed in project announcements by Apple
and by a joint venture headed by Tandy and Casio.
You might have seen speculation in the trade press
about these projects, often under the code names Newton (for Apple)
and Zoomer  (for Tandy/Casio).
 
On June 3, at this summer's Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the Zoomer
partners unveiled major details of the product, which will hit stores this
October.  Since you will receive extensive product orientation and sales
training before the product's arrival, there's no need to cover
its technical subtleties here.
Instead, let's explore what this new category is about.
 
Pen-Based Entry
 
The first thing you notice when you pick up the palm-sized Tandy Z-550
Zoomer PDA  (about 4 x 7" and about 1" thick) is that there is no keypad.
Most of the working surface is covered by a liquid crystal,
pen-sensitive display, activated by a stylus similar to a thin pencil.
This allows you to enter information in one of three ways:
 
1. By tapping on a "pop-up," on-screen keyboard
   to enter letters, numbers, symbols, or functions.
 
2. By handwriting or drawing the information you want to store
   (such as a signature, map, or sketch) as a "direct ink" entry.
 
3. By writing or printing on the display and having these
   characters recognized and stored in digital form,
   which appears as normal typed text.
 
Communications
 
In addition to these unique methods of data entry,
the Tandy Z-550 PDA can communicate with a desktop, notebook PC,
or another Zoomer device through an optional infrared transceiver.
Of course, it can also communicate by more traditional computer methods,
such as (1) over an optional serial cable through the serial port,
or (2) through an optional modem and across the telephone network
to another modem-equipped PC or information service, such as America Online.
Z-550 files are compatible with such industry-standard PC programs
as Lotus Organizer, Act, Sidekick, Packrat, and Quicken.
 
Applications Built-In
 
Functionally, the Tandy Z-550 begins as a very powerful organizer,
with built-in applications including a Date Book,
Address Book, Note Taker, To Do Lists, Calculator, Expense
Account, E-Mail, and Games.
It adds to this a rich set of reference materials:
a 50,000-Word Dictionary, 100,000-Word Spell Checker,
660,000-Synonym Thesaurus, 26-Language Translator (1000 words per language),
City/State/Country Travel Data, U.S. Holidays, Area Codes, and more.
All this fits in a compact package weighing less than one pound.
 
And, it will out-organize the popular organizers.
Compared to Sharp's well-known Wizard, for example,
Zoomer adds the flexibility and expandability of serial and PCMCIA ports
and the modem connectivity of a notebook computer.
 
Expandability
 
The 1 MB system memory can be expanded by optional PCMCIA
or Sundisk Flash Cards.  These are about the size of a standard credit card,
and can also be used to install the applications software
which will begin appearing this fall to support the Zoomer platform.
A module to permit nationwide paging has already been announced.
 
A Whole New Product Category
 
What you finally have is a device that allows data entry
in the same natural and direct fashion as ink on paper,
with the logical power of a computer and the connectivity of a telephone.
This "notepad with a brain" exceeds today's organizers in functionality,
and it also offers greater portability, ease of use,
and much longer battery life (about 100 hours on 3 alkalines)
than a laptop computer.
 
Tandy's Zoomer PDA is not another calculator, not another organizer,
not another data bank -- it's all of these and more.
It's truly a personal digital assistant.  Watch for more details on Tandy's
new Z-550 Zoomer PDA, appearing this fall at Radio Shack.
 
MOM-06-93
Sales Training
 
Sales is a Game (But You Must be Present to Win)
 
"Sales is a game." It's a phrase you've heard so often it has become a cliche'.
But, before you simply dismiss it, stop and think about it -- sales should be
a game.  It should be fun, active. and move toward a goal.
And, like most games, you must be present to win.
 
Think back to the last sale you lost.  Were you ready to play and present
to win?
 
Before any game, a team practices for hours
developing the skills needed to win.
A baseball team learns to field, run, hit, and pitch.
Have you and your teammates put in enough practice time?
Are you proficient in the skills that help contribute to a winning sales team?
 
Like any player, you have to know the object of the game
before you can develop the skills to help you get there.
At Radio Shack , our objective is Crowning Customer Service.
We serve our customers by providing quality products to meet their needs,
backed with the best support available to help them get the most
from their investment.
 
So, what skills do you need to meet this objective?
 
Product Knowledge
 
Every product in your store is there to meet a customer need.
Your job is to match product benefits with those needs.
Take the product out of the box.
Plug it in or install the batteries.
Read its Owner's Manual and use it.
Imagine situations where the product would be useful or desirable.
Translate what the product can do into benefits for your customer.
 
Learning the Game Plan
 
Have you ever seen a double play?
It's one of the most exciting moments in a baseball game.
A ball is hit, then fielded by the shortstop who fires the ball
to the second baseman to make the out.
The second baseman whirls and throws to first to make the second out,
often leaping to avoid the runner as he slides into the bag.
The play works because every member of the team knows the plan.
They know that, if a ball is hit to the shortstop, the play should begin
at second base, then move on to first.
 
You have to know the game plan every day.
What are the current sales promotions?
Are there special customer incentives on RSVP  or TSP  that apply?
Will the sale price end soon? Is there a shortage of a given product?
What will you suggest instead? The shortstop can't wait until the ball is
hit to decide where to throw it to make the play.
The shortstop has to know before the batter gets to the plate.
You need to know the game plan before the customer comes into the store.
 
Qualifying Skills
 
Focus your attention on the customers and what they want.
A pitcher who throws a 110 mph fast ball is impressive.
But, that fast ball is useless if it isn't thrown accurately.
Pitchers who hurl the ball to home plate while looking at third base
have little chance of success.
Throwing out facts about a product without asking qualifying questions
is like throwing your best pitch with your eyes closed.
Anything that hits the target gets there by accident.
Ask questions to zero in on the target.
 
Listening Skills
 
Developing good listening skills is like playing the outfield in baseball.
It is critical that you be in the right place at the right time
when the ball comes your way.  It's easy to let your mind wander while a
customer talks.  It takes real practice to be an active listener.
Everything your customer says is like a ball hit sharply to your position.
Only a heads-up play will keep the ball from getting by you.
 
It takes practice to improve your concentration.
Listen for key words as your customer talks and repeat them in your head
to help you focus your attention.
Remember, what your customer has to say is like that sharply hit ball --
you have to catch it before you can make the play!
 
OK.  So you've practiced sharpening your product knowledge,
worked on your qualifying skills, and turned yourself
into a World Series-class listener.  You've done what it takes to be ready for
the game, but you must be present to win.
 
There is a saying in baseball: "Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose,
and sometimes they're rained out...but you have to suit up for every game."
How many times have you failed to suit up?
Every time a customer came into the store and you failed to greet him,
you failed to suit up.  Every time a customer asked a question and you were
too busy to dig out the answer, you failed to suit up.
Every time a caller hung up the phone without getting the desired information,
you failed to suit up.  You had your chance -- the umpire called "Batter
Up!" -- but you didn't make it to the plate.
 
Being selected as a salesmaker for Radio Shack is like being drafted as a
talented rookie.  Your Store Manager and District Sales Manager recognized
your ability to contribute to the team.
They can coach you on the fundamentals and help supply the equipment
and knowledge you need to be successful.
But, only you can put yourself in the lineup.
 
Start your own version of spring training today.  Practice your sales skills.
Work on improving customer service.  Sales is a game...but you must be present
to win.  Will you be suited up for your next time at bat?  Batter Up!
 
MOM-06-93
The Credit Line
 
RSVP
 
Short Form ValuePlus Application
 
ValuePlus  applicants who have a valid major credit card
(American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Sears,
Diner's Club, J. C. Penney's, Montgomery Ward, etc.)
need to complete only the shaded areas of the credit application.
This is all the information the New Accounts operator needs
to make a credit decision.
 
Applicants who do not have a major credit card and
whose applications are faxed to the Operations Center
are required to complete all sections of the application form.
 
In the For Office Use Only section of the application,
don't forget to fill in the proposed purchase amount, TSP amount,
driver's license number, state of issuance, name of major credit
card, account number, and expiration date.
This information speeds up processing and allows us to identify
the type of cardholders we are seeking to convert to our ValuePlus card.
 
90 Days -- Same As Cash
 
Any single-ticket purchase of $100.00 or more
charged to an approved ValuePlus account qualifies
for the "90 Days -- Same as Cash" offer.  Explain to your customers exactly
what the offer means.  A minimum payment of $20.00 is due each month for
purchases from $100.00 to $400.00. Five percent (5%) of the total purchase is
due for amounts over $400.00.
 
If the purchase is paid in full within 90 days,
the total deferred interest is waived.
If not paid in full, any remaining balance reverts
to a standard ValuePlus revolving account and accrues interest
from the original date of purchase.
Minimum monthly payments for the balance due are based
on the standard ValuePlus payment schedule.
 
Customers can also add purchases to their "90 Days -- Same As Cash" account.
Remember, any single-ticket totalling $100.00 or more can be included
in this program.  Each qualifying purchase will have its own start date
and its own associated payment schedule.
Let your customers know that they can buy as much as they like
(up to their established credit limits), as often as they like.
 
Remember, "90 Days -- Same As Cash" customers need
ChargeGard Payment Protection, too.
ChargeGard offers valuable benefits to all ValuePlus cardholders!
 
MOM-06-93
Tandy Computer Leasing
 
Deferred Payment Leasing
 
Through July 31, you can offer commercial leases
to qualified business customers with no payment for 90 days,
no down payment, and no security deposit.
 
A single lease agreement totalling $1,500.00 or more, plus
applicable taxes, on any Tandy 386- or 486-based system and
accessories qualifies for this great lease promotion.
A $50.00 minimum monthly payment is required, and
customers will have a Fair Market Value (FMV) end-of-lease purchase option.
 
Complete the Tandy Computer Leasing  (TCL) Agreement exactly the same as
a typical lease deal, with these exceptions:
 
1. In the block for Monthly Lease Payment, write:
 
    3 PMTS @ $000.00
   36 PMTS @ $XXX.XX
 
2. Use .0335 as the rate factor to calculate monthly payments.
 
3. In the Security Deposit box, write $0.00.
 
MOM-06-93
Leasing as a Sales Tool
 
Lease financing is an effective sales tool that enhances
your ability to close the sale.  For business customers concerned about the
impact on their bottom line, lease financing provides a solution through
smaller monthly payments.
 
The approaches outlined below give a practical view
of how lease financing can be used most effectively.
Always remember that you are selling the equipment, not the financing.
Simply by offering the financing, you are providing a valuable service
that will help close the sale.
 
1. Stress that TCL financing programs were developed to serve customers' needs.
   TCL is knowledgeable about the equipment and does not need
   to be "educated" about its value like some other conventional sources.
 
2. Mention the leasing plan early in your presentation then move on.
   Wait until the customer is sold on your equipment and service
   before you discuss the plan's details.
 
3. In all presentations and proposals, include monthly payment quotations.
   Calculate monthly amounts before meeting with the customer
   so you will not lose momentum during your presentation.
 
4. Use the plan as a closing tool by asking if the customer prefers to pay cash
   or lease the equipment.
   This choice will eliminate many price and budget objections
   encountered when closing the sale.
 
MOM-06-93
COMPUTER SUPPORT SERVICES
"Answers at Your Fingertips"
 
SUBJECTS OF THE MONTH
 
DeskMate Color Drivers for DMP 135/136/137
 
Computer Support Services has a color driver available
for DeskMate  versions 3.0 and up, to use
with a DMP 135, DMP 136, or DMP 137.
 
Notes:
 
- The DMP 135 is not a color printer;
  however, the driver will work if you set the printer to Epson mode.
 
- In DeskMate 3.04 and 3.05, the DMP 135 and DMP 136 appear
  in the list of printers, but do not appear in DeskMate versions before 3.04.
 
- Use the DMP 136 driver for the DMP 137.
 
The new driver is easy to install.
Simply copy the files from the disk
to the DeskMate 3.X hard drive directory.
This will overwrite some of the existing printer drivers.
(For a floppy version of DeskMate, copy the files to each disk.)
 
To make this driver your default driver, follow these steps:
 
1. Push <F10> to go to the Accessory Menu, then select SETUP.
 
2. Push <F2> to select the Printer Setting option.
 
3. In the Printers List box, choose DMP 135/136 (for DeskMate 3.04 and 3.05)
   or IBMGRAPHIC (for DeskMate 3.0, 3.02, and 3.03)
 
Notes:
 
- If you choose IBMGRAPHIC, when the new driver loads,
  it checks to see if your printer is set to color.
 
- If you choose OTHER and use the DMPEIBMM.RES,
  this gives you the error message:  inappropriate printer file.
 
4. Choose any other applicable settings.
 
5. Choose OK to save the new choice.
 
MOM-06-93
DeskMate Color Drivers for DMP 240/204/250
 
Computer Support Services also has a color driver available
for DeskMate 3.0, 3.02, and 3.03, to use with a DMP 240, DMP 204, or DMP 250.
 
Note: DeskMate 3.04 and 3.05 already include an LQ-2500/2550 driver option.
 
The new driver is easy to install.  Simply copy DMPDE.RES to the hard drive
directory that contains your DeskMate files.
(For a floppy version of DeskMate, copy the file to each disk.)
 
To make this driver your default driver, follow these steps:
 
1. Push <F10> to go to the Accessory Menu, then select SETUP.
 
2. Push <F2> to select the Printer Setting option.
 
3. Choose OTHER in the Printers List box.
 
4. At the Driver name: prompt, type DMPDE.RES.
 
5. Choose any other applicable settings.
 
6. Choose OK to save the new choice.
 
MOM-06-93
Helpful Phone Numbers
(for Store Use Only)
 
Computer Support
1 (800)-2TANDY4 Support
 
Consumer Electronics Support
1 (800) 321-6680
 
FAXBack
1 (800) 323-6586
 
MOM-06-93
Windows 3.1 Format Command with MS-DOS 6
 
After MS-DOS 6 has been installed on a drive that previously had MS-DOS 5
installed, the MS-DOS 6 upgrade program does not remove the MS-DOS 5 hidden
files, (in case the user wants to uninstall MS-DOS back to MS-DOS 5).
This creates a problem when using the SYS option of the FORMAT command
of Windows 3.1 File Manager.
 
Here's what happens.  Using Windows 3.1 File Manager to format a system disk
produces a diskette that does not boot (a non-system format works fine).
But, using DOS 6.0 format from a DOS prompt (either exiting Windows or going
to a DOS prompt in Windows) properly formats the system disk.
 
Your customers have two choices to correct this problem:
 
- If they do not know whether they will ever need to uninstall MS-DOS 6
  and return to using MS-DOS 5, they should always use
  the DOS FORMAT command to make a system disk.
  They can either exit Windows, or get a DOS prompt from Windows
  and use DOS FORMAT.
 
- If they are sure they will never want to uninstall MS-DOS 6
  and return to using MS-DOS 5, they can remove
  the MS-DOS 5 hidden system files from their hard drive.
  The ones they need to remove are IBMBIO.COM and IBMDOS.COM.
  The easiest way to remove them is to use Windows File Manager:
 
1. Select VIEW from the File Manager menu.
 
2. Click on ALL FILES DETAIL and BY FILE TYPE.
 
3. Under BY FILE TYPE, select HIDDEN/SYSTEM FILES.
   The hidden files appear.
 
4. Highlight IBMBIO.COM and IBMDOS.COM and delete them.
 
MOM-06-93
Tandy 2500 SX/33: Changing the Windows Mouse Driver
 
This article appeared in last month's M.O.M. with a couple errors
in the note at the bottom.  The reprint includes the corrected information.
 
If you move the mouse while loading Windows on the Tandy  2500 SX/33,
you might see this error message:
 
Tandy DAC
A configuration or hardware problem has occurred.
Insure the [tdacwave.drv] setting in SYSTEM.INI.
Configure the DAC Sound driver Correctly.
 
When you receive this message, there is no sound and the mouse does not work
within Windows.  What happened is that the Windows default mouse driver
and TDACWAVE.DRV conflicted when loading Windows.
 
This problem can be fixed by using the Logitech mouse driver.
It does not conflict with the Tandy DAC Wave (TDACWAVE.DRV) driver.
 
Here is how to change the Windows mouse driver.
 
1. From the DOS prompt (c:\>), type cd windows and press <ENTER>.
 
2. Type setup and press <ENTER>.
 
3. In the SETUP screen, highlight MS or IBM PS/2 and press <ENTER>.
 
4. Choose the Logitech mouse driver option and press <ENTER>.
 
5. When you see accept the configuration shown above on the screen,
   accept this response by pressing <ENTER>.
 
6. Windows setup asks you to insert Windows 3.1 diskette #2.
   Place diskette #2 in Drive A and press <ENTER>.
   This copies the LMOUSE.DRV and LMOUSE.COM
   to your Windows directory and returns you to the DOS prompt.
 
Now Windows uses the Logitech mouse driver,
and DOS applications continue to use the MS or IBM PS/2 driver.
 
Note:  The Radio Shack factory is changing the default Windows mouse driver
(MOUSE.DRV) to the Logitech mouse driver (LMOUSE.DRV).
 
MOM-06-93
Tandy Factory-Direct
 
Accessories Lineup Improved
 
SoundBlaster Pro Deluxe Replaces Pro Basic
 
In the Tandy Factory-Direct accessories lineup,
the SoundBlaster Pro Basic Sound Board (259-1097)
has been replaced by the SoundBlaster Pro Deluxe (259-1700).
Be sure to see the article on Page 13 to learn all about
this exciting new Factory-Direct add-on!
 
MOM-06-93
TFD Order Forms
 
Due to the rapid evolution of Tandy Factory-Direct systems,
we cannot send multiple copies of new order forms to your store.
The latest order forms are attached to this month's M.O.M.
Please copy them as needed.
 
MOM-06-93
Correction
 
The following table appeared with the CPU column out of place in last month's
Tandy Factory-Direct Now Offers a 486 Mid-Tower System  article.
Please refer to the corrected table when ordering 486 mid-tower systems.
 
Stock #   Model Name   CPU & Speed
 
259-7700  425 SX/T     486 SX 25 MHz
259-7701  433 SX/T     486 SX 33 MHz
259-7702  433 DX/T     486 DX 33 MHz
259-7703  450 DX2/T    486 DX2 50 MHz
259-7704  466 DX2/T    486 DX2 66 MHz
 
MOM-06-93
Sylvan Success
 
Master Your Computer...FAST!
Training On Today's Most Popular Software
 
Getting Started with PC and DOS 3.x/4.x
Getting Started with PC and DOS 5.0
Getting Started with Tandy DeskMate  3
Getting Started with Windows 3.0
Getting Started with Windows 3.1
Getting Started with Works for Windows
Getting Started with WordPerfect 5.1
Getting Started with WordPerfect for Windows
Getting Started with Lotus 1-2-3, 2.3
Getting Started with Lotus 1-2-3, 3.1
Getting Started with dBase IV, 1.1
Getting Started with Paradox 3.5
Getting Started with Word for Windows 1.1
Getting Started with Word for Windows 2.0
Getting Started with Excel 3.0
Getting Started with Excel 4.0
Getting Started with Microsoft PowerPoint v2.0
Getting Started with Microsoft Mail and Schedule*
 
All Getting Started courses only $99
 
Sylvan Technology Centers are located
in selected markets nationwide.
 
Latest & Greatest
 
Sylvan Technology Centers announces another course -- Getting Started with
Excel 4.0, which retails for $99.00.  Registration begins June 14.
 
Getting Started with Excel 4.0  covers these topics:
 
- Introduction to a worksheet
- Creating a worksheet
- Formatting and formulas
- Manipulating cells
- Printing a worksheet
 
Radio Shack customers must have taken a Windows course
or have equivalent experience before enrolling.
 
Radio Shack salesmakers receive approximately $16.34 (commissions
and a 10% SPIFF) for each training course.
 
Sales Tips
 
Most Radio Shack store managers and salesmakers know
what benefits customers receive when enrolling in a Sylvan training course.
But, every salesmaker needs to know what training course
benefits which Radio Shack customers.
Knowing your customers' backgrounds and what they want to accomplish
with their computers helps you identify what training course is best for them.
 
Here are some examples of ideal candidates for a Sylvan training course
and how they can benefit:
 
First-Time Computer User -- As a first-time computer user, a
customer needs to develop confidence to operate a computer.
A Sylvan training course offers Radio Shack customers
a comfortable, quiet learning facility.
Each customer also receives a workbook to use during the training course
and afterwards at home as a future reference manual.
 
Experienced User with a New Application -- Sylvan training courses allow
a new user with previous computer experience to learn a new software
application in one day.  With Sylvan's flexible scheduling, individuals can
learn an application, then use it to perform important functions the same day!
 
First-Time Windows Purchaser -- Today, Tandy computers come pre-loaded
with Windows.  These computer users and those upgrading older 286 systems
may have never used graphical-user interface applications.
Sylvan's Getting Started with Windows provides the basics
experienced users need to adapt to a graphical environment.
 
Sylvan Technology Centers offer training courses that both new and experienced
users can benefit from.  By learning or reviewing basic computer concepts, they
can easily move into specific application courses to meet their individual
needs.
 
Class Notes
 
Reminder to Radio Shack store managers:  The two latest training courses
released by Sylvan Technology Centers do not appear in the current Radio Shack
course catalog.  Don't forget to mention the addition of Getting Started with
WordPerfect for Windows and Getting Started with Excel 4.0.
 
Let Us Know
 
Please let us know about your training success stories, as well as sales tips
you may have, that can assist other Radio Shack salesmakers when selling
Sylvan training.
 
FAX your questions, comments and suggestions to:
 
(410) 880-8717
ATTN: STC Training Marketing
 
MOM-06-93
Product News
 
TANDY Z-550 ZOOMER PDA ANNOUNCED AT CES
 
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  June 3. 1993
 
THE TANDY Z-550 ZOOMER PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANT
Innovative. Ingenious. Revolutionary.
Available This Fall At Participating Radio Shack Stores and Dealers Nationwide
 
Consumer Electronics Show, Chicago -- Tandy Corporation unveiled today
the Tandy Z-550 Zoomer PDA , a "personal digital assistant"
which combines the simplicity of pen and paper, the logical power of a computer
and the ability to connect to the world in a pocket-sized device
weighing less than one pound.
 
"The Zoomer PDA is a significant new electronics product for all consumers.
It saves your handwritten notes, recognizes your printing and offers a keyboard
on demand to intuitively organize your personal information,
simplify complex calculations, translate languages, retrieve reference material
and talk to your PC.  It is affordable and, unlike portable computers, it has
long battery life, off-the-shelf batteries and is much lighter to carry,"
said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer John V. Roach.
 
The Tandy Z-550 Zoomer PDA is the much anticipated product jointly developed
by Tandy, Casio, Inc., and four major software companies --
GeoWorks, Palm Computing, America Online and Intuit.
The technology was first introduced under the code name "Zoomer"
at the Winter Consumer Electronics Show in January.
 
Weighing just under one pound and operating up to 100 hours
on three standard "AA" batteries, the Tandy Z-550 serves as
an electronic "note pad" and includes a date book, address book, bank book,
calculator, dictionary, thesaurus, world clock. language translator, and more.
It also includes three entertainment (game) applications
and a reference section for U.S. city and state information, nutrition guide,
U.S. and international dialing codes, and other useful information
for people "on-the-go."
 
The Tandy Z-550 also has a personal finance manager
which provides complete money management features for recording cash expenses,
bank account transactions and credit card spending.
 
The Tandy Z-550 has patented features called Powerink  and Backspaceink
which allow data to be entered and edited much like a "pen-on-paper."
The user can choose three different ways to enter information:
text entry by simply tapping the Zoomer pen on a pop-up style on-screen
keyboard; electronic ink, for handwritten notes, sketches, or drawings using
the pen; or, text translated through handwriting recognition.
Electronic ink and text can be mixed freely in notes, lists, sketches, maps
or other fields and applications.
 
Built-in infrared transceivers provide wireless communication
between one Tandy Z-550 and another unit, allowing information
to be transferred without the use of cables.
In addition, an RS-232 compatible serial port allows information
to be transferred to a personal computer, printer or other serial device.
 
By using an optional modem, users can retrieve up-to-date news, weather,
stock quotes, and other valuable information by connecting
to the America Online  information service.
Electronic mail can also be sent and received.
 
The GEOS  operating system that powers the Tandy Z-550 Zoomer PDA
is open so third-party companies can easily develop
add-on software applications and hardware options.
 
The Tandy Z-550 is built around a custom Intel -compatible chip.
It has one industry standard PCMCIA
(Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) 2.0 card slot
for third-party applications, storage, memory expansion and add-on peripherals
such as pagers and fax modems.  The unit has also three additional front-panel
controls that can be used by third-party software developers.
 
Its rugged, clamshell design has round edges and a hinged cover
over the LCD screen.  The cover can be folded back 360 degrees to provide a
comfortable support when rested on a flat surface.
The display measures 4" x 3.2" (HxW), and the unit itself
measures just 1" x 4.2" x 6.8" (HxWxD).
 
Priced at only $699, the Tandy Z-550 Zoomer Personal Digital Assistant
will be available in October at participating Radio Shack stores and dealers
nationwide.  The Tandy Z-550 has a one-year limited warranty.
Extended warranty plans, service and support are provided by Radio Shack.
 
Tandy Corporation is America's pre-eminent retailer of consumer electronics
and personal computers.  Radio Shack, a division of Tandy Corporation, is the
largest U.S. retailer of consumer electronics and personal computers with
nearly 6,700 outlets nationwide.
 
MOM-06-93
SENSATION UPGRADE DISK NOW AVAILABLE
 
The upgrade disk for Sensation was about ready to go when this issue
went to press.  This disk adds some new enhancements
to Sensation's already fantastic WinMate  software,
and fixes a few bugs found in the last 8 months.
Plus, Sensation users can get a special offer on an upgrade disk
that includes MS-DOS 6 in addition to the enhancements.
 
All customers of record will receive a letter announcing the new update disk.
(You will receive copies of the letter in an SOS before they are sent out.)
The letter offers the enhancement disk at no charge to the customer.
This disk contains all the WinMate enhancements, but retains
the MS-DOS 5 programs.
 
If customers want to order the MS-DOS 6 upgrade disk,
they can check an optional box on the letter and get it for just $59.95.
The advantages of DOS 6 include virus protection, better memory management,
and, of great importance to Sensation owners, the DoubleSpace program
that can free up to 90 megabytes on the Sensation hard drive
(when used from standard configuration).
 
To get either upgrade disk, customers simply fill out their name,
address, and day and night phone numbers on the bottom of the letter,
then bring it in to any Radio Shack store.
 
For enhancements-only disk orders, call the software fulfillment number
(800-451-9409) and request offer number 1033A.
The disk will be shipped to your store at no charge,
except for shipping charges.
 
For any enhancements-plus-DOS 6 disk orders,
call the software fulfillment number and request offer number 1033B.
The disk will be shipped to your store for $59.95, including shipping charges.
Installation is not included.
 
When the disk arrives, call your customer to let them know.
When your customers come in to pick up their disks,
don't miss the opportunity to sell them additional software
and other Sensation accessories.
 
MOM-06-93
TANDY MPC WINDOWS: UPGRADING FROM 3.0 TO 3.1
 
The Windows 3.0-to-Windows 3.1 upgrade disk for Tandy Multimedia PC owners
(all except Sensation) is also on the way.  This is the disk you have been
waiting for! It has new drivers to allow the Tandy Multimedia Audio board
to operate with Windows 3.1 at the multimedia level.
Two upgrades will be offered: one for the original MPC computers
with a separate CD-ROM interface card, and one for those with the Tandy
Multimedia Audio Adapter (25-1090) installed.
 
The upgrade-only disk covers these computers and multi-media upgrade kits:
 
     Tandy  2500 SX/25 MPC (25-4021)
     Tandy  4825 SX MPC (25-4022)
     Tandy  4850 EP MPC (25-4024)
     All Tandy Factory Direct MPC computers
     Tandy  Internal Multimedia Upgrade Kit (25-1085)
     Tandy  Multimedia Audio Adapter (25-1090)
 
The upgrade disk with the Tandy Multimedia Audio Adapter covers these computers:
     Tandy  2500 SX MPC (25-4015)
     Tandy  4016 DX MPC (25-4016)
     Tandy  2500 SX/20 MPC (25-4017)
     Tandy  4025 LX MPC (25-4018)
     Tandy  4033 LX MPC (25-4019)
 
All customers of record will receive a letter announcing the updates.
(You will receive copies of the letters in an SOS before they are sent.)
The letter offers either disk at no charge to the customer.
 
To get the upgrade, customers fill out their name, address, and
day and night phone numbers on the bottom of the letter, then bring
it in to any Radio Shack store.
For all orders, call the software fulfillment number (800-451-9409)
and request offer number 576A for the upgrade-only disk,
or 576B for the upgrade disk with the Tandy Multimedia Audio Adapter.
(These numbers appear on the letters for your reference.)
 
The upgrade will be shipped to your store at no charge,
except for shipping charges.  When it arrives, call your customer to come in
and pick it up.  Installation is not included with the upgrade.
The original MPC customers that receive the Audio Adapter
may keep the sound board and CD-ROM interface they replace.
 
MOM-06-93
MS-DOS 6 RETAIL UPGRADE HITS STORES
 
Due to the overwhelming number of requests for the retail version of the MS-DOS
6 upgrade package, this item is being shipped to all regional warehouses.
Replenishment will ship at least one copy of MS-DOS 6 to every store.
 
The retail price of the package (25-4178) is set at $69.99.
But, your customers can get it at a special introductory price
of just $49.99 through July 31.
 
This product is the same MS-DOS 6 upgrade that your competition
has been selling.
 
Some of MS-DOS 6's new features and improvements include:
 
- DoubleSpace -- doubles available disk space
  through integrated disk-compression
 
- MemMaker -- automatically makes more memory available
  for DOS-based applications
 
- Undelete -- provides three levels of protection
  against accidental file deletion
 
- Anti-Virus -- protects data by detecting and removing viruses
 
- Backup -- available in both DOS and Windows versions
 
Your customers do not have to meet any requirements before purchasing
the MS-DOS 6 upgrade.  No "proof of ownership" of a previous version of DOS is
required.  Be sure to offer the MS-DOS 6 upgrade to your customers,
but hurry...the sale ends June 30!
 
MOM-06-93
SOUNDBLASTER PRO DELUXE EDITION REPLACES PRO BASIC
 
Roaring in as a replacement for the SoundBlaster Pro Basic (25-1097)
is the new SoundBlaster Pro Deluxe Edition (25-1700). Stocked in your
regional warehouses, this fantastic product is retail priced at $159.95.
 
The SoundBlaster Pro Deluxe Edition includes the same, great SoundBlaster Pro
audio card that set the standard for sound in the computer industry.
This is a 16-bit interface card, so it requires an AT computer to operate.
It has 8-bit stereo recording and playback and 20-voice stereo FM synthesis.
 
On-board connectors include a joystick port,
MIDI interface port (requires separate MIDI cable from Creative Labs),
Panasonic CD-ROM interface, speaker/headphone jack, line-out jack,
microphone jack and PC internal speaker output. 
 
The real news about this bundle is its new software.
 
NEW SOFTWARE
Windows Programs
 
WaveStudio
Soundo'le
Talking Scheduler
Mosaic
Jukebox for Windows
 
Professional Multimedia Titles
 
Monologue for Windows
HSC Interactive
 
Assorted Titles
 
SBTalker with Dr. Sbaitso
Voice Editor II
FM Intelligent Organ
Talking Parrot
CD Music Player
MMPLAY Presenter
 
Free Bonus
 
Toolworks Multimedia Encyclopedia CD
(MPC Version requires a CD-ROM drive)
 
A natural add-on to a SoundBlaster Pro Deluxe Edition sale is the
MMS-10 Stereo Speaker/Amplifier System (25-1096) at $79.95.
Placed between the monitor and the CPU, the MMS-10 adds booming power
to the SoundBlaster Pro for the best possible entertainment experience.
Don't miss this opportunity to add dollars to that ticket, and your pocket!
 
MOM-06-93
HOW TO ACCOUNT FOR OUT-OF-DATE RIBBONS ON YOUR SOS
 
Last month's Product News included an article telling you how to determine
the age of your ribbons.  Once you dispose of any out-of-date ribbons,
here's how to take them out of the SOS system:
 
1. At the Main menu, select OPTION 5 -- STOCK MENU.
 
2. Select OPTION 7 -- MERCHANDISE ADJUSTMENT MENU.
 
3. Select OPTION 2 -- ADJUSTMENT MENU.
 
4. The Adjustment Menu will ask for a reason.
   Select 3, BEYOND REASONABLE REPAIR, and enter your salesmaker I.D.
 
5. Choose 1 -- ADJUST NORMAL ON-HAND QUANTITY.
 
6. Enter the SKU and the number to decrease the count by.
 
7. Hit <F7> to exit.
 
MOM-06-93
SENSATIONAL REVIEW
 
Tandy's Sensation is aptly named, according to writer/reviewer
Greg Loveria, who recommends the Sensation as his top choice and best value
in a personal MPC system configuration.
 
In the May 1993 issue of BYTE magazine, Loveria examines
six multimedia PC computer systems along with four upgrade kits
in his article Making the MPC Upgrade.
When compared with CompuAdd's 433 DX, Dell's 433s/L, IBM's Ultimedia M77,
NCR's 3331 MLS, and Packard Bell's PB-402, Sensation ranked number one
in Loveria's overall subjective ratings.
 
"Overall kudos go to Tandy's Sensation;
it's a well thought-out execution of what every MPC system manufacturer
should strive to emulate," Loveria writes.
 
He was so impressed with Sensation that he wrote a personal letter to John
Roach commending him on Tandy's "superb MPC system" and its "exemplary"
personnel.
 
"My congratulations to you and your entire company for having the foresight
to engineer and bring to market such an excellent, well thought out
little media dynamo," Loveria writes in his letter.
"Working with the Sensation was a real eye-opening experience for me.
I happily (and easily) trekked through the myriad of excellent MPC CD-ROM
and software applications that the Sensation system is literally bursting with.
The Sensation is truly a multimedia system that every computer user,
as well as their family members, can -- and should -- get involved with,
even those that are `computer apprehensive.'"
 
Loveria says he has reviewed many computer products through the years,
but claims he has never written a personal letter of commendation
to any company.
 
Share this sensational review with your customers,
and sell Sensation with confidence.
 
MOM-06-93
EXTERNAL CD-ROM DRIVE FINALLY DRAGS INTO WAREHOUSE
 
The CDR-3100 External CD-ROM Drive (25-1098), erroneously reported as
available in the February/March M.O.M, is now in the warehouse (it is code 18,
special order).  Here's a reprint of that article to refresh your memory.
 
We have an external CD-ROM drive to announce, and it's a super drive!
The CDR-3100 (25-1098) is simply an external version
of the CDR-1100 CD-ROM drive (25-1092) -- the same one that's in the Sensation.
The retail price for the 25-1098 is $499.95.
 
The CDR-3100 differs some from the CDR-1100.  First, it's external.
It is housed in its own cabinet with a power supply and fan.
It also has an up-front volume control and headphone jacks.
The volume control doubles as a push-on audio play program control.
Put in an audio disc, push the volume control in,
and the music will start playing through the headphones or the line-out jacks
on the back of the drive.  To change tracks, just press the volume control in
again.  No other drives at this price offer this feature for pure music
enjoyment with a CD-ROM drive.
 
And, just like the CDR-1000 and the CDR-1100, there is no caddy,
so your customers can use the drive just like they would their audio CD system.
 
The CDR-3100 is fully MPC compliant.  It has an average access time of 375ms,
a continuous transfer rate of 150K per second, a 32k buffer,
and comes with an interface card, cable, and MSCDEX Version 2.21.
Setup is easy with the included setup program
and an easy to follow user's guide.
 
For those customers who have no room left for internal 5 1/4" devices,
the CDR-3100 is a perfect fit.  And with all those 2500 series computers
with 1.2 MB floppies, this is a great way to add CD-ROM technology.
 
DMP 250 -- CASE OF THE MISSING PRINTER KNOB
 
We've heard from several stores that the printer knobs and color ribbon motors
are missing from the DMP 250 Printer (26-2886).
 
They are not missing.  You can find these items in a plastic compartment at
the right rear of the printer.
 
MOM-06-93
SOFTWARE CROSSES PLATFORM FROM VIS TO CD-ROM/MPC
VIS Software Works on Sensation with Install Routine
 
Discus and Multicom Software Companies have written install
routines that allow you to sell VIS software to work on the Sensation!
You can order these install routines through Customer Service/TSA,
then copy them onto a customer's hard drive at no cost or onto the store demo
system.
 
The store cost for the VIS-1 Discus install routine is $2.34
(including shipping).  It allows installation of these VIS programs on
computers with CD-ROM drives, SoundBlaster cards and VGA graphics.
 
The Tale of Peter Rabbit (25-6125)
Heather Hits Her First Homerun (25-6133)
The Tale of Benjamin Bunny (25-6126)
Moving Gives Me a Stomach Ache (25-6134)
The Paper Bag Princess (25-6127)
The Night Before Christmas (25-6135)
Mud Puddle (25-6128)
Aesop's Fables (25-6136)
Thomas: Snowsuit VIS (25-6129)
The Tell-Tale Heart VIS (25-6137)
Scary Poems for Rotten Kids (25-6130)
Cask of Amontillado VIS (25-6138)
Cinderella (25-6131)
The Necklace VIS (25-6139)
Long Hard Day on the Ranch (25-6132)
 
The store cost for the VIS-2 Multicom routine is $2.34 (including shipping).
It allows installation of these VIS programs on Sensation.
 
Astrology VIS (25-6141)
America Parks VIS (25-6202)
Americans in Space (25-6203)
 
New Programs Take Full Advantage of VIS and MPC
 
Here are some highlights of new CD-ROM programs,
which were designed to work on both VIS and MPC.
 
Time Almanac (25-6204) $79.95
 
- Full text of Time magazine -- over 15,000 articles
- Historical photos, color charts, and covers
- Multimedia portraits of famous Time cover subjects
- CNN Newsroom Video -- top stories of the '90s
- Time coverage of presidential elections
- Newsquest Quiz that's fun and challenging
 
Mosaic Magic (25-6123) $39.99
 
- Toy, tool, and math teacher all in one
- Children's bridge between elementary arithmetic and higher mathematics
- Four challenging games
- 120 pictures, puzzles, and patterns
 
Fitness Partner  25-6150) $49.99
 
- Profile -- Record goals and track them with the touch of a button.
- Design -- Combine any of 75 exercises.
  Set repetitions and time, and adjust speed.
- Learn -- Select any exercise and get detailed audio and video instruction
  showing proper techniques for performing the exercise.
- Workout -- Stores up to nine personal fitness programs for up to nine users.
 
Video Movie Guide (25-6151) $29.95
 
- Fact-packed video guide to over 12,000 films
- Index listed by director, star, title, best rated, and Oscar winners
- Reviews and box covers for each video
 
MOM-06-93
PRODIGY PROMOTION
 
Through July 6, customers who purchase a Prodigy sign-up kit and enroll as a
new member will receive as a gift a $50.00 U.S. Savings Bond from Prodigy.
 
Some of your customers might have seen Prodigy's ad in USA Today or heard about
this special offer.  By now, your store should have received Point-of-Sale
cards that call attention to the offer.
The cards include simple tear-off instructions that explain to customers
how to receive their Savings Bond.  Make sure you place the card on the shelf
in the software area so all your customers can see it.
 
An offer this good does the selling for you!
Not only do new members connect themselves to hundreds of impressive 
online services, they also receive a free $50 Savings Bond.
 
MOM-06-93
SAY GOOD-BYE TO DAMAGED DISKS
 
No more melted, warped, wiped out disks! Computer users can now safely and 
easily carry up to 18 disks almost anywhere.  Radio Shack's new Personal Disk
Protectors (26-341) protect 3 1/2" disks from moisture, dust, and everyday
wear.
 
Each plastic protector consists of three hinged "wallets." Each wallet holds
six disks.  And, the protector's small enough to easily tuck away
in a coat pocket or a backpack.
 
MOM-06-93
NEW IDEA FOR OLD KIOSKS
 
Thom Ianniccari, Manager of Store 01-2629, sent in this idea
for transforming old TandyVision kiosks into VIS showplaces.
 
A great use for your old kiosk.
Take the top off the kiosk as well as the front speaker dressing.
Place your 20-inch monitor on top and the VIS unit
in the plexiglass enclosed shelf with a 100-watt receiver
in the pull-out drawer, then hook up two Optimus  1100 speakers.
Dress up the kiosk with VIS graphics and place it in the corner
near the high-tech spotlight section.
Your overstock of VIS titles can be pegged or shelved neatly.
It gives a fresh look to the VIS section.
 
MOM-05-93
The Front Line
 
Stepping Up and Turning Over
 
Back to Fundamentals
 
Much of our product promotion is designed
to produce store traffic,
whether it's by offering commodity items at rock-bottom prices
or by showcasing an entry-level item
that is the bottom rung on a whole ladder of step-up products.
This costly promotional effort will be wasted
if you don't seize every opportunity to increase each ticket
and to enhance the potential for sales
to each customer that walks through your door.
 
Our Chairman advanced a successful program
for converting these opportunities
into productive sales with the simple formula "30-32."
 
- Greet the customer within 30 seconds
 
- Ask 3 meaningful (qualifying) questions to engage the prospect
 
- Offer 2 products to build the ticket.
 
Determine the customer's actual needs and requirements
before you attempt to close a sale.  Nothing seems simpler,
yet is so important to selling higher ticket merchandise.
An "unqualified" computer sale to an uninformed customer
may soon turn out to be an unhappy return.
It can also lessen your credibility as a future partner
in serving that customer's long-term computer needs.
 
When qualifying prospects -- using one of your "three questions"
to learn their target budget for a system --
you will probably find that their maximum requirements and budget
fall somewhere between two products.
If so, start with the higher unit so you can step down, if necessary.
An experienced, professional salesperson
will never grossly oversell or undersell the customer.
On the other hand, the successful salesperson
will not fall into a pattern of always starting
with the entry level item in the product line.
 
Computer users often discover,
after growing into more challenging software applications,
that they need a faster processor or larger hard drive.
In many cases, you really are doing them -- and yourself -- a service
by properly qualifying not only their present,
but also their expected future needs.
When a customer can step from a 386 to a 486 system
for only a few hundred dollars,
that added investment may pay real dividends for the user
during the three- or four-year working life of the system.
 
For example, our current Tandy  2500 SX/33 is a well-crafted,
entry level home system,
but it clearly lacks the power and expandability
of its 425 SX "big brother."
There are substantial benefits in the 425 SX's additional card slots
and device bays, its larger power supply,
and its Intel OverDrive expansion socket
for processor upgrades.
 
Don't automatically assume that every first-time buyer
will be happy over time with your smallest home system.
Take full advantage of the breadth of your CPU product line.
If you sell the prospect on an intelligent option
for easy future expansion, you should both benefit.
 
Spring Cleaning Is Year-Round
 
Don't forget that all closeout computers and floor demos
are still part of your store's CPU product line.
In addition to considering them just as important to sell as the newer units,
you should invest the time to see that they are quickly converted
from inventory into sales.  It only takes a small amount of additional effort.
 
Recondition each demo unit by:
 
- Physically cleaning it,
  paying special attention to the monitor screen and keyboard.
 
- Restoring the hard drive image to factory specs.
 
- Locating all the backup disks and documentation
  so you don't have an embarrassing hunt for them
  after closing the sale.
  (Everyone in the store should know where they have been safely stored.)
 
Have the demo as physically perfect as possible.
 
Don't wait until a model is discontinued to sell it!
Learn to sell your demos routinely as part of an ongoing
inventory rotation.  This will keep your active demo
"fresher" and help ensure that no single unit
stays on the floor long enough to become badly shopworn.
 
In many cases, you must sell the demo because it
is the only unit of that particular model in your inventory.
Assume during your sales presentation
that your customer will be willing to take that demo;
after all, it clearly works!
Remind the customer that the warranty does not begin
until the sale is made.  If the customer strongly objects,
deliver that demo with the promise to exchange it
for a new one as soon as it arrives.  But, do close the sale
and place the demo with the customer.
Then, be sure to follow up promptly on your promise.
 
Selling the demo might be a nuisance,
but it should never be an obstacle if you have rotated periodically
and have kept your carton and documents stored in a safe place.
 
Being able to sell customers the products they really need
and being able to rotate your demos are valuable skills
basic to successful retailing.
Practice these "stepping up" and "turning over" techniques
to help convert the store traffic's potential
into profits for your personal bottom line.
 
MOM-05-93
Sales Training
 
If I Owned the Store
 
In addition to being a salesmaker, I am a customer.  I often walk into
retail stores and encounter less-than-helpful clerks.
I am reminded that Crowning Customer Service
is an exception, not a rule.  I'm sure you've had the same experience.
Most of the time it ends with me leaving the store
muttering something to the effect of "If I owned that store..."
 
Crowning Customer Service is one of Radio Shack's goals
in dealing with each and every customer that comes through its doors.
But what does it mean? How do you deliver this stellar service,
the kind of service that makes customers leave
not just with merchandise but with a smile?
 
Here are a few rules to sell by:
 
1.  I will deal with customers as if I owned the company
    and my name was on the sign out front.
 
    How many unsatisfied customers would you allow
    to walk out the front door if you owned the store?
    How much different would your attitude be
    if your name appeared on every transaction
    (whether you wrote the sale or not)?
    Crowning Customer Service begins with an internal attitude.
    It's an attitude of pride in your company and yourself
    that says to customers,
    "I consider your satisfaction a point of personal pride.
    I will do my best to insure that satisfaction."
 
2.  Every customer who comes through the door is a person, first.
    I will deal with my customer as an individual
    with unique needs and desires.
 
    How many times have you dealt with clerks in stores
    who seemed unable to relate to your questions or needs?
    Often they seem to plow ahead, reciting their practiced pitch,
    oblivious to what you asked.
    Most of the time, the breakdown comes because the clerk doesn't listen.
    The clerk doesn't treat you as an individual with unique needs and desires.
    When you make the commitment to treat customers as unique individuals,
    you commit yourself to listen and respond to your customer.
 
3.  I will prepare myself to be a trusted advisor to my customers.
 
    How did you feel the last time someone asked your advice
    in an area of your expertise? 
    It's a great feeling to be able to help and advise someone
    in an area where you feel comfortable.
    Approach learning new products and new sales programs
    as if you expected your best friend to come in
    needing detailed advice on that item.
    You would want to give your best friend complete, accurate information
    that tells whether it is the best possible item
    to meet your friend's needs.
 
4.  I will treat the close of every sale -- not as the end of a transaction --
    but as the beginning of a continuing relationship.
 
    Every sale you close and every recommendation you make
    should have the objective of developing a repeat customer.
    How differently would you deal with your customer
    if every sale you made was to your next door neighbor?
    What items would you recommend and what service would you give
    if you knew you would have to face that customer every morning
    when you left for work
    and every evening when you pulled into your driveway?
    Treat every customer as if you would have to face them
    the first thing each morning and the last thing each night
    for the rest of your life.
 
5.  I will treat every customer's problem
    as an opportunity to show them they made the right choice
    when they placed their trust in me.
 
    Every item brought in for repair,
    every question on a product you sold,
    every problem you encounter with a customer
    represents a chance for you to prove that you don't just make it right,
    you give Crowning Customer Service.
    Service that goes beyond what's right to what's fair.
 
6.  The extra service my competitor is unwilling to give
    will be the starting point of the service I choose to offer.
 
    Every customer has the right to expect common courtesy,
    friendly salesmakers, and a clean, neat store
    stocked with merchandise that represents fair value.
    There are literally hundreds of outlets in the United States
    that offer these minimum standards.
    What makes a customer come back to buy from you again and again
    is the extra effort you give.
    This tells them you value their time, their business,
    and their good opinion of you and your company.
    Remember, as a salesmaker,
    you have ultimate control of the service our customers receive.
 
7.  Crowning Customer Service isn't an added gift I give my customer.
    It is a basic obligation I fulfill.
 
    You are part of a team.
    It's a team made up of over thirty thousand specialized professionals
    that select, distribute, and service
    the most extensive consumer electronics product line in the United States.
    Your part as a member of the team puts you face to face with our customers
    every day.  You represent us all when you deal with them.
 
    As a member of the team,
    your obligation is to deliver the best service our customers can find.
    Treat  every  contact with  every  customer
    as if all their future purchases depend on it.  After all, they do!
 
MOM-05-93
The Credit Line
 
RSVP
 
Point Scoring Defined
 
As far back as the early 1970s,
progressive retailers were using credit scoring systems
to bring consistency and accuracy to the credit approval process.
Before that, risk managers depended on the judgement
(and often sheer whim) of their credit approval staff.
The results were spotty, at best.
There was no way to achieve uniformity in the decision-making process.
It was impossible to precisely tighten or loosen controls
consistent with management's perception of acceptable risk.
The best anyone could hope for was a reasonably faithful application
of a few "rules of thumb," which were hardly capable of addressing the
many situations of thousands of applicants per day.
Numerical credit scoring models changed all that.
 
It is now possible to approve applicants
with a predictable and measurable degree of minimum risk.
Judgement is still used on a small percentage of applicants
who score in a narrow "grey area" range.
But, even this remnant of an earlier era
will fade as newer models become available.
 
Scoring models are based on actual past experience.
The process is straightforward.
Application and credit bureau information
is saved when an account is approved.  Later (usually 18 months or more),
the same accounts are evaluated and each is identified by its performance
as either "good" or "bad."
 
Statistically meaningful differences between the two groups,
evident in the application and credit bureau data,
are then calculated.  Out of literally hundreds of data items,
only a dozen or so stand out as meaningful.
These differences are weighted by a purely mathematical procedure to produce
scores that, when summed together, yield an estimate of the probability
that the account will be "good."
It is then a simple matter for senior management
to set the risk level, consistent with a reasonable profit motive.
 
Today, it is possible to recognize statistical differences
among many actual performance characteristics
and adjust the models accordingly.  Radio Shack has three unique models:
one for homeowners; one for non-homeowners; and one for young adults.
Your own experience should tell you that more homeowners are approved
than young adults.  Obviously, homeowners as a group are a better credit risk
than young adults -- as a group!
 
Since scoring models are consistent in applying acceptance criteria,
it is interesting to note that there is always a significant increase
in acceptance rates during credit promotions.
Furthermore, there is very little difference
in the actual performance of accounts booked during promotions.
The increase in acceptance rates merely means that a large proportion of
good quality accounts are attracted during such promotions.
 
To date, no study has been made of the acceptance rates
or subsequent performance of accounts
who opt for ABI (American Bankers Insurance) versus those who do not.
Note that choosing or declining ABI ChargeGard insurance
cannot be legally used as an acceptance criterion,
and is not used by Tandy Credit.
 
RSVP Sales Hints
 
The secret to your RSVP  sales success is knowing the right answers
to basic customer questions.
 
The RSVP credit card program is a profitable sales tool.
Radio Shack store managers and salesmakers have found
that RSVP can boost sales, profits and paychecks.
To fully use RSVP to your advantage,
you must be able to discuss all customer benefits the program offers.
And, more importantly, know the "fine print"
contained in the Credit Account and Security Agreement
attached to the RSVP credit application.
The Credit Account and Security Agreement
is a legal document containing language that varies from state to state.
Learn the terms and conditions that apply to your state,
and you will be prepared to correctly answer questions from your customers.
Your customers will appreciate your thoroughness.
 
Always offer RSVP as the "preferred" method of payment.
Say, "Will this be on your RSVP card?"
 
Familiarize yourself with the payment schedule
in the Credit Account and Security Agreement.
Remind your customers that they can add accessories
up to the next payment schedule amount
without increasing the monthly payment, including TSP.
You will be surprised how this will improve your RSVP sales gain!
 
Be creative with ChargeGard.
 
Always offer ChargeGard to your customers.
Say, "Would you like to sign up for our Payment Protection Plan?
The cost is only 3 cents per day."
Then explain the extraordinary benefits,
"For example, if you are laid off from work,
ChargeGard will make your monthly payments until you are employed again."
Tailor your comments to correspond with the coverage in your state.
Refer to the Credit Account and Security Agreement if you aren't sure.
Avoid using the word insurance and be positive!
A positive approach eliminates objections before they surface.
 
Remember, you get $5.00 for each new approved RSVP ChargeGard applicant.
This includes faxed applications.
 
The average sales ticket is around $25.00.
The average bank card (Visa, MasterCard, etc.)
ticket is around $60.00.
The average RSVP ticket is around $120.00.
Higher tickets, more frequent shoppers --
you decide which is best for you.
 
MOM-05-93
COMPUTER SUPPORT SERVICES
"Answers at Your Fingertips"
 
SUBJECTS OF THE MONTH
 
Upgrading to MS-DOS 6 on Tandy MPCs
 
When upgrading to MS-DOS 6,
MSCDEX.EXE (2.2) is installed in the DOS directory,
not the BIN directory.
If you do not change the AUTOEXEC.BAT file,
you will get an INCORRECT DOS VERSION error
once MS-DOS 6 is installed.
 
To prevent this error:
 
1. At the c:\> prompt, type:
 
   edit autoexec.bat <ENTER>.
 
   Change the  C:\BIN\MSCDEX line in the AUTOEXEC>BAT file
   to read C:\DOS\MSCDEX.
 
2. Save and exit the EDIT program and reboot your computer.
 
   Note:  With MS-DOS 6, you do not have to run SETVER.EXE
   to get your CD-ROM to work.
 
MOM-05-93
Installing MS-DOS 6 on a Tandy 1000 RLXB from Scratch
 
SETUP fails when installing MS-DOS 6
using the automated setup procedure.
This means you must use the full SETUP program
to install MS-DOS 6 on the 1000 RLXB.
 
1. Boot the 1000 RLXB with the MS-DOS 6 diskette #1 (regular or upgrade)
   in Drive A.
 
2. At the SETUP screen, push F3 twice.
 
   Note:  Do not run the MS-DOS 6 automated setup procedure.
 
3. At the a:\> prompt, type sys c: and press <ENTER>.
   The computer displays system transferred and then an a:\> prompt.
 
4. At the a:\> prompt, type c: then press <ENTER>.
 
5. At the c:\> prompt, type a:setup /q and press <ENTER>.
 
   Note: The /q switch causes SETUP to uncompress
   and copy the files directly to the hard drive.
 
6. Follow the instructions on the screen
   until all four diskettes have been copied to the hard drive.
   SETUP prompts you to press <ENTER>
   when the procedure is complete.
 
   Before you press <ENTER>, remove MS-DOS 6 diskette #4
   from the floppy drive, and insert diskette #1.
   Then press <ENTER>.  At the c:\> prompt, remove diskette #1 from Drive A.
 
7. At the c:\> prompt, press <CTRL><ALT><DEL> to boot MS-DOS 6.
   At this point, you will be up and running MS-DOS 6.
 
Note:  The "hidden" system files are no longer IBMBIO.COM
and IBMDOS.COM.  They are now IO.SYS, MSDOS.SYS, and DBLSPACE.BIN.
 
After you finish installing MS-DOS 6,
use the ATTRIB command to "unhide" the IBMBIO.COM AND IBMDOS.COM files.
Then delete them.  To do this:
 
1. At the c:\> prompt, type attrib -a -r -s -h ibm*.com and press <ENTER>.
 
2. At the  c:> prompt, type del ibm*.com and press <ENTER>.
 
This frees up 70,904 bytes of hard drive space.
 
MOM-05-93
Installing MS-DOS 6 on the Tandy 1000 RLXB
When the Uninstall Diskette Won't Work
 
If you get a hard drive write error
when you install MS-DOS 6, the 1000 RLXB reboots
and tells you to insert your uninstall diskette.
If the uninstall diskette is corrupt
or you have run the automated setup procedure more than once,
this message will not go away.
 
Follow these steps to correct this error:
 
1. Boot the 1000 RLXB with the MS-DOS 6 diskette #1 in Drive A.
 
2. At the SETUP screen, push F3 twice.
 
3. At the a:\> prompt, type fdisk /mbr and press <ENTER>.
 
4. At the a:\> prompt, type sys c: and press <ENTER>.
 
   The computer displays system transferred
   and then an a:\> prompt.
 
5. At the a:\> prompt, type c: and press <ENTER>.
 
6. At the c:\> prompt, type a:setup /q and press <ENTER>.
 
   Note: The /q switch causes setup to uncompress
   and copy the files directly to the hard drive.
 
7. Follow the instructions on the screen
   until all four diskettes have been copied to the hard drive.
   Then, setup prompts you to press <ENTER>
   when the procedure is complete.
 
   Before you press <ENTER>,
   remove MS-DOS 6 diskette #4 from the floppy drive,
   and insert diskette #1.  Then press <ENTER>.
   At the c:\> prompt, remove diskette #1 from Drive A.
 
8. At the c:\> prompt, press <CTRL><ALT><DEL> to boot MS-DOS 6.
   At this point, you will be up and running MS-DOS 6.
 
MOM-05-93
The Phone's Not Hanging Up!
 
Several Sensation users have reported problems with
In Touch on the WinMate menu.  Apparently their phones are not hanging up
once a message has been left.  We have been unable to duplicate this problem.
Make sure these steps are followed:
 
1. From the WinMate main menu, select In Touch.
 
2. Next, select Profiler and create a user.
   Log in as that user and then exit.
 
3. Select Phone Center.
   Be sure the Answer mode is enabled.
   (If it is not, the phone will not answer.)
 
MOM-05-93
Sensation and Windows Applications
 
Sensation does not recognize the shell line
in some Windows software applications.
Some Windows applications have  shell progman.exe in the system.ini line
rather than shell desktop.exe that comes on the Sensation.
To change the system.ini line:
 
1. Change to the Windows directory.
 
2. At the directory prompt type:
 
   edit system.ini and press <ENTER>.
 
3. Find the line that reads shell desktop.exe.
 
4. Go to that line and type:
 
   shell progman.exe and press <ENTER>.
 
5. Exit edit by pressing <ALT><F> and typing X.
 
6. Type Y at the prompt to save your changes.
 
7. Reboot the computer and proceed with the installation.
 
Once you have your icons and groups set up,
edit the system.ini file again so it goes back to shell desktop.exe
and reboot your computer.  That's it!
 
MOM-05-93
Tandy 2500 SX/33: Changing the Windows Mouse Driver
 
If you move the mouse while loading Windows
on the Tandy  2500 SX/33,
you might see this error message:
 
Tandy DAC
A configuration or hardware problem has occurred.
Insure the [tdacwave.drv] setting in SYSTEM.INI.
Configure the DAC Sound driver Correctly.
 
When you receive this message,
there is no sound and the mouse does not work within Windows.
What happened is that the Windows default mouse driver
and TDACWAVE.DRV conflicted when loading Windows.
 
This problem can be fixed by using the Logitech mouse driver.
It does not conflict with the Tandy DAC Wave (tdacwave.drv) driver.
 
Here is how to change the Windows mouse driver.
 
1. From the DOS prompt (c:\>), type cd \windows and press <ENTER>.
 
2. Type setup and press <ENTER>.
 
3. In the SETUP screen, highlight MS or IBM PS/2 and press <ENTER>.
 
4. Choose the Logitech mouse driver option
and press <ENTER>.
 
5. When you see accept the configuration shown above on the screen,
   accept this response by pressing <ENTER>.
 
6. Windows setup asks you to insert Windows 3.1 diskette #2.
   Place diskette #2 in Drive A and press <ENTER>.
   This copies the LMOUSE.DRV and LMOUSE.COM
   to your Windows directory and returns you to the DOS prompt.
 
Now Windows uses the Logitech mouse driver,
and DOS applications continue to use the MS or IBM PS/2 driver.
 
Note:  Microsoft is changing the default Windows mouse driver
(TDACWAVE.DRV) to the Logitech mouse driver LMOUSE.DRV.
 
MOM-05-93
Tandy Factory-Direct
 
TFD Introduces the New OMNI Profile MT 486 Series!
 
TANDY FACTORY-DIRECT NOW OFFERS A 486 MID-TOWER SYSTEM
 
Tandy Factory-Direct proudly announces the newest addition to
the ever-growing line of computers: the OMNI Profile MT 486 line
of mid-tower computer systems!
The systems are available in five configurations:
 
Stock #    Model Name     CPU & Speed
259-7700   425 SX/T       486 SX 25 MHz
259-7701   433 SX/T       486 SX 33 MHz
259-7702   433 DX/T       486 DX 33 MHz
259-7703   450 DX2/T      486 DX2 50 MHz
259-7704   466 DX2/T      486DX2 66 MHz
 
These computers are built around the same high-quality, industry-standard
motherboards as the OMNI Profile desktop units.
So, you and your customer can be confident that the USA-made quality
and IBM compatibility of the new OMNI Profile MT computers is second to none.
Nobody Compares!
 
Here are the differences between the OMNI Profile desktop and mid-tower units:
 
Feature                   OMNI Profile       OMNI Profile MT
 
Power Supply                  145W               200W
 
5 1 1/4" Bays                 2                  3
 
16-bit full-length cards      3                  4
 
16-bit half-length cards      2                  3
 
Dimensions              4.3 x 17.25 x 16.5"  18.2 x 6.5 x 17.4"
 
Weight                    21.25 lbs.             35 lbs.
 
Please note that the OMNI Profile MT system can support only two floppy drives,
even though there are three 5 1 1/4" device bays.
This means that the system cannot support three floppy drives!
However, a fully-populated OMNI Profile system is the answer to a power
user's dream.  Imagine a system configured with 8 or 16 MB of RAM, 1 MB of
video RAM, 256K of cache, a 340 MB Hard Drive, as well as a SoundBlaster board,
a 9600 bps fax/modem, and a CD-ROM drive, 5  1 1/4" 1.2 MB floppy drive,
and a tape backup unit! What a system!
 
Attached to this month's M.O.M. is the order form
for this exciting new computer.
Due to the rapid evolution of Tandy Factory Direct systems, Fort Worth
is not able to provide your store with multiple copies of the order forms.
You must reproduce them locally.
 
Pricing for the new OMNI Profile MT systems will be available on your POS
system around June 1.  Watch for the prices, make some creative system signs,
and sell, sell, sell!
 
MOM-05-93
ABOUT SAMPLE SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONS
 
When making recommendations to your prospects
about the ideal Tandy Factory-Direct system for their needs,
remember that the sample systems are merely a starting point.
It is a good idea to make your prospects aware of the options available,
and how those options can affect the functionality of their systems.
 
Here are the main options
and how they influence overall system performance:
 
Tandy  SX, DX, and DX2 CPUs: The only difference between the Intel 80486 SX CPU
and the 80486 DX/DX2 CPUs is the presence of an on-board math coprocessor.
The coprocessor significantly improves the performance
of programs that do extensive mathematical computations,
such as spreadsheet and CAD programs.
The difference between a DX and a DX2 CPU
is that the DX2 implementation performs all internal processing
at twice the clock speed of the computer.
The benefit is that all processor-intensive applications
run about 70% faster than they would without doubler technology.
 
System Speed: The OMNI Profile  chassis is available
in speeds ranging from a 25 MHz SX CPU to a 66 MHz DX2 processor.
In most cases, the overall system performance is proportional
to the speed of the CPU.  If your prospect works frequently with computation-
or graphics-intensive programs,
recommend the fastest system his budget will allow.
 
System RAM (Random Access Memory):
RAM is where the computer temporarily stores data
and processing instructions for the program it is currently running.
Although some programs will run in 2 MB of RAM,
optimal performance isn't reached at this level.
Consider at least 4 MB as recommended,
and 8 MB or greater for even better performance.
 
Cache Memory: Cache (pronounced "cash") memory
is special, high-speed memory, separate from system RAM,
where the computer "pre-fetches" program instructions
and data before the CPU processes them.
After processing, the CPU returns the results
to this same "ready access" area, where other system components,
such as the system RAM, the video circuitry,
and the hard drive can access them.
Because the CPU does not spend time doing these administrative tasks
when cache memory is present,
the overall result is that the system runs faster.
 
Cache memory is available as 64K, 128K, or 256K options
on the OMNI Profile computers.  The biggest improvement is seen
when going from 0K to 64K of cache memory.
Incremental performance increases are achieved
when cache memory is further increased from 64K to 128K or 256K.
 
Video RAM: Another special type of memory,
video RAM is separate from system memory.
The OMNI Profile comes standard with 512K of video RAM,
which can be upgraded to 1 MB.  The 1 MB upgrade will allow your customer
to access the OMNI Profile's highest-resolution video mode
(1024 x 768 pixels) in 256 colors, rather than 16 colors.
The upgrade will also cause the computer's other graphics modes
to run somewhat faster.
 
MOM-05-93
TANDY FACTORY DIRECT RETURNS
 
In certain situations, you can return a TFD system to the factory.
Here are the policies and procedures associated with returns.
 
Before you can return a system for credit, you must obtain an "RMA."
An RMA (Return Material Authorization) is a number that TFD issues to you
so you can return a Tandy Factory-Direct system to the factory.
 
Here are a couple of scenarios when you may need to obtain an RMA:
 
1. The system fails within 30 days of customer receipt.
 
   Check with Computer Support Services before calling for an RMA
   to determine if the problem is truly a hardware failure
   or improperly-configured software or SETUP parameters.
   If the problem is hardware-related,
   do not send the unit to your local Repair Center.
   The factory is unable to reimburse your store for repairs.
 
   Instead, call TFD and request that a new unit be sent to the store.
   TFD will expedite the replacement order and issue an RMA for the
   defective unit.  When the defective unit is received by the factory,
   your store will receive proper credit for it.
 
2. Buyer's Remorse
 
   What if your customer just "changes his mind"
   and wants to return the system within 30 days of purchase?
   No problem.  Simply process the return in the normal manner,
   and call TFD to obtain an RMA.  When the merchandise is received
   by the factory, your store will be credited.
 
   In both situations, you might obtain an RMA and find that it is
   not needed.  Here's the rule:  if you have an RMA that you will not
   be using, notify the factory so the RMA can be cleared from the books.
   The chances of artificial inventory gains
   followed by artificial inventory losses will be minimized.
 
   Remember that you are the customer's contact with the factory!
   Do not give the 1-800-TANDY23 number to customers.
   This will only slow the process of resolving your customer's problem.
 
MOM-05-93
MODEM MANUALS
 
Tandy Factory-Direct and Customer Service have received many questions
about the manuals shipped with the 259-3027 and 259-3029 modem/fax boards.
To clear up the confusion, here's what is shipped with each modem/fax:
 
- 259-3027:  Printed modem manual and on-line "readme" file
  that documents the operation of the fax software.
 
- 259-3029: Printed modem manual and printed MTEZ fax software manual.
 
Merchandising has heard "rumors" that some 25-3027 field inventory
has been received with the MTEZ manual included.  If this is true in your
store, consider the manual a bonus --
it is not supposed to ship with this modem.
 
MOM-05-93
FINANCE COMPANY NOT AN OPTION
 
The Radio Shack POS system does not allow finance company transactions
as a method of payment for Tandy Factory-Direct.
This is because finance companies generally require
a signed proof of delivery before issuing a check.
 
The option of creating a finance company ticket
for Tandy Factory-Direct orders has been removed from the POS system.
A ticket cannot be created.  Please do not contact Central Accounting
regarding finance company payment for TFD orders.
It is simply not an option.
 
MOM-05-93
DON'T COPY TFD ORDER FORMS ON DARK PAPER
 
Apparently, some stores are reproducing the Tandy Factory-Direct order forms
on colored paper.  Although this is an excellent way of keeping track
of the various forms (OMNI-Profile, Sensation, etc.),
the colored forms are creating fax-receipt problems at the factory.
 
The solution? If you reproduce the TFD forms on colored paper,
be sure to use only very light colors, such as tan, light blue, etc.
This will help reduce order errors.
 
MOM-05-93
Sylvan Success
Sylvan Technology Center
Part of the Sylvan Learning Center Network
 
Master Your Computer...FAST!
Training On Today's Most Popular Software
 
Getting Started with PC and DOS 3.x/4.x
Getting Started with PC and DOS 5.0
Getting Started with Tandy DeskMate  3
Getting Started with Windows 3.0
Getting Started with Windows 3.1
Getting Started with Works for Windows
Getting Started with WordPerfect 5.1
Getting Started with WordPerfect for Windows
Getting Started with Lotus 1-2-3, 2.3
Getting Started with Lotus 1-2-3, 3.1
Getting Started with dBase IV, 1.1
Getting Started with Paradox 3.5
Getting Started with Word for Windows 1.1
Getting Started with Word for Windows 2.0
Getting Started with Excel 3.0
Getting Started with Microsoft PowerPoint v2.0
Getting Started with Microsoft Mail and Schedule+
 
All Getting Started courses only $99
 
Sylvan Technology Centers are located
in selected markets nationwide.
 
Latest & Greatest
 
Sylvan Technology Centers announces a new PC skills training course --
Getting Started with WordPerfect for Windows.
It retails for $99.00 and registration begins May 15.
 
The WordPerfect for Windows course covers these topics:
 
- Creating and Editing a Document
- Enhancing a Document with Fonts and Graphics
- Formatting a Document
 
Radio Shack customers must have a Windows course
or possess equivalent computer related experience
prior to enrolling in the WordPerfect for Windows course.
 
Radio Shack salesmakers will receive approximately $16.34
(commission and a 10% SPIFF) per training course.
 
Reminder: The current Sylvan Technology Center course catalog
does not reflect the additions of Getting Started with Microsoft Mail
and Scheduler+ and Getting Started with WordPerfect for Windows courses.
Make sure all of your salesmakers know about these courses.
 
Sales Tips
 
To help salesmakers sell the benefits of Sylvan's PC skills training,
Sylvan has developed the Radio Shack New Procedures Guide.
This book is designed to provide salesmakers with the following materials:
 
What's In It for You? -- Each salesmaker receives approximately $16.34
for each Sylvan training course sold.
 
Corporate Overview -- Sylvan Technology Centers is recognized
as a quality business-oriented provider and administer of training products
and for providing high-quality, supplemental educational services.
 
Training Courses -- Details the patented PC skills training system
used by more than 3 million Sylvan training participants.
 
Features and Benefits -- Lists the important and appealing features
Sylvan training programs provide to each Radio Shack participant
(like consistent high-quality instruction in a hands-on environment).
 
Sylvan Technology Centers -- Has a list of courses in the Getting Started
training series that are for sale at Radio Shack stores.
 
Course Outlines -- Describe each Sylvan training course
and the material the participant will learn in each course.
 
The Radio Shack New Procedures Guide, Master Your Computer -- Fast!
course catalog and display materials shipped to Radio Shack stores in
P.O.P. kit 498.  Contact Peggy McDaniels at (817) 338-2343
to re-order the Radio Shack New Procedures Guide.
 
Class Notes
 
Sylvan Technology Centers' Radio Shack hot-line number is (800) 967-1200.
This number is for Radio Shack employee and customer training registration,
locations of the nearest Sylvan training centers,
and Radio Shack salesmaker help-desk assistance for Sylvan training.
 
Let Us Know
 
Please let us know about your training
success stories, as well as sales tips you may have, that can
assist other Radio Shack salesmakers when selling Sylvan training.
 
FAX your questions, comments and suggestions to:
 
(410) 880-8717
ATTN: STC Training Marketing
 
MOM-05-93
Product News
 
UPGRADING THE TANDY 425 SX TO 4 MB RAM
 
Thanks to insightful input from store personnel, we have come up with a
good plan for customers wishing to upgrade their Tandy  425 SX (25-1630)
from 2 MB system memory to 4 MB.  The cost to the customer for this upgrade
is $85.00.
 
1. Order a 4 MB SIMM (Part # AX2501631, $180.35 unit cost)
   from Tandy National Parts.
 
2. When the 4 MB part arrives, arrange for the customer to bring the
   425 SX into your store.
 
3. Detach the power cord and open the cover of the 425 SX.
   Locate the 2 MB SIMM at the front of the motherboard
   in the expansion board section (socket U92).
   Remove this SIMM and install the 4 MB SIMM in its place.
 
4. Close the cover and run the SETUP program on the computer
   to verify that the memory is working correctly.
 
5. Charge your customer $85.00 (plus tax) for the memory upgrade.
 
6. Put the 2 MB SIMM in the antistatic package that the 4 MB SIMM came in.
   Attach the exchange tag to the package and return it to Tandy National
   Parts.  Upon receipt of the 2 MB SIMM,
   Tandy National Parts will issue a credit of $105.35 to your store,
   resulting in a net store cost of $75.00
   for the memory upgrade ($180.35 - 105.35 = 75.00).
   Without the exchange tag, your store will not be issued credit!
 
This upgrade should be performed at the store.
 
However, if you have customers who wish to upgrade their computers themselves,
follow these steps:
 
1. Order a 4 MB SIMM (Part # AX2501631, $180.35 unit cost)
   from Tandy National Parts.
 
2. When the 4 MB part arrives, arrange for the customer to pick it up.
   Charge your customer $249.00 for the memory upgrade,
   but write on the ticket that you will refund $164
   upon return of the 2 MB SIMM in the antistatic package
   ($249.00 - 164.00 = 85.00).  Keep the exchange tag in your store!
 
3. When the customer returns the 2 MB SIMM, attach the exchange tag to
   the package and return it to Tandy National Parts.
   Upon receipt of the 2 MB SIMM, Tandy National Parts will issue a credit
   of $105.35 to your store, resulting in a net store cost of $75.00
   for the memory upgrade ($180.35 - 105.35 = 75.00).
   Without the exchange tag, your store will not be issued credit!
 
If a customer wants the repair center to do the memory "upgrade,"
you must order the part (# AX2501631 4 MB SIMM)
from Tandy National Parts yourself,
and then send the 4 MB SIMM and the Tandy 425 SX
to the repair center for installation.  Retain the exchange tag
and demand that the repair center return the 2 MB SIMM to you
so you can return it for the $105.35 credit.
Charge the customer $85.00 for the SIMM,
plus the repair charge.
 
MOM-05-93
MS-DOS 6 ON TANDY 1000 AND 2500 COMPUTERS
 
Documentation supplied with the MS-DOS 6 Upgrade programs
states that owners of the Tandy  1000 and Tandy  2500 computers
should contact the stores before installing MS-DOS 6.
 
Many of the Tandy 1000 and 2500 computers
come with MS-DOS 3.3 or MS-DOS 5.0 in ROM.
To run MS-DOS 6, the ROM must be disabled
before installing the new operating system.
 
These machines have DOS installed in ROM:
 
- Tandy 1000 HX, RL, RLX, SL, SL/2, TL, TL/2, TL/3
- Tandy 2500 XL, XL/2
 
Because each computer has a different way to disable the ROM DOS,
you should contact Customer Service
if you have a customer who needs to perform this procedure.
 
The Tandy 1000 RSX, 2500 RSX, SX, SX/20, SX/25 and SX/33
do not have DOS in ROM.  These machines will install MS-DOS 6 like any
other computer.
 
MOM-05-93
PRINTER RIBBON SHELF LIFE IS LIMITED
 
How Do I Read That Date Code?
 
Printer ribbons have a finite shelf life.
To help you determine how old the ribbons are,
all Radio Shack ribbons are coded
with the date they were manufactured.
 
Currently there are two coding schemes used for Radio Shack ribbons:
 
- N indicates a number
 
- (N) indicates an optional number
 
- (may or may not be present)
 
- A indicates a letter
 
(N)NAN
 
The first number (or numbers) is the month manufactured,
the letter can be any letter, and the last number is the last digit of
the year manufactured.
 
Example: "11B2" means the ribbon was manufactured in November, 1992.
 
(N)NNNN
 
Only the last 3 digits are of significance.
The last 2 numbers indicate the week manufactured (1 through 52),
and the third number from the right is the last digit of the year manufactured.
 
Example: "14203" means the ribbon was manufactured
in the third week of 1992.
 
Keeping Ribbon Store Stock Fresh
 
You should dispose of fabric ribbons that are 2 or more years old,
and multi-strike and single-strike film ribbons that are 3 or more years old.
These life expectancies are rough estimates and are affected by factors
such as storage conditions and ink composition.
 
Be sure to rotate your ribbon inventory so older ribbons are displayed in
front.  This ensures the best use of your stock.
As always, if a customer complains about poor ribbon performance
of a 1-year-old or older ribbon, replace it at no charge.
 
MOM-05-93
TANDY 425 SX PACKAGE OFFER IMPROVED
 
The Tandy  425 SX (25-1630), at $1,399.00 with monitor,
has proven to be a solid value in your stores.
However, we have had many requests to improve the unit's salability
by including a Works-type program with the system.
We have responded to your requests by adding PFS:WindowWorks
and a Super Modem Bundle to the system
at no extra charge, starting with Flyer 504!
 
PFS:WindowWorks
 
PFS:WindowWorks (25-1965) is a great package
that includes seven applications.
The word processor features a spell corrector, thesaurus,
outline generator, headers/footers, undelete,
and many other features usually found only in high end word processors.
 
The spreadsheet is compatible with Lotus 1-2-3 files
and includes over 40 mathematical, statistical,
financial and date functions, charts and graphs and much more.
 
Also included in the package is a graphically designed database
and report generator that is dBase compatible.
 
Graphics, communications, a label maker
and address book round out this premier integrated program for Windows.
(See the form attached to this month's M.O.M.
to order your personal copy of PFS:WindowWorks.)
 
Super Modem Bundle
 
Included at the $1,399.00 price,
the Super Modem Bundle (25-1844) is a great closer.
The bundle includes a 2400-bps internal modem
and five popular online services --
America Online, CompuServe, Genie, Dow Jones and the Sierra Network.
 
In addition, two strategy games by Microprose are packaged in the bundle --
Command H.Q. lets the player lead any superpower's armed forces
in World War I, II, III, IV, or V.  In Global Conquest,
the player controls land, sea, and air forces as they survey the terrain of
an unknown world while engaging enemy forces.
 
With the new software and hardware added to the bundle,
the value of this Tandy 425 SX system jumps to $1,658.89.
That means a $259 savings over the regular retail price!
 
When your customers come in looking for an entry level machine,
you now have two very competitive systems to offer them.
At the low end, you have the 25-1623 Tandy  2500 SX/33 system.
But, don't assume that they are just looking for a price --
qualify their needs and wants! Remind them that, for just a few dollars more
a month, they can have the added power of an 80486 processor,
faster video, a modem and greater expandability offered in the 425 SX system.
This same approach can lead you all the way up to the Sensation,
just by mentioning the small difference in monthly payments.
 
Good Selling!
 
MOM-05-93
ARE OUT OF STOCK
 
Due to recent replenishment of stores with high-volume ribbon sales,
we are out of stock of some ribbons at some warehouses.
Transfer ribbons between stores until the warehouses become restocked.
 
MOM-04-93
The Front Line
 
LEAN AND MEAN
 
The Radio Shack product line is one of the broadest
and most technologically-advanced for any salesmaker to master.
It ranges from over 50 in-stock calculators and telephones
to over 100 types of batteries.
And, while we don't stock dozens of computer models
like the superstores,
we expect our salesmakers to have enough sales knowledge
to properly demonstrate the models we do stock.
This means that our lineup must be minimized
so we can realistically serve the needs of our target market.
 
We are now focusing our target market more on the consumer
than on the business, commercial, and educational segments,
previously served by the outbound Tandy Direct Marketing Group.
Although we will still participate in all segments to some degree,
Radio Shack is moving to be better positioned
to offer an attractive range of products
to the individual who is buying a computer
for personal use with his or her own money.
 
This means that, in the months ahead,
we will all be working to slim down the computer product line
and store inventory.  Every computer will be properly positioned
and will represent a productive dollar of store inventory.
 
Lean on Discontinued Inventory
You must continue to help us clean out your
remaining inventory of discontinued desktop and laptop computers.
We have already taken very aggressive pricing action
to help you clear out the last of the older Tandy 1000 series.
And, the entire lineup of notebooks is clearly priced to move,
as proven by recent sales rates.
In the case of your most recent demos,
such as the Tandy  2500 RSX (25-1621),
the 4850EP (25-5143), and the Tandy Factory Direct demo (259-5151),
we have provided additional incentives
(like free TSP with the 2500 RSX)
and Where-Is-As-Is or unadvertised,
in-store promotions to keep them moving.
 
As with all discontinued merchandise,
your job is to make sure they are cleaned up and running,
out on display, and that the price is marked
so the customer can understand the bargains they represent.
Since there will be very little, if any,
flyer or newspaper advertising coverage on discontinued computers,
it is up to you to show them in order to sell them.
 
And Our Mean New Lineup
Here is the product line you will feature for spring.
 
- Entry Level, Home Desktop (under $1,000):
 The "Lightning" Tandy  2500 SX/33 (25-1623)
 is obviously a real winner.
 It provides a very affordable Windows platform
 plus a useful collection of ready-to-run software.
 
- Step-Up, Home Desktop (over $1,000):
 Step your prospect up to the Tandy  425SX (25-1630)
 with the higher performance of a 486 processor.
 With its high-speed video and larger chassis,
 the 425 SX is perfect for those wanting to add a variety of peripherals.
 
 "Thunder" has the same chassis
 as the current Tandy Factory Direct store demo unit.
 Sell the TFD demos (259-5151)
 and use the 425 SX as your demo for the TFD program.
 
- TFD "fills in the gaps"
  where customers need certain performance features
  that do not appear on the standard store-stocked units.
  It also gives you the opportunity
  to sell beyond the 486/25 SX microprocessor performance level.
  To support your step-up efforts,
  TFD flyers and newspaper advertisements
  will feature some example systems
  with 486/33 SX processors in the $1,500 range.
 
- Sensation remains just that --
  the recognized industry leader in MPC computing.
  Let the customers listen to the "jet engine"
  narrated animation from the Columbia Concise Encyclopedia,
  show them how to look up a word in the Dictionary,
  or enter and play back a text-to-speech message
  in the Message Center.  If you can demo a few of its features,
  you can easily sell this $1,999 computer.
 
- Tandy  1110 HD Notebook: So what if it isn't a 486?
  This notebook meets the needs
  of those who want to do basic computing and word processing
  with a full-size keyboard and display.
  There's still nothing else in the market
  that can touch this notebook in price (at $799) and simplicity (DeskMate).
 
- Tandy  3800 HD Notebook:
  Stores that sell notebooks regularly
  find this model an effective step-up
  for prospects who really need a Windows-level machine.
  This one's powerful, but still affordable at $1,299.
 
- Peripherals and Accessories:
  We are working to stock your stores
  with only high volume add-on products,
  leaving the more specialized items for CMC,
  National Parts, TandyVision, or Third Party.
  And don't forget to try to sell an entire Tandy Factory Direct system
  to the person who wants a very large drive,
  or other specialized peripherals.
 
We will be remerchandising your store
with more home computing accessories and software
(such as joysticks and games), and slimming down on the high end printers
and expensive productivity software.
With this strategy, we will all benefit from more store traffic and
repeat sales, as well as from higher gross margins and faster inventory turns.
In reality, we are not "scaling back" in computers
so much as we are repositioning for less complexity
and higher volume in the home market.
 
So there's the current Lean and Mean lineup --
easy to understand, easy to sell,
and easier to step up.  It is a product line-up
tailored to serve Radio Shack customers
and designed to give your store a higher percentage
of computer business.  Good luck and good selling!
 
MOM-04-93
The Credit Line
 
Tandy Computer Leasing
 
Tandy Computer Leasing's (TCL) mission is to provide convenient,
timely and competitive leasing plans to its customers.
There are flexible and creative programs available
which meet customers' needs in today's changing market.
 
This adaptable program is designed to equip you
with an important sales tool.
Financing with TCL offers one-stop shopping convenience.
TCL also offers your customer
flexible options -- add-ons, buy-outs and upgrades.
We outline the simple definitions and procedures below.
 
Definitions
 
Add-On
Adding new equipment to an existing lease.
An add-on schedule is used
when a customer wants to lease additional equipment
and add it on to an existing lease on a co-terminous basis.
The original lease must have a minimum of ten months remaining.
The add-on payment is added to the existing lease payment
(the lessee is billed on one invoice).
 
Buy-Outs
There are two types of buy-outs -- with and without equipment ownership.
 
Buy-out with equipment ownership -- If the lessee wishes to own the equipment,
the buy-out amount quoted includes:
 
- remaining rental
- purchase option amount
- outstanding charges such as, but not limited to,
  property tax, administration fees, late charges,
  renewal payments (if applicable),
  insurance charges and collection costs
 
The security deposit given by the lessee is applied to the buy-out amount.
 
Buy-out without equipment ownership --
If the lessee wants to fulfill the contractual obligation
but returns the equipment, the buy-out amount quoted includes:
 
- remaining rental
- any outstanding charges such as,
  but not limited to, property tax, administration fees, late charges,
  insurance charges, renewal payments (if applicable) and collection
  costs.
 
The security deposit refund check is not sent to the customer
until TCL confirms that the equipment has been returned
in good working condition to TCL's designated location.
 
Upgrade
Synonymous with "trade-up."
An upgrade occurs when the customer with an existing lease
chooses to replace old equipment with new equipment.
 
Procedures
 
Add-Ons
A standard lease application is used
to apply for a co-terminous add-on.
Note in the equipment description section
on the lease application --
"This is an add-on to lease number ___________."
Upon receipt of a credit approval from TCL,
the Radio Shack employee must have the customer sign a completed
add-on schedule along with any other documentation requested by TCL.
The add-on schedule payment is calculated
by multiplying the total new equipment cost
by the rate factor on the credit approval.
Upon completion, forward this documentation to TCL in Fort Worth.
 
Buy-Outs
Get a buy-out quote from the Lease Administration Center
by sending a fax to (313) 637-3570
or calling Customer Service at (800) 745-4825.
The buy-out quote is effective for thirty days.
The Lessee should be instructed to send all buy-out checks
to P.O. Box 7023, Troy, MI 48007-7023.
 
Upgrades
To apply for an upgrade,
the Radio Shack employee must completely fill out
a standard lease application
with the following noted in the equipment description --
"See attached upgrade application worksheet." You must fill out
the upgrade application worksheet,
then fax that and the lease application
to the Lease Administration Center Credit Department
at (800) 488-3291. Telephone requests will not be taken for upgrades.
 
A faxed response will be sent back within twenty-four hours.
Upon receipt of a credit approval from TCL, the Radio Shack employee
must have the customer sign a completed Lease Agreement
along with any other documentation required by TCL.
Upon completion, forward this documentation to TCL in Fort Worth, TX.
 
The Radio Shack store determines if a returned equipment credit
is issued to the Lessee on the Lessee's existing lease.
TCL will not credit the customer for any returned equipment.
The amount of the credit is solely at the discretion
of the Radio Shack store.
 
The lessee may keep the equipment being upgraded
or may return it to the Radio Shack store
that is handling the new deal.
If the customer wants to turn in the equipment,
the Radio Shack store can negotiate a credit with the lessee.
This credit is reflected in the "Total Lease Amount."
(Refer to the upgrade calculation worksheet
to determine the total lease amount.)
If the lessee and store do not agree on the credit amount,
or the store does not market used equipment,
the lessee must keep the original leased equipment.
 
MOM-04-93
COMPUTER SUPPORT SERVICES
Computer Support Services
"Answers at Your Fingertips"
 
FAXBACK UPDATE
 
NAM Programming
FAXBack documents are now available
for NAM programming of some cellular phones.
Be sure to give this useful information
to your customers who have these phones.
 
Phone Model     Cat. No.        FAXBack       Cat. #
 
CT-100/200    17-3001/1075       9008      17-1003/1005
CT-102 Family 17-1076/1077/1078  9006      17-1006/1020
CT-302        17-1051            9005
CT-300/301    17-2001/1050       9007
CT-350        17-1060            9004
 
FAXBack Catalog Update
The Technical FAXBack Directory of Catalogs has been updated --
it now includes printers and monitors
and it's attached to this month's M.O.M.
This updated directory replaces the Technical FAXBack Directory of Catalogs
that was sent with the February/March 1993 issue of the M.O.M.
 
Ordering Directory of Catalogs
We've made this simpler.
When you dial into the FAXBack Directory of Catalogs system,
and select the option to order specific catalog directories,
all you have to do is press:
 
- 2 for CPUs
- 3 for Printers
- 4 for Monitors
 
You may want to download these periodically
so you have the most current listing
of product information available.
 
FAXBack Phone Number -- (800) 323-6586
 
MOM-04-93
DRIVERS, FIXES, & RECOVERY PROGRAMS
 
Here is a list of the current drivers,
fixes, and recovery programs
available through Computer Support Services.
 
Drivers
 
- SVGA Drivers for Windows 3.0
- SVGA Drivers for Windows 3.1
- MS-Works for Windows version 2.0A
- LANtastic TandyLink  Driver DRVR8530
- DeskMate  Color Driver for DMP 136
- DeskMate Color Driver for DMP 240
- DeskMate 3.2 VGA driver (DMVDVGA.RES)
- DeskMate 3.3 VGA driver (DMVSVGA.RES)
- DEV.COM (upgraded Sensation driver) for External Floppy (25-1087)
- CD-ROM Extensions for CDR-1000 version 2.21 (MSCDEX)
- IDE Drivers (non-standard, other than 40 MB) for NetWare
- Windows Sound Driver (2500 Series & 1000 RSX)
- NETX.COM for 3.11 Workstations under DOS 5.0
 
Fixes
 
- NetWare Printer Fixes (ver. 3.11)
- Sensation Update Disk (Time/Date Fix for Demo Program)
- Setup program for Tandy 3830 SL/C (fixes screen display problem)
- MTEZ Software Version 1.00.2924 (Fax Modem 25-3027)
 
Recovery Programs
 
- Model II/12 Accounting Data
- Model 16/Tandy 6000 XENIX Accounting Data
- Model III Accounting Data
- Model 4 Accounting Data
- Model III SuperScripsit Documents
- Model 4 SuperScripsit Documents
- Scripsit 2.X Documents
- Scripsit 3.X Documents
- Profile III Plus databases
- Model 4 Profile databases
- Model II/12 Profile databases
- QUARTET data
- Tandy 2000 PFS:File data
- PFS:File data on PC-Compatibles
 
MOM-04-93
SUBJECTS OF THE MONTH
 
Sensation and Windows Applications
 
Sensation does not recognize the shell line
in some Windows software applications.
Some Windows applications have shell=progman.exe
in the system.ini line rather than shell=desktop.exe
that comes on the Sensation.  To change the system.ini line:
 
1. Change to the Windows directory.
 
2. At the directory prompt type:
   edit system.ini and press <ENTER>.
 
3. Find the line that reads shell=desktop.exe.
 
4. Go to that line and type:
   shell=progman.exe and press <ENTER>.
 
5. Exit edit by pressing <ALT><F> and typing X.
 
6. Type Y at the prompt to save your changes.
 
7. Reboot the computer and proceed with the installation.
 
Once you have your icons and groups set up,
edit the system.ini file again
so it goes back to shell=desktop.exe.
and reboot your computer.  That's it!
 
External 5 1/4" Floppy Update
 
Computer Support Services has a new driver available
that allows you to use the External 5 1/4" Floppy drive (25-1087)
without having to use the assign command
described in the February/March issue of the M.O.M.
(Page 5, "Sensation! Formatting Solutions.")
This disk contains the driver, readme.txt file,
and installation instructions.
 
To order this driver, call (800) 2TANDY4,
and push the button requesting to speak with an agent.
 
What Audio Adapter Do I Use?
 
Tandy carries two audio adapters --
the SoundBlaster Pro Basic (25-1097)
and the Tandy  MPC Audio Board (25-1090).
 
Both MPC-compatible sound boards are fully compatible
with SoundBlaster and AdLib sound cards
and feature a CD-ROM interface.
But, the SoundBlaster Pro Basic interface
is designed for Panasonic CD-ROM drives,
and will not control the CDR-1000 (25-1077),
CDR-1500 (25-1081), CDR-1100 (25-1092),
or the CDR-1501 (25-1091).  The Tandy MPC Audio Board is
the only audio adapter available that will control the CDR-1000.
 
By using an external patch cable (42-2475),
the MPC Audio Board can also be used with the CDR-1100/1500/1501.
This Y-cable runs from the left and right audio outputs
on the CD-ROM interface adapter
to the LINE IN connector of the audio adapter.
By doing this, the CD Audio comes through the sound card.
 
IDE Drives and Adapters
 
Tandy currently offers an IDE Hard Drive Adapter (25-1095)
that allows you to install IDE hard drives
into computers that do not have IDE interfaces.
This means you can use an AT class (16-bit) IDE SmartDrive
in an XT class (8-bit) computer.
This adapter only works with AT class drives.
 
Because choosing the right adapter
for the right hard drive can be confusing,
here is a breakdown of what drives work with what adapters.
 
XT-Class Computers With Built-in IDE Controllers
 
- Tandy  1000 TL/2
- Tandy  1000 TL/3
- Tandy  1000 RL
- Tandy  1000 RLX
 
These computers have an 8-bit IDE controller
built into the main logic board.
The only drives that work with this type of controller
are the 20 MB SmartDrive XT (25-1045),
40 MB SmartDrive XT (25-1046), 20 MB SmartDrive XT (25-1047),
and the 40 MB SmartDrive XT/AT (25-1048).
 
The 25-1088 IDE Adapter
 
This Western Digital adapter
allows you to use certain Western Digital IDE drives
in machines that do not have an on-board IDE adapter.
 
The only drives that can be used with this adapter
are the 20 MB SmartDrive XT (25-1047)
and the 40 MB SmartDrive XT/AT (25-1048).
 
To properly configure these drives for this adapter,
follow the owners manual that came with the adapter --
not  the one that came with the drive.
(The default jumper configuration that comes with the drive
is for XT-class machines  with  an on-board IDE controller.)
 
The 16-Bit AT Hard Drive Adapter
 
This IDE adapter (25-1095) allows you to use AT class IDE drives
in an XT class machine.  Any standard AT class IDE drive
should work with this adapter.  The drive should be configured the same
as if you were installing it as a single drive in an AT class computer.
The 52 MB SmartDrive (25-4124) will not work with this adapter.
 
The 25-1048 40 MB IDE Drive
 
This drive works in XT and AT class machines.
There are two versions of this drive --
one with six pairs of jumpers, and one with nine pairs.
Due to the many possible configurations for this drive,
you may wish to keep this chart handy for future reference.
 
40 MB SMARTDRIVE (25-1048)
(ST-351A/X 6 JUMPER PAIRS)
 
Controller                                      Jumpers
 
XT with On-Board IDE Controller                 1,4,6
 
AT with On-Board IDE Controller Single Drive    1,6
 
AT with On-Board IDE Controller Master          1,2,6
 
AT with On-Board IDE Controller Slave           6, jumper the top pin of pair 4 to the top pin of 5
 
XT/AT with 25-1088                              1,3,4, jumper the bottom pin of 5 to the bottom pin of 6
 
XT/AT with 25-1095                              1,6
 
40 MB SMARTDRIVE (25-1048)
(ST-351A/X 9 JUMPER PAIRS)
 
Controller                                      Jumpers
 
XT with On-Board IDE Controller                 2,5,6,9
 
AT with On-Board IDE Controller Single Drive    2,6,9
 
AT with On-Board IDE Controller Master          2,3,6,9
 
AT with On-Board IDE Controller Slave           4,6,9
 
XT/AT with 25-1088                              2,5,6,8
 
XT/AT with 25-1095                              2,6,9
 
MOM-04-93
Tandy Factory-Direct
How To Be The Leader Of The Pack
 
Selling i486SX 33 MHz Tandy Factory-Direct Systems
 
Do you want a larger paycheck?
Do you want to gain respect and referrals
from your Tandy Factory-Direct customers?
Do you want to be the "Leader of the Pack"
instead of just another computer salesperson?
If you do, then read on...
 
You know the computer marketplace is a frightening arena of claims,
counter-claims and hype.  20-25 MHz "486" computer systems are now
available "off the shelf" from mass merchandisers, discounters, warehouse
operators and mail-order houses.  These systems usually
feature Intel 80486 SX CPUs as the "brain" of the computer.
How can you set yourself and your product apart from all the others?
Simple -- make your prospects aware of the advantages
of a 33 MHz 80486 SX CPU!
 
Although a 25 MHz '486 is a snappy performer,
you can offer your Tandy Factory-Direct customers
a significantly enhanced computer system
by telling them about the 433 SX (259-5147).
This computer uses the 33 MHz Intel 80486 CPU as its core.
At 33 MHz, the 433 SX CPU is running a full 30% faster
than garden-variety 25 MHz computers!
Because of the OMNI Profile's on-board Windows accelerator circuitry,
the entire computer can fully utilize the speed advantage of the 33 MHz CPU.
 
At the time this article was written, the difference in selling price
between the 25 MHz 425 SX (259-5146) and the 33 MHz 433 SX was just $115.
 
When discussing the cost/benefit issues
between a 25 MHz system and a 33 MHz system,
be sure to point out to your customer
that today's and tomorrow's software is increasingly "resource hungry."
With the proliferation of CPU-intensive programs,
such as full-motion video, Windows NT,
and tomorrow's sophisticated applications,
it becomes more important to have adequate horsepower under the hood --
and the 433 SX 33 MHz system meets that requirement
at a very affordable price!
 
Sell your Tandy Factory-Direct prospects
all the computer they're likely to need for tomorrow's software --
and be the "Leader of the Pack."
 
MOM-04-93
New! 214 MB Hard Drive
 
A new 214 MB Hard Drive (259-7112)
has been added to the Tandy Factory-Direct product lineup.
This high-performance drive features 16 ms average access time,
and includes a 128K on-board cache.  At only $319,
this workhorse is an excellent choice for budget-conscious power users.
 
MOM-04-93
MS Works 2.0 Now Included Free!
 
MS Works 2.0 is now included free
with all hard-drive-equipped desktop CPUs.
Due to popular demand, Microsoft Works for Windows will be pre-installed
on every Tandy Factory-Direct computer that is ordered with a hard drive!
Be sure to make your customers aware of the tremendous added value they
receive with a TFD purchase.
 
Previously-shipped systems are not eligible for this offer --
only  systems ordered on or after 3/17/93 include Works.
 
MOM-04-93
About Proposals And Tandy Factory-Direct Systems
 
Merchandising has received a great deal of correspondence
regarding the feasibility of "freezing" prices
for Tandy Factory-Direct systems that are specified in formal proposals.
Due to the nature of Tandy Factory-Direct's charter,
which is to be competitive with major computer companies
(such as Dell, Compaq, IBM and AST) in the marketplace,
it is not possible to guarantee pricing, even for 30 days,
on any proposal response.
 
In responding to a proposal, consider adding a phrase like,
 
"...final pricing subject to revision in accordance with the Tandy
Factory-Direct pricing in effect at the time of the order..."
 
This way, if your store is awarded an order,
you and the customer are guaranteed that pricing will be fair
and in line with current market conditions.
 
MOM-04-93
New Tandy Factory-Direct Order Forms Attached
 
Revised Order Forms, dated 04/1/93, are attached to this issue of the
M.O.M.  Be sure to discard all previous forms and make photocopies of the
attached forms to use for Tandy Factory-Direct orders.
 
The major change on these forms is that they now reflect MS-DOS 6,
rather than MS-DOS 5.0, as the operating system
pre-installed on the OMNI Profile and 2500 SX/33 CPU.
 
Since prices and availability change so quickly,
Fort Worth cannot make master packs of forms available --
you must reproduce these locally.
Be sure you keep only the current forms.
 
MOM-04-93
Sylvan Success
 
Master Your Computer...FAST!
 
Training On Today's Most Popular Software
 
Getting Started with PC and DOS 3.x/4.x
Getting Started with PC and DOS 5.0
Getting Started with Tandy DeskMate  3
Getting Started with Windows 3.0
Getting Started with Windows 3.1
Getting Started with Works for Windows
Getting Started with WordPerfect 5.1
Getting Started with Lotus 1-2-3, 2.3
Getting Started with Lotus 1-2-3, 3.1
Getting Started with dBase IV, 1.1
Getting Started with Paradox 3.5
Getting Started with Word for Windows 1.1
Getting Started with Word for Windows 2.0
Getting Started with Excel 3.0
Getting Started with Microsoft PowerPoint v2.0
Getting Started with Microsoft Mail and Schedule+
 
All  Getting Started courses only $99
 
Sylvan Technology Centers are located
in selected markets nationwide.
 
MOM-04-93
Latest & Greatest
 
Many of you had the opportunity
to see the February Tandy Satellite Broadcast
featuring David Goyne, Radio Shack Vice President of Support Services.
According to Mr. Goyne, selling Sylvan training puts money in your
salesmakers' pockets and can reduce your stores computer returns!
Sylvan training has received a 99% satisfaction rate
from your customers, and satisfied customers return to make additional
purchases! All Radio Shack employees are eligible
to take any Sylvan Getting Started training course
for just $40.00 (a $99.00 value)! So, now is an excellent time
for employees to experience Sylvan first-hand.  Follow these procedures
to enroll for your training course.
 
1. Call Peggy McDaniels at (817) 338-2343 to register.
   VISA, MasterCard or Radio Shack credit card payments
   will be accepted over the phone.  (You will need to ask her about check
   or money order payments.) Then she will give you an authorization number.
   Do not use a Radio Shack Registration Kit Passport.
 
2. Call Sylvan's Registration Hotline at (800) 967-1200.
   A Sylvan representative will enroll you.
 
Are you out of course catalogs or Radio Shack registration kits?
Call (817) 338-2343 for additional materials.
 
MOM-04-93
Sales Tips
 
If you enroll in and complete a Sylvan training course,
you receive more than a $99.00 value.  You receive:
 
- Training on one of today's most popular software applications
 
- Confidence when demonstrating Tandy computers to your customers
 
- Reinforced knowledge of your computer products and services
 
- A personal testimonial for your customers
 
- Additional earnings!  Sell more computers, sell
  more Sylvan training and reduce customer computer returns!
 
MOM-04-93
Class Notes
 
Sylvan Technology Centers announce the release
of a new $99.00 training course -- Getting Started with Microsoft Mail
and Scheduler+.
 
With this application, customers installing networks can electronically
communicate with other members on a network.   Microsoft Mail
and Scheduler+ also provides a comprehensive time-management function
that allows users to efficiently plan their busy work schedules.
Suggest Sylvan training to everyone using the network and encourage them
to explore all the benefits of this popular software application.
 
Getting Started with Microsoft Mail and Scheduler+
recommends the participant have previous Windows experience.  If your training
customer is unfamiliar with Windows, but has inquired about
training for one or any Sylvan course, you have the perfect
opportunity to sell two training courses and receive $32.68
in SPIFFs and commissions!
 
MOM-04-93
Let Us Know
 
Please let us know about your training
success stories, as well as sales tips you may have, that can
assist other Radio Shack salesmakers when selling Sylvan training.
 
FAX your questions, comments and suggestions to:
 
(410) 880-8717
ATTN: STC Training Marketing
 
MOM-04-93
Product News
 
MS-DOS 6 -- NEW FEATURES!
 
Microsoft formally announced the MS-DOS 6 operating system on April 1,
and all new Tandy computers will include this latest version of DOS.
 
New Features
 
- DoubleSpace -- an integrated disk compression utility
  that increases available disk space by compressing files.
  DoubleSpace works on both hard and floppy disks.
 
- MemMaker -- a memory-optimization program
  that makes it easy to move device drivers and memory-resident programs
  into the upper memory area.  If the computer is a '386 or higher,
  MemMaker can be used to maximize conventional memory
  so programs run faster and more efficiently.
 
- EMM386.EXE has been enhanced
  to provide access to more upper memory blocks
  and simulates expanded memory (using extended memory as needed),
  without requiring you to change configuration commands
  or restart the computer.
 
- LOADHIGH & DEVICEHIGH commands have been enhanced
  to allow you to specify the memory region
  into which you want to load a program.
 
- Backup -- MS-DOS 6 includes an enhanced MS-DOS backup program
  and a Windows backup program.
 
- AntiVirus -- this program
  will identify and remove more than 1,000 computer viruses.
  It comes in both MS-DOS and Windows versions.
 
- Undelete -- this improved program
  enables you to choose one of three levels of protection
  in case you inadvertently delete a file.
  MS-DOS 6 includes both MS-DOS and Windows versions of Undelete.
 
Improvements
 
- Now you can define more than one configuration
  in the CONFIG.SYS file.  If the CONFIG.SYS file defines multiple
  configurations, MS-DOS displays a menu
  that allows you to choose the configuration you want
  each time you start your computer.
 
- Now you have the ability to bypass commands
  when you start your computer.
  You can choose which CONFIG.SYS commands MS-DOS should execute
  and whether the AUTOEXEC.BAT file should be run.
 
- MS-DOS Help is a complete on-line reference for MS-DOS commands.
  The reference includes notes on commands,
  their parameters and switches, and examples.
 
Take time to learn the new features and enhancements
MS-DOS 6 has to offer.  After all, as your knowledge and expertise
about the products you sell increase, so will your sales  and  your income!
 
MOM-04-93
SPECIAL MS-DOS 6 UPGRADE OFFER FOR 2500 SX/33 AND 425SX CUSTOMERS
 
Through a special agreement with Microsoft,
we have arranged for Tandy  2500 SX/33 (25-1623)
and 425 SX Special Edition (25-1630) customers
to be able to purchase the MS-DOS 6 upgrade for just $9.97.
This cost includes shipping and handling.
The package includes four 3 1/2" diskettes and documentation.
 
The customer calls (800) 451-9409.
 
To order, have your customer call (800) 451-9409.
Your customer must have the computer's serial number
and their credit card information available when they call.
 
Be sure you provide this information
to all your 2500 SX/33 and 425SX Special Edition customers --
it's the kind of "value-add" that results in satisfied customers and referrals.
 
MOM-04-93
DISK FULFILLMENT PROGRAM IS IN PLACE
 
Diskettes No Longer Shipping with CPUs
Beginning April 1, 1993, in keeping with current industry practice,
new computers shipped from the factory to Radio Shack warehouses,
as well as TFD OMNI Profile and TFD 2500 SX/33 systems,
will no longer include master diskettes.
This will enable us to keep computer prices competitive.
 
Computers will ship with the following:
 
- MS-DOS 6, Windows 3.1,
  and (on specified systems) MS-Works, pre-loaded on the hard drive
 
- Full documentation for all pre-loaded software
 
- A mastering utility that comes up when the computer is booted.
  This utility will enable your customer
  to produce master diskettes from his computer.
 
Make sure your customer is aware that master diskettes
are not included with his new computer.  If your customer wants to make
masters using the provided mastering utility,
be sure to sell a box of diskettes with the system.
 
How the Disk Fulfillment Program Works
If the customer wants to purchase master diskettes
instead of using the mastering utility,
TE Electronics has established a toll-free telephone number
for customers to call.  The number is (800) 451-9409.
This number is for customer use only.
Radio Shack stores may not order these diskettes.
 
Here's how the Disk Fulfillment Program works.
 
- The 800 line is staffed from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Central Time,
  Monday-Friday.
 
- The fulfillment staff verifies customer eligibility
  by model and serial number.
 
- The customer may pay by MasterCard, VISA, or American Express.
 
- Diskettes are shipped direct to the customer via 1st-class mail
  within 48 hours of ordering.
 
Current charges (exclusive of applicable taxes) for master sets are:
 
     MS-DOS 6       $12.95
     Windows 3.1    $14.95
     MS Works 2.0   $14.95
 
MOM-04-93
SENSATION/WINMATE "HOME" SCREEN SETTING
 
There have been reports that when the Home icon is clicked.
Sensation is returning to a screen other than the WinMate  Home screen,
 
Here is how to return the Home or Main screen to the correct WinMate default.
 
1. From any WinMate screen (or from any Demo Menu),
   click on the View pull-down menu on the menu bar.
 
2. From the View pull-down menu, click on the  Change  command.
 
3. From the Graphics Manager screen,
   double click on Main in the list box.
 
4. From the Main/Home screen, click on the  View  pull-down menu
   on the menu bar.
 
5. From the View pull-down menu, click on  Home View.
 
6. From the View/Home View menu, click on the Set command.
 
Sensation has now been re-set to use the Main/Home screen as the default
when the  Home  icon is selected or when it is first turned on.
 
MOM-04-93
TANDY 2500 SX/33 AND WORKS APPLICATIONS
 
The 25-1623 Tandy 2500 SX/33 computer
is selling like hotcakes across the nation!
It appears that there is still some life left in the 80386 market,
and customers are coming to Radio Shack for the best value in 386 computers.
 
The 2500 SX/33 includes a disk mastering program
that allows customers to make a master set of Windows 3.1
and Microsoft Works 2.0 diskettes.  Some of you apparently believe
that these masters are backups of the hard drive.
They are not.  They are exact masters of the programs.
Masters allow customers to customize their applications
beyond the standard settings, such as customizing printer settings,
screen colors, etc.
 
What this means is the Works applications and templates
are not backed up when you use the disk mastering program.
If the hard drive crashes, you could not reinstall the data
using the master disks -- only the programs themselves.
To restore the hard drive to its previous configurations
(pre-loaded software and data), you need a backup of the Works applications
and templates and the .ini and .grp files from the Windows directory.
 
Follow these steps to backup the files not present on the master disks.
 
1. Format a high density (1.44 MB) 3 1/2" diskette in Drive A.
 
2. Change to Drive A (cd a: <ENTER> ).
 
3. Type the following commands:
 
   MD WINDOWS and press <ENTER>.
   MD WRKSAPPS and press <ENTER>.
   COPY C: WINDOWS *.INI A: WINDOWS and press <ENTER>.
   COPY C: WINDOWS *.GRP A: WINDOWS and press ENTER>.
   XCOPY C: WRKSAPPS *.* A: /S and press ENTER>.
 
When you need to restore the 2500 SX/33 to its previous configurations,
follow these steps.
 
1. Using the master disks, install Windows 3.1
   and MS-Works for Windows 2.0.
 
2. Place the backup disk you made into Drive A.
 
3. Type the following command:
 
   XCOPY A: *.* C: /S
 
That's it. Good Selling!
 
MOM-04-93
PC-6 POCKET COMPUTER REPLACEMENT
 
Stores are still getting requests for the PC-6 Pocket Computer.
Since we no longer carry this item, many customers have been disappointed.
Here's your chance to save the day for them.  If your customer must have
a PC-6, Casio dealers sell a functionally equivalent product --
the Casio Model FX795P.  Solve your customer's problem
by referring them to a Casio dealer -- and be a hero!
 
MOM-04-93
REPLACEMENT RIBBON FOR THE DMP 442
 
The 26-2823 printer ribbon for the DMP 442 is discontinued
and has been replaced by Cat. No. 26-2819B.
This ribbon now fits the DMP 300 series as well as the 9-wire DMP 442.
 
The 26-2819B ribbon is in the warehouse.
 
Do not use the 26-2819B ribbon for your POS printer!
You must re-order new ribbons for POS printers by contacting the POS personnel.
 
MOM-04-93
NEW! TANDY DMP 137
 
The affordable DMP 137 (26-2887) is an excellent printer choice
for home and personal use.  Here are some key selling points
to help you get the message across to your personal printer prospects:
 
Printing Technology:  Impact, 9-wire, dot-matrix (bidirectional logic seeking)
 
Printing Speeds: Super speed draft -- 270 cps (15 cpi)
                 High Speed Draft -- 216 cps (12 cpi)
                 Draft -- 180 cps (12/10 cpi)
                 Near-letter Quality -- 45 cps (12/10 cpi)
 
Letter-Quality Fonts: Pica, Condensed Pica, Elite, Condensed Elite
 
Graphics Resolution: 216 x 240
 
Emulations: IBM Proprinter III with Color Support
            Epson FX-850 with Color Support
 
Interface: Parallel
 
Input Buffer: IBM mode: 9K input+ 15K download
 
Epson Mode: 21K input+ 3K download
 
Paper Handling: Friction, push tractor, automatic paper load & park
 
Paper Width: 4 to 10 inches
 
Number of Copies: Original +2 copies
 
Print Head Life: 100 million characters
 
Dimensions: 5 1/2" x 16 7/16" x 14 3/16" (HWD)
 
Weight: 9 1/2 lbs.
 
Price: $249.95
 
Ribbons: 26-2871 Black, approximately 2.5 million characters at 10 cpi
         26-2900 Color, approximately .5 million characters at 10 cpi
 
As you can see, the DMP 137 makes an ideal home printer.
Reasonable price, high speed, and compact size
makes it a combination that's hard to beat!
 
MOM-04-93
PRINTCHIEF DOES IT ALL
 
PrintChief (25-1954, $29.95) is a memory resident (TSR)
Printer Control Program.  This program fully uses
Tandy DMP printer capabilities by means of a simple-to-use Selection Menu.
 
PrintChief was specially created for use with all Tandy dot-matrix
Printers and DeskMate .  It also works from within most word processors,
spreadsheets, and label programs.
 
PrintChief includes two bonus features:
 
- Simply press the "D" key for DEMO and Print Chief produces a printout
  to demonstrate the font selections and a portion of the other
  features available from the printer.
 
- A One Line Word Processor is provided
  for functional testing of the printer and font selections.
 
PrintChief makes a great add-on sale and will help you close printer sales
and eliminate most customer printer complaints.
 
MOM-04-93
DOS 5.0 MANUALS AVAILABLE THROUGH TSA
 
Tandy Software Assembly has approximately 7,400 DOS 5.0 Manuals
available to sell through its current Disk/Manual Warranty Department.
 
The store cost per manual is $2.60.  There is no quantity limit on an order.
To place your order, call (817) 336-1330.
 
MOM-04-93
AMERICA'S FAVORITE GAME & SIGNATURE NOLAN RYAN BASEBALL, ALL IN ONE BOX
 
This hot, new, "Radio Shack only" exclusive bundle (25-1890, $49.95)
is going to create excitement on your software shelf this spring!
This great package offers three of the best baseball entertainment
titles on the market.  They are:
 
- Fantasy Manager by MicroLeague is the closest thing
  to owning and managing a professional sports franchise.
 
- MicroLeague Baseball, also by MicroLeague,
  offers the ultimate control over every aspect of a baseball game
  as well as superb graphics and lots of realistic action.
  In addition MicroLeague has added,
  in the Radio Shack version only, all the 1992 playoff teams.
 
- Tony La Russa's ultimate Baseball by SSI,
  is one of the industry's greatest baseball simulation games.
  Your customer can play a full 162-game season,
  including playoffs, and view the stats for every player and team
  for the entire game season.
 
I'm sure you're thinking that this bundle includes everything needed
to make it World Series material --
three great software packages at a great price.
Well, you're right, it does.  But, we went one step further --
we added the ultimate touch.  Also included in this great bundle is
a free "Nolan Ryan Signature Baseball"
with his career stats printed on the baseball.
 
This baseball bundle is a sure winner!
 
MOM-04-93
PHOENIXFAX OFFER FOR SENSATION EXTENDED
 
All Sensations (25-1650) are packaged with a PhoenixFAX manual
that includes an exclusive offer for Sensation owners
to purchase PhoenixFAX at $20.00 off the regular price of $79.95.
 
Although the offer expired March 30, 1993,
the late arrival of PhoenixFAX (25-1344)
in the warehouse has allowed us to extend this offer until June 30, 1993.
 
Watch for PhoenixFAX to arrive in your stores
and call your Sensation customers about this outstanding offer.
Tell them to look for the coupon in the PhoenixFAX manual
and bring it in.
 
MOM-04-93
THREE GREAT "MY..." BUSINESS PROGRAMS IN ONE PACKAGE
 
MyFamily's Business (25-1956) includes three great programs
on one diskette.  For only $39.95,
everyone in the family will appreciate these time-
and energy-saving programs.
 
- MyMailList -- a mail list that manages up to 5,000 records,
  sorts names six ways, and prints Rolodex cards, address books,
  envelopes and more.
 
- MyLabelMaker -- Label-making has never been easier.
  This program makes name tags, file folder
  labels, audio and video labels, raffle tickets, and more.
  Parents and children alike can let their imaginations run wild.
 
- MyDataBase -- an information management program that
  helps family activities run smoothly.
  Whether it's recipes, a comic book collection,
  or home inventory, MyDataBase can manage and organize any list.
 
MOM-04-93
DON'T MIX OLD TANDY PRINTERS WITH OTHERS' PC CLONES
 
The Problem
We are receiving sporadic reports from the field
that some of our customers are trying to use
older model Tandy printers with
computers that are not from Radio Shack.
The first problem is that we have allowed these customers
to migrate to non-Tandy computers.
The second problem is that some of the so-called "IBM clones"
may not have a parallel printer port that will tolerate the voltages
provided through the printer cable
from the older Tandy printers to the computer.
In these cases, permanent damage to the computer system can result
when the printer is plugged in and turned on.
 
To be compatible with computers that were sold in those early days,
the older Tandy printers supplied +5 volts on pin 18 of the printer connector.
All the newer Tandy printers have switched to the more popular IBM parallel
port standard that does not have this 5-volt signal present.
It is this 5-volt line on pin 18 that causes the problem
with some of the clone computers.
 
Unfortunately, there is no way for Radio Shack to test all the new "clones"
to make sure that proper buffering is done with their parallel port.
Therefore, no exact information is available on which of the "clones" will
be damaged when used with an older Tandy printer.
Most of the reports seem to revolve around using Tandy daisy wheel printers
with recent releases from Packard Bell.
This does not suggest that the Packard Bell units (or any others)
are not good machines, just that they can't seem to handle extraneous voltages
on the parallel printer port like the Tandy machines can.
 
There is presently no cure that is easy to implement.
There is also no guarantee that the printer will not function
with the customer's new clone computer.  Unfortunately, there are no symptoms
to indicate that the two are not compatible until it is too late.
The printer will simply destroy some parts of the computer's main logic
board without warning.  The extent of the damage is not determinable
and could depend on the clone's design and construction.
 
A Partial Solution
For those customers who want to attempt to correct the problem by themselves,
they simply need to cut line 18 on the printer cable coming from the printer.
However, this is not a 100% cure.  It is still possible
that the clone computer will not like the voltages
present on the other lines and still cause damage.
 
Any customer who indicates that they are purchasing a new printer cable
to hook up their old Tandy printer to their new computer
should be warned that the two items may be incompatible and damage may result.
These two items were designed at different periods in the computing industry
and were never meant to work together.  (It would be like hooking up one of
those new fancy automatic temperature control units to a very old furnace
system.  It may or may not work and you might burn your house down!)
 
The Best Solution?  Sell a Printer!
The Tandy parallel port was the standard for many years
(Centronic Standard Port), but it was replaced by the IBM port
as MS-DOS became more popular.
The old standard is incompatible with the new models.
Offer your customer the opportunity to upgrade their complete system
with a newer, faster, more up-to-date printer.
Show what you have to offer.  After all, if they upgraded their computer,
they certainly would want to have the latest in printing technology as well.
 
Note that this warning only applies to old Tandy printers
that have the old Tandy parallel port.
It does not affect the newer Tandy printers with the IBM parallel port.
Old printers are the DMP 133, DMP 440, DMP 107, LP 1000, and any older models.
A printer cable selection chart is attached to this M.O.M.
All printers that require a TAN cable are those affected by this warning.
 
MOM-04-93
THIRD PARTY PRODUCTS UPDATE
 
Although this department has been in place for some time,
we still get phone calls inquiring who we are and what we do;
therefore, here's a review of our purpose and procedures.
 
Purpose 
The Third Party Products Department (TPD) was created to source
and supply products to our computer customers
that are not cataloged items in the Radio Shack computer product line.
Previously, requests of these products were handled by National Parts,
Tandy Computer Leasing and various other entities within the company.
 
Steps to Follow
 
1. Review the opportunity with your RSM or DSM
   before submitting a Request For Quote.
   There can be no exceptions to this!
   If for any reason he or she is not available,
   contact your Divisional Vice President.
   They will be responsible for verifying
   that this is a bona fide customer order and not for store stock
   or for a customer that is not truly serious about buying.
   Generally a 20% deposit will be collected.
 
2. A RFQ form is attached to this issue of the M.O.M.
   The form must be filled out completely before we can act on it.
   We receive many forms without a company name and a contact.
   This will only delay your reply since your request will be rejected
   until complete information is received.
 
3. TPD will act on the request and provide availability,
   store cost and retail prices via FAX.
   Only at this time are you to quote prices to your customer.
   Never attempt to get pricing directly from a vendor.
   At this time you are to make sure that the product
   is what your customer requires, review media size, description, etc.
   If wrong merchandise is received and the mistake is TPD's,
   you will not be held responsible.
   If the mistake is yours or your customer's,
   you will be responsible for it.
 
4. If price and delivery meet the customer's requirement,
   the store will advise TPD by return FAX.
   TPD will arrange delivery directly to the store or Tandy Factory-Direct.
   The store will be charged cost plus a handling fee.
 
5. When the product is delivered,
   the customer will pay the balance,
   sign a Waiver/Proof of Delivery form and take delivery of the product.
   The Waiver will then be returned to TPD to conclude the transaction.
 
6. All merchandise sold under this program
   will be entered in to the store POS system using catalog number 91-9999.
   You must enter the description and exact retail price
   of the product as quoted by TPD.
   If the item we're sourcing for you is to be sold with a system,
   it must NOT be entered as part of that system.
   It must be entered as a separate item.
 
Phone Calls to Third Party Products/Feedback
It is not necessary to call TPD.
You'll only be told to FAX a properly completed RFQ form.
 
If you FAX a Request for Quote that we don't quote
the same day we receive it,
we will send you a FAX confirming that we did receive it and are working on it.
 
The day we place an order with a vendor for your product,
we will confirm with you that we have done so.
 
Both of these confirmation FAXes are sent
automatically at the end of each business day.
 
MOM-02-93
The Front Line
Consumer Computing Has Arrived!
 
The big news at this year's Winter Consumer Electronics Show
was that "consumer computing" has arrived.
The trade press and network television
have hailed the exciting new computer products
and have given extensive coverage to
and speculated about the latest trends
in the computer segment of consumer electronics.
Here are some of the major issues
that will impact us in the months ahead.
 
There Really Is A Consumer Market
If we define the "computer consumer" as a person spending
his/her own money on a computer for personal use,
then you quickly realize
that we have been serving this customer longer and better
than many of the so-called market leaders
who have been focused on office automation computers
and business-to-business marketing.
After several costly and unsuccessful experimental efforts
over the years by IBM, TI, and others
to see if they could reach a consumer market,
they have recently refocused on the emerging "SO-HO" --
Small Office/Home Office-segment.
However, there really are two separate markets:
 
1. Professional computing consists of word processing,
   spreadsheet calculation, and database manipulation
   (including accounting applications).
   In other words, the mainframe computer
   is reduced to desktop proportions
   and performs digital processing functions on data input by the user.
   From a marketing perspective,
   it only matters whether the customer is located in a small business or
   in the home.  The required product is essentially the same in either case.
 
2. Consumer computing, on the other hand,
   is based on a "lifestyle cluster"
   consisting of home education, entertainment, and communications.
   Today's computers can take advantage of advances in mass storage
   and can be used to deliver content from pre-recorded media
   (such as an encyclopedia from a CD-ROM disc).
   The most cost-effective way to successfully market
   this type of product to the consumer
   appears to be through traditional retailing.
   In fact, recent projections indicate
   that over 50% of the computers sold five years from now
   will be through mass market channels.
 
MOM-02-93
Multimedia Is Hot
Sensation was no fluke for Radio Shack.
We invested over a year in time and effort
to introduce a full pioneering line of MPC-compatible computers.
We then followed it up with the dedicated MPC platform
that became Sensation/WinMate.
The success we enjoyed with Sensation
during the "Golden Quarter" at Radio Shack was not an isolated experience.
Even though other retailers did not have a trend-setting
product available like we did with the Sensation,
they were having unexpected success
with CD-ROM drives, upgrade kits,
sound boards, amplified speakers, and CD software.
The resulting "buzz" at the Consumer Electronics Show was about multimedia,
and everyone is now scrambling to get into the action.
Consumers have shown that they want enhanced sight
and sound and serious content delivery with their home computers.
Throughout the industry,
the average ticket for a CPU is, once again, going up rather than down.
The consumer has shown a real instinct for value
and a willingness to pay more for the latest advances
in what the computer can deliver.
 
Keys to the Future
At one of the workshops at CES, a product manager from Apple remarked
that "people are looking for a product, not a career"
when they purchase a home computer.
She went on to outline the results
of their extensive consumer research --
the public wants a computer that "works like it should"
(i.e., easy to purchase, easy to use,
reliable, long lasting, and easy to fix and maintain.)
The public is looking for affordability,
fears obsolescence and incompatibility
and the long start-up time associated with a new computer,
and expects good availability in software selection.
And, as her counterpart from Compaq commented at this same workshop,
"the consumer product is not a subset of the commercial product." 
In other words, Compaq regards it as tougher, not easier,
to design and market to the consumer than to businesses!
Radio Shack is favorably positioned
to capitalize on the emergence of a personal computer
that really appeals to and actually serves the needs of the "consumer" --
that person spending his or her own money on a computer
for personal use.
We have spent years developing the systems
and procedures to deliver the products
and buying experience that person is seeking.
We certainly have further improvements ahead in product design,
merchandising, and field operations
before Radio Shack can reach its full potential
in consumer computing,
but our time in the computer industry is coming.
1993 promises to be a very interesting year;
even a sensational year!
 
MOM-02-93
With the beginning of each New Year,
people dutifully make New Year's resolutions.
These come in various forms, but for the most part,
they usually have something to do with their jobs,
health, or family.  Look at what you would like to accomplish
this next year with Radio Shack.
Do you want to be running the best sales gains in the district?
Do you want to give your customers the best possible service
so they will come back and buy from you?
Is this the year you want to be promoted to another store
or even a district? Whatever it may be,
write it down and make this year a great one for you.
 
MOM-02-93
The Credit Line
RSVP
 
Questions and Answers About RSVP
 
Here are several questions often asked about RSVP in our meetings --
especially by new employees.
 
Q. Why do bank cards charge less interest than retailers?
 
A. There are major differences
   between bank cards and retail credit cards.
   Almost all bank card programs collect an annual fee that retailers don't.
   Bank cards also collect a fee from the merchant
   on all sales, which usually runs between 1 1/2-3% of the sales ticket total.
   (In the case of RSVP, we actually pay Radio Shack (the merchant) 1%
   of the total sales amount charged.)
   Lately, banks do not pay as much for the money they borrow.
   Banks borrow at the Fed Funds Rate (currently 3%);
   while retailers typically borrow at medium term note
   or commercial paper rates (currently over 8%).
   Therefore, a bank can charge more
   than five percentage points less than a retailer
   and still retain the same "spread."
   But, the biggest difference between banks and retailers is
   in their lending policies.
   Retailers take bigger risks than banks and, therefore, have higher losses.
   The overall cost per retail credit account is much higher
   than the cost per bank card account;
   therefore, retailers must charge a higher rate just to break even
   on their credit operations.
 
Q. Why do we take back merchandise that may be several months old?
 
A. The credit company may contact your store regarding a voluntary
   repossession when the customer is unable to continue making payments.
   We only do this when the alternative appears to be a total loss.
   We do not want someone retaining the use and benefit of a product
   if they can't (or won't) pay for it.
   You are not obligated to give full retail credit for the product.
   (A fair value that you can obtain
   and show a profit through resale is sufficient.)
   If you think the value is "zero," then say so.
 
Q. May customers have an application back if they are not approved?
 
A. NO! The Equal Credit Opportunity Act requires
   that we keep declined applications for at least 25 months.
   You may give the customer a copy, but the original must be retained
   in your store.  You should have a 25-month file for this purpose.
 
Q. Why do so many people with bank credit cards get turned down on RSVP?
 
A. Unfortunately, you don't see the credit bureau report we analyze
   on every applicant.
   Many times the customer is overextended, and may even be past due
   in payments to other creditors.
   If the customer appears to represent a high degree of risk
   which may lead to considerable collection expense in the future,
   we cannot approve the account.
   Just because someone presents a credit card for ID purposes
   doesn't mean they can actually use it.
   You'd be amazed at how many accounts are closed by the issuer,
   but the customers still have cards in their possession.
 
Q. What kind of point scoring system do we use?
 
A. In order to distinguish between potentially good paying customers
   and those who may not pay on time, or at all,
   we compare information from the original application and
   applicable credit bureau reports of specific performance groups.
   When we discover a characteristic that separates good from bad,
   we can measure that difference statistically and assign a point value.
   For example, if the customers who pay us well
   are all employed over five years,
   and the customers who became losses were employed less than two years,
   then positive points would be awarded to those applicants employed
   more than five years, while minus points would be given for those applicants
   employed less than two years.
   Radio Shack has different models for Computer City,
   Incredible Universe, and McDuff/VideoConcepts.
 
Q. Why do we get charged back for fraud losses?
 
A. Do you have losses on bad checks?
   Do you have losses due to shoplifting?
   Fraud losses are just like bad checks and theft.
   The store that received credit for the sale must also absorb the expense
   of the loss.
   It is simply a cost of doing business, especially when we take only minutes
   to process an application.
   Tandy Credit is paying a 1% premium on all RSVP sales.
   Plus, Tandy Credit absorbs the full cost of all 0% credit promotions.
   In 1992, Tandy Credit paid benefits of over $7.5 million
   to Radio Shack, while fraud chargebacks were less than $2 million.
   That's a $5.5 million plus to Radio Shack.
   You are the eyes and ears of the credit company.
   If you have any doubts about the applicant's ID or intentions,
   it is up to you to inform Tandy Credit that you have a "Code 10"
   application.  This signals the credit department to be extra cautious
   about considering the account for approval.
 
Q. How is ChargeGard different from TSP?
 
A. If a customer has ChargeGard Protection, their RSVP account
   is usually protected for 36 months from the date of each purchase,
   provided a monthly premium is being paid.
   There are four types of coverage that vary by state:
   Property, Life, Unemployment and Disability.
   Property claims are fulfilled by repair or replacement of the product.
   Account balances are paid in full up to the maximum allowed under
   Life claims.  Unemployment and Disability claim proceeds are used
   to make the monthly payment on the account
   until the eligibility period expires, or the balance is paid in full.
   ChargeGard does not provide cash settlements to the cardholder.
   Refer to the back of the RSVP Credit Application for an explanation
   of coverage availability by state.
   To file a claim, simply refer the customer
   to Cardholder Services at (800) 767-4556.
   A claim form with instructions for completion will be mailed
   to the primary cardholder immediately.
   TSP is an extended warranty on equipment.
   It covers repairs and replacement of parts.
 
Q. How do we process "Insurance Replacement Certificates?"
 
A. The replacement certificate
   is for repair or replacement of merchandise only
   and does not have a cash value.  In other words,
   it cannot be used as payment to the account.
   The certificate normally lists the item(s)
   that are approved for replacement,
   but does not give the value.  The customer may opt to replace
   with other merchandise, as long as it does not go over the amount approved
   by the insurance carrier.  The approved amount can be verified
   by calling Cardholder Services at (800) 767-4556.
   Once the items for replacement have been selected,
   call Voice Authorizations at (800) 767-7818 for authorization.
   You will be given an "insurance" account number
   and authorization code to charge the merchandise.
   You do not charge the merchandise to the cumstomer's account
   unless it is an upgrade and they are paying the difference in cost.
   Extended warranties (TSP) are not covered by insurance.
   Therefore, if the customer elects to add on or renew,
   it must be paid some other way.
   It cannot be charged to the insurance account.
   (This could create another selling opportunity!)
   The insurance account is monitored daily
   and any discrepancies are brought to the attention
   of management.  The store must correct any discrepancies.
   The certificate is to be completed and mailed
   by the store to Tandy Credit in Ft. Worth.
   The address is on the certificate.
   The certificate is good for one visit only --
   all monies authorized are good for one sale.
 
Q. What is an MSI account?
 
A. An MSI account is an RSVP account
   that is serviced/administered by a company
   called Military Services, Inc.,
   located in Elizabethtown, KY.  Payments on an MSI account
   are made by a monthly allotment (payroll deduction)
   through the Fort Knox National Bank.
   If your store has a substantial military market,
   MSI can help in approving many sales
   which may otherwise be lost.
   MSI is not a guaranteed method of payment
   or a guaranteed line of credit.
   It is a sales tool to provide an additional degree of "comfort"
   to Tandy for receiving payments in a timely fashion.
   It is not an excuse to ignore rational credit evaluation.
   It can help save a sale -- but, it cannot guarantee a sale.
   Contact your district manager for details.
   If you have other questions about RSVP, or credit in general,
   send speed mail to Tandy Credit, Attention: Rick Cree (#01-0038).
 
 
Post these phone numbers and addresses for future reference.
 
New Accounts              (800) 767-8062
Voice Authorizations      (800) 767-7818
Cardholder Services       (800) 767-4556
Cardholder Services Fax # (800) 767-1364 
 
Send written inquiries to:
 
Radio Shack
P.O. Box 8367
Gray, TN 37615
 
Send payments to:
 
Radio Shack
P.O. Box 182357
Columbus, OH 43218
 
MOM-02-93
Computer Support Services
"Answers at Your Fingertips"
COMPUTER SUPPORT SERVICES TELEPHONE SYSTEM IS CHANGING
 
Beginning February 1,
the existing prompts changed to new choices
on the 800-2TANDY4 support number.
These changes are intended to provide better support
on the products that generate the greatest number of support questions.
 
Hardware questions should be addressed to the Operating System in question.
 
Remember to use the Tandy FAXBack Service
(800) 323-6586 --
it's available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Check there before calling Computer Support Services --
many of your questions can be answered using FAXBack.
 
MOM-02-93
FAXBACK UPDATE
 
The Technical FAXBack Directory of Catalogs
has been updated -- it now includes the 3830 SL/C
and the Tandy Sensation!
The updated directory is attached to this month's M.O.M.
Be sure to post it for future reference.
This updated directory replaces the Technical FAXBack
Directory of Catalogs in the December/January 1992/3 issue
of the M.O.M.
 
MOM-02-93
TANDY ON-LINE SYSTEM SUPPORT
 
Recently TOSS received a support agreement
that resulted in a $315.50 commission
for the salesmaker.
This commission was larger than average,
but you too can make money by selling TOSS agreements.
 
TOSS Agreements are a great sales tool --
they provide the support your customer needs
and give you the incentive to sell them.
TOSS Agreement commissions are usually $28 to $58 per sale.
 
For more information on TOSS benefits,
see the attachment to this month's M.O.M.
 
MOM-02-93
SUBJECTS OF THE MONTH
 
Sensation! Formatting Solutions
Once you install the External 5 1/4" Floppy Drive (25-1087)
and put the assign d=e e=d command
directly under the PATH statement in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file,
you cannot format diskettes using the EXTFMT E:
or FORMAT E: commands.
After you have installed the external floppy drive
and have verified that it is working,
follow this procedure.
 
1. Go to the C:> prompt.
 
2. Type DIR and press <ENTER>.
   You will see a file called BACKFMT.
   This program is a background formatter
   for the external floppy drive.
 
3. Type BACKFMT E: and press <ENTER>.  Through a series of prompts,
   you will be required to configure the background formatter.
   We recommend that you use the default settings.
   This series of prompts will only appear
   the first time BACKFMT E: is run.
 
4. Once you have configured the background formatter,
   type BACKFMT E: and press <ENTER>.
   The screen will give you the message:
   Press CTRL+ALT+F to activate the formatter.
   Follow the prompts.
 
5. Once the formatter is activated,
   a box will appear at the top of the screen.  Press <ENTER>.
   Another box will appear in the middle of the screen.
   It will tell you to Insert new diskette in drive a:
   and press ESC to abort or ENTER to start formatting.
   Press <ENTER>
 
Since the program runs in the background,
you can run other programs while the diskette is being formatted.
A format complete message will appear
in the middle of your screen when the process is complete.
 
If you need to access BACKFMT E: again, type: BACKFMT E: /C
at the C:> prompt to reconfigure the background formatter.
 
MOM-02-93
Tandy Sensation! and Links 386
 
There seems to be some confusion about which video driver to use
with this software package on Sensation.
Follow the instructions that begin on page 8
of the Links Player's manual to install Links 386.
Once you have run VESALIB
(found on page 10 of your installation guide), do this:
 
1. Type SETVESA and press <ENTER>.
 
2. At the prompt, select Install VESA Driver.
 
3. At the next prompt, select Trial and Error method.
 
4. The next screen will display a list of VESA drivers.
   Arrow down to WESTERN 1D.
   When it is highlighted, press <ENTER>.
 
When the installation is complete,
the installation procedure
will have inserted the following line
in the autoexec.bat file.
c:\links386\vesa\western\vesa;d/exe
 
When Sensation reboots, close Windows,
go to the c:\links386 directory and play the game.
 
Do not run this game through Windows.
 
MOM-02-93
Tandy Factory-Direct
New Computer and Monitor Added to Factory-Direct
New Tandy 2500 SX/33 Now Available Through Tandy Factory-Direct
 
Through a special arrangement with the factory,
you can now offer your prospects a "custom configured" version
of the new Tandy 2500 SX/33 (259-1622).
 
This new addition to the Tandy Factory-Direct program
is a great way to close those prospects who say,
"I really like it, but I wish it had a bigger hard drive..."
 
This system has a standard configuration of 2 MB RAM,
MS-DOS, and a standard keyboard.
If a hard drive is ordered with the system,
Windows is pre-installed at the factory.
And yes, the Tandy Factory-Direct version of the 2500 SX/33
does come with a custom nameplate!
 
When configuring a system,
be sure to remember the hardware limitations of the 2500 SX/33.
 
- Maximum RAM expansion to 10 MB
- 3 open 16-bit slots
- 1 open 5 1/4" external bay
- 1 open 3 1/2" internal hard drive bay
 
Here is a list of the SKU numbers
for the items that are specific to the 2500 SX/33.
 
- 259-5137  RAM upgrade from 2 MB to a total of 4 MB
- 259-5136  RAM upgrade from 2 MB to a total of 10 MB
- 259-1082  Video RAM upgrade from 256K to a total of 512K
 
With the exceptions listed above,
any of the other Tandy Factory-Direct options
may be added to the 2500 SX/33.
(See Page 9 in this issue of the M.O.M.
for additional information on the 2500 SX/33.)
 
An order form specifically for the Tandy 2500 SX/33
is attached to this issue of the M.O.M.  Be sure to make copies of it
and keep these copies with your other Tandy Factory-Direct materials.
 
MOM-02-93
About Factory-Direct Units
 
If your store does not have a 259-5151 demo-unit,
be sure to see the article on Page 12 about the 425 SX (25-1630)
special purchase computer.  This unit is built on the OMNI Profile chassis
and is an ideal "demonstrator" for Tandy Factory-Direct prospects.
 
MOM-02-93
New VGM-450 SVGA Monitor
 
The VGM-450 SVGA Monitor (25-4049) replaces the VGM-441 (259-4048)
and is now available through Tandy Factory-Direct and through your store.
 
This new VGM-450 operates in a non-interlaced mode in all resolutions.
This new monitor has all the quality features
of the VGM-441 it replaces -- .28mm dot pitch,
VLMF/MPRII certification, and a handy tilt/swivel pedestal base.
 
The new VGM-450 also operates in a non-interlaced mode
at 1024 x 768 resolution.  What this means is
that the electron guns "paint" each  line of the display in order,
rather than painting every other line
and then "filling in the blanks."
The benefit of a non-interlaced mode operation to your customer
is a noticeable reduction in screen flicker
and a corresponding reduction in eye fatigue.
 
Be sure to present this exciting new monitor option to your computer prospects.
 
MOM-02-93
OMNI Profile 486 Series Memory Upgrade Paths
 
Memory configurations for the Tandy Factory-Direct OMNI Profile 486 Series
are designed to provide upgrades with the least possible "throw away" memory.
 
We are using a new 36-bit SIMM (Single Inline Memory Module) module
in the OMNI Profile's memory sub-system.
This sub-system has a single 36-bit SIMM socket
for production configurations, and eight 9-bit SIMM sockets
for memory expansion, for a total of three (3) banks.
Each bank supports 80 ns fast-page mode SIMM memory.
 
The moral? Make your customer aware of the correct memory upgrade path
so "throw away" memory doesn't become a sore spot
when your customer is ready to upgrade memory.
 
The Memory Expansion attachment to this M.O.M.
will help you easily determine memory expansion possiblities.
Keep it handy for future reference.
 
Correction to the Owner's Manual
The OMNI Profile Owner's Manual states that 70 ns memory
is required -- this is not true! The correct speed is 80 ns or faster.
Although faster memory can be installed,
there won't be any improvement in performance.
It's like putting high-test gas in a car that requires regular --
you can put high-test in your car, but the car won't run any better!
 
MOM-02-93
How to Handle Tandy Factory-Direct TSP's
 
Here is the proper procedure for handling a Factory-Direct sale
which ensures that the customer will get all the TSP
protection they deserve.
 
The Normal Procedure
The price of the TSP for the system
is determined by the length of coverage for the CPU
(all 259 series CPUs are either $99 for 2 years,
or $199 for 3 years of coverage).
 
Once you have selected the proper coverage for the CPU,
you must list all peripherals included in the sale.
You can see that the TSP price
for each of the peripherals is $0.00.
The obvious reason for this
is that the customer doesn't pay anything
to cover any of these items beyond the CPU TSP price.
 
Do not fail to enter the TSP sale
for any of these $0.00 peripherals;
we need the information from the POS
to give the customer the proper protection.
 
Selling A Demo Unit
The sale of a Tandy Factory-Direct demo unit (259-5151)
is handled differently since there are usually other items (25-series items)
included in the sale.
 
The monitor is typically not sent to you with the demo CPU,
which means you must sell your customer a 25-series monitor,
as well as other store stock items, on a separate sales ticket.
 
To transmit the TSP information:
 
1. Use the sales ticket for the demo CPU to sell the TSP
   and to list all relevant peripherals.
   All items listed for TSP coverage should be shown on the same ticket
   as the demo CPU.
 
2. Use the corresponding 259-prefix stock number in the TSP options screen
   for any store stock item you are selling with this system.
 
Handling the sale this way gives your customer proper coverage
at the right price.
 
MOM-02-93
Enhanced Sensation Configurations Now Available Through TFD
 
Due to popular demand, the highly acclaimed Sensation chassis
has been placed in the TFD program.
Please note that the TFD Sensation cannot 
be ordered in a "floppy-only" configuration.
Memory is expandable to 8, 12, or 16 MB
in increments of 4 MB, and no custom nameplate
is available for the custom-configured Sensation.
 
See the new Sensation order form attached to
this month's M.O.M.
 
MOM-02-93
Tandy 3830 SL/C Color Laptop Computer -- Corrections
 
Attached to this month's M.O.M.
is a corrected reprint of the features sheet
for the color version of the Tandy 3830.
The Tandy 3830 SL/C is only available
from Tandy Factory-Direct.
 
The 3830 SL/C features sheet
from the December/January 1992 M.O.M. contained two errors.
The original sheet stated that the Tandy 3830 SL/C
came with 16K of cache.
Although the monochrome version of the 3830 SL (25-3573)
does ship with 16K of cache,
the color 3830 SL/C is equipped with a full 64K of cache memory.
 
The original sheet also stated
that the 3830 SL/C supported an external monitor
in the 800 x 600 video mode.
Although the monochrome version of the 3830 SL (25-3573)
does support this mode, the color 3830 SL/C does not.
It supports 640 x 480 VGA graphics externally.
 
The Tandy 3830 SL/C has been moved from the OMNI Profile
TFD order form to the Sensation TFD order form.
 
Choose the Right Form! 
There are now 3 Tandy Factory-Direct order forms:
 
- i486  -- the OMNI Profile Series
- i386  -- the 2500 SX/33
- Sensation!/Notebook  -- the Sensation and Tandy 3830 SL/C Laptop
 
MOM-02-93
Additional System Integration Available
 
Tandy Factory-Direct is now doing product integration
for other Tandy CPUs, notably the Tandy 4833 LX/T and the Tandy 4866 LX/T.
 
Please note the following System Integration restrictions.
 
- Components that are to be integrated at the factory
  must be sourced by the factory.
  The factory cannot integrate customer or store-supplied components.
  (This must be done at the field level.)
 
  Similarly, customer or store-supplied CPUs may not be sent to the factory
  for additional component integration.
 
- The "ship in 48 hours" clock starts ticking for integrated orders,
only when all required components are received at the factory.
 
This service is being coordinated at the factory by
Linda Davis (817) 232-7315.
Contact her if you have specific integration needs.
 
MOM-02-93
Sylvan Success
Sylvan Technology Center
Part of the Sylvan Learning Center Network
 
Master Your Computer...FAST!
Training On Today's Most Popular Software
 
Getting Started with PC and DOS 3.x/4.x
Getting Started with PC and DOS 5.0
Getting Started with Tandy DeskMate 3
Getting Started with Windows 3.0
Getting Started with Windows 3.1
Getting Started with Works for Windows
Getting Started with WordPerfect 5.1
Getting Started with Lotus 1-2-3, 2.3
Getting Started with Lotus 1-2-3, 3.1
Getting Started with dBase IV, 1.1
Getting Started with Paradox 3.5
Getting Started with Word for Windows 1.1
Getting Started with Word for Windows 2.0
Getting Started with Excel 3.0
New! Getting Started with Microsoft PowerPoint v2.0
New! Getting Started with Microsoft Mail and Schedule+
 
All Getting Started courses only $99
 
Sylvan Technology Centers are located in selected markets nationwide.
 
Increase Your Earnings!
 
Selling Sylvan training will not only increase your computer sales,
it will also increase your earnings! Salesmakers can earn almost $16.00
(commission plus 10% SPIFF) when selling Sylvan training.
Store managers benefit when salesmakers sell Sylvan training,
since approximately 24% goes straight to the store's bottom line.
 
New Sylvan Technology Center merchandising materials
were shipped to all Sylvan-authorized stores
in the December P.O.P Kit #498.
Make sure these materials are displayed in your computer department
and everyone is prepared to take advantage of increased earnings
from the sales of personal computer training.
 
MOM-02-93
Sales Tips
 
Computer software training is offered in a variety of methods.
Each method, from instructor-led to pre-loaded tutorials,
offers unique characteristics;
however, many methods may not offer the training benefits
your customers want or need.
 
Instructor-led tutorials may be a popular choice initially;
however, this option is usually costly,
inconsistent and may hamper an individual's learning
because of differing skill levels of class participants.
 
Self-teaching, or tutorial, packages are readily available.
But, these self-teaching tools tend to provide an unsophisticated
and limited overview of the software application.
 
On the other hand, Sylvan Technology Centers
offer your customers a guaranteed approach to learning.
Sylvan's proven computer-assisted training
allows customers to progress through the application
at their own pace while guaranteeing their success.
Sylvan's one-day courses are conveniently scheduled
weekdays and Saturdays, beginning at 9 a.m. and finishing about 4 p.m.
 
Sylvan training offers these features to your customers:
 
- 100% satisfaction guaranteed
- 85% proficiency guaranteed
- Affordable
- Small class size
- Friendly environment
- Helpful, trained assistants
- Consistency
- 125 locations nationwide
- Weekday and Saturday training
- 45 days of free after-training support
- Take-home reference/companion guide
 
All courses available through Radio Shack are just $99.00
and each salesmaker earns a 10% SPIFF in addition to regular commissions.
 
Let Us Know
 
Please let us know about your training success stories,
as well as sales tips you may have
that can assist other Radio Shack salesmakers
when selling Sylvan training.
 
FAX your questions, comments and suggestions to:
 
(410) 880-8717
Attn: STC Training Marketing
 
MOM-02-93
Product News
 
NEW! TANDY 2500 SX/33 HARD DRIVE COMPUTER WITH INTEL INSIDE
 
Tandy introduced the newest addition
to the 2500 series of computers in flyer 501.
It is the Tandy 2500 SX/33 Hard Drive (25-1623) --
built on the success of the Tandy 2500 series computers.
 
The Tandy 2500 SX/33 HD retails for only $899.95
and has these features.
 
- Intel 80386SX CPU running at 33 MHz (.7 wait state)
- 2 MB 60ns RAM (expandable to 10 MB using 4 MB SIMMs)
- MS-DOS Version 5.0
- Microsoft Windows 3.1
- Microsoft Works for Windows 2.0a
- IDE SmartDrive connector (for up to 2 SmartDrives)
- 107 MB SmartDrive (pre-configured with all software installed)
- Two-button mouse
- 3 1/2" 1.44 MB high-density diskette drive
- 256K video RAM (upgradable to 512K Super VGA with the 25-1082 memory kit)
- Bi-directional DAC
- Enhanced 3-voice sound with a full range speaker and volume
  control (capable of playing Windows .WAV files)
- Serial port
- Parallel port
- Mouse port (PS/2-style connector)
- Stereo headphone jack
- 101-key keyboard
- Real-time clock with battery backup
- 5 1/4" open device slot (for a 1.2 MB diskette drive, tape backup
  device, CD-ROM drive, second hard drive, etc.)
- 3 full-length PC/AT ISA expansion slots
- FCC Class B certification
 
Your customer just powers on and runs!
 
Software
The entry-level Tandy 2500 SX/33
comes with the most popular desktop organizer software today --
Microsoft Windows.  Like DeskMate,
the Windows interface guides you through tasks quickly and simply,
with its proven format of pull-down menus and pop-up windows.
Microsoft Windows includes programs for word processing, drawing,
telecommunications, a calendar/date book,
calculator, and much more.
 
The Windows desktop display lists Windows applications
as well as other programs you may own,
and you can access them all with a point and click
from the included two-button mouse.
Windows also translates MS-DOS commands into plain English.
Also, for the first time, Windows .WAV files
can be played through the Tandy enhanced sound circuitry.
 
Microsoft Works for Windows is also included.
This is an integrated package with an extensive word processor,
a spreadsheet with charting, a database, and a graphics program.
There are also over 100 Works applications included
to help with checkbook balancing,
keeping address books, and other useful applications.
 
Options for the 2500 SX/33
Description                     Cat. No.    Price
Two 1 MB 60ns SIMMs Kit *       25-5137    149.95
Two 4 MB 60ns SIMMs Kit *       25-5136    499.95
Video Memory Upgrade to 512K    25-1082     39.95
5 1/4" 1.2 MB Disk Drive        25-4050    119.95
Internal Tape Backup            25-4079    299.95
CDR-1100 CD-ROM Drive           25-1092    399.95
CDR-3100 CD-ROM Drive           25-1098    499.95
Internal Fax/Modem Card         25-3027    109.95
Pack 10 3 1/2" Diskettes (HD)   26-0431     16.99
6' Printer Cable                26-227/228  11.95
12' Printer Cable               26-223/1258 17.95
VGM-100 Monochrome Monitor      25-4040    199.95
VGM-225 Color Monitor           25-4045    299.95
VGM-340 Super VGA Color Monitor 25-4047    399.95
VGM-450 NI SVGA Color Monitor   25-4049    599.00
 
* The 2500 SX/33 can be upgraded from the standard 2 MB to 4 MB,
  or to 10 MB total system memory.
 
How Does It Differ From Other 2500-Series CPUs? 
The 2500 SX/33 Hard Drive has made the 2500-series computers
even more successful with these standard features.
 
- Faster processor -- 33 Mhz
- Windows
- Microsoft Works
- PS/2-Style mouse
- Larger Hard drive -- 107 MB
- More RAM -- 2 MB standard
- More maximum memory -- up to 10 MB
- Available through Tandy Factory-Direct for special configurations
 
This Is The Right Package To Sell Now!
With the 2500 SX/33 HD, you offer the advantages
of the fastest 80386SX processor available
(over 100% faster than a 16 MHz 80386SX),
2 MB memory for efficient operation under Windows,
and a hard drive with enough storage
for today's larger and more extensive programs.
Add this to traditional Tandy "Built in the U.S.A." quality
and you have the right system, at the right price (only $899.95),
to sell this computer over the multitude
of clone computers in the market today.
 
Sell this computer as an entry level system,
and you'll find success spelled with a 33 MHz SX!
 
MOM-02-93
NEW! TANDY CDR-3100 EXTERNAL CD-ROM DRIVE
 
We have an external CD-ROM drive to announce, and it's a super drive!
The CDR-3100 (25-1098) is simply an external version
of the CDR-1100 CD-ROM drive (25-1092) --
the same one that's in the Sensation.
The retail price for the 25-1098 is $499.95.
 
The CDR-3100 differs some from the CDR-1100.  First, it's external.
It is housed in its own cabinet with a power supply and fan.
It also has an up-front volume control and headphone jacks.
The volume control doubles as a push-on audio play program control.
Put in an audio disc, push the volume control in,
and the music will start playing
through the headphones or the line-out jacks
on the back of the drive.
To change tracks, just press the volume control in again.
No other drives at this price
offer this feature for pure music enjoyment with a CD-ROM drive.
 
And, just like the CDR-1000 and the CDR-1100, there is no caddy,
so your customers can use the drive just like they would
their audio CD system.
 
The CDR-3100 is fully MPC compliant.
It has an average access time of 375ms,
a continuous transfer rate of 150K per second, a 32k buffer,
and comes with an interface card, cable, and MSCDEX Version 2.21.
Setup is easy with the included setup program
and an easy to follow user's guide.
 
The CDR-3100 is scheduled to be in the warehouse
by the end of February.  So you can order it now
(it is code 18, special order).
 
For those customers who have no room left for internal 5 1/4" devices,
the CDR-3100 is a perfect fit.
And with all those 2500 series computers with 1.2 MB floppies,
this is a great way to add CD-ROM technology.
 
MOM-02-93
NEW! TANDY SENSATION 4 MB MEMORY UPGRADE NOW AVAILABLE
 
The new 4 MB SIMM Kit (25-5138, $219.95)
is available for the Tandy Sensation
as a special order item.
This kit consists of one 1 X 32 70ns SIMM,
and contains 4 MB of memory,
expanding the Sensation to 8 MB total RAM.
 
Up to three of these kits can be added to the Sensation,
for a total of 16 MB of RAM.
 
(Larger SIMMs, such as 2 X 32 (8 MB),
4 X 32 (16 MB), and 8 X 32 (32 MB),
are available through Third Party Products for Sensation,
for a maximum expansion of 32 MB.)
 
MOM-02-93
TANDY DAC .WAV FILE DRIVERS NOW AVAILABLE
 
A new driver for the Tandy enhanced sound circuity
has been released and is now available from Customer Service.
This new driver allows you to play .WAV files
from Windows 3.1 programs through the built-in speaker.
 
This is a great addition for your customers who are using Windows 3.1
on a 386 computer with Tandy enhanced sound,
such as the 2500 SX, 2500 SX/20,
2500 SX/25, 1000 RSX and 2500 RSX.
(This is the same driver we are using with the Tandy 2500 SX/33 (25-1623).
 
Listen to the great sound on one of your 386 store units
to hear what it will sound like on these other computers.
 
MOM-02-93
NEW! TANDY 425 SX SPECIAL PURCHASE COMPUTER
 
In Flyer 501, the popular Tandy Factory-Direct computer,
the Tandy OMNI Profile Intel 80486SX, running at 25 MHz
was introduced as a special configuration
now available to all stores as 25-1630.
 
This special purchase edition features 2 MB of memory,
a 130 MB hard drive, accelerated Super VGA video,
MS-DOS 5.0, Microsoft Windows 3.1,
America Online software, and a two-button mouse.
The 25-1630 comes standard with an overdrive processor socket
for upgradability all the way to a 66 MHz system.
 
The 425 SX features a low-profile design,
with two 5 1/4" device bays open
for the addition of tape backups
and CD-ROM drives or floppy drives.
Inside, you'll find 3 full-length 16-bit
and two 16-bit half-length ISA expansion slots
for modems, sound cards, and other internal devices.
This computer features 512K video memory,
with expandability to 1 MB.  The 90C31 video chip set
provides up to 70% faster Windows operation
than standard VGA designs.
 
The 425 SX also has a 145 watt switchable (110/220 volt) power supply,
a parallel port, two DB-9 serial ports,
PS/2-style mouse and keyboard ports, and a 101-key enhanced keyboard.
 
The 25-1630 Tandy 425 SX computer alone retails for $1,199.
With a VGM-225 monitor, it is on special in Flyer 502 for $1,399.
And although the same system is available through Tandy Factory-Direct,
it will cost your customer a minimum of $75 more for the TFD machine,
due to shipping costs.
 
Of course, if your customer wants a larger hard drive,
more memory or other options,
you can still sell through the Factory-Direct program.
But for quick delivery and overall price,
the 25-1630 Special Edition is a solid value
for your home and business customers.
 
MOM-02-93
SENSATION SALES SUPPORT
 
After the demo model of the Sensation
has been in your store awhile and/or before selling this unit,
you should restore the hard drive to the original factory disk image.
To do this, you must have the Sensation Data CD.
Follow these instructions.
 
1. Exit WinMate/Windows and return to the DOS prompt.
 
2. Place the Sensation Data CD in the CD-ROM Drive and press <ENTER>.
 
3. Type Install and press <ENTER>.
 
4. At the prompt, choose option 1 and press <ENTER>.
 
If Sensation cannot be booted from the hard drive,
use the included 3 1/2" diskette to boot the machine.
Follow the instructions on the screen to install DOS,
utilities, and CD-ROM drivers, or go to Step 2 and select the option desired.
 
Accessing the Graphics Manager
The most common problem in accessing the Graphics Manager
is failing to insert the Sensation Data CD
in the drive prior to clicking on the program icon.
File error messages will appear on the screen
in all  graphic preview positions when this happens.
 
To correct the problem,
return to the previous menu, remove the program CD,
and insert the Sensation Data CD into the CD-ROM Drive.
 
Don't Have the Screen Blank Out While Running a Demo!
Do not turn on the screen saver while running a demo of Sensation
or the screen saver will blank the screen
while the demo is running.  This obviously doesn't draw customer attention
like a good demo should!
 
MOM-02-93
TANDY SENSATION -- HARD DRIVE HELP AND OTHER REQUESTS
 
Q: I need more room on the hard drive!
 
A: We have had a lot inquiries about
   what can be deleted from the Sensation hard drive
   to free up more than the standard 31 MB left open.
   After careful consideration, these are our recommendations
   for what you can safely delete.
 
   There is an easy way to delete items from the hard drive.
   Under the  Inside  window, find System Tools.
   You will find an icon labeled Sensation Install.
   This program will install or remove
   certain programs from the hard drive.
   Deleting everything on the list
   except MS Money, MS Bookshelf and America Online.
   frees up around 9 MB of hard drive space.
 
   There are other items that take up a lot of space
   that are not listed in this area.
   If your customer does not want to use the In Print category
   (Nametags, Notices, Banners, Cards),
   you can free up over 6 MB of hard drive space.
   Using the File Manager program under the System Tools icon,
   locate the WinMate Pictures directory
   and delete the sub-directories
   Nametags, Notices, Banners, and Cards.
 
   By killing off these programs,
   you can free up a total of 46 MB -- an improvement of 15 MB.
 
   If you delete something but want it back later,
   just return to the Sensation Install program and click on
   the Install button.  If you decide to reinstall the In Print programs,
   you will have to reinstall all of the WinMate programs.
   To do this, put your Sensation Data CD into the CD-ROM drive,
   change to Drive D, and type Install.
   Select the option to reinstall WinMate.  That's it!
 
Q: How do I get rid of that sound when WinMate starts?
 
A: This is a standard feature of Windows 3.1,
    and can easily be changed or turned off.
    From WinMate, select Inside,
    then System Tools.  Click on the Control Panel icon,
    then select the Sounds icon.
    There will be two list boxes on the screen.
    The first describes the event when the sound will be played,
    the second describes the sound that will be played.
    Click on the down arrow of the first box
    to find Windows Start.  The Files box will have bblblw1 highlighted.
    You can pick a different sound or simply select <none>
    for no sound at startup (click on Test to hear what you picked).
    Then click on OK and exit Control Panel
    to return to System Tools.  The next time you go into Windows,
    you'll hear what you changed.
 
Q: Can I delete the Sensation logo that appears at the beginning?
 
A: Yes, it can be removed.  However, this logo is used as a "bridge"
   that appears on the screen while Sensation is loading memory
   with the WinMate software.  Even without the logo,
   the blue background and the delay between the Windows 3.1 logo
   and the WinMate main menu will still be there.
 
   To remove the logo, from WinMate, select Inside, then System Tools.
   Click on the Control Panel icon, then select the Desktop logo.
   In the center of the screen is an area that controls the Wallpaper.
   (The Sensation logo is a wallpaper.)
   To remove it, click on the SESNLOGO file name
   that appears in the Wallpaper section,
   then press the up arrow on the keyboard.
   Select the top choice -- <none>.  Once you choose <none>,
   there will only be a blue screen with no logo.
   Click on OK and exit Control Panel to return to System Tools.
 
Q: My Demo program blanks out after 10 minutes.
 
A: You've turned on the screen saver option
   under Desktop in  Control Panel.  For the Demo to work as it should,
   the screen saver must not be on.
 
Q: Why won't multimedia titles work on the Sensation?
 
A: This is a fairly common question.  It highlights the struggle
   of the software and hardware industry
   to define what multimedia is and what it is not.
 
   The first multimedia system we sold was a Tandy 2500 XL
   with the Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia program.
   It was called multimedia because it had sound
   (through the Tandy DAC), a CD-ROM drive,
   and pictures that went with the text.
 
   Soon, other multimedia software came on the market
   that required specific CD-ROM drives
   and specific sound cards in order to operate.
   This resulted in a great deal of confusion.
   Not all titles would work on a Tandy 2500 XL
   or a PS/1 with the IBM audio card,
   or other computers that were called multimedia.
 
   Tandy, Microsoft, and other select companies
   got together to solve this problem
   by establishing a standard for multimedia,
   now known as MPC, for Multimedia Personal Computer.
   The following standards must be met in order to be MPC compliant.
 
- Any audio board with a basic set of features
- Any CD-ROM drive with under 1-second access time and 150K
  continuous transfer rate
- Any computer brand with a minimum 80386SX running at 16 MHz
  or faster
- 30 MB or larger hard drive
- 2 MB RAM
- VGA
 
  To resolve the differences in audio hardware,
  it was decided by the MPC council
  that MPC computers would route their sound requests
  through a sound mixer in Windows, and that each audio board company
  would write drivers for Windows.  This way,
  software written on any machine with any audio board
  would work on another unit.
 
  Today, there is still a lot of software
  that was not written under the MPC standard, and as a result,
  that software may or may not run on an MPC computer.
  If the software makes direct proprietary hardware calls,
  it most likely will not run on most types of audio boards.
  This software will disappear over time,
  but for now it is here
  and being sold at very low prices to get rid of it.
 
  As audio standards change to more sophisticated levels,
  new hardware requirements will be necessary.
  Because MPC software is not  hardware dependent
  (multimedia software is), it will continue to function,
  no matter what MPC compliant hardware is present.
 
  Demanding software and hardware
  that meet the MPC standard is just as important
  as demanding that the computer they buy be PC-Compatible.
  So, make sure your customers understand
  what a multimedia computer is and what an MPC computer is
  and why they should look for this MPC logo
  on the hardware and software they buy.
 
MOM-02-93
ENHANCED KEYBOARD HAS PS/2-STYLE PLUG
 
The current version of the Enhanced Keyboard is 25-4032A.
The "A" designates that the plug on the keyboard cable
is a PS/2-style (6-pin mini-DIN) connector.
This is the same connector used on all of our current CPUs.
The 26-142 keyboard adapter previously needed
to use the old-style keyboard with PS/2 connectors
is no longer necessary.
 
If your customer wants to use the new 25-4032A keyboard
with an older computer (such as the TL, TL/2, and TL/3 series)
which has a standard 5-pin DIN socket,
they must get a 6-pin mini-DIN female to 5-pin DIN male adapter.
 
We do not have that adapter in our line at this time.
However, the Black Box Company sells such a part.
Their stock number is RF-FA212 and the part sells for about $6.00.
Refer your customer directly to Black Box at (412) 746-5500
to purchase this adapter.  Do not  order this adapter for your store.
 
MOM-02-93
NATIONAL QUALITY CONTROL ALERT FOR 4800 AND 4860 NOTEBOOKS
 
A small quantity of Tandy 4800 (25-3539)
and Tandy 4860 notebook (25-3540) computers
have been sent to repair for burned main logic boards.
After investigation, NQC reports that some customers have apparently
plugged their AC adapters into the machine upside down.
Doing that provides a direct ground from the battery
to the main logic board, which results in ruined components
and possibly a destroyed main logic board.
 
The AC adapter is polarized (keyed to plug in only one way),
and it requires repeated attempts
or excessive force to plug the adapter into the notebook upside down.
This is not considered a product defect!
 
Please instruct Tandy 4800 and Tandy 4860 customers
to carefully connect the AC adapter
according to this illustration
and as instructed in the User's Guide.
 
To ensure that the female pin 1 mates with the male pin 1,
be sure the flat side of the male connector is up.
 
Future production of these two notebooks
will have the AC adapter labeled in some fashion
to indicate which side is "up."
 
MOM-02-93
AT-IDE HARD DRIVE ADAPTER AND 52 MB IDE SMARTDRIVE
 
We have identified a compatibility problem
with some 52 MB IDE SmartDrives (25-4124) currently in the field.
They are incompatible with the AT-IDE Hard Drive Adapter (25-1095).
This is due to a manufacturing change in the 52 MB SmartDrive
and does not affect any other SmartDrives in our line.
 
Do not  sell the AT-IDE Hard Drive Adapter (25-1095)
for use with the 52 MB SmartDrive (25-4124).
 
MOM-02-93
PACKAGE MISPRINT ON 25-5137A SIMM KITS
 
The current packaging of the 2 MB 60 ns SIMM kit (25-5137A)
contains an error.
The back of the card reads,
"The 2 MB Memory Kit contains two 1 MB three-chip SIMMs."
Although the package does contain two 1 MB SIMMs,
they are not three-chip SIMMs.  Future shipments of this product
will omit the "three-chip" phrase from the product description.
 
MOM-02-93
TAXCUT, PRODIGY, & SENSATION! -- TAX TIME MADE EASY
 
Think of this -- how many people enjoy paying taxes?
Is anyone interested in a better way to manage their money?
Is there an easier way to prepare for April 15?
How often do people have questions about their taxes and their returns?
How many people would like to pay the IRS less -- legally?
 
Everyone is interested in finding better ways
to handle their finances. TaxCut, Prodigy and Sensation
make it easy to answer these questions positively.
 
TaxCut (25-1431) is the award-winning tax solution
from MECA Software and Andrew Tobias,
the Managing Your Money people.
TaxCut uses a unique interview system
to organize your tax information,
with advice available from Harvard tax lawyer,
Dan Caine, and his team of tax experts.
The result is a program that is easy to use
and powerful, with guaranteed calculations.
 
When do you normally need answers to questions on your return?
Usually when the IRS help line is busy or closed for the day.
With Prodigy's online help, 24-hours a day,
you won't have to wait to get your questions answered.
 
Prepare for April 15 with TaxCut and Prodigy!
 
Sensation Makes "Cents"
Make Sensation make "cents" for you and your customer.
We all know tax time is stressful --
laws change, questions arise, paranoia sets in.
But with Sensation, tax time doesn't have to be so terrible.
Sensation comes with Prodigy and Microsoft Money,
so your Sensation customers can get help on their taxes
and on their tax questions now! And, all of the financial information
that Microsoft Money tracks
can be used by TaxCut (and other tax preparation software).
 
Use Prodigy, Microsoft Money and the TaxCut promotion
to keep your sales focused on Sensation.
With that much helpful information available,
at their fingertips, it only makes sense to sell Sensation!
 
MOM-02-93
TAXCUT TELEPHONE NUMBER
 
The telephone number listed in the TaxCut package (25-1431)
for ordering the diskettes for this tax year, is wrong.
 
An 800 number that you or your customer can call
immediately, is available.  It is (800) 288-6322.
Before calling, be prepared to provide the information
found in the "Where are my TaxCut Disks?" brochure
(certificate number, item number, and source code).
 
Or, complete the TaxCut Disk Certificate and FAX it to (800) 944-6322.
 
Post these numbers in your store for future reference.
Now that it is tax time, you're sure to get calls about this!
 
MOM-02-93
OLD SOFTWARE AND NEW COMPUTERS
 
The OMNI Profile computers operate at state-of-the-art speeds.
While this means maximum productivity for most users,
be aware that some older software, especially game software,
was not written with such high speeds in mind.
Therefore, some programs that were written for the old XT and AT speeds
will not function properly when run on fast computers
such as our 50 and 66 MHz models.
 
Be sure to advise potential customers
that they might need to update their old game software
to current versions if they want to run it
on a fast OMNI Profile system.
 
MOM-02-93
SOFTWARE ALERT -- PIRATES AND DAYS OF THUNDER
 
Put Pirates In First
We've heard complaints that Pirates,
found in the Sid Meier Bundle (25-1925),
will not work. Pirates must be placed in the drive
prior to turning on the CPU.  This game is launched from the floppy drive.
 
Days Of Thunder Fix
If you have tried to run Days of Thunder,
which comes as part of the Family Game Pack (25-1930),
and received the error message "Packed file corrupt,"
you will need to run the LOADFIX command.
This will load the program above the first 64K of memory
and fix the problem.  Follow these instructions to run LOADFIX.
 
1. Go to the Days of Thunder directory.
 
2. Type: c:\dos\loadfix dot and press <Enter>.
 
MOM-02-93
THE MIRACLE KEYBOARD REPAIR
 
If it needs repair,
the Miracle Keyboard (25-1821) is to be serviced by the vendor.
This service is for hardware only.
 
If you receive a defective unit
or if a customer brings a defective unit in for repair,
regardless of whether it is in or out of warranty,
call Miracle Repair at (800) 866-5967, extension 502,
for an RMA number, or FAX (415) 883-0293 (it's quicker).
 
You must have an RMA number before shipping the unit.
Once you have received an RMA number, ship the unit to:
 
Software Toolworks
c/o Antex Data Systems
524 Brennan Street
San Jose, CA  95131
 
Software disk replacement is handled through TSA.
 
MOM-02-93
EMPLOYEE SPECIAL OFFER FROM TAXCUT
 
Now all Radio Shack employees can take advantage
of all the benefits of Prodigy and TaxCut.
Use the Employee Order Form attached to this issue of the M.O.M.
and get TaxCut (for DOS or Windows)
and Prodigy for just $9.95 plus shipping.
FAX or mail in your order today.
 
MOM-12-92
The Front Line
 
Christmas: Before And After
 
Positioning The 4825 SX
 
With the arrival of field demo units at larger stores
for the Tandy Factory- Direct program,
and with the excitement of being able to custom configure units
to the customer's precise requirements,
it would be easy to overlook the remaining Tandy  4825 SX demo unit(s).
At a $1,388 closeout price,
this machine is still a very solid value,
even when compared to a similarly configured Factory-Direct unit.
This comparison is even more favorable
with the addition of the bonus FAX/Modem to the 4825 SX (and 4850 EP) system.
 
4825 SX System
 
Cat. No.    Description       Price
25-5142     4825 SX        1,388.00
25-4045     VGM-225          249.95
25-3027     FAX/Modem         Bonus
System                    $1,637.95
 
Comparable Tandy Factory-Direct System
 
Cat. No.    Description      Price
259-5146    425 SX          841.00
259-4127    120 MB HD       314.00
259-7210    4 MB RAM         45.00
259-7255    Deluxe Keyboard  19.00
259-7310    MS Works         48.00
259-4045    VGM-225         249.00
259-3027   FAX/Modem         83.00
Freight and Handling         75.00
System                    1,674.00
 
As you can see,
the 4825 SX with the bonus FAX/modem is a "better deal" by $36.05.
Feel free to use this bonus FAX/modem
with all of your prospects until Christmas
and as a sales "closer" to move out your last 4825 SX demo units.
Realize this unit offers a nice balance of features "as is"
for the home user or small business,
and it's available for immediate delivery.
 
If you have a prospect who's looking for a super deal
on an ultra high-performance system,
we have a similar comparison.
Compare the 4850 EP (25-5143)
with a super VGA monitor (VGM-340, 25-4047)
and the bonus FAX/modem for $2,212.95 against $2,425
for its closest Factory-Direct counterpart.
Your store-stocked 4850 EP comes out being a sharper value by $212.05
and represents one of the true "steals"
in the industry today!
 
Your Christmas sales strategy
should be to take full advantage
of all remaining inventory you have
on these two powerful models.
You'll not only give yourself sales gains,
you'll give your customer true computer value.
 
Best wishes for the Season.
Good luck and good selling!
 
MOM-12-92
The Return
 
We talk a lot about the basics of running a store:
 
- Cleanliness
- Up-to-Date Signs and POP
- Greeting your Customer
- Stepping Up and Adding On
- Offering RSVP  and TSPs, etc.
 
But after the holidays are over,
we hit the other basic of running a store:
 
THE RETURN
 
Radio Shack is well known for its customer satisfaction policy --
Nobody Compares.
It's your job to insure that we not only satisfy the customer
but that we do it pleasantly and without hassle.
 
Take a look at this from the customer's point of view.
Chances are they're a bit nervous about making the return in the first place.
Maybe they start out a little hostile.
If you're lucky, you'll be dealing with the person who actually bought
the item and he or she will have a receipt.
 
But you probably won't be lucky.
In reality, the person standing in front of you will be the person who
received the gift.
They don't have the first idea where it was purchased -- nor do they care.
It was a Radio Shack purchase, and they want a smooth and easy return.
 
So make it that way.
Don't hassle the customer about where they bought it or why they want
to return it.
But it won't hurt to ask:
 
"Is the product working correctly?
Maybe there's something I can help you with."
or
"Would you like to exchange this for something else?"
 
By trying to solve the customer's problem,
you build your reputation as a salesperson
and Radio Shack's reputation as a retailer.
 
But if they say, "No, I just want my money back," then give it to them.
Don't hassle the customer about where it came from.
Handle the return quickly and courteously,
and be sure to invite the customer back as they're leaving.
 
Remember, at Radio Shack, Nobody Compares for customer satisfaction.
It's good business for you...and good business for Radio Shack.
 
MOM-12-92
The Credit Line
 
RSVP/Tandy Computer Leasing
 
RSVP
 
0% Interest
 
Beginning Thursday, December 3,
and lasting through Christmas Eve,
Tandy Credit will be running
a "0% Interest/No Payment 'Til March, 1993"
promotion for all products.
Use this special program to increase your RSVP sales.
You can also switch many of your other credit card sales
to a more profitable plan.
 
New Applications
 
As of November 25, 1992,
application forms dated November 1992 must be used.
All old applications must be destroyed --
especially the old mail-in applications
that were discontinued in 1991!
 
The finance charge rate in TX, CA and FL
has been increased to 1.75% per month (21% annually),
effective on sales made on (and after) November 25, 1992.
A notice with more detail,
describing how this change will affect existing cardholders
and their current account balances,
was mailed to all cardholders in early November.
 
Special Discount Coupons
 
Tandy Credit has increased the credit limits
of many of our existing customers
and has mailed a special letter thanking them for using RSVP.
We also enclosed several special discount coupons.
Be on the lookout for these special customers
and give them extra attention.
 
Pre-Approved Accounts
 
Several thousand customers
who have made purchases in Radio Shack Stores
using Visa and/or MasterCard
have been offered an RSVP  credit card.
Some will reply through the mail
and be sent a card directly from our processing center.
Others will bring their pre-approved certificate and application
into the store.
Be sure to get positive I.D.
and fax the certificate and application to (800) 767-3465.
First-time use of the direct mail card
will result in a "Call Center" message.
Call Voice Authorizations, verify I.D.,
and process that first sale.
 
MSI
 
Several thousand of our MSI customers
have also received limit increases and discount coupons.
We will certainly honor the new limit;
however, their allotment must also be increased
before the merchandise can be released.
(Be sure to advise these customers
to tell their pay officer to "increase" their existing allotment
at the Fort Knox National Bank.)
Voice Authorizations will tell you what that increase must be,
depending upon the amount of the limit increase.
A separate memo has been distributed to you
detailing the allotment increase process.
 
Call Center Message
 
We have several special promotions
and file update projects in full swing
this holiday shopping season.
A "Call Center" message means just that --
call the operations center.
In some cases we will be verifying I.D. on pre-approved accounts.
On others, we will be helping with MSI allotment increases.
For some, we want to update our files for long inactive accounts.
"Call Center" and let us tell you what's happening!
 
Positive I.D.
 
During this very busy selling season,
don't get in such a hurry
that you overlook the obvious
and release merchandise to the wrong person.
Fraudulent applications and credit cards seem to get past us
when we are so busy.
Be careful!  Prevent fraud losses!
 
MOM-12-92
Tandy Computer Leasing
 
As 1992 winds down,
many small businesses start thinking about the 1993 tax season.
That means increased computer sales for you.
Understand and present the customer benefits of TCL
and watch your computer sales (and commissions) grow.
Prepare for these sales by reviewing the TCL basics
and the leasing process below.
 
Leasing Basics
 
Leasing is an alternative method of installment financing
for your business customers.
A small business can obtain the equipment it needs to modernize,
without borrowing money from the bank or using a credit card.
With Tandy Computer Leasing,
your business customer can get needed equipment:
computers, FAX machines, phones and more.
TCL offers three different types of leases
to meet your customer's equipment and business needs.
 
The Capital Lease --
With this type of lease,
ownership of the equipment passes to the customer
for a fixed amount at the end of the lease
(usually for 10% of the original sales price
or for a $1 end-of-lease purchase option).
 
The True Lease --
The monthly payment for this type of lease
may be fully tax deductible.
A purchase option with this lease
will normally exceed 10% of the original sales price.
A $1 end-of-lease purchase option is not available.
 
The Tax Exempt or Municipal Lease --
This type of lease is only available to customers
who qualify as a state, municipality (local government)
or "sub-division" of a state/municipal agency.
The key is that funding must be derived
from state or municipal legislative sources.
This includes public (but not private) schools.
 
The Leasing Process
 
1. Customer Qualification --
   A customer who has a business checking account
   can apply for a lease.
   Ask if they need a capital or a true lease
   (or a tax exempt lease for state or local government).
 
2. TCL  Presentation -- Present the advantages:
   - Economical, cost effective and conserves cash
   - Low initial cost and tax advantages
 
3. Customer application --
   Call (800) 788-2639 for Tandy Computer Leasing forms.
   Fill out the customer application.
   Remember to include these three things:
   - Store #
   - Term of Lease
   - Equipment list
 
4. FAX applications --
   FAX the completed application to Tandy Computer Leasing at
   (800) 552-3291.
 
5. Final approval and completion of paperwork --
   Remember to check the following:
   - Correct payment amount
   - Be sure there is  no  business title on the personal guarantee
   Call Vendor Services with any questions at
   (800) 788-2639
 
6. Mail the Paperwork to TCL! --
Remember to collect the commissions!
 
Leasing is easy and generates bigger sales tickets
and more commissions!
Understand the basics,
follow the steps in the leasing process,
and get ready for the new year with Tandy Computer Leasing!
 
A TCL LEASE....
The Closing Link to a Total Solution
for your clients' business products needs
 
 
Have a joyous and successful
holiday season and a very happy 1993!
 
MOM-12-92
Computer Support Services
 
"Answers at Your Fingertips"
 
FAXBACK UPDATE
 
The usage of the FAXBack system has been great!
Many of you have called and made good suggestions and recommendations.
Some of you have had problems,
so here are a couple of suggestions.
 
If you do not wait for FAXBack
to repeat your FAX phone number back to you
and acknowledge to the system that it is correct,
it will never process your order.
 
In some cases,
the tones on the multi-line phones do not seem to be strong enough
for the FAXBack system to pick up.
Using a single line telephone usually resolves the problem.
 
We are proud of the service that FAXBack provides to you,
but are you aware that this service is also for your customers?
Be sure to give your customer the FAXBack Technical FAX Hotline number --
(800) 323-6586.
 
Since the system is continually being updated,
the printed catalogs you currently have in your stores are outdated.
When you want information on a particular computer,
request a new catalog for that computer.
Attached to this issue of the M.O.M.
you will find a new Catalog Directory
that gives you the FAXBack catalog number
for all computers for which we have online information.
 
MOM-12-92
SUBJECTS OF THE MONTH
 
Sensation! and FAX/Modems
 
The FAX/Modem that comes in the Sensation!  computer
is a send FAX only.
If a customer needs a FAX/Modem with receive capabilities,
the internal FAX/Modem can be disconnected and removed.
There is no way to just disable the FAX/Modem.
 
The FAX/Modem uses COM2 (3F8 Hex, IRQ4).
If it is removed,
this address and interrupt are then available
for another FAX/Modem board.
 
Sensation! Memory Upgrades
 
The memory upgrade SIMMS for Sensation!
are now available through Third Party Products.
The SIMM Kit specifications are:
 
- 80 nanoseconds or faster -- fast page-mode SIMMS
- 32 or 36 bit wide configuration (72 pins)
- 1, 2, 4 or 8 MB
 
DMP 204 and IBM Emulation
 
The 1993 catalog states that this printer
includes an IBM Proprinter X24 emulation.
This is a misprint in the catalog.
This printer only has EPSON emulation.
When it refers to a DMP 240 driver in software,
it also assumes EPSON emulation.
 
WinMate  Desktop On Sensation!
 
If a customer wants to bring back the Main desktop as their default,
use the following steps.
(Before beginning,
be sure the CD data disk is inserted
and you are at the main desktop menu.)
 
1. Click on VIEW
 
2. Highlight and click on CHANGE
 
3. Click on MAIN
 
4. Click on MAIN from the Listbox
 
5. Click on FILE
 
6. Click on SELECT
 
At the Desktop:
 
7. Click on VIEW
 
8. Highlight and click on HOMEVIEW
 
9. Click on SET
 
If a box has been deleted from the Desktop
(for example, "In Touch"),
use the following steps to bring it back.
Before beginning,
be sure the CD data disk is inserted
and you are at the main desktop menu.
 
1. Click on the middle icon on the right side of the screen
   (Graphics Manager View).
 
2. Click where the door (box) is to be inserted
   (space will be outlined in gray).
 
3. Click on ADD
 
4. Click on DOOR
 
5. Highlight the missing DOOR
   ("IN PLAY" on the Listbox)
   and double click.
   A blank icon will appear on the screen.
 
6. Click on EDIT
 
7. Click on PROPERTIES
 
8. Click on CHANGE PICTURES
 
9. Double click on "IN PLAY"
 
10. Click on OK.
    The new icon "IN PLAY" appears
    on the WinMate main screen outlined in gray.
 
11. Drag the gray icon to the screen location of your choice
    and click once.
 
12. Exit Graphics Manager by clicking on the red arrow
    on the right side of screen.
 
To save the new screen:
 
1. Click on VIEW
 
2. Highlight and click on HOMEVIEW
 
3. Click on SET
 
MOM-12-92
Tandy Factory-Direct
 
New Arrivals, Questions And Answers
 
TANDY  3830 SL/C LAPTOP NOW IN FACTORY-DIRECT!
 
You asked for it;
you demanded it;
now you have it! --
a color version of the critically acclaimed
and immensely popular 3830 SL laptop computer.
At a super price of $3,299,
the 3830 SL/C (259-3576) features an Active-Matrix TFT
(Thin Film Transistor) LCD VGA display
with a fluorescent backlight for sparkling,
vivid colors under all lighting conditions.
The screen measures 8.4" diagonally,
compared with the 9.76" diagonal screen
of the 3830 SL (25-3573) black-and-white display.
The unit is a little thicker (2.0 vs 1.7"),
a little heavier (6.9 vs 5.94 pounds),
and the battery life is a little less (2 hours vs 3 hours).
With those exceptions,
the 3830 SL/C system is identical to the 3830 SL.
All accessories (modems, power supplies, RAM upgrades, etc.)
for the 3830 SL are certified for the 3830 SL/C as well.
See page 151 of the 1993 Radio Shack catalog
for a complete list of these options.
 
Important Points
 
Configuration -- 80 MB hard drive and 4 MB RAM.
No configuration changes can be made to the 3830 SL/C.
Any upgrades to this unit must be made at the field level.
 
Accessories -- Order accessories
for your Tandy Factory-Direct 3830 SL/C customer
from the usual channels.
No accessories will be available through Tandy Factory-Direct
for this unit.
 
Shipping and Handling -- Standard shipping and handling charges
($75.00 2nd-day, $100 next-day)
must be collected at the time of the sale.
As a special incentive,
if your customer purchases the 3830 SL/C
at the same time as he purchases an OMNI-Profile system,
only one shipping and handling charge is to be collected.
This only applies to this notebook computer.
 
Extended Warranty -- The same rates apply for the 3830 SL/C
as for the OMNI-Profile systems.
If your customer is purchasing both an OMNI-Profile system
and a 3830 SL/C at the same time,
you must charge for each computer separately.
For example, if a customer purchases an OMNI-Profile (259-5149)
and a 3830 SL/C computer at the same time,
and wants to purchase a one year warranty extension,
the total Extended Warranty price is $198
($99 each for the two computers).
 
Attached to this issue of the M.O.M. is a fact sheet
for the Tandy 3830 SL/C.
 
MOM-12-92
NEW 85 MB SMARTDRIVE AVAILABLE
 
The 85 MB SmartDrive  (259-4128) has been added
to the Tandy Factory-Direct lineup.
This snappy performer features 32K of on-board cache
and a 15ms access time.
Best of all, it lets you offer your prospect
a complete Tandy  Factory-Direct system,
including a color VGA monitor,
for the remarkable price of $1,299!
 
MOM-12-92
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
 
Here are answers to many of the most commonly asked questions
about Tandy Factory-Direct.
 
Software
 
Q: Will other software titles be available
   through Tandy Factory-Direct,
   and can application software be loaded by Tandy Factory-Direct?
   What is the procedure?
 
A: Merchandising is currently working
   on several different software packages
   with several different vendors.
   When we reach the final agreement with those vendors,
   we'll let you know what those packages are.
   We will pre-install any additional software
   just like we're currently pre-installing Works.
 
Support
 
Q: Since our selling price is lower,
   our commissions are lower
   and there's a toll free customer support number.
   Should we be selling these computers with the understanding
   that the customer is not to contact the salesperson for support?
 
A: No. While we hope that everyone sells the support package
   and that the customer will use the 800 number
   which will free up our salesmakers' time,
   our policy is always to support
   and take care of the customer.
 
Q: When does the 90-day support start?
   Date of sale or date of delivery receipt?
 
A: The clock starts ticking
   when the factory accepts the order, plus seven days.
   That gives the product plenty of time to get to the customer
   and gives the customer a little bit of a time bonus.
 
Competitive Pricing
 
Q: Will we be able to match competitor's ads or proposals?
 
A: The specific competition that we're positioned against
   is Compaq, AST, Dell and IBM.
   We're not going to get into a bidding war on a specific proposal,
   but our prices are more than competitive.
 
Q: Are Tandy Factory-Direct prices going to be competitive
   with Packard Bell as well as our 4825 and 4850?
   Currently both are a better deal.
   What about Computer City prices?
 
A: We have so much more to offer than Packard Bell.
   We are going to be in business
   when some of the people in this industry are not.
   That's a big selling feature.
   Of course, we're here to take care of the customer.
   We're going to go head-to-head with IBM, Compaq, Dell and AST.
   Most of those are being sold in super stores as well,
   and we're absolutely competitive.  Everyday!
   So make sure you get this across to your customer:
   there's no need to shop around!
   We're providing comparison charts
   in flyers and ads
   to make sure you are up to date
   on what the pricing is and what we're comparing to.
   The 4825SX and the 4850EP are priced for the Christmas selling season
   and we absolutely want you to sell every one you can get your hands on.
 
Q: Will a monthly review of the selling price
   be often enough to stay competitive?
 
A: Maybe, maybe not.
   The point is that our mandate is to be the quality price leader
   and we're going to do whatever it takes to make that happen.
   If it requires weekly or even more frequent reviews,
   we'll do that, too.
 
Discount
 
Q: Do teacher discounts apply to Tandy Factory-Direct sales?
   Will employee and stockholder discounts be available?
   How should educational and commercial charge sales be handled
   when purchase orders are required?
 
A: No discounts.
   This program has such low gross profits
   that there's no discount of any type offered.
   The commercial charge gets a little bit tricky.
   It is set up so advanced deposits are not allowed.
   What we've asked you to do,
   in this particular case,
   is to enter the sale as other income.
 
TSP
 
Q: Is merchandise sold from the store for a Tandy Factory-Direct package
   covered under the Tandy Factory-Direct TSP package price?
 
A: Absolutely not.
   Only the Tandy Factory-Direct TSP products
   that ship with the Tandy Factory-Direct system are covered.
   That's why it's really important,
   if you sell your customer a TSP,
   to make sure you sell a monitor
   as part of the Tandy Factory-Direct system.
 
Q: Will a 5-year TSP be available? If so, what is the cost?
 
A: Right now there are no specific plans to have a 5-year TSP.
   On an early version of the order form that option was there;
   however, we're going to stick with the 3-year option
   because that's the most popular.
   Of course, the customer will still have the option
   to renew on an annual basis.
 
Q: When selling TSP on Tandy Factory-Direct products,
   what should be entered as the serial number?
   Does the salesperson still receive 10% SPIFF on TSP
   and how will it be paid?
 
A: Since the serial number is not available to you,
   just enter SNA (Serial Number Not Available) in that spot.
   The 10% SPIFF will be paid to the salesperson.
 
Third Party Products
 
Q: Can Third Party Products items
   ordered for Tandy Factory-Direct systems
   be installed at the factory?
 
A: No.  Only the items on the order form
   can ship with a Tandy Factory-Direct order.
   We haven't made any exceptions to that.
   The reason is so we can provide fast response.
 
Q: Is there a special way to handle volume purchases?
 
A: No, because there is no special discount for volume purchases.
   The systems are priced tight enough
   that we're not able to allow an additional discount.
   All you need to do is indicate the total number of systems
   on the order form.
 
Leasing
 
Q: Normally, leased merchandise must be delivered
   at the time of the sale.
   How are leases handled for Tandy Factory-Direct merchandise?
 
A: We provide the signed airbill and a copy of the ticket
   to the leasing company to be used as proof of delivery.
 
Product Availability
 
Q: Will we ever carry non-interlaced VGA monitors?
 
A: We're working very hard
   to bring a non-interlaced monitor into the line.
   It will be positioned at the high end,
   similar to what the current VGM-441 is today.
   It will be after the Christmas selling season
   before we see this type of monitor,
   so sell what we've got right now.
 
Q: Are there any plans to offer a computer
   like the Tandy Sensation!
   in the more expandable OMNI-Profile box
   through Tandy Factory-Direct?
 
A: We're always looking at our options.
   And this may be one in the future;
   but again, we've got to stay focused on what we have today.
 
Commission
 
Q: How will the temporary Christmas employees
   who are paid $4.25/hr. plus 1% be paid on Tandy Factory-Direct sales?
   How will store managers be paid?
   Is it a SPIFF or a commission?
   Does the 3% commission factor change during December?
 
A: Temporary Christmas employees are paid their standard pay plan;
   they get 1% of those sales, the same as any others.
   The standard commission rates apply to these sales the same as any other.
   Managers are eligible for sales gain bonus
   on these sales.
   The 3% commission does not change during the holiday period.
 
Q: How will Tandy Factory-Direct sales affect commission levels
   with regard to the $/hr. hands
   and how will they affect salesmaker performance on the store ledgers?
 
A: Tandy Factory-Direct sales are included in the calculations
   of the sales per hour for commission purposes.
 
Q: Will salesmaker commissions be charged back on DOA refunds?
   At what rate will commissions be charged back, the 3% or regular rate?
 
A: Well, hopefully, if it's a DOA
   we can salvage the sale by replacing the product.
   In the event we do have to make a refund,
   you should enter the refunded sale
   in the 27% to 35% discounted sales bucket
   on the payroll interest ring.
   That way, the 3% will be charged back, not the standard rate.
   DOAs should be rare,
   since all of these machines are tested before they're shipped.
 
Miscellaneous
 
Q: Can peripherals and accessories
   be purchased through Tandy Factory-Direct
   without the purchase of a computer,
   or does the entire system have to be purchased?
 
A: Individual peripherals and accessories may not be purchased
   unless they are ordered in a computer
   and custom-configured at the factory.
   One reason for that is, when you do sell the TSP,
   it covers everything included in that system --
   including the monitor that's delivered by Tandy Factory-Direct.
 
Q: Are the mother boards used in the Tandy Factory-Direct systems
   Tandy boards and are they made in the USA?
 
A: The Tandy Factory-Direct boards are Tandy boards
   and they're designed by our own research and development team.
   They're made by Lika (part of Tandy Corp.) in Utah.
   Tandy Instruments, here in Ft. Worth, stuffs the board.
   From there it goes to the factory, and then the customer.
   So we've got all USA factories.
 
Q: If a customer wants to add devices
   to his Tandy Factory-Direct computer
   at a later date, can he do so?
   If yes, how is it handled?
 
A: All you need to do is use the procedures you're using now
   to add devices to the system.
   You cannot order individual Tandy Factory-Direct components
   from the factory.
 
Q: Will layaways be allowed and, if so, how will they be handled?
 
A: No. All sales of Tandy Factory-Direct are to be paid for
   in full, in advance.
 
Q: When collecting sales tax on Tandy Factory-Direct systems,
   do we charge the store rate or the shipping address rate?
 
A: You charge the standard tax rate for the area
   in which the store is based.
 
Q: How do we handle customers
   if the equipment does not meet the 4-day delivery guarantee?
 
A: What we do depends on whether we missed the 4 days
   because we shipped late
   or because we shipped and it somehow got lost in transit.
   In the first case,
   the factory will notify the store
   as soon as they realize there is a materials problem
   and work with the customer to expedite the order.
   If it's a shipping problem,
   we will initiate an immediate trace with the freight company.
 
Q: What should we do if a customer decides they want to change all
   or part of their order 2 days after it is placed?
 
A: If a customer needs to change their order,
   call 1-800-TANDY-23 as soon as possible.
   Depending on where in the cycle the order is,
   maybe the factory can stop it and make the changes.
   The best insurance against this
   is to really qualify your customer.
   If you notice, the pricing we've done is very aggressive.
   For instance, there's no reason
   why anybody should purchase a 2 MB system,
   when an additional 2 MB (a total of 4 MB) is only $45 more.
   Qualify your customer.
 
Q: Can Tandy Factory-Direct set printer drivers
   if we let them know which printer the customer is using?
 
A: We're currently looking at that as an option.
   The problem is there are literally tens of thousands
   of configuration combinations.
   Currently, we are setting the standard default configuration
   to an IBM ProPrinter 24,
   since our printers are emulating that mode.
 
MOM-12-92
Sylvan Success
 
Master Your Computer... FAST!
 
Training On Today's Most Popular Software
 
- Getting Started with PC and DOS 3.x/4.x
- Getting Started with PC and DOS 5.0
- Getting Started with Tandy DeskMate  3
- Getting Started with Windows 3.0
- Getting Started with Windows 3.1
- Getting Started with Works for Windows
- Getting Started with WordPerfect 5.1
- Getting Started with Lotus 1-2-3, 2.3
- Getting Started with Lotus 1-2-3, 3.1
- Getting Started with dBase IV, 1.1
- Getting Started with Paradox 3.5
- Getting Started with Word for Windows 1.1
- Getting Started with Word for Windows 2.0
- Getting Started with Excel 3.0
- New! Getting Started with Microsoft PowerPoint v2.0 *
- New! Getting Started with Microsoft Mail and Schedule *
 
* Available in late December, 1992
 
All Getting Started courses only $99

Sylvan Technology Centers are located
in selected markets nationwide.
 
Latest & Greatest
 
Sylvan Technology Centers
look forward to working with you
for a successful and prosperous 1993.
We're kicking off the New Year
with a few exciting announcements
for Radio Shack store managers and salesmakers.
 
Sylvan Technology Center brochures
are now shipping in Tandy computers!
Look for our colorful brochure in the Tandy computer boxes
shipping to your stores.
All Tandy in-carton brochures
refer customers back to their Tandy Computer representative
to purchase a training passport.
 
By now, all Sylvan authorized Radio Shack stores
have received new Sylvan Technology Center Display Kits in P.O.P. #498.
Each kit includes a new Procedures Guide,
(1) easel, (1) 8 1/2x11 tent card,
(2) 3x5 tent cards, and new course brochures.
If you need additional course brochures or Passports,
contact Peggy McDaniels at (817) 338-2343.
 
Radio Shack's FAXBack now offers Sylvan's personal computer skills
training information.
Customers can select the Sylvan Technology Center area in FAXBack
to determine the nearest training facility
or inquire about training courses available through Sylvan.
 
Sales Tips
 
Congratulations to James MacKenzie
and his salesmakers at Radio Shack 01-1302.
Jim and his crew sold six Sylvan training classes in October.
Five classes were during one sale!
"The customers were from New Hampshire
and will be traveling a distance to Woburn, Massachusettes,
to take their training courses," declares Jim.
 
Jim's store continues to increase training revenue every month.
Great job 01-1302!
 
Remember to present Sylvan training
to all computer customers.
Not everyone will purchase training,
but they may be more comfortable making their computer purchases,
knowing the training is available.
 
Class Notes
 
Sylvan Technology Centers have added two new training courses.
The course titles,
Getting Started with Microsoft PowerPoint v2.0
and Getting Started with Microsoft Mail and Schedule *
appear in the new course catalogs
distributed in your #498 P.O.P. kit.
 
The Procedures Guide you got in the #498 POP kit
contains course outlines
for Getting Started with PowerPoint v2.0
and Getting Started with Microsoft Mail and Schedule *
training courses.
 
Prerequisites have been added to the course catalog.
Please note which classes now have prerequisites listed.
Encourage your customers to enroll in courses
which match their skill level.
 
Let Us Know
 
Please let us know about your training success stories,
as well as sales tips you may have,
that can assist other Radio Shack salesmakers
when selling Sylvan training.
FAX your questions, comments and suggestions to:
 
(410) 880-8717
Attn: STC Training Marketing
 
MOM-12-92
Product News
 
NEW LASER PRINTERS BREAK NEW GROUND IN PRICING FOR RADIO SHACK
 
Radio Shack's all new laser printer line is now available,
and the initial sales numbers show it to be an absolute winner!
We still do not plan to give away our products
without profit like many of our competitors,
but our new pricing strategy
allows us to offer high quality at great prices.
 
All three of the new printers
include RS-232 and parallel input ports.
In addition, all have standard HP-compatible font cartridge slots
so your customer can take advantage
of the hundreds of HP-compatible font cartridges
that are available.
Each printer uses a unique "multi-cassette" paper tray
allowing the customer to print on either letter or legal size paper
without having to purchase a new paper tray.
Each printer also has an available 2nd bin sheet feeder
so the customer can have two separate trays
with different types of paper loaded at all times.
(The 2nd bin sheet feeders use letter size paper only.)
 
Edge Enhancement Technology
 
The LP 410 and LP 800 contain a technology called EET --
Edge Enhancement Technology.
This technology allows the printer to smooth out jagged edges in characters
and make them appear as if they were printed
on a high quality 600-dots-per-inch printer.
The difference in printing is noticeable even on 10-point size characters.
 
The LP 400
 
The LP 400 is an entry level laser printer
that competes head-to-head with the HP Laserjet IIP.
Dollar-for-dollar and pound-for-pound,
it offers the same features
and is backed by the service and support of Radio Shack.
Its low profile design and 4-page-per-minute print speed
makes it ideal for the first-time buyer
who needs to produce professional quality correspondence.
It includes one HP-compatible font cartridge slot.
 
The LP 410
 
The LP 410 also uses the same 4-page-per-minute engine,
but includes many features found in higher priced models.
It has a full complement of fonts,
including the standard 14 bitmap fonts
as well as 8 scalable fonts
that can be sized to any point size.
The great array of fonts makes it possible to create documents
without having to purchase additional font packages.
It also includes a full megabyte of memory
and can be upgraded to 3 MB.
One HP-compatible font cartridge slot
allows the customer to add font cartridges.
 
The LP 800
 
The LP 800 is the workhorse of the new line.
Capable of printing a full 8 pages-per-minute,
it offers the speed required for the business user,
yet maintains the small footprint of its smaller brothers.
It offers two HP compatible font cartridge slots
and the same number and type of fonts found in the LP 410.
The print engine in the LP 800
is designed for office use
and has twice the rated capacity of the LP 400 and 410.
This makes it ideal for small business correspondence.
 
In addition, the LP 410 and LP 800 offer the customer
the option of upgrading to PostScript emulation
for the very first time from Radio Shack.
This upgrade is simply a cartridge
that fits into the HP-compatible font cartridge slot on each machine --
no service center installation -- no hassle -- no mess.
It simply plugs right into the printer
giving the customer access to the powerful printing capabilities
of the PostScript language.
Because PostScript is such a powerful printing language,
an additional 2 MB of memory is required to use this option.
 
Value and Pride
 
This new line of laser printers
is something to be proud of.
If you check prices of comparable high quality models,
you will find the LP 410 and LP 800 printers
offer customers identical value.
But you have one thing the others cannot offer --
the best service and support in the industry.
 
A comparison chart detailing each of these printers
is attached to this M.O.M.
In addition, you can order the full color brochure
to pass out to your customers (FC0-0124).
 
MOM-12-92
TAX TIME IS AROUND THE CORNER
 
Welcome April 15, 1993
 
Today many people use a computer to prepare for tax time,
and that's good news for Radio Shack.
This is the time of year that sales on many accessories
and supplies reach their peak.
The supplies your customers need
include printers and printer ribbons, paper,
diskettes, and disk cleaners.
The tax season even generates opportunities
for new computer sales.
 
Take advantage of this great opportunity
to expand your computer customer base,
and generate high margin repeat sales
by preparing now!
 
Prepare Personnel
 
Be sure you are familiar
with the supplies and accessories
that your customers are likely to ask for.
Review where these items are stocked in the store,
where they can be found in the catalog,
and what to do if the items are not in stock.
 
- Printer cables, ribbons, and supplies
  are on pages 162 and 163 in the 1993 catalog.
- Power centers, cables, and electrical cords are on page 158.
- Diskettes, storage boxes, cleaning kits, and accessories
  are on pages 156 and 157.
- Tax and financial software is on pages 152 and 153.
- Remember Consumer Mail for those hard to find items -- (800) 433-2024.
 
Customer service just makes "cents"
(and frequently dollars too!).
Don't lose the customer, the sale, and the commission
with poor customer service.
 
Add-On Sales
 
If the customer is buying a box of diskettes,
it's a pretty safe bet they own a computer.
But consider this -- most of these customers
do not own a 386 or 486 computer.
Most don't own an MPC.
Most of these customers are prime candidates
for a new Tandy PC or MPC.
Take advantage of the traffic that tax season brings --
show off Sensation! and your other 386 and 486 computers.
 
Will your "tax-time" prospects really benefit
by upgrading one of these older computers
to a new Tandy 386, 486 or MPC?
Of course!
Many of the older computers can't run Windows.
Others can't be upgraded to an MPC.
Presenting these "new technology" Tandy computers
to prospects will increase computer sales and your paycheck.
 
Prepare The Store
 
Be sure the in-store display systems
are signed and priced and the POP kit signs are all up on time.
Find a way to highlight your tax preparation software
and check the organization of your computer supplies and accessories.
Be sure the in-store displays are supporting your store's sales effort.
 
The Return On Your Investment
 
Invest in tax-time training and in-store preparation
and increase your income.
 
- Show-off your tax-time software.
- Display computer supplies and accessories.
- Review "where-to-find-it" with all store personnel.
- Show customers how much faster tax-time goes
  with a new Tandy computer.
 
Help your customers with their supplies, accessories,
and a new computer or two and watch your sales and commissions grow.
 
MOM-12-92
AMERICA ONLINE AND SENSATION!
 
America Online and Tandy Corporation have been working together
to provide some specialized services
to new Tandy Sensation!  owners.
Each Sensation! machine will include an America Online CD-ROM Disk
that provides a tour of the service.
 
America Online software is also included
in the new Modem Game Bundle described in the November 1992 M.O.M.
(Page 11) and in the November 17 flyer.
 
A special Sensation! area has been developed
to address the needs of Sensation! owners.
Services in this area include
Tandy Headquarters, special files submitted by Sensation! owners,
a Windows Forum, a Multimedia Forum, and more!
 
New services have been added to America Online
that can enhance a new Tandy owner's computing experience.
These services include weather forecasts
for over 325 foreign and domestic cities,
an expanded Elections Forum
including information about voter registration
and political news directly from the Washington Post,
a new semester of online classes with over 50 courses from which to choose,
The New Republic, and the addition of CNN Online.
 
We are very excited about these new software enhancements and services.
We believe they will continue to provide value to new Tandy owners
and enhance their computing experience.
 
If you have any questions or suggestions
about how we can help meet the needs of you or your customers,
drop me a line on America Online to the screen name LynC2.
 
Lyn Chitow
Tandy Product Manager
America Online
 
MOM-12-92
TANDYVISION IS EXPANDING
 
In late October, 1992,
190 Radio Shack stores received a new TandyVision  CD
with 1,000 competitively priced software packages,
300 VHS movies, 9 new carrying cases,
and numerous product additions in Consumer Mail and National Parts.
These are exciting product additions to TandyVision!
Even though all stores do not have a TandyVision unit,
all stores have been supplied with the new Software Catalog
so everyone can participate in the new software program.
 
Whether you reference your product by CD or catalog,
the ordering process is simple.
Every product is identified with a unique 8-digit stock number,
description and price.
Enter this information into your POS
along with your customer information.
The order will be processed within 72 hours
and delivered to your customer's home or business.
 
To properly expedite your order,
all information must be entered accurately.
Take a moment to double check your entry before processing the order.
 
TandyVision is continuing to grow
and will be offering more products with each quarterly update.
You never know what you will be selling next quarter --
it may be something you've always wanted to sell
but were limited because of inventory constraints.
If you have not looked at the new products now available,
take the time to do so.
Remember -- software, movies, carrying cases and more
make great gifts and add-on sales!
 
MOM-12-92
SOFTWARE PRICING
 
One of Radio Shack's fastest growing areas is software.
Our selection of titles is improving
and our prices are getting better and better.
As a result, sales in this area are growing.
As Radio Shack strives to remain competitive in this area,
we are constantly monitoring prices in the industry
and adjusting for trends.
We are lowering prices as necessary
on entertainment titles that are time sensitive.
Many of these price changes are advertised in our flyers and inserts.
Many others are not advertised or are included in the Z-gram
for each flyer period.
 
With all this price changing going on,
it is important to make sure your software is priced correctly
on the shelves.
The object of this pricing strategy
is to entice the customer to purchase the product
when they see the sale price.
It doesn't help your sales
if the customer finds out about the new price
when they bring it up to the counter to pay for it.
If the wrong price is on the software,
the customer may judge your entire software line
based on the price of one product.
 
In a local Radio Shack store a couple of weeks ago,
a software package was pulled from the shelf to check pricing.
Not only was the package not marked with Z-gram pricing,
it was priced $100 above regular retail price.
Three more random packages were pulled with the same results --
each was priced $100 above the regular retail price.
It's obvious that the salesperson who marked the software
when it arrived from the warehouse
made a mistake with the pricing gun,
but imagine a customers response when browsing at software
and finding four packages priced this high.
Not only did we lose the effect of the special Z-gram price,
we probably also lost the customer as a future software sale
because our prices were way out of line.
 
Let's make a special effort to keep our software priced correctly.
When a flyer takes effect,
use your pricing signs and place them close to the software.
When you get Z-gram pricing,
take a moment to re-price each and every item
and place them prominently on display
to show that you have some specials to offer.
Introduce your customers to Radio Shack's new software pricing
and take advantage of these high profit add-on sales dollars.
 
MOM-12-92
NEW DEMO DISK COMING
 
A Demo Disk for My Paint (25-1839), Snap Dragon (25-1865),
Storybook Weaver (25-1864), and Tristan Pinball (25-1868)
will reach stores soon.
These interactive demos help sell the products they represent
by giving the customer an opportunity
to preview and experience the product prior to buying it.
All these demos are impressive and will be an outstanding sales aid.
 
MOM-12-92
ELECTRONIC ARTS PROMOTION
 
Electronic Arts is offering a "Buy two, get one free" promotion.
This is a great chance to make multiple software sales on one ticket.
If your customer buys a combination of any two
of the following titles:
 
- Lost Files of Sherlock Holmes (25-1866)
- PGA Golf with Course Disks Bundle for Windows (25-1849)
- Great Navel Battles (25-1850)
 
he/she can receive a free copy of any software title
listed on the promotional display coupons.
 
Make sure your customer receives a coupon from the display.
The coupon must be returned with the sales slip,
to Electronic Arts
for a free copy of any of the titles listed on the coupon.
 
MOM-12-92
MPC HARDWARE/SOFTWARE COMPATIBILITY NOTICE
 
Now that you are selling Sensation!,
remember -- not all CDs will run on it.
Be sure your customer buys software
that carries the MPC Multimedia PC logo.
Titles such as Sherlock Holmes I,
Sherlock Holmes II,
Carmen Deluxe, and Issac Asminov's Science Adventure
on CD-ROM DOS will not work.
Suggest titles such as Composers Quest (25-4291) or
Chessmaster 3000 (25-4298).
 
These will bring a smile to everyone's face.
 
MOM-12-92
SOFTWARE NEWS -- THE FAMILY BIBLE
 
Christmas heralds in the best time of the year for software sales.
You have many new titles on your shelves
to please a variety of customer tastes.
 
Family Bible (25-1928) is a natural seller this time of year.
Features like Text Retrieval instantly let the user
access the King James Version of the Bible for any word.
You can capture favorite verses in a word processor file
for writing or teaching,
or print directly from the program.
Also with the touch of a key,
classic paintings with dramatic narration and music
portray stirring moments from favorite Bible stories.
 
MERRY CHRISTMAS! -- EMPLOYEE SOFTWARE PURCHASE PRODUCTS
 
Here is your chance to buy some of the hottest titles
from Microprose, Saddleback and Amtex
at unbelievable prices.
These special price offers are available only
to Radio Shack employees.
Take advantage of these great specials today!
These offers are limited to store personnel only.
 
Microprose Software
 
Send a $20.00 check or money order to:
 
Microprose Software, Inc.
Telemarketing Department
180 Lakefront Drive
Hunt Valley, MD 21030-2245
 
Be sure you specify the game you are ordering
on a business card or in a note on company letterhead,
and have it signed by your store manager.
 
The titles available are:
 
     F-15 Strike Eagle I, II, III; Rex Nebular; Task Force;
     Greens; Jump Jet; Ancient Art/War in Skies;
     World Circuit; A.T.A.C.; B-17 Flying Fortress;
     Mantis; Silent Service II; Railroad Tycoon;
     M1 Tank Platoon; Land, Sea, & Air 2 Set; Future Worlds;
     Knights of the Sky; Sea Rogue; F-15 Strike Eagle 2; Desert Storm
     Covert Action; Darklands; Challenge of the 5 Realms;
     Global Conquest; Civilization; Red Storm Rising;
     F-19 Stealth Fighter; Hyperspeed; F-117A Nighthawk;
     Gunship 2000; Command HQ; Twilight 2000;
     Megatraveller 2
 
Saddleback Graphics
 
Call (800) 945-2360, give your name, store number and mailing
address, desired media and method of payment.
Your checks for $19.95
should be made out to Saddleback Graphics,
plus $3.00 for shipping and handling.
California residents need to add $1.45 for sales tax.
 
Amtex Software
 
The creators of Tristan Pinball
would like you to enjoy this game at home
for only $12.50 plus shipping and handling.
Call (408) 749-0990 for details on getting this product.
Be prepared to give your name, store number,
and store mailing address.
#ENDCARD
 
MOM-12-92
The Front Line
 
Christmas: Before And After
 
Positioning The 4825 SX
 
With the arrival of field demo units at larger stores
for the Tandy Factory- Direct program,
and with the excitement of being able to custom configure units
to the customer's precise requirements,
it would be easy to overlook the remaining Tandy  4825 SX demo unit(s).
At a $1,388 closeout price,
this machine is still a very solid value,
even when compared to a similarly configured Factory-Direct unit.
This comparison is even more favorable
with the addition of the bonus FAX/Modem to the 4825 SX (and 4850 EP) system.
 
4825 SX System
 
Cat. No.    Description    Price
25-5142     4825 SX     1,388.00
25-4045     VGM-225       249.95
25-3027     FAX/Modem      Bonus
System                 $1,637.95
 
Comparable Tandy Factory-Direct System
 
Cat. No.    Description     Price
259-5146    425 SX         841.00
259-4127    120 MB HD      314.00
259-7210    4 MB RAM        45.00
259-7255    Deluxe Keyboard 19.00
259-7310    MS Works        48.00
259-4045    VGM-225        249.00
259-3027    FAX/Modem       83.00
Freight and Handling        75.00
System                   1,674.00
 
As you can see,
the 4825 SX with the bonus FAX/modem is a "better deal" by $36.05.
Feel free to use this bonus FAX/modem
with all of your prospects until Christmas
and as a sales "closer" to move out your last 4825 SX demo units.
Realize this unit offers a nice balance of features "as is"
for the home user or small business,
and it's available for immediate delivery.
 
If you have a prospect who's looking for a super deal
on an ultra high-performance system,
we have a similar comparison.
Compare the 4850 EP (25-5143)
with a super VGA monitor (VGM-340, 25-4047)
and the bonus FAX/modem for $2,212.95 against $2,425
for its closest Factory-Direct counterpart.
Your store-stocked 4850 EP comes out being a sharper value by $212.05
and represents one of the true "steals"
in the industry today!
 
Your Christmas sales strategy
should be to take full advantage
of all remaining inventory you have
on these two powerful models.
You'll not only give yourself sales gains,
you'll give your customer true computer value.
 
Best wishes for the Season.
Good luck and good selling!
 
MOM-12-92
The Return
 
We talk a lot about the basics of running a store:
 
- Cleanliness
- Up-to-Date Signs and POP
- Greeting your Customer
- Stepping Up and Adding On
- Offering RSVP  and TSPs, etc.
 
But after the holidays are over,
we hit the other basic of running a store:
 
THE RETURN
 
Radio Shack is well known for its customer satisfaction policy --
Nobody Compares.
It's your job to insure that we not only satisfy the customer
but that we do it pleasantly and without hassle.
 
Take a look at this from the customer's point of view.
Chances are they're a bit nervous about making the return in the first place.
Maybe they start out a little hostile.
If you're lucky, you'll be dealing with the person who actually bought
the item and he or she will have a receipt.
 
But you probably won't be lucky.
In reality, the person standing in front of you will be the person who
received the gift.
They don't have the first idea where it was purchased -- nor do they care.
It was a Radio Shack purchase, and they want a smooth and easy return.
 
So make it that way.
Don't hassle the customer about where they bought it or why they want
to return it.
But it won't hurt to ask:
 
"Is the product working correctly?
Maybe there's something I can help you with."
or
"Would you like to exchange this for something else?"
 
By trying to solve the customer's problem,
you build your reputation as a salesperson
and Radio Shack's reputation as a retailer.
 
But if they say, "No, I just want my money back," then give it to them.
Don't hassle the customer about where it came from.
Handle the return quickly and courteously,
and be sure to invite the customer back as they're leaving.
 
Remember, at Radio Shack, Nobody Compares for customer satisfaction.
It's good business for you...and good business for Radio Shack.
 
MOM-12-92
The Credit Line
 
RSVP/Tandy Computer Leasing
 
RSVP
 
0% Interest
 
Beginning Thursday, December 3,
and lasting through Christmas Eve,
Tandy Credit will be running
a "0% Interest/No Payment 'Til March, 1993"
promotion for all products.
Use this special program to increase your RSVP sales.
You can also switch many of your other credit card sales
to a more profitable plan.
 
New Applications
 
As of November 25, 1992,
application forms dated November 1992 must be used.
All old applications must be destroyed --
especially the old mail-in applications
that were discontinued in 1991!
 
The finance charge rate in TX, CA and FL
has been increased to 1.75% per month (21% annually),
effective on sales made on (and after) November 25, 1992.
A notice with more detail,
describing how this change will affect existing cardholders
and their current account balances,
was mailed to all cardholders in early November.
 
Special Discount Coupons
 
Tandy Credit has increased the credit limits
of many of our existing customers
and has mailed a special letter thanking them for using RSVP.
We also enclosed several special discount coupons.
Be on the lookout for these special customers
and give them extra attention.
 
Pre-Approved Accounts
 
Several thousand customers
who have made purchases in Radio Shack Stores
using Visa and/or MasterCard
have been offered an RSVP  credit card.
Some will reply through the mail
and be sent a card directly from our processing center.
Others will bring their pre-approved certificate and application
into the store.
Be sure to get positive I.D.
and fax the certificate and application to (800) 767-3465.
First-time use of the direct mail card
will result in a "Call Center" message.
Call Voice Authorizations, verify I.D.,
and process that first sale.
 
MSI
 
Several thousand of our MSI customers
have also received limit increases and discount coupons.
We will certainly honor the new limit;
however, their allotment must also be increased
before the merchandise can be released.
(Be sure to advise these customers
to tell their pay officer to "increase" their existing allotment
at the Fort Knox National Bank.)
Voice Authorizations will tell you what that increase must be,
depending upon the amount of the limit increase.
A separate memo has been distributed to you
detailing the allotment increase process.
 
Call Center Message
 
We have several special promotions
and file update projects in full swing
this holiday shopping season.
A "Call Center" message means just that --
call the operations center.
In some cases we will be verifying I.D. on pre-approved accounts.
On others, we will be helping with MSI allotment increases.
For some, we want to update our files for long inactive accounts.
"Call Center" and let us tell you what's happening!
 
Positive I.D.
 
During this very busy selling season,
don't get in such a hurry
that you overlook the obvious
and release merchandise to the wrong person.
Fraudulent applications and credit cards seem to get past us
when we are so busy.
Be careful!  Prevent fraud losses!
 
MOM-12-92
Tandy Computer Leasing
 
As 1992 winds down,
many small businesses start thinking about the 1993 tax season.
That means increased computer sales for you.
Understand and present the customer benefits of TCL
and watch your computer sales (and commissions) grow.
Prepare for these sales by reviewing the TCL basics
and the leasing process below.
 
Leasing Basics
 
Leasing is an alternative method of installment financing
for your business customers.
A small business can obtain the equipment it needs to modernize,
without borrowing money from the bank or using a credit card.
With Tandy Computer Leasing,
your business customer can get needed equipment:
computers, FAX machines, phones and more.
TCL offers three different types of leases
to meet your customer's equipment and business needs.
 
The Capital Lease --
With this type of lease,
ownership of the equipment passes to the customer
for a fixed amount at the end of the lease
(usually for 10% of the original sales price
or for a $1 end-of-lease purchase option).
 
The True Lease --
The monthly payment for this type of lease
may be fully tax deductible.
A purchase option with this lease
will normally exceed 10% of the original sales price.
A $1 end-of-lease purchase option is not available.
 
The Tax Exempt or Municipal Lease --
This type of lease is only available to customers
who qualify as a state, municipality (local government)
or "sub-division" of a state/municipal agency.
The key is that funding must be derived
from state or municipal legislative sources.
This includes public (but not private) schools.
 
The Leasing Process
 
1. Customer Qualification --
   A customer who has a business checking account
   can apply for a lease.
   Ask if they need a capital or a true lease
   (or a tax exempt lease for state or local government).
 
2. TCL  Presentation -- Present the advantages:
   - Economical, cost effective and conserves cash
   - Low initial cost and tax advantages
 
3. Customer application --
   Call (800) 788-2639 for Tandy Computer Leasing forms.
   Fill out the customer application.
   Remember to include these three things:
   - Store #
   - Term of Lease
   - Equipment list
 
4. FAX applications --
   FAX the completed application to Tandy Computer Leasing at
   (800) 552-3291.
 
5. Final approval and completion of paperwork --
   Remember to check the following:
   - Correct payment amount
   - Be sure there is  no  business title on the personal guarantee
   Call Vendor Services with any questions at
   (800) 788-2639
 
6. Mail the Paperwork to TCL! --
Remember to collect the commissions!
 
Leasing is easy and generates bigger sales tickets
and more commissions!
Understand the basics,
follow the steps in the leasing process,
and get ready for the new year with Tandy Computer Leasing!
 
A TCL LEASE....
The Closing Link to a Total Solution
for your clients' business products needs
 
 
Have a joyous and successful
holiday season and a very happy 1993!
 
MOM-12-92
Computer Support Services
 
"Answers at Your Fingertips"
 
FAXBACK UPDATE
 
The usage of the FAXBack system has been great!
Many of you have called and made good suggestions and recommendations.
Some of you have had problems,
so here are a couple of suggestions.
 
If you do not wait for FAXBack
to repeat your FAX phone number back to you
and acknowledge to the system that it is correct,
it will never process your order.
 
In some cases,
the tones on the multi-line phones do not seem to be strong enough
for the FAXBack system to pick up.
Using a single line telephone usually resolves the problem.
 
We are proud of the service that FAXBack provides to you,
but are you aware that this service is also for your customers?
Be sure to give your customer the FAXBack Technical FAX Hotline number --
(800) 323-6586.
 
Since the system is continually being updated,
the printed catalogs you currently have in your stores are outdated.
When you want information on a particular computer,
request a new catalog for that computer.
Attached to this issue of the M.O.M.
you will find a new Catalog Directory
that gives you the FAXBack catalog number
for all computers for which we have online information.
 
MOM-12-92
SUBJECTS OF THE MONTH
 
Sensation! and FAX/Modems
 
The FAX/Modem that comes in the Sensation!  computer
is a send FAX only.
If a customer needs a FAX/Modem with receive capabilities,
the internal FAX/Modem can be disconnected and removed.
There is no way to just disable the FAX/Modem.
 
The FAX/Modem uses COM2 (3F8 Hex, IRQ4).
If it is removed,
this address and interrupt are then available
for another FAX/Modem board.
 
Sensation! Memory Upgrades
 
The memory upgrade SIMMS for Sensation!
are now available through Third Party Products.
The SIMM Kit specifications are:
 
- 80 nanoseconds or faster -- fast page-mode SIMMS
- 32 or 36 bit wide configuration (72 pins)
- 1, 2, 4 or 8 MB
 
DMP 204 and IBM Emulation
 
The 1993 catalog states that this printer
includes an IBM Proprinter X24 emulation.
This is a misprint in the catalog.
This printer only has EPSON emulation.
When it refers to a DMP 240 driver in software,
it also assumes EPSON emulation.
 
WinMate  Desktop On Sensation!
 
If a customer wants to bring back the Main desktop as their default,
use the following steps.
(Before beginning,
be sure the CD data disk is inserted
and you are at the main desktop menu.)
 
1. Click on VIEW
 
2. Highlight and click on CHANGE
 
3. Click on MAIN
 
4. Click on MAIN from the Listbox
 
5. Click on FILE
 
6. Click on SELECT
 
At the Desktop:
 
7. Click on VIEW
 
8. Highlight and click on HOMEVIEW
 
9. Click on SET
 
If a box has been deleted from the Desktop
(for example, "In Touch"),
use the following steps to bring it back.
Before beginning,
be sure the CD data disk is inserted
and you are at the main desktop menu.
 
1. Click on the middle icon on the right side of the screen
   (Graphics Manager View).
 
2. Click where the door (box) is to be inserted
   (space will be outlined in gray).
 
3. Click on ADD
 
4. Click on DOOR
 
5. Highlight the missing DOOR
   ("IN PLAY" on the Listbox)
   and double click.
   A blank icon will appear on the screen.
 
6. Click on EDIT
 
7. Click on PROPERTIES
 
8. Click on CHANGE PICTURES
 
9. Double click on "IN PLAY"
 
10. Click on OK.
    The new icon "IN PLAY" appears
    on the WinMate main screen outlined in gray.
 
11. Drag the gray icon to the screen location of your choice
    and click once.
 
12. Exit Graphics Manager by clicking on the red arrow
    on the right side of screen.
 
To save the new screen:
 
1. Click on VIEW
 
2. Highlight and click on HOMEVIEW
 
3. Click on SET
 
MOM-12-92
Tandy Factory-Direct
 
New Arrivals, Questions And Answers
 
TANDY  3830 SL/C LAPTOP NOW IN FACTORY-DIRECT!
 
You asked for it;
you demanded it;
now you have it! --
a color version of the critically acclaimed
and immensely popular 3830 SL laptop computer.
At a super price of $3,299,
the 3830 SL/C (259-3576) features an Active-Matrix TFT
(Thin Film Transistor) LCD VGA display
with a fluorescent backlight for sparkling,
vivid colors under all lighting conditions.
The screen measures 8.4" diagonally,
compared with the 9.76" diagonal screen
of the 3830 SL (25-3573) black-and-white display.
The unit is a little thicker (2.0 vs 1.7"),
a little heavier (6.9 vs 5.94 pounds),
and the battery life is a little less (2 hours vs 3 hours).
With those exceptions,
the 3830 SL/C system is identical to the 3830 SL.
All accessories (modems, power supplies, RAM upgrades, etc.)
for the 3830 SL are certified for the 3830 SL/C as well.
See page 151 of the 1993 Radio Shack catalog
for a complete list of these options.
 
Important Points
 
Configuration -- 80 MB hard drive and 4 MB RAM.
No configuration changes can be made to the 3830 SL/C.
Any upgrades to this unit must be made at the field level.
 
Accessories -- Order accessories
for your Tandy Factory-Direct 3830 SL/C customer
from the usual channels.
No accessories will be available through Tandy Factory-Direct
for this unit.
 
Shipping and Handling -- Standard shipping and handling charges
($75.00 2nd-day, $100 next-day)
must be collected at the time of the sale.
As a special incentive,
if your customer purchases the 3830 SL/C
at the same time as he purchases an OMNI-Profile system,
only one shipping and handling charge is to be collected.
This only applies to this notebook computer.
 
Extended Warranty -- The same rates apply for the 3830 SL/C
as for the OMNI-Profile systems.
If your customer is purchasing both an OMNI-Profile system
and a 3830 SL/C at the same time,
you must charge for each computer separately.
For example, if a customer purchases an OMNI-Profile (259-5149)
and a 3830 SL/C computer at the same time,
and wants to purchase a one year warranty extension,
the total Extended Warranty price is $198
($99 each for the two computers).
 
Attached to this issue of the M.O.M. is a fact sheet
for the Tandy 3830 SL/C.
 
MOM-12-92
NEW 85 MB SMARTDRIVE AVAILABLE
 
The 85 MB SmartDrive  (259-4128) has been added
to the Tandy Factory-Direct lineup.
This snappy performer features 32K of on-board cache
and a 15ms access time.
Best of all, it lets you offer your prospect
a complete Tandy  Factory-Direct system,
including a color VGA monitor,
for the remarkable price of $1,299!
 
MOM-12-92
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
 
Here are answers to many of the most commonly asked questions
about Tandy Factory-Direct.
 
Software
 
Q: Will other software titles be available
   through Tandy Factory-Direct,
   and can application software be loaded by Tandy Factory-Direct?
   What is the procedure?
 
A: Merchandising is currently working
   on several different software packages
   with several different vendors.
   When we reach the final agreement with those vendors,
   we'll let you know what those packages are.
   We will pre-install any additional software
   just like we're currently pre-installing Works.
 
Support
 
Q: Since our selling price is lower,
   our commissions are lower
   and there's a toll free customer support number.
   Should we be selling these computers with the understanding
   that the customer is not to contact the salesperson for support?
 
A: No. While we hope that everyone sells the support package
   and that the customer will use the 800 number
   which will free up our salesmakers' time,
   our policy is always to support
   and take care of the customer.
 
Q: When does the 90-day support start?
   Date of sale or date of delivery receipt?
 
A: The clock starts ticking
   when the factory accepts the order, plus seven days.
   That gives the product plenty of time to get to the customer
   and gives the customer a little bit of a time bonus.
 
Competitive Pricing
 
Q: Will we be able to match competitor's ads or proposals?
 
A: The specific competition that we're positioned against
   is Compaq, AST, Dell and IBM.
   We're not going to get into a bidding war on a specific proposal,
   but our prices are more than competitive.
 
Q: Are Tandy Factory-Direct prices going to be competitive
   with Packard Bell as well as our 4825 and 4850?
   Currently both are a better deal.
   What about Computer City prices?
 
A: We have so much more to offer than Packard Bell.
   We are going to be in business
   when some of the people in this industry are not.
   That's a big selling feature.
   Of course, we're here to take care of the customer.
   We're going to go head-to-head with IBM, Compaq, Dell and AST.
   Most of those are being sold in super stores as well,
   and we're absolutely competitive.  Everyday!
   So make sure you get this across to your customer:
   there's no need to shop around!
   We're providing comparison charts
   in flyers and ads
   to make sure you are up to date
   on what the pricing is and what we're comparing to.
   The 4825SX and the 4850EP are priced for the Christmas selling season
   and we absolutely want you to sell every one you can get your hands on.
 
Q: Will a monthly review of the selling price
   be often enough to stay competitive?
 
A: Maybe, maybe not.
   The point is that our mandate is to be the quality price leader
   and we're going to do whatever it takes to make that happen.
   If it requires weekly or even more frequent reviews,
   we'll do that, too.
 
Discount
 
Q: Do teacher discounts apply to Tandy Factory-Direct sales?
   Will employee and stockholder discounts be available?
   How should educational and commercial charge sales be handled
   when purchase orders are required?
 
A: No discounts.
   This program has such low gross profits
   that there's no discount of any type offered.
   The commercial charge gets a little bit tricky.
   It is set up so advanced deposits are not allowed.
   What we've asked you to do,
   in this particular case,
   is to enter the sale as other income.
 
TSP
 
Q: Is merchandise sold from the store for a Tandy Factory-Direct package
   covered under the Tandy Factory-Direct TSP package price?
 
A: Absolutely not.
   Only the Tandy Factory-Direct TSP products
   that ship with the Tandy Factory-Direct system are covered.
   That's why it's really important,
   if you sell your customer a TSP,
   to make sure you sell a monitor
   as part of the Tandy Factory-Direct system.
 
Q: Will a 5-year TSP be available? If so, what is the cost?
 
A: Right now there are no specific plans to have a 5-year TSP.
   On an early version of the order form that option was there;
   however, we're going to stick with the 3-year option
   because that's the most popular.
   Of course, the customer will still have the option
   to renew on an annual basis.
 
Q: When selling TSP on Tandy Factory-Direct products,
   what should be entered as the serial number?
   Does the salesperson still receive 10% SPIFF on TSP
   and how will it be paid?
 
A: Since the serial number is not available to you,
   just enter SNA (Serial Number Not Available) in that spot.
   The 10% SPIFF will be paid to the salesperson.
 
Third Party Products
 
Q: Can Third Party Products items
   ordered for Tandy Factory-Direct systems
   be installed at the factory?
 
A: No.  Only the items on the order form
   can ship with a Tandy Factory-Direct order.
   We haven't made any exceptions to that.
   The reason is so we can provide fast response.
 
Q: Is there a special way to handle volume purchases?
 
A: No, because there is no special discount for volume purchases.
   The systems are priced tight enough
   that we're not able to allow an additional discount.
   All you need to do is indicate the total number of systems
   on the order form.
 
Leasing
 
Q: Normally, leased merchandise must be delivered
   at the time of the sale.
   How are leases handled for Tandy Factory-Direct merchandise?
 
A: We provide the signed airbill and a copy of the ticket
   to the leasing company to be used as proof of delivery.
 
Product Availability
 
Q: Will we ever carry non-interlaced VGA monitors?
 
A: We're working very hard
   to bring a non-interlaced monitor into the line.
   It will be positioned at the high end,
   similar to what the current VGM-441 is today.
   It will be after the Christmas selling season
   before we see this type of monitor,
   so sell what we've got right now.
 
Q: Are there any plans to offer a computer
   like the Tandy Sensation!
   in the more expandable OMNI-Profile box
   through Tandy Factory-Direct?
 
A: We're always looking at our options.
   And this may be one in the future;
   but again, we've got to stay focused on what we have today.
 
Commission
 
Q: How will the temporary Christmas employees
   who are paid $4.25/hr. plus 1% be paid on Tandy Factory-Direct sales?
   How will store managers be paid?
   Is it a SPIFF or a commission?
   Does the 3% commission factor change during December?
 
A: Temporary Christmas employees are paid their standard pay plan;
   they get 1% of those sales, the same as any others.
   The standard commission rates apply to these sales the same as any other.
   Managers are eligible for sales gain bonus
   on these sales.
   The 3% commission does not change during the holiday period.
 
Q: How will Tandy Factory-Direct sales affect commission levels
   with regard to the $/hr. hands
   and how will they affect salesmaker performance on the store ledgers?
 
A: Tandy Factory-Direct sales are included in the calculations
   of the sales per hour for commission purposes.
 
Q: Will salesmaker commissions be charged back on DOA refunds?
   At what rate will commissions be charged back, the 3% or regular rate?
 
A: Well, hopefully, if it's a DOA
   we can salvage the sale by replacing the product.
   In the event we do have to make a refund,
   you should enter the refunded sale
   in the 27% to 35% discounted sales bucket
   on the payroll interest ring.
   That way, the 3% will be charged back, not the standard rate.
   DOAs should be rare,
   since all of these machines are tested before they're shipped.
 
Miscellaneous
 
Q: Can peripherals and accessories
   be purchased through Tandy Factory-Direct
   without the purchase of a computer,
   or does the entire system have to be purchased?
 
A: Individual peripherals and accessories may not be purchased
   unless they are ordered in a computer
   and custom-configured at the factory.
   One reason for that is, when you do sell the TSP,
   it covers everything included in that system --
   including the monitor that's delivered by Tandy Factory-Direct.
 
Q: Are the mother boards used in the Tandy Factory-Direct systems
   Tandy boards and are they made in the USA?
 
A: The Tandy Factory-Direct boards are Tandy boards
   and they're designed by our own research and development team.
   They're made by Lika (part of Tandy Corp.) in Utah.
   Tandy Instruments, here in Ft. Worth, stuffs the board.
   From there it goes to the factory, and then the customer.
   So we've got all USA factories.
 
Q: If a customer wants to add devices
   to his Tandy Factory-Direct computer
   at a later date, can he do so?
   If yes, how is it handled?
 
A: All you need to do is use the procedures you're using now
   to add devices to the system.
   You cannot order individual Tandy Factory-Direct components
   from the factory.
 
Q: Will layaways be allowed and, if so, how will they be handled?
 
A: No. All sales of Tandy Factory-Direct are to be paid for
   in full, in advance.
 
Q: When collecting sales tax on Tandy Factory-Direct systems,
   do we charge the store rate or the shipping address rate?
 
A: You charge the standard tax rate for the area
   in which the store is based.
 
Q: How do we handle customers
   if the equipment does not meet the 4-day delivery guarantee?
 
A: What we do depends on whether we missed the 4 days
   because we shipped late
   or because we shipped and it somehow got lost in transit.
   In the first case,
   the factory will notify the store
   as soon as they realize there is a materials problem
   and work with the customer to expedite the order.
   If it's a shipping problem,
   we will initiate an immediate trace with the freight company.
 
Q: What should we do if a customer decides they want to change all
   or part of their order 2 days after it is placed?
 
A: If a customer needs to change their order,
   call 1-800-TANDY-23 as soon as possible.
   Depending on where in the cycle the order is,
   maybe the factory can stop it and make the changes.
   The best insurance against this
   is to really qualify your customer.
   If you notice, the pricing we've done is very aggressive.
   For instance, there's no reason
   why anybody should purchase a 2 MB system,
   when an additional 2 MB (a total of 4 MB) is only $45 more.
   Qualify your customer.
 
Q: Can Tandy Factory-Direct set printer drivers
   if we let them know which printer the customer is using?
 
A: We're currently looking at that as an option.
   The problem is there are literally tens of thousands
   of configuration combinations.
   Currently, we are setting the standard default configuration
   to an IBM ProPrinter 24,
   since our printers are emulating that mode.
 
MOM-12-92
Sylvan Success
 
Master Your Computer... FAST!
 
Training On Today's Most Popular Software
 
- Getting Started with PC and DOS 3.x/4.x
- Getting Started with PC and DOS 5.0
- Getting Started with Tandy DeskMate  3
- Getting Started with Windows 3.0
- Getting Started with Windows 3.1
- Getting Started with Works for Windows
- Getting Started with WordPerfect 5.1
- Getting Started with Lotus 1-2-3, 2.3
- Getting Started with Lotus 1-2-3, 3.1
- Getting Started with dBase IV, 1.1
- Getting Started with Paradox 3.5
- Getting Started with Word for Windows 1.1
- Getting Started with Word for Windows 2.0
- Getting Started with Excel 3.0
- New! Getting Started with Microsoft PowerPoint v2.0 *
- New! Getting Started with Microsoft Mail and Schedule *
 
* Available in late December, 1992
 
All Getting Started courses only $99
 
Sylvan Technology Centers are located
in selected markets nationwide.
 
Latest & Greatest
 
Sylvan Technology Centers
look forward to working with you
for a successful and prosperous 1993.
We're kicking off the New Year
with a few exciting announcements
for Radio Shack store managers and salesmakers.
 
Sylvan Technology Center brochures
are now shipping in Tandy computers!
Look for our colorful brochure in the Tandy computer boxes
shipping to your stores.
All Tandy in-carton brochures
refer customers back to their Tandy Computer representative
to purchase a training passport.
 
By now, all Sylvan authorized Radio Shack stores
have received new Sylvan Technology Center Display Kits in P.O.P. #498.
Each kit includes a new Procedures Guide,
(1) easel, (1) 8 1/2x11 tent card,
(2) 3x5 tent cards, and new course brochures.
If you need additional course brochures or Passports,
contact Peggy McDaniels at (817) 338-2343.
 
Radio Shack's FAXBack now offers Sylvan's personal computer skills
training information.
Customers can select the Sylvan Technology Center area in FAXBack
to determine the nearest training facility
or inquire about training courses available through Sylvan.
 
Sales Tips
 
Congratulations to James MacKenzie
and his salesmakers at Radio Shack 01-1302.
Jim and his crew sold six Sylvan training classes in October.
Five classes were during one sale!
"The customers were from New Hampshire
and will be traveling a distance to Woburn, Massachusettes,
to take their training courses," declares Jim.
 
Jim's store continues to increase training revenue every month.
Great job 01-1302!
 
Remember to present Sylvan training
to all computer customers.
Not everyone will purchase training,
but they may be more comfortable making their computer purchases,
knowing the training is available.
 
Class Notes
 
Sylvan Technology Centers have added two new training courses.
The course titles,
Getting Started with Microsoft PowerPoint v2.0
and Getting Started with Microsoft Mail and Schedule *
appear in the new course catalogs
distributed in your #498 P.O.P. kit.
 
The Procedures Guide you got in the #498 POP kit
contains course outlines
for Getting Started with PowerPoint v2.0
and Getting Started with Microsoft Mail and Schedule *
training courses.
 
Prerequisites have been added to the course catalog.
Please note which classes now have prerequisites listed.
Encourage your customers to enroll in courses
which match their skill level.
 
Let Us Know
 
Please let us know about your training success stories,
as well as sales tips you may have,
that can assist other Radio Shack salesmakers
when selling Sylvan training.
FAX your questions, comments and suggestions to:
 
(410) 880-8717
Attn: STC Training Marketing
 
MOM-12-92
Product News
 
NEW LASER PRINTERS BREAK NEW GROUND IN PRICING FOR RADIO SHACK
 
Radio Shack's all new laser printer line is now available,
and the initial sales numbers show it to be an absolute winner!
We still do not plan to give away our products
without profit like many of our competitors,
but our new pricing strategy
allows us to offer high quality at great prices.
 
All three of the new printers
include RS-232 and parallel input ports.
In addition, all have standard HP-compatible font cartridge slots
so your customer can take advantage
of the hundreds of HP-compatible font cartridges
that are available.
Each printer uses a unique "multi-cassette" paper tray
allowing the customer to print on either letter or legal size paper
without having to purchase a new paper tray.
Each printer also has an available 2nd bin sheet feeder
so the customer can have two separate trays
with different types of paper loaded at all times.
(The 2nd bin sheet feeders use letter size paper only.)
 
Edge Enhancement Technology
 
The LP 410 and LP 800 contain a technology called EET --
Edge Enhancement Technology.
This technology allows the printer to smooth out jagged edges in characters
and make them appear as if they were printed
on a high quality 600-dots-per-inch printer.
The difference in printing is noticeable even on 10-point size characters.
 
The LP 400
 
The LP 400 is an entry level laser printer
that competes head-to-head with the HP Laserjet IIP.
Dollar-for-dollar and pound-for-pound,
it offers the same features
and is backed by the service and support of Radio Shack.
Its low profile design and 4-page-per-minute print speed
makes it ideal for the first-time buyer
who needs to produce professional quality correspondence.
It includes one HP-compatible font cartridge slot.
 
The LP 410
 
The LP 410 also uses the same 4-page-per-minute engine,
but includes many features found in higher priced models.
It has a full complement of fonts,
including the standard 14 bitmap fonts
as well as 8 scalable fonts
that can be sized to any point size.
The great array of fonts makes it possible to create documents
without having to purchase additional font packages.
It also includes a full megabyte of memory
and can be upgraded to 3 MB.
One HP-compatible font cartridge slot
allows the customer to add font cartridges.
 
The LP 800
 
The LP 800 is the workhorse of the new line.
Capable of printing a full 8 pages-per-minute,
it offers the speed required for the business user,
yet maintains the small footprint of its smaller brothers.
It offers two HP compatible font cartridge slots
and the same number and type of fonts found in the LP 410.
The print engine in the LP 800
is designed for office use
and has twice the rated capacity of the LP 400 and 410.
This makes it ideal for small business correspondence.
 
In addition, the LP 410 and LP 800 offer the customer
the option of upgrading to PostScript emulation
for the very first time from Radio Shack.
This upgrade is simply a cartridge
that fits into the HP-compatible font cartridge slot on each machine --
no service center installation -- no hassle -- no mess.
It simply plugs right into the printer
giving the customer access to the powerful printing capabilities
of the PostScript language.
Because PostScript is such a powerful printing language,
an additional 2 MB of memory is required to use this option.
 
Value and Pride
 
This new line of laser printers
is something to be proud of.
If you check prices of comparable high quality models,
you will find the LP 410 and LP 800 printers
offer customers identical value.
But you have one thing the others cannot offer --
the best service and support in the industry.
 
A comparison chart detailing each of these printers
is attached to this M.O.M.
In addition, you can order the full color brochure
to pass out to your customers (FC0-0124).
 
MOM-12-92
TAX TIME IS AROUND THE CORNER
 
Welcome April 15, 1993
 
Today many people use a computer to prepare for tax time,
and that's good news for Radio Shack.
This is the time of year that sales on many accessories
and supplies reach their peak.
The supplies your customers need
include printers and printer ribbons, paper,
diskettes, and disk cleaners.
The tax season even generates opportunities
for new computer sales.
 
Take advantage of this great opportunity
to expand your computer customer base,
and generate high margin repeat sales
by preparing now!
 
Prepare Personnel
 
Be sure you are familiar
with the supplies and accessories
that your customers are likely to ask for.
Review where these items are stocked in the store,
where they can be found in the catalog,
and what to do if the items are not in stock.
 
- Printer cables, ribbons, and supplies
  are on pages 162 and 163 in the 1993 catalog.
- Power centers, cables, and electrical cords are on page 158.
- Diskettes, storage boxes, cleaning kits, and accessories
  are on pages 156 and 157.
- Tax and financial software is on pages 152 and 153.
- Remember Consumer Mail for those hard to find items -- (800) 433-2024.
 
Customer service just makes "cents"
(and frequently dollars too!).
Don't lose the customer, the sale, and the commission
with poor customer service.
 
Add-On Sales
 
If the customer is buying a box of diskettes,
it's a pretty safe bet they own a computer.
But consider this -- most of these customers
do not own a 386 or 486 computer.
Most don't own an MPC.
Most of these customers are prime candidates
for a new Tandy PC or MPC.
Take advantage of the traffic that tax season brings --
show off Sensation! and your other 386 and 486 computers.
 
Will your "tax-time" prospects really benefit
by upgrading one of these older computers
to a new Tandy 386, 486 or MPC?
Of course!
Many of the older computers can't run Windows.
Others can't be upgraded to an MPC.
Presenting these "new technology" Tandy computers
to prospects will increase computer sales and your paycheck.
 
Prepare The Store
 
Be sure the in-store display systems
are signed and priced and the POP kit signs are all up on time.
Find a way to highlight your tax preparation software
and check the organization of your computer supplies and accessories.
Be sure the in-store displays are supporting your store's sales effort.
 
The Return On Your Investment
 
Invest in tax-time training and in-store preparation
and increase your income.
 
- Show-off your tax-time software.
- Display computer supplies and accessories.
- Review "where-to-find-it" with all store personnel.
- Show customers how much faster tax-time goes
  with a new Tandy computer.
 
Help your customers with their supplies, accessories,
and a new computer or two and watch your sales and commissions grow.
 
MOM-12-92
AMERICA ONLINE AND SENSATION!
 
America Online and Tandy Corporation have been working together
to provide some specialized services
to new Tandy Sensation!  owners.
Each Sensation! machine will include an America Online CD-ROM Disk
that provides a tour of the service.
 
America Online software is also included
in the new Modem Game Bundle described in the November 1992 M.O.M.
(Page 11) and in the November 17 flyer.
 
A special Sensation! area has been developed
to address the needs of Sensation! owners.
Services in this area include
Tandy Headquarters, special files submitted by Sensation! owners,
a Windows Forum, a Multimedia Forum, and more!
 
New services have been added to America Online
that can enhance a new Tandy owner's computing experience.
These services include weather forecasts
for over 325 foreign and domestic cities,
an expanded Elections Forum
including information about voter registration
and political news directly from the Washington Post,
a new semester of online classes with over 50 courses from which to choose,
The New Republic, and the addition of CNN Online.
 
We are very excited about these new software enhancements and services.
We believe they will continue to provide value to new Tandy owners
and enhance their computing experience.
 
If you have any questions or suggestions
about how we can help meet the needs of you or your customers,
drop me a line on America Online to the screen name LynC2.
 
Lyn Chitow
Tandy Product Manager
America Online
 
MOM-12-92
TANDYVISION IS EXPANDING
 
In late October, 1992,
190 Radio Shack stores received a new TandyVision  CD
with 1,000 competitively priced software packages,
300 VHS movies, 9 new carrying cases,
and numerous product additions in Consumer Mail and National Parts.
These are exciting product additions to TandyVision!
Even though all stores do not have a TandyVision unit,
all stores have been supplied with the new Software Catalog
so everyone can participate in the new software program.
 
Whether you reference your product by CD or catalog,
the ordering process is simple.
Every product is identified with a unique 8-digit stock number,
description and price.
Enter this information into your POS
along with your customer information.
The order will be processed within 72 hours
and delivered to your customer's home or business.
 
To properly expedite your order,
all information must be entered accurately.
Take a moment to double check your entry before processing the order.
 
TandyVision is continuing to grow
and will be offering more products with each quarterly update.
You never know what you will be selling next quarter --
it may be something you've always wanted to sell
but were limited because of inventory constraints.
If you have not looked at the new products now available,
take the time to do so.
Remember -- software, movies, carrying cases and more
make great gifts and add-on sales!
 
MOM-12-92
SOFTWARE PRICING
 
One of Radio Shack's fastest growing areas is software.
Our selection of titles is improving
and our prices are getting better and better.
As a result, sales in this area are growing.
As Radio Shack strives to remain competitive in this area,
we are constantly monitoring prices in the industry
and adjusting for trends.
We are lowering prices as necessary
on entertainment titles that are time sensitive.
Many of these price changes are advertised in our flyers and inserts.
Many others are not advertised or are included in the Z-gram
for each flyer period.
 
With all this price changing going on,
it is important to make sure your software is priced correctly
on the shelves.
The object of this pricing strategy
is to entice the customer to purchase the product
when they see the sale price.
It doesn't help your sales
if the customer finds out about the new price
when they bring it up to the counter to pay for it.
If the wrong price is on the software,
the customer may judge your entire software line
based on the price of one product.
 
In a local Radio Shack store a couple of weeks ago,
a software package was pulled from the shelf to check pricing.
Not only was the package not marked with Z-gram pricing,
it was priced $100 above regular retail price.
Three more random packages were pulled with the same results --
each was priced $100 above the regular retail price.
It's obvious that the salesperson who marked the software
when it arrived from the warehouse
made a mistake with the pricing gun,
but imagine a customers response when browsing at software
and finding four packages priced this high.
Not only did we lose the effect of the special Z-gram price,
we probably also lost the customer as a future software sale
because our prices were way out of line.
 
Let's make a special effort to keep our software priced correctly.
When a flyer takes effect,
use your pricing signs and place them close to the software.
When you get Z-gram pricing,
take a moment to re-price each and every item
and place them prominently on display
to show that you have some specials to offer.
Introduce your customers to Radio Shack's new software pricing
and take advantage of these high profit add-on sales dollars.
 
MOM-12-92
NEW DEMO DISK COMING
 
A Demo Disk for My Paint (25-1839), Snap Dragon (25-1865),
Storybook Weaver (25-1864), and Tristan Pinball (25-1868)
will reach stores soon.
These interactive demos help sell the products they represent
by giving the customer an opportunity
to preview and experience the product prior to buying it.
All these demos are impressive and will be an outstanding sales aid.
 
MOM-12-92
ELECTRONIC ARTS PROMOTION
 
Electronic Arts is offering a "Buy two, get one free" promotion.
This is a great chance to make multiple software sales on one ticket.
If your customer buys a combination of any two
of the following titles:
 
- Lost Files of Sherlock Holmes (25-1866)
- PGA Golf with Course Disks Bundle for Windows (25-1849)
- Great Navel Battles (25-1850)
 
he/she can receive a free copy of any software title
listed on the promotional display coupons.
 
Make sure your customer receives a coupon from the display.
The coupon must be returned with the sales slip,
to Electronic Arts
for a free copy of any of the titles listed on the coupon.
 
MOM-12-92
MPC HARDWARE/SOFTWARE COMPATIBILITY NOTICE
 
Now that you are selling Sensation!,
remember -- not all CDs will run on it.
Be sure your customer buys software
that carries the MPC Multimedia PC logo.
Titles such as Sherlock Holmes I,
Sherlock Holmes II,
Carmen Deluxe, and Issac Asminov's Science Adventure
on CD-ROM DOS will not work.
Suggest titles such as Composers Quest (25-4291) or
Chessmaster 3000 (25-4298).
 
These will bring a smile to everyone's face.
 
MOM-12-92
SOFTWARE NEWS -- THE FAMILY BIBLE
 
Christmas heralds in the best time of the year for software sales.
You have many new titles on your shelves
to please a variety of customer tastes.
 
Family Bible (25-1928) is a natural seller this time of year.
Features like Text Retrieval instantly let the user
access the King James Version of the Bible for any word.
You can capture favorite verses in a word processor file
for writing or teaching,
or print directly from the program.
Also with the touch of a key,
classic paintings with dramatic narration and music
portray stirring moments from favorite Bible stories.
 
MERRY CHRISTMAS! -- EMPLOYEE SOFTWARE PURCHASE PRODUCTS
 
Here is your chance to buy some of the hottest titles
from Microprose, Saddleback and Amtex
at unbelievable prices.
These special price offers are available only
to Radio Shack employees.
Take advantage of these great specials today!
These offers are limited to store personnel only.
 
Microprose Software
 
Send a $20.00 check or money order to:
 
Microprose Software, Inc.
Telemarketing Department
180 Lakefront Drive
Hunt Valley, MD 21030-2245
 
Be sure you specify the game you are ordering
on a business card or in a note on company letterhead,
and have it signed by your store manager.
 
The titles available are:
 
     F-15 Strike Eagle I, II, III; Rex Nebular; Task Force;
     Greens; Jump Jet; Ancient Art/War in Skies;
     World Circuit; A.T.A.C.; B-17 Flying Fortress;
     Mantis; Silent Service II; Railroad Tycoon;
     M1 Tank Platoon; Land, Sea, & Air II Set; Future Worlds
     Knights of the Sky; Sea Rogue; F-15 Strike Eagle II- Desert Storm
     Covert Action; Darklands; Challenge of the 5 Realms;
     Global Conquest; Civilization; Red Storm Rising;
     F-19 Stealth Fighter; Hyperspeed; F-117A Nighthawk;
     Gunship 2000; Command HQ; Twilight 2000; Megatraveller 2
 
Saddleback Graphics
 
Call (800) 945-2360, give your name, store number and mailing
address, desired media and method of payment.
Your checks for $19.95
should be made out to Saddleback Graphics,
plus $3.00 for shipping and handling.
California residents need to add $1.45 for sales tax.
 
Amtex Software
 
The creators of Tristan Pinball
would like you to enjoy this game at home
for only $12.50 plus shipping and handling.
Call (408) 749-0990 for details on getting this product.
Be prepared to give your name, store number,
and store mailing address.
 
MOM-09/10-92
The Front Line
Direct Mail Prices, Retail Convenience
 
Another Advantage Of Retail
 
In the last column,
I talked about the many advantages that you, as a retailer,
enjoy over your direct mail competitor:
you can talk directly to your prospect
to determine what that prospect really needs or wants,
and then you can actually demonstrate the product.
In other words, no mismatched expectations.
Furthermore, you enjoy superior resources
in both service and support.
 
We devote two full pages of this edition (Pg 6&7)
to describe the new "Build-to-Order Program"
that will give you the ability
to offer the wide range of hardware and software options
normally associated with mail order,
while retaining the advantages
of the retail shopping experience.
As you familiarize yourself with this program,
keep the benefits described below in mind.
 
You Can Offer A Broad Choice Of Options
 
Many of your small business customers and home-based "power users"
request performance features not commonly appearing
in the standard configuration,
pre-built models normally stocked in your store.
They might ask for a high capacity hard drive,
system RAM over 4 MB, external cache, a backup tape drive, etc.
 
These are not features that will require a lot of extra selling on your part,
because this class of customer generally knows
exactly what he or she wants,
and, if you can offer it on your menu of available options
at the time they order,
the prospect will generally add it to the system
to avoid having to install it later. 
Wouldn't you rather order an automobile
with the sunroof already installed by the factory
rather than risk having that same feature
fitted by a local installer sometime later?
 
You will also find this performance-sensitive user
willing to step up to larger drives, more memory,
and other performance "kickers"
once you show how easily and cheaply they can be added,
assembled and tested at the factory.
We intend that you will have a full range of peripherals,
even those you would not or could not stock
for the normal retail customer.
 
Study the specs of the program closely
and you will realize that the basic chassis was carefully designed
to accommodate a broad range of peripheral devices and cards
while still retaining reasonable dimensions and footprint.
Here in Fort Worth, we refer to it as the "2+2+5" chassis,
which simply indicates that it holds two 3 1/2" devices
(like one 3 1/2" floppy drive and a hard drive);
two 5 1/4" devices (like one 5 1/4" floppy drive
and maybe a CD-ROM drive or a tape backup),
and five feature cards (such as a modem, game card, PC TV board, etc.).
 
Note:
In a few months, we will issue details
on how to order file servers and networking peripherals
using the current mid-tower chassis.
 
You Reduce Your Inventory
 
In addition to offering your customer
a full range of performance options,
you can take advantage of the express shipping time on these CPUs.
This will relieve you of having
to stock some of the exotic peripherals
you may have been holding for that occasional professional customer
who needs SIMM chips or that big 340 MB IDE hard drive.
 
It really doesn't make sense to stock these peripherals
when the value of many of these will fall rapidly in only a few months.
We will be able to buy -- and sell -- at the going market price,
meaning more competitive pricing and profits.
 
Pretested For Performance
 
While many of you have become quite adept
at installing both hardware and software
to configure the entire system for your customer,
this is not the best use of your time.
Neither is it the most productive use
of the technical resources of the company.
 
We are trying as a company to get back to the greater efficiency
that results from a proper specialization of job functions.
Your time should be concentrated on the selling floor,
not in the back room.
The customer will get a more consistent product
with the factory doing the installation and testing of the peripherals,
operating system, and major productivity software.
You can fully focus your thoughts and efforts this Christmas season
on how you can SELL!, SELL!, SELL!
 
And On Another Note -- Oil The Cucumbers!
 
Many years ago there was a popular movie that portrayed John Denver
as a produce clerk in a grocery store.
At the beginning of the story, 
he looses his job for failing to "oil the cucumbers."
 
I know in our business we don't rub our computers with vegetable oil
to make them look plump and juicy.
However, we do have an obligation to show them to their best advantage.
 
During the vital selling months ahead,
don't be caught with any computers
showing nothing on the monitor or display.
In the case of Sensation!,
you will have a very nice continuous running demo
to attract customer attention.
On the rest of your machines,
display the DeskMate or Windows screens.
Wherever possible,
connect a mouse or a printer.
Add an accessory or two -- a mouse pad, wrist rest, or monitor file tray.
 
Suggestive selling works!
 
MOM-09/10-92
The Credit Line
RSVP/Tandy Computer Leasing
 
RSVP 
Applications
 
Applications for a customer without a major credit card
are to be FAXed in.
The FAX number is: (800) 767-3465
 
We DO NOT accept mail-in applications.
This process was changed in August, 1991.
 
Phone-in applications have an average response time of 6 minutes,
providing there are no unusual circumstances
such as name changes, address changes
or the required verification of employment.
In the event this happens,
please remind your customer that we are doing verification
and they will receive a response as soon as possible.
If the customer is declined,
simply tell them they will receive a letter within 10 days.
 
John Doe, John Doe, Jr. and J. Doe ... Who's Who?
When assisting a customer in completing an application,
verify their identification
just as if you were accepting a personal check.
Ask for a picture I.D. and look at it!
Check the address.
If it is different than the one on the application,
ask for a reason.
Make sure your customer "checks out."
 
Additional cards will only be issued
to authorized users who are immediate family of the primary cardholder.
Cards will not be issued to friends, distant relatives, bosses, etc.
 
O% Promotions
 
The majority of the Promotions we run are 0% interest --
no payment for 90 days.
This promotion works very well
to give the customer the advantage
of purchasing merchandise without interest,
and gives them a "break" from a monthly payment for 90 days.
Often, we run a 0% interest for 90 days,
minimum payment due.
This is beneficial to the customer because
they can decrease the principal amount due
prior to accruing interest on it.
 
Please be sure your customers understand
the terms of the promotions running in your store
at the time of their purchase.
 
REMEMBER TO ALWAYS:
 
Make RSVP your customer's first choice...
not your salesperson's last resort!
 
MOM-09/10-92
Tandy Computer Leasing 
POS Information
 
When entering information into the POS system,
it is important to remember to put in the customer number
with three zeros followed by the lease number.
 
TCL Documentation
 
Be sure to fill out the Lessee name
on applications and documents
with the complete legal business name.
 
Reminders
 
1. TCL does not lease the following products:
     Stereos           Cellular Phones
     Televisions       Pagers
     Satellite Dishes
 
2. Status of New Applications:
   Please allow 8 business hours
   before calling for a status check.
 
   It is important to fill out lease applications completely.
   All information is necessary
   in order to provide you with efficient service.
   The terms of the transaction, purchase options,
   accurate bank information, social security number,
   equipment description and cost are extremely important.
   Your store/unit number, your name and phone/FAX numbers
   are necessary to contact you with approval information.
 
3. Please try to answer customer questions on-site
   by referencing your manuals;
   if you are unable to locate the answer,
   call Lease Administration at:
   1 (800) 78-TANDY
 
   We are receiving many customer questions
   directly from the customer.
   It is best that you call
   so we know the background and transaction information
   to answer the customer's questions completely.
 
4. The monthly payment amount is calculated
   by taking the total cost (without tax)
   multiplied by the lease rate factor.
 
A TCL LEASE....
The Closing Link to a Total Solution
for your clients' business products needs
 
MOM-09/10-92
COMPUTER SUPPORT
Computer Support Services
"Answers at Your Fingertips"
 
TECHNICAL FAXBACK
 
FaxBack seems to be a good tool for many of you.
Please continue to use it and make suggestions
about what you would like to see on the system.
We have been concentrating on computers
but will now also include printers, modems, monitors, etc.
 
We still have a lot of data to put on the system.
It is being updated almost daily.
 
We are working on a new printed catalog
and hope to release it in the next few months.
Remember, you can get an updated directory of catalogs
on a particular product
just by requesting it.
Call the system about once a week
and request a Directory of Catalogs by selecting option 1.
This will give you a list of FAXBack catalogs for the new products
as they become available.
 
Technical FaxBack Hotline
(800) 323-6586
 
This number can also be given out to your customers.
If you have questions or suggestions for the system, call
Cynthia Davis
(817) 878-4116
 
MOM-09/10-92
SUBJECTS OF THE MONTH
 
Upgrading The Tandy  2500 SX/20 To 16 MB Of Memory
 
If a customer wants to upgrade the memory in their 2500 SX/20,
they will need to purchase the Acculogic RAMpAT!-Plus board.
The STB RapidMeg (900-2400) that we sold for the 2500 SX
is not compatible with the 2500 SX/20.
 
The RAMpAT!-Plus can be ordered through Third Party Products.
(There's a Product Request Form included with this M.O.M.)
If the customer has any questions about the memory board,
they should call Acculogic at (714) 454-2441.
 
LANtastic And TandyLink  -- The Driving Force
 
For LANtastic and the TandyLink board to work together,
you need a driver (drvr8530).
This driver is available through Computer Support Services.
Call the 800 support line to request it.
 
1 (800) 2TANDY4
1 (800) 282-6394
 
LANtastic 4.1 And TandyLink Boards
 
Now that LANtastic 4.1 is available,
the chances of an existing LANtastic/AI version 4.0 customer
buying another workstation with LANtastic/AI 4.1 are great.
When you configure a workstation/server with LANtastic 4.1,
it will fail to attach to a server configured with LANtastic 4.0.
The error it shows is "Invalid network version."
 
Your customer will need to upgrade all workstations/servers
to the 4.1 version of LANtastic.
They can call Artisoft at (602) 293-6363
to purchase this upgrade version.
 
Also note that a problem can arise
when a customer uses too many TandyLink boards
on a LANtastic network.
The error "node address already used" will be displayed.
 
To correct this problem,
each workstation will have to be assigned its own unique node address.
Follow these instructions at each workstation.
 
1. Go to the "startnet.bat" file.
 
2. Assign the workstation its own unique hexadecimal number
   using the "/A" parameter on the "drvr8530" line.
   (The combinations of hex numbers between 00 and FE
   will accommodate 255 unique node addresses.)
 
   Example: drvr8530 /Ann
   where "nn" is a 2-digit hexadecimal number from 00 to FE.
 
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 until all workstations have been
   assigned a new hexadecimal number.
 
Windows 3.1 And 720K 3 1/2" Diskettes
 
We have had several requests for Windows 3.1 on 720K diskettes.
Microsoft Corporation has informed us that
as long as a customer can prove
they have purchased a copy of the product,
they will ship Windows 3.1 on 720K 3 1/2" diskettes
to the customer.
Microsoft's number is (800) 426-9400.
 
FAX/Modem Board (25-1070), Quicklink II Fax Software And Windows
 
This version of the software is not a Windows application,
therefore it will not work in the background
while Windows is loaded.
To get a Windows version of this software,
call Smith Micro Systems at (714) 964-0412 to
get an upgrade.
 
MOM-09/10-92
Computer Marketing
 
Things To Know About Novell And TDM
 
THE RADIO SHACK-NOVELL CONNECTION: WHAT IT IS AND HOW IT WORKS
 
Merchandising has received several questions
regarding the relationship between Radio Shack and Novell.
Radio Shack is, indeed, an authorized Novell dealer.
 
This does not mean that all Novell products are available
for sale by all Radio Shack stores.
Novell is rightfully concerned
about the level of technical competence
of the people who install their products;
therefore, part of the requirement to be a dealer
is that the seller meets certain technical proficiency requirements.
 
Many of the System Engineers
who transferred from the Computer Centers
to 01-Z departments and Service Centers
are certified through Computer Support Services.
If you have access to a certified SE,
or can obtain an SE's services through your DM or RM
in order to complete a large sale,
you can sell a Novell network.
 
Assuming you have a qualified SE to do the installation,
here's how to order the components you need:
 
1. Order the Novell software from Third Party Products.
   Use a copy of the Product Request form
   attached to this M.O.M.
   Be sure to indicate on the form
   the name of the SE who will be responsible
   for the installation.
 
2. Fax the form to Third Party Products at (817) 878-6550.
   Third Party will check with Computer Support Services
   to verify that the SE is Novell-certified.
   After approval, TPP will advise you of price and availability.
 
3. Order the "Availability Code 95" network components
   from Computer Support Services
   by FAXing a hand-written ICST to them.
   The ICST should contain your store number,
   the stock numbers, descriptions and quantities
   of the items you need (network cards, hubs, etc.),
   the customer name,
   the name and unit number of the SE overseeing the installation,
   and the sales ticket number.
 
4. FAX the ICST to Computer Support Services,
   Attn: Peggy, to (817) 338-2303.
 
Remember, you must have a Radio Shack Novell certified SE
involved in your sale.
Radio Shack is not currently offering Novell certification classes
for field personnel.  If there is no SE in your area
and the size of the potential sale justifies it,
contact your DM to explore the feasability
of "borrowing" an SE from another area.
 
MOM-09/10-92
REPAIR OF COMPUTER PRODUCTS SOLD BY TANDY DIRECT MARKETING
 
Tandy Direct Marketing,
in addition to selling to institutions and value-added resellers,
administers a direct mail program
which includes products not available
through Radio Shack stores
(such as Victor computers).
 
We believe that TDM's direct mail program
will allow Tandy to tap into markets not currently being sold
by our store system.
We also believe that each of these sales
will create store traffic
when these customers require accessories and supplies.
 
TDM direct mail customers will be provided a telephone number
to call for repair service.
In most cases,
the item needing service is shipped directly to a service center
by TDM and returned in the same fashion.
However, it's a possibility
that one of these items will be brought into your store for service.
Accept the items and forward them to the service center
as if sold by Radio Shack.
 
Stores Handling TDM In-Warranty Repairs
 
Stores handling TDM in-warranty repairs should call (817) 878-6004
for billing instructions.
For in-warranty service,
the customer must prove date of purchase
(with a TDM receipt or cancelled check).
Tandy-brand products will have the same warranty
as when sold by Radio Shack stores.
Victor-brand products will have a 2-year warranty.
 
For out of-warranty service,
stores will collect from customers as they normally do
and normal repair prices will allow stores some revenue
to cover their costs.
 
MOM-09/10-92
Build-To-Order
 
What Is The Tandy "Build-To-Order" Program?
 
The Tandy "Build-To-Order" program is a unique,
value-added service
that Radio Shack is proud to offer to our valued customers.
In short, we've converted our factory
to custom-build computers for your customers.
 
Gone are the days when they have to accept someone else's concept
of what their computer should be.
Now, our trained team of computer specialists is available
to build your customer's computer
to fit their precise needs.
They can choose from literally thousands of combinations of disk drives,
mass storage devices,
memory configurations and more.
We'll even pre-install DOS and Windows,
as well as any of the most popular software titles available!
 
What Computer Platform Will be Offered?
 
The "OMNI Profile" series is an entirely new platform,
available ONLY to BTO customers.
These models are ordered only as part of the BTO
custom integration program,
where other components (such as RAM, hard drive, keyboard, etc.) are added
to form a complete system.
 
The versions offered are:
 
 Cat.   Model                 Clock   Floppy              Hard
  No.    No.     Processor    Speed   Drive    RAM        Drive 
 
25-5146 425 SX   80486 SX     25 MHz  1.44 MB  2 MB       None
25-5147 433 SX   80486 SX     33 MHz  1.44 MB  2 MB       None
25-5150 433 DX   80486 DX     33 MHz  1.44 MB  2 MB       None
25-5148 450 DX 2 80486 DX 2   50 MHz  1.44 MB  2 MB       None
25-5149 466 DX 2 80486 DX 2   66 MHz  1.44 MB  2 MB       None
 
"OMNI Profile" Computer Features & Benefits
 
Video
 
The Super VGA controller provides superior VGA performance
with several Windows functions,
such as BitBLT operations, hardware cursor,
and fill pattern capabilities built into the hardware.
These functions yield up to 15 times the performance for Windows
over conventional VGA implementations.
The Super VGA controller also features backwards software compatibility
with MDA, CGA, Hercules, EGA, and VGA video standards.
 
Display Modes
 
With standard 512K VRAM:
 
- Up to 1024 x 768 x 16 colors, or 800 x 600 x 256 colors
 
With optional 1 MB VRAM:
 
- Up to 1024 x 768 x 256 colors, interlaced or non-interlaced
 
Memory
 
- Expandable to 40 MB on the main logic board
- Battery-backed CMOS
- RAM and real-time-clock accurate to 12 minutes/year
 
Built-in Ports
 
- Two serial, one parallel, PS/2-style keyboard, PS/2-style mouse
 
Power supply
 
- 145 Watts, 110/220 switchable
 
Peripheral bays
 
- One 3 1/2" one-inch front accessible drive bay
  (occupied by the 1.44 MB floppy drive)
- One 3 1/2" 1.6-inch internal drive bay (not front accessible)
- Two 5 1/4" half-height external drive bays (front accessible)
 
Expansion Slots
 
- 3 full-length, 2 half-length -- all 16-bit, all available
- Built-in 16-bit IDE hard-drive adapter
 
Front Panel
 
- Power switch, hardware reset switch, power-on LED,
  hard-drive-access LED, electric keyboard lock
- A BIOS password feature provides security during the boot process
 
External Cache Option
 
- Cache SRAM expandable to 256K for superior I/O throughput
  from 0K, 64K, 128K to 256K
 
How Tandy's "Build-To-Order" Program Benefits Your Customer
 
Your customers only pay for what they need
by selecting only the features they need.
Your customers will save hundreds of dollars
over what they would pay for unwanted "bells and whistles"
that come with most mass produced computers.
 
Starting with a computer configured for today's needs and budget,
your customers can upgrade
as their requirements grow and their budgets allow.
Our unique ordering process screens your customer's configurations
to make sure they will have what they need
to run their specified applications,
and that there are no "incompatabilities" lurking
in the configuration your customers have selected.
 
Your customer's custom-built computer is individually tracked
from the moment we receive the order
until it leaves the factory.
When your customer receives it,
they only need to plug it in
and get down to business (or entertainment!).
 
How Tandy's "Build-To-Order" Program Benefits You And Your Store
 
The BTO program will reduce the inventory burden
on your store significantly.
In addition, BTO will reduce your in-store support burden,
since your customers will be getting exactly what they need.
The finished system will be fully tested and burned-in
after configuration,
so your customers are assured a fully-functional system
with no conflicts.
 
BTO is currently offering a guaranteed "next day" turnaround,
and the factory plans to reduce that time by the first of the year.
With the exception of TCL-leased systems,
your customers' systems can ship directly to them.
This will save you and your store a significant amount of time.
Since BTO can deliver exactly what your customers want,
you'll have more selling time available
since you won't be "home brewing" computers in the back room!
 
BTO will make your store much more responsive to changing market trends.
Remember, the key to successful selling is good qualifying.
With BTO, you'll have an easier time
turning the "I'm just looking" into a prospect,
and then a sale.
You'll spend more of your time on their needs without having to worry
about any specific pre-manufactured hardware configurations.
Perhaps the most important aspect of BTO is this:
Because your end-user can order exactly what he needs,
you'll have a more satisfied customer,
and a satisfied customer means more repeat business
and referrals for you!
 
Radio Shack is planning to promote BTO very aggressively;
this will mean PLUS business for you.
The "Build-To-Order" satellite training program
will air October 5
and you can expect the brochures and pricing to be downloaded
on the P.O.S. no later than October 15.
This exciting new program will be introduced to the customers
after October 15.
 
BTO Questions & Answers
 
Q: What hardware is available for integration in the BTO program?
 
A: A choice of keyboards,
   hard drives from 107 MB to over 300 MB,
   modems and FAX/modems,
   memory from 2 MB all the way to 40 MB,
   mice, the PC TV and game boards,
   and multimedia devices will all be available from BTO.
 
Q: Will BTO offer any software?
 
A: Software, including DOS, Windows, Works, America Online and
   others we're negotiating,
   will be preloaded and configured before shipment.
 
Q: What about monitors?
 
A: A variety of monitors will be available;
   all will be offered with special system pricing.
   When your customers receive their system,
   they'll have everything they need to "plug and go."
 
Q: How do I sell merchandise not offered in the BTO program
   to my BTO customer?
 
A: Easy! The BTO program is designed to bring more customers
   into your store.
   If they purchase items that are not part of the BTO program,
   simply create 2 sales tickets --
   one for the BTO order,
   and one for the rest of the merchandise.
   Send your customers home with the regular merchandise;
   the BTO computer systems will ship directly to their home or office
   the next day -- GUARANTEED!
 
Q: I know the factory tests every BTO system,
   but how will we handle Dead-On-Arrivals?
   Will the customer have to wait?
 
A: No -- in that RARE instance when a computer shows up DOA,
   all the customer needs to do is bring the unit to your store.
   As soon as you notify the factory of the situation,
   they'll configure another system and ship it
   on a priority basis to your customer.
   When you return the defective unit to the factory,
   your store will be immediately credited for the return.
 
Q: If a customer returns a BTO system on our "30-day return" policy,
   is my store stuck with the computer?
 
A: Certainly not! Just as with DOAs,
   the moment the factory receives a returned BTO system,
   your store will be credited for the return.
 
Q: OK, OK, let's get down to the nitty-gritty:
   The greatest plan in the world won't succeed if our prices are out of line.
   What are you going to do about pricing?
 
A: Radio Shack and Tandy have made a corporate commitment
   to "price competitively to major brands" in 80486 computers.
   Market prices are carefully monitored
   and we will adjust our prices accordingly,
   on a monthly basis if necessary.
 
Remember, with the quality of product you have to offer,
the level of service and support you bring to the table,
the competition-sensitive pricing we have put into place,
and the complete industry-standard compatability Tandy computers enjoy,
NOBODY COMPARES!
 
MOM-09/10-92
Sylvan Success
Master Your Computer...  FAST!
 
Training On Today's Most Popular Software
 
- Getting Started with PC and DOS 3.x/4.x
- Getting Started with PC and DOS 5.0
- Getting Started with Tandy DeskMate 3
- Getting Started with Windows 3.0
- Getting Started with Windows 3.1
- Getting Started with Works for Windows
- Getting Started with WordPerfect 5.1
- Getting Started with Lotus 1-2-3, 2.3
- Getting Started with Lotus 1-2-3, 3.1
- Getting Started with dBase IV, 1.1
- Getting Started with Paradox 3.5
- Getting Started with Word for Windows 1.1
- Getting Started with Word for Windows 2.0
- Getting Started with Excel 3.0
 
All Getting Started courses only $99
 
Sylvan Technology Centers are located
in selected markets nationwide.
 
Latest & Greatest
 
Have you heard?  Sylvan Technology Centers' Getting Started with
Microsoft Works for Windows course is now available nationwide!
If you've been waiting for this course, you'll be happy with the
results.  The course has been designed to reflect a Windows 3.0
or 3.1 environment and covers all the popular topics.  A
complete course outline appears in the Sylvan Technology Center
Sales Procedure Guide.
 
When sold with one of our Getting Started with Microsoft Windows
courses, Works for Windows training offers a guaranteed
method for Radio Shack customers to shortcut the manuals.
Training helps increase your customers' satisfaction by helping
them put their computer investment to work quickly.
Remember to recommend Sylvan PC software skills training to all
your computer customers to further demonstrate Radio Shack's
commitment to customer support.
 
 
Sales Tips
 
You'll be most successful closing training sales to individuals
by stressing the personal benefits.  It doesn't take long for
people to understand that training will help them make better
use of their computer.  However, they often won't realize,
unless you tell them, that training has even more personal
benefits.
 
$$$ -- The value of training is a long-term investment
that can pay off in many ways for the participant.
Those in the workforce will certainly benefit
by having formal training added to their experience and resume.
 
Makes Life Easier -- Discovering ways to make computers
do the more laborious and repetitious tasks
definitely makes life easier!
 
Saves Time -- There's no doubt that the efficient and effective use
of a Tandy Computer system
can help save time in personal and business life.
 
Pride in a Good Job -- No matter what the task,
everyone can take pride in a job well done.
Since everyone likes to be associated with success,
encourage your customers to use Sylvan
to be successful as FAST as possible.
 
 
Class Notes
 
Selling Sylvan PC software skills training is easy.
All Sylvan Getting Started with... courses
are one day in length,
beginning promptly at 9:00 a.m.
and ending around 4:00 p.m.
Classes are held on weekdays
(normally Tuesdays and Thursdays) and Saturdays!
Saturday training is a big selling point
for home computer users.
 
After making the training sale through your store's P.O.S.
and completing the information
on the inside cover of the Training Passport,
remind your customer to call Sylvan's National Registration Center
to register for the most convenient date and location for the course.
It's as easy as that!
Additional registration kits
and promotional materials are available
by calling (817) 390-2798.
 
Let Us Know
 
If you have suggestions
about how to improve Sylvan Technology Center training
for Radio Shack customers,
we want to hear them.
Ideas about additional course titles, sales aids, etc. are always welcome.
You can FAX your suggestions to:
(410) 880-8717,
Attn: STC Training Marketing
 
Sylvan Success is now a regular feature of the M.O.M.
Look for the latest Sylvan news in upcoming editions.
 
MOM-09/10-92
Product News
 
SYLVAN PC TRAINING
 
Sell More And Earn More
Radio Shack's exclusive arrangement with Sylvan Technology Centers
to provide personal computer skills training classes
is proving to be a real winner for our stores and customers.
The best-selling courses so far are "Getting Started with Windows"
and "Getting Started with Tandy DeskMate 3."
 
Radio Shack salesmakers benefit from training sales in many ways, including:
 
Extra Earnings:
Stores retain 40% of a training sales revenue
while salesmakers earn a 10% SPIFF in addition to regular commission.
 
More Computer Sales:
Professional training sets you apart from many of your competitors.
It allows you to sell to many customers who might otherwise be hesitant to buy.
As an added bonus,
a properly trained computer customer will be back in your store
sooner for upgrades and accessories.
 
More Time for Sales:
Sylvan training clients are guaranteed success.
They also receive a 45-day subscription to Sylvan's support hotline
in case they have additional questions.
Sylvan answers the questions so you can keep selling!
 
Offering computer training to your clients is a great way
to sell more and earn more.
And our price of $99.00 for a full day of training is an extremely good value!
If you have any questions about courses, scheduling, etc.,
you can call Sylvan:
 
Special Radio Shack Hotline
(800) 967-1200
 
See your Sylvan Technology Center Procedures Manual
for additional instructions.
 
Registration
 
Sylvan Technology Centers are available in most markets.
When you sell a Sylvan training course,
remind your customers to call the Sylvan 800-number listed
in their Sylvan Passport to register for the course, date and
most convenient location.
Due to Sylvan's unique, flexible scheduling,
your customer can often get into a class which will occur
within three to five days.
 
Sylvan Success
 
We have added a new section to the M.O.M. -- Sylvan Success
(see opposite page).
This page is updated by Sylvan and will have the following features.
 
- Latest & Greatest
- Sales Tips
- Class Notes
- Let Us Know
- Master Your Computer ... FAST!
 
Remember Sylvan Training.
It can add dollars to your store's sales and your wallet.
 
MOM-09/10-92
THE TANDY SENSATION! IS SENSATIONAL!
 
Sensation!
Boy, did we ever give this one the right name!
 
The 25-1650 Tandy Sensation!  MPC is drawing rave reviews
from the press, industry observers
at the recent press events in Dallas and New York,
and in private showings at various locations all over the U.S.
 
Look At This Software!
Sensation! is a totally new
"from the ground up" multimedia computer.
It comes with more software than we have ever packaged with a computer before.
Just look at these titles:
 
Microsoft DOS Version 5.0
The latest, greatest version of the world's most popular operating system,
pre-loaded on the Sensation's hard drive.
 
Microsoft Windows 3.1 Multimedia
Yes, Virginia, there is a multimedia version of Windows 3.1,
and our first computer to use it is the Sensation!
This version includes all of the multimedia extensions,
including AVI (audio-visual interface)
for smooth animation combined with sound.
 
Microsoft Bookshelf (1992 Edition)
The Microsoft Bookshelf reference library
combines the sight and sound of multimedia computing
with seven of the most popular reference books
used at home, work or school --
using an interface with all the familiarity and aesthetics of a real book,
including tabs, indexes and pages.
 
Bookshelf includes:
 
     The Concise Columbia Encyclopedia
     The American Heritage Dictionary
     Roget's II Electronic Thesaurus
     The 1992 World Almanac and Book of Facts
     Bartlett's Familiar Quotations
     The Concise Columbia Dictionary of Quotations
     The Hammond Atlas
 
Recently, Microsoft Bookshelf was picked
as the "MPC World Reader's Choice Award Winner"
in both Reference Titles and
Favorite CD Multimedia Title Category.
And it comes with every Sensation!
 
Microsoft Money
The latest edition of the popular home accounting program
includes new features to make it even easier to use than before.
Money looks just like your checkbook,
so learning how to use it is a snap.
Track your checks, savings accounts, credit cards,
investments, cash and other assets.
Balancing your checkbook has never been easier,
as Money will help you find those simple mistakes
with minimum effort and maximum efficiency.
And you can also print your checks!
Compares very favorably with programs
like Quicken and Money Manager for Windows.
 
Microsoft Multimedia Works for Windows
Take the Microsoft Works for Windows program
with its personal productivity tools, common sense,
ease-of-use, and common structure
between the word processor, spreadsheet and database,
and add animated lessons with sight and sound,
and you have a spectacular multimedia application
with solid value for the customer.
Works may be all the program your customer will ever need!
 
WinMate
WinMate is a software organizer that gently introduces the concept
of Windows-based computing to the uninitiated,
and is a collection of 26 multimedia applications,
all designed to help organize today's busy lifestyles.
 
Phone Center
Phone Center is a program for everyone in the family.
Phone Center, in conjunction with the Sensation! modem,
turns the Sensation! into a spectacular answering machine with voice mail.
Up to 9 mailboxes may be set in the computer.
Remote operation by touch-tone phone
lets you retrieve your phone messages,
just like any full-feature answering machine.
However, due to text-to-speech technology included with the Sensation!,
you can also retrieve your To-do list,
calendar and any typewritten messages
RIGHT OVER THE PHONE!
A truly "Sensational" feature!
 
Math Drill, Hangman and Type Defense
Teach the kids the basics of math, spelling and typing.
 
Puzzler
Match your wits with the computer on shape recognition.
 
In Print
In Print lets you design and print cards,
banners, signs and name tags.
Want to keep track of your collections?
We've set up Works templates for every occasion.
 
America Online
America Online is here,
and they have added special Multimedia forums
for your Sensation! customer.
 
Online Services
 
Along with America Online,
which is featured in the WinMate package,
Sensation! comes with three other online services.
They include:
 
Prodigy
Prodigy is for the user
who prefers the more graphical online services.
 
CompuServe
CompuServe online service
features fast retrieval of news, weather, sports and much more.
 
Sierra Network
Sierra Network lets your customers play games
with anybody else in the U.S. signed on to the Network.
Play Bridge or Backgammon with someone in New York
as you relax in the sun in Phoenix.
Fly your Sopwith Camel from Dallas against the Red Baron in Detroit.
For those confined to their home due to illness or disability,
this is the perfect way to make new friends
and play games with others across the street or across the nation!
 
Hardware Specifications
 
As for hardware, Sensation! stands up to anything on the market today.
 
- A powerful Intel 80486SX processor
  running at 25 MHz powers the Sensation!
- Multimedia audio is built right on the mother board
- 4 MB of RAM is standard, and it can be expanded
  to a whopping 32 MB on the main board
- 512K of video RAM is also standard,
  with expandability to 1 MB available
- A 107 MB hard drive comes pre-loaded
- Sensation! CD-ROM drive features a 375 ms average access time,
  150K/second continuous transfer rate and does not use a caddy
- One 3 1/2", 1.44 MB floppy drive allows loading of standard programs
- Tandy's exclusive Multimedia palette chip gives up to 16-million colors
  on your VGA monitor
- A special 2400 bps modem with send FAX (4800 bps FAX) is built-in.
  This modem can also decode DTMF (touch-tone phone) signals
  (that's why it's special)
- On front of the computer is a volume control, headphone jack,
  full range speaker and microphone/line-in jack
- On the back, there is a mouse, keyboard, MIDI, serial,
  parallel and two line out ports for easy connections
- Three open 16-bit expansion slots allow easy installation
  of other options to the Sensation!, such as the 25-1660 PC TV Adapter board
  or other devices
 
Concentrate on the software and its benefits
when talking to your customer about the Sensation!.
Although a powerful computer,
point out the fantastic titles that it comes with,
and all the uses that they would have for this machine in their home.
The Sensation! is more of a home reference-entertainment device
than a computer, and you should think of it that way
to get the point across to your prospects.
 
The greatest Sensation! of all is that this complete package
retails for $1,999.
 
MOM-09/10-92
SENSATIONAL!!
NEW TANDY VGM-150 FULL-PAGE MONITOR
 
New for this year is a full-page dual-purpose monitor that functions
both as a normal VGA monochrome monitor and as a medium-resolution
full-page monitor.  Its many features include:
 
- Fully VGA Compatible -- ready to connect to a VGA Adapter, does not
  require an expensive video adapter to use the montior
- Full-Page Non-glare Display --
  lets you display the complete text of an 8 1/2 x 11-inch page -- what a view!
- Paper-White Display -- provides a high-contrast image
  that's ideal for word processing and desktop publishing
  and Windows really sparkles!
- Included Full-Page Screen Drivers -- lets you use the display in
  full-page mode with many applications
- Picture Controls -- let you easily adjust vertical size, horizontal
  center, contrast, and brightness controls
- Standard 6' VGA Cable -- for those hard to reach places
 
Note:
You can use the monitor with computers
that have a register-compatible VGA system.
 
The Tandy VGM-150 Full-Page Monitor (Cat. No. 25-4090)
is Code 15 and Z-stores should always display
this unique and specially priced ($299.95) full-page monitor.
Full-page monochrome monitor prices generally start at $899.
01Y and 01V stores may special order with a customer name.
Take this opportunity to sell another Tandy EXCLUSIVE!
 
MOM-09/10-92
NEW TANDY 4866 LX/T MID-SIZED TOWER
 
Intel 486 DX2 66 Microprocessor
 
Embarking on our 15th year in the personal computer business last
month, Radio Shack announced its most powerful PC-Compatible ever,
the new Tandy  4866 LX/T Mid-sized Tower computer.  In conjunction
with Intel's announcement of the new Intel486 DX2 66 MHz microprocessor,
Radio Shack became one of the first retailers in the industry to
unveil a system designed around this new chip technology.
 
This is the second time this year Tandy has been among the first
vendors to announce a new computer that supports Intel's innovative
chip technology.  Clearly, Tandy continues to demonstrate the commitment
and ability to be an industry leader in a very fast-paced and
progressive PC market.
 
The 4866 LX/T is a factory-integrated version of the already popular
Tandy  4833 LX/T, with the DX2 66 microprocessor pre-installed to
provide the "double-performance" processing speed of 66 MHz.  The DX2
66 microprocessor features technology that doubles the internal
speed of the processor to 66 MHz, boosting the 4866 LX//T's
performance while maintaining compatibility with existing software.
 
Manufactured by Tandy in Fort Worth, the 4866 LX/T has the power and
expandability to serve as an ideal file-server platform for
networked or multi-user environments.
 
Features
 
The 4866 LX/T floor-standing profile offers the following standard
features:
 
- Guaranteed PC-Compatible Plus, as with all Tandy 486-based CPUs
- 66 MHz Intel486 DX2 66 microprocessor
  with built-in math co-processer capability
-  8K of internal cache
- 4 MB of memory, expandable to 64 MB on the main logic board
- One 3 1/2" 1.44 MB floppy disk drive
- One additional 3 1/2" and three 5 1/4" device slots
- Seven 16-bit ISA expansion slots, six of which are open
- 16-bit IDE connector which supports two different IDE devices
- 16-bit non-interlaced Super VGA graphics adapter
  with 1 MB of Video RAM and Windows accelerator
  for up to 15 times the performance of most standard VGA adapters
- Extremely durable and heavy-duty 101-key enhanced keyboard
- Powerful 300-Watt power supply
- Two serial ports -- one parallel port and one mouse port
- MS-DOS 5.0 operating system included
- Support for SCO UNIX/XENIX, OS/2, Windows and Novell
 
The new Tandy 4866 LX/T (Cat. No. 25-5144)
will be available on or around October 15th
with a retail selling price of just $3,799.
 
Be ready to offer this top-of-the-line system to all your prospects
for the ultimate in PC computing!
 
MOM-09/10-92
THE NEW TANDY 2500 RSX HD
Introducing The 2500 RSX HD
 
We are proud to introduce the new 25-1621 Tandy  2500 RSX Hard Drive
($799.95 -- THAT'S RIGHT! -- $799.95!!).
This new unit continues the tradition set
with the Tandy  1000 RL, RLX and RSX HD;
it's designed with the home user in mind,
but has the power and features
necessary for bringing work home from the office.
 
Features
 
The PC-compatible Tandy 2500 RSX HD features an Am386SX microprocessor
running at a 25 MHz clock speed,
the same processor found in the Tandy  2500 SX/25
and the Tandy  1000 RSX HD.
The standard memory on the 2500 RSX HD is 1 MB RAM,
expandable to 9 MB on the main board.
There is a 60 MB SmartDrive  already built-in and formatted,
with MS-DOS and DeskMate  pre-installed on the drive.
Your customer just powers up and goes!
Included are:
 
- 1 MB RAM
- 60 MB SmartDrive
- DB-9 serial port
- DB-25 parallel printer
- PS/2 mouse port
- 1.44 MB high density 3 1/2" floppy disk drive
- 101-key enhanced keyboard (same as the 2500 SX/25)
- Real time clock with battery backup
- Special Tandy Enhanced Sound circuitry with bi-directional DACs
- Super VGA Compatibility (256K Video RAM, expandable to 512K)
- 80287SX-25 co-processor socket
- Volume control
- Three full length 16-bit AT expansion board slots
- A 5 1/4" open device bay (for CD-ROM, tape backup, floppy drives, etc.)
- MS-DOS 5.0 operating system
- Print Companion
- America Online
- 24 DeskMate and DeskMate Home Organizer  Applications
 
Note: The 2500 RSX HD does not have headphone or microphone jacks,
and it does not come with a mouse.
 
With the addition of the 25-4044 VGM-220 Color Monitor
to the 25-1621 Tandy 2500 RSX HD,
you have a package price of $1,099.90,
the lowest standard price ever offered
on a VGA computer/hard drive/color monitor combination from Radio Shack.
 
DeskMate and DeskMate Home Organizer Included
 
The Tandy 2500 RSX HD is a system,
and part of the system is software.
For the 2500 RSX HD,
we have included the popular 15 DeskMate Home Organizer applications.
Although we are all probably familiar with DeskMate,
let's review, by each category, the DeskMate Home Organizer Applications:
 
Personal
 
Collections -- helps keep collections organized,
such as coins, stamps, videos, records, etc.
 
Diary -- keeps a password-protected diary on the computer
to express your thoughts or record events daily.
 
Home Inventory -- keeps an organized list of the possessions in your home
for insurance and other purposes.
 
Information Center -- has a "bulletin board" for leaving text messages,
plus a list of important phone numbers and a date book.
This replaces the refrigerator door as the family message center.
 
Itemized List -- keeps a detailed account of anything in your home inventory
or any other list.
 
Travel Planner -- creates a daily itinerary of your vacation or business trips.
 
Kitchen
 
CookBook -- browse through recipes filed by category.
Make a selection
and a "recipe card" displays both an ingredient list
and preparation instructions.
Includes 30 recipes from the "Good Housekeeping" cookbook.
By using a program called Recipe Sharer 
(included with the RSX HD),
those with DeskMate Home Organizer software
are able to write individual recipes to disk
and share them with others.
 
Grocery List -- a real time saver, created from a list of foods
you normally buyJust check each item needed and print a list.
 
Meal Planner -- put together a menu created from recipes in your Cookbook.
 
Financial Organizer
 
Account Information -- a handy file of your checking, savings,
credit union and other accounts.
 
Checkbook Register -- keeps track of the checks you've written
and keeps the current balance of your account.
 
Checkbook Balancer -- helps reconcile your bank account with
the monthly statement, easily and quickly.
 
Expense Itemizer -- using information from the Checkbook Register,
find out where your money went during the month.
Includes a monthly Pie Chart and an annual Bar Chart
for quick reference.
 
Financial Notebook -- keeps information on stocks, bonds and loans
right at your fingertips.
 
Mathcard -- solves problems with commonly used formulas,
including loans, savings, unit conversions and more.
 
The 2500 RSX HD also includes eight other DeskMate programs:
Desktop, Hangman, Text, Music, Draw, Sound, Telecom, and Address Book.
 
Additional Software Included
 
Along with the DeskMate and DeskMate Home Organizer,
we have added Print Companion and America Online
to the system.
 
Print Companion
Print Companion lets you make greeting cards,
banners, signs, name tags, etc. with the 2500 RSX HD and a printer.
It is both easy and fun to use,
and has become one of our most popular programs.
 
America Online
America Online is the successor to PC-Link,
and features news, stock quotes, an online encyclopedia,
electronic mail, information forums,
special features for Tandy computer owners,
and much more.
It is one of the best and most affordable online services available today.
 
There are a total of twenty-five applications included
with the Tandy 2500 RSX HD computer.
 
Options
 
Options available for the 2500 RSX HD computer include:
 
Cat.No.  Description                                             Price
 
25-2001  Combination Mouse                                      $39.95
25-5137  2 MB SIMM Kit (expands RAM to 3 MB)                   $149.95
25-5136  4 MB SIMM Kit (expands RAM to 9 MB)                   $499.95
25-1082A 256K RAM Kit (expands Video RAM to 512K                $39.95
  Note:  Only the "A" version of 25-1082 will work
25-3027  Internal FAX/Modem Card                                $109.95
26-0328  High Speed Game Card                                    $29.95
 
Value-Packed And Easy-To-Use
 
This proud addition to the 2500 family
gives a value-priced option
to customers concerned with 80386SX power,
expandability and the ability to do work
brought home from the office
but who still need an easy to learn and use computer.
Anyone can be successful using the  2500 RSX HD.
First, there are the built-in tutorial programs
to step the customer through the applications,
as well as a manual that covers both software and hardware.
Second, the friendly face of DeskMate
lets you learn one interface
and then use common features in all programs.
 
Powerful And Versatile
 
If your customer wants to bring work home,
such as preparing a speech or presentation,
or using Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate for forecasting,
the 2500 RSX HD can do the job.
The majority of home users will be well satisfied
with the 80386SX-25 power,
Super VGA graphics, three expansion slots and up to 9 MB RAM available.
For more intensive programs and power users,
the Tandy  4825 SX or Tandy  4850 EP
may be better suited to their needs.
 
But for the majority of home and small business users,
both new and experienced,
the Tandy 2500 RSX HD has all the power and expandability
they will ever use or need.
To sell this computer,
you must forget about the needs of a typical business computer user.
Functionality, ease of use and early success
will keep this computer busy
long after others have been relegated to the top shelf of the closet
or stuffed in the attic.
 
The Tandy 2500 RSX HD -- more power at the fantastic price of $799.95!
It proves, once again -- Tandy Computers -- there is STILL no better value!
 
MOM-09/10-92
NEW TANDY 3800 HD NOTEBOOK PC
 
Last month Radio Shack introduced
the exciting new Tandy  3800 HD Notebook PC (Cat. No. 25-3533)
featuring a new high-performance, low-power Cx486SLC
microprocessor from Cyrix Corporation.
The 3800 HD uses the 20 MHz version of the Cx486SLC chip,
giving consumers high-performance portability
at the affordable price of only $1,999.
 
The 3800 HD is designed in a rugged case measuring 1.7 x 12.2 x 10
inches (HxWxD) and weighs approximately six pounds with the
battery installed. Standard features include:
 
- 20 MHz Cx486SLC microprocessor with 1K cache built-in
- 2 MB RAM, expandable to 4 MB
- One 3 1/2" 1.44 MB floppy disk drive
- Internal 2 1/2" 60 MB hard drive with an average access speed
  of 19 milliseconds
- Full-size 84-key keyboard, with 101-key emulation
- 640 x 480 VGA graphics support
- 9-inch diagonal edgelit liquid crystal display with 32 gray scales
- Rechargeable Ni-Cad battery -- lasts approximately two hours
  and can be quickly charged in just two hours
  using the 110V AC adapter included
- Tandy's exclusive Power Check for convenient power saving 
- One serial port and one parallel/external floppy disk drive port
- Optional math co-processor support with 387SX/20
- Optional 2400/9600 bps send/receive FAX modem (Cat. No. 25-3524)
- Optional 2 MB memory upgrade (Cat. No. 25-3504)
- Replacement battery (Cat. No. 25-3526)
- Optional external battery charger,
  charges two batteries (Cat. No. 25-3537)
- Optional Fabric (Cat. No. 25-3512)
  or Genuine Leather (Cat. No. 25-3518) carrying case
  featuring distinct padding to protect the notebook PC while traveling
 
Extend battery life by using the APM (Advance Power Management)
applications and keyboard-controlled
power management features (including a Standby mode).
 
To top off this already popular selling notebook PC, MS-DOS 5.0,
Windows 3.1 and America Online software are pre-installed for the
ultimate in "power and go" computing.
 
MOM-09/10-92
THE MIRACLE KEYBOARD REPAIR
 
The Miracle Keyboard (25-1821) is to be serviced by the vendor.
This service is for hardware only.
 
If you receive a defective unit
or if a customer brings a defective unit in for repair,
call Caitlin McGillicuddy at (800) 866-5967, extension 502,
for an RMA number or FAX (415) 883-0293
(it's quicker).
You  must  have an RMA number before shipping the unit.
Once you have received an RMA number,
ship the unit to:
 
Software Toolworks
c/o Antex Data Systems
524 Brennan Street
San Jose, CA  95131
 
Any software problems should be handled through TSA.
 
MOM-09/10-92
TANDY PC TV ADAPTER
 
Turn Your PC Into A TV!
 
The NEW Tandy PC TV Adapter (Cat. No. 25-1660, $399.95)
has arrived in the warehouse!
The PC TV Adapter adds full-screen television reception
to any PC with a VGA monitor.
The 10" board plugs into any open 8-bit XT expansion slot in your PC,
and does not require a feature connector on the VGA card to operate.
 
Since both Windows and DOS software are included,
all of the normal controls that you would find on a television
(Brightness, Contrast, Saturation, Hue,
Centering, Balance, Volume, and Fine Tune)
are controlled right on the screen.
This is done with a simple-to-use line meter
for each control.
The controls may also be used with "hot keys"
while the TV picture is on the screen.
The sound can be muted or left on
while you work with other applications,
so listening to the news while you work is a snap.
 
Are You Connected?
 
This adapter has a 122-channel cable-ready tuner
that automatically detects
if you have connected an antenna or a cable signal
to the rear bracket F-connector.
It also has a connection
for your VGA monitor on the rear bracket.
 
You simply plug a cable from your VGA card
into the back of the PC TV Adapter.
The included cable bundle
lets you plug in an antenna
or cable TV connector,
and two additional video sources
(such as a VCR or a LaserDisc Player).
 
There is also a stereo mini-jack on the cable bundle
for connecting speakers.
The software interface lets you switch between the tuner
and one of the two video inputs easily and quickly.
 
No speakers come with this board,
so be ready to add-on a set of amplified speakers
to the sale.
 
PC TV Is For Everybody
 
The target market for the PC TV includes:
 
- Home -- the PC TV allows the customer
  to have one monitor in their bedroom or study
  instead of a TV plus a computer monitor.
 
- Business -- getting financial news at the desk
  is a valuable time saver
  and a solid tool for business.
  Plus, if that desk and office are like mine,
  there just isn't any room for a TV and a computer.
 
- Educational users --
  a computer lab can quickly become a video training room
  with the addition of this unique product.
 
What does it look like?
To give your customers an idea of what a PC TV does look like,
put a 13" TV on top of a PC for display purposes.
 
The PC TV Adapter (Cat. No. 25-1660) is a special order item.
It should not be ordered unless you have a definite sale for this item.
Do not order this item for stocking or display purposes.
 
MOM-09/10-92
DARKSEED KEYBOARD PROBLEM
 
Due to the design of Darkseed (Cat. No. 25-1828),
most users would want to use a mouse or joystick.
However, there is a selection for those who want to use their keyboard.
Unfortunately, this function will not work.
 
The vendor, Merit Software, has provided a toll-free number
for consumers to call if they experience this problem.
The number is (800) 238-4277.
They will provide a replacement disk, with keyboard support,
at no additional cost.
All re-orders of Darkseed should function with the keyboard selection.
 
MOM-09/10-92
HANDLING DISCONTINUED 72-SERIES FORMS AND STATIONERY PROGRAMS
 
As you already know,
Radio Shack stores no longer sell custom forms and stationery.
However, Merchandising has made arrangements
with the vendors of these products
to continue supporting your customers
with no interruption in service.
Refer your customers to one of these suppliers:
 
For checks, statements, and other accounting forms contact
Total Forms:
(800) 942-8847
 
For letterhead, envelopes, and other stationery items contact
Standard Register:
(800) 458-8589
 
These vendors are the same companies
that have filled your customer orders in the past;
therefore your customers should experience no service disruption.
 
MOM-09/10-92
FAR SIDE COMPUTER CALENDAR -- EMPLOYEE SPECIAL OFFER
 
Amaze, Inc. is offering
"The Far Side Computer Calendar"
(Cat. No. 25-1911)
at a special price of $20.00
to Radio Shack employees.
This price includes shipping and handling charges.
 
The Far Side Computer Calendar has the following features.
 
- Four-at-a-glance views --
  day, week, month, and year.
  Each calendar can be edited quickly
  and printed out in different sizes.
  You control the style and size of the calendar
  that works for you.
  One page or two.  Portrait or landscape.
  You can even hole-punch the printouts
  to fit your favorite notebook or day-planner.
 
- Edit date, time and appointment information
  as well as make notes to yourself.
  You can easily schedule recurring events.
  Audio alarms can remind you of important appointments.
 
- Animated icons help give you a graphic overview of your day.
  There are many of them,
  from phones ringing to flying planes,
  adding a little life to the computer.
 
This offer is limited to one copy per person.
Tandy ID will be required prior to purchase,
and any copies of "The Far Side Computer Calendar"
obtained through this program cannot be offered for resale.
 
The Employee Special Offer form is attached to this M.O.M.
 
MOM-09/10-92
MEMORY EXPANSION CHART
 
Attached to this M.O.M. is an up-to-date
Tandy Computer Memory Expansion Chart.
This chart gives you specific information
on the SIMM kit requirements for each new computer
and the number of packages required
to increase the amount of RAM for them.
 
With all the new computers now available,
this should assist you in selling the SIMM packs
that will accomodate your customers' needs.
 
MOM-09/10-92
COMMUNICATIONS WITH COMPUTER MERCHANDISING -- UPDATED
 
We need your comments and suggestions.
If your customers are asking for something new or
something to be offered slightly differently,
drop us a note.
Either a speed memo or E-Mail message
generated from your POS will do.
We've had a few changes since the last time we printed this list.
Here's the updated info:
 
WHO BUYS WHAT IN MERCHANDISING
 
SOFTWARE PRODUCTS
 
Accounting/Finance                                      Joel Cohen
Business/Personal Management                            Ann Kennemer
CoCo Software                                           Marqueax Price
Communications                                          Joel Cohen
DeskMate                                                Ann Kennemer
Desktop Publishing                                      Ann Kennemer
Educational (School, K-12)                              Maggie Sherrod
Educational (Home)                                      Marqueax Price
Entertainment                                           Marqueax Price
Forms Management                                        Ann Kennemer
Graphics                                                Ann Kennemer
Online Services                                         Joel Cohen
Operating Systems                                       Joel Cohen
Productivity                                            Ann Kennemer
Programming Languages                                   Joel Cohen
SchoolMate                                              Maggie Sherrod +
Utilities                                               Joel Cohen
 
HARDWARE PRODUCTS
 
Backup/Uninterruptible Power Supplies                   Joel Cohen
Build-To-Order Products                                 Jef Fike
Build-To-Order Program                                  Joel Cohen
CD-ROM Drives                                           Mark Clauder
Color Computer Hardware                                 Mark Clauder
Digitizers                                              Colin Meyer
Diskettes/Media                                         Ann Kennemer
FAX Products (for Desktop PCs)                          Mark Clauder
Furniture                                               Ann Kennemer
Joysticks (260/270-series)                              Leon Lutz
Joysticks (900-series)                                  Ann Kennemer
Mice                                                    Ann Kennemer
Modems (except laptops)                                 Mark Clauder
Laptops/Notebook PCs/Accessories                        Jef Fike
Networking Products                                     Joel Cohen
Paper/Labels                                            Colin Meyer
Pocket Computer                                         Colin Meyer
Point-of-Sale Hardware                                  Joel Cohen
Printers & Printer Supplies                             Colin Meyer
Printer Cables/Ribbons/Printwheels                      Colin Meyer
Serial Cables/Connectors                                Joel Cohen
Scanners (Hand & Full Page)                             Colin Meyer
Sound/Music Boards                                      Mark Clauder
Spike Protectors                                        Gordon Dixon
Tandy  1000 Hardware & Peripherals                      Mark Clauder
Tandy  2500 Hardware & Peripherals                      Mark Clauder
Tandy  3000/4000 Hardware & Peripherals                 Jef Fike
Wordprocessors                                          Colin Meyer
 
           Maggie Sherrod is with Tandy Direct Marketing
 
MOM-08-92
The Front Line
Mail Order Brides
Mismatched Expectations
 
Several movies, usually comedies,
have been built around the plot of a mail order bride
and the mismatched expectations
that both the prospective bride and groom
bring to their first tentative meeting.
Selling computers by mail has many of these same elements of uncertainty.
In the movies,
the bride and groom usually come to an eventual and happy accommodation,
but not everything traded by mail results in this happy ending.
Our competitors in mail order do not always have the effortless business
we retailers may assume.
 
The reason is simply that miscommunication by mail,
intentional or unintentional, is all too common.
Communication concerning a complex technical product
by mail order brochure is difficult at best,
and the temptation on the seller's part to "stretch" the benefits
is all too real.
The seller speaks in a monologue,
and not in a face-to-face dialogue as in retailing.
The prospect may be left with questions unanswered.
 
Furthermore, in the retail setting the computer customer
always has the opportunity to physically see, handle,
and even "test drive" the product.
Ever order something based on a catalog photo
and discover later that the actual product
was either much larger or smaller than anticipated --
not just clothing size, but even a simple physical object?
Now assume that you've paid $1,500 or $2,000 for the object,
and you can understand the deep distress
felt by the customer when it doesn't even look like its photograph.
Then move on to how it actually functions:
undoubtedly the mail order sales literature promised ease of use,
ease of assembly, and even miracles of performance --
"guaranteed to cure the sick, raise the dead (or your child's IQ!),
and restore the ozone layer."
 
The Nice Thing About Retail
 
The nice thing about retail is that you can
(1) determine what the customer really wants, and
(2) actually demonstrate that your product really answers those wants.
No misunderstanding, no dissatisfaction, no returns.
 
This is why approximately three out of four people
still refuse to shop by mail --
from either a general sense of caution
or an even more fundamental reaction to previous bad experience(s).
 
Computers are just one more in a long series of popular products sold by mail.
A certain percentage of people may be confident with the product brand offered
or are enticed by a great offer (usually a low price).
But even after 15 years for the personal computer industry
and the development of many recognized brands,
most PCs are still sold through retail.
It seems computers are not any different than other product categories,
where some are willing to order them by mail and some are not.
 
As a Radio Shack retailer,
you should understand and capitalize on your strengths
with computer prospects.
You can be sure your customer is fully satisfied with his purchase.
You have collaborated with the customer
and have provided valuable expertise to the selection process.
History tells us that this service
has always been worth enough to the majority of the population
to have preserved retailing as the dominant form of product distribution.
 
You are the marriage broker between the prospect and the computer.
You have a broad range of products to offer,
so you are not trying to overpromote a single solution.
Your expertise is worth a bit extra --
so provide courteous service and expertise,
and you will be assured of your share of the market.
Your "broker's fee" is well and honestly earned.
 
Sales And Support
 
Follow-up issues after the sale -- service and support --
are also handled more conveniently for the customer at a retail store.
In the movies, the mail order bride
overcomes many trials and tribulations to live happily ever after.
The story line never seems to explore the possibilities
of what would have occurred had the groom tried to return the "merchandise!"
In retailing, however, the customer knows exactly
where and who is providing the guarantee of satisfaction.
 
That is why Radio Shack's customer satisfaction policy
is so essential to our continued success --
it provides the accountability
and sense of security lacking in mail order transactions.
 
Our commitment to service and support is long term
and forms the cornerstone of our approach to the business.
We are committed to being here in the future,
both to support the customer's present purchase
and to provide him with a replacement or upgrade in a few years
when technology has progressed.
Millions of repeat Radio Shack customers are testimony
to the fact that ours is not a business based on the one-time sale.
 
History has shown that there is plenty of room in our business
for multiple forms of distribution
just as with multiple product brands.
Unfortunately, the low entry costs of mail order have allowed
a few fast operators to make some quick bucks
without investing in the "bricks and mortar"
required to provide that long-term support.
But, Radio Shack is more than a P.O. box!
Do your job professionally as a retailer,
and you will be assured of your share.
 
Make your store the best it can be,
and you will find that,
day in and day out,
people will respond to your good service
and will stay with a firm they know and trust -- Radio Shack!
 
MOM-08-92
COMPUTER SUPPORT SERVICES
"Answers at Your Fingertips"
 
SUBJECTS OF THE MONTH
 
Print 'n Press (26-1437) And Laser Printers
 
Print 'n Press cannot be used with laser printers.
The heat from the drum will melt the plastic sheets,
and it may be very costly to clean and/or repair the printer.
 
These plastic sheets may be used for free-hand drawing with crayons
or with a dot-matrix printer,
but be sure your customers do not use them with laser printers.
 
FAX/Modem Board (25-3509) And Non-ASCII Files
 
The 25-3509 FAX/Modem board will only send text files
that have been converted to ASCII.
 
For example,
a document created in Microsoft Word must be converted to TEXT ONLY
before attempting to convert it to a FAX document format.
 
The error message "Failure to Train"
will appear if the document was not saved in ASCII format
prior to converting it to a FAX document.
The solution is to save the document again in ASCII,
then convert it to a FAX document.
 
Quick Link II will allow graphics files with .PCX, .TIF, and .MAC extensions
to be converted to images that will be sent with the FAX/modem board.
 
Works And DMP 2103 In Wide Carriage Mode
 
To print a Works for Windows (version 2.0) spreadsheet
with Windows 3.1 in wide carriage mode (14" x 11" paper),
the DMP 2103 needs to be in the Epson LQ 1050 mode
using the Epson LQ 1050 driver.
This driver should be loaded in Windows.
 
Different drivers, such as the IBM Proprinter X24,
only allow an 11" x 11" option for paper size.
 
Windows 3.0/3.1 With The 25-1087 External Floppy Drive
 
For the external floppy drive to work properly,
you must run the EXTSETUP through Windows.
To do this,
select FILE under the Program Manager,
then select RUN and type
a: extsetup.com <ENTER>
 
The drivers will be installed after you answer the questions.
After installation, exit Windows and reboot the system.
The external floppy drive connected to the parallel port
should now work properly.
 
Printing In Windows 3.1 With TrueType Fonts On The 4825 SX
 
The Tandy  4825 SX has some problems
printing the Microsoft Windows TrueType fonts that come with Windows 3.1
when the computer is using certain video modes.
 
We have noticed two specific symptoms.
The first is that the printout will have blocks of text missing
(for example, part of a line or paragraph or a whole line or paragraph).
The second is that the whole page will lose its format
(for example, the bottom lines may be at the top
and the top lines at the bottom).
 
These problems are only encountered in these SVGA modes:
 
640 x 400 x 256
800 x 600 x 16
800 x 600 x 256
1024 x 768 x 16
 
We are aware of the problem and are working on a permanent solution.
In the meantime,
a temporary work-around is to change to another video mode before printing,
then change back after printing.
 
Mixing 70ns And 80ns 1 MB SIMMS
 
The 25-5137 70ns and 25-5134 80ns chips
can be used in the same machine.
However, you must put the same nanosecond chip set
in the same banks of memory.
Do not mix chips of different speeds in individual banks.
 
TandyLink, LANtastic 4.1 And Caching On 486 CPUs
 
The July '92 issue of the M.O.M. stated that
you would need to turn caching off in a 486 CPU
with version 4.0 of LANtastic.
This is not necessary with the new 4.1 version which is now shipping.
 
You can keep caching on,
but will need to edit a line in the the STARTNET.BAT file.
If the default jumper settings are used,
edit the line that references the drvr8530 driver to read like this:
drvr8530 /f /i2 /d1 /p398 /b400 /m12
 
If the jumper settings have been changed from the default
on the TandyLink  boards,
you must edit the the parameters accordingly.
A document that describes the available switches
should have been sent with the TandyLink driver.
You can download this file from the FaxBack system by ordering document 9003.
The TandyLink driver is available
by requesting it through the Computer Support Service 800 support line:
 
1 (800) 2TANDY4 [282-6394]
 
MOM-08-92
Computer Marketing
In-Store Prospecting
 
Increase Computer Sales and Sales Gain
 
It's the beginning of a new fiscal year.
Take a minute and dream a little.
What would happen to your store's sales gain this new year
if you found a way to sell just one more
Tandy desktop or laptop each week?
What would happen is that your store would increase its sales
by more than one hundred thousand dollars next year!
Think about how much more money you would make
from that extra hundred thousand dollars in sales.
 
Generating just one more computer sale
each week (or each day!) is easy.
How many of the consumers that come into your store own a computer?
Many of our customers own some kind of personal or home computer --
an old Apple, Commodore, TRS-80, or even an old IBM PC, PC jr. or a clone.
But consider this:  many of our customers do not own
a 386 or 486 computer.
Most don't own an MPC.
Some of these customers don't own any PC!
These customers are prime candidates for a new Tandy PC or MPC.
 
What An Opportunity!
 
Take advantage of it by doing some in-store prospecting.
How many people walk into your store every day
shopping for batteries, tapes, and parts?
Fifty?
One hundred?
More?
Consider the person who just bought a package of AA batteries.
He may not even know you carry computers.
Have you ever mentioned a big ticket item
(like computers, camcorders, VCRs and video equipment) to a customer
who responded, "I didn't know you carried that!"
Our customers often come into our stores focused on the items
they want to buy,
and stay focused on those items (in spite of demos, banners, and POP signs).
Our goal, your goal, is to broaden their focus.
 
Analyze Your Prospects
 
Divide your "in-store" computer prospects into two types:
first-time buyers who don't own a PC,
and "step-up" prospects who already own an older computer model.
 
Show the first-time buyers the Tandy  1000 RLX
or the new Tandy  1000 RSX.
The Tandy 1000 family, with the friendly face of DeskMate 
and guaranteed success, is the perfect solution for these prospects.
 
Your "step-up" prospects will really benefit by upgrading
an older computer to a new Tandy 386, 486, or MPC.
Many of these older computers can't run Windows or upgrade to an MPC.
 
Your team can increase computer sales tremendously
by presenting computers to everyone that comes into your store.
 
Action Item -- Do It Today!
 
Spotlighting the benefits of computer use is
the most effective way to generate interest.
Choose a specific way the computer can be used,
like education, entertainment or business;
then find a way to ask everyone if they're interested in a solution.
 
Here is an example of how to implement an in-store prospecting program
in your store today.
This example targets education,
one of the most popular ways a computer is used at home.
 
Catch the customer's attention with a question (or two).
Make certain the customer is interested in what you have to show
by opening with a question, for example:
"Do you have school-age children at home?"
Now use a question to focus the customer's attention
on the product and benefit you want to present, such as,
"What kind of computer do your kids use at home for their schoolwork?"
 
Present the solution.
If the prospect has children at home
and answers with an older model or no computer at all,
say, "Let me show you how our Tandy  2500 SX/25
(or 1000 RLX or 4825 SX) can help your children with school!"
Then take them to that machine.
Show off one of the Carmen Sandiego demos on the sampler,
or one of the tutorials built into Windows or Works on the 2500 SX/25.
If you have a Tandy  4825 SX MPC,
show the ABC Primer for young children (4-6)
and one of the language programs for older students and adults.
 
Confirm the solution.
After the prospect is involved with the presentation,
confirm the solution.
Ask a trial closing question:
"Do you think your kids could learn something from a computer like this?"
 
Ask For The Order.
When the prospect answers "yes" to your trial closing question,
Ask For The Order!
Use one of these closing questions:
"Would you like the Carmen Sandiego package to go with that?"
or "Will this be a check, or would you like to charge it on RSVP ?"
 
Repeat This Technique
 
This technique will work for prospects
interested in small business applications, home office, and entertainment, too.
Create questions, presentations, trial closes and
closes for each of these areas.
Practice this technique with other sales associates in your store.
 
The fastest way to increase commissions and sales gains
is through computer sales!
Sell!
Sell!
Sell!
 
MOM-08-92
Coming In Flyer 492
SOLUTION SYSTEMS
 
Your computer customers are shopping for a solution to a problem,
not for a computer.
Flyer 492 offers eight different software and software/hardware packages
that turn our Tandy  computers
into the solution systems your customers want.
This article provides background information to help you sell these solutions.
 
The solution systems described below are divided into two categories:
small business/personal productivity and education/entertainment.
Customers can add these packages to the Tandy computer system of their choice
for a complete solution.
For those customers who already own a computer,
you can sell the package by itself and let them turn their home
or business PC into a solution for productivity, business,
entertainment, or education.
 
Prices for these systems are shown in Flyer 492.
Use Tandy Computer Leasing  to close the small business systems
and RSVP  for the home education and entertainment packages.
 
Get Ready For Business!
 
"Get Ready for Business" is a complete retail point-of-sale solution
for small retail businesses.
Add this package to the Tandy  2500 SX/25
for a cost-effective retail system
or to the Tandy  4825 SX for the performance-minded customer.
 
Products Included:
 
25-1469 RealWorld POS Plus
25-1067 Cash Drawer
26-2865 DMP 2104
26-0288 Printer Cable
 
Recommended CPUs:
 
Tandy 2500 SX/25, Tandy 4825 SX, or Tandy  4850 EP
 
Benefits:
 
The Tandy POS+ solution system saves money by
accurately updating and tracking inventory every time a sale is made.
It also provides fast and efficient customer check-out,
which means lower personnel costs and more sales.
 
Qualifying Questions:
 
"Do you spend a lot of time tracking your inventory?"
 
"Have you ever run out of a hot-selling item?"
 
"Would you like to make a sale
and have the computer automatically update
sales history, customer history, and inventory at the same time?"
 
Streamline Your Accounting Needs
 
DACEasy accounting software
enables any small business to automate their accounting easily.
This general purpose accounting program includes eleven integrated modules:
accounts receivable, accounts payable, inventory, purchase order,
cash management, billing, budgeting, graphics, forecasting, report generator,
and general ledger.
DACEasy is the right software for a small business
that does not need "point-of-sale" ability.
 
Products Included:
 
25-1471 DACEasy
26-2849 DMP 302
26-0288 Printer Cable
 
Recommended CPUs:
 
Tandy 2500 SX/25, Tandy 4825 SX, or Tandy 4850 EP
 
Benefits:
 
The DACEasy solution system saves time.
Customers can use all eleven modules or only what they need.
If all they need is check writing,
they can use the cash management module on a stand-alone basis.
If they ever need more, they can begin using the other modules.
 
Qualifying Question:
 
"Do you want a flexible accounting program that is easy to use?"
 
Balance The Budget
 
Quicken is one of the leading home accounting products on the market today.
Its target is the home user,
and it's powerful enough for the home office.
This solution system encourages learning with the educational games
and the encyclopedia on Prodigy,
allows paying bills by phone (Quicken includes CheckFree,
the electronic bill paying service)
and tracking investments and has the ability to pull everything
together for taxes at the end of the year.
 
Products Included:
 
25-1446 Quicken for DOS (may substitute 25-1473 Quicken for Windows)
26-2864 DMP 202
26-0288 Printer Cable
25-1256 Prodigy
25-1070 2400 bps Modem
 
Recommended CPUs:
 
Tandy 2500 SX/25, Tandy 4825 SX, or Tandy 4850 EP;
Tandy  1000 RLX HD (with 25-1446 Quicken for DOS only)
 
Benefits:
 
Quicken keeps track of all financial activity and
links to tax programs for income tax preparation.
Prodigy gives the entire family hundreds of reasons to use the computer
(shopping, education, news, weather and sports).
 
Qualifying Questions:
 
"Would you like to use the computer to track your finances
and help prepare your taxes?"
 
"Could your children use an electronic encyclopedia?"
 
MPC Presentation And Authoring Solution
 
This package is a teacher and professional authoring system at a budget price.
Your customer can use Guide to prepare powerful multimedia presentations.
Teachers, trainers and sales professionals can use this system
to develop world-class MPC presentations for class or work.
This system also includes the MusicBytes library of musical selections
and sound effects.
 
Products Included:
 
25-1443 Guide
25-4280 MusicBytes
26-2839 DMP 240
26-0288 Printer Cable
 
Recommended CPUs:
 
Any Tandy  MPC
 
Benefits:
 
With Guide and an MPC, your customer can create presentations
that close sales, and interactive training material that uses the
power of MPC graphics, speech and sound.
They can develop their own training and computer courses.
 
Qualifying Questions:
 
"Are you interested in more powerful sales (or training) presentations?"
 
"Do you need to prepare your own courseware?"
 
MPC Entertainment For A Song
 
Make music with an MPC using MusicBytes and Trax.
This package is designed for the musician, music student, or music lover.
Trax is a complete personal MIDI recording studio on a disk.
MusicBytes is an extensive library of musical selections
by world-famous artists.
 
Products Included:
 
25-4276 Trax
25-4280 MusicBytes
26-2839 DMP 240
26-0288 Printer Cable
 
Recommended CPUs:
 
Any Tandy MPC
 
Benefits:
 
This solution system turns an MPC into a complete MIDI recording studio --
with a library of musical selections and sound effects.
 
Qualifying Question:
 
"Would you (or your children) like a computerized recording studio at home?"
 
Back To School
 
Avagio and the LP 990 create the perfect desktop publishing solution
for newsletters, reports, and papers.
This solution system is just "write" for small businesses, college students,
or adult education and self-improvement courses.
 
Products Included:
 
25-1425 Avagio
26-2879 LP 990
26-0288 Printer Cable
 
Recommended CPUs:
 
Tandy 2500 SX/25, Tandy 4825 SX, or Tandy 4850 EP
 
Benefits:
 
Avagio and the LP 990 are affordable, easy-to-use
desktop publishing solutions.
 
Qualifying Question:
 
"Do you need to prepare school newsletters,
professional reports or business cards?"
 
Learning Is Fun
 
Fun and games!
This inexpensive solution software set
is targeted at home education and entertainment.
Show this package to the prospect who is looking for a computer
to help with a child's education.
The math games in New Math Blaster Plus are flexible
according to the skill and age of the young user.
New Metrognomes teaches younger children basic tone,
note and music skills, and includes fun sing-along games.
And Typing Tutor teaches keyboarding skills.
 
Products Included:
 
25-1380 New Math Blaster Plus
25-1818 Typing Tutor IV+ DeskMate
25-1835 New Metrognomes
 
Recommended CPUs:
 
Tandy 1000 RLX, Tandy 2500 SX/25, Tandy 4825 SX or Tandy 4850 EP
 
Benefits:
 
A Tandy computer and this package can help children with school.
Improve math and typing skills, and learn the basics of music
with this solution set.
 
Qualifying Question:
 
"Do you want a computer to help with your children's education?"
 
School Productivity
 
Desktop publishing and Lotus 1-2-3 for DeskMate are just what high school
and college students need for reports, papers, and student newsletters.
The DeskMate  interface makes this the perfect solution set
for the first-time user.
 
Products Included:
 
25-1438 Express Publisher for DeskMate
25-1283 Lotus for DeskMate
26-2864 DMP 202
26-0288 Printer Cable
 
Recommended CPUs:
 
Tandy 1000 RLX, Tandy 2500 SX/25, Tandy 4825 SX, or Tandy 4850 EP
 
Benefits:
 
The DeskMate interface makes the power of Lotus and Express Publisher easy.
 
Qualifying Question:
 
"Would you like a powerful spreadsheet (or desktop publishing program)
that is easy to use?"
 
MOM-08-92
REALWORLD SUCCESS IN RETAIL HOBBY SHOP
 
The best way to understand how a prospect can use and benefit
from a computer solution is to look at how a customer is using that
solution today!
This customer profile is a real example
of how a business uses RealWorld POS Plus (Cat. No. 25-1469).
 
Owners of retail hobby shops understand the importance of
tracking and controlling a wide variety of inventory items.
Keeping customers happy by having inventory items on hand
when they need them is essential for maintaining a successful business.
 
Jan Gennette runs The Victorian Dollhouse and Museum,
a prosperous retail hobby shop located in Vermont.
As a one-person operation,
Jan takes care of all the daily activities of running the business,
from stocking shelves, tracking inventory and ordering product
to maintaining the company's financial records and handling customer check-out.
 
When she started the business a year ago,
she knew she did not want to run the business alone
without an automated system.
Customer service is very important to Jan,
and she wanted to be sure she was available to tend to her customers
and still have all her business records at hand.
 
"With the hundreds of products I planned to stock
and the amount of sales I projected,
a manual system would have made it too difficult
to stay on top of which items were selling faster
and which ones were just eating up shelf space," she explains.
"But I knew I would need this data to order the right products
and not tie up my money in slow-moving inventory."
 
After looking at RealWorld Point-of-Sale Plus,
Jan was sure it would be right for her new business.
She regularly sells to 30 or 40 customers a day and sometimes hundreds
during the busy tourist season.
"I really like the fact that my inventory is automatically updated
every time I make a sale.
The reports I get from the package make it easy to see what's selling
and what needs to be ordered,
and saves me a lot of time on manual inventory counts.
Another benefit is that all my financial records stay up-to-date,
and I don't have to wade through tons of paper to see how I'm doing."
 
"I can easily handle the entire shop myself because of RealWorld --
it's like having two or three employees."
 
- Needs of the hobby shop:
- Accurate inventory tracking
- Fast and efficient check-out
- Easy access to customer information
- Complete financial records
- Key management reports
- Timely customer statements and vendor checks
 
MOM-08-92
Coming in Flyer 493
PRODUCTIVITY SOLUTIONS
 
The following software packages will be featured in Flyer 493,
so become familiar with them.
Then sell your customers these programs to help their productivity soar:
 
filePro for DOS
 
filePro for DOS (Cat. No. 25-1903) is a database
which allows you to organize your life.
filePro can track things like stamp and baseball card collections.
Quickly retrieve recipes stored in filePro.
Small businesses can use this software to
organize accounts receivable or accounts payable
and automate employee personnel records.
 
PFS: Write
 
Solve your writing problems with PFS: Write (Cat. No. 25-1912).
PFS: Write is one of the easiest word processors to use,
and is appropriate for your home or office.
It includes fonts of all sizes and types,
and you can add pictures to your text.
It also includes spell checking and grammar correction
to help prevent embarrassing mistakes.
 
Lotus 1-2-3 For Home
 
The famous Lotus 1-2-3 is now available
for the small office or home for less than $100.00.
The package, Lotus 1-2-3 for Home (Cat. No. 25-1918),
is a full-featured Lotus 1-2-3 program,
but its size is smaller --
the spreadsheet is 256 columns by 512 rows.
It is compatible with the full-size Lotus 1-2-3 programs.
 
It includes 50 SmartSheets already configured for home or business accounting.
Some SmartSheet examples include:
 
- Tax planning forms
- College costs
- Bank reconciliation
- Daily planner
- Balance sheet and income statement
 
Since the worksheets are already configured,
these SmartSheets help you become productive with Lotus 1-2-3 for Home
straight out of the box.
 
Perfect Labels
 
Have names and addresses available at your fingertips!
Store this information in Perfect Labels (Cat. No. 25-1908),
and you'll never again tear the house apart looking for Aunt Millie's address.
Just think how much time you will save if you don't have to write envelopes
at Christmas, birthdays, and bill-paying time.
 
Sell Them All!
 
What if your customer purchased all of the software packages described above?
Their home or small business office would be ready to tackle anything
with these database, word processing, spreadsheet,
and label-making productivity tools.
 
MOM-08-92
LANTASTIC ON SALE, TOO
 
The LANtastic/AI peer-to-peer networking system
will be featured in Flyer 493.
 
An in-depth article about how to use LANtastic/AI
to stamp out "sneaker-net" is on page 14 of this M.O.M.
To install the package,
you will need a TandyLink  board (Cat. No. 26-5601)
and a separate copy of LANtastic/AI (Cat. No. 25-4220)
for each network node you install,
and a cable to go between them.
Be certain you have these products available.
 
The vendor will furnish your store with a free upgrade
for each package of LANtastic/AI Version 4.0
you currently have in stock.
Take advantage of this opportunity
to upgrade your store inventory to Version 4.1
because Flyer 493 will generate interest in this package.
See "Free LANtastic/AI Upgrade for Store Inventory" on page 15
for details about this upgrade.
 
MOM-08-92
Product News
THE NEW TANDY 1000 RSX
 
Continuing The Tradition Of The 1000 RL And 1000 RLX
 
The new Tandy  1000 RSX Hard Drive (Cat. No. 25-1454, $999.95)
and Tandy 1000 RSX (Cat. No. 25-1455, $799.95) computers
will be introduced in Flyer 492.
These new units continue the tradition set with the Tandy  1000 RL and RLX
-- they are designed with the home user in mind,
and they also include the power and features necessary
for bringing work home from the office.
 
With the addition of the 25-4044 VGM-220 Color Monitor
to the 25-1454 Tandy 1000 RSX HD,
you have a package price of $1,299.90,
the lowest catalog price ever offered
on a VGA computer/hard drive/color monitor combination from Radio Shack.
In Flyer 492, the 25-1454/4044 combination will be featured
with an introductory sale price of $1,199.90, a $100 savings.
 
Features
 
The PC-compatible Tandy 1000 RSXs both feature a 386SX microprocessor
running at a 25 MHz clock speed,
the same processor found in the Tandy  2500 SX/25.
The standard memory on both 1000 RSX computers is 1 MB RAM,
expandable to 9 MB on the main board.
Included with both machines are a DB-9 serial port,
a DB-25 parallel printer port, a PS/2 mouse port, a PS/2-style 2-button mouse,
one 1.44 MB high-density 3 1/2" diskette drive,
101-key enhanced keyboard (same as the 2500 SX/25),
real time clock with battery backup,
special Tandy Enhanced Sound circuitry with bi-directional DACs,
Super VGA compatibility (256K video RAM, expandable to 512K),
80287-25 coprocessor socket, volume control, stereo headphone jack,
microphone jack, two 16-bit AT expansion board slots, MS-DOS 5.0,
Print Companion, America Online
and the 23 DeskMate  and DeskMate Home Organizer  Applications.
 
There is a 52 MB SmartDrive  already built-in and formatted
on the 25-1454,
with MS-DOS and DeskMate pre-installed on the drive.
Your customer just powers up and goes!
 
The new features of this 1000-family computer
include Super VGA video support (the first time for a 1000 computer),
up to 9 MB RAM on the main board and the inclusion of not one,
but  two  16-bit AT expansion slots.
 
This is a solid computer
for the value-oriented home or home office user,
and we've kept those special features
that make this the perfect family system.
The floppy drive has a disk change detection circuit,
so when you change diskettes,
the DeskMate screen is updated automatically.
The 1000 RSX has a durable, rugged metal enclosure
with a very compact footprint of 2 7/8" high, 14" wide and 15" deep.
 
DeskMate features the "screen saver" option
that causes the screen to go blank
after a period of keyboard and mouse inactivity,
thus allowing the monitor to stay powered on all the time
with no risk of screen burn-in.
This feature is designed with the idea of leaving the computer powered on
at all times, making it a true home information center.
 
If your customer chooses to add a SmartDrive
to their floppy RSX computer later,
you'll find a wide selection of drives to pick from.
The RSX can use any of our AT-IDE SmartDrives, from 40 to 240 MB.
 
DeskMate Home Organizer
 
As stated earlier, the 1000 RSX is a system,
and the other part of the system is software.
For the RSX,
we have included the 15 popular DeskMate Home Organizer applications.
Let's review, by each category, the DeskMate Home Organizer Applications:
 
Personal
 
Collections: Helps to keep collections organized, such as coins,
stamps, videos, records, etc.
 
Diary: Keeps a password-protected diary on the computer to express
your thoughts or record events daily.
 
Home Inventory: Keeps an organized list of the possessions in your home for
insurance and other purposes.
 
Information Center: A "bulletin board" for leaving text or voice messages, plus a list of important phone numbers and a date book.  This replaces
the refrigerator door as the family message center.
 
Itemized List: To keep a detailed account of anything in your home inventory or
any other list.
 
Travel Planner: For creating a daily itinerary of your vacation
or business trip.
 
Kitchen
 
Cookbook: Browse through recipes filed by category.  Make a selection and
a "recipe card" displays both an ingredient list and preparation
instructions.  Includes 30 recipes from the Good Housekeeping
Cookbook.  By using a program called Recipe Sharer (included
with the RSX), those with DeskMate Home Organizer software are
able to write individual recipes to disk and share them with others.
 
Grocery List: A real time saver, created from a list of foods you normally buy.
Just check each item needed and print a list.
 
Meal Planner: Put together a menu created from recipes in your Cookbook.
 
Financial Organizer
 
Account Information: A handy file of your checking, savings,
credit union and other accounts.
 
Checkbook Register: Keeps track of the checks you've written
and keeps the current balance of your account.
 
Checkbook Balancer: Helps reconcile your back account
with the monthly statement, easily and quickly.
 
Expense Itemizer: Using information from the Checkbook Register, find out where
your money went during the month.  Includes both a monthly
Pie Chart and annual Bar Chart for quick reference.
 
Financial Notebook: Keeps information on stocks, bonds and loans right at your
fingertips.
 
Mathcard: Lets you solve problems with commonly used formulas, including
loans, savings, unit conversions and more.
 
Other Software Included
 
Print Companion is a program that allows you to make greeting cards,
banners, signs, name tags, etc. with the 1000 RSX and a printer.
It is both easy and fun to use,
and has become one of our most popular programs.
America Online is the successor to PC-Link,
and features news, stock quotes, online encyclopedias, electronic mail,
information forums, special features for Tandy computer owners, and much more.
It is one of the best and most affordable online services available today.
 
The RSX also includes eight other DeskMate programs:
Desktop, Text, Draw, Telecom, Hangman, Music, Sound and Address Book.
This makes a total of twenty-five applications
included with the Tandy 1000 RSX computer.
 
Options
 
Options available for the 1000 RSX computers include:
 
Cat. No.   Description                                     Price
 
25-5137    2 MB SIMM Kit (expands RAM to 3 MB)           $149.95
25-5136    4 MB SIMM Kit (expands RAM to 9 MB)            499.95
25-1082A   256K RAM Kit (expands Video RAM to 512K)        39.95
    Note:  Only "A" version of 25-1082 will work
25-3027 2400 bps Internal FAX/Modem Card                  109.95
 
Target Market
 
This proud addition to the RL family provides a solid option
for customers who want 80386SX power, expandability
and the ability to do work brought home from the office,
but who still need an easy to learn and use computer.
Anyone can be successful using the 1000 RSX.
First, there are the built-in tutorial programs
to step the customer through the applications,
as well as a manual that covers both software and hardware.
Second, the friendly face of DeskMate allows you to learn
one interface and then use common features in all programs.
 
If your customer wants to bring work home,
such as preparing a speech or presentation,
or using Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate for forecasting,
the RSX can do the job.
The majority of home users will be well satisfied with the 80386SX-25 power,
Super VGA Graphics, two expansion slots and up to 9 MB RAM
available with the RSX.
For more intensive programs and power users,
the Tandy 2500 SX/25 or Tandy  4825 SX may be better suited to their needs.
 
But for the majority of home and small business users,
both new and experienced,
the Tandy 1000 RSX has all the power and expandability
they will ever use or need.
To sell this computer,
you must forget about the needs of a typical business computer user.
Functionality, ease of use and early success
will keep this computer busy long after others
have been relegated to the top shelf of the closet or stuffed in the attic.
 
The Tandy 1000 RSX -- more power at a lower price! It proves, once again:
 
Tandy Computers -- there is STILL no better value!
 
MOM-08-92
NEW! 25-2062 MEMORY BOARD FOR THE TANDY 1000 EX/HX
 
We have added a new memory board to our line.
The 25-2062 is a plus-style board for the Tandy  1000 EX and HX,
and comes fully populated with 512K RAM.
It brings the total memory in the system to 768K,
and it comes with software to allow the extra 128K RAM to be used as a RAMDISK.
Like the 25-1062, it also has two "plus-style" expansion sockets
for additional EX/HX option cards.
 
Continue selling the 25-1062 Memory Plus Boards
with the 25-1079 256K RAM kits you have in your store.
These items together have a much lower unit cost
and offer a greater margin than the new 25-2062.
 
Retail price for the 25-2062 board is $189.95.
It is a code 18 (special order only),
and should only be ordered with a customer name.
 
MOM-08-92
MEMORY FOR THE 3830 SL
 
Page 9 of the May/June '92 issue of the M.O.M. suggested using the
25-3504 2 MB memory chip with the new Tandy  3830 SL notebook computer.
However, this chip doesn't fit properly in the computer.
Use the 25-3508 2 MB chip instead.
 
MOM-08-92
NEW FOR '93 -- A COMPLETE LINE OF 25 SERIES MODEMS!
 
For 1993, we are introducing six new modems to Radio Shack.
Ranging from a basic 2400 bps data modem
up to the latest V.32bis 9600 bps high performance modems,
there has never been a more complete line of modems for sale at our stores.
 
With these new Tandy modems,
you get the latest chip technology from Rockwell,
a full Hayes command set, auto answer/auto-dial,
4 COM ports and 4 interrupts, manual,
communications software and telephone cord.
They are all UL and Class B certified and built in the U.S.A.
 
Two of these modems (Cat. Nos. 25-3029 and 25-3030) feature V.32bis,
the latest technology in 9600 bps modems.
This international standard for data compression
increases the modem to 14,400 bps
(when communicating with other V.32bis modems).
 
Here is the '93 lineup:
 
Internal Modems
 
2400 bps Data Modem (Cat. No. 25-3025, $79.95)
 
Even our lowest-priced modem offers V.42bis
and MNP 2-5 data compression software,
which provides up to 9600 bps performance
(when communicating with other V.42bis equipped modems).
Convenient, half-card size fits all Tandy or other PC XT/AT-compatibles
with a standard 8-bit expansion slot.
 
2400 bps Data Modem with FAX (Cat. No. 25-3027, $109.95)
 
Send at 9600 bps or receive FAXes at 4800 bps through your computer.
This Class 1 FAX (Class 1 FAXes are 9600 bps send and 4800 bps receive)
will communicate with all Group 3 FAX machines
(which includes most FAX machines in the market today).
Also includes V.42bis and MNP 2-5 data compression software.
Convenient, half-card size fits all Tandy or other PC XT/AT-compatibles
with a standard 8-bit expansion slot.
Includes METZ ExpressFax software.
 
V.32bis 9600 bps Data Modem with FAX and Hardware Data Compression
(Cat. No. 25-3029, $349.95)
 
V.32bis, V.42bis and MNP 2-5 data compression
are built in the hardware and provide up to 38,400 bps performance
(when communicating with other V.42bis equipped modems).
MNP and V.42 error correction programs are also included.
Send or receive FAXes through your computer at up to 14,400 bps.
This Class 2 FAX (Class 2 FAXes send and receive at 9600 bps)
communicates with Group 3 FAX machines.
Works with all Tandy or other PC-compatibles
with a standard 8-bit expansion slot.
Includes METZ ExpressFax software.
 
External Modems
 
2400 bps Data Modem (Cat. No. 25-3026, $99.95)
 
This is the external version of the basic 2400 bps modem (Cat. No. 25-3025).
It also includes V.42bis and MNP 2-5 data compression software.
Status lights on front of the modem
allow you to monitor what's happening on the call.
DB-25 serial port, two RJ-11 phone jacks and AC adapter are all included.
Requires serial cable (not included).
 
2400 bps Data Modem with FAX and Hardware Data Compression
(Cat. No. 25-3028, $199.95)
 
Send or receive FAXes through your computer at 9600 bps.
This Class 2 FAX communicates with Group 3 FAX machines.
This modem includes hardware V.42bis and MNP 2-5 data compression.
Includes METZ ExpressFax software,
DB-25 serial port, two RJ-11 phone jacks and AC adapter.
Requires serial cable (not included).
 
V.32bis 9600 bps Data Modem with FAX and Hardware Data Compression
(Cat. No. 25-3030, $399.95)
 
V.32bis, V.42bis and MNP 2-5 data compression are built into the hardware
and provide up to 38,400 bps performance
(when communicating with other V.42bis equipped modems).
MNP and V.42 error correction programs are also included.
Send or receive FAXes through your computer at up to 14,400 bps.
This Class 2 FAX communicates with Group 3 FAX machines.
Includes METZ ExpressFax software, DB-25 serial port,
two RJ-11 phone jacks and an AC adapter.
Requires serial cable (not included).
 
We Have The Right Modems
 
With this lineup, there is no excuse for not having the right modem
to add on to every computer sale.
These modems are in the warehouse now,
and the 25-3025 and 25-3027 will be stocked in all stores.
So let's get busy!
 
MOM-08-92
NEW VGM-340 SVGA .39 COLOR MONITOR
 
The new VGM-340 SVGA .39 Color Monitor (Cat. No. 25-4047)
is already arriving at your stores.
The VGM-340 monitor features the same new cabinet design as the VGM-441,
which provides an up-front control panel for easy monitor adjustment.
And $399.95 is the right retail price for lots of super sales!
 
Here are the exciting features of the VGM-340:
 
- Super VGA ready, for resolutions up to 1024 x 768 (interlaced)
- 14-inch screen for a nice size view
- .39mm dot pitch for a sharp, clear picture
- Non-glare screen with reduced reflection for less fatigue and eye strain
- Front panel controls for Brightness, Contrast, Horizontal Phase,
  Horizontal Size, Vertical Size, Vertical Center, Pin Cushion and Power
- Meets Swedish standard for MPRII with VLMF (very low magnetic frequency)
  and ELMF (extremely low magnetic frequency)
- Reduced static for less dust attraction and static shock
- 6-foot video cable for those hard-to-reach places
- 6-foot power cable
- Tilt-swivel base for just the right angle (and it snaps on without a screw!)
 
Meets Swedish MPRII Guidelines
 
The VGM-340 has the same new features as the VGM-441,
and is becoming more popular.
With VLMF and ELMF as a standard feature,
you are assuring your customers of meeting
the strict Swedish MPRII guidelines for lower electrostatic,
magnetic and alternating current emissions.
Many school districts, local and state governments
are requesting monitors that have this feature.
Be sure to point out this major difference
when selling Tandy Super VGA monitors
because most of the clone folks do not have this differentiating feature.
Sell the Tandy Difference!
 
MOM-08-92
COMPARISON CHART ATTACHED
 
An updated desktop comparison chart is attached to this issue of the M.O.M.
Use this information to help determine which of our Tandy  computers
will best satisfy your customers' needs.
 
MOM-08-92
STAMP OUT "SNEAKER-NET!"
 
Complete Network Solution For Under $300!
 
Many of your customers own more than one computer, right?
And they're probably sharing information among them
by using "sneaker-net."
(That's when you copy a file to a floppy,
put on your sneakers, and run to another computer
to print or do something else with the file.)
 
Well, now you can put an end to "sneaker-net"
by offering your customers a complete networking solution
for under $300!
And additional nodes are only $149.95.
 
Offer your customers the following solution:
 
Cat. No.  Description     Qty.     Price  Extension
 
25-4220   LANtastic/AI     2       99.95   199.90
26-5601   TandyLink board  2       99.95   199.90
26-5612   20-ft cable      1       16.95   16.95
 
Regular Price 416.75
System Price  299.95
Savings       116.80
 
Why LANtastic/AI?
 
Here's some ammo to use on your hunt to stamp out "sneaker-net:"
 
- LANtastic is one of the most popular peer-to-peer network operating systems.
 
- Cost-cutting peer-to-peer resource sharing lets your customer
  share information, programs, hard drives, printers, and CD-ROM drives.
 
- Easy installation (even for first-timers!) means
  your customer is up and running in no time,
  and your post-sale support time will be minimized.
 
- Electronic mail with Chat and pop-up notification
  improves your customer's office productivity.
 
- LANtastic's UPS support safeguards your customer's network
  against power failures.
 
- Supports Windows on workstations.
 
- TandyLink  network cards only require an 8-bit half-size slot,
  yet perform as well as many more expensive network adapters.
 
- Additional network nodes, consisting of one each of the 25-4220,
  26-5601, and 26-5612, are only $149.95 (reg. $216.85).
  This allows your customers to expand their networks
  for even greater savings and efficiency.
 
POS Processing Instructions
 
Here are the POS processing instructions:
 
1. Select <F1> Options and choose "system pricing" from the menu.
   Then enter the correct stock numbers and quantities
   for each of the components of the system.
   For the system described above, enter these SKUs and quantities:
 
   Cat. No.     Qty.
   25-4220      2
   26-5601      2
   26-5612      1
 
2. Next, enter the system price.
   If you sell the base system shown above, enter $299.95.
   For each additional node, just add "1" to each of the SKU quantities
   and $149.95 to the base system price.
   Double check to be sure the final price is accurate.
   For example, if your customer purchases a base system
   and one additional node, you would enter into the system
   25-4220 quantity 3 (2+1),  26-5601 quantity 3 (2+1),
   and 26-5612 quantity 2 (1+1), with a price of $449.90 ($299.95+149.95).
 
Installation Tips
 
Here are a few technical details you need to know
to make your customer's installation go smoothly:
 
- Remember that you will need a separate copy of LANtastic/AI
  for each network node you install
  (each LANtastic disk has a unique ID number),
  as well as a TandyLink board and appropriate cable.
 
- If you are selling in your store copies of LANtastic/AI 4.0
  (and who wouldn't rotate their inventory?),
  be sure to upgrade it to Version 4.1.
  (See related story below.)
  LANtastic/AI packages currently shipping from the warehouse
  are already Version 4.1.
 
- Call Computer Support Services at 1 (800) 2TANDY4 [282-6394]
  and have them send you a copy of "DRVR8530.COM."
  This is the latest version of the driver
  that "turns on" the TandyLink board.
  Make as many copies of this file as you need --
  it should be distributed with each TandyLink board.
 
  After your customer has installed LANtastic,
  but before he tries to run it,
  have him copy "DRVR8530.COM" into LANtastic's working directory.
  Normally, this is C: LANTASTI.
  With the disk containing "DRVR8530.COM" in Drive A:,
  have your customer type the following:
 
  COPY A: DRVR8530.COM C: LANTASTI <enter>
 
  Your customer can then run LANtastic.
 
Good Selling . . . and remember, help stamp out "sneaker-net."
 
MOM-08-92
FREE LANTASTIC/AI UPGRADE FOR STORE INVENTORY
 
All copies of LANtastic/AI (Cat. No. 25-4220)
currently shipping from TSDC are Version 4.1.
However, there are quite a few copies of LANtastic/AI Version 4.0
still in the field.
 
We have arranged for Artisoft to furnish your store a free
LANtastic/AI Version 4.0 to Version 4.1 Upgrade
for each of the Version 4.0 packages you have on your shelves.
To obtain your upgrade, call Artisoft Support at:
 
1 (800) TINY-RAM [846-9726]
 
Request a Version 4.0 to Version 4.1 Upgrade package
for each of the LANtastic/AI Version 4.0 packages you have in stock.
The upgrade is not a complete package;
it consists of a disk and manual
which should be added to your existing Version 4.0 packages.
 
Remember, this offer is for store inventory only.
Any attempt to upgrade customer copies of LANtastic/AI
is a violation of copyright agreements.
 
MOM-08-92
RETURN POLICY ON EXPRESS ORDER SOFTWARE
 
Express Order Software no longer accepts returns from stores for credit.
 
Software offered by Express Order  can be ordered via your POS.
These orders are shipped within 24 hours of receipt at the warehouse,
so "stocking" is not necessary.
 
MOM-08-92
LOWER PRICES ON DRAM MEMORY UPGRADE KITS
 
Due to our volume purchasing,
we again have been able to renegotiate prices on our DRAM Memory Upgrade Kits.
This has allowed us to reduce the kits' retail price to your customers.
Here are the kits affected:
 
                                            Old     New    Percent
Cat. No.  Description                      Price   Price   Reduced
 
25-1078   128K Memory Kit (4-64x4 DRAMs)  $39.95  $19.95     50%
25-1079   256K Memory Kit (8-256x1 DRAMs) $59.95  $39.95     33%
25-1082   256K Memory Kit (2-256x4 DRAMs) $59.95  $39.95     33%
25-1083   512K Memory Kit (4-256x4 ZIPPs) $79.95  $59.95     25%
 
In addition, the 25-1082 Memory Kit has now become 25-1082A.
The "A" version comes with 70ns chips
and is used to upgrade video memory on the Tandy  1000 RSX (1 kit),
the Tandy  4825 SX (2 kits), or the Tandy  4850 EP (2 kits).
Either the "A" or the non-"A" versions
can be used to upgrade the Tandy  1000 RL,
but only the "A" version can be used to upgrade the video RAM.
Only the "A" version is in the warehouse, so order with confidence.
 
MOM-08-92
NEW 4 MB SIMMS IN STOCK
 
A pack of two 70ns 4 MB SIMMs are available now
from TSDC as Cat. No. 25-5136.
The catalog price for this  eight megabyte kit  is only $499.95
(that's only $62 per megabyte!).
 
The new kit upgrades all Tandy 486 desktop and server computers
and the Tandy  2500 SX/25 to the maximum capacity
for memory expansion.
Any PC-compatible that uses standard 4 MBx9 70ns SIMMs can also be upgraded,
which allows you to make even more sales.
 
Upgrading 486 Machines
 
Tandy 486 desktops require upgrading in multiples of 4 SIMMs.
This means that in addition to the standard 4 MB,
an additional 16 MB can be added
(two 25-5136 kits) for a total of 20 MB.
 
For the Tandy  4850 EP and Tandy  4825 SX,
upgrading beyond 20 MB requires removing the standard four 1 MB SIMMs
and replacing them with four 4 MB SIMMs (two kits of 25-5136).
This configuration is the  maximum  of 32 MB.
 
When upgrading a Tandy  4833 LX/T and Tandy  4820 SX/T,
you have a total of 16 SIMM sockets,
which means you can upgrade to 52 MB
before removing the standard 4 MB memory and replacing it
with four 4 MB SIMMs, for the maximum memory of 64 MB.
 
Upgrading The 2500 SX/25
 
For upgrades to the Tandy 2500 SX/25,
you upgrade with one kit at a time.
This means the standard 2 MB can be expanded to 10 MB,
and the next upgrade of 4 MB SIMMs will expand the system to 18 MB
(although only 16 MB is addressable).
 
Availability
 
This memory kit is code 18,
which means that any store may place an order with a customer order/name.
Because of the volatility of the memory market,
this product should not be stocked by any store
(in order to avoid any unnecessary markdowns).
 
Since more and more programs require and/or provide better performance
with additional memory,
you now have an additional sales tool
to assist your customers with an affordable upgrade
and garner even more sales dollars
for your store and commission dollars for you!
 
MOM-08-92
LAPLINK PRO CAN HELP YOU SELL MORE LAPTOP COMPUTERS!
 
Attached to this month's M.O.M. is a brochure
describing the features and benefits of LapLink Pro
(Cat. No. 25-1490, $169.95).
Although LapLink Pro is an excellent state-of-the-art file transfer package,
perhaps its best benefit to you
is that you can use it to help close laptop sales.
 
For example, you can use LapLink Pro
to demonstrate how easy it is to "synchronize"
all the files in two directories to make them identical.
This allows the user to always have the latest version
of data on two machines, such as a desktop and laptop.
 
LapLink Pro also allows your customer to transfer files over a modem.
Imagine how much productivity your prospect can gain
by being able to send orders to the "home office"
and receive updated price lists and other vital documents
from the "home office" at the same time!
 
Be creative and use your imagination!
When you sell LapLink Pro's benefits,
you just might sell some additional computers, as well.
LapLink Pro is not only a "productivity tool" for your customers,
but it is also an excellent "closing tool" for you.
 
MOM-08-92
ANOTHER TANDY COMPUTER NOVELL CERTIFIED
 
Another Tandy  computer has achieved Novell Certification,
and more will be certified in the months ahead.
Novell Certification assures your clients
that the Tandy computers they select have been fully tested
for the Novell environments they are intended to serve.
This certification is a requirement for many bids.
 
Novell Certification is more than a rubber stamp process by Novell.
Each system is rigorously tested to meet or exceed
the expectations of compatibility, functionality and reliability
in a Novell Network configuration.
 
Make sure you use this important feature
to help differentiate your quality Tandy computers from the competition,
which may not offer this important extra security of Novell Certification.
 
Here is the CPU and the configurations tested:
 
Tandy  4025 LX -- Refer to Test Bulletin F-941
 
Tested and Approved NetWare compatible
as a File Server/Workstation with the following Novell Products:
 
     NetWare (v2.2)                  NetWare for Macintosh (v3.01)
     NetWare (v3.11)                 NetWare Btrieve (v5.15)
     NetWare Lite (v1.0)             NetWare SAA Token-Ring (v1.1)   
     Novell Print Server (v1.21)     NetWare SQL (v2.11a)
     NetWare for Macintosh (v2.2)
 
Product Configuration:
 
     Controller/Hard Drive:  IDE/105 MB SmartDrive
                CPU Memory:  8 MB RAM
             Video Adapter:  SVGA
 
Other Tandy Computers Also Certified
 
The 4025 LX is only the latest Tandy computer to achieve Novell Certification.
The May/June 1992 M.O.M. describes the certification of the
Tandy  4833 LX/T, the Tandy  4825 SX, and the Tandy  2500 SX/25.
For details about certification of the Tandy  4850 EP,
see the July 1992 issue of the M.O.M.
 
In addition, the 4850 EP (Cat. No. 25-5142A)
has been certified with Bulletin F-1038.
(Cat. No. 25-5142 was certified with Bulletin F-915.)
 
MOM-08-92
THE MIRACLE KEYBOARD
 
The Miracle Piano Teaching System
 
The Miracle Piano Teaching System (Cat. No. 25-1821, $399.95)
can teach anyone -- child or adult --
to play the piano with a series of progressive lessons.
The package consists of software and a keyboard
which connects to your computer with a serial cable.
 
No more hours of drills learning to play the piano!
By cleverly designing exercises, musical pieces and drills as games,
the author eliminates boring, repetitive routines.
Students of all ages will learn and perform left- and right-handed melodies
-- while having a lot of fun.
 
Miracle Song Collection
 
There are two Miracle Song Collections for $49.95:
Vol. I is Cat. No. 25-1915 and Vol. II is Cat. No. 25-1916.
Each adds dozens of popular titles to the Miracle Piano Teaching System
without missing a beat.
The only difference between the packages is that each has different titles;
neither is more advanced than the other.
 
Professor Martin Canin from The Juillard School of Music states,
"The Miracle is a delightful and irresistible path
into the joy of making music...."
 
MOM-08-92
AMERICA ONLINE UPDATE
 
New Services
 
Over the past few months, America Online has added several new services:
 
- PC World brings your customers up-to-the-minute reports
  on all kinds of software.
  They can send a note to the editor, search back issues, and more.
 
- Chicago Online, now available in the Chicago area,
  provides a bird's-eye view of what's happening there.
 
- National E-Mail Gateway allows your customers to send mail
  to friends who use MCI mail, Internet, CompuServe and more.
 
- Summer Madness Area is available until August 31.
  It features software (10 files which change every month)
  that your customers can transfer to their machines,
  plus access to computing publications and online help --  free .
 
In addition to these new services,
Tandy Headquarters Online is available.
In this free area,
Tandy owners can get support for their machines directly from Tandy.
Customers can find out what's new, ask questions,
and read press releases -- all from Tandy.
They also get a free file every month!
 
Demo Accounts
 
Does your stores have its America Online Demo Account yet?
The order form is attached to the March '92 issue of the M.O.M.
If you no longer have the form,
send a postcard with your store manager's name,
store number, phone number, and previous PC-Link account name.
Send the order form or postcard to:
 
Tandy Store Accounts
America Online
8619 Westwood Center Drive
Vienna, VA 22182
 
MOM-08-92
ACCESSORIES AT CONSUMER MAIL
 
Many discontinued computer accessories and supplies
are now available through Consumer Mail.
You may order by calling CMC at (800) 433-2024
or FAXing them at (800) 821-1959.
 
COMPUTER SOFTWARE
 
MS-DOS
 
25-1155 Scripsit Tandy 1000/2000                       79.95
25-1240 Talking Text Writer                            49.95
 
Custom Fonts
 
25-1158 Custom Font for PC Compatibles/2000            24.95
25-1305 Font Download Utility (B&F)                    99.95
 
XENIX
 
25-4212 Profile 286                                   799.00
25-4213 Scripsit 286                                  399.95
 
Color Computer
 
26-3084 Shanghai                                       29.95
26-3172 GFL Football                                   29.95
26-3271 Laser Surgeon                                  29.95
90-0441 Enchanter                                      29.95
90-0443 Hitchhiker's Guide                             29.95
90-0445 Hitchhiker's Guide III                         29.95
90-0449 Wishbringer                                    29.95
90-0452 Zork I                                         29.95
90-0455 Zork III                                       29.95
 
COMPUTER HARDWARE
 
Cartridges and Data Tape
 
26-0220 Bernoulli 8" 20 MB Cartridge                  119.95
26-1372 Bernoulli 8" 10 MB Cartridge                   99.95
26-1391  1/4" 48 MB DC300XL/P                          34.95
 
Board
 
T26-2875 Serial Interface Board DMP 136 (26-2868)      49.95
 
COMPUTER SUPPLIES
 
Fanfold Labels
 
26-0247 Clear Mail Labels 500/pk                       19.95
26-0248 EDP Labels 250 ea. of 4 colors                  8.95
26-0281 White File Folder Labels 1500/pk                8.95
26-0282 Color File Folder Labels 375 ea./4 colors       9.95
26-0299 Laser Printer Labels 30/sheet 750/pk            7.95
 
Plotter Supplies
 
26-1281 CGP 220 Black Ink Pack                         12.95
26-1282 CGP 220 Tri-Color Ink Pack                     18.95
26-3507 PC-1 Printer Ribbon                             2.75
 
Printer Roll Paper
 
26-1333 CGP 220 3/pk 8.5x500                           10.95
26-1402 LP I/II/IV/DMP 200 2/pk 8.5x500                24.95
26-1405 Quick Printer (26-1153) 3/pk 4.75x130          24.95
26-1407 Plotter/Printer (26-1190) 1/pk 9x90             5.95
26-3506 PC-1 6/pk 1.75x18                               2.29
26-3606 PC-2 6/pk 2.25x30                               4.95
76-1003 PT 210/TRP 100 6/pk 8.5x100                    29.95
 
MOM-07-92
The Front Line
Two Sides Of The Same Coin
Four Generations Of Computing
 
The pace of progress has been so dramatic in the past twelve to eighteen 
months that we are now in the somewhat strange position of simultaneously 
carrying four generations of computers in the field! Some of you still have a 
non-DOS CoCo or Tandy  102 which, along with the last of the CGA and  
8088-based 1000 HXs and 8086-based 1000 RLs, collectively represent a  
generation of computing going back to the mid-80s. There are later 286-based  
1000 RLXs with VGA graphics, currently in ample supply and representing a  
second level of performance. Third, there are several flavors of 386 (most  
currently the Tandy  2500 SX/25), and finally an emerging generation of 486 SX 
and DX performers, up to 50 MHz.
 
The fact that you have several generations of computers on hand at the same 
time shows two sides of the same coin: if there were not always such a rapid 
succession of "latest and greatest," then the older machines would not seem 
technologically outdated. The cost of constant technological change is the 
constant turnover of models. But also realize that there is still a market for 
the older models.
 
Function Is More Important Than Technology
 
Take a moment to see things from a customer's viewpoint. As a knowledgeable 
participant in the computer industry, you are more aware of the technology 
"under the hood" of these various computers than the average customer, who is 
function oriented rather than technology oriented. In other words, the average 
user knows what his computer can do, not how it does it.
 
In automotive technology, not everyone knows whether it's a carburetor or fuel 
injectors metering the gasoline under the hood, but if it's affordable and  
reliably gets the job done, it's acceptable. For someone who simply wants to 
do a few personal letters and keep the family budget with Quicken, the Tandy  
1000 RLX and DeskMate  are still an appropriate combination. From your 
perspective, every computer at every level of technology is salable as long as 
it represents a realistic value.
 
What do you do when you encounter a savvy customer who "grew up in computing" 
with an older Tandy  1000 and who now confronts you with a challenge about its 
rapid "obsolescence?" You need to be confident in the knowledge that the Tandy 
1000 still does what it originally did, just as fast and just as well as 
before. The individual computer is the same, but the overall industry has 
advanced.
 
The Tandy 1000 is not like an old car whose performance noticeably degenerates 
with age; the customer's computer essentially runs as well as it did when the 
customer first used it and felt it was the hottest toy around. Unlike the old 
automobile that has lost its pep and now struggles to accelerate up to the 
speed limit, the computer hasn't slowed down at all. Instead, the entire frame 
of reference has speeded up, as if the speed limit were constantly going up
along with the average speed of newer cars.
 
Don't Let Your Store Become A Museum
 
Remember the importance of inventory turns. While we devoted space in The 
Front Line of June '91 to the P&L impact of inventory turns, the bottom line 
remains that you need to take all of your older models and -- Get them out of 
the back room. - Fix them up; clean them up. - Make a clearance price tag.
- Offer them to bargain hunters and entry-level users.
 
Qualify your prospects. Don't oversell entry-level clients who can't afford 
the time or money to master all of the features of the top-of-the-line 486 
units. On the other hand, don't be afraid to show the business users the top 
system; they'll probably grow into it quickly. Understand how your prospects 
intend to use the system before  you make your recommendation. Then they are 
part of the decision and, later, won't feel they were "talked into the wrong 
machine."
 
Learn to handle complaints gracefully. Help the customer realize that change 
is the nature of the industry and that an older computer can still fully do 
the job it was designed to do. And personally remember that, for every one of 
the owners of older Tandy 1000s that complains about how slow or otherwise 
inadequate their system now seems, there are even  more  prospects for the new 
486 machines you now stock. You can't have one without the other; it's two 
sides of the same coin.
 
And This Too Shall Pass
 
Finally, realize that change creates opportunity. Computers are now in the 
spotlight, where competition in consumer electronics is at its fiercest. Many 
years ago, stereo systems went through the same rapid evolution, then later CB 
radios. Someday, computers as we know them today (as word processors, 
spreadsheet calculators, and database manipulators) will have been relegated 
to a more specialized marketing niche. The so-called personal computer will 
then see model changes about as often as today's stereo receivers and CB 
radios. But life won't be dull, for the digital "appliance" that will evolve 
out of today's personal computer will, by then, be changing at the same  
hyperactive rate as today's PC.
 
Learn to handle today's PCs, and you will be comfortable with your future in 
consumer electronics. You will be prepared, no matter whether the coin comes 
up heads or tails. 
 
MOM-07-92
Sales Training
It's Show Time!
Now That's Entertainment!
What's the difference between going shopping in a retail store and attending a 
movie or play? When you go to a movie or a play, you pay up front, right?
Whether you see a good show or a bad show, the money is in the till before you 
go in. But when you're shopping, you don't pay unless you're impressed with 
what you see.
 
Have you ever stopped to think that you're in the entertainment business? Ask 
fifty people in a shopping mall why they are there and less than five will  
tell you they came for a specific item. So why are all those people there?
Entertainment.
 
With budgets tighter and stores offering variety and incentives to lure the 
customer, more shoppers view shopping as entertainment. So what kind of show 
are you putting on today?
 
Is your store staffed with people willing to entertain as well as inform? Is 
it dressed for Broadway opening night, or does it look like the first 
rehearsal at the local amateur hall?
 
Your customer will tell you what kind of show you put on when he leaves. Put 
on a good show, and the customer will pay you with sales. Put on a show that 
rates up there with reruns of old sitcoms, and the bell on the cash drawer 
starts gathering dust. That's the difference.
 
Paid To Play
 
Radio Shack handles items for business, personal convenience and security;
but more than anything else, we sell a product line designed to give people 
pleasure. That's the entertainment business. Be ready to "play" when your 
customer arrives. Relax. Enjoy talking with them. Make the first order of 
business to make your customer enjoy being in your store. Take the time to ask 
questions about them as well as their needs.
 
Hundreds of interesting people walk through the door of your store every year.
Make a point to learn one new thing about each one of them every time they 
come in. You'll find that people respond with interest in you and your 
product. They are relaxed. They are entertained. They are sold on you and your 
store. And they come back for an encore.
 
Be A Name Caller
 
A common customer complaint is that doing business is impersonal. Nothing 
changes the tone of a conversation faster than getting the customer's name and 
using it frequently. Have you ever returned to a store and been greeted by 
name? Gives you a great feeling, doesn't it? If you have a "poor memory for 
names," try using the customer's name at least five times during your  
conversation. You'll be amazed at how much your "memory" improves.
 
Our Products Have Names, Too
 
What did you call the last facial tissue you used? A Kleenex? When you needed 
another copy of a document, did you go to the Xerox machine? Product names, 
when repeated to the customer, become powerful identity tools.
 
When you presented audio products to your last customer, did you show him a 
speaker, or did you show him an Optimus Mach  3? Using product names in a 
presentation builds a sense of product familiarity and ownership in the 
customer. Don't show a computer. Demonstrate the benefits of a Tandy  2500  
SX/25. Don't tell a customer about a stereo. Let him enjoy the sound of an  
Optimus  3000 series receiver.
 
What's New?
 
For over 70 years, people have been coming to us to see "What's new." Do you 
have your new merchandise where it is eye-catching? You're missing a great 
opportunity for add-on sales if you don't. Our customers like new gadgets.
Make sure your customers see what's new.
 
There's No Business Like Show Business
 
When you make shopping entertaining, customers come back for more. Treat every 
customer visit like opening night and make shopping in your store the hottest 
ticket in town.
 
MOM-07-92
Zero Percent Interest
Nothing Down
No Payments Until September
 
What a powerful closing tool! "You can take this computer system home today,
begin enjoying it today, and not make any payments until September! Would you 
like the 386 model, or would you prefer to invest another 25 dollars a month 
for the faster, more powerful 486 model?"
 
MOM-07-92
The Credit Line
RSVP/Tandy Computer Leasing
RSVP
 
Signatures Are Important!
 
A signed credit card slip is a Promise to Pay, just as is a personal check. 
Your POS Manual warns you to use extreme care when accepting a personal check
to avoid losses through forgery or other problems. The same extreme care 
should be taken when completing an RSVP application or processing an RSVP 
credit card purchase.
 
Make sure your customer is who they say they are -- prior to making that first 
sale -- when the application has been approved.
 
Identify your customer:
 
- Ask for a photo I.D. This can be a Driver's License, Employment I.D., 
  Military I.D., etc.
 
- Compare the signature on the application to the one on the identification
  card.
 
- Look at the physical description and the photo on the I.D. and look at your 
  customer. Be sure they are one and the same.
 
When accepting a charge on a credit card, hold that customer's RSVP card. You 
never know when your POS might reflect a "pickup card" message. Even if you do 
not get a "pickup card" or "code 10" message, hold  your customer's card until 
they have signed the sales receipt. Then compare the signature on the back of 
the card to the one on the receipt.
 
If you should get a "code 10" or a "pickup card" message -- or if you feel the 
signatures don't match -- call Voice Authorizations and ask for instructions:
 
Voice Authorizations
 
1 (800) 767-7818
 
Your customer's RSVP card is not required if they are returning merchandise 
for a credit to their account. However, you'll obviously need an account 
number to process the credit. You can call Voice Authorizations for  
assistance.
 
Always call Voice Authorizations if you receive a "Call Center" message. Any 
sale that is rung on an over-limit account appears on a special report; and it 
can be traced to the store who created the unauthorized charge. Don't let that 
happen to you.
 
REMEMBER TO ALWAYS:
 
Make RSVP your customer's first choice... not your salesperson's last resort!
 
Tandy Computer Leasing
 
TCL Credit
 
1. When entering information into the POS system, it is extremely important to 
   remember to put in the Customer Number, then three zeros followed by the 
   lease number.
 
2. All upgrades or add-on requests should be FAXed to: 1 (800) 552-3291
 
   Remember:  the minimum lease transaction amount is $1,000.00. However, 
   trade-up and add-on requests will be considered for $250.00 or more.
 
   Be sure to include the complete equipment description: itemize the 
   equipment the lessee is returning off their current lease, the equipment 
   the lessee is keeping on the new lease, and the new equipment they are 
   purchasing.
 
Documentation Reminder
 
1. The monthly payment is figured by taking the total cost (without tax) 
   multiplied by the lease rate factor.
 
2. Fill out Lease Applications completely!
 
   All information is necessary in order to provide you with efficient 
   service. The term of the transaction, purchase option requested, accurate 
   banking information, Social Security Number, equipment description and cost 
   are extremely important.
 
   Your store/unit number, and your name and phone/FAX numbers are necessary 
   so we can contact you with approval information.
 
3. When completing the lease agreement, it is extremely important that you 
   include the serial numbers as part of the equipment description.
 
A TCL LEASE....
The Closing Link to a Total Solution
for your clients' business products needs
 
MOM-07-92
COMPUTER SUPPORT SERVICES
"Answers at Your Fingertips"
 
TANDY/RADIO SHACK TECHNICAL FAXBACK
 
Tandy/Radio Shack Technical FaxBack is an on-demand FAXing system that allows 
a document to be FAXed back by a return phone call.
 
The documents available in FaxBack provide information about Tandy's computer 
product line. FaxBack contains information on the current product line as well 
as hard-to-find information on discontinued products.
 
When you call FaxBack, the system will prompt you to list the documents you 
desire and your FAX number. The document will be sent to your FAX promptly.
 
We encourage you and your customers to use FaxBack before calling Computer 
Support Services. Answers to many of the questions asked by store personnel 
and customers are available through this new system.
 
A published FaxBack Catalog will be provided to the stores once per quarter.
The first issue is included in the POP kit for flyer #490 (with this M.O.M.!),
and should be placed behind the "Computer" tab in your Consumer Mail Center 
Catalog.
 
You can request a catalog listing for a particular CPU any time. The system 
will be updated on a continual basis, so requesting a new catalog pertaining 
to a particular CPU will be useful.
 
Each week more information is placed on-line for easy access by calling the 
FaxBack 800 telephone number: 
 
  FaxBack
  1 (800) 323-6586
 
This system is maintained by Computer Support Services in Ft. Worth and is 
available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you encounter a problem with 
FaxBack, please report it to Cynthia Davis at (817) 878-4116.
 
You may also direct your suggestions and/or problems with the FaxBack system
by EMAIL through your POS system. Direct your EMAIL to one of the following 
people:
 
  cdavis3  Cynthia Davis -- Software Coordinator
  dkrebb1  David Krebbs  -- Director, Computer Services
 
Computer Support Services is pleased to bring to you this exciting new service
in order to provide timely responses to your questions.
 
Good Luck and Great Selling...
 
TOSS FLYER
 
A flyer describing Tandy On-Line System Support (TOSS) is attached to this 
issue of the M.O.M. Share this information with your customers; let them know 
what a terrific service TOSS is!
 
MOM-07-92
SUBJECTS OF THE MONTH
 
Windows Compressed Files
 
Windows must be installed on a system. It will not work properly if the files 
are just copied to the system.
 
Windows filename extensions include an underscore character (for example, 
FILENAME.EX_), which indicates they are compressed files. (They were 
compressed to allow more files to be placed on the diskette.)
 
If these files are copied to the hard drive, they will be copied exactly as 
they are on the diskette (with the underscore character). Consequently, the 
program will not function.
 
You have two options: you may use the instructions provided with the software 
package to install the program, or you can copy the files to the hard drive;
then uncompress them.
 
TandyLink, LANtastic 4.0 And Caching On 486 CPUs
 
Turn caching off when installing LANtastic 4.0 with TandyLink boards on a 
Tandy  4833 LX/T or 4825 SX.
 
If caching is on when LANtastic is installed, it will install successfully,
but the TandyLink boards will never be recognized by the system when booted 
up.
 
To turn off caching, use the cache482 program from the MS-DOS prompt and 
change the option to 0. Save the changes and reboot the machine. 
 
MOM-07-92
Tandy 1000/1000A And Video Adapters
 
Tandy  1000 and Tandy  1000A computers have an onboard video adapter which 
cannot be disabled. Consequently, video boards such as the 25-4056 Super VGA 
Adapter (and others) cannot be used on these machines.
 
The 25-4056 adapter is supported on all of our computers that do not have a 
built in VGA adapter.
 
MOM-07-92
Product News
RADIO SHACK INTRODUCES TWO 80486 TANDY NOTEBOOK COMPUTERS
 
Press Release
 
May 28, 1992, Fort Worth, Texas -- At the Consumer Electronics Show in Chicago 
today, Radio Shack will introduce two new Tandy notebook computers which 
feature the industry's most powerful 80486 chip technology and weigh less than 
six pounds including battery. Both models -- the Tandy  4800 HD and Tandy  
4860 HD notebook PCs -- have the power and feature-rich characteristics of a 
desktop computer, including a built-in hard drive, floppy disk drive and four 
megabytes of memory.
 
The two systems are identical except for their Intel 80486 microprocessors.
The Tandy 4800 HD is a 20 megahertz (MHz) 80486SX-based notebook PC and the 
Tandy 4860 HD is a 33 MHz notebook based on the 80486DX chip.
 
Both the 4800 HD and 4860 HD are designed with a small footprint measuring 
just 1.65" x 11" x 8.7" (HxWxD). Yet, within their compact design, both offer  
storage, expansion, communication and power management features. Among these 
standard features are:
 
- Four megabytes (MB) of standard memory, expandable to 20 MB, and eight 
  kilobytes (K) of cache memory -- sufficient memory to run Windows-based 
  applications and the majority of business, education and entertainment 
  software.
 
- One 3 1/2" 1.44 MB floppy disk drive.
 
- A 19-millisecond, internal 60 MB hard disk drive.
 
- Full-size, 84-key keyboard with embedded numeric keypad.
 
- Support for an optional internal track ball pointing device.
 
- VGA graphics, 640 x 480, 64 gray scales.
 
- A 10-inch diagonal edgelit LCD display with a non-glare surface and a 
  one-to-one aspect ratio for sharp, detailed viewing at any angle in any 
  lighting environment.
 
- Support for simultaneous use of the internal LCD and an external VGA 
  monitor.
 
- Rechargeable Nicad battery which supplies continuous power for up to three 
  hours. The battery may be recharged in two to three hours.
 
- A 110/220-volt AC adapter/charger for international travel.
 
- Built-in power management features controlled by users to maximize battery 
  life. For example, if the display is closed without turning the computer 
  off, the system will automatically go into Suspend Mode and a warning beep 
  will alert the user that power has been left on.
 
- Tandy Power View System -- power and battery LED lights located and visible 
  atop the case at all times to help monitor battery status and prevent 
  accidental battery drain.
 
- External VGA monitor port.
 
- External 101-key keyboard port.
 
- One serial port.
 
- An internal modem slot for optional 2400 bps/9600 Send and Receive FAX 
  Modem.
 
- One parallel port which can be used to connect a parallel printer or to 
  connect an external 5 1/4" floppy disk drive.
 
- MS-DOS 5.0 operating system, Microsoft Windows 3.1, Microsoft QBasic, 
  Microsoft Shell, and America Online software included.
 
- One-year limited warranty. Service and support are provided by Radio Shack,
  a division of Tandy Corporation.
 
Other optional accessories include an auto power adapter, 4 MB memory upgrade, 
spare battery, durable fabric carrying case and an executive leather carrying 
case.
 
Prices on the Tandy 4800 HD and Tandy 4860 HD are good at participating Radio 
Shack technology stores and dealers nationwide.
 
MOM-07-92
NEW VGM-441 SVGA .28 COLOR MONITOR
 
The new VGM-441 SVGA .28 Color Monitor (Cat. No. 25-4048) replaces the VGM-440 
monitor. The VGM-441 monitor features a new cabinet design that provides an 
up-front control panel for easy monitor adjustment.
 
Here are more exciting features of the VGM-441:
 
- Super VGA ready, for resolutions up to 1024 x 768 (interlaced)
- 14-inch screen for a nice size view
- .28mm dot pitch for a sharp, clear picture
- Non-glare screen with reduced reflection for less fatigue and eye strain
- Front panel controls for Brightness, Contrast, Horizontal Phase, Horizontal 
  Size, Vertical Size, Vertical Center, Pin Cushion and Power
- Meets Swedish standard for MPRII with VLMF (very low magnetic frequency)
  and ELMF (extremely low magnetic frequency)
- Reduced static for less dust attraction and static shock
- 6-foot video cable for those hard-to-reach places
- 6-foot power cable
- Tilt-swivel base for just the right angle (and it snaps on without a screw!)
 
Meets Swedish MPRII Guidelines
 
The VGM-441 has a new feature that is becoming popular. With VLMF and ELMF as 
a standard feature, you are assuring your customers of meeting the strict 
Swedish MPRII guidelines for lower electrostatic, magnetic and alternating 
current emissions. Many school districts, local and state governments are 
requesting monitors that have this feature. Be sure to point out this major 
difference when selling Tandy Super VGA monitors because most of the clone 
folks do not have this feature. Sell the Tandy Difference!
 
Price and Availability
 
And $499.95 is the right price for lots of super sales! The VGM-441 is 
available from TSDC. It can be stocked by 01Z stores, and may be requested for 
special customer orders by 01Y and 01V stores. The VGM-441 is perfect for the 
systems you are selling today -- just like the VGM-440 which you are currently 
selling out. With the VGM-441 features listed above, you can capture even more 
sales!
 
MOM-07-92
NEW TANDY SVGA ADAPTER
 
The new Tandy SVGA Adapter (Cat. No. 25-4056) is shipping! It comes with 512K 
video RAM already installed. This new 16-bit adapter is designed as a low cost 
replacement (only $149.95) for the previous 8-bit VGA Adapter (Cat. No. 
25-4043). One nice feature is that you can plug the new adapter into an 8-bit 
slot, too! That's right; you can upgrade those Tandy 1000 customers right up 
to VGA (except for the Tandy  1000 and 1000 A). Of course, it also plugs into 
a 16-bit expansion slot for those systems that only have 16-bit slots.
 
Software drivers are included for the most popular programs. With the video 
RAM already installed, you're ready to match your customer with the best 
monitor. You can offer either the VGM-440 or VGM-441. The board also supports 
standard VGA monitors such as the VGM-200 or VGM-220 for resolutions up to 640 
x 480.
 
The Tandy SVGA Adapter is available at TSDC and can be stocked by 01Z stores.
01Y and 01V stores can request it for special customer orders.
 
MOM-07-92
INTEL ANNOUNCES RETAIL OVERDRIVE PROCESSORS
 
Intel OverDrive Processors -- Performance Boosters
 
Intel OverDrive Processors are powerful performance boosters designed 
specifically to allow a simple yet dramatic system upgrade (with certain Tandy 
systems). With single-chip installation, you can take immediate advantage of 
Intel and Tandy's built-in upgradeability.
 
The Intel OverDrive Processor guarantees a standardized, cost-effective 
upgrade. More than an upgrade, these processors represent a strategy that will 
protect your customers' present and future PC investments, ensuring that their 
PC processing power keeps pace with the latest software. For that inevitable 
time when your customers want more performance from their present 486SX 
systems, they can just plug an OverDrive Processor into the system to advance 
to the next generation of CPU technology. It accelerates both integer and math 
performance across all present and future applications under DOS, Windows, 
OS/2 and UNIX -- from AutoCAD to WordPerfect.
 
The retail upgrade Intel OverDrive Processor can be used to double the speed
of the Tandy  4825 SX and the Tandy  4820 SX/T. The DX2 50 MHz Intel OverDrive 
Processor is currently available in the Tandy  4850 EP.
 
Upgrading 486SX-Based Systems
 
The Intel OverDrive Processor for Intel 486SX CPU-based systems integrates an 
integer unit, a floating point unit (that's the coprocessor), a memory 
management unit and 8K of cache on one chip that operates at an internal speed 
twice that of the system bus. This unique feature allows doubling the speed of 
present systems without the expense of purchasing and installing any other 
additional system components.
 
Two of our desktop computers can accept the OverDrive Processor upgrade. The 
Tandy 4820 SX/T can be upgraded from 20 to 40 MHz, and the Tandy 4825 SX can 
go from 25 to 50 MHz.
 
The Tandy 4820 SX/T (Cat. No. 25-5140) features a vacancy socket for insertion 
of the OverDrive Processor. This upgrade is just like adding a coprocessor,
but you get the extra performance boost, too!
 
To upgrade a Tandy 4825 SX (Cat. Nos. 25-5141 & 25-5142) with the Intel 
OverDrive Processor, the 80486SX processor has to be removed. Because of the 
delicacy of this procedure, it is highly recommended that an authorized 
Service Center perform the upgrade. This will insure you and your customer
that the system is fully tested and correctly done. After upgrading, you 
should always run SETUP and choose SAVE CHANGES (even though you are not 
changing anything on the setup screen). This stores the new configuration for 
the BIOS and lets it know there is a new processor onboard.
 
Due to the low gross margins, the upgrade Intel OverDrive Processors will only 
be available from Third Party Products. Retail pricing is as follows:
 
   20 to 40 MHz OverDrive Processor (for 4820 SX/T) $549.00
   25 to 50 MHz OverDrive Processor (for 4825 SX)   $699.00
 
Intel DX2 OverDrive Processors
 
Radio Shack's most powerful desktop computer, the Tandy 4850 EP, already 
features the Intel DX2 50 MHz OverDrive Processor. This means that the 4850 EP 
is  preconfigured with the DX2 50 MHz performance processor at the 
manufacturing facility.
The 4850 EP utilizes the same main logic board as the Tandy 4825 SX, except 
for the  processor. Today, the only way you can purchase a DX2 processor is 
when it is "preinstalled" by the computer manufacturer. Therefore, the 4850 EP 
is at its ultimate speed already and is ready for the most processor-intensive 
applications your customers can throw at it.
 
Want A 50 MHz Floppy-Only 486?
 
Because of the relatively small number of requests for floppy-based systems,
the 4850 EP is not offered as a floppy-only system. Some customers have 
requested that the Tandy 4850 EP be offered without a hard drive so they can 
add the hard drive of their choice. Offer these customers the Tandy 4825 SX 
floppy version (Cat. No. 25-5141) and the retail version of the Intel  
OverDrive Processor. This option gives you the flexibility to accommodate 
requests for larger or smaller hard drive configurations.
 
MOM-07-92
SOUND BLASTER COMPATIBILITY WITH TANDY MPCS
 
With the shipments of Version 1.1 of the Tandy Multimedia PCs and the 25-1085 
Internal MPC upgrade kits, there have been some questions about Sound Blaster 
compatibility.
 
The Tandy Multimedia Audio Board in Tandy MPCs ships with its interrupt set to 
IRQ10. This is an acceptable setting for MPC titles because the sound is 
routed through the Multimedia Extensions. However, the majority of non-MPC 
MS-DOS Sound Blaster titles are hard coded to look for the sound at IRQ7.
 
To change the Tandy Audio Board from IRQ10 to IRQ7, follow these steps:
 
1. Refer to the MPC "Getting Started" guide that comes with the MPC.
 
2. Turn off the computer, remove cover and access the audio board.
 
3. Move the jumper marked "ISEL0" so the pins are connected.
 
4. Replace cover.
 
5. Turn on the computer and go into the Windows subdirectory.
 
6. Edit the file SYSTEM.INI with the following changes.
 
Under the section [Multimedia.Setup], change:
 
  Audio=Sb16snd.drv,220,10,301
  to
  Audio=Sb16snd.drv,220,7,301
 
Under the section [Sndblast.drv], change:
 
  Int=10
  to
  Int=7
 
Once these changes have been made, save the SYSTEM.INI file. The next time 
Windows is run, everything should work correctly.
 
NOTE: These changes are not recommended on the Tandy  4025 LX computer. On 
that computer, IRQ7 is used by the printer port. The user must choose between 
using the printer or having Sound Blaster compatibility.
 
MOM-07-92
TANDY MPCS AND THE 25-1087 EXTERNAL 5 1/4" FLOPPY DRIVE
 
The 25-1087 External Floppy Drive, which connects to the printer port of our 
computers, uses a loadable driver that assigns the next available drive letter
to the external drive. When run on one of our MPCs, this results in both the 
external floppy and the internal CD-ROM drive having the same drive letter 
designation (D).
 
Fortunately, there is a very easy cure to the problem. In the Program Manager 
section of Windows, click on the "Find CD" icon in the demo group. This will 
cause the system to change all its CD-ROM drive references to a new drive 
letter (E). From this point on, the system should work correctly.
 
MOM-07-92
NEW! 25-1091 CDR-1501 CD-ROM DRIVE
 
Many of you have noticed that the CDR-1500 Internal CD-ROM drive (Cat. No. 
25-1081) has been discontinued. The replacement for the 25-1081 is the new 
CDR-1501 Internal CD-ROM drive (Cat. No. 25-1091). This drive features a fast 
340ms average access speed, which is about 25% faster than the 25-1081. It 
uses a caddy (included), unlike our caddyless 25-1077 CDR-1000. This drive is 
not MPC-compatible because it does not transfer data at a sustained 150K/sec 
rate.
 
The 25-1091 comes complete with interface card, cables, MSCDEX software, an 
audio play program, the CD caddy and all necessary installation hardware and 
software. Stereo phono line-out jacks are on the interface card for easy 
connection to any stereo system. Up front, you'll find a stereo headphone jack 
with volume control for personal listening.
 
While the 25-1091 is faster than the drive it replaces, it is not more 
expensive. In fact, it has a lower price -- the 25-1091 is only $599.95!
(The 25-1081 was $895.00.)
 
For those customers who need faster access than the 25-1077 (Compton's users, 
for example), who don't need an MPC drive and don't mind the caddy, the 
25-1091 is a great value. 
 
MOM-07-92
COMPTON'S FAMILY ENCYCLOPEDIA -- WHAT A BARGAIN!
 
The Compton's Family Encyclopedia on CD-ROM includes information from 26 
complete volumes -- 31,000 articles and 10,000 pictures. And it's such a deal 
at only $395!
 
Remember that Compton's Family Encyclopedia (Cat. No. 25-1824) is the consumer 
retail product designed for home use. The Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia is 
the version enhanced for schools. Pages 18-19 of the May/June 1992 issue of 
the M.O.M. briefly described these products.
 
MOM-07-92
NEW 240 MB AT-SMARTDRIVE NOW AVAILABLE
 
Last month, the 240 MB AT-SmartDrive  (Cat. No. 25-4126) became available at 
TSDC. This new drive replaces the previous 160 MB SmartDrive (Cat. No. 
25-4126) that was in the 1992 catalog (and was canceled) as well as the 202 MB 
SCSI Hard Drive (Cat. No. 25-4164).
 
Here are the features of the new SmartDrive:
 
- 3 1/2" form factor
- 1" height (fits into low-profile chassis)
- 16ms average seek time
- 7ms average latency time
- 256K data buffer
- Look-ahead read caching
- Write data buffering
- Automatic power-down head relocation
- Drive cable for connecting up to two AT-hard drives (the 240 MB drive and 
  another drive)
 
This new hard drive is a great enhancement to any Tandy desktop AT-PC. With 
the new Autoconfig BIOS feature in all current desktops (excluding the 
25-5125), the full 240 MB capacity can be achieved with DOS 5.0 or Novell.
Now you can offer a sensible and reasonable larger hard drive solution for 
only $799.00!
 
The 240 MB hard drive is not for stocking in any store. To help ensure 
availability, special order this item only for customer orders. Hard drive 
prices are dropping and changing just like CPUs, so don't get  stuck  later 
with something that you thought you might sell, but have to sell at a loss 
instead (which costs you money).
 
MOM-07-92
PRICES DROP ON POPULAR EXPRESS ORDER MODEMS!
 
Due to our volume purchasing power, we are able to announce a price reduction
on the Best Data Internal and External 2400 bps modems in Express Order :
 
Cat. No.  Description                           Previous Price  New Low Price
 
90-2180   Best Data 2400 bps Internal H/C Modem    $99.95           $89.00
90-2212   Best Data 2400 bps External Modem       $119.95           $99.00
 
MOM-07-92
25-1070 TANDY FAX/DATA MODEM IN THE WAREHOUSE
 
The 2400 bps Data/9600 bps FAX Send/Receive Internal Modem (Cat. No. 25-1070, 
$149.95),previously announced in the January/February 1992 M.O.M., has now 
arrived in the TSDC warehouse. This modem will allow you to communicate with 
Group 3 FAX machines at 9600 bps, both sending and receiving. The FAX software 
is Quicklink II, and is included with the modem.
 
Our holdup was due to a software problem, and we actually had the vendor 
rewrite the FAX software before we would allow the product to ship. Sorry for 
the delay, but it's here now!
 
MOM-07-92
ANOTHER TANDY COMPUTER NOVELL CERTIFIED
 
Another Tandy  computer has achieved Novell Certification, and more will be 
certified in the months ahead.
 
Novell Certification assures your clients that the Tandy computers they select
have been fully tested for the Novell environments they are intended to serve.
This certification is a requirement for many bids.
 
Novell Certification is more than a rubber stamp process by Novell. Each 
system is rigorously tested to meet or exceed the expectations of 
compatibility, functionality and reliability in a Novell Network 
configuration.
 
Make sure you use this important feature to help differentiate your quality 
Tandy computers from the competition, which may not offer this important extra 
security of Novell Certification.
 
Here is the CPU and the configurations tested:
 
Tandy  4850 EP -- Refer to Test Bulletin F-915
 
Tested and Approved NetWare compatible as a  File Server/Workstation with the 
following Novell Products:
 
    NetWare (v2.2)  NetWare for Macintosh (v2.2)
    NetWare (v3.11) NetWare Btrieve (v5.15)
    NetWare SQL (v2.11a)    NetWare SAA Token-Ring (v1.1)
    Novell Print Server (v1.21) NetWare Lite (v1.0)
    NetWare for Macintosh (v3.0)
 
Product Configuration:
 
    Controller/Hard Drive:  IDE/120 MB SmartDrive
 
    CPU Memory: 8 MB RAM
 
    Video Adapter:  SVGA
 
Configuration Notes:
 
In order for the NE2100 LAN adapter to function properly, the serial ports 
must be reconfigured as COM3, COM4 or disabled in the ROM BIOS setup.
 
NetWare Lite was also tested with DR DOS (6.0).
 
MOM-07-92
REALWORLD UPGRADE
 
Attached to this issue of the M.O.M. is a complete RealWorld upgrade chart. If 
you have a customer who is using any version other than 6.0 of any RealWorld 
package, encourage them to take advantage of the upgrade opportunities 
outlined in the chart. Among the benefits to your customer are:
 
- Increased speed
- Simplified multi-company installation
- Date- and time-stamped notes
- Laser printer support
 
The benefits to you for upgrading your customer from an old version of 
RealWorld include:
 
- Bigger commissions
- Satisfied customers
- More referrals
- Less support hassle
- Additional hardware and memory sales
 
This chart also describes upgrades from 4-in-1 Basic Accounting, Practical 
Accounting System, RealWorld Point-of-Sale Plus, and Tandy Accounting System.
 
Take advantage of this exciting upgrade opportunity! Check the chart,
then start contacting your existing RealWorld customers  today! 
 
MOM-07-92
DACEASY UPGRADE
 
All DacEasy products currently shipping from TSDC are version 4.2. However, 
there are many copies of earlier DacEasy versions in the field.
 
The stock numbers involved are:
 
   250-1471   DacEasy Accounting
   900-0150   DacEasy Payroll
   900-2747   DacEasy Bonus Pack (Accounting and Payroll)
 
Merchandising has arranged for DacEasy to provide your store with a free 
upgrade to the current version of DacEasy Accounting, DacEasy Payroll, and the 
DacEasy Bonus Pack. The packages do not have to be sealed, but they must be 
complete, unused packages.
 
To have your store stock inventory upgraded, follow these steps:
 
1. Prepare a packing list showing product name, stock number, and quantities 
   being exchanged.
 
2. Enclose two (2) return shipping labels, addressed to your store, for each 
   individual package being returned. (For example, if you are exchanging 3 
   Accounting and 2 Payroll packages, send a total of 10 return labels.)
 
3. Pack the software, the packing list and the return labels securely and ship 
   to:
 
   DacEasy, Inc.
   Attn:  Radio Shack "Exchange Only"
   3204 Skylane, Suite D
   Carrollton, TX 75006
 
Please allow at least 72 hours turnaround time.
 
Remember, this offer is for store inventory only. Any attempt to upgrade 
customer copies of any DacEasy product is a violation of copyright agreements.
 
MOM-07-92
WINDOWS "MODES" EXPLAINED
 
There is some confusion about what Microsoft Windows "modes" are, and which 
computers can run under which modes. "Mode," as used in connection with 
Windows, is determined by hardware configurations, amount of memory, and 
microprocessor capabilities. Each mode has different operating characteristics
as well as hardware requirements.
 
Windows 3.0 is able to run in 3 different modes: Real, Standard, and 386 
Enhanced. Windows 3.1 does not support Real mode; it can run only in Standard 
or 386 Enhanced modes, depending on hardware configuration. Use this chart to 
help clarify the various "modes and versions" options:
 
              Windows 3.0 Modes                   |   Windows 3.1 Modes
CPU              Real   |Standard    |386 Enhanced|Standard     |386 Enhanced
------------------------+------------+------------+-------------+------------
8086/8088        Yes    |Not possible|Not possible|Not supported|Not supported
Min. Memory   640K conv.|            |            |             |
             Can use EMS|            |            |             |
------------------------+------------+------------+-------------+------------
80286 (2500 XL          |            |            |             |
    or later)    Yes    |Yes         |Not possible|Yes          |Not supported
Mini. Memory   640K conv|640K conv.  |            |640K conv.   |
             Can use XMS|256K XMS    |            |256K XMS     |
             Can use EMS|Can use EMS |            |             |
------------------------+------------+------------+-------------+------------
80386/80486      Yes    |Yes         |Yes         |Yes          |Yes
Mini. Memory   640K conv|640K conv.  |640K conv.  |640K conv.   |640K conv.
             Can use XMS|256K XMS    |1024K XMS   |256K XMS     |1024K XMS
             Can use EMS|Can use EMS |Can use EMS |             |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
XMS:  Extended Memory            EMS:  Expanded Memory
 
Note:
Although Microsoft's "official" minimum memory requirements for Windows 3.1 
are shown in the chart above, some problems with TrueType fonts have been  
encountered using these minimums. All new computers are shipping with at least 
2 MB of memory; consider this to be a "de facto" minimum memory requirement to 
support Windows 3.1.
 
As you can see, the "real" mode is not supported by Windows 3.1. If you have 
customers on original Tandy  1000 and 1000A, the Tandy  1000 SX, or the Tandy  
1200 machines that are using Windows 3.0, do not sell them Windows 3.1 -- it 
simply won't work.
 
What about owners of the Tandy  1000 TX, the Tandy  2800, the Tandy  1000 TL 
series (TL, TL/2, TL/3), and the Tandy  1000 RL series (RL, RLX)? Here the 
plot thickens a bit. Even though these computers use 80286 CPUs, their 
architecture is that of an IBM XT--that is, an 8-bit bus. Windows 3.1 requires  
a standard ISA 16-bit bus. Consequently, Windows 3.1 will not run on the 1000 
TX, the 2800, or the 1000 TL- or RL-series computers.
 
Take advantage of Windows 3.1's popularity! Turn upgrade inquiries about the 
above-mentioned computers into new hardware sales! The Tandy  2500 SX/25, for 
example, is an excellent Windows 3.1 engine, and represents a real opportunity 
to bring your existing customer base into the exciting world of Windows 3.1.
Let them experience the new features that Windows 3.1 has to offer, 
then...sell, sell, sell!
 
MOM-07-92
NEW PRODUCT BROCHURES AVAILABLE
 
The following new four-color brochures are available at TSDC:
 
FC0-0399        Tandy  4820 LX/T combined with Tandy  4833 LX/T
FC0-0991        Tandy  4825 SX
FC0-0992        Tandy  4850 EP
 
01Z stores will be drop-shipped one package of each of the above and other 
stores should order as required.
 
MOM-07-92
NATIONAL PARTS PRODUCTS
 
A chart attached to this M.O.M. shows many computer products available from 
National Parts. They may be ordered by calling (800) 433-5543.
 
The cost of these items has been reduced, but they are available only in 
limited quantities.
 
MOM-07-92
NEW NUMBER FOR CUSTOM FORMS
 
Radio Shack's custom forms supplier, Total Forms (previously All States), has 
recently undergone a reorganization. During this transition, there was some 
disruption of service and slow delivery. The Total Forms reorganization is now 
complete and they should be fully restocked.
 
Total Forms has established a new, toll-free number for Radio Shack stores:
 
1 (800) 942-8847
 
This number is to be used by all Radio Shack stores, including those in Texas.
 
MOM-07-92
25-1062 MEMORY ADAPTERS ARE BACK IN STOCK
 
The Memory Expansion Adapters (Cat. No. 25-1062) for the 1000 HX and 1000 EX
are back in stock at the warehouse.
 
MOM-07-92
Asking Questions Isn't Enough!
 
Asking qualifying questions may be the most important part of a sale. Without 
that information, your ability to meet the customer's needs is nearly zero!
But there's an art to asking the right question, in the right tone of voice,
in language the customer can understand.
 
Even more importantly, there's an art to listening to the answer! If you 
concentrate on your next question, or how much this ticket could add up to or 
anything else, you may lose an opportunity to discover a need.
 
You have two ears and one mouth -- use them in that proportion.
 
MOM-07-92
COMPUTER TRAINING AVAILABLE TO EMPLOYEES
 
Computer training is available as a result of Radio Shack's alliance with 
Sylvan Technology Centers. (Hopefully you're selling it to your customers!)
 
We are extending to Radio Shack store employees the opportunity to take the 
training classes for $40.00 -- less than half of the retail price.
 
Courses offered include "Getting Started" with these software packages:
 
  PC and DOS 3.x/4.x
  PC and DOS 5.0
  Microsoft Windows 3.0
  Microsoft Windows 3.1
  Works for Windows
  Tandy DeskMate  3
  WordPerfect 5.1
  Word for Windows 1.1
  Word for Windows 2.0
  Lotus 1-2-3, 2.3
  Lotus 1-2-3, 3.1
  Excel 3.0
  dBASE IV 1.1
  Paradox 3.5
 
To purchase your training class, you can either:
 
- Send a check in the amount of $40.00 to:
 
  Computer Training Services
  400 Atrium - One Tandy Center
  Fort Worth, TX  76102
 
- Charge it to your credit card by calling (817) 390-2798
 
Once we have received payment for the class, we will call you with an 
Authorization Number. You will then contact Sylvan (with the Authorization 
Number) to enroll in the class.
 
Increasing your product knowledge enables you to assist your customers with 
confidence. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about the 
products you sell!
 
MOM-05-92
The Front Line
 
The Virus Challenge
 
The recent publicity surrounding the appearance of the Michelangelo virus
across the U.S. has served to raise public awareness
of this form of computer vandalism to near hysterical proportions.
However, computer viruses have existed within the PC industry for many years,
and have evolved into many different forms,
from the merely obnoxious to the highly destructive.
Here are some useful things to know.
 
What Is a Virus?
 
A virus is a "foreign" program that is designed to embed itself
within the user's system and to replicate and spread itself,
without the user being aware of it (at least initially).
At some point, the virus becomes apparent by means ranging
from a humorous message popping up unexpectedly to
the more malicious corruption of directories and File Allocation Tables,
the destruction of files, the occupation of large amounts of memory,
or the loss of control over computer functions.
 
While there are virtually hundreds of varieties of viruses,
most fall into a few basic categories:
 
1. One type attaches itself to the boot sector of a floppy disk or hard drive,
   where it replaces the resident code and
   relocates it to another location on the disk.
   Thus, every time the system is booted,
   the virus loads itself into memory,
   performs its designated mischief, and then allows
   the original boot code to execute.
   It typically spreads itself to other systems
   by installing itself on every fresh diskette it encounters.
   A close relative attaches itself to the partition sector
   of the hard drive and operates thereafter in a similar mode.
 
2. A file virus attaches itself to an executable file,
   such as a .COM, .EXE, or .SYS file,
   where it searches for an uninfected file each time it is run.
   The original program is allowed to run normally.
 
3. Another variant embeds itself into memory where it temporarily
   gains control of the system every time DOS is called.
   In one of its more offensive forms,
   the hard drive is reformatted!
   It then passes control back to DOS after performing its designated 
mischief.
 
All of these variations can potentially cause
some functional problems with the system.
In many cases, damage to data has probably occurred to some
degree before the unsuspecting user becomes aware that serious infection
is now wreaking havoc within the system.
What is one programmer's practical joke now becomes another person's misery.
 
First, Prevention At The Store Level
 
Develop good procedural habits to prevent
the acquisition and transmission of viruses.
Here are some general rules:
 
1. Use only software obtained from reputable sources, preferably sealed.
   In addition to the criminal aspects of software piracy
   (see The Front Line in the October 1991 M.O.M.),
   the use of unauthorized "duplicates"
   also greatly increases the danger of viral infection.
 
2. Write-protect new software masters immediately
   to prevent accidental infestation.
   Make the appropriate backups
   and use the backups when restoration is necessary.
   Only use masters to make backups,
   and only make backups by "cold booting" (full power up or front panel 
   reset)
   from the write-protected master.
 
3. Be careful when exchanging diskettes between computers.
   Leave your "working diskettes" write-protected at all times.
   Don't allow others to use your computer without your consent.
 
4. Make frequent backups of your files.
   It is often necessary to completely reformat the hard drive
   on a badly infected system and reload from scratch.
   A recent backup can become truly precious.
 
5. If you are using software which is capable of virus scanning,
   let these diagnostics run to completion.
 
As an official branch of Radio Shack,
your store must be extra careful to prevent viruses
from being introduced, spread through your store's computers
and then back to customers.
Your store display units have enough installed software and running demos.
Don't let visiting "hackers" use them
to play their own games and "shareware."
Keep the "pass along" disks out of your store
and out of your store's machines.
 
But If It Happens In Your Store
 
If, in spite of your best efforts, one of your machines
begins to exhibit the abnormal behavior characteristic of virus activity
(such as a rather pointed message on the screen!),
work with your Service Center or CSE for a "decontamination" session.
It may be necessary to check all exposed units
to insure that the virus has not been spread between machines.
 
You are better off working with the Service Centers,
since they are provided with the very latest in virus detection software.
This is critical since there are now many hundreds of varieties
of viruses in action today, some quite new.
Some commercial virus prevention software is more effective
and up-to-date than others.
 
We are currently studying the possibility of providing software
for virus detection for store use and for bundling on our CPUs.
(The issues here are cost and timeliness.)
However, despite the outcome of this evaluation,
the merits of PREVENTION outlined above are obvious:
it's free, and it's essential.
Include these preventive measures
as part of your store's "good housekeeping" rules.
 
MOM-05-92
Sales Training
 
Invest or Upgrade?
 
How Often Have You Heard This?
 
You mean I just bought my Tandy 1000 two years ago
and it's already obsolete?
I can't run half of the programs you sell now
because they require more memory and better graphics!
What am I supposed to do now?
 
Have you been faced with this situation,
or something similar?
How would you handle it?
Should you attempt to upgrade the customer's computer
as much as possible, or should you attempt
to sell the customer a whole new system
that will run today's and tomorrow's programs?
 
Tough question.
Technology has increased the capabilities of personal computers dramatically
while lowering the cost,
thus bringing the consumer more value than ever before.
Applications software exists today that was only imagined a few years ago.
But customers may be put off if
you don't approach the subject carefully.
Their equipment is not obsolete --
it can still perform the functions
it was bought for two years ago.
It can run some of the newer programs --
under certain constraints.
But the question -- whether to maintain what they already have,
upgrade, or invest in newer equipment --
is based on their needs, not on the state of the industry.
 
Qualifying your customer's present and future software needs
will go a long way toward determining
an answer to the question.
If the customer is content with their current software,
and it will meet their needs for a while,
then they may be able to stay with their current system.
 
However, if they feel the need to upgrade,
you can show them that, for just a little more investment,
they can purchase a brand new system
that is optimized for running today's and tomorrow's software.
 
Let's take a look at some changes in the industry that
make investing in new equipment a great choice.
 
Windows
 
In what was probably the most important advancement
in MS-DOS compatible computers since their introduction,
Microsoft Windows 3.0 broke the 640K barrier
to allow use of more sophisticated applications.
In addition, its multitasking capabilities give
new meaning to the word "versatility."
 
To take advantage of everything Windows has to offer,
your customer must have a computer with a '386 or '486 processor
and at least 2 MB of internal memory.
While it is possible to run Windows on a 286 machine
such as the Tandy  2500 XL,
it cannot multitask or open multiple windows.
Windows can run on the Tandy  1000 series machines,
but only in the real mode, with fuzzy monochrome CGA graphics,
and very, very slowly!
 
Windows is the most recognized interface for high-performance systems.
DeskMate  is an appropriate interface for customers
who have no need for the features or complexity of Windows.
 
Multimedia Personal Computers
 
The MPC standard is also based on fast machines with a lot of memory.
The MPC specs require a minimum of 2 MB,
with many applications already requiring as much as 4 MB.
But why should your customers be interested in MPC?
 
In short, MPC is quite literally the next generation
of personal computing.
With the phenomenal amount of storage available
on a single CD-ROM disc,
software developers can integrate text with
digital sound and still and moving video
to create an incredibly powerful tool.
MPCs are truly what everyone ten years ago thought
personal computers ought to be!
 
You will hear a lot in the coming months
about the incredible value that MPCs offer your customers.
They open up a whole new world of
computing power and versatility.
 
So, What Now?
 
Now we're back to the question --
should your customer stick with the status quo,
upgrade their current system or invest in the newer technology?
 
Point out the advancements in both the
software and hardware that make these newer systems a
real value for the investment.
With business customers, talk about the competitive edge
they'll gain by utilizing the most
advanced technology available today.
For home users, point out the
incredible capabilities of MPC for education and entertainment.
Then, ask for the order!!
 
Some customers may be content
with upgrading a part of their current system.
You can show them that the investment
they would make in this upgrade would make up a significant portion
of the cost of a newer system with much greater capabilities.
Use this as an opportunity to sell up.
But if the customer still wants VGA on their Tandy 1000, sell it!
 
Some customers are concerned that the world is passing them by.
Their computer does everything they need,
but they want to be sure programs and expansions will be available.
Assure them that we will continue
to support our older systems with software, upgrades, and technical 
assistance.
Show them the Express Order  catalog containing
hundreds of software titles that will run on their system.
Most of all, assure them that their system isn't obsolete.
We want to keep these people as customers,
so they'll come back to us when they decide to invest in the newer technology.
Make certain they know that
we are the place to come for their next computer!
 
MOM-05-92
Multimedia Update
 
New MPCs and Software!
 
Press Release
 
RADIO SHACK UNVEILS NEW GENERATION OF TANDY MULTIMEDIA PERSONAL COMPUTERS
 
Faster, More Powerful and More Affordable Hardware Platforms
 
Chicago, April 6, 1992 -- Radio Shack  will unveil a new
generation of faster and more affordable
Tandy  Multimedia Personal Computers
today at Comdex/Spring '92, the leading computer trade show
for resellers and corporate users.
 
A leader in multimedia computing and founding member of the
Multimedia PC Marketing Council (MPCMC),
Tandy was the first company to manufacture and market Multimedia PCs.
Its first family of Multimedia PCs received the
prestigious Best of Spring award for desktop systems
from BYTE Magazine and The Interface Group at
last year's Comdex show in Atlanta, as well as
1991 Best Personal Computer award from COMPUTE Magazine.
 
The latest generation of Tandy Multimedia PCs (Version 1.1) is
based on the industry's most powerful hardware platforms.
 
"The new line of Tandy Multimedia PCs is a natural and
progressive evolution.
As new technology emerges and components become more affordable,
Tandy will incorporate these advances in its products and
will continue to deliver innovative multimedia products to its customers,
remaining in the forefront of this exciting technology,"
said Bernard S. Appel, chairman of Radio Shack.
 
Technological advancements -- of Tandy's own innovative design --
have been incorporated into the new family of Tandy Multimedia PCs.
 
Each system features Tandy's new enhanced video graphics chip
which displays -- simultaneously --
up to 16 million colors on standard VGA monitors.
Designed by Tandy, this innovative new chip technology
will speed multimedia development,
improve picture quality and lower costs
by eliminating expensive filtering and palette conversions.
 
The systems also include the new Tandy  Audio Adapter.
This adapter occupies only one expansion slot because
the CD-ROM interface is integrated onto the board.
It delivers "true" 16-bit digital stereo sound and
allows a variety of audio sources to be mixed.
It also has a built-in amplifier, master volume control,
dual joystick ports and a MIDI interface for connecting
MIDI instruments or keyboards.
 
The award-winning Tandy  CDR-1000 internal CD-ROM drive,
with fast 150 kilobytes (K) per second transfer rate,
is also a standard feature of each system.
The CDR-1000 has been recognized for its
price/performance leadership and innovative design (no caddy)
by several prominent trade publications,
including BYTE Magazine and PC Magazine.
 
All Tandy Multimedia PCs are equipped with four megabytes (MB)
of system memory, an internal hard drive, 512K of video memory,
a quality 101-key keyboard, a mouse, serial port(s) and a parallel port.
 
In addition, for "power and run" convenience,
the MS-DOS 5.0 operating system,
Microsoft Windows and Multimedia Extensions 1.0 software
are factory-installed on the hard drive of each system.
 
The Tandy Multimedia PC line (Version 1.1) consists of the
following models:
 
  Tandy  2500 SX/25 Multimedia, a 25 MHz 80386SX-based system
  with an industry-standard 85 MB SmartDrive  IDE hard drive
  and 630 MB MPC-compatible CD-ROM drive for $1,999.95.
 
  Tandy  4825 SX Multimedia, a 25 MHz 80486SX-based system
  with an internal 120 MB SmartDrive and 630 MB MPC-compatible CD-ROM drive
  for $2,799.
 
  Tandy  4850 EP Multimedia, a 50 MHz Intel486 DX2-based system
  with an internal 120 MB SmartDrive and 630 MB MPC-compatible CD-ROM drive
  for $3,499.
 
  Tandy  4833 LX/T Multimedia, a 33 MHz 80486DX-based floor-standing system
  with an internal 120 MB SmartDrive and 630 MB MPC-compatible CD-ROM drive
  for $4,499.
 
Available at more than 7,000 participating Radio Shack technology
stores and dealers nationwide, Tandy's line of Multimedia PCs
have a one-year limited warranty.
 
For the large number of customers with personal computers that can be 
upgraded,
Radio Shack will also offer both internal and external
Multimedia Upgrade Kits which are compatible with Version 1.1 specifications.
Both kits include a CD-ROM drive, Tandy Audio Adapter and multimedia software.
The internal kit is available now
through participating Radio Shack outlets for $799.95.
The external kit will sell for $899.95 and is expected to be available in 
July.
 
INTECO Corporation, a market research firm,
projects that a total of 15.5 million multimedia systems
will be installed in the U.S. by 1995, compared to only 1.4 million in 1991.
 
Radio Shack, a division of Tandy Corporation, is the nation's largest retailer
of personal computer and consumer electronic products.
 
MOM-05-92
NEW MPC SOFTWARE
 
We have some terrific new MPC software!
Here's a look at some of our new titles:
 
25-1443   Guide   $495.00
 
Guide is an advanced hypermedia information management
and presentation system for today's desktop computers.
 
Guide features include:
 
- Powerful hypermedia development tools
- Embedded programming language
- Sophisticated text search facilities
- Extensive customization options
- Comprehensive document formatting features
- Support for industry graphics and text formats
- Maintenance tools for large document collections
 
For developers, Guide provides a rich, flexible development environment
where authors can create compelling, visually exciting multimedia documents
with remarkable ease.
 
For end users, Guide offers quick access to precisely the information
they need -- presenting it to them in clear and interesting ways
that stimulate understanding.
They can navigate a wealth of material -- text, graphics,
sound and video -- on their computer screen.
 
For organizations, Guide delivers a comprehensive but cost-effective way
to enhance communications, increase productivity,
and improve individual performance.
 
25-4280   MusicBytes   $99.95
 
MusicBytes is a collection of modular, license-free
production music and sound effects.
It provides access to dozens of exciting and dynamic tunes --
ranging from rock to classical and from industrial to novelty --
performed by world-renowned musicians.
 
This package can be used to develop applications and create games,
multimedia presentations, video tapes, and so forth.
MusicBytes will make multimedia projects sing by providing
exciting original music, MIDI sequences and sound effects for MPCs.
 
25-4275   Learn to Speak Spanish   $99.00
 
Learn to speak and understand Spanish with this complete 30-lesson course.
Five native Spanish speakers and one English speaker
read situation settings and dialogues from an audio CD disk
interactively controlled by the user from his computer.
The learner records his voice right into the program,
then compares it to the speech of the native speakers.
 
The program features extensive listening exercises
and numerous interactive drills and exercises
to help understand spoken Spanish and Spanish grammar.
 
This program especially benefits students or vacationers
who will be traveling to Spanish-speaking lands,
and includes many cultural notes about life in today's Latin America.
 
25-4276   Trax   $99.00
 
Trax is a complete personal MIDI recording studio on a disk.
With MIDI instruments, controllers, and a personal computer,
Trax offers a whole new world of music-making.
 
This program provides the perfect opportunity
for those who want to record songs or be a music producer.
Trax allows the user to compose, edit and play back
multi-track recordings of any music imaginable.
Its Track Sheet allows recording up to 64 different tracks,
live or step by step.
The user may compose and arrange music for anything from a solo performance to
a complete orchestra.
 
25-4278   The Sleeping Beauty   $49.95
 
The Sleeping Beauty combines original illustrations, animations,
sound effects and a musical score to fascinate children with the magic
of this timeless story creatively combined
with state-of-the-art computer technology.
 
Complete narration is recorded on the CD,
and the story can be interactively read.
Highlighted text is used to define difficult words and for associating sounds.
And it's entertaining:
guns shoot, trumpets blare, fireworks explode,
the spinning wheel spins, lightning flashes and thunder booms!
 
Child development experts helped design this program
to reinforce reading and vocabulary advancement.
 
25-4279   Electronic Library of Art   $99.95
 
What a terrific package for the scholar, student or art lover!
The Electronic Library of Art assembles a wide variety
of full-color art images and detailed data cards
with explanatory text and audio.
 
The entire Library covers painting, sculpture, architecture, photography,
design and theatre.
 
MOM-05-92
The Credit Line
RSVP/Tandy Computer Leasing
RSVP
FAXed Applications
 
It's very important for applications to be complete and correct;
however, it is equally important for them to be legible.
We often have problems reading FAXed in applications,
so be sure to include your store number and telephone number for verification.
 
Change Of Address
 
It is standard procedure to ask a customer for their address and
then to enter it into your POS.
This updates the customer's record for advertising purposes
(mailing flyers and such).
Please remind your RSVP customers that this procedure does not
automatically change the address on their RSVP billing statements.
Refer your customers to the back of their statement for instructions
on how to notify RSVP of address changes.
 
0% Promotions
 
Prior to making a sale during a 0% promotion,
make sure you have explained the correct terms of the promotion
to your customer.
Review the date of the promotion
and the date that the balance on their account will begin to accrue interest.
Question them about the time frame for the 0% promotion
to make sure they understand it.
It will take less than 5 minutes
and will help avoid confusion for your customer.
 
RSVP Repossession/Return Policy
 
On April 1, a new Repossession/Return Policy went into effect.
 
All repossessions and RSVP returns will be organized by Tandy Credit.
A number of outlet stores have been designated to
receive repossessed and returned merchandise.
Tandy Credit will ensure that the store manager is notified of the return,
and verify that the merchandise was received by the store.
 
Communications with SPS Operations Center,
Tandy Credit Legal and the Customer will be handled by Tandy Credit.
All accounting entries will also be coordinated by Tandy Credit
and the appropriate Divisional Assistant Controller.
This new policy should be more efficient,
making returns somewhat easier for all parties involved.
 
REMEMBER TO ALWAYS:
Make RSVP your customer's first choice...
not your salesperson's last resort!
 
MOM-05-92
Tandy Computer Leasing
 
We wish to thank everyone for the success of the
"12-Month Interest Free" leasing program that ran recently.
We will be working on other leasing programs in the future
to enhance your sales efforts.
 
The quality of the credit/lease application
you send to TCL is extremely important.
Remember to complete all information on the application --
this helps us provide you with efficient service.
It is critical that you provide us with:
 
- Your name
- Your phone number
- Your FAX number
- Your store number
- Term of the transaction
- Purchase option
- Equipment cost
 
All lease applications, including trade-ups and add-ons,
should be FAXed to:
 
1 (800) 552-3291
 
If you have any questions regarding documentation,
call this number for assistance:
 
Vendor Services at
(800) 78-TANDY
[(800) 788-2639]
 
The "customer number" you enter into your POS system should begin
with three zeroes, followed by the lease number.
 
The sales ticket you submit should not include
the $35.00 administrative/trade-up or add-on fee or
any "rollover" amounts involved in the transaction,
just the sale being processed.
You simply show "inventory" leaving your store.
 
If a customer has a concern regarding a decline,
they may write TCL or FAX a request to TCL for an explanation
of the decline and TCL will respond in writing.
Please do not have the customer phone the (800) 78-TANDY line directly
-- we cannot divulge confidential information over the phone.
Besides, that's your "help" number.
 
A TCL LEASE....
The Closing Link to a Total Solution
for your clients' business products needs
 
MOM-05-92
COMPUTER SUPPORT SERVICES
"Answers at Your Fingertips"
 
CALL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM CHANGE
 
Remember that Computer Support Services has upgraded
the call distribution system to provide better access
on the (800) 2-TANDY-4 number.
These changes allow you greater access to the
MS-DOS software and hardware support lines,
which has allowed us to reduce the number of prompts
used to access the system.
(See the chart attached to this issue of the M.O.M.)
 
Computer Support Services also has increased operating hours.
You may now call from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Central), Monday through Friday.
 
MOM-05-92
OPEN WINDOW SUPPORT GROUP
 
Many of you are using the new Open Window support group
for pre-sale questions on the new 386 and 486 computers.
This support group has been instrumental in closing sales
of 386- and 486-based machines that are bundled with MS-DOS 5.0,
Windows and Works for Windows.
You can use it for your sales as well.
 
You can reach the Open Window Hotline by calling 1 (800) 528-4183.
This hotline number is exclusively for use by Radio Shack personnel.
It must not be given to your customers.
 
This line is staffed from 8:00 a.m. to 10:45 p.m. (Central),
Monday through Saturday.
 
MOM-05-92
SUBJECTS OF THE MONTH
 
Spanish DeskMate (25-1355) Is Copy Protected
 
The manual for Spanish DeskMate  tells you
to make copies of your diskettes before proceeding.
However, the program is copy protected, so the copies do not work.
You must use the original diskettes to install the program to a hard drive.
If you have only a floppy-based system, you will need to use the master.
 
This is the only version of DeskMate that is copy protected.
It was necessary in order to sell the product outside of the United States.
If a customer needs additional copies,
they can be ordered from Tandy Software Assembly
by contacting Software Exchange.
(Verify that the customer has the original copy,
and remember that there is a charge from TSA for additional disks.)
 
Q & A Write For DeskMate (25-1299)
 
When using Q & A Write for DeskMate ,
the customer can work in either the insert or overstrike mode.
 
Pressing the backspace key while in insert mode
can cause intermittent lock-ups on the computer.
The customer needs to be in the overstrike mode instead
of the insert mode (unless he is actually trying to insert text).
 
Printing Problem In Works For Windows 2.0 with Windows 3.0
 
There is a printing problem with Works for Windows
in which the print is small or the letters overlap.
Works for Windows uses an algorithm to try to match the font selected
with a font that the printer driver knows how to print,
but does not always do a good job.
This is usually because the default font does not correspond well
with the printer driver.
This is most common with Epson printer drivers,
but can occur with other drivers as well.
 
The best way to resolve this is to use "Select, All"
to highlight the document and then change the font
to Courier, Roman, or Modern.
 
It is possible to make a template to set the font and other page settings.
Open a file and make the desired changes.
Then use "File, Save As" and click down on the file type
in the lower left hand corner and select WP Template.
Use the same method for the Spreadsheet and Database portions of Works.
 
To have a wider font selection,
use a package like Publisher's Powerpak for Windows (Cat. No. 900-2609).
This package comes with 30 typefaces, scalable from 4 to 127 points.
 
Windows 3.1 has TrueType fonts which are printable
and may resolve the need for an add-in font program.
 
Tandy 2500 SX/25 And The 85 MB SmartDrive
 
Once a hard drive has been initialized,
do not go into SETUP and change the drive type
unless you are planning to reinstall and reformat the hard drive.
 
The 2500 SX/25 should come with "AUTO" in the drive type selection,
but some people have put in drive type "28" when reinitializing.
Drive type 28 is correct for the 85 MB SmartDrive  in any machine,
including the 2500 SX/25.
Using AUTO is also correct, and is the most convenient.
 
But, if the drive type is changed in SETUP
without reinitializing the hard drive,
the system comes back with the error message "Boot sector cannot be found."
If you had it at 28 and changed it to AUTO, change it back.
 
MOM-05-92
Product News
MEET THE NEW TANDY 3830 SL NOTEBOOK COMPUTER!
 
On April 6, 1992, Radio Shack  introduced the
80386SL-based 25 MHz Tandy  3830 SL notebook computer.
This new computer utilizes the latest in
notebook technology in an elegant, compact package.
 
This is the first Tandy notebook PC to feature the
low-power 80386SL microprocessor,
the first to include a mini-trackball pointing device
and the first with a docking station option.
It also includes a 19ms 80 MB internal IDE hard drive,
2 MB of internal memory (expandable to 8 MB),
one 3 1/2" 1.44 MB floppy disk drive, 16 KB of cache,
a full size 84-key keyboard, a VGA backlit display,
a multitude of external ports and
an expansion bus connector that attaches to the new Tandy  Docking Station.
 
Tandy Docking Station
 
When this notebook computer was designed,
we considered the number of people
who would also use it as a desktop computer.
The optional Tandy Docking Station (available in August)
allows users to hook up an external monitor, keyboard, and printer
and leave them plugged into the docking station ready to go.
The 3830 SL is then easily inserted into the station
without having to plug all these devices into the back of the computer.
The docking station will allow the user to install
one full length AT-type card and one half-size card inside
for things like high speed modems, network cards,
high resolution video cards, scanner interfaces, and other devices.
 
For those users who prefer not to use the docking station,
we still made it very convenient to hook up things
like printers and external video.
The 3830 SL features an external PS/2-style mouse port,
an external 101-key keyboard port, an internal modem slot,
one serial port, and one parallel port which supports either
a parallel printer or an external 5 1/4" floppy disk drive port.
The ports are covered by a unique door system that doubles
as a computer tilt stand.
When open, the door folds neatly under the unit to provide
a comfortable typing angle.
 
"Flash" Memory BIOS
 
The 3830 SL has a "flash" memory BIOS (Basic Input Output System)
-- non-volatile memory which can be reprogrammed.
Prior to the development of flash memory,
changing the BIOS required physically removing and replacing the chip.
With flash memory, updating the BIOS can be done
using a specialized software program.
 
Compact Design And A Mini-Trackball
 
One of the most prominent features of the new Tandy 3830 SL
is its compact design.
The small 1.7" x 11.7" x 8.7" (H x W x D) machine fits easily in a briefcase,
and weighs only 5.94 pounds.
The new large size LCD screen fills almost the entire lid.
 
Even though the 3830 SL's case width is smaller than previous Tandy models,
full-size typing keys with cursor controls maintain
compatibility with standard 101-key keyboards.
The built-in mini-trackball, located above the keyboard,
eliminates the additional weight and bulk of an external mouse,
and makes it easier to run Windows-based applications
and other graphics-oriented software.
 
VGA Display
 
The 3830 SL has a non-glare VGA backlit display with
640 x 480 resolution, a one-to-one aspect ratio,
and a 9.76" diagonal viewing area.
The bright backlit screen shows black characters on a very white background.
It also allows simultaneous use of the internal LCD
and an external VGA monitor --
a feature requested by a growing number of notebook PC users.
 
Power!
 
To conserve battery power, the 3830 SL has a number of
power saving features including Resume, Standby, Auto Power Off,
LCD Shutoff, Hard Drive Spin Down and
a special Power Failure Resume System.
All of these features can be controlled by the user
through a simple setup menu.
 
Nickel Metal Hydride batteries, the newest in battery technology,
do not exhibit the recharge memory problems
commonly associated with Ni-Cad batteries.
Using this new technology,
we can offer 3 hours of battery life while providing a smaller computer,
even though the screen is larger and the processor runs faster
than in previous Tandy models.
This battery can be recharged in just two hours,
or five hours while in operation.
A spare battery option will be available after July 1, 1992.
 
For international travelers,
a lightweight universal worldwide 110/220-volt AC adapter is included.
 
Tandy's popular Power View  System
allows the user to monitor battery status
and power while the display is closed.
Indicator lights on top of the unit are visible at all times.
 
Included with the utilities on the hard drive
is a program that graphically monitors the status of the battery.
It gives the user an indication right on the screen
of how much capacity is left in the battery.
No more guesswork for the user on whether the
battery is half charged or almost dead!
 
The Software Is Pre-Installed
 
The Tandy 3830 SL ships complete with MS-DOS 5.0
and the newest additions to the operating system
that allow computer-to-computer transfer of files and programs.
It also features Microsoft Windows 3.1, America Online,
Microsoft QBasic, Microsoft MS-DOS 5.0 Shell and a number of utility programs
to set up the system and deliver the highest performance.
All software is pre-installed on the hard drive.
Diskettes are included for MS-DOS and Windows, too.
 
A simple null modem cable is all the user needs
to transfer files back and forth between their desktop and notebook computers.
 
Options For The 3830 SL
 
Many options are available for the Tandy 3830 SL:
 
Cat. No.  Option                                             Availability
25-3583   Tandy Docking Station                                August
25-3504   *   2 MB Memory Upgrade                              Now
25-3527   *   6 MB Memory Upgrade                              Now
90-2586   80387SX-25 Math Coprocessor                          Now
25-3525   Internal 2400-bps Modem                              Now
25-3509   Combination Internal 2400 bps/ 9600 Send FAX Modem   Now
22-0132   Automobile Power Adapter                             July
25-3579   Spare Battery                                        July
25-3518   Leather Carrying Case                                Now
25-3512   Fabric Carrying Case                                 Now
 
* The memory modules are the same ones used in
  our Tandy  2820 HD and Tandy  3820 HD.
 
Special Order Only
 
The Tandy 3830 SL (Cat. No. 25-3573) will be available
approximately May 15, 1992.
It will retail for $2,999 and is a special order item for all stores.
 
A sales brochure (FC-0684) on the Tandy 3830 SL
will be available about the same time as the computer ships.
 
MOM-05-92
TANDY TAKES THE LEAD WITH AFFORDABLE AND USABLE NOTEBOOK COMPUTERS
 
The next time a customer wants to talk about a notebook computer purchase,
ask them what they are really going to do with it.
Are they going to run large complicated spreadsheets?
Probably not -- maybe small ones.
Are they going to do desktop publishing?
Probably not.
Are they going to run CAD programs?
Probably not.
Are they going to be multi-tasking from word processing to spreadsheets
to desktop publishing to who knows what?
Probably not.
Are they going to be doing word processing?
Yes!
 
Word processing is the number one use reported by notebook computer users
in the industry.
In all the polls, word processing remains the one task that takes up
over 80% of the time a user is typing away on a notebook computer.
They type notes, letters, books, business documentation,
and other word-related documents.
 
Why then does the average user need a high-performance notebook computer?
The answer in almost all cases is, "Well, I guess I really don't need one,"
or "Because my brother Joe said I needed one."
 
Radio Shack has the most affordable and usable line in the industry
for the average portable computer user:
 
  Computer    Processor   Hard Drive   Price
Tandy 1100 FD   V20                     $499
Tandy 1110 HD   V20         20 MB     $1,199
Tandy 1500 HD   V20         20 MB       $999
Tandy 1800 HD   286         20 MB     $1,299
Tandy 2810 HD   286         20 MB     $1,399
Tandy 2810 HD   286         60 MB     $1,599
Tandy 2820 HD   286         60 MB     $1,699
Tandy 3810 HD   386sx       60 MB     $2,199
Tandy 3820 HD   386sx       60 MB     $2,499
Tandy 3830 SL   386sl       80 MB     $2,999
 
If your customers can't find a match
to their needs and budgets in this list,
then they can't find it anywhere!
 
MOM-05-92
NEW KEYBOARD PROTECTOR
 
Help your customers protect their keyboards!
We carry transparent plastic skins which fit over the keyboard
and allow the user to type while protecting the keyboard
from dust and spills.
 
We are adding a new low profile keyboard skin (Cat. No. 26-327)
for the Tandy  2500 SX/25.
It retails for $19.95.
 
Remember that we also carry the 26-123 keyboard skin for
the Enhanced Keyboard (25-4032 style), which also retails for $19.95.
 
MOM-05-92
WINDOWS 3.1 UPGRADE POLICY
 
There has been some confusion about which computer systems
are eligible for the free Windows 3.1 upgrade program.
The following machines are the only ones eligible:
 
25-1610 Tandy  2500 SX/25 with 85 MB Hard Drive
25-1611 Tandy  2500 SX/25 Floppy Drives Only
25-1612 Tandy  2500 SX/25 with 120 MB Hard Drive
25-3572 Tandy  3820 HD
25-5141 Tandy  4825 SX Floppy Drives Only
25-5142 Tandy  4825 SX with 120 MB Hard Drive
25-5143 Tandy  4850 EP with 120 MB Hard Drive
 
Merchandising has received numerous inquiries concerning the eligibility
for the 3.1 upgrade for customers
who purchased Windows 3.0 before January 1,
either as part of the Christmas "Power Windows" promotion
or as a separate sale.
Remember that the sale of one of the above-mentioned computers
must have been made after January 1, 1992.
Because of marketplace and royalty realities,
Radio Shack will not be offering an upgrade to those customers
who purchased one of these computers anytime in 1991.
 
What solution can you offer those customers?
There are two recommendations you can make.
First, customers who have registered
a copy of Windows 3.0 with Microsoft
should have been contacted by Microsoft with an upgrade offer.
If not, those customers should contact Microsoft directly.
 
Second, you can sell them the complete Windows 3.1 package.
Watch for an SOS memo with the catalog number and price
for this exciting new release.
 
MOM-05-92
WINDOWS TRUETYPE FONTS
 
What is TrueType and how can it help you sell?
 
Microsoft Windows 3.1 includes a new and
fully integrated outline font technology called TrueType.
TrueType provides users with instant access
to fonts in any point size on all
output devices (except plotters) supported by Windows.
 
Windows 3.1 ships with a standard set of 14 TrueType fonts.
Microsoft decided to incorporate
TrueType into Windows because it offers the user
numerous benefits which were not available in one font technology
prior to Windows 3.1.
Additional TrueType fonts are available from many sources.
(Radio Shack will carry "AllFonts For Home" this summer.)
 
Here are some of the features of TrueType:
 
Easy to Use
 
Flexibility -- TrueType provides instant access to fonts
at any point size without having to download and store each font
as it is needed.
It also eliminates "jaggies" in the file,
although some may still occur because of printer resolution limitations.
 
Instant access -- Since TrueType is integrated into the operating system,
it is available to Windows-based applications
as soon as Windows is installed.
 
Compatibility --
TrueType does not make third-party type managers
(including Adobe Type Manager) and font sets obsolete
because it works alongside them.
However, a font designed for a specific type manager needs that manager;
i.e., a system running both TrueType and Adobe fonts
requires both type managers.
 
Portability -- WYSIWYG across hardware platforms
because TrueType is supported on the Apple Macintosh
as well as within Windows.
So, if you have a way to transfer your file to a Macintosh application,
the fonts will look the same as they do in Windows on your PC.
 
Fast
 
High Performance -- TrueType fonts are scalable on demand,
which means they do not need to be created and
stored for each point size.
 
Calculates during font production --
Prior to TrueType, the system had to make calculations at print time.
With TrueType, the bulk of font calculations take place during production
rather than at run time.
Since TrueType is downloaded to the printer in its final form,
the system doesn't spend valuable time calculating "hints" and "metrics."
 
Font Embedding --
TrueType and Windows 3.1 support font embedding technology.
This allows Windows-based applications written for Windows 3.1 to store,
or embed, the TrueType fonts used in a document in the document itself,
so it can be displayed on or printed from another machine
that may not have these fonts installed.
 
High Quality
 
WYSIWYG -- Output on any printer,
from dot matrix to PostScript,
matches the displayed text without the use of
additional font cartridges or type managers
because the screen fonts and printer fonts are the same.
 
Availability -- Since TrueType is an open technology,
many tools exist for converting existing outline fonts to TrueType.
There is also a broad range of additional TrueType fonts
available from Third Party Products.
 
Technology Improvements -- Since TrueType is fully integrated with Windows,
the font technology will continue to evolve
as Windows evolves as an operating system.
TrueType will work with all future versions of Windows.
 
How can TrueType help you sell?
Understand the features that TrueType has to offer --
ease of use, speed, and high quality --
and be sure to tell your customers
that these features will help them meet their printing needs,
both now and in the future.
 
MOM-05-92
WINDOWS AND WORKS FOR WINDOWS SUPPORT
 
Who Supports Windows And Works For Windows?
 
Radio Shack Computer Support Services!
If you or your customer has a question about installing or
using Windows or Works for Windows,
simply call Computer Support Services at
(800) 2-TANDY-4 [(800) 282-6394].
Follow the prompts to reach the appropriate Support group.
 
Remember, this number is for Radio Shack Store
personnel only -- it is not to be given to your customer!
Don't forget to take advantage of the Open Window Hotline at
(800) 528-4183 to help you with
pre-sale questions on the new 386 and 486 computers that
come bundled with Windows and Works for Windows.
 
MOM-05-92
UPGRADE ROM FOR DT-110 -- CORRECTION
 
Page 12 of the April M.O.M. incorrectly listed
the part number and version number for the DT-110 upgrade ROM.
 
         Version No. National Parts No.
  Wrong:   5.05        MXP-0667
Correct:   1.03        MXP-0692
 
This ROM can be ordered from National Parts under Cat. No. 25-5050A
Version 1.03 EPROM MXP-0692,
with a customer cost of $30.00
(plus installation if a Service Center installs the upgrade).
 
MOM-05-92
NEW! 90-732 KONEXX ACOUSTIC COUPLER
 
The new Acoustic Coupler (Cat. No. 90-732, $149.00)
is now shipping from Express Order .
 
The 90-732 is an acoustic coupler
which connects computer modems to the telephone system
via the telephone handset.
It features an easy-to-install "hook and loop" strap
to attach the coupler to any telephone handset for data communications.
A 3 foot coiled cord with an RJ-11 plug
connects the coupler to any modem or FAX product with an RJ-11 jack.
Feathered rubber feet and a sturdy plastic frame
provide a durable product that will last through the rough life
a computer traveler leads.
It is powered by a self-contained 9 volt battery,
which should give more than 50 hours of life.
 
You can connect your laptop or other computer
with an installed standard modem to portable, pay, and hotel phones
easily and quickly.
The international traveler can connect to phones safely,
with no chance of damaging the modem
due to incompatible phone system voltages.
 
With standard telephones,
the Acoustic Coupler can translate data at up to 2400 bps.
With electronic telephones, it can translate at up to 9600 bps,
making it a great add-on to facsimile machines
that will be used in multiple locations.
A fact sheet is attached to this M.O.M. for your reference.
 
MOM-05-92
NEW ALTERNATIVE INPUT DEVICES
 
We have two terrific new alternative input devices:
a mouse which is used like a pen and a small trackball.
Both MousePen and Thumbelina are 100% compatible
with all Tandy mouse drivers.
 
900-0731   MousePen Pro   $99.00
 
Try the mouse that you use like a pen!
Because of its unique, natural, pen-shaped design,
MousePen is excellent for use with Windows, desktop publishing,
CAD and today's demanding graphics applications.
The MousePen's ability to operate on almost any surface
and at almost any angle makes it the ideal instrument for any environment.
MousePen works well with both desktop and laptop computers.
It's great for artists and children,
and is perfect for high-dexterity applications.
 
900-0730   Thumbelina   $99.00
 
Thumbelina is a small, lightweight, full-function trackball.
It's the perfect tool for building presentations and giving them, too.
Thumbelina mounts on most keyboards,
so it takes up no desk space at all.
Hand held, Thumbelina lets you lean back
while controlling your most demanding applications.
Thumbelina is equally at home at your desktop, on your laptop,
or in front of a crowd.
 
MOM-05-92
SUBSTITUTE FOR 25-3525 MODEM
 
The 2400 bps internal modem (Cat. No. 25-3525)
for the Tandy  1500 HD, 1800 HD, 2810 HD, and 3810 HD notebook computers
is now discontinued and backorders have been canceled.
Over 1,500 pieces remain in store inventory, primarily in the 01-Z stores.
 
If you are unable to locate this modem at a nearby store,
offer your customer the 25-3509, which is a 2400 bps modem
but with a 9600 bps "send only FAX" capability also.
We have reduced the selling price of the 25-3509 from $249.95 to $199.95
(same as the 25-3525 modem).
 
MOM-05-92
PRINTER COMPATIBILITY WITH WINDOWS
 
Is your customer having trouble printing in Windows?
A printer compatibility chart is attached to this M.O.M. which shows
which modes various printers should be in to print properly.
Determine what mode the printer is in and use the appropriate column
to find the correct Windows printer driver.
 
Remember that if your customer selects an emulation mode for a 9-wire printer,
he will only get 9-wire quality,
even on a 24-wire printer (such as the DMP 302).
 
MOM-05-92
NOVELL CERTIFICATION FOR TANDY COMPUTERS
 
Three Tandy  Computers have achieved Novell Certification,
and more will be certified in the months ahead.
 
Novell Certification assures your clients that the Tandy Computers they select
have been fully tested for the Novell environments they are intended to serve.
This certification is a requirement for many bids.
 
Novell Certification is more than a rubber stamp process by Novell.
Each system is rigorously tested to meet or exceed
the expectations of compatibility, functionality and reliability
in a Novell Network configuration.
 
Make sure you use this important feature
to help differentiate your quality Tandy Computers from the competition,
which may not offer this important extra security of Novell Certification.
 
Here are the CPUs and configurations tested:
 
Tandy  4833 LX/T -- Refer to Test Bulletin F-822
 
Tested and Approved NetWare compatible
as a File Server/Workstation with the following Novell Products:
 
    NetWare (v2.2)                  NetWare SQL (v2.11a)
    NetWare (v3.11)                 NetWare Link/64 (v1.1)
    NetWare Btrieve (v5.15)         OnLAN/PC (v1.20)
    NetWare SAA Token-Ring (v1.1)   NetWare for Macintosh (v3.0)
    Novell Print Server (v1.21)     NetWare 3270 LAN Workstation (v2.0)
    NetWare Link/T1 (v1.1)          NetWare Asynchronous Communications
    NetWare SNA Token-Ring (v1.3)   Server (v2.07d)
    NetWare for Macintosh (v2.2)    NetWare Asynchronous Remote Router
    NetWare Link/X.25 (v1.00)       (v1.2a)
 
Product Configuration:
 
    Controller/Hard Drive:  25-4161 SCSI Host Adapter,
            with 25-4167 440 MB SCSI Hard Drive
 
    CPU Memory: 8 MB RAM
 
    Video Adapter:  SVGA
 
Configuration Notes:
 
In order for the Novell NE2100 LAN adapter to function properly,
using IRQ 3, serial port COM2 must be disabled or switched
to function as COM4.
 
In order for the Novell X.25 adapter to function properly,
serial port COM1 must be disabled or switched to function
as serial port COM4.
 
Tandy  4825 SX -- Refer to Test Bulletin F-849
 
Tested and Approved NetWare compatible
as a File Server/Workstation with the following Novell Products:
 
    NetWare (v2.2)                NetWare for Macintosh (v2.2)
    NetWare (v3.11)               NetWare Btrieve (v5.15)
    NetWare Lite (v1.0)           NetWare SAA Token-Ring (v1.1)
    Novell Print Server (v1.21)   NetWare SQL (v2.11a)
    NetWare for Macintosh (v3.01)
 
Product Configuration:
 
    Controller/Hard Drive:  IDE/120 MB SmartDrive
 
    CPU Memory: 8 MB RAM
 
    Video Adapter:  SVGA
 
Configuration Notes:
 
In order for the NE2100 LAN adapter to function properly,
the serial ports must be reconfigured as COM3, COM4
or disabled in the ROM BIOS setup.
 
NetWare Lite was also tested with DR DOS (6.0).
 
Tandy  2500 SX/25 -- Refer to Test Bulletin W-229
 
Tested and Approved NetWare compatible
as a Workstation with the following Novell Products:
 
    NetWare Shells (v3.11)  Novell Print Server (v1.21)
    NetWare Lite (v1.0)
 
Product Configuration:
 
    Controller/Hard Drive: IDE/85 MB SmartDrive
 
    CPU Memory: 8 MB RAM
 
    Video Adapter: SVGA
 
Configuration Note:
 
NetWare Lite was also tested with DR DOS (6.0).
 
MOM-05-92
NEW KIDS' COMPUTER BOOK
 
25-1474   A Kid's Guide to Computers    $12.95
 
Children try to spot hidden computers (they're everywhere!)
as they learn the basics in "A Kid's Guide to Computers."
The child's interest is piqued and they yearn to know more.
This book:
 
- Helps with homework
- Shows how a computer thinks
- Unlocks the secrets of computer memory
- Teaches how computer programs work
- Encourages exploration
 
The 90 pages of facts, fun and games are designed for children eight and up,
but adults can enjoy it, too.
 
MOM-05-92
REALWORLD XENIX VERSION 6.03 SHIPPING!
 
Version 6.03 of RealWorld's popular accounting and business software
for Xenix is now available in the warehouse.
Some of the new system-wide enhancements include:
 
- increased speed
- simplified multi-company installation
- support of laser printers
- use of date- and time-stamped notes
- unlimited cash accounts
- kit processing
- work orders
- alternate item numbers in inventory control
- 401K Plans in payroll
- user-defined accounting ratios in general ledger
 
This major new release will greatly benefit existing RealWorld users
and new accounting software customers.
 
Here are the RealWorld Xenix packages:
 
Cat. No.    Description                  Price
250-1460    System Kit                  $895.00
250-1461    Accounts Receivable         $895.00
250-1462    Accounts Payable            $895.00
250-1463    Payroll                     $895.00
250-1464    General Ledger              $895.00
903-1772    Check Reconciliation        $300.00
903-1773    Professional Invoicing      $895.00
903-1786 *  Order Entry/Billing         $895.00
903-1787    Inventory                   $895.00
903-1788    Purchase Order              $895.00
903-1789    Job Costing                 $895.00
903-1790    Sales Analysis              $450.00
903-2929 *  Report Writer/Data Bridge   $895.00
 
* Version 6 of these packages should be available soon.
 
Note:  The price of the System Kit has increased from $495 to $895.
All other prices remain unchanged.
 
If you have old (version 5) inventory,
be aware that it is not compatible with the new Version 6 product.
Upgrades for Version 5 to Version 6
can be ordered through Third Party Products.
Be sure to upgrade all Version 5 inventory to Version 6 before selling it.
 
MOM-05-92
NEW SOFTWARE PACKAGES
 
900-1444   Screen Craze   $49.95
 
Screen Craze features over 35 amusing and entertaining
Screen Saver and Wallpaper animations
like FoodChain, SpaceShot, Wildlife, Prehistoric Adventure,
Abstract Art, Kooky Kritters, and more!
 
Customize or create original Screen Saver and Wallpaper animations
with dozens of characters such as
Funky Fishes, Dinosaurs, Nutty Birds, Flying Saucers,
Crazy Cars, Twinkling Stars, and more!
 
This program is more than just another list of screen savers;
it allows easy creation of original screen savers and wallpapers.
See the product brochure attached to this M.O.M. for more information.
 
25-1902   Icon Do-It   $29.95
 
Icon Do-It quickly customizes Windows for desktop,
laptop and notebook computer users.
It's easy to change icons and cursors quickly with Icon Do-It's
"point and click" interface.
The package also includes a screen saver (a fantastic fireworks display)
to protect the monitor.
It features:
 
- 15 entertaining and lively animated icons
- 5 dancing, flying, and twisting cursor animations
- 200 designer icons, featuring popular DOS and Windows programs
- 50 custom-designed cursors
 
Your customer may exchange (free of charge) the Windows 3.0 version
for the one which works with 3.0 and 3.1.
They should send the old disk and proof of purchase to:
 
Moon Valley Software
706 E. Bell Road Suite 112
Phoenix, AZ 85022
 
The vendor's next shipment to the warehouse
will work with either version of Windows
and will state "Works with Windows 3.0 and 3.1"
on the outside of the warranty envelope.
These should be in the warehouse by the end of summer,
and will not need to be exchanged through the vendor.
 
25-1903   FilePro for DOS   $99.00
 
FilePro is a fully functional relational database manager
and application developer.
Now it's easy to gain the power and efficiency of a full-scale relational
database without having to program it.
This program can easily be mastered by non-programmers.
Productivity can soar at home or in the office
when using filePro to manage:
 
- Customer records, forms and reports
- Inventory, orders and invoice tracking
- Personal files and form letters
- Labeling and mail merges
- Expenses and tax record tracking
- Telephone and mailing lists
- Selection, sorting & retrieval of research data
 
Requires MS-DOS 2.0 or greater, 640K RAM, and a hard drive with
at least 3 MB free.
 
25-1904   Beauty and the Beast Print Kit   $19.95
 
Create a fun mood for any party or decorate a child's room with reminders
of their favorite movie, "Beauty and the Beast."
The package contains 40 magical pictures of Belle, the Beast, Gaston, Lumiere,
Chip and other favorite characters which can be used to create
greeting cards, invitations, bookmarks, posters, calendars,
character cutouts, placemats and diaries.
 
The package features
7 typefaces to create messages and
21 borders to frame the designs.
 
The program has an easy "point and click" method
so children can take part in the creation process.
 
MOM-05-92
DESKMATE VERSION OF CHECKFREE HAS ARRIVED
 
The DeskMate  version of CheckFree,
the electronic bill payment and personal finance software,
has arrived at Radio Shack!
 
CheckFree offers your customers a fast and easy way
to electronically pay bills and handle financial chores.
The inside flap of the CheckFree box details its features
and how it works.
CheckFree:
 
- Pays any bill to any individual or company
  through any financial institution in the U.S. -- without checks,
  stamps or paperwork!
 
- Automates record keeping and provides easy-to-read reports
  which track and analyze income and expenses.
 
- Automatically verifies and records transactions.
  The user's bank statement lists all CheckFree payments.
 
Bonus -- the first month of CheckFree Service is free.
Radio Shack customers can try CheckFree without obligation.
After that, the monthly service fee is $9.95 for the first 20 payments
and $3.50 for each additional set of 10 payments or portion thereof.
 
With CheckFree, customer satisfaction is guaranteed.
It ships with a 90-day, risk-free offer.
If after 90 days your customer doesn't agree
that CheckFree is a faster, easier way to pay bills,
he simply notifies CheckFree in writing and
all service fees are refunded by CheckFree.
 
Finally, when your customer purchases CheckFree,
he receives a $10 electronic credit to his checking account.
CheckFree handles all rebate fulfillment.
 
For your Windows customers,
CheckFree is available in Quicken for Windows (Cat. No. 25-1473).
 
Show your customers the benefits of CheckFree for DeskMate today
(Cat. No. 25-1367, $19.95).
They'll wonder how they ever paid bills without CheckFree.
 
MOM-05-92
COMPTON'S ENCYCLOPEDIA PRODUCTS
 
Two Compton's Packages
 
There are two completely separate Compton's solutions:
 
1. For the consumer, we now stock the standard CD-ROM retail product,
   "Compton's Family Edition" (Cat. No. 25-1824).
   This product is specially designed for home use.
   This is the product you can stock, so sell it.
 
   Focus on selling the hardware and
   the Compton's Family package to consumers.
 
2. For schools only, there are DOS and Windows versions
   of Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia (CMME).
   These packages are enhanced for school use.
   The Education sales force will sell the school software products.
   Your store may not order or sell these,
   although you may sell the related computer systems.
 
Compton's Family Encyclopedia
 
Compton's Family Encyclopedia is designed with the family in mind.
It offers information from 26 complete volumes --
31,000 articles and 10,000 pictures.
The system has five unique entry paths,
and information can be located by title, idea and more.
The user may just browse through pictures and listen to music,
or spin the globe and learn about the place where it stops
(anywhere in the world!).
 
Electronic bookmarks, notebooks and "cut and paste" options
make Compton's essential.
It includes an interactive World Atlas
and a complete 65,000-word Webster's Intermediate Dictionary.
121,000 hypertext links allow instant access to information.
 
Processing School Hardware Orders
 
This should not be an issue for most stores,
but we wanted you to know how to process school hardware orders.
 
The following outline gives details for processing school
hardware orders:
 
A. Stores may sell only the hardware portion of the bundles.
   Purchase orders received from the school
   must reflect the hardware cost only.
   No demo software is available or authorized for store use.
 
B. The software portion must be ordered, by the customer,
   directly from EBEC by calling 1 (800) 554-9862.
   Do not quote EBEC prices to the school;
   EBEC will invoice the school separately for the software portion.
 
C. Orders must be submitted to the Tandy Systems Distribution Center (TSDC)
   for system configuration.
   Orders should be FAXed to TSDC at (817) 347-7979.
   No phone orders will be accepted.
   TSDC will configure and test the system,
   and install the necessary files to run the CMME software.
   Please note on the order which software version the school
   is purchasing (DOS or Windows).
   Configured systems will be shipped to the store, not to the customer.
 
D. Be sure to record the sale under the system pricing option on the POS.
   This method will generate an invoice with all the stock numbers listed,
   but with one price, which is how most schools will want to be billed.
 
E.  No orders for Compton's software will be taken
    by the Third Party Products department!
    Store personnel cannot order software directly from EBEC!
 
These prices apply only to school purchase orders:
 
        Hardware Only
Catalog No. Description Bundle Price
 
CMME DOS Bundle:
 
25-1610 Tandy  2500 SX/25 HD    $1,935.00
25-4044 VGM-220 Monitor
25-1077 CDR-1000 CD-ROM
 
CMME Windows Bundle:
 
25-1610 Tandy  2500 SX/25 HD    $2,135.00
25-4048 VGM-441 Monitor
25-1077 CDR-1000 CD-ROM
MX3750  256K VRAM Kit
 
CMME Multimedia PC Bundle:
 
25-4021 Tandy  2500 SX/25 MPC   $2,335.00
25-4048 VGM-441 Monitor
40-1259 Minimus 0.6 Speakers
273-1655    AC Adapter
273-1649    Y-Connector
 
Bundle prices for hardware include an integration charge of $40.00 per system,
which will be billed to the store's account 5844.
 
MOM-05-92
SPECIAL EMPLOYEE OFFER FOR WINDOWS AND WORKS
 
Here's your chance to get a special deal on Windows and
Works for Windows for your home computer.
Windows will run on almost every Tandy PC!
 
Microsoft Windows 3.1
 
This chart shows test results for Microsoft Windows 3.1
(without Works) on the listed machines.
Most Tandy  1000 owners can use Windows in the real mode (no multi-tasking).
Tandy  4000 owners (and 2500 SX owners) with 2 MB (or more) of memory
can use all Windows modes!
Use the chart below to determine if you can use Windows
on your Tandy PC at home.
 
Tandy PCs and Microsoft Windows 3.1
 
    Windows Mode
                                       Real    Standard    Enhanced
Tandy  1000 RL/HD                      Yes     No          No
Tandy  1000 SL & SL/2                  Yes     No          No
Tandy  1000 TL, TL/2 and TL/3          Yes     No          No
Tandy  1000 RLX HD (A & B versions)    Yes     Yes         No
Tandy  2500 XL and XL/2                Yes     Yes         No
Tandy  2500 SX/20 and SX/25            Yes     Yes         Yes *
Tandy  3000 Series                     Yes     Yes         No
Tandy  4000 Series                     Yes     Yes         Yes *
Tandy  4800 Series                     Yes     Yes         Yes
 
Yes =   Passed
No  =   Unable to use this mode of Windows
 
* Requires a minimum of 2 MB of memory to run in the enhanced mode.
 
Works for Windows
 
This chart shows test results for Microsoft Works
for Windows (with Windows) on the listed machines.
Works for Windows cannot run in real mode (on any hardware).
 
Tandy PCs and Microsoft Works for Windows
 
    Windows Mode
                                       Real    Standard    Enhanced
Tandy  1000 RL/HD                      No      No          No
Tandy  1000 SL & SL/2                  No      No          No
Tandy  1000 TL, TL/2 and TL/3          No      No          No
Tandy  1000 RLX HD (A & B versions)    No      Yes         No
Tandy  2500 XL and XL/2                No      Yes         No
Tandy  2500 SX /20 & SX/25             No      Yes         Yes *
Tandy  3000 Series                     No      Yes         No
Tandy  4000 Series                     No      Yes         Yes *
Tandy  4800 Series                     No      Yes         Yes
 
Yes =   Passed
No  =   Unable to use this mode of Windows
 
* Requires a minimum of 2 MB of memory to run in the enhanced mode.
 
Remember:  Windows and Works are large, graphics intensive applications.
The graphics and size of these applications will slow program performance
when running on 8086 and slower 80286 machines.
 
How to Order
 
An order form is attached to this copy of the M.O.M.
This offer is for Radio Shack employees only.
 
MOM-05-92
COMMUNICATIONS WITH COMPUTER MERCHANDISING -- UPDATED
 
We need your comments and suggestions.
If your customers are asking for something new or
something to be offered slightly differently,
drop us a note.
Either a speed memo or Speed Mail message
generated from your POS will do.
We've had a few changes since the last time we printed this list.
Here's the updated info:
 
WHO BUYS WHAT IN MERCHANDISING
 
      SOFTWARE PRODUCTS
 
Accounting/Finance................Joel Cohen
Business/Personal Management......Ann Kennemer
CoCo Software.....................Marqueax Price
Communications....................Joel Cohen
DeskMate..........................Ann Kennemer
Desktop Publishing................Ann Kennemer
Educational (School, K-12)........Maggie Sherrod *
Educational (Home)................Marqueax Price
Entertainment.....................Marqueax Price
Forms Management..................Ann Kennemer
Graphics..........................Ann Kennemer
Online Services...................Joel Cohen
Operating Systems.................Joel Cohen
Productivity......................Ann Kennemer
Programming Languages.............Joel Cohen
SchoolMate........................Maggie Sherrod *
Utilities.........................Joel Cohen
 
      HARDWARE PRODUCTS
 
Backup/Uninterruptible Power Supplies.....Joel Cohen
CD-ROM Drives.............................Mark Clauder
Color Computer Hardware...................Mark Clauder
Digitizers................................Colin Meyer
Diskettes/Media...........................Ann Kennemer
FAX Products (for PCs)....................Mark Clauder
Furniture.................................Ann Kennemer
Joysticks (260/270-series)................Leon Lutz
Joysticks (900-series)....................Ann Kennemer
Mice......................................Ann Kennemer
Modems (except laptops)...................Mark Clauder
Laptops/Notebook PCs/Accessories..........Colin Meyer
Networking Products.......................Joel Cohen
Paper/Labels..............................Colin Meyer
Pocket Computer...........................Colin Meyer
Point-of-Sale Hardware....................Joel Cohen
Printers & Printer Supplies...............Colin Meyer
Printer Cables/Ribbons/Printwheels........Colin Meyer
Serial Cables/Connectors..................Joel Cohen
Scanners (Hand & Full Page)...............Colin Meyer
Sound/Music Boards........................Mark Clauder
Spike Protectors..........................Dick Hedrick
Tandy  1000 Hardware & Peripherals........Mark Clauder
Tandy  2500 Hardware & Peripherals........Mark Clauder
Tandy  3000/4000 Hardware & Peripherals...Jef Fike
Wordprocessors............................Colin Meyer
 
* Maggie Sherrod is in the Education Marketing Department
 
MOM-04-92
The Front Line
Radio Shack Computer Themes for 1992
The Essential Elements
 
The personal computer combines three main things:
processing power (the CPU chip),
data storage capability (RAM memory and diskette or hard drive),
and the software to connect them and provide a user interface.
Major advances in PC technology usually fall
into one of these three areas, and this year
we are experiencing major advances in all three.
 
The 486 Microprocessor
 
Intel has accelerated its introduction of a whole new generation
of powerful and cost-reduced 486SX and 486DX microprocessors
in an effort to regain market share
in their own competitive battle with the makers of cheap 386 chips.
This is helping to bring the 486 down into the sub-$2,000 price range,
formerly occupied only by the 386.
The end customer will certainly benefit from the enhanced performance
of these increasingly affordable machines,
although the challenge of keeping up in this rapidly changing market
is tough for manufacturers and retailers.
 
Radio Shack has already announced two very competitive,
"value positioned" 486 machines:  the 4825 SX (25-5142)
and the amazing 50 MHz 4850 EP (25-5143).
Whether the mass market opts for price or performance,
we have a strong choice of 386 and 486 machines
to fill all popular price points.
 
Data Storage
 
The industry has come a long way since the days of floppy-only systems.
Today, a hard drive is almost universal for general applications.
However, software developers seem almost too quick to take advantage
of new hard drive capacities as they become affordable.
Drives that seemed huge and too costly only a few years ago
can now be quickly filled by a few major applications
or state-of-the-art simulation games.
 
The appearance of the CD-ROM drive promises to bring an exponential increase
in the amount of mass storage available to developers,
moving from diskettes with about 1 million bytes (MB) of data,
to hard drives with tens or hundreds of MB,
to over a half  billion  bytes on a single CD-ROM disc.
This makes possible the storage of high resolution video images
(photo quality pictures) and high fidelity digital sound,
along with animation and user interactivity through the mouse or keyboard.
 
Tandy has been in the forefront of the race to develop
a low-cost CD-ROM drive for mass market applications.
Our efforts were recently recognized by BYTE magazine
with their Annual Product Excellence Award
to our Tandy  CDR-1000 Internal CD-ROM Drive (25-1077).
Development efforts continue to bring even higher performance
and lower cost to this family of drives.
 
The Software Interface
 
Most users have no interest in how a computer operates internally.
They demand a software interface
that makes computer operation simple and straightforward.
The Microsoft Windows interface has become the preferred standard,
and Radio Shack has made it our standard interface
for high performance computing.
We have additionally bundled their companion application package --
Works for Windows -- to give the user a full function word processor,
a spreadsheet and other expected functionality in a totally configured system.
 
We are spending the bulk of our computer training time and resources
to help you, our salesmakers, become comfortable and familiar with Windows
and Works for Windows.
We're certain this training time will be a good investment
for both current and future systems.
 
486 + CD-ROM + Windows = MPC
 
The three major product themes for 1992 are also part of what defines a
Multimedia Personal Computer (MPC).
With the availability of high performance processors
and generous amounts of mass storage,
Tandy and others in the industry last year defined the MPC standard.
This permits hardware and software developers to exploit these recent advances
with exciting new graphics and audio enhanced applications.
 
We continue to pursue any and all technologies
that promise major improvements for the customer
in speed and power, storage and retrieval, or ease-of-use.
While we have come a long way technically
since the original Model I with its cassette recorder
or small floppy drive and its TRS-DOS operating system,
the basic elements (processing power, storage,
and software interface) are the same.
 
After 15 years, our computer product challenge is still
to bring the latest, most competitive version of these computer elements
to your store in a timely fashion.
Your challenge is to prepare yourselves to demonstrate, explain,
and  sell  these systems to your customers
in a competent and professional manner.
If you learned DeskMate ,
it will be simple for you to make the transition to Windows.
And you will find the faster machines with more storage
are simpler and more enjoyable to operate.
 
The basic strategy has remained constant; only the tactics have changed.
Today's hyper-competitive environment requires
quicker product cycles and highly flexible distribution.
You are the final and key element in that distribution,
and your recent sales success tells us
that our newest products have been well received.
Good selling!
 
MOM-04-92
Sales Training
Returning A Defective Parachute
 
How do you return a defective parachute?
If it  was  defective, and you found out by experience,
you probably broke more than your aspirations.
(I can't imagine that a parachute salesmaker
gets many  used  defective returns).
You would return a defective parachute in the original packaging.
You can do that because you discovered the defect when you inspected it --
before you used it.
 
Follow Up Starts In The Store
 
The final step in Radio Shack's Fourteen Steps of Selling is Follow Up.
It's probably one of the most neglected steps, too.
Customer Follow Up starts before the customer leaves the store
with their purchase.
Does the customer know how to record a program
using the delayed timer on that new VCR?
Does the customer know how to record a message on the new answering machine?
Are the batteries loaded in the unit?
Taking a moment to give the customer a lesson in the basics
will cut down on the number of customers who come back with items
that "don't work," only to experience the embarrassment
of finding out that they didn't know how to work it.
When you take the time to explain and verify proper operation,
you give the customer what he wants:  the gratification that comes
from owning your product or using your service.
 
When Their Parachute Fails
 
When your customer brings you a problem, be a pro.
The customer who purchased a product
bought what he thought would meet a need or desire.
When the item turns up with a defect,
the customer now has two problems.
He still has the original need and desire;
and now he has to get the item repaired or replaced, too.
 
When It Really Doesn't Work
 
Sometimes the item really doesn't work.
And sometimes customers overreact.
Most customers expect a hassle when they try to obtain a refund
or get an item repaired.
 
Freddy Firebreather walks into your store with a Radio Shack bag in his hand.
If you're like most of us,
your first instinct is to get defensive.
And people on defense have one objective ... to hold their ground.
What option does that leave Freddy but to go on offense?
Freddy sees his objective as "Make the defense move."
Now what?
Remember, you're riding a parachute together.
First, relax.
Then:
 
1. Resist the temptation to "take cover."
   Get out from behind the counter and take the item from the customer's 
hands.
 
2. Ask questions that give you insight to the specific problem or complaint.
 
3. Express sympathy.
   Your customers want to know that you care and you are on their side.
 
4. Make it clear that you want to do what's fair.
 
5. Verify the problem.
   Take time to check it out.
   Many unnecessary trips to the repair center have been saved
   by a thirty-second check with the customer at a salesmaker's elbow.
   And if you think you don't have time to check it out now,
   how do you expect to find the time to explain to a customer
   who has been without their merchandise for two weeks
   that it was because they had a switch set in the wrong position?
 
Once you've determined that a legitimate problem exists,
ask the customer what he feels is a satisfactory solution.
If you agree it's fair, then do it.
You'll be amazed how often customers ask for much less
than you are prepared to give.
If the customer's request is unfair
(such as a demand for a full refund on a twelve-year-old radio),
state clearly and concisely what you can do.
 
But have you ever returned a defective parachute to the customer?
When repairs arrive back at the store,
take the time to do an in-store test
before the product is placed back in the customer's hands.
After all, why did the customer bring the item to you?
A clerk will think, "He brought it in to be sent to repair."
A salesmaker will think, "He brought it to me to be fixed."
 
When They Insist On Being Upset
 
So what do you do with the customer who insists on being upset?
Short of abuse, give the customer time to express his feelings.
They usually aren't directed at you personally.
The customer is just "blowing off steam" or releasing frustration.
(You are never asked to tolerate profanity or personally abusive behavior.
If you encounter it, firmly and politely state to the customer
that you sympathize with their frustration and will do all you can to help,
but that you insist on civility.)
 
One good technique is to write down
what the customer is saying ... as nearly word for word as possible.
Ask them to slow down so you can keep up.
(After all, how many people want a string of profanity
recorded in their name?)
Once the outburst is over, use the suggested steps above.
 
Then Do It!
 
When riding a parachute, you must pull the rip cord together.
When you have an agreement on what will be done,
restate it precisely and have the customer
confirm his understanding of exactly what will happen next.
Then do it!
When you take the right approach,
dealing with customer problems is satisfying -- for both of you.
 
MOM-04-92
The Credit Line
RSVP/Tandy Computer Leasing
RSVP
Cardholder Services
 
Cardholder Services in Ft. Worth is a liaison between you,
your customers and our Operations Center in Gray, Tennessee.
They are here to assist you and your customers
with problems that haven't been resolved at our Operations Center.
If you need assistance with an RSVP issue, please call them.
 
Their main number is (817) 390-3890.
Just ask for Cardholder Services.
The operator will connect you with an available representative.
If you wish to contact a representative directly,
their names and numbers are:
 
    Dennis Maley    (817) 347-7627
    Annette Denning (817) 390-3010
    Kim Borowy      (817) 390-3516
 
For issues regarding MSI (Military Services Inc.)
and ABI (ChargeGard Payment Protection) claims, call:
 
    June Lambert    (817) 390-2763
 
ChargeGard
 
Don't forget!
For your customers to file a ChargeGard claim, they should call:
 
1 (800) 767-4556
 
They will receive forms and instructions to complete a claim.
 
RSVP Applications
 
Follow your procedures for completing and submitting credit applications
published in Section IV of your Store Operating Manual.
 
Decisions on FAXed applications take 2-3 days.
Do not call back in twenty-four hours for a status report.
Applicants will be notified by a letter of decline
or they will receive their credit card.
 
Don't forget ... you must keep all original completed applications
on file for a minimum of 30 months.
Please refer to Section IX of your Store Operating Manual.
 
REMEMBER TO ALWAYS:
 
Make RSVP your customers' first choice...
not your salesperson's last resort!
 
MOM-04-92
Tandy Computer Leasing
 
TCL Credit
 
1. The minimum lease transaction amount is $1,000.00.
   However, trade-up and add-on requests will be considered
   for $250.00 or more (using the $1,000.00 rate factor).
   All such transactions require
   the customer to pay a $35.00 documentation fee.
 
2. It is extremely helpful for us to receive the equipment configuration
   that prints from your POS system with the lease application.
   Whenever possible, please include this with your lease applications.
   Also, please remember to include the total equipment cost
   on the lease application.
 
3. Reminder:  All trade-up or add-on requests should be FAXed
   to (313) 656-3001, Attention:  Trade-up/Add-on Department.
 
4. If the transaction you have submitted finalizes at a lower equipment cost
   than was approved by TCL,
   you do not need to resubmit the application to TCL.
   Just make sure you adjust the rate accordingly.
   However, if the transaction amount finalizes at a higher equipment cost
   than was approved, you are only allowed a 10% variance upward
   (10% of the dollar amount approved).
   Any increase higher than the 10% variance will need to be resubmitted
   to TCL for approval.
 
5. RSVP applications are not processed by TCL and should not be FAXed to TCL.
   They should be FAXed to Tandy Credit at 1 (800) 447-9262.
 
Documentation
 
1. Fill out lease applications completely.
   All information is necessary in order to provide you with efficient 
service.
   The term of the transaction, purchase option requested,
   accurate banking information, social security numbers,
   your store/unit number, and your name and phone/FAX numbers
   are all extremely important.
 
2. When completing the lease agreement,
   it is extremely important that you include the serial numbers
   as part of the equipment description.
 
3. We cannot accept a lease agreement (legal document) completed in pencil.
   The agreement must be filled out in ink or typewritten.
   Also, please do not use "white-out" on the lease agreement.
 
4. Be sure to include a copy of the POS generated sales ticket
   with the executed lease agreement
   when you send your paperwork to Fort Worth.
 
MOM-04-92
Computer Support Services
"Answers at Your Fingertips"
 
CALL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM CHANGE
 
Computer Support Services has upgraded our call distribution system
to provide better access on the (800) 2-TANDY-4 number.
These changes allow you greater access to the
MS-DOS software and hardware lines,
which has allowed us to reduce the number of prompts
used to access the system.
(See the chart attached to this issue of the M.O.M.)
 
MOM-04-92
OPEN WINDOW SUPPORT GROUP
 
Many of you are using the new Open Window support group
for pre-sale questions on the new 386 and 486 computers.
This support group has been instrumental in closing sales
of 386- and 486-based machines that are bundled with MS-DOS 5.0,
Windows and Works for Windows.
You can use it for your sales as well.
 
Remember, this line is staffed 8:00 am - 10:45 pm,
Monday through Saturday, and 10:00 am - 6:00 pm on Sunday (Central).
 
MOM-04-92
SUBJECTS OF THE MONTH
 
Installing 5 1/4" 360K Floppy Drives On The
Tandy 2500 SX/20 Or 2500 SX/25
 
When you are putting the older style 5 1/4" 360K floppy drives
into a Tandy  2500 SX/20 or SX/25,
you may find that the power cable in the computer
that connects to the drives is too short.
The "B" version of the 2500 SX/20
seems to have the most problems of this type.
 
Instead of using only the cable that comes in the computer,
you can add a power extender cable (Cat. No. 278-767).
 
Video RAM Upgrade For Video Board
 
What kind of chip do you need to upgrade the video RAM on the VGA board
in the 4825 SX, 4850 EP, 4833 LX/T, and 4820 SX/T computers?
256K x 4 DRAMS at 70 nanoseconds.
However, Radio Shack does not currently carry these chips,
so you need to order them through Third Party Products.
 
Prodigy 3.1 "CT-24" Error Message
 
Problems have been reported about
systems reporting a "CT-24" error message
when attempting to dial up the Prodigy service.
 
This has been reported most often on Tandy  1000 TL/3 systems
when using a 25-1037 2400 bps or other internal modem,
a SmartDrive , and Prodigy.
It has been identified as a timing problem
related to the load on the system bus.
The best solution for a TL/3 customer is to
purchase an external modem,
as the error only occurs with internal modems.
 
For your customers with a 25-1037 modem,
the fix at this time is to have a resistor added to the modem
by a Radio Shack Service Center.
Before sending the equipment into repair,
make sure there is not a problem with the modem
by using it through the DeskMate  Telecom.
If the modem functions in Telecom but you still get the CT-24 error message
when trying to log onto Prodigy,
the modification needs to be done to the modem.
 
Adding other internal cards to the computer
(such as a SoundBlaster or AdLib sound card) will also cause Prodigy
to react properly, due to the added load on the system bus.
 
This problem has also occurred where the customer had a third party modem
rather than the 25-1037.
In those cases, the modification can be done to the SmartDrive or CPU.
Radio Shack repair facilities will not modify the third party modem.
 
Other solution alternatives are being looked at, and we will keep you 
informed.
 
Print & Press (26-1437) And DMP 136 Color
 
The initial shipment of this product
had a sticker on it which stated that it was not recommended
for use with the DMP 136 with a color ribbon.
The reason was the paper in the package was smearing the colors.
 
This has been corrected in later shipments of the product.
When you order the product from the warehouse now,
this sticker is no longer on the package.
The paper can now be used with the DMP 136 with color ribbons.
 
Additional Print & Press Sheets
 
Many customers have inquired
about how to order additional Print & Press sheets.
They simply order the same stock number (26-1437) for additional sheets.
 
MOM-04-92
Product News
RADIO SHACK INTRODUCES TANDY 4850 EP PERSONAL COMPUTER
 
Press Release
 
March 3, 1992, San Jose, Calif. --
At a major industry announcement today,
Radio Shack introduced the high-performance
Tandy  4850 EP personal computer.
The 4850 EP is one of the first computers in the industry to include,
as a standard feature,
the new 50 megahertz (MHz) Intel 486 DX2 microprocessor.
 
At the same time, Radio Shack announced plans to support
a future 66 MHz version of the Intel 486 microprocessor.
 
The DX2 microprocessor in the 4850 EP doubles the internal speed
of the processor to 50 MHz,
adding built-in math coprocessing capabilities
and providing a performance gain of up to 70 percent
over 25 MHz Intel 486-based systems.
With the DX2 microprocessor,
the 4850 EP earns a CPU speed rating of 94.7 on the Norton "SI" test.
 
The DX2 microprocessor uses the same technology
as Intel's future OverDrive Processor,
a single chip performance booster which is 100 percent compatible
with the recently-announced 25 MHz Tandy  4825 SX personal computer.
 
"We have worked closely with Intel to bring
high-performance 486 technology to our customers," said Bernard S. Appel,
chairman of Radio Shack.
"This continues our strategy of delivering innovative
and value-added features at extremely affordable prices.
We will aggressively pursue this strategy
as we proceed in our 15th year in the personal computer industry."
 
"We're excited about the announcement
of the new Tandy 4850 EP personal computer," said Paul Otellini,
vice president and general manager of Intel's Microprocessor Products Group.
"It's one of the first of the Intel 486-based systems
to come to market, and offers end-users outstanding value."
 
Designed and built in Fort Worth, Texas, by Tandy Corporation,
the fully-configured 4850 EP includes four megabytes (MB) of standard
memory (expandable to 32 MB on the main logic board),
one 3 1/2" 1.44 MB floppy disk drive,
built-in support for 2.88 MB floppy disk drives,
and a 15-millisecond 120 MB SmartDrive  IDE hard drive with cache.
An open 5 1/4" device slot can be used to install Tandy's
multimedia-compatible CDR-1000A CD-ROM drive or an internal tape backup 
system.
 
The 4850 EP has 16-bit Super VGA non-interlaced graphics with
512 kilobytes (K) of memory and supports two enhanced color video modes --
640 x 480 in 256 colors or 800 x 600 in 256 colors.
By expanding the video memory to 1 MB,
a resolution of 1024 x 768 in 256 colors is supported.
 
Other standard features include three 16-bit industry-standard
(ISA) expansion slots, a deluxe 101-key enhanced keyboard,
100 watt power supply, two serial ports, one parallel port and one mouse port.
 
For added value, Radio Shack bundles a two-button mouse and
three software packages valued at $448.90 with the system.
They include the MS-DOS 5.0 operating system, Microsoft Windows 3.0,
and Microsoft Works for Windows 2.0.
Any new version of Windows, released before June 30, 1992,
will be furnished as an upgrade -- at no charge -- for 4850 EP owners.
All software is pre-installed on the hard drive for added convenience.
 
The 4850 EP sells for $2,699 through 7,000 participating
Radio Shack technology stores and dealers nationwide.
 
A Multimedia PC version of the 4850 EP with built-in CD-ROM drive,
advanced sound capabilities and multimedia software
will sell for $3,499 at participating Radio Shack outlets.
 
"It's not enough to market the latest technology or the lowest price.
We are taking steps to ensure that Radio Shack's service and support
are second to none -- before and after the sale,"
said David Christopher, executive vice president of Radio Shack.
"In addition to the continuous training our store personnel receive,
Radio Shack has a new store-based `Open Window Hotline'
which provides customers with immediate answers and technical assistance
about this product and others."
 
Radio Shack, a division of Tandy Corporation,
is the nation's largest retailer of
personal computer and consumer electronics.
 
MOM-04-92
THE MOST POWERFUL DESKTOP COMPUTER EVER -- THE TANDY 4850 EP
 
Co-announcement With Intel
 
On March 3, 1992,
Radio Shack announced its most powerful Desktop Personal Computer ever,
the new Tandy  4850 EP 50 MHz DX2.
Strategically planning with Intel,
we are proud to co-announce our machine with Intel's announcement
of the Intel 486 DX2 50 MHz CPU.
 
This is absolutely one of the most competitive newly announced computers
featuring the Intel OverDrive Processor 50 MHz 486 DX2 on the market today,
and it's the only one that is sold at over 7,000 convenient locations
across America!
Keeping in step with our new computer pricing strategy
and embarking on our 15th year in the Personal Computer business,
the new Tandy 4850 EP with its 120 MB Hard Drive package
is priced right at only $2,699!
 
This co-announcement was possible after months of working closely with Intel
and our own design team, based in our new Tandy Technology Center.
Combined with the demanding quality and manufacturing capabilities
of our 25 U.S. factories, you can again assure your customers
top quality  American Made  Tandy  Computers.
 
The 4850 EP offers the incredible "double performance"
and math coprocessor support built into the CPU.
In fact, Norton's CPU rating of the 50 MHz is a whopping 94.7
compared to a 54.0 with the 4825 SX.
(Remember the IBM PC at a rating of 4.4?)
This is truly enhanced performance!
This exciting system offers your customers
over four times the speed of 386-based systems,
without spending four times the money.
 
Same Platform As The 4825 SX
 
The new Tandy 4850 EP is based on the same platform
as the recently introduced Tandy  4825 SX;
we've merely replaced the 25 MHz CPU with the innovative 50 MHz Intel 486 DX2.
The 4850 EP includes the exact same features as the 4825 SX:
 
- 4 MB RAM
- 120 MB Hard Drive
- Windows 3.0, Microsoft Works for Windows, and DOS 5.0
- Mouse
 
Intel's OverDrive Processors
 
Intel is referring to their new line of upgrade components
as "Intel OverDrive Processors."
The 4850 EP is Radio Shack's first configuration
offering the new Intel 486 DX2 processor.
Radio Shack also announced a 66 MHz version of our 4833 LX/T MidTower design,
expected this summer.
Further announcements will be made in the next quarter
as to the availability of Intel's OverDrive Processors
for all current Tandy 486SX- and DX-based systems.
 
All of Tandy's Intel 486SX and DX CPU-based systems
are upgradeable by design.
Users will be able to easily upgrade their systems
with Intel's future OverDrive Processor when it becomes available.
System performance is increased by up to 70%.
 
Allowable Discounts
 
There is no further discount allowed on this CPU.
The only approved discounts will be Employee and Franchise/Dealer.
 
Floppy Version
 
A floppy version will not be offered.
 
Availability/Ordering
 
Quantities are available at TSDC.
The 4850 EP is  not to be stocked in any store. 
Any store can order with a customer name,
after a paid order is placed by the customer.
 
Use your enthusiasm about the recently announced new computers
and reduced pricing on current/discontinued models
to greet, call and prospect every potential computer purchaser
and sell them the top quality Tandy Computers you have today!
Increase your sales (gain) every day
by selling Tandy Computers  every day!
 
MOM-04-92
TANDY 2500 SX/25 SUPER SPECIAL EDITION
 
Have your customers been asking for larger hard drives and more memory
than offered in the 25-1610 2500 SX/25 Special Edition?
Well, we heard you!
 
The 25-1612 Tandy  2500 SX/25 Super Special Edition
is a 25 MHz, 80386SX computer.
It comes with Microsoft Windows,
Microsoft Works for Windows and America Online software
pre-installed on the hard drive and a 2-button mouse,
just like the 25-1610.
Here are the differences between the 25-1612 and the 25-1610:
 
    Super Special   Special
Feature 25-1612 25-1610
 
Standard Memory 4 MB    2 MB
 
Hard Drive  120 MB  85 MB
    15ms access speed   15ms access speed
 
Video RAM   512K    256K
 
Keyboard    Same as on the 4825 SX  Reduced depth
 
Retail  $1,699.95   $1,299.95
 
The best part is, the 25-1612 comes fully configured --
you just power on and go!
 
The 25-1612 is in the TSDC warehouse
and is available by special order only.
 
MOM-04-92
25-1062 1000 EX/HX MEMORY PLUS BOARD UPDATE
 
The 25-1062 Tandy  1000 EX/HX Memory Plus board
has been in continuing short supply since early last year.
This is due to very large demand and very tight supply
of the necessary parts to build the product.
As a result, large backorders have been created for these boards,
and any shipments we receive are quickly used to fill the backorders,
with none left over to create a warehouse stock.
 
Many of these boards end up in the backroom inventory of stores.
This is not where the stock belongs!
The availability code of the 25-1062 is 18 --
Special Order Only.
With the continuing shortage of these boards,
it makes it imperative that you only order these boards for a sale
and not for stock.
 
We will continue to order these boards as long as there is a demand,
and continue to attempt to alleviate the shortage.
Thank you for your patience.
 
MOM-04-92
UPDATE ON DISKETTES
 
Prices Reduced From 36 To 50%
 
Radio Shack diskette prices are being reduced from 36 to 50%,
but this is only a small part of the story.
All new disks ship preformatted with a Tandy Lifetime warranty.
Tandy warrants these products to be free from defects
in workmanship and materials for the lifetime of the purchaser.
Replacement of defective disks is through Tandy Software Assembly
Warranty Exchange.
 
Bright New Look
 
Tandy will continue to ship ten packs (on replenishment)
in the plastic disk saver boxes
and the three packs as pegable product,
but we have added bright new color coordinated labels --
no more gray on gray look.
Four color labels -- one color set for high density
and another for low density -- will carry throughout the line.
 
New Cat.  Description    New Price  Replaces  Old Price Savings   Due Date
 
26-431    10 pk 3 1/2" HD  16.99     26-424    31.95      47%     April 1
26-433     3 pk 3 1/2" HD   5.99     26-423    10.95      45%       May 1
26-430    10 pk 3 1/2" DD   9.99     26-418    15.95      37%     April 1
26-432     3 pk 3 1/2" DD   3.49     26-417     5.95      41%       May 1
26-451    10 pk 5 1/4" HD  10.99     26-422    18.95      42%     April 1
26-453     3 pk 5 1/4" HD   3.99     26-421     6.95      43%       May 1
26-450    10 pk 5 1/4" DD   6.99     26-412    10.95      36%     April 1
26-452     3 pk 5 1/4" DD   2.49     26-411     4.95      50%       May 1
 
MOM-04-92
AVAILABILITY CHANGED FOR SOME NETWORK PRODUCTS
 
01Y and 01V stores can now order additional network products
in order to support the sale of peer-to-peer networking systems;
specifically, LANtastic AI (25-4220, $99.95) and
NetWare Lite (901-1909, $99.00).
These items have been changed to Code 18,
which means that they can be special-ordered on the POS
under a customer name.
The items involved are:
 
Cat. No.    Description                                      Price
 
26-5505     8-bit Ethernet Thin Ethernet interface board    249.95
26-5507     16-bit Ethernet Twisted-Pair interface board    349.00
26-5527     10-ft Thin Ethernet Cable                        12.95
26-5528     2-pack BNC crimp-on Ethernet connectors           5.95
26-5530     20-ft Thin Ethernet Cable                        15.95
26-5531     50-ft Thin Ethernet Cable                        24.95
26-5532     100-ft Thin Ethernet Cable                       39.95
26-5533     Bulk Ethernet Cable (500')                        0.22
26-5534     Ethernet Terminator Kit                          29.95
26-5545     10-ft Unshielded Twisted Pair Cable              13.95
26-5546     25-ft Unshielded Twisted Pair Cable              21.95
 
These changes were the result of Speed-Mail received from the field.
Your feedback is important to Merchandising,
and we value your suggestions!
 
Please do not abuse this change!
These products are not to be stocked in any store!
 
MOM-04-92
120 MB SMARTDRIVE NOW AVAILABLE
 
The long-awaited 120 MB SmartDrive  (Cat. No. 25-4127)
is now in stock at the TSDC Warehouse.
This new drive boasts the following features:
 
- Unformatted Capacity of 125 MB
 
- Formatted Capacity 124,558,032 bytes --
  room for Windows and more!
 
- 15-millisecond average seek time for fast access of data programs.
 
- 32K Cache with CacheFlow -- constantly evaluates the way data
  is being retrieved from the drive and adapts (on the fly)
  to the optimum caching method.
  This minimizes disk seeking operations and means increased throughput.
 
- Automatic Head Parking, as with all of our AT-IDE SmartDrives --
  When the computer is turned off, the heads retract to a safe,
  non-data landing zone and lock into position.
 
- Advanced Defect Management --
  This ensures a "defect free" low level formatted drive
  from the factory which makes installation quick and easy.
 
- Embedded Sector Servo Control --
  Servo data is recorded on every track
  so head positioning is handled by the sector
  instead of a dedicated servo surface.
  The result is more precise head positioning --
  even in temperature extremes -- and greater accuracy.
 
- Dual Drive Support -- Allows a second AT-IDE type drive.
 
Sell with confidence!
You can be assured that all hard drives
have been tested and retested to ensure proper form, fit and function.
 
MOM-04-92
FREE WINDOWS 3.1 UPGRADE
 
Our free Windows 3.1 upgrade program means big sales for you!
Microsoft is announcing a new version of Windows on April 6, 1992.
The new version will be Windows 3.1.
In developing Windows 3.1, over 1,100 modifications and enhancements,
large and small, were made to Windows 3.0.
Among them:
 
1. Express Setup analyzes the hardware configuration
   and makes the appropriate installation decisions automatically.
   If your customer is already running Windows 3.0,
   Express Setup will retain all of his existing Windows 3.0 settings.
 
2. Custom Setup will allow your customer to fine-tune
   the Windows 3.1 installation --
   your customer can even choose the language to work in.
 
3. The new online tutorial makes it easier for novice users
   to learn and use Windows 3.1.
   It includes several short lessons that allow your customer
   to practice working with a mouse and performing basic Windows tasks.
   Your customer can even choose to take a brief,
   online Windows tutorial as part of the setup program.
 
4. Program Manager, the first thing your customer sees
   when starting Windows, has changed its look, making it even easier to use.
   For example, text now wraps under icons instead of being truncated.
   And the File/Properties command will allow your customer
   to select new MS-DOS application icons.
   The Windows 3.1 manager has more desktop schemes to choose from,
   including three that fully support LCD monitors
   (for your laptop and notebook customers!).
   Moving "screen savers" are also included.
   Finally, your customer can now set up Windows
   to automatically run (or load) a series of applications
   that can be placed in the new Program Manager startup group.
 
5. The enhanced File Manager will now allow
   multiple File Manager Windows to be opened.
   Also, your customer can now use drag and drop
   to print a Windows application file from File Manager.
   The font of the file and directory names can be changed.
 
6. Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) is now available
   in Windows Paintbrush, Write, Cardfile, and Sound Recorder,
   allowing your customer to transfer and share information
   in a new and powerful way.
 
7. Windows 3.1 also comes with TrueType, a full set of scalable fonts.
   Your customer can print the same high-quality fonts
   that he sees on his screen without buying cartridges or soft fonts.
 
8. Windows 3.1 adds local reboot,
   which allows the ending of problem MS-DOS or Windows applications
   without having to reset the computer.
   "UNRECOVERABLE APPLICATION ERROR" messages have been dramatically reduced.
 
9. Finally, the drivers for multimedia sound
   are built right into Windows 3.1.
   With optional hardware and suitable drivers,
   your customer can add video and animation.
 
How The Windows 3.1 Upgrade Can Mean More Sales For You
 
During the first week of April,
Radio Shack will send a mailing to all of your customers
who have purchased a computer from you since January 1, 1992
that came bundled with Windows 3.0.
The mailing will contain:
 
-  A coupon good for a free Windows 3.1 upgrade
-  A cover letter explaining the benefits of Windows 3.1
-  A discount coupon good for a 20% discount on all regular-priced software
 
Here's the good news:  Since the 20% software coupon
may only be used by your customer at the same time
he applies for his free Windows 3.1 upgrade,
he is transformed into a highly qualified prospect!
This is an ideal time to sell Windows programs
at a substantial savings to your customer --
and also an ideal time to sell more memory, a sound board,
and other peripherals that will utilize the enhancements of Windows 3.1!
 
The mechanics of the program couldn't be simpler.
Your customer should have
the Upgrade Notification letter from Consumer Mail Center,
an original Windows 3.1 upgrade coupon, the original Windows 3.0 system disk,
and the 20% software discount coupon.
To process the free upgrade, just fill out the back of the coupon
and mail the coupon and the system disk to:
 
Consumer Mail Center
Attn:  Windows Upgrade
401 N.E. 38th Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76106
 
Note: If your customer hasn't made a backup of his system disk,
be a hero!
Sell him a box of diskettes and use DISKCOPY A: A:
to make a backup for him.
 
Upon receipt of the upgrade request,
Consumer Mail Center will mail the upgrade package directly to your customer.
The upgrade includes everything your customer will need
-- a full set of Windows 3.1 disks and a complete manual.
Your store will be billed only for the actual cost of the upgrade.
What a great way to get a qualified prospect!
 
Remember:  The 20%-off coupon must be used at the same time
as your customer applies for the upgrade.
When you sell your customer software using the 20%-off coupon,
enter the discount on the SOS screen as:
 
DISCOUNT TYPE:  OTHER
REASON:  WIN31 UPGRADE
 
Retain the 20% discount coupon with your store records.
 
That's all there is to it!
Good luck, and good selling!
 
MOM-04-92
ARNETTERM TERMINAL EMULATION SOFTWARE
 
ArnetTerm terminal emulation software (Cat. No. 0554, $199.00)
is now available.
It allows a PC to act like the standard video terminals
normally connected to a multiuser operating system.
With ArnetTerm, a single keystroke shifts a desktop computer
from a single-user DOS machine to a full-featured UNIX terminal.
Supported operating systems include AT&T UNIX, ESIX, Microport UNIX,
SCO UNIX and XENIX, and SunSoft Interactive UNIX.
 
Features
 
- Supports 48 user-definable function keys
- Hot-Key TSR (terminate and stay resident)
- Color support
- Supports local printing
- Supports terminal background processing
- DOS to UNIX ASCII/binary file transfer
- VPIX support
- Multiple dialing directories
- Multiple emulations
- SCO multiscreen support
- Script language programming for turnkey systems
 
Specifications
 
Emulations Supported:   Wyse 60
    ANSI
    VT100/VT200
    PC TERM
 
License:    Supports (1) XENIX/UNIX host and (1) PC DOS system
 
Requires:   IBM PC XT/AT, PS/2 or 100% compatible
    Monochrome, CGA, EGA, or VGA display
    (1) floppy disk drive
    (1) serial port
    DOS 2.0 or higher
    Host system running SCO XENIX/UNIX operating system
 
The information in this article was provided by Arnet Corporation
 
MOM-04-92
NEW VERSION OF DT-110
 
A new version of the DT-110 Data Terminal (Cat. No. 25-5050A)
began shipping recently.
This new improved version is only a FIRMWARE change.
Here are the new enhanced features:
 
- VT-100 Emulation:  VT-100 is one of the most common and standard
  terminal emulations around.
 
- Screen Saver:  This feature is in the setup screen
  and can be selected to turn on or off.
 
- Multi-screen support:  Provides the option
  of displaying two screens at the same time.
 
This new version is still only $599.00.
Upgrade ROMs for existing DT-110s are available from National Parts
under Cat. No. 25-5050A Version 5.05 EPROM MXP-0667,
with a customer cost of $30.00
(plus installation if a Service Center installs the upgrade).
 
MOM-04-92
LP 990 LASER PRINTER AVAILABLE
 
The new LP 990 Laser Printer (Cat. No. 26-2879, $1,499.00) is now available.
This new printer is identical in all respects
to the LP 950 Laser Printer that it replaces
except its print speed was boosted to 9 Pages Per Minute (PPM)
instead of the 6 PPM on the LP 950.
All optional accessories for the LP 950 (like font cards,
sheet feeders, and memory) work on the LP 990.
 
MOM-04-92
SCSI HOST ADAPTER -- NEW VERSION
 
Recently, a new version of the 16-Bit SCSI Host Adapter (25-4161C)
began shipping.
This new version features a quick reference setup manual
and the BIOS will handle 64 heads.
(Previously, you had to order MXP-0692
from National Parts to provide the 64 head capacity for the BIOS.
This is no longer necessary.)
Sell all remaining stock of the older versions  first 
before offering this new version.
 
MOM-04-92
PC-6 POCKET COMPUTER
 
We have received a lot of comments now that the PC-6 (Cat. No. 26-3672)
is DISC.
Apparently this little device was being used quite a bit
in the southern U.S. by oil companies.
Some Value Added Resellers (VARs) were buying this from Radio Shack
and reselling it for special applications, too.
However, these applications did not allow Radio Shack
to sell the PC-6 in enough quantity for it to remain in the line,
and those quantities will not allow Radio Shack to carry a replacement unit.
 
For those customers who still require this type of unit,
you should first check to see if one of the programmable calculators
in the Radio Shack line will fit the application.
If not, you might try getting them to move to a floppy-based notebook computer
like the Tandy  1100 FD.
But for those die-hard pocket computer fans,
all you can suggest is that they check with Casio,
who manufactures many different kinds
of programmable pocket computers and calculators.
 
MOM-04-92
MPC UPGRADE KITS UPDATE
 
The 25-1085 Internal Upgrade Kit
is now expected to ship in mid-April.
This $799.95 kit includes the CDR-1000 Internal CD-ROM drive,
with a fast 150ms transfer rate,
the exclusive Tandy Multimedia Audio Adapter, with sound mixers,
MIDI, dual joystick ports, true 16-bit sound
and built-in 16-bit CD-ROM interface,
Microsoft Windows with Multimedia Extensions
and the Tandy Multimedia System Diskette.
Combined with a minimum system consisting of an 80386SX computer
running at 16 MHz, VGA, MS-DOS 5.0,
2 MB RAM and a 30 MB hard drive,
your customers can begin exploring the fantastic world of multimedia 
computing.
 
Although the Multimedia Upgrade Kits will work
with the minimum system listed above,
we highly recommend the minimum system have at least 4 MB RAM,
80 MB hard drive, and Super VGA (512K video RAM) for good performance.
Note that all of the computers shipped as MPCs
contain these as standard equipment.
 
The 25-1086 External Kit is now expected to be delivered about July/August 
'92.
Please note this in your store's reference catalog.
 
During the next few months,
you will see more information on multimedia computers
in the press and trade magazines.
As Tandy is recognized as the leader in multimedia computers,
customers will be coming into your store to find out more
about this exciting new technology.
Read the Multimedia Guidebook we mailed to your store late last year
to become familiar with the terminology.
Be ready for the questions you will be getting regarding multimedia.
 
MOM-04-92
NEW CD-ROM SOFTWARE NOW SHIPPING
 
0478   The Family Doctor   $79.95
 
This disc contains answers to more than 1,500 commonly asked health questions
carefully selected from the thousands of inquiries
received by Dr. Bruckheim from his syndicated medical column.
Educational Resources and support group contacts are also provided.
 
Approximately 300 beautiful full-color medical illustrations are incorporated
to provide further detail on selected subject areas.
 
A consumer drug guide is included that contains data
on over 1,600 prescription drugs containing brand and trade names,
general information, side effects, interactions and other details.
 
Requires DOS 3.1 or later, 640K RAM, VGA, and CD-ROM.
 
0477   The 1991 TIME Magazine Almanac   $149.95
 
From TIME magazine:  more than 10,000 articles --
the major events, the trends and the trivia --
covering TIME's 68-year publishing history.
The disc includes full text from 1989 through April 1, 1991,
and selected articles from 1923 to 1988.
Here's a sample of what's included:
 
- New motion and sound videos from CNN:  CNN Newsroom videos
  highlight major TIME stories from 1989 through 1991.
 
- New multimedia portraits of famous TIME cover subjects:
  videos, collected articles and photo essays
  bring to life major figures of the 20th century featured in TIME.
 
- Historical photos and many new color charts and covers:
  Major TIME stories from the 1920's to the 80's
  illustrated with more than 250 photos and 100 new full-color charts,
  cover portraits and opinion polls.
 
- And much more, including a quiz.
 
Requires 640K RAM, CD-ROM, MS-DOS 3.3 or better, VGA, Sound Blaster card
and speakers, and one MB of memory on hard drive or disk.
 
MOM-04-92
EMPLOYEE EVALUATOR SOFTWARE
 
A new program called Employee Evaluator (Cat. No. 1925, $149.95)
is now in Express Order .
Employee Evaluator simplifies employee evaluations, reports, and raises.
It takes the "opinion" out of a performance report.
How much emphasis should be put on tardiness?
Absenteeism?
How does excellent performance or good attitude figure into the picture?
 
The Employee Evaluator offers a system of job descriptions,
categories and questions, each weighted with specific "values."
The employer fills in the answers,
and the computer does the rest,
generating a fair, objective report on the employee's performance.
Raises are linked to performance, salary and funds available.
It produces a four-page report for each employee,
including bar graphs, goals, comments and itemized answers.
 
The Employee Evaluator can easily customized to an employer's own needs.
It is Windows compatible and includes 3 1/2" and 5 1/4" disks.
 
MOM-04-92
COP SOFTWARE
 
A neat new product is available in Express Order .
Computer Owner Protection (COP) is Cat. No. 903/5-0553
and retails for $49.00.
This program implants a unique ID code in your computer.
Law enforcement officials can use this code to find the rightful owners
of stolen computer equipment.
A brochure with details about this package
is attached to this issue of the M.O.M.
 
MOM-04-92
NEW DIGITAN MODEMS ADDED TO EXPRESS ORDER
 
This month, we have added 2 new modems
to our Express Order  hardware line.
 
The first is the 2400 bps Internal Modem (Cat. No. 2687, $149.95)
with V.42, V.42bis and MNP 2-5 data compression
and correction built into the hardware.
This modem can transfer data
at up to 9600 bps when connected with another V.42 modem.
The modem is compatible with CCITT V.22bis,
CCITT V.22, Bell 212A and Bell 103 standards for data communications.
It features both synchronous and asynchronous operation,
and works well under either Xenix or Novell operation.
It replaces the 2295 modem in our line.
 
Second is the 2400 bps Data/9600 FAX External Modem
(Cat. No. 2689, $189.95).
This modem combines the features of an external 2400 bps modem
with the ability to send and receive facsimile transmissions
from any Group III facsimile machine at 9600 bps
(with automatic fallback to 7200 or 4800 bps,
depending on line conditions and remote FAX).
The modem is compatible with CCITT V.22bis,
CCITT V.22, Bell 212A and Bell 103 standards for data communications,
plus CCITT V.29, CCITT V.27 and CCITT V.21 facsimile standards.
It features both synchronous and asynchronous operation,
and works with both Xenix and Novell.
The 2689 comes complete with FAX software and a manual.
 
MOM-04-92
PRINTER AND NOTEBOOK COMPUTER BROCHURES
 
The following brochures are available out of the TSDC (0055) warehouse
(not the Force Feed Warehouse as listed on Page 19 of the March M.O.M.).
They make excellent selling aids to help explain products and their features.
 
    FC-0231 Tandy  102 Portable Computer
    FC-0279 Tandy  1110 HD Notebook Computer
    FC-0389 DMP 240 / DMP 136 Color Printers
    FC-0983 DMP 135 / DMP 202 / DMP 2104 9-Wire Printers
    FC-0984 Tandy  2820 HD Notebook Computer
    FC-0985 DMP 310 Slimline Printer
    FC-0986 Tandy  1800 HD Notebook Computer
    FC-0988 Tandy  3820 HD Notebook Computer
 
MOM-04-92
COMMUNICATIONS WITH COMPUTER MERCHANDISING -- UPDATED
 
We just can't take telephone calls.
Don't get upset if our receptionist refuses to put you through
or the buyer declines to accept your call.
If you have an issue that you feel requires our immediate attention,
contact your District or Regional Manager.
It's their job to help you and they can call us if necessary.
 
We need your comments and suggestions.
If your customers are asking for something new or
something to be offered slightly differently,
drop us a note.
Either a speed memo or Speed Mail message
generated from your POS will do.
We've had a few changes since the last time we printed this list.
Here's the updated info:
 
WHO BUYS WHAT IN MERCHANDISING
 
      SOFTWARE PRODUCTS
 
Accounting/Finance                            Joel Cohen
Business/Personal Management                  Ann Kennemer
CoCo Software                                 Kate Titsworth
Communications                                Joel Cohen
DeskMate                                      Ann Kennemer
Desktop Publishing                            Ann Kennemer
Educational (School, K-12)                    Maggie Sherrod *
Educational (Home)                            Kate Titsworth
Entertainment                                 Kate Titsworth
Forms Management                              Ann Kennemer
Graphics                                      Ann Kennemer
Online Services                               Ann Kennemer
Operating Systems                             Joel Cohen
Productivity                                  Ann Kennemer
Programming Languages                         Joel Cohen
SchoolMate                                    Maggie Sherrod *
Utilities                                     Joel Cohen
 
      HARDWARE PRODUCTS
 
Backup/Universal Power Supplies               Joel Cohen
CD-ROM Drives                                 Mark Clauder
Color Computer Hardware                       Mark Clauder
Digitizers                                    Colin Meyer
Diskettes/Media                               Ann Kennemer
FAX Products (for PCs)                        Mark Clauder
Furniture                                     Ann Kennemer
Joysticks (260/270-series)                    Leon Lutz
Joysticks (series)                            Ann Kennemer
Mice                                          Ann Kennemer
Modems (except laptops)                       Mark Clauder
Laptops/Notebook PCs/Accessories              Colin Meyer
Networking Products                           Joel Cohen
Paper/Labels                                  Colin Meyer
Pocket Computer                               Colin Meyer
Point-of-Sale Hardware                        Joel Cohen
Printers & Printer Supplies                   Colin Meyer
Printer Cables/Ribbons/Printwheels            Colin Meyer
Serial Cables/Connectors                      Joel Cohen
Scanners (Hand & Full Page)                   Colin Meyer
Sound/Music Boards                            Mark Clauder
Spike Protectors                              Dick Hedrick
Tandy  1000 Hardware & Peripherals            Mark Clauder
Tandy  2500 Hardware & Peripherals            Mark Clauder
Tandy  3000/4000 Hardware & Peripherals       Jef Fike
Wordprocessors                                Colin Meyer
 
* Maggie Sherrod is in the Education Marketing Department
 
MOM-03-92
The Front Line
The Chip Wars
 
The Need For Speed
 
In Flyer 483 in mid-February,
Radio Shack introduced the 25 MHz 386SX "Special Edition,"
based on AMD's 25 MHz microprocessor (currently the fastest in its class).
This will be followed in Flyer 484 with our consumer-featured,
25 MHz Tandy  4825 SX, based on the Intel i486SX microprocessor.
Here's a bit of the story behind the story.
 
The rapid pace of today's PC market --
and our own repeated introduction of faster and more powerful models --
can partially be attributed to the highly competitive struggle
between the major microprocessor suppliers themselves.
You have already witnessed the progression of 386SX technology
from 16 MHz (the original 25-4076 "2500 SX" in the fall catalog)
to 20 MHz (our very successful 25-4077 Christmas special).
And now we offer a 25 MHz version which is over 50% faster
than the original 2500 SX and which is the third "2500 SX" model
in the series to appear within seven months!
 
As the microprocessor suppliers race to bring faster and cheaper chips
to market, we must keep pace to maintain our position
of technological leadership.
 
The story of the 486SX processor is even more interesting.
Intel is the exclusive producer of 486 and 486SX processors.
They're taking advantage of this by trying to move the market up
to the 486 level through accelerated development (and price declines)
on these state-of-the-art processors.
Instead of coasting on their one-year head start,
they are using their market lead in 486 technology
in an effort to regain market share previously lost
to aggressive competitors in 386 and 386SX arena.
The consumer ultimately benefits from these "chip wars,"
as 486SX computers approach the "magic" retail price point of $2,000
and make this technology affordable for the home.
 
MOM-03-92
The Upgrade Strategy
To complement their aggressive pricing philosophy,
Intel has also developed an upgrade strategy
meant to extend the working life of current 486SX computers.
This strategy allows the microprocessor in a properly designed system
to be upgraded later with faster and more powerful 486 variants
(including those with math coprocessors).
 
While full pricing and technical details of this upgrade strategy
have not yet been made public,
be confident that Radio Shack has been working in strategic partnership
with Intel to insure that our own new computer designs
(including the new Tandy  4825 SX)
will be compatible with Intel's performance upgrade strategy.
A customer can buy our 4825 SX now, and later upgrade
to full 486 performance to extend the life of that major investment.
 
MOM-03-92
Giving The Customer Choices
Radio Shack will continue to package attractive, value-loaded
"special editions" based on both 386/386SX and 486/486SX technology.
For at least the next year,
386SX will continue to be a very cost-effective performer
for the work-at-home consumer running Windows
and other performance-intensive applications.
 
We will also continue to offer sensational values
on remaining 8086 and 286 models (RL and RLX respectively)
to entry-level users who will find the DeskMate  and Home Organizer
combination an easier and more economical starting point for home computing
than more complex Windows systems.
 
Finally, for the sophisticated user
or for the performance-minded small business person
who needs room for future "growth" in his system purchase,
the 486SX is now emerging as an affordable and versatile solution.
We have bundled our 4825 SX system with a fast, large 120 MB hard drive,
4 MB of system memory, and the latest versions of MS-DOS, Windows,
and Works for Windows -- all at only $1,999,
to appeal directly to the discerning computer user!
 
MOM-03-92
You Are The Critical Link
 
Competition is truly succeeding in bringing ever more advanced technology
to the marketplace, at ever more affordable prices.
And while the rapid succession of new models creates a tremendous challenge
for everyone throughout the Radio Shack distribution system,
it also offers us the opportunity to win and win big
in the computer sweepstakes.
 
Each new "edition" will offer some collection of features
or pricing that makes it better than its competitors
and even its own predecessor.
In your store, you are Radio Shack's critical link with the customer,
and it is essential to the entire corporation
that you understand the key points of each new machine
so you can effectively explain those points
clearly and credibly to your prospects.
 
In computer products, as perhaps in no other category,
the knowledgeable salesperson is the essential spokesperson
who can explain the latest technology to the public and make them want it.
In your store, you directly represent the highly coordinated efforts
of the many thousands of persons who have worked behind the scenes
to produce that new computer and get it into your store.
 
Let's win the "chip wars."
Do your part with skill and pride.
 
You do make the critical difference!
 
MOM-03-92
Sales Training
You Can't Listen Yourself Out of a Sale
 
You Can Spot The Rookie
 
I was sure that I would make a fortune in selling the day I started.
Sixty days later, I thought I would starve.
Bill and I were working late one night when I told him,
"I'm getting discouraged.
I just can't seem to find what to say to get the customer excited.
I close some sales, but I know I'm losing more than I should."
 
Bill had a way of smiling while you spoke
that made him the easiest person to talk to I had ever met.
I waited for him to reply,
but he just sat there with that "tell-me-more" smile still on his face.
"Do you have any advice for me?"
 
"Since you ask, yes," Bill said.
"You can't listen yourself out of a sale,
but it's easy to talk yourself out of one.
Do you know how to spot a rookie salesman?
Go to any store and find a place where you can hear what's going on.
The salesman that talks the most sells the least.
It's not that he doesn't know what to say,
it's that he doesn't know when to say it, or whether it's important,
or if it's even appropriate
until he LISTENS!
And that's the thing he won't do."
 
Listening Is The Easy Way To Sell
 
What is easier to sell to a customer:
something they want or something they don't want?
(It's not a trick question.)
The answer:  "It's easier to sell something a customer wants."
 
As a professional salesmaker,
there is no more important skill than listening.
And once you've developed it, selling becomes simple.
The Answer? What's The Question?
 
The only way to find out what a customer wants
is to ask questions and listen to the answers.
The only way to resolve customer complaints is listen to the complaint.
After asking questions to verify and clarify, listen to the answer.
The only way to close the sale is to ask for the order
and listen to the answer.
The only way to know when to close is to listen for the buying signal.
 
Putting The Customer First
 
Listening is your way of showing the customer that he is important.
It lets him know that he's your first priority.
Whenever you're in doubt about what to do next,
put yourself in a position to listen, then do it!
Ask open ended questions that encourage the customer to talk.
 
One way to practice is to program yourself.
Ask a question and, in your mind, give yourself an order to listen:
 
"What other (VCRs, computers, clock radios, etc.) have you seen?"
LISTEN!
 
"Can you tell me more about how you plan to use your new __________?"
LISTEN!
 
"Will you be using this _____ yourself?"
LISTEN!
 
"What do you like best about the one you have?"
LISTEN!
 
"Can you describe exactly what happened when the failure occurred?"
LISTEN!
 
"What other information do you need before you decide to take the item home?"
LISTEN!
 
There are other ways to "program" yourself.
I have a nameplate on my desk.
On the back side, where I am the only one who sees it,
I have a one-word program command to myself.
LISTEN!
 
Listening And Hearing
 
Listening is more than just waiting for the customer to quit talking.
Listening is taking the time to care about the customer's question or concern.
Listening is giving the customer the chance to respond without cutting him
off.
Apply the same mental energy to understanding what the customer is saying
that you use in talking.
It takes real practice.
 
You can give yourself a "listening check" by restating what someone says
to you to verify you heard correctly.
Try it with family and friends as well as customers.
You will be surprised how often people correct you.
Here's an example:
 
"I just don't know if I can use this."
 
"If I understand what you're saying,
you're concerned that this point-of-sale system might not fit your business,
right?"
 
"Oh, no.
I can see that it would.
It's just that I don't type.
I'm not sure I could  use  it."
 
"So if we could find a program to teach you typing skills,
and one that would let your other employees gain the same skill,
we would have found the perfect system.
Am I right?"
 
"Right."
 
Being a good listener is a skill that pays off,
not just in increased sales and customer satisfaction,
but in better personal relationships as well.
Isn't it odd that those to whom we talk the most, we listen to the least?
Your goal should be to build an ongoing relationship with your customer.
You'll find that's a much easier thing to do
when you build the reputation of being a good listener.
 
You've heard it said that life is a game.
Just remember that you must be present to win.
Good listening skills put you in the game and
keep you in a receptive frame of mind ... ready to sell.
Get in the game.
Learn to listen.
Listen to learn.
 
MOM-03-92
Multimedia Update
Here's the Latest on Multimedia
 
Press Release
 
TANDY MPC NAMED BEST PERSONAL
COMPUTER FOR 1991
 
FORT WORTH, Texas, January 9, 1992 -- COMPUTE magazine
has selected the most affordable, hard drive-equipped notebook PC
Tandy  2500 SX Multimedia PC as the Best Personal Computer of 1991.
It is one of only 20 hardware and software products
to receive the "Compute Choice Awards" for the year.
 
The 2500 SX Multimedia is featured
on the cover of the January 1992 issue.
Inside, COMPUTE'S Robert Bixby says,
"With its broad support and marketing savvy,
Tandy is perfectly positioned
to make its MPC computer the multimedia platform of choice."
The 2500 SX is actually one of a family
of five Tandy  Multimedia PCs
introduced by Radio Shack  last May.
 
Tandy began its march to multimedia back in 1984
when the Tandy  1000 became one of the first PCs
to include built-in sound and graphics.
Three years later, the Tandy  1000 TL
was the first to include digital recording capability.
In 1988, Tandy and Microsoft Corporation
began working to develop multimedia specifications.
They were disclosed to the industry in November 1990.
Last year, Radio Shack announced the first under $400 CD-ROM drive
and the first full line of affordable multimedia PCs
based on the new specifications.
The Tandy MPC line received the "Best of Spring Award"
for desktop PCs at COMDEX/Spring '91 in Atlanta.
 
"While we are obviously pleased
with the recognition accorded this fine product,
Tandy will continue to improve the line's performance.
In fact, the award winning 2500 SX
has been enhanced since COMPUTE'S review,"
said Dave Christopher,
executive vice president of Radio Shack.
The 2500 SX Multimedia was a 16 MHz, 80386SX-based computer
with 2 MB of standard memory and an internal 40 MB hard drive.
Radio Shack now offers the Tandy  2500 SX/20 Multimedia,
a 20 MHz, 80386SX-based PC with 2 MB of standard memory
and a generous 52 MB hard drive.
It is fully-configured with the Tandy  CDR-1000 CD-ROM drive
and an advanced audio board.
The suggested retail price is $2,799.00.
 
The other Tandy Multimedia PCs range from a 33 MHz, 80386 system
with 4 MB RAM and a 105 MB hard drive
to a 25 MHz, 80486SX with a 120 MB hard drive.
All Tandy Multimedia PCs include MS-DOS 5.0 operating system
and Microsoft Windows 3.0
with Multimedia Extensions 1.0 preinstalled on the hard drives.
 
MOM-03-92
TANDY CDR-3000 UPDATE
The 25-1084 Tandy  CDR-3000 External CD-ROM Drive,
originally due at the end of October 1991,
is now expected June 30, 1992.
This is due to extensive redesign work
to give you the best $800 performance drive at a $499.95 retail price.
 
While we apologize for the delays in this project,
we feel confident that the end result will be worth the wait.
Please mark this date in your reference copy of RSC-23.
 
MOM-03-92
MULTIMEDIA UPGRADE KITS UPDATE
 
The Multimedia Upgrade Kits schedules have slipped.
 
The 25-1085 Internal Upgrade Kit is expected to be available
at the end of March, 1992.
The 25-1086 External Upgrade Kit is projected to be available July 15, 1992
(later than the internal kit due to development delays in
the external CD-ROM drive).
Please mark these dates in your reference copy of RSC-23.
 
MOM-03-92
The Credit Line
RSVP/Tandy Computer Leasing
 
MSI
 
Now that New Accounts is accepting the proper paperwork via FAX
for approved MSI accounts,
please discontinue sending original paperwork to Fort Worth.
 
In order for the allotments to be processed in a timely manner,
you need to ensure that the customer account number and store number
have been written in the "Company Use Only" box
(in the lower left hand corner of the MSI AIM form).
 
If you have any questions, please call June Lambert at
(817) 390-2763.
 
MOM-03-92
RSVP
When someone applies for RSVP, be sure the person in front of you
is the same person referenced on the application.
Get positive I.D.!!!
The driver's license address should agree with the current or previous
address;
if it doesn't, you should find out why.
Look at the picture.
Compare the physical description on the license
with the person standing before you.
 
Ask to see their major credit card, and be sure the name on the card
is exactly as the name on the application.
If the name is misspelled even slightly,
we may not be able to locate a credit bureau report.
 
A personal check is also a good form of identification to confirm
the present address, and many times the home telephone number.
Remember, a credit application is a promise to pay, just like a personal
check.
So be just as careful.
 
MOM-03-92
Tandy Computer Leasing
Documentation
 
1. Tandy Computer Leasing is in the process
   of re-printing the pre-addressed mail-in documentation envelopes
   you have used in the past.
   These envelopes will be included in the lease kits
   that are sent to you;
   however, if you need a supply of the envelopes,
   please call TCL at (800) 78-TANDY [(800)  788-2639].
 
2. Schedule "A"s are now being included in the lease kits.
   The Schedule "A" should be used any time you have a lengthy equipment
   description that cannot fit in the box on the lease agreement.
   The Schedule "A" is an attachment to the lease
   that allows enough room for you to fill out all the equipment --
   also, it must be signed by the customer!
   When you use a Schedule "A," the following verbiage must appear
   in the equipment description box on the lease agreement:
 
   See attached Schedule "A" made a part hereof.
 
   Feel free to call TCL at (800) 78-TANDY with any questions
   regarding the Schedule "A."
 
3. We have noticed several lease agreements coming in
   that have equipment costs detailed and/or listed
   next to the equipment description on the lease.
   Equipment costs should not be listed
   anywhere on the lease document/agreement.
   Please refrain from doing this in the future.
 
4. When a personal/individual guaranty is required
   as part of the credit approval,
   please make sure that the person signs in the Individual Guaranty box
   and that their title is not included in this space.
 
5. When filling out the lease agreement, make sure the complete legal name
   of the Lessee matches the name given on the credit approval form.
6. If a purchase order is required from the Lessee
   as part of the credit approval,
   the Lessee must issue the purchase order to "Tandy Computer Leasing"
   at the Rochester, Michigan address.
 
7. When filling out the lease agreement for the 60-day deferred special,
   the "Initial Term" box must read "38" for the number of months,
   and the "Monthly Lease Payment" box should read "2 at 0,
   followed by 36 at $XXX.XX" (the appropriate lease payment amount).
   The security deposit box should read "$99.00."
 
   Please call TCL at (800) 78-TANDY with any questions
   regarding the deferred program.
 
8. For transactions that occur in Louisiana, the following verbiage
   must be noted on the lease agreement in the "Additional Provisions" box:
 
   After the initial term and a final payment of $__________,
   title shall pass to the lessee.
   This is a conditional sale.
 
   The above verbiage is used if the Lessee wishes to
   purchase the equipment at lease end, either for one dollar or 10%.
 
   Failure to include the above language will result
   in the Lessee being double taxed.
   Therefore, it is necessary that the verbiage is on the lease.
   Funding of the transaction will be delayed if it is missing.
 
   If you have any questions regarding this,
   please contact TCL at (800) 78-TANDY.
 
9. Please be aware that paragraph #7 of the lease document
   calls for a $35.00 administrative fee
   which is billed to the Lessee on their first invoice.
   Although this fee is standard for your commercial customers,
   it is not charged to your major account or municipal customers.
 
MOM-03-92
COMPUTER SUPPORT SERVICES -- "Answers at Your Fingertips"
RADIO SHACK ANNOUNCES THE OPEN WINDOW HOTLINE!
 
Radio Shack has made a major commitment to both
Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Works for Windows.
To support that commitment, we have established the Open Window Hotline.
The Open Window Hotline is a new program designed specifically
to answer your and your customers' pre-sale questions about Windows,
Works for Windows, and the Tandy  computers that run them.
 
You can reach the Open Window Hotline by calling
 
1 (800) 528-4183
This hotline number is exclusively for use by Radio Shack personnel.
It must not be given to your customers!
 
Although the Open Window Hotline number is confidential
and cannot be given to customers,
the Open Window Hotline staff will be more than happy to
talk directly to your customer from the store!
The procedure is simple:  Call the Open Window Hotline, identify yourself,
state the nature of your call, and ask the Open Window Hotline representative
to talk directly to your customer.
The benefits are that your prospect
will have all his questions answered directly,
your time will be free for other selling activities,
and your customer will be impressed with Radio Shack's level of support.
 
The lines are staffed seven days a week.
The hours of operation (Central Time Zone) for the Open Window Hotline are:
Monday through Saturday, 8:00 am - 10:45 pm;
Sunday hours are 10:00 am - 6:00 pm.
Use this chart to determine the hours of operation
of the Open Window Hotline in your area:
 
          Monday - Saturday   Sunday
 
Eastern  9:00 am  -  11:45 pm 11:00 am -  7:00 pm
Central  8:00 am  -  10:45 pm 10:00 am -  6:00 pm
Mountain 7:00 am  -  9:45 pm  9:00 am  -  5:00 pm
Pacific  6:00 am  -  8:45 pm  8:00 am  -  4:00 pm
 
These expanded hours of operation will ensure that you get answers
to all your Windows and Works for Windows questions and concerns.
 
What kinds of information can the Open Window Hotline provide?
We expect the questions will fall into two broad categories.
First, answers to pre-sale technical questions.
Examples of such questions might be,
"Can I merge names from my Works for Windows database
into the Works for Windows word processor to produce form letters?"
and "What is the optimum system configuration to use when
my customer's primary need is spreadsheet applications?"
 
The second area where the Open Window Hotline can help
is to  provide you with ammunition against the competition!
Questions such as, "Why should I buy your system instead of the
WhizBang Mega-486000 from CompuMail?" will be answered with
a feature-by-feature, benefit-by-benefit comparison.
When you call, be prepared.
Have the specs of the competitor's machine.
This comparison will separate the hype from the facts and help your customer
make an intelligent buying decision (and help you close the sale!).
 
Take advantage of the Open Window Hotline!
Use it to help you sell the best-supported, best-engineered,
and hottest compatible-plus Windows platforms on the market today!
 
MOM-03-92
TANDY ON-LINE SYSTEM SUPPORT (TOSS)
Who
Do you have customers who don't want to pay
$30,000 or $40,000 per year for a Systems Administrator?
For just a fraction of that amount,
they could have Tandy On-Line System Support (TOSS).
 
What
 
TOSS includes:
 
Fix Operating System Problems --
Support experts will identify the problem,
analyze the possible solutions and
make necessary corrections to your customer's system.
 
Self-Diagnosis --
As a subscriber, your customer will receive
a self-diagnostic program that will help them identify problems.
 
Total System Diagnostics --
At each instance of service, we will perform a complete remote evaluation
of your customer's system's integrity.
This feature can be requested at any time
regardless of whether or not service is required.
 
Total Security --
Your customer controls the access password to their system.
When a problem arises, they advise us of the password
so we can enter their system.
Once finished, they change the password for total security.
 
When
 
An 800 number is staffed by our experts
from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (Central Time, Monday Through Friday,
excluding holidays) for your customers' exclusive use.
They may call this number as often as necessary
to get answers to questions pertaining to the administration of their system.
 
Where
 
Your customer may order TOSS from you right now,
or contact TSP Contract Services at (800) 433-5502.
 
How
 
A full year's contract costs only $795.00 per system.
That's just $66.25 per month.
An additional amount may be charged for each system operating as a satellite.
If your customer does not already have a modem for remote access,
they may purchase our 2400 bps internal modem (900-2212).
 
Why
 
If your customer considers the cost of support
each time they have a problem,
or the cost of additional staff to maintain their system,
they would have to agree that this is a great service at a great price.
 
MOM-03-92
SUBJECTS OF THE MONTH
Shipping Consideration For LP 950
 
There is a strong possibility of toner spillage on the LP 950,
especially when shipping the printer.
Depending on the severity of the spill,
the printer could be very difficult to diagnose and repair,
and possibly be unrepairable.
 
The printer contains a development unit, drum unit, and toner collector unit,
all of which have some form of toner in them.
Unused toner sits on the development roller.
Used toner rests in a collection compartment on the drum unit
and is dumped out through a trap door into the toner collector unit.
No seal exists between the toner collector unit
and the trap door of the drum unit.
If the printer was tipped on its side or upside down,
toner could spill into the internal mechanisms of the printer.
 
When shipping the printer,
the spent toner in the toner collector
must be emptied and the toner collector then placed in a sealed plastic bag.
The development unit, the drum unit, and the toner collector unit
must be removed and carefully packaged
(in their original containers if possible),
then shipped separately along with the printer.
 
The above information has been provided to all Radio Shack service centers,
and we felt it was worth passing on to you.
Don't forget, when talking to your customers,
that this is the recommended shipping procedure for the LP 950.
 
MOM-03-92
DeskMate And Out Of Memory
When performing certain functions in DeskMate
you may experience "out of memory" error messages.
One instance might be when using Draw.
"Autoproof" and "alarm" are memory resident programs
and may cause "out of memory" conditions
when they use up memory that another program needs.
Just make sure that the Autoproof and Alarm
are not active when using Draw.
Turn them off temporarily.
 
This condition may be true with other programs as well.
 
MOM-03-92
DeskMate Mouse Driver
DeskMate has its own built-in mouse driver.
When using a non-DeskMate interface program
you will need to load the MS-DOS mouse driver.
 
Type the following line into your config.sys file:
 
device=c: dos mouse.sys
 
The line assumes you have a hard drive
and that the mouse driver is located in the DOS directory.
Change the drive and path appropriately
if the mouse driver is located in a different place.
Make sure this line is after the line that sets your "path."
 
You can use the MS-DOS "edit,"
or (a much simpler way) use DeskMate Text to edit your config.sys.
By placing this line in the config.sys file,
the mouse driver will load every time you boot the computer.
Your mouse will now be active in DeskMate and any other program you use.
 
MOM-03-92
HAVE INFO YOU WANT TO SHARE?
We are interested in anything you feel
would help other Radio Shack personnel.
We will verify the information and make it available to others.
Submit hints and tips via POS E-mail to:
 
Cynthia Davis    01-7879
 
Remember, your number to call for answers on any of our computer products
is:
 
1 (800) 2TANDY 4
 
(This number is for you, NOT for customers!)
 
MOM-03-92
Product News
NEW! TANDY 2500 SX/25 PERSONAL COMPUTER
 
Introducing The Tandy  2500 SX/25
 
Radio Shack is proud to announce the newest member of the
Tandy 2500 series of products, the Tandy 2500 SX/25.
The catalog number is 25-1610 for the hard drive special edition
with a retail price of $1,299.95.
It uses the fastest 80386SX chip available on the market,
running at 25 MHz.
It comes standard with 2 MB of memory,
with expansion on the motherboard available for up to 16 MB.
Super VGA compatibility is built onto the main board as well,
for graphics up to four times sharper than standard VGA.
A two-button mouse (25-1042) is in the box.
Tandy 2500 enhanced sound and the DAC are here,
along with microphone and headphone jacks.
A new style 101-key keyboard has a three-level height adjustment.
The keyboard footprint is reduced but the key spacing and placement
are essentially the same.
 
Inside is the same 85 MB SmartDrive  hard drive you came to know and love
on the 2500 SX/20 computer.
On the hard drive, we have installed MS-DOS version 5.0,
Microsoft Windows 3.0, Microsoft Works for Windows 2.0 and America Online.
In your manual pack you'll find full and complete documentation for DOS,
Windows, and Works.
Diskettes are included for DOS, Windows and Works
so the programs can be restored, if necessary.
Note:  Unlike the 25-4077, there is no modem in this computer.
 
MOM-03-92
Floppy Version
 
There is also a floppy version of the 2500 SX/25.
Its catalog number is 25-1611 and it retails for $999.95.
The 25-1611 comes with everything that the 25-1610 has,
with the exception of the hard drive,
Microsoft Works for Windows and America Online.
It will be available only as a special order item
and may not be stocked in stores.
 
MOM-03-92
Who Will Buy It?
During the last 6 months,
the home computer market has taken a dramatic turn towards 80386SX computers,
primarily due to the explosive success of Windows 3.0.
As computer literacy has grown,
home users have greatly increased their expectations of what a computer can
do.
As a result,
last Christmas we saw that 95% of the computers advertised
had a 386SX processor.
 
As 80386SX machines have become more available,
software developers have written more programs
that are speed- and memory-driven.
Educators are looking for 80386SX computers at 80286 prices.
Small business owners want to buy a product
with the power to run sophisticated financial software,
but not break the bank buying it.
 
The 2500 SX/25 is targeted at this vast audience of customers.
For the home user, we include the most popular graphical interface
on the market, Windows 3.0,
and a program with a sophisticated spreadsheet, word processor,
database and more:  Microsoft Works for Windows.
(More information about Works is on Page 14,
"Introducing Microsoft Works for Windows v 2.0.")
For education, we have the fastest 386SX processor and a price
at or below what 80286 computers were selling for just one year ago.
The small business user gets a computer with the power,
memory, hard drive storage and price they need.
These are the same people who would have bought a 1000 RLX/HD computer
6 months ago at a comparable price.
 
MOM-03-92
Where Does It Fit?
Strategically, this is considered a low-end system.
The Tandy  1000 RL/HD, the Tandy  1000 RLX and RLX/HD are the computers
you sell for entry-level computing and those working on a tight budget.
For just a little more, they can easily move up to the 2500 SX/25.
The next jump in price is to a mid-range line,
consisting of 386DX and 486SX computers.
But for the majority of our customers,
the 2500 SX/25 will be more than enough machine,
and it's in the price range where many people are buying computers now.
 
MOM-03-92
Detailed Feature List
- An 80386SX processor running at 25 MHz, switchable to 8 MHz
 
- 2 MB RAM, soldered on the motherboard (no throwaway RAM).
  Expandable to 16 MB in the following steps: 4, 6, 10, 12 and 16.
  The memory kit for this computer is 25-5137,
  which consists of two 1 MB 70ns SIMM modules.
  Memory upgrading to 10, 12 and 16 MB will require 70ns, 4 MB SIMMs,
  which are only available through Third Party Products.
 
- 85 MB 15ms SmartDrive  hard drive.
  Note that on this drive we are advertising the unformatted capacity.
  The formatted capacity is around 81 MB.
  Be sure to remember this -- you will be asked!
 
- Upgradeable to a second SmartDrive without additional cables
 
- 1.44 MB, 3 1/2" diskette drive
 
- Super VGA compatibility.
  The 2500 SX/25 comes with 256K video RAM,
  which is upgradeable to 512K Super VGA.
 
- Tandy digital sound system, including 8-bit DAC, 3 voice sound,
  microphone and headphone jacks, full range speaker (not a piezo)
  and volume settings you control through the keyboard
 
- An open 5 1/4" device bay, for CD-ROM or half height floppy drives,
  tape backup devices, etc.
 
- Real-time clock with battery backup
 
- One 9-pin serial port
 
- One DB-25 bi-directional printer port
 
- PS/2-style ports for keyboard and mouse
 
- Low profile, high tech case
 
- 101-key deluxe keyboard
 
- 3 open full-length PC/AT ISA expansion slots
 
- 70 watt power supply
 
- 1 year warranty
 
- Bundled with MS-DOS version 5.0,
  Microsoft Windows version 3.0,
  Microsoft Works for Windows 2.0 and America Online
  pre-installed on the hard drive
 
MOM-03-92
Points You Should Know And Use
Those ads you see at $999 complete with monitor
are normally 16 MHz computers with a 40 MB hard drive.
When asked to compare, make sure you know the specs you're up against
and what you should point out to your prospects.
 
Point 1 :  An 80386SX running at 25 MHz
           is 50% faster than a 16 MHz computer.
 
Point 2 :  An 85 MB hard drive is the optimum size for Windows users.
           A 40 MB drive is not enough in a Windows environment.
 
Many manufacturers include software with their computers.
Most include DOS and some productivity software.
The $999 clones usually come with DOS 4.0 and a "Works" program
from Lotus, PFS, or the non-Windows version of Microsoft Works.
Many, including very well known brands, are only loading the
hard drive and not shipping diskettes with the computer
in order to lower the cost of manufacturing.
 
Point 3 :  We package the latest, most powerful version of MS-DOS,
           version 5.0, and include solid documentation.
 
Point 4 :  Microsoft Works for Windows is the best "Works" program
           on the market.
 
Point 5 :  We include software on diskettes
           as well as on the hard drive ... just in case.
           Our customers deserve the best.
 
And something we should always remember:
 
Point 6 :  Our computers are built with pride and quality in
           the United States of America.
 
MOM-03-92
Software Sampler
We have put a software sampler on the hard drive
to help you demonstrate the computer.
It has rotating demos of Carmen Sandiego, Space Quest, Red Storm Rising,
Chuck Yeager's Flight Trainer, TaxCut, Treehouse, and others.
(More information about the Sampler is on Page 16,
"Introducing the Software Sampler.")
 
One demo, Castles, is interactive, but we recommend
that unless you're familiar with the Castles program, you don't run it.
All of the demos except TaxCut have sound.
The Carmen series and Space Quest really show off Tandy digital sound.
For comparison, Chuck Yeager and the F-19 software
demonstrate standard IBM sound.
On F-19, you have the option of picking what type of sound to use.
Pick IBM sound.
The Tandy 1000 sound option will result in no sound at all.
Remember, this is a Tandy 2500.
 
MOM-03-92
What Is This New Keyboard?
The layout is essentially the same as an enhanced keyboard.
The <ENTER> key is larger, the <BACKSPACE> key smaller
and the <CAP LOCK>, <SCROLL LOCK> and <NUM LOCK> lights
are now on a panel instead of on the keys;
otherwise, this new keyboard is an enhanced keyboard.
The reduction in footprint is mostly in depth.
The height can be adjusted to one of three levels.
This is a quality keyboard,
and it will stand up under scrutiny against
any other 101-key enhanced keyboard on the market.
 
MOM-03-92
What About TSP?
Carry-in TSP on the 25-1610 hard drive computer is $199
for the 3-year plan and $359 for the 5-year plan.
On the 25-1611 floppy drive computer,
the price is $129 for the 3-year and $239 on the 5-year plans.
Remember, TSP is a great way to increase your margins,
your ticket and your customer's confidence in a computer sale.
 
MOM-03-92
Video Memory/Math Coprocessor?
Use the MX-3750 512K memory kit from National Parts.
Prices can vary on this item,
so call for a current price before quoting to your customer.
 
We currently do not carry a 25 MHz 80387SX coprocessor in our line;
however, these are available through Third Party Products.
(For information about ordering,
see "Third Party Products Update" on Page 26.)
 
And There You Have It
 
The Tandy 2500 SX/25, our fastest and most complete 80386SX computer ever.
The hard drive version is featured in flyer 484
with the VGM-220 color monitor at $1,599.90, a $100 discount.
 
We've worked hard to develop a sales plan and produce a computer
that we believe you will be proud to sell and sell well.
 
Good Selling!
 
MOM-03-92
NEW TANDY 4825 SX
Introducing the NEW Tandy  4825 SX Hard Drive Edition
 
The new Tandy  4825 SX Hard Drive Edition computer (Cat. No. 25-5142)
ships pre-configured with a sizzling 80486SX 25 MHz clock speed,
blazing large-capacity 120 MB hard drive, MS-DOS 5.0,
Microsoft Windows 3.0, Microsoft Works for Windows 2.0,
Software Sampler with 12 demo programs all pre-installed
for value added power and go,
topped off with a two-button mouse for point and click convenience!
 
STANDARD Features
 
- Super fast 25 MHz i80486SX microprocessor
 
- Supports future double performance Intel processors
 
- 4 MB RAM (80ns), expandable to 32 MB on main logic board
 
- Super VGA graphics with 512K of video RAM,
  expandable to 1 MB, and enhanced video drivers
 
- 16-Bit IDE interface for support of two SmartDrive  hard drives
- One 1.44 MB 3 1/2" high capacity floppy drive
  (supports an optional 2.88 MB floppy drive)
 
- Three 16-Bit ISA-compatible expansion slots
 
- Device Slots: one 3 1/2" height and one (open) half height 5 1/4"
 
- Ports: bi-directional parallel, two serial, and mouse
 
- Durable 101-key, quality enhanced-style keyboard
 
- Setup in ROM, allows change of setup without diskette
 
- Exclusive hard drive auto configure for SmartDrives
 
- Clock with battery backup
 
- 100 watt power supply
 
- Low profile design: 4.25 x 15.5 x 15 inches (H x W x D)
 
- 1 Year in-store warranty
 
- Made by Tandy  -- in the USA -- Backed by Radio Shack
 
Now for the ENHANCED Features
 
- Fast 15ms 120 MB hard drive installed and preformatted!
 
- Software pre-installed with actual documentation:
 
- MS-DOS 5.0 -- America's most widely accepted operating system
 
- Windows 3.0 -- The most widely accepted Graphical User Interface
  for 386- and 486-based computers.
 
- Works for Windows -- Easy to use, integrated and powerful:
  Word Processing, Spreadsheet, Database, Charts and a Draw program.
 
- Two-button mouse for point and click simplicity
 
A Software Sampler demo is installed on the hard drive.
Information about this demo is on Page 16,
"Introducing the Software Sampler."
 
MOM-03-92
Microsoft Windows 3.0
With the tremendous success of the Power Windows Option
during the Tandy  2500 SX/20 promotion,
we've loaded Windows 3.0 and enough memory to run in the Enhanced mode
from the start, with room to grow.
Both Windows and DeskMate  make PCs easier to use
by providing a point (at what you want to do)
and click (to do it) environment.
 
Windows goes beyond the previous 640K limitation and addresses extended
memory,
the additional memory available in the 4825 SX.
Now you can run several applications at once
and work with much larger document files without running out of memory.
You are already experienced with Graphical User Interfaces
(like Windows and DeskMate) in which all the applications work the same way!
 
MOM-03-92
Microsoft Works for Windows 2.0
To work productively with Windows,
bundled with the 4825 SX is the Microsoft Works for Windows.
There are a lot of "works" type programs out there,
but you are offering the  true  Microsoft Works for Windows.
This integrated program allows the beginning
or advanced user to get up and running in a short period of time.
(The Wizards are great!)
The article entitled, "Introducing Microsoft Works for Windows v 2.0"
on Page 14 has more information.
 
MOM-03-92
Intel's Future Double Performance Processors
 
Intel is advertising "upgradeability" for the future.
You can assure your customers that the 4825 SX
will support future double-performance upgrade Intel processors.
You'll want to stay tuned
for more information regarding this important strategy.
 
MOM-03-92
Tandy Monitors for Every Customer
With the aggressively priced 4825 SX hard drive edition,
you'll want to qualify each customer
and offer the proper monitor for their needs.
Let's look at the quality monitors you offer:
 
VGM-100 Monochrome Monitor -- 14" paper-white display
offers shades of gray.
Low cost choice for basic non-color required applications.
Cat. No. 25-4040, $199.95.
 
VGM-220 Color Monitor -- 14" .52mm dot pitch with glare type screen
shows off the brilliance in every color displayed.
For the budget minded customer.
Cat. No. 25-4044, $399.95.
 
VGM-200 Color Monitor -- 14" .42mm dot pitch with non-glare screen
displays a sharp, clear character for the all day, everyday user.
Cat. No. 25-4041, (Sale Price) $449.95.
 
VGM-440 Color Monitor -- 14" .28mm dot pitch
that is Super VGA Compatible which means that it can display
resolutions from 640 x 480 or 800 x 600 to 1024 x 768.
Superb clarity and included tilt/swivel base.
Cat. No. 25-4046, (New Low Price) $599.00.
 
Your Target Market is ... EVERYONE!
 
                  Business:  Accounting, POS, Graphics, Spreadsheets
                 Education:  Teacher and Student Workstations, Networks
     Personal Productivity:  Word Processing, Databases
             Entertainment:  Action Programs
 
You are offering your customer a system with superior expansion.
The 120 MB hard drive offers lots of room for programs and data storage,
which your customers will need for Windows-type applications.
 
MOM-03-92
Allowable Discounts
This is not a regular cataloged item; it is a special edition.
There are no standard discounts from the special price of $1,999.
The only approved discounts will be Employee and Franchise/Dealer.
 
Will There Be A Floppy Version?
 
Yes, it will be available the first of March.
The 4825 SX floppy version will be Cat. No. 25-5141
and will retail for $1,699.
It, too, will include Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Works for Windows,
and a mouse.
Again, discounts are limited to those mentioned above.
 
MOM-03-92
Availability
In early February,
each 01-Z Store was shipped one 4825 SX (25-5142).
Following those shipments, all other stores were shipped
based on their sales of the 2500 SX/20 (25-4077).
This means that those stores that did the best were shipped first,
and those that did not sell at least one 25-4077
were not shipped any 25-5142s.
 
All stores will have the opportunity to sell 486-based systems!
In addition to the CPU,
you will also receive a VGM-200 Color Monitor (25-4041).
Flyer 484 will be the official kick-off for the promotion,
so you'll want to set up the 4825 SX and monitor as soon as you receive it.
 
Clear Out Your Current Inventory
 
Take the opportunity to clear out your current stock
of all 2500s and 4020 SXs at the special package prices
that you have been given previously
and make room for this great new addition to the Tandy family.
 
Tandy  Computers: The Best Selling PC Compatibles in America!
 
MOM-03-92
NEW MEMORY UPGRADE KIT
The new 25-5137 memory kit consists of two 1 MB (70ns), 1 x 9 SIMMs.
The selling price is $199.95.
This kit replaces the 25-5134 memory kit which is SOWG.
 
As computer speeds increase,
it is necessary to carry only one memory kit
that supports the latest systems as well as earlier systems.
The new Tandy  2500 SX/25 system
requires a minimum access time of 70 nanoseconds,
and the new Tandy  4825 SX
only requires a minimum access time of 80 nanoseconds.
The new 25-5137 memory kit will support both of these
and other Tandy systems because
the memory actually slows down to the speed that the system requires.
Placing faster access RAM into a system that does not require it
will not make the system run faster.
 
When mixing different speed SIMMs,
we recommend that you place the faster access memory
starting at the lower banks, i.e., bank 0, bank 1, etc.,
as defined on the memory expansion area of the board
or the computer's user guide.
 
Memory pricing continues to be volatile,
and this is the reason for not stocking this item in stores.
If you have 25-5134s in your inventory, sell them first
before offering the new kit,
unless you are selling for a system that requires the faster RAM kit.
 
Identifying SIMM Speeds
 
Identifying SIMM speed is very easy.
Of course, always handle with care and be static-free.
Usually, the speed is listed at the end of a row of numbers
and can look like the following examples:
 
   8839 s000 15K  15 meaning 150 nanoseconds
   mcm514000anj70 70 meaning 70 nanoseconds
   MT4c4256DJ-10  10 meaning 100 nanoseconds
 
Sometimes you'll just find the -70 or -80 out by itself
and that refers to 70 nanoseconds and 80 nanoseconds respectively.
 
MOM-03-92
INTRODUCING MICROSOFT WORKS FOR WINDOWS V 2.0
Windows makes a wonderful graphical user interface.
But other than some great utility programs,
Windows lacks the real applications that can get your customers
"up and running" quickly.
To bring back this basic functionality,
we are bundling Microsoft Works for Windows
with both the new Tandy  2500 SX/25 and the Tandy  4825 SX.
 
Why Works?
The original Microsoft Works for DOS was a fabulous success story.
Not only was it a success at retail,
but it also became a package bundled with CPUs
to combat what Tandy was doing with DeskMate .
Microsoft worked with SCORE, the Service Corps of Retired Executives,
to create small business training and templates.
SCORE then worked with the Small Business Administration
to provide the actual training to new business owners.
 
MS Works for Windows includes the three basic productivity applications:
 
   Word Processing   Spreadsheet Database
 
PLUS, it includes a Draw program
that integrates easily with the word processor.
 
Works for Windows also includes
some of what Microsoft has termed "Wizards."
These wizards help a customer learn how to create an address book, for
example,
or merge an address book with a form letter or create mailing labels.
 
Additionally, when Works is first launched,
it enters a screen that allows the user to go through
a "Welcome to Works" tutorial.
The tutorial teaches the user by using Works to plan a family reunion.
The Word Processor and Draw programs create the letter,
Spreadsheet keeps track of the different hotels
and charts the different rates,
and the database keeps track of family members.
 
Works for Windows uses a "Toolbar" much like the menubar in DeskMate.
When you open any of the Works applications,
you'll notice the Toolbar,
a ribbon of buttons running just underneath the menu bar.
Each application has its own set of buttons,
some common to more than one application, others specific.
To further explain this,
let's take a look at each individual piece of Works for Windows.
 
Word Processor
 
Works for Windows comes with a full featured word processor --
important since word processing
continues to be the most common use of a computer.
In the word processor, the Toolbar represents the basic functions
people use most often when creating documents.
You can:
 
- Easily change the font or its size
- Bold, italicize or underline text
- Activate the spell checker or thesaurus
- Change from single to double spacing
- Left/Center/Right or Justify text
- Change tabs and margins
 
Additionally, you can preview a document or print it right from the Toolbar.
No more menus to pull down!
 
One of the neat features of Works for Windows is the Draw program.
Much like DeskMate, you can add a drawing to your document.
Works comes with a selection of clip art,
or the user can create their own drawings.
 
Once the drawing has been selected and you return to your document,
that drawing becomes an "object" embedded in the document
using a technology called OLE (Object Linking and Embedding).
Any time the document is opened, the drawing appears.
If the drawing changes or is made smaller or larger,
the new drawing will appear in the document.
Because it's an object,
you can launch the Draw program by clicking on the object in the document.
 
Other objects that can be put into a document include "Note-Its,"
comments or other notes about a document that actually show up as a
"little yellow sticky" in the document.
 
Spreadsheet
 
In the spreadsheet, an "Excel-like" grid comes up on the screen.
Again, the Toolbar runs across the top of the screen,
just under the menu bar.
Some Toolbar functions are similar -- fonts and font sizes can be changed,
cells can be bolded, italicized or underlined,
spreadsheets can again be previewed and printed.
But just as the spell checker and thesaurus
can be activated in the word processor,
the spreadsheet has buttons specific to its functions.
Cells can:
 
- Be formatted as dollars and cents with the "$" button
- Be made percentages with the "%" button
- Have commas added with the "," button
 
The (Sigma) is the button that automatically sums a column or row of cells.
 
Additionally, it's easy to create charts and graphs with the spreadsheet.
Simply highlight the range of cells you want to graph
and click the chart button.
This will take you to a different screen
where you have a choice of different types of charts,
including some 3-D options.
And because of a technology called Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE),
any time the corresponding cells are changed in the spreadsheet,
the chart is automatically updated.
 
Plus, you can add a chart or spreadsheet to a word processing document
as an object and the same DDE feature applies!
 
Database
 
The Database Toolbar in Works for Windows again
features font and type size buttons.
Again, reports or records can be printed or previewed from the Toolbar.
It also allows the user to change from a "form view,"
where new records would be defined or entered,
to "list view," a spreadsheet-like listing of all the records,
to "query view," where specific records can be selected,
to the "report definition view," where a hard copy or screen report
of the records can be organized and defined.
 
In the database an address book might be defined.
Then "fields" from the database like name and address
could be selected as all records in Texas or all of the people named Smith.
And fields from the database can be added to
the word processor to create customized form letters!
 
Now It's Up To You!
 
As you can see, there are many advantages to Microsoft Windows and
Works for Windows, a user interface
designed to harness the power of the 386 microprocessor
with a common "look and feel" for applications.
Microsoft Works for Windows is an integrated productivity package
with word processing, spreadsheet, database, drawing and charting
that uses many of the features of the Windows interface like OLE and DDE.
 
The new Tandy 2500 SX/25 and Tandy 4825 SX systems
will truly WOW your customers
when you know the features of the software bundled with them.
Practice navigating around in Windows.
Know how to activate applications.
Practice demonstrating the functions available on the "Toolbar."
Know your product and how to show your customer its value.
 
MOM-03-92
INTRODUCING THE SOFTWARE SAMPLER
The Software Sampler
The Tandy  2500 SX/25 and 4825 SX come with MS-DOS 5.0,
Microsoft Windows 3.0, Microsoft Works for Windows 2.0
and the new Software Sampler pre-installed on the hard drive.
The Software Sampler is a collection
of 9 previously distributed software demos.
There are 12 different program demos contained in these 9 demonstrations.
 
These demos were selected to allow you to show off:
 
- the Speed and Power of the new Tandy computers
- the Tandy 2500 SX/25 Enhanced Sound and DAC/ADC
- the  great  graphics on both machines
and to
- sell Software
 
The Demos
 
To use the Sampler, just double click a mouse on the Sampler icon
at the start-up screen.
The screen will display a menu with an icon to select
each of the 9 different demos.
The demos are arranged by category.
There are three categories --
Education, Business/Productivity, and Entertainment.
You must use a mouse to select a demo.
The keyboard is "locked out" at this screen
and you must click on the icon (or picture) of the demo you want.
 
Education
 
25-1802  Where in America's Past is Carmen Sandiego   Great sound on 2500 (in Standard mode)
25-1329  Where in Time is Carmen Sandiego   Good sound
25-1822  Treehouse
 
Business/Productivity
 
25-1431  TaxCut   Great demo until April 16 (even after!)
 
Entertainment
 
25-1812  Headline Harry Great education program, too
25-1819  Chuck Yeager   Watch it fly on the Tandy 4825
25-1807  Space Quest 4  Great sound on 2500
25-1811  Castles  Interactive with great graphics*
 
The following entertainment games on the MicroProse demo
make a good rotating entertainment presentation.
Be certain to use the right menu settings.**
 
25-1383  F-15 Strike Eagle II
90-1055  Red Storm Rising
25-1290  F-19
25-1328  M-1 Tank Platoon
 
* The Castles demo is interactive
and allows the user to experiment with the actual program.
To access the game menu you must click the right mouse button
on the first screen.
Then select a menu option by clicking the left mouse button
on the options that appear on the left of the screen.
Select options from the menu and click on console
for a good graphics display or quit to return to the Sampler.
Use the Castles TITLE screen to show off the graphics on both computers.
 
** The MicroProse multiple products demo
takes you through two menus to select sound and graphics.
Use the standard PC setting for sound (not the Tandy 1000 setting).
Use the VGA setting for graphics.
 
The Tandy 2500 SX/25 comes configured with Windows in "Standard Mode"
(not Enhanced) to take advantage of the enhanced Tandy sound.
Windows will not allow access to Tandy sound from the "Enhanced Mode."
To automatically boot to Windows in the Enhanced mode,
the last line of the AUTOEXEC.BAT must be changed to "win"
(it now reads "win /s").
Remember that the Tandy 4825 SX does not have Tandy Enhanced Sound
and is shipped with Windows already set in the Enhanced Mode.
 
When programs in the Software Sampler are no longer stocked in stores,
they will be moved to the Express Order  Program.
 
The Software Sampler is a tremendous tool
that can be used to sell the sizzle!
 
MOM-03-92
FEBRUARY/MARCH COMPUTER SALES CONTEST
 
The emphasis in February and March
is to sell as many of the new Tandy  2500 SX/25 and
Tandy  4825 computers as we can.
To get you and your salesmakers off to a "quick start"
in training and selling these new computers,
we are offering the following incentives:
 
1. Each salesperson who sells their first Tandy 2500 SX/25 or
   Tandy 4825 SX within 30 days of completing training
   will receive a cap from the Tandy apparel collection
   with the Tandy Computer logo embroidered on it.
 
2. The top 3 store managers in each district whose stores
   have sold the highest number of 2500 SX/25s and 4825 SXs
   during the months of February and March
   will win one of the following items from the Tandy apparel collection.
   There will be 3 winners per district per month.
 
   1st Place   Voyager Jacket
   2nd Place   Santa Cruz Sweater
   3rd Place   Eagle Golf Shirt
 
Reporting Responsibilities
 
It will be the store manager's responsibility
to report the names of their employees
to the district office when they sell their first computer.
 
All prizes will be awarded by your District Sales Manager
at scheduled meetings throughout February and March.
 
MOM-03-92
VGA/SUPER VGA AND THE NEW TANDY COMPUTERS
The Tandy  2500 SX/25 and the Tandy  4825 SX
support Super VGA right out of the box.
Just like the Tandy  2500 SX/20,
the new 2500 SX/25 needs a 256K Video RAM upgrade
(MX-3750 available through National Parts)
to access the most popular Super VGA modes
(like the 640 x 480 with 256 color mode).
This chart will help you understand which monitor to sell your customer:
 
Resolution     Colors   Monitor  Dot Pitch   Drv. Inc.*
 
Standard VGA (256K VRAM) -- Tandy 2500 SX/25 (and SX/20) -- as shipped
 
320  x  200    256      VGM-220  .52         Y
                        VGM-200  .42         Y
                        VGM-440  .28         Y
 
640  x  480    16       VGM-220  .52         Y
                        VGM-200  .42         Y
                        VGM-440  .28         Y
 
800  x  600    16       VGM-440  .28         N
 
In today's industry there is no Super VGA "standard,"
so any of the following modes qualify as Super VGA:
 
Resolution     Colors   Monitor  Dot Pitch   Drv. Inc.*
 
Super VGA (256K VRAM) -- 2500 SX/25 (and SX/20) -- as shipped
_
640  x  400    256      VGM-220  .52         N
                        VGM-200  .42         N
                        VGM-440  .28         N
 
Super VGA (512K VRAM) -- 4825 SX as shipped -- 2500 SX/25 with MX-3750 VRAM
 
640  x  480    256      VGM-220  .52         Y
                        VGM-200  .42         Y
                        VGM-440  .28         Y
 
800  x  600    16       VGM-440  .28         Y
1024  x  768   16       VGM-440  .28         Y
 
Super VGA (1 MB VRAM) -- Tandy 4825 SX with 512K additional VRAM**
 
800  x  600    256      VGM-440  .28         Y
 
1024  x  768   256      VGM-440  .28         Y
 
*"Drv. Inc." means the driver is included.
Those that we don't supply may be available elsewhere.
 
** This is available from Third Party Products.
Order information -- Quantity: 4; Description: 70 ns 256K x 4 DRAM
 
The chart clearly shows that you can use the VGM-220 and the VGM-200
in Super VGA mode -- the 640 x 480 with 256 colors.
One of the most popular Super VGA modes in Windows is the
800 x 600 with 16 colors.
This mode requires the VGM-440.
 
If a customer needs 1024 x 768 with 256 colors,
sell them the Tandy 4825 SX,
add on the additional VRAM from Third Party Products,
and the VGM-440.
 
MOM-03-92
SOME DESKMATE UPGRADE ROMS NOW SHIPPING -- OTHERS COMING SOON
Kits 70A-1360 and 70B-1360 are currently at CMC.
Versions 70C-1360 and 70D-1360 should be available by early March.
 
The DeskMate upgrade ROM kits
are comparable to the retail DeskMate 3.5 (25-1351).
They include the retail box, manual, diskettes, and ROM chip(s).
Retail price for the upgrade kit is $99.95 (no upgrade allowance),
and installation is recommended for all versions.
(Version 70D-1360 requires a board exchange).
 
Upgrade ROM Chart
 
Cat. #   Computer    CPU Configuration Code(s)*    Part to Order
 
25-1401  1000 SL     UAA, UAF, UAG, UBF, UBG, UBI  70B-1360
                     UAB, UBB, UBH, UBJ            70D-1360
 
25-1402  1000 SL/2   UAA                           70B-1360
                     UBA                           70C-1360
 
25-1601  1000 TL     all models                    70B-1360
 
25-1602  1000 TL/2   all models                    70A-1360
 
* -- The three-letter CPU Configuration code (if applicable)
  can be found on the bottom of the computer.
 
MOM-03-92
TAXCUT (25-1431) NOW REQUIRES A HARD DRIVE
 
Tax season is upon us again --
and TaxCut (25-1431) is ready with a newer, better version!
The new version will be sent to your customer
when they request disks for the 1991 tax season.
The new version, however, requires a hard drive.
Be sure your customers understand this before
they purchase the software.
 
MOM-03-92
AMERICA ONLINE DEMO ACCOUNTS
 
Are you ready for an America Online Demo Account?
A form to request your account is
attached to this issue of the M.O.M.
 
Fill out the form completely, then send it directly to America Online:
 
America Online, Inc.
8619 Westwood Center Drive
Vienna, VA 22182
 
Do NOT send these forms to Radio Shack Merchandising!!!
 
MOM-03-92
NEW BROCHURES IN FFD WAREHOUSE
These brochures are now available from the Force Feed Warehouse:
 
FC-279   Tandy  1110 HD Notebook Computer
FC-389   DMP 240/DMP 136 Color Printers
FC-983   DMP 135/DMP 202 / DMP 2104 9-Wire Printers
FC-984   Tandy  2820 HD Notebook Computer
FC-985   DMP 310 Slimline Printer
FC-986   Tandy  1800 HD Notebook Computer
FC-988   Tandy  3820 HD Notebook Computer
 
MOM-03-92
PAPER FOR PC-6 PRINTER (26-3652)
The paper (65-711) used in some of the Radio Shack printing calculators
and in the PC-6 Thermal Printer (26-3592) has been discontinued.
This paper is readily available
from most office supply houses that carry calculator paper.
There is also an ample supply available in store inventory.
 
MOM-03-92
DON'T MIX OLD TANDY PRINTERS WITH OTHERS' PC CLONES
The Problem
 
We are receiving sporadic reports from the field
that some of our customers are trying to use
older model Tandy printers with
computers that are not from Radio Shack.
The first problem is that we have allowed these customers
to migrate to non-Tandy computers.
The second problem is that some of the so-called "IBM clones"
may not have a parallel printer port that will tolerate the voltages
provided through the printer cable
from the older Tandy printers to the computer.
In these cases, permanent damage to the computer system can result
when the printer is plugged in and turned on.
 
To be compatible with computers that were sold in those early days,
the older Tandy printers supplied +5 volts on pin 18 of the printer connector.
All the newer Tandy printers
have switched to the more popular IBM parallel port standard
that does not have this 5 volt signal present.
It is this 5 volt line on pin 18 that causes the problem
with some of the clone computers.
 
Unfortunately, there is no way for Radio Shack
to test all the new "clones"
to make sure that proper buffering is done with their parallel port.
Therefore, no exact information is available
on which of the "clones" will be damaged
when used with an older Tandy printer.
Most of the reports seem to revolve around using Tandy daisy wheel printers
with recent releases from Packard Bell.
This does not suggest that the Packard Bell units (or any others)
are not good machines,
just that they can't seem to handle extraneous voltages
on the parallel printer port like the Tandy machines can.
 
There is presently no cure for the problem that is easy to implement.
There is also no guarantee that the printer will not function
with the customer's new clone computer.
Unfortunately, there are no symptoms
to indicate that the two are not compatible until it is too late.
The printer will simply destroy
some parts of the computer's main logic board without warning.
The extent of the damage is not determinable
and could depend on the clone's design and construction.
 
A Partial Solution
 
For those customers who want to attempt
to correct the problem by themselves,
they need simply cut line 18 on the printer cable coming from the printer.
However, this is not a 100% cure as it is still possible
that the clone computer will not like the voltages
present on the other lines and still cause damage.
 
Any customer who indicates that they are purchasing a new printer cable
to hook up their old Tandy printer to their new computer
should be warned that the two items may be incompatible and damage may result.
These two items were designed at different periods in the computing industry
and were never meant to work together.
(It would be like hooking up one of those
new fancy automatic temperature control units to a very old furnace system.
It may or may not work and you might burn your house down!)
 
The Best Solution?  Sell a Printer!
 
The Tandy parallel port was the standard for many years
(Centronic Standard Port), but it was replaced by the IBM port
as MS-DOS became more popular.
This old standard is incompatible with the new models.
Offer your customer the opportunity to upgrade their complete system
with a newer, faster more up-to-date printer.
Show them what you have to offer.
After all, if they upgraded their computer,
they certainly would want to have the latest in printing technology as well.
 
For your reference, this warning only applies to old Tandy printers
that have the old Tandy parallel port.
It does not affect the newer Tandy printers with the IBM parallel port.
Old printers are the DMP 133, DMP 440, DMP 107, LP 1000, and any older models.
A printer cable selection chart is attached to this M.O.M.
All the printers that require a TAN cable are those affected by this warning.
 
MOM-03-92
SHELF LIFE OF 26-1424 RIBBONS
The shelf life for the 26-1424 printer ribbon is one year,
and all inventory currently in the stores and recently received
is beyond this one year life.
Therefore, you should discard all remaining store inventory
of this product (date codes of 5A0 or 7A0 or earlier).
 
As with all nylon printer ribbons,
the normal shelf life is one year from the date code printed on the box.
New product bearing a 91 or 92 date code
(last digit in date code is a "1" or a "2"
will be available in the warehouse by the time you receive this M.O.M.
You should make sure that, as new stock is received from the warehouse,
you sell off the oldest inventory first
to eliminate customer complaints about dried out ribbons.
Periodically you should check your printer ribbon inventory
and scrap any ribbons that have a date code of over one year old.
 
The product is currently being moved from the Force Feed Warehouse (0803)
to TSDC (0055) and the product will no longer be force fed to your stores.
The new Store Replenishment System should keep you properly refilled
as you sell off your oldest inventory first.
You should not reorder this product unless you have a definite need
to fill customer requirements.
 
MOM-03-92
BATTERY CHARGER FOR TANDY NOTEBOOKS
 
Radio Shack recently released an External Battery Charger
for those notebook computer users who require
lots of extra charged batteries for traveling.
Available from TSDC on special order
is this new External Battery Charger (25-3537, $229.95).
 
This external charger will charge batteries for the 1500 HD, 1800 HD,
2810 HD, 2820 HD, 3810 HD, and 3820 HD.
It holds up to two batteries and charges them in fast charge mode.
Each battery charges consecutively in approximately two hours.
 
No AC adapter is supplied with the charger itself.
Users of the Tandy 1800, 2810,  2820, 3810, and 3820 HD
may either use the AC Adapter that came with their notebook computer
or purchase an additional AC Adapter for convenience.
 
Users of the Tandy  1500 HD will be required to purchase
a separate AC Adapter to power the charger.
 
NOTE: The 1500 HD can only use the AC Adapter
that came with it -- or the adapter for an 1100 FD or 1110 HD.
These adapters will not power the External Battery Charger 25-3537.
 
There are two AC Adapters available from National Parts
that can be used to power the charger.
These are the same adapters that come with the notebook computer
(except the 1500 HD).
The adapters on the 1800 HD, 2810 HD, 2820 HD, 3810 HD and 3820 HD
are completely interchangeable --
the only difference being the input AC voltage each charger can use.
The charger supplied with the 1800 HD and 2810 HD is 110v AC only.
The charger for the 3810 HD, 2820 HD and 3820 HD is dual voltage --
110/220v AC 50/60 Hz -- and can be used overseas
with the proper AC cord or adapter.
But, as stated, either adapter can be used with any of the listed
notebook computers or with the External Battery Charger.
 
National Parts External Battery        Current
Number         Charger & Notebook      Price       Voltage
WF-0334        1800 HD / 2810 HD       $97.47      110v AC
WE-0157        3810 / 2820 / 3820 HD   $199.15     110/220v AC
 
MOM-03-92
BATTERY USE ON LAPTOP AND NOTEBOOK COMPUTERS -- UPDATED
Introduction
Even though battery powered devices have been around for many years,
it still seems like we continually question why they act the way they do.
Batteries in laptop and notebook computers are no exception to the rule.
Since there are several different types of batteries in use
in the Tandy notebook computers,
it is important to be able to answer some basic questions
when asked by a customer and to help them understand
how to get the most from their battery and when it's time to replace it.
 
An important point to remember is that the battery included with the
purchase of a new notebook computer only has a 90 day warranty on it.
It does not carry a full one year like the computer itself.
Why?
Because it is easy for some users to completely use up
a Ni-Cad Notebook Computer battery in 90 days with constant charging.
More about this later on.
 
"Why doesn't my battery last for the {insert your own time}
that your catalog says it will?"
I'm sure every salesperson in our stores has heard this question
at least once if they have sold a notebook or laptop computer.
To begin, we will list the types of batteries
used in Tandy laptops/notebooks,
list some of the "published" times on our computers,
and give you some explanation of how those figures are determined,
how they apply to the average user,
and then some tips on getting the maximum from a battery.
 
Please remember that these are general guidelines,
and each user will get different results based on the amount of time
they use different parts of the computer.
These times are by no means minimum times for all users.
There are simply too many factors and parts
that use power in a notebook computer to give exact times.
It's not like a battery powered tool that has a simple electric motor
to power -- the notebook uses a light,
a couple of different motors, electronics, switches,
devices plugged in, options added, and many other things.
 
MOM-03-92
Types of Batteries
There are two basic types of batteries -- lead acid and Ni-cad.
(Ni-cad breaks down further into two different types.)
The Tandy  1100 FD, 1110 HD and the Tandy  2800 HD
use the lead acid type.
This is a sealed battery quite similar in some respects to the battery
in your car.
The balance of our notebook/laptop line uses Ni-cad batteries,
with the 1500 HD, 1800 HD, 2810 HD, 2820 HD, 3810 HD and the 3820 HD
using a form of high capacity Ni-cad.
The Tandy  1400 laptops used standard Ni-cad technology.
 
During the early years of laptop computer development,
standard Ni-cad technology offered the user
the ability to use their batteries over and over again
instead of having to throw them away each time and buy new batteries.
Ni-Cad offered the maximum economical power.
It did, however, have one major drawback that became evident very quickly
with laptop computer users -- "the dreaded MEMORY CHARGE disease."
 
Now it's not fair to blame the spread of this disease
entirely on the battery -- the laptop user must share some of the blame.
And also the laptop itself is partly to blame.
Most users "forget" to remove their battery when they plug in the AC adapter.
Most users will use their laptop batteries for 10-20 minutes during the day,
then plug them in to charge when they get back to the office
or home that evening.
Others quickly remove and change batteries at the very first warning beep
that the battery is getting low.
 
Ni-cad batteries MUST be discharged completely before they are recharged.
This is even more important with the high capacity batteries
like those used in the Tandy  1800 HD and other new units.
This means completely discharged, not just half way,
or at the first warning that the battery is low.
The prudent user will make sure to leave their computer on
until it runs out of battery power at least once a week
before recharging the battery.
In so doing, the user prevents a "memory charge" from building
in the battery.
For those of you that do not know what this means --
if you use a Ni-cad for only 1/4 of its charge and recharge it,
and do this several times in a row,
the battery will soon memorize that this is all the power you want
and will only ever charge to 1/4 of its power.
 
So -- if a battery develops this "MEMORY CHARGE DISEASE,"
is it curable?
In most cases the answer is YES --
it may take a few complete discharges (called DEEP DISCHARGES)
before the memory goes away and the battery once again
starts taking a full charge.
If you suspect a user has MEMORY CHARGE DISEASE,
tell them to leave their computer on overnight or
during the day until the battery goes dead,
then completely recharge it.
Then repeat this sequence six times in a row.
In most cases the full charge capability will return.
 
Another important point to remember with laptop Ni-Cad batteries
is that they can be recharged about 400 times over their life.
And the more times a battery is recharged, the less capacity it will have.
As the battery gets closer to the 400 charge number,
it will be down to approximately half its charge capacity
as compared to when it was new.
This is a good point to remember when users complain that their battery
USED to give them 3 hours of life but now only gives them about 1 hour of
life.
The customer cannot understand why his laptop battery
should be any different from the battery in his portable drill,
or his portable electric razor, or some other tool:
"my razor lasted four years before I had to replace it --
why did my laptop battery only last nine months?"
Most customers like this are adamant that
the product you sold him is defective.
You have to explain how the two are similar yet very different
when it comes to the battery.
His razor, for example, takes very little battery power to run
and can use the battery down to very little charge.
 
His computer, on the other hand, is probably used every day
for a couple of hours, recharged and used some more and recharged again,
and it takes a tremendous amount of power to spin up the hard drive.
And of course the battery probably remains in the unit
when used on AC which means the battery is getting charged when it
really doesn't need to be.
 
If you do some quick math --
the razor gets charged 30-50 times a year --
and the laptop gets charged about 400 times a year.
And usually the customer starts complaining
when he sees battery life starting to drop off,
which usually happens as the battery approaches the 250-300 charge mark.
Once again his comment is "my razor didn't do that!"
But the truth is that his razor probably  did  do that --
he just can't remember because 4 years ago it went two weeks between charges
and now it only goes one week between charges.
And he really doesn't even notice when it does or when it doesn't
because all he does is put it in its charger stand every morning and
the charger stand takes care of when it gets charged.
 
MOM-03-92
Battery Life of Specific Laptops
Battery life that a user can expect to get from their unit
will vary tremendously from user to user.
And the "published" battery life times of the early laptop computers
was computed differently than it is now computed
for notebook computers of today.
At the time of the 1400 LT laptop,
what few laptops there were in the industry simply measured battery life
based on pure computing without any floppy disk usage.
Whether right or wrong, it was the way the industry chose to measure it.
In keeping with the industry,
Radio Shack measured its early laptops the same way.
It is extremely important to remember that these times
are with a fully charged, new battery.
 
Tandy  1400 LT -- 1 1/2 hours
 
This "published" time was based on no floppy disk use.
A more practical time value for this unit with 10% floppy disk use
would be ONE HOUR or less.
 
Tandy  1400 LT with the 20 MB hard disk drive kit
 
No battery life was ever published for this upgrade,
but a customer could expect only about 30 MINUTES of use.
 
Tandy  1400 FD -- 2 hours
 
Once again, this time was based on no floppy disk usage.
A more practical time value for this unit with 10% floppy disk use
would be 1 1/4 HOURS or just slightly better than the 1400 LT.
Battery technology hadn't changed much between these units,
but it was slightly more efficient.
 
Tandy  1400 HD -- 1 1/2 hours
 
Once again, this time was based on no disk drive usage at all.
A more practical time value for this unit (with 10% hard disk drive use
and no floppy use) would be 45 MINUTES.
 
Between the time of the 1400 series and the 1100 FD,
the industry had gone through some changes in how battery life was measured.
When the industry was using straight computing time
without any disk access as a measurement,
they found that the times were just too far off
from what the user was really getting.
In keeping with the industry,
Radio Shack also changed to the same method of computing battery life.
Although this method was still not perfect,
it did more closely resemble what the user could expect.
(You'll read later on how this once again changed at Radio Shack.)
 
Tandy  1100 FD -- 5 hours
 
This time was based on 1% floppy disk usage
with the LCD being on 90% of the time.
Most users and magazines are reporting anywhere
from 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours of usage depending on how much
the floppy disk drive is used.
Since the 1100 FD has DOS and DeskMate  in ROM,
you can see where little floppy disk usage is required for the DeskMate user.
Those users that run applications from diskette
will be the ones that get 3 1/2 to 4 hours of battery life.
 
Tandy  2800 HD -- 2 hours
 
This time, once again, was based on 1% hard disk usage,
no floppy disk usage, LCD brightness at its lowest setting,
LCD on 90% of the time, and all power management modes set to on.
Once again, in actual use, average customers are reporting
three quarters to a full hour of actual use.
 
Between the units above and the 1500 HD,
Radio Shack decided to use a more realistic number
when determining battery life.
It was determined that the user actually used their hard drive
about 10% of the time instead of only 1% of the time.
So Radio Shack adopted a measuring system of 10% HDD use,
1% floppy use, LCD on 90%, brightness at minimum setting,
serial ports turned off, no printer port activity,
no upgrade memory installed, no modem installed,
and all power management functions enabled.
While this formula does not fit every user's habits,
it more closely defines practical use of a laptop in a mobile environment.
 
Here's the expected time for some of our other machines:
 
Tandy  1500 HD -- 4 hours with a new battery
Tandy  2810 HD -- 3 1/2 hours with a new battery
Tandy  1110 HD -- 3 to 3 1/2 hours with a new battery
Tandy  2820 HD -- 3 to 3 1/2 hours with a new battery
Tandy  3810 HD -- 2 1/2 to 3 hours with a new battery
Tandy  3820 HD -- 2 1/2 to 3 hours with a new battery
Tandy  1800 HD -- 2 to 2 1/2 hours with a new battery
 
MOM-03-92
Tips for Maximum Battery Life
With the newer notebook computers there are some simple rules that
must be followed by the user to obtain maximum battery life.
And there are several things the user can do to extend their battery life.
 
First, to obtain the times listed above,
the user must have turned on all the power savings modes of his unit.
With the SETUPxxx program furnished with each of the computers,
the user can control all the various settings.
For instance, on the 2810 HD,
POWER MANAGEMENT must be set to ON,
the hard drive should be set to turn off after  1/4 minute,
the display and standby times should be set to the lowest limits
that the user can function with.
The LCD brightness switch must be set to its minimum setting,
as this one setting can affect the life by 20-30 minutes when set to high.
 
There are several other tricks a user can do to maximize battery life:
 
1. If nothing is used in the serial port connector --
   turn it off with the SETUPxxx program.
 
2. If the program being used does not require fast number crunching
   (like database entry, word processing, note taking, etc.),
   consider setting the speed of the processor to its slow setting.
   This can be done either in the SETUPxxx program or
   straight from the keyboard by pressing <FN> + <F3>
   while running most programs.
   Note the power light will change to amber
   when the processor is in slow speed.
   Pressing <FN> + <F3> again will toggle it back to fast.
   After all, most of the time the computer is waiting for the user
   to do something -- not the other way around.
   Most users report that they cannot tell the difference in speed
   when they are doing word processing and other things.
 
3. Set the LCD brightness to minimum.
   Even though the bright setting is pretty to look at,
   it's not really required
   and the low setting provides ample backlighting to see in most
environments.
 
4. Take the battery out of the computer when it is not in use.
   Now this might sound silly, but even when the computer is turned off
   it still uses battery power.
   Why?
   Because the power switch is actually an electrical switch
   and power is always being used to monitor
   whether the switch has been pushed or not.
   This is true on newer notebooks from the 1500 HD to the 3820 HD.
   Even with a fully charged battery and the computer turned off,
   the main battery will completely discharge in approximately eleven days.
   So it makes sense to remove the battery until it is needed.
 
5. Use the RESUME feature (if available) of the notebook only
   when it is absolutely necessary.
   If battery life is the customer's main concern,
   turn off RESUME from the SETUPxxx program.
   When RESUME is enabled, the separate RESUME Ni-cad battery
   is constantly being charged by the main Ni-cad battery.
   And after the RESUME Ni-cad has used all its power,
   the RESUME function automatically changes over
   to the main Ni-cad for its power.
   Therefore, it is possible for the user to shut off their system
   with RESUME activated and the main battery system will discharge
   in a matter of one or two days if there is 5 MB of memory in the machine.
 
6. Remove the battery from the unit when it is being used on AC current,
   unless charging is taking place.
   This prevents the Ni-cad batteries from developing a memory charge.
   Also note that the majority of the power savings modes
   are disabled when the unit is plugged into AC current.
 
Things to remember:
 
1. Adding memory upgrades will decrease battery life.
 
2. Adding a modem will decrease battery life.
   Using the modem takes even more power.
 
3. Using a printer will decrease battery life.
 
4. Setting brightness of the LCD to maximum will decrease battery life.
5. Using programs that are hard drive intensive will decrease battery life.
 
6. Charging the battery when not fully discharged will decrease battery life.
 
MOM-03-92
THIRD PARTY PRODUCTS UPDATE
Although this department was organized one year ago,
we still get phone calls
inquiring who we are and what we do;
therefore, here's a review our purpose and procedures.
 
Purpose
 
The Third Party Products Department (TPD) was created to source
and supply products to our computer customers
that are not cataloged items in the Radio Shack computer product line.
Previously, requests of these products were handled by National Parts,
Tandy Computer Leasing  and Tandy Systems Integration.
 
Steps to Follow
 
1. Review the opportunity with your RSM or DSM
   before submitting a Request For Quote.
   There can be no exceptions to this!
   If for any reason he or she is not available,
   contact your Divisional Vice President.
   They will be responsible for verifying
   that this is a bona fide customer order and not for store stock
   or for a customer that is not truly serious about buying.
   Generally a 20% deposit will be collected.
 
2. A revised RFQ form is attached to this issue of the M.O.M.
   The form must be filled out completely before we can act on it.
   We are currently receiving many forms without company's name and contact.
   This will only delay your reply since your request will be rejected
   until complete information is received.
 
3. TPD will act on the request and provide availability,
   store cost and retail prices via FAX.
   Only at this time are you to quote prices to your customer.
    Never  attempt to get pricing directly from a vendor.
   At this time you are to make sure that the product
   is what your customer requires, review media size, description, etc.
   If wrong merchandise is received and the mistake is TPD,
   you will not be held responsible.
   If the mistake is yours or your customer's,
   you will be responsible for it.
 
4. If price and delivery meet the customer's requirement,
   the store will advise TPD by return FAX.
   TPD will arrange delivery
   directly to the store or Tandy System Integration.
   The store will be charged cost plus a 6.25% handling fee.
 
5. When the product is delivered,
   the customer will pay the balance,
   sign a Waiver/Proof of Delivery form and take delivery of the product.
   The Waiver will then be returned to TPD to conclude the transaction.
 
6. All merchandise sold under this program
   will be entered in to the store POS system using catalog number 91-9999.
   You must enter the description and exact retail price
   of the product as quoted by TPD.
   If the item we're sourcing for you is to be sold with a system,
   it must NOT be entered as part of that system.
   It must be entered as a separate item.
 
MOM-03-92
Phone Calls to Third Party Products/Feedback
It is not necessary to call TPD.
You'll only be told to FAX a properly completed RFQ form.
 
If you FAX a Request for Quote that we don't quote
the same day we receive it,
we will send you a FAX confirming that we did receive it and are working on
it.
 
The day we place an order with a vendor for your product,
we will confirm with you that we have done so.
 
Both of these confirmation FAXes are sent
automatically at the end of each business day.
 
MOM-03-92
RADIO SHACK CONSULTANT LIAISON PROGRAM
The Consultant Liaison Program provides you,
the field sales force,
a means of adding a professional consultant
experienced in some area not covered
by our normal hardware and software offerings.
Both you and these professionals can benefit from our relationship.
 
The consultant benefits from a finder's fee
based on the sale of Tandy computers,
peripherals, software, service, training and support.
They could also broaden their customer base
by the possible leads generated
by the over 4,000 Radio Shack retail locations
and Business Sales Offices across the country
having access to their particular software or service.
They will also receive referrals from the CLP directory,
use of our facilities for seminars or demos,
a quarterly newsletter and other informational mailings,
and a one-time purchase discount offer
of 20% off current list price
for computer products in the 25-, 26-, 70-, or 90- series.
 
You benefit from the professional services of the consultant.
These companies and individuals
can provide you with pre-qualified leads
for their tested solutions requiring Tandy hardware.
Or, they can provide you with the software solution
you may have been looking for
to close that sales opportunity.
Many are interested in providing training
and on-going service to clients.
These relationships between Radio Shack salesmakers
and the CLP members
have resulted in upgrade sales
as the client's business expands.
 
Your District Sales Manager will receive complete updated information
concerning the Consultant Liaison Program in the very near future.
Research the advantages of the CLP and how it can make you more successful.
 
MOM-03-92
CORRECTION TO NETWORK ARTICLE
The article entitled "Entry Level Peer-to-Peer
Network Operating System Now Available" on pages 14-15
of the January/February M.O.M. listed some incorrect stock numbers.
In the discussion of supported network adapters for LANtastic
(top of right column on page 15),
the wrong stock numbers were provided for the TandyLink  products.
The TandyLink is 26-5601 (not 26-5501),
and the TandyLink Plus is 26-5602 (not 26-5502).
 
Here is the correct list of Network Adapters Supported
under LANtastic AI v4.0:
 
Network Adapters Supported
 
26-5505  Tandy  Ethernet
26-5506  Tandy  Ethernet Plus-16
26-5507  Tandy  Ethernet Plus-16 TP
26-6505  Tandy  ARCNET
90-2473  Thomas Conrad 16-Bit ARCNET
26-5601  TandyLink
26-5602  TandyLink  Plus
 
MOM-03-92
DISCONTINUED ITEMS
CAT # DESCRIPTION
 
260-0409 5 1/4" Diskettes (3 pack)
260-0410 5 1/4" Diskettes (10 pack)
900-2084 Ext. 5 1/4" Floppy Drive
900-2196 Kurta 17x12 Tablet
900-2197 Kurta 4 button Cursor
900-2314 Complete PC Communicator
900-2372 CGA Projection Panel
900-2437 AVR 3000GS Flatbed Scanner
905-2137 Complete PC Answering Machine
905-2352 Computer Eyes B/W
905-2409 Polaroid EGA Palette Plus
 
LATE DATES AND CATALOG CORRECTIONS FOR JANUARY 1992
Date:     January 14, 1992
To:       Distribution List C, F1, P1, T1
From:     Merchandising
Subject:  Catalog Late Dates and Corrections
 
LATE DATES 
Listed here are the new items that appear in ALL 1992 Catalogs
(Radio Shack 1992 Catalog #472, 1992 Radio Shack Educational Products Guide,
and the 1992 Computer Reference Guide #RSC-23)
which have not yet arrived at the warehouses.
Also included are the dates the merchandise is expected to be available
at the warehouses.
 
The dates listed are based on the latest available information,
and are updated as necessary.
While they may not be 100% accurate, they are the best estimate we have
at this time.
The dates listed here should be your ONLY reference for availability of
cataloged items.
Ft. Worth Merchandising or Ft. Worth Computer Support Services
will not have any dates other than the ones shown here.
 
    CANC = CANCeled                   DISC = DISContinued
    = Version 5.0 is currently shipping under this catalog number.
 
 
                                                   Date
Cat. #    Description                            Expected
 
140-1079  SCP-41 STEREO-MATE                     2/28/92
140-1080  SCR-37 Hnd Held Stereo Recdr           CANC
140-1101  CTR-73 Mono Recorder                   CANC
140-1083  SCP-44 STEREO-MATE                     2/28/92
 
150-1504  3ft A/V Cable                          2/28/92
150-1505  6ft A/V Cable                          2/28/92
150-1506  12ft A/V Cable                         2/28/92
150-1507  3ft Stereo A/V Cable                   2/28/92
150-1508  6ft Stereo A/V Cable                   2/28/92
150-1509  12ft Stereo A/V Cable                  2/28/92
150-1656  Window-Mnt TV Ant                      1/30/92
 
200-0214  DX-390 AM/FM/SW/LW Radio               2/28/92
 
230-0235  AC/DC Fast Charger                     2/28/92
 
250-1084  CDR-3000 CD-ROM Drive                  5/15/92
250-1085  Internal Upgrade Kit                   3/15/92
250-1086  External Upgrade Kit                   5/30/92
250-1438  Express Publisher DM                   2/15/92
250-1442  Toolbook                               2/15/92
250-1443  Guide                                  2/15/92
250-1460  6.0 Xenix RealWorld Sys Mgr            2/15/92
250-1461  6.0 Xenix RealWorld A/R                2/15/92
250-1462  6.0 Xenix RealWorld A/P                2/15/92
250-1463  6.0 Xenix RealWorld Payroll            2/15/92
250-1464  6.0 Xenix RealWorld G/L                2/15/92
250-1465  6.0 Xenix Synchron. POS                2/15/92
250-1466  6.0 Xenix Synchron. Inv Plus           2/15/92
250-1467  6.0 Xenix Synchron. Multi-Site         2/15/92
250-3049  Monochrome Graphics Adapter            DISC
250-4121  16-Bit SmartDrive Adapter              DISC
 
430-0153  Music-On-Hold                          2/15/92
430-0400  TAD 400                                2/28/92
 
440-1112  Cleaning Kit                           1/30/92
440-1115  Cleaning Kit                           1/30/92
 
630-5069  Multi-Function Watch                   4/30/92
 
900-1101  Space Quest 4 - CD                     3/30/92
900-1104  King's Quest 5 - CD                    2/28/92
900-1145  Earl Weaver 2.0                        CANC
900-1146  Bill Elliot's NASCAR                   CANC
900-2667  RS-232 Barcode Wand/Opticon            CANC
900-2674  Wedge Barcode Wand/Opticon             CANC
900-5775  SuperPrint II-SCM                      2/28/92
900-5791  Zero in on Zero Add/Subtract           2/15/92
900-5792  Zero in on Zero Mult/Div               2/15/92
900-5810  PAWS w/Language Arts-SCM               2/15/92
900-5881  DALE 10-12-SCM                         2/15/92
900-5947  All Science Series                     2/15/92
900-5949  Marine Life Series                     3/31/92
900-5951  The Earthworm                          3/31/92
900-5952  The Earthworm-SCM                      3/31/92
900-5953  VisiFrog                               3/31/92
900-5954  VisiFrog-SCM                           3/31/92
900-5955  Protozoa                               3/31/92
900-5956  Protozoa-SCM                           3/31/92
900-5958  Goal Series Reading/Vocab-SCM          3/31/92
900-5990  Core Reading Development               2/28/92
 
903-1390  6.0 DOS/Ntwk Kits Plus                 2/15/92 NOTE
903-1772  6.0 Xenix RealWorld Check Rec          2/15/92
903-1773  6.0 Xenix RealWorld Prof Invoicing     2/15/92
903-1777  6.0 Xenix Synchron. O/E Plus           2/15/92
903-1778  6.0 Xenix Synchron. Custom Labels      2/15/92
903-1780  6.0 Xenix Synchron. Kits Plus          2/15/92
903-1786  6.0 Xenix RealWorld O/E-Billing        2/15/92
903-1787  6.0 Xenix RealWorld Inventory          2/15/92
903-1788  6.0 Xenix RealWorld Purch Order        2/15/92
903-1789  6.0 Xenix RealWorld Job Cost           2/15/92
903-1790  6.0 Xenix RealWorld Sales Analysis     2/15/92
903-2743  6.0 DOS/Ntwk Synchron. O/E Plus        2/15/92 NOTE
903-2744  6.0 DOS/Ntwk Synchron. Cust Lbls       2/15/92 NOTE
903-2745  6.0 DOS/Ntwk Synchron. Multi-Site      2/15/92 NOTE
903-2929  6.0 Xenix RW Rpt Writer/Data Bridge    2/15/92
903-5659  Word Attack Plus-SCM                   3/31/92
903-5686  TimeLiner-SCM                          3/31/92
903-5781  Decision Amer Hist Pk-SCM              3/31/92
903-5782  International Inspirer-SCM             3/31/92
903-5783  Critical Issues Pack-SCM               3/31/92
903-5784  On the Campaign Trail-SCM              3/31/92
903-5789  Spell It Plus-SCM                      3/31/92
903-5790  AlgeBlaster Plus-SCM                   3/31/92
903-5797  National Inspirer-SCM                  3/31/92
903-5813  Explore-a-Classic Series-SCM           2/28/92
903-5814  Explore-a-Folktale Series-SCM          2/28/92
903-5872  Whales School Edition-SCM              2/28/92
903-5874  Grizzly Bears School Edition-SCM       2/28/92
903-5895  Intro/Microsoft Excel                  2/28/92
903-5896  Intro/Microsoft Excel Stud Man         2/28/92
903-5897  Intro/Word for Windows                 2/28/92
903-5898  Intro/Word for Windows Stud Man        2/28/92
903-5904  Talking Add & Subtract                 2/28/92
903-5905  Talking Add & Subtract-SCM             2/28/92
903-5909  Bradford Arith: Whole Numbers-SCM      3/31/92
903-5910  Bradford Arith: Fractions-SCM          3/31/92
903-5911  Bradford Arith: Geometry-SCM           3/31/92
903-5912  Bradford Arith Series-SCM              3/31/92
903-5913  Bradford Algebra-SCM                   3/31/92
903-5921  Talking Clock                          2/28/92
903-5922  Talking Clock-SCM                      2/28/92
903-5924  Talking First Words-SCM                2/28/92
903-5925  Talking Mult & Division                2/28/92
903-5926  Talking Mult & Division-SCM            2/28/92
903-5928  Talking School Bus-SCM                 2/28/92
 
903/5-114?  Lightspeed 2.0 VGA                   CANC
903/5-115?  Lightspeed 2.0 EGA/TGA               CANC
903/5-2594  Canis                                CANC
903/5-2671..Lotus 1-2-3 2.3                      CANC
903/5-2672..Lotus 1-2-3 Ntwk                     CANC
903/5-5882..SchoolWorks Department Head          2/28/92
903/5-5919..MicroType:Wonderful World PAWS       2/28/92
903/5-5946..Deluxe Carmen World Sch Ed           2/28/92
903/5-5966..Studymate-SCM                        2/28/92
 
905-5943    Calculus School Edition                2/28/92
 
 
CATALOG CORRECTIONS     (* = item added this printing)
 
 
Radio Shack 1992 Catalog #472 
 
 
PAGE  CAT. #   PRODUCT DESCRIPTION            CLARIFICATION/CORRECTION 
 
4    16-827    Memorex MovieCorder Model 127  Inset photo, delete line ``A/V
                                              In/Output Cable.''  Cable
                                              is not included.
 
6    16-0526   Memorex Model 88               Also has automatic tracking.
 
7    16-0525   Memorex Model 87              Does not have Automatic Head
                                             Cleaning.  Does not have
                                             automatic tracking.
 
16   40-4039   Mach Three Speaker            Photo is not correct.
 
*24  14-661    Optimus SCT-50 CD/Tape Deck   Has 20-track programmable CD
                                             memory (not 16).  Harmonic
                                             distortion is 0.02% (not 0.002%).
 
*32  14-1079   Realistic SCR-41 Cassette Player  Model # is SCP-41 (not
                                                 SCR-41).
 
*37  14-767    Realistic CTR-64 Cassette Stereo  Model # is SCR-37
                                                 (not CTR-64).
 
53   12-1938   Flatnose Car Cass              Superimposed photo of extra
                                              large LCD display is wrong.
 
53   12-1945   Flatfc Cr Cass                 Superimposed photo of extra
                                              large LCD display is wrong.
 
53   12-1940   Hi Pwr Car Cassette            Superimposed photo of extra
                                              large LCD display is wrong.
 
55   12-1947   Digital-Electronic Tuner w/presets Does NOT have front/rear
                                                  speaker fader.
 
*64  21-1551   Realistic TRC-435 CB           Microphone photo is incorrect;
                                              mike does not have Up/Down
                                              buttons.
 
*69  19-310    Handheld Speaker/Microphone    Price should be $17.95.
 
73   43-554    DuoFone ET-394                 Price should be $79.95.
 
74   43-578    ET-178                         Should be ET-174 Big Button
                                              with Amp.
 
75   43-596    ET-141                         Should be ET-143 30 Mem Plus
                                              Hold.
 
77   43-640    ET-142 2 Line, 20 Mem          Should state ``Requires 2 `AAA'
                                              Batteries'' (not 2 ``AA'').
 
86   17-1020   CT-1030 Transmobile Phone      Power output is 3-watt (not
                                              ``switchable 3-watt/0.6-watt
                                              output'').
 
120  49-481    Smoke Sensor                   Delete sentence, ``Powered by
                                              either Control Center, above.''
                                              Works only with 49-470 or
                                              similar system.
 
124  61-2795   Cordless Pencil Sharpener      Price should be $3.99.
 
124  61-2590   Cordless Pencil Sharpener      Price should be $10.95.
 
126  63-709    LCD Traveler Alarm             Requires 1 ``AAA'' Battery
                                              (not 3 ``AA'').
 
127  63-664    Biofeedback Stress Monitor     Requires 2 ``AA'' Batteries
                                              (not 9V).
 
145            Solderless IDC-Type Connectors Photo (1) and (2) in photo
                                              should be reversed.
                                              (4) and (5) in photo should be
                                              reversed.
 
148  278-191   Solderless PL-259 for RG-59/RG-8M  Price should be 1/2.19
                                                  (not 2/2.19).
 
149  275-386   Indoor-Outdoor Phone Cable     Catalog Number is 278-386 (not
                                              275-386).
 
149  278-858   Intercom Wire                  Should be 20 feet (not 25 feet).
 
150  278-223   Pin Extractor                  Catalog Number is 274-223
                                              (not 278-223).
 
154  274-435   Dial Cord Kit                  Includes 3 springs (not 4).
 
161  60-4077   RC Red Arrow                   Has Digital-proportional
                                              steering.
 
161  60-4048   RC Off-Road Tiger              Has Digital-proportional
                                              steering and speed.
 
161  60-4080   RC Golden Arrow                Has Digital-proportional
                                              steering and speed.
 
161  60-4088   RC Black Phantom               Has Digital-proportional
                                              steering and speed.
 
164  65-943    EC-327 Directory Organizer     Does not have 200-year calendar.
 
177  26-2871   DMP 202                        Does not print ``italic.''
 
180  25-3502   Tandy 1800 HD                  ``640K, Expandable to 1.64MB''
                                              should read: ``1 MB, Expandable
                                              to 3 MB''.
 
180  25-3526   Replacement Battery            Price should be $99.95.
 
180  25-3507   1 MB Memory Module             Price should be $249.95.
 
 
1992 Radio Shack Educational Products Guide
 
PAGE CAT. #     PRODUCT DESCRIPTION            CLARIFICATION/CORRECTION
 
8    900-2634   Calendar Creator               Price should be $69.95
 
10   903/5-5777 Discover What You're Best At   Price should be $59.95
 
12   903/5-5759 The Playroom                   Price should be $59.95
 
14   903/5-5428 R.S.V.P. French                Price should be $49.95
 
14   900-5766   Trivial Pursuit - French       Product is DISContinued
 
14   900-5767   Trivial Pursuit - German       Product is Sold Out When Gone
 
14   903/5-5426 R.S.V.P. Spanish               Price should be $49.95
 
14   900-5768   Trivial Pursuit - Spanish      Product is DISContinued
 
16   903/5-2519 Definitions Plus               Price should be $99.95
 
17   900-5977   Word Munchers - SCM            New Catalog number is 903-5977.
 
17   900-5990   CORE Reading/Vocabulary        New Catalog number is 903-5990
 
18   900-5979   Number Munchers - SCM         New Catalog number is 903-5979.
 
20   900-5969   Miners Cave - SCM             New Catalog number is 903-5969.
 
20   900-5971   Mystery Matters - SCM         New Catalog number is 903-5971.
 
20   900-5973   Mystery Objects - SCM         New Catalog number is 903-5973.
 
20   900-5975   Wood Car Rally - SCM          New Catalog number is 903-5975.
 
22   900-5978   Oregon Trail - SCM            New Catalog number is 903-5978.
 
22   900-1137   Sid Meier's Railroad Tycoon - SCM  New Catalog numbers are
                                                   903/5-1137.
 
27              High-Performance SCSI Drives  16-Bit SCSI Host Adapter is
                                              25-4161 (not 25-1461)
 
27   250-4126   160 MB SmartDrive             Product is CANCeled
 
29   25-3502    Tandy 1800 HD                 ``640K RAM'' should read:
                                              ``1 MB RAM''
 
 1992 Computer Reference Guide RSC-23
 
PAGE CAT. #     PRODUCT DESCRIPTION           CLARIFICATION/CORRECTION 
 
2    250-5140   4820 SX/T                     Coprocessor is 80487SX
                                              (not 80387SX).
 
2               4833 LX/T & 4820 SX/T         In chart under Memory Cache,
                                              should say 0 Wait State only
                                              (not 64K SRAM).
 
2               4833 LX/T & 4820 SX/T         In chart under Storage,
                                              160 MB SmartDrive is NOT
                                              available.
 
3               4016 DX & 4025/4033 LX        In chart under Storage,
                                              160 MB SmartDrive is NOT
                                              available.
 
7    250-4017   M 4020 SX                     CPU should be 2500 SX/20
                                              Multimedia.  Power Supply is
                                              70 Watts (not 100 Watts).
                                              Price is $2999 (not $3299).
 
14              Monitor Chart                 VGA Row, 900-2024 is
                                              DISContinued.
 
14   250-3049   Monochrome Graphics Adapter   Product is DISContinued.
 
14              Which Floppy Drive?           3000 HL Column for 5 "
                                              1.2 MB and 3 " 1.44 MB Floppy,
                                              also requires High Capacity
                                              Floppy Controller (avail
                                              through Third Party Purchasing).
 
15   250-4126   160 MB SmartDrive             Product is CANCeled.
 
15   250-4164   202 MB SCSI Hard Drive        Should be 15 ms (not 17 ms).
 
16   900-2407   Sound Blaster                 12 voices standard, 24 voices
                                              optional.
 
16   900-2400   STB Rapid Meg mem expansion   Also works in 2500 SX.
 
16   900-2321   80387-16 Coprocessor          Also for 2500 SX.
 
16   900-2492   BigmOuth Voice Mail           Catalog Number is 900-2494
                                              (not 900-2492).
 
16   900-2586   80387SX-20 Coprocessor        Also for 3810 HD.
 
17              4000 LX Memory Chart          To expand to 4 MB, Main Logic
                                              Board line should read,
                                              ``2 x 25-5134'' (not ``2 x
                                              25-5135'').
 
17              Memory Expansion Chart        2nd from bottom (for 4033 LX,
                                              4016 DX & 4020 LX) should also
                                              show 4025 LX.
 
17   900-2161   Micro Mainframe EMS-5150T Memory   Catalog Number is 905-2161
                                                   (not 900-2161).
 
18   26-4032    Enhanced Keyboard             Catalog Number is 25-4032
                                              (not 26-4032).
 
23   230-1256   Prodigy Start-Up Kit          Catalog Number is 250-1256
                                              (not 230-1256).
 
*20  260-144/145 Deluxe Workstation           Math error.  Should read,
                                              ``You save $19.95.'' (not
                                              $29.95).
 
26   900-2667   RS-232 Barcode Wand/Opticon   Product is CANCeled.
 
26   900-2674   Wedge Barcode Wand/Opticon    Product is CANCeled.
 
29   903-3279   DOS/Network Synchronics POS   The network version is actually
                                              903-1158 which costs $1,095
                                              (it is NOT the same as the DOS
                                              version).
 
30   900-1071   Case of the Cautious Condor   Works only on 2500 XL family
                                              of computers.
 
30   900-1076   Birds of America CD-ROM       Catalog Number is 900-1074
                                              (not 900-1076).
 
33              Handy Index                   Name shows Tandy 4833 XL/T
                                              should be 4833 LX/T.
 
38   903/5-1147 Lightspeed 2.0 VGA            Product is CANCeled.
 
38   903/5-1155 Lightspeed 2.0 EGA/TGA        Product is CANCeled.
 
39   900-1012   Codename: Iceman              Price should be $34.95.
 
39   900-2759   Quest for Glory I: Hero's Quest  Price should be $34.95.
 
39   900-2885   The Colonel's Bequest         Price should be $34.95.
 
40   903/5-1495 The Duel: Test Drive II       Price should be $34.95.
 
49   903/5-2594 Canis                         Product is CANCeled.
 
59   26-2868    DMP 136                       Downloadable font support
                                              delete ``requires optional
                                              32K Kit.''
 
62              Carry Cases picture           (1) and (2) in photo should be
                                              reversed.
 
MOM-12-91
The Front Line
 
Christmas Selling Checklist
 
Here are a few well-proven tips
to help you organize your computer sales effort
as you move into the last few weeks
of your important Christmas selling season:
 
1. Use Running Demos With Sound
 
There is nothing duller than a computer
with nothing running on the screen.
Every CPU, including the laptops, should be plugged in and turned on.
Add sound to show off
your Tandy  1000 RL, 1000 RLX, and Tandy  2500 SX/20.
Hook up Minimus 0.4 speakers (40-1267) or headphones to the 1000 family
and demo F-15 II software.
For the 2500 SX/20, add Minimus 0.6 speakers (40-1259) and run Space Quest IV.
 
Sound is a major Tandy difference in the 1000 and 2500 series:
 
- Multiple Voice Digital Audio produces three tones at once
- Tandy DAC allows software to talk to the user
- There are output jacks for headphones or speakers
- There's a microphone jack to allow recording of speech and sound
- There's volume control to turn sound up or down
 
2. Price And Display Discontinued Models
 
Take advantage of all of that store traffic Christmas will generate
by properly offering your old demo units and discontinued merchandise.
Properly signed, they will be self-selling
and your store will be more "self-merchandising."
Here are a few systems you can offer to move
some of the more recently discontinued models:
 
     25-1602   Tandy  1000 TL/2 with
     25-1043   CM-5 Color Monitor       $549.95
 
     25-1602   Tandy 1000 TL/2 with
     25-1043   CM-5 Color Monitor and
     25-1047   20 MB SmartDrive         $799.95
 
     25-1603   Tandy  1000 TL/3 with
     25-1043   CM-5 Color Monitor and
     25-1047   20 MB SmartDrive         $899.95
 
     25-4075   Tandy  2500 XL/2 with
     25-4044   VGM-220 Color Monitor,
     25-4124   52 MB SmartDrive and
     25-1338   Software Bonus Pack     $1,499.00
 
(Have your DM refer to the latest Z-Gram
for other packages involving the larger business CPUs.)
 
3. Greet The Customer
 
Remember the Chairman's Challenge
and be sure to greet each customer promptly,
asking appropriate leading questions and offering appropriate products.
This technique helps you rapidly gain control of the selling situation.
 
QUALIFY the customer by determining his/her actual needs,
whether it's the cost conscious, first-time computer user
or the confident "power user."
Remember that you have the breadth of product
to be able to cover a broad range of requirements,
so don't feel limited to offering one "pet" system.
Sell the appropriate system, and the customer will remain convinced
that your store is the correct place to purchase computer products.
 
4. Add The Accessories
 
Just as you would add the batteries to every toy and flashlight,
there are a series of profitable accessories that can easily be added
to every new computer system.
 
First, there are those required items the user MUST have
to make the system work: diskettes, connecting cables, printer paper,
applications software. 
 
Next, there are the preventative maintenance items
that are RECOMMENDED
to help the customer take proper care of the new computer system:
disk drive head cleaning kits, spike protectors, dust covers,
disk storage boxes, etc.
 
Finally, you can wrap up the ticket by offering
your excellent selection of PRODUCTIVITY accessories
to make the workstation more convenient and comfortable:
tilt-and-turn monitor pedestals, anti-glare panels, keyboard palm rests,
printer stands, workstation desks, etc.
 
Learn to follow through and make the complete system sale.
It adds to your overall sales total
and demonstrates your knowledge of computers.
It also does the customer a favor by offering him/her
all the items needed to enjoy that new computer purchase.
 
As you move towards the final hectic weeks before Christmas,
please accept from all of us here in Fort Worth the greetings of the season:
 
Good Luck and Good Selling!
 
MOM-12-91
The Chairman's Thoughts
John Roach's Message to our Customers
 
In our Flyers there is a very important column -- The Chairman's Thoughts.
Because it's a promise to our customers,
and it's a pat on the back for you (as well as a responsibility to maintain),
we felt it was appropriate to reprint that column from Flyer #478 here.
 
Our Commitment to You: Customer Satisfaction
 
The Radio Shack shopping experience is something we have
a long-term commitment to making special for you.
The beginning of this commitment is convenience.
One of our nearly 7,000 locations is close to your home, on the way to work,
near your workplace or where you shop regularly.
We are also committed to a rapid shopping experience.
We know your time is valuable and respect it;
we believe that you can buy anything that we sell
faster than you can purchase it anywhere else.
 
At Radio Shack, these are the first two important commitments
to customer satisfaction.
There are a lot more.
We value our customers, and it's our desire to greet them promptly
after they enter the store.
We also believe that most customers like assistance in making their purchases.
Therefore, our salesmakers receive significant training
to insure that they are knowledgeable and pleasant.
Radio Shack shoppers tell us what we are doing very well in this respect.
In exit interviews, 97% of our customers indicated that
our salesmakers were friendly and 94% indicated they were knowledgeable.
With thousands of products to learn and many customers to deal with,
we take pride in the results of the exit interview.
 
Combine the advantages of "nearby," "fast," "friendly,"
and "knowledgeable" with quality products, after-the-sale service
and financial stability -- we've been around since 1921 --
and you see why over 50 million customers do business with us annually.
In these tough economic times others have disappeared from the scene
leaving customers with broken promises and worthless service contracts.
More are likely to disappear, too.
But you can shop with us this Christmas season
with the confidence that comes from dealing with the best.
Not only are we America's largest consumer electronics manufacturer,
we are also America's largest consumer electronics retailer.
 
We got that way with a commitment to your shopping experience --
by customer satisfaction.
NOBODY COMPARES!
 
John V. Roach
 
MOM-12-91
Sales Training
 
7 Tips for Improving Your Sales
 
Computers offer customers a tremendous package of benefits.
Word processing programs can save time, increase productivity and creativity,
eliminate problems with spelling and grammar, and much more.
Spreadsheets can save time, increase productivity,
and improve the quality of decisions.
Laptops and notebooks can increase personal efficiency
and automate sales efforts.
Printers can increase speed and improve communication.
But only if you close the sale!
 
1. Prepare for customers before they come into the store.
 
   The key computers being promoted this Christmas season
   are the Tandy  1000 RL and RLX and the Tandy  2500 SX/20.
   Know these computers thoroughly, know your inventory position --
   on both the computers and on the most common peripherals and add-ons.
   Know your prices for these items and know the Tandy Service Plans
   prices on them, too.
 
2. Acknowledge and greet every customer as soon
   as you know they're in the store.
 
   Never, never, never ignore a customer.
   Even if you have 3 people standing in line
   and someone holding on the telephone,
   most will understand and wait if you say something like,
   "Hi, thanks for coming in.
   I'll be with you as soon as I can."
 
3. Answer phones promptly and courteously
   but give priority to customers in your store.
 
   If the phone rings while you are with a customer,
   excuse yourself and answer the phone promptly and courteously.
   Explain that you are with a customer and offer to take a number
   and return the call as quickly as possible.
   Don't leave a customer in the store waiting
   while you try to handle a lengthy telephone call.
   And, follow up on all promises to call back!
 
4. Set appointments with customers who need more time.
 
   If a customer needs in-depth assistance and/or an involved demonstration,
   make an appointment to meet with him/her during slower traffic periods.
   Meet all appointments promptly and give them priority treatment.
 
5. Sell the Tandy service value.
 
   Check the warranty policies at our competitors.
   At Radio Shack , your customers can bring any problem to you
   while some competitors make customers deal with
   different manufacturers' service centers for CPUs, monitors, printers, etc.
   And a Tandy Service Plan adds even greater peace of mind.
 
6. Sell yourself as part of the package.
 
   Don't let your shopper forget that YOU are a major benefit of this purchase.
   If they have a question, need assistance, or encounter a difficulty,
   YOU are ready to help!
 
7. Try one more time.
 
   You qualify, make your presentation, and ask for the order.
   The customer prepares to leave without buying.
   Try one more time.
   Ask for the order again.
   They want a quality computer to help them save time, money, and effort.
   You've got the best product and service at a great price.
   Ask for the order AGAIN!
 
MOM-12-91
Multimedia Update
 
What's Up With Multimedia?
 
MULTIMEDIA GUIDEBOOK HAS BEEN SHIPPED
 
The Radio Shack Multimedia Guidebook has been distributed to all 01 stores
and District and Regional offices.
It is the most comprehensive compilation of Multimedia information
available to you and you should use it well.
Make sure it's read by everyone who might have occasion to answer
any questions on Tandy's multimedia products (read that as "Everyone!").
 
Remember that this book is intended for internal distribution only
and is not designed to be given to customers.
 
A limited number of additional copies are available for training purposes.
District or Regional Managers ONLY, send E-mail (ONLY) to
Sher Butler in Merchandising (Department 01-0025).
Be sure to note the quantity you need.
 
MOM-12-91
ORDERING/STORE STOCKING OF MULTIMEDIA PCS
 
Orders
 
Version 1.0 of the Multimedia PC should not be stocked in any store,
for any reason.
Units are available now to fulfill customer orders
and the following requirements have been established:
 
1. All orders should be transmitted via FAX to the TSDC Special Order Desk at:
 
                           (817) 347-7979
 
   NOTE: This is a new number and different from what was published
   in the Multimedia Guidebook.
 
2. All customer orders require a 25% deposit, customer name,
   address and telephone number.
 
   It is imperative that you obtain the correct customer information
   as this will be used to notify customers of the upgrade to Version 1.1
   when available.
 
3. District Manager approval is required on all Multimedia PC orders.
 
4. An upgrade charge will be applied to any Version 1.0
   to Version 1.1 upgrade of store inventory.
   Again, do not stock Version 1.0 Multimedia PCs.
 
MOM-12-91
MULTIMEDIA UPGRADE KITS
 
Why aren't the Multimedia Upgrade Kits shipping
if Tandy  Multimedia PCs are available?
 
The Multimedia Upgrade Kit represents a significant opportunity,
considering the massive installed base of multimedia capable computers
(80286 and greater).
 
The release of the kits has been delayed to insure
that installation concerns involving a wide range of PC compatibles
(literally hundreds of systems!)
can be addressed, and the enhanced Tandy  Audio adapter
with the on-board 16-bit CD-ROM interface can be included.
 
MOM-12-91
FAVORABLE PRESS
 
"Once you've been with a multimedia computer,
everything else is like dancing with your sister."
 
Doesn't that paint a picture in your mind!?
That's a comment from an article by Larry Blasko titled,
"Tandy's multimedia PCs are well worth their price"
which was published in the Attleboro, MA,  Sun Chronicle
on Sunday, October 27.
 
Here's how the article started:
 
"Firmly cemented in middle age, it's nice to be seduced again
even by something as unembraceable as a $4 billion-plus technology firm
from Fort Worth, Texas."
 
"Tandy (Radio Shack to its friends) stopped just talking about
multimedia personal computers and started shipping them
late in September."
 
The author reviews what a multimedia computer includes,
the importance of the multimedia standard,
and then talks about the difference between the usual PC version
of "Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?" from Broderbund Software
and the multimedia version.
He concludes that although the multimedia version costs
twice as much as the older version,
"...it delivers far more than twice the value."
 
We'll be seeing and hearing more comments like this as new multimedia titles
become available in all categories: entertainment, education,
information, and productivity.
 
Thanks to Dave Cournoyer from Radio Shack 01-0103
in Randolph, MA, for sending this article to us.
 
MOM-12-91
COMPUTER SUPPORT SERVICES
"Answers at Your Fingertips"
 
QUALITY ANSWERS
 
At Computer Support Services we continue to evaluate our performance
in terms of the quality of our answers first,
and then the number of calls we handle (we average 33,104 per month).
 
In the May 1991 issue of the Computer Merchandising Memo of the Month,
we published the names and telephone numbers of the management team
in Computer Support Services.
We know many of you have become familiar with these people
as they continue to get phone calls from you as well as from customers.
 
We published these numbers for the use of the store personnel because
we wanted to give you a way of letting us know when your problems
are not being resolved satisfactorily or in a timely manner.
Please use these numbers to give us your input.
 
However, we do ask that if a customer needs assistance you provide them
with the proper phone number for the support group they need.
It's only logical;
if the supervisors are constantly taking calls from customers
they cannot do what they're supposed to be doing --
making sure all the calls coming into the support unit are being handled.
 
The Numbers Only YOU Should Use
 
For your convenience (and because some of the names and numbers have changed),
here is an updated list of the management team
here in Computer Support Services:
 
Support Group                 Supervisor          Telephone #
 
MS-DOS Systems Support
MPC Systems Support           R.J. Stone          (817) 390-2607
 
XENIX/Accounting Support      Alan Lyons          (817) 878-4115
 
Productivity Software
Home Entertainment
Satellite/Cellular/FAX        Cedric Hights       (817) 390-2608
 
Networks/Education
Pockets/Portables Support     Duane Patton        (817) 390-2787
 
Software Coordinator          Cynthia Davis       (817) 878-4116
 
Manager of CSS                Bill Whisenhunt     (817) 390-3560
 
MOM-12-91
SUPPORTED SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE
 
We receive many calls each month concerning software or hardware
a customer is having problems with that is not carried in the Radio Shack
product line.
The Third Party Products Department has been very successful
in getting you components that Radio Shack
does NOT carry in our 25, 26 or 900 series product line
but which you need for a sale.
We have no information on these products,
and have no way of adequately supporting them.
 
When your customer requests a particular product
that is not in the Radio Shack line,
please be clear in explaining to them that all support for that product
must be from the vendor of that product -- not from Radio Shack.
We would be doing the customer a disservice not to recommend
they talk to the vendor.
 
While the 900 series software is very similar,
we do have a relationship with the vendor
and some limited testing of the product has been done in-house.
Computer Support, therefore, is sometimes able to obtain
support-type information on the product
or may even be able to get a copy of the product itself.
 
We attempt to help all customers who call,
but if we feel the vendor is in a better position to assist the customer,
we will suggest the customer call them.
 
MOM-12-91
SUBJECTS OF THE MONTH
 
EMM386.EXE and DeskMate (25-1351) with MS-DOS 5.0
 
When using EMM386 and himem.sys, the following lines need to be included
in the config.sys file so DeskMate  will run correctly.
 
device=himem.sys
device=c: dos emm386.exe noems x=a000-37ff frame=e000
 
The "noems" will give MS-DOS access to the upper memory area,
but not to expanded memory.
The address area a000-37ff is the area that is used by DeskMate
and therefore is being excluded from being used by the EMM386.
 
MOM-12-91
DeskMate 3.X Telecom and the HOST Function
 
Although DeskMate 3.X Telecom does not have a HOST function,
it is possible to configure two users to communicate via modem
with DeskMate Telecom.
(This example is based on a 1200 baud, Hayes compatible modem.)
 
1. Both users must use the same baud rate, word length, parity,
   and stop bit settings.
   They must match to make a valid connection.
   A common setting would be 1200 baud, 8 bit word length, no parity,
   and one stop bit.
   Since the users are talking directly to each other,
   the Self Echo and Add Line Feed options should be used
   to allow a readable display.
   If these two options are not selected,
   the information will overwrite itself on one line only.
 
2. Once in Telecom, choose <F3> to list the available commands.
   Choose "Set" to select the parameters.
   Once at the Set Communications Parameters screen,
   use the arrow keys and Tab key to move through the options.
   Use the spacebar to select the appropriate options.
 
3. One of the two users must be the HOST or answering modem.
   A simple method of achieving this is to create an autolog
   that will put the Hayes compatible modem into answer mode.
   In Telecom, choose <F3> to list the available commands.
   Choose "Send" to bring up the Send box.
   Tab down and type the string, "ATS0=1."
   Tab again to the Add Carriage Return box and hit the space bar to select.
   (Note: the AT gets the modem's attention,
   the S0=1 programs the modem to answer on the first ring,
   and the carriage return activates the programming.
   Programming information is found in the modem's user's guide.)
 
   The autolog to set the modem to answer mode would look like this:
 
   Commands     Parameters
 
   SET          1200,8,N,1,ON
   SEND         "ATS0=1^M"
 
4. In Telecom, choose <F3> to list the available commands.
   Choose the EXECUTE option to start the autolog.
   The modem will be configured to answer the phone on the first ring,
   and the DeskMate Telecom Terminal screen will be available.
 
5. At this time the USER or caller would execute his autolog
   to call the HOST or answering modem.
   The caller's autolog would use the same Set Communications Parameter options
   as in step 1.
   Then choose <F3> again and select the Call option.
   Simply type in the phone number to be dialed
   at the Define Phone Number screen.
 
   The autolog to call the HOST would look like this:
 
   Commands     Parameters
 
   SET          1200,8,N,1,ON
   CALL         {friend's phone number}
 
6. Once connected, the two units may send messages or transfer files
   as needed.
   (Note:  The <ALT> <C> key combination will take the user to
   the Telecom Commands screen,
   and <CTRL> <T> key combination will return the user to the Terminal Screen.)
 
MOM-12-91
Color Printing with the DMP 136 and DeskMate
 
DeskMate does not come with a color printer driver for the DMP 136
that allows full color printing from DeskMate.
There is some confusion about this.
 
It will print in color, one color at a time,
selecting the colors through the printer menus rather than from DeskMate.
There is not a driver available to allow the DeskMate screen color,
such as in the Draw application,
to print on the DMP 136.
 
Here are the steps to put the DMP 136 into the Color Mode:
 
 1. Set DIP switches in the SW-1 row all OFF.
    Set DIP switches in the SW-2 row all OFF except #8 which should be ON.
 
 2. Turn the power to the printer on.
 
 3. Slide the selector control on the front panel to COLOR.
 
 4. Press and hold the COLOR button until it flashes.
 
 5. Press COLOR button until the desired color selection comes up.
    Your color selections are:
 
        Black = Condensed
        Red = Color
        Blue = Font Lock
        Yellow = Hi-Speed
        Purple = Font Lock & Color
        Orange = Color & Hi-Speed
        Green = Font Lock & Hi-Speed
 
 6. Press HI-SPEED button to save the color setting you have chosen.
 
 7. Load the DeskMate Desktop
 
 8. Press <F10> then select Setup
 
 9. Press <F2> and select Printer
 
10. Select the DMP 240 printer driver (Epson Mode)
 
11. Select the desired font style.
    Make sure that the Ribbon is set to BLACK and WHITE, not to Color.
 
12. Press <ESC> to get to back to the Desktop.
 
The printer and DeskMate are now ready to print in color.
You can change the color by controlling the color selection
from the printer's front panel.
Remember, you will print in only one color
until you select a new color from the front panel.
 
The New Print Shop package prints the screen colors
if you select the JX-80 color printer driver.
 
Thank you to the Minneapolis Region for bringing
this misunderstanding to our attention.
 
MOM-12-91
The Credit Line
Tandy Computer Leasing/RSVP
 
Tandy Computer Leasing
 
Product Protection
 
You're providing valuable service to your customers
when you suggest TSP  for any (applicable) products purchased;
it can be even more of a blessing for those clients who are leasing equipment.
TCL/TSP is not mandatory, but it is a wise choice!
Keep this in mind...
 
When customers buy a product, be it an automobile or a VCR,
it's theirs and they can choose whether or not to keep it in good condition,
mechanically and cosmetically.
That's not an option with leased products:
the contract stipulates that leased items must be maintained
in good and usable condition.
 
In the June 1991 M.O.M. we featured answers to the most often asked
TCL/TSP questions.
Topping that list is:
 
Q. Why do I need to pay for, e.g., the entire 36 months of product protection,
when the manufacturer's warranty is already covering the first 12 months?
 
A. Any included warranty is factored into the TCL/TSP monthly cost:
In essence, lessees are buying "after warranty" TSP coverage
for full lease term product protection.
That cost is prorated over the full term of the lease:
it makes for easier payments.
 
NOTE: Tandy Service Plans' SOS memo of October 14
detailed the procedures for the calculation
(now that monthly pricing is not in the System) and POS entry of TCL/TSPs.
If you have any questions or problems,
please contact a TSP representative at 1 (800) 433-5502.
 
Mailing TCL Documents
 
If you still have a supply of TCL self-addressed envelopes,
continue to use them for mailing in completed lease documents.
When those are gone, you'll need to hand address your envelopes to:
 
Tandy Computer Leasing
P.O. Box 17418
Fort Worth, TX 76102
 
Express Mail cannot be delivered to a P.O. Box number.
Address those to:
 
Tandy Computer Leasing
1500 Two Tandy Center
Fort Worth, TX 76102
 
A TCL LEASE....
 
The Closing Link to a Total Solution
for your clients' business products needs
 
Have a joyous and successful holiday season,
and a very happy 1992!
 
MOM-12-91
RSVP
 
You'll Never Have Better Odds...
than you have right now to convert once a year (or first time ever)
shoppers into your own regular, year-round Radio Shack customers!
 
HOW?
Introduce them to the RSVP opportunity.
You'll find that your greatest percentage of repeat business
comes from your ValuePlus  cardholders.
Carrying that card is like carrying a little magnet
that draws them back to Radio Shack month after month.
WHAT POWER!
 
Recognizing that this is a very busy time for you,
we want to give you some quick reminders about:
 
RSVP Applications
 
1. "NEAT and COMPLETE"...
   Be sure every section of the application has been filled in.
   Where a question does not apply, the letters "N/A" should be entered.
 
2. Before your applicant initials the "INSURANCE ELECTION OPTION" portion,
   explain the value of ChargeGard's product protection plan:
 
   ChargeGard pays regardless of any other insurance they may
   or may not have -- no questions asked
 
   No deductible and no depreciation -- ChargeGard will replace
   or repair the product
 
   ChargeGard covers what most homeowner policies do not,
   or charge exorbitant premiums for -- computers, cellulars;
   even flood damage/destruction
 
   Coverage protection starts the minute they leave the store:
   without ever having made a payment, they're covered
 
   Know the basics of coverage and cost in your state.
   When you explain these advantages to your new applicants,
   almost every one of them will choose the "yes" option.
   When you don't, they won't.
 
3. The law requires that:
 
   Applicants receive a copy of the CREDIT ACCOUNT AND SECURITY AGREEMENT
   which is the last page of the application
   ("CUSTOMER COPY" designated at the bottom of page)
 
   The Application (pg.1) and yellow copy (pg.2)
   must remain the property of Radio Shack.
   It must not be destroyed once it has been submitted (by FAX or phone.)
   You'll need to make a copy of the original if your customer requests one.
 
MOM-12-91
"Swipe the Card"... Huh?
 
It's a legitimate, standard phrase in an industry
that should/could have come up with a better word!
You know it as a means of imprinting your customer's ValuePlus card.
But... you need to be on the alert for that other definition:
the card that was "swiped" by the "card-holder."
We're talking
 
F-R-A-U-D !!
 
When your customer presents an RSVP card, or any credit card,
ensure that you're dealing with the person whose name is on that card:
 
1. After you've swiped the card and completed the charge ticket,
   HOLD ON TO THE CARD until you've compared the signature
   with that on the charge ticket.
 
2. While your customer is signing the charge ticket,
   be alert to questionable actions:
   jitters, deliberation over spelling of the name,
   their need to glance at another ID or credit card --
   in short, the same mannerisms that would dictate caution before
   accepting a personal check.
   In that event, ask to see their driver's license or state issued picture ID.
   (Whichever state you're in, to be safe, don't enter the ID information
   on the sales ticket or your POS.
   Proceed as detailed in Item #3 below.)
 
3. Compare the signed charge ticket with the signature on the ID
   and on the back of the charge card.
   Be sure they match.
   If you feel you have a potential fraud situation,
   alert the Operations Center that you have a possible "Code 10" situation.
   Follow their instructions.
 
Fortunately, the majority of your shoppers are honest.
They will appreciate your precaution.
Loss from fraud is costly to all of us; your customers, your company and YOU.
 
REMEMBER TO ALWAYS:
 
Make RSVP your customers' first choice...
not your salesperson's last resort!
 
MOM-12-91
Product News
 
AMERICA ONLINE DEMO ACCOUNTS NOW AVAILABLE!
 
You asked for them, and now you have them.
It's a one shot deal so please read carefully.
In your flyer 480 POP sign kit you will find an America Online (AOL)
registration certificate.
These are being distributed in all store and dealer kits,
so if you're a DM or RM, you will get one too!
Guard this with your life; it's the only one you will receive.
Even if you don't use it now, you may wish to save it for later.
 
Any machine that has AOL can be set up for use with your demo account.
If you wish to move the service to another computer,
simply backup the entire AOL subdirectory (and its subdirectories)
and restore it to another computer.
Or you may just copy the PCAODB.VM file
from the AOL SYSTEM QFORMS subdirectory
over the other machine's file and continue to use the service.
To restore the software back to the factory setting,
simply delete the local phone numbers from the set-up screen.
 
The account you receive is similar to your PC-Link account
in that it is a limited time account.
Please use the account during business hours
for the purposes of selling computers and modems.
Excessive after hours use will flag an account in the system for deletion.
Lost, destroyed or canceled accounts will not be reissued,
so please be careful.
 
Special note to District Sales Managers:
After the holiday selling season we will be sending out forms
on which you can record each store's screen name
so you will be able to keep track of your accounts.
After the first of the year,
stores will be able to choose which account they wish to keep
(PC-Link or AOL) and this form will facilitate this as well.
 
MOM-12-91
SO, YOU WANNA BUY AN ANTI-GLARE FILTER?
 
Anti-glare filters are a hot topic.
If you're on the West Coast, you know this already.
They are sweeping the nation.
As each state adds legislation to their books regarding VDT usage,
anti-glare filter sales increase dramatically.
But all filters are not created equal.
The chart attached to this M.O.M. entitled
"Performance Properties of Anti-Glare Filters"
shows you the differences between our filter
(the first column) and some of the competitor's filters.
Look at it and note the following drawbacks
with some of the competition:
 
Filter                       Drawback(s)
 
Mesh Filters                 Poor Resolution, Difficult to clean,
                             Poor UV, IR and X-Ray screening
 
Untempered coated glass      Reflection is high, Extremely poor safety
                             (even automobiles require tempered glass)
 
Laminated glass w/Dip        Poor radiation screening, Good durability coating
 
Polarized filter             Poor radiation screening, Good durability
 
Uncoated Plastic filter      High safety is its only strong point.
                             Everything else is inferior
 
Our 26-279 filter is of the highest possible quality and is priced to sell.
Check the competition -- we are priced right.
Sure, you can buy a mesh filter for $10, or a polarized filter for $30,
but when you can buy the best of the best for only $40
(and others sell the same filter for $50 or more)
and you're talking about your eyes and eyestrain,
isn't it worth the extra money?
Sure it is!
 
MOM-12-91
BACKUP POWER SUPPLIES -- NOT ALL OF THE NUMBERS ARE THE SAME
 
What do all of those numbers mean when looking at the capacities
in the catalog? This question has come up a number of times lately
in the evaluation of our 26-251 BPS-300.
What exactly does the "300" mean and how does it compare with other models?
Simply put, the number in a model number is usually the volt/amps (va)
of the product, or the watts.
The watts is the more important and more truthful number,
but many companies are using the va number
because it's larger and therefore implies a more powerful unit.
 
Regardless of each supplier's numbering scheme,
here is how to compare oranges to oranges
(this calculation is provided by the back-up power supply companies):
 
1. All computer equipment must provide a load rating for their products.
   This is usually written on the name or serial number label
   on the bottom or back of the unit.
   Gather these numbers and note whether they are in watts or volt/amps (va).
 
2. All load ratings should be converted to va for consistency.
   To convert watts to va, multiply the watts times 1.4.
   If the number is given in Amps, multiply the amps times the voltage
   you will be using (typically 120v).
 
   Here is an example:
 
   2500 SX/20 Computer w/mouse and 85 MB HD
   (120v at 2.0 amps)    120 x 2.0 = 240 va
 
   VGM-440 Monitor
   (120v at 1.2 amps)    120 x 1.2 = 120 va
                                    --------
                            total    360 va
 
3. Once this has been determined you can decide what capacity unit you need.
 
IMPORTANT NOTE: Much to the dismay of the back-up power supply companies,
actual power consumption is not as much as the load rating
on the back of the equipment.
This number is provided as an absolute worst case scenario.
The above system was tested with actual metering equipment
and really drew only 174 va during the initial startup,
and then only drew 112 va when running idle.
It's the idle number for this case that's important
because during a power failure you wouldn't turn on a computer to back it up.
It would already be running.
 
In this example, the 300 va model 26-250 or 260-251
would be more than adequate to support this computer system.
Not all units are created equal, however.
Be sure you check the length of time the unit will support the system
as well.
One 500 va model may work for 8 minutes while another may only work for 4.
The longer it supports though, the more it costs.
So use the handy chart below to properly match your customer's needs
with our BPS product line:
 
Cat. No     Vendor     Watts    VA    Full Load Backup Time (in minutes)
 
900-2396    APS         140    200      6
260-0250    Tandy       250    300      2 1/2
260-0251    Tandy       250    300      2 1/2
900-2281    Taesung     300    420      8
900-2487    APS         360    520      5
900-2150    SAFE        500    700     10
900-2151    SAFE       1200   1680      7 1/2
 
IMPORTANT NOTE: The 260-0250 BPS-250 and the 260-0251 BPS-300
are the same model in terms of backup power.
We just chose to use the watts number last year
and the va number this year to be more in line with
our competitors' numbering schemes.
 
MOM-12-91
AND TO GO WITH THAT NEW COMPUTER...
 
Creativity Software, Home and Personal Productivity Software,
Small Business applications, Word Processing -- don't
let your customer leave without at least two software packages!
Most of the software is unadvertised this Christmas,
so be sure your display is stocked and well located in your store!
 
DeskMate  Software
 
What to offer?
Well, depending on the computer being sold,
you'll want to add on the DeskMate Home Organizer ,
and a few DeskMate companions like Business Graphs, Outliner,
Thesaurus or Macros.
 
Bonus Pack!
 
If they're looking at a Tandy  1000 RL or RL HD,
you can offer them the Software Bonus Pack with DeskMate Q&A Write,
Lotus for DeskMate, Quicken  and  a PS/2-style mouse.
This $449.80 value is bonus priced at only $119.95!
 
Personal Roots
 
For customers who are interested in genealogy,
there's Personal Roots at a low price of $16.95!
If they're looking for something a little more complex and complete,
offer Family Tree Maker (900-2513, $59.95) from your Express Order  line!
 
Visions
 
And, any customer can delve into their own aura with Visions,
The Complete Astrology System!
Everybody loves to do their horoscopes!
Now they can get a complete daily readout on everything
from Career and Finance to Romance!
 
The New Print Shop and Print 'N Press
 
One of our best sellers is always The New Print Shop!
Couple that with "Print 'N Press"
and your customers can design and print their own T-Shirt transfers.
Don't forget to remind them that they need to "Print Backwards"
from Print Shop or whatever product they're using,
so when they turn the transfer over the text will be correct.
 
The New Print Shop Companion and Graphics Libraries
 
And for all your current New Print Shop customers,
there's the New Print Shop Companion (25-1436 $49.95)!
Adding newsletter formats, an envelope maker plus more fonts and graphics,
the New Print Shop Companion is a great add-on!
And don't forget about the Sampler, Party and School and Business Libraries
of graphics in Express Order!
Remind your customers that there are lots of Print Shop graphics
available on PC-Link or America Online for them to download, too.
 
Quicken
 
Always popular, Quicken will be a big seller this Christmas!
If you've not already seen it, the new 5.0 version of Quicken
will soon be available in your stores!
In the meantime, sell out of your stock on version 4.0.
 
TaxCut
 
New versions of TaxCut will soon be in your stores.
That doesn't mean your current stock is old!!!
Remember, the TaxCut product has NO DISKS in the package.
When the customer calls to order their disks,
they'll also get upgraded documentation.
Christmas is traditionally a fabulous selling time for tax software.
Let's take advantage of our great product!
 
Express Order Software
 
There are hundreds of exciting software titles available
from Express Order .
Bannermania  continues to be one of the best selling software titles
in Express Order.
Print Chief  is a great add on for customers with a Tandy  printer.
Print Chief allows your customer to change font, style, etc. without
flipping dip switches or programming in BASIC.
 
MOM-12-91
CHRISTMAS PRINTING
 
Leftover Labels?
 
It's time to look around on the back shelves
and find the things that were left over from last year
that you bought too much of.
Two excellent items would be the Christmas Letterhead (26-153)
and Christmas Labels (26-155).
At the giveaway price of $2.95 each,
you should be able to sell all you can find.
But there is one hitch to this --
you must dust them off and put them where the customer can see them.
Take them from the shelf that's got all the other discontinued items
and display them prominently along with your printer line.
 
Color Ribbons for Bright Printing!
 
Christmas is the time when people are thinking about bright colors.
Printing in color is a natural for Radio Shack,
and you are one of the few retail stores
that has multiple color printing solutions to offer.
With our Color Ribbon Pack (26-1235),
you can even offer single color printing to the millions of people
who have purchased Radio Shack printers clear back to the original DMP 130.
You would be surprised at the number of letters
Computer Merchandising receives from customers
requesting colored ribbons for their DMP 130 or DMP 132.
So make sure you put the colorful box out where customers can see it
and tell each and every one of your computer customers
that they can have color.
 
Color Printers for Multiple Colors
 
The DMP 240 and DMP 136 make excellent choices
for the new computer or printer buyer.
With their built-in ability to print in multiple colors,
these printers offer the customer the best value
when combined with the new graphics software that is so popular.
The New Print Shop takes excellent advantage of color printers
and your customers can print colorful Christmas cards, banners,
posters, and even letterhead.
If you display Print Shop right alongside one of these printers
with a sample printout in color,
you are sure to attract the attention of your customers.
Take a look at other stores in your area --
chances are they are not displaying sample applications
and print samples in color.
So when you do, it gives the customer a reason to buy from you
instead of the competition.
 
It's Unique!  Print 'n Press!
 
Christmas shoppers are always looking for something unique to buy.
Inside a Radio Shack store are many special kinds of unique gifts --
including one that absolutely no one else has available.
The all new  Print 'n Press  (26-1437) iron-on transfers make
an excellent suggestion for the customer looking for a $10 gift.
And remember, they can be used with or without a computer printer.
The special formulation of this transfer paper allows the user to draw
using standard color crayons or even transfer designs using carbon paper.
 
With a computer printer,
the customer can use virtually any printing software
to print their design on the transfer paper.
The DMP 240 and DMP 136 make great choices for printing designs in color.
For those users with a printer that only prints in black,
the design can be printed with the printer
and color can be added using color crayons.
The designs and methods are almost unlimited with this versatile product.
And the transfer can be ironed on almost anything that is fabric,
so not only can they print T-shirts, they can print on scarves,
coats, designer towels, dresses, cloth banners, and lots more.
But once again, remember that the customer must know you have it for sale
and what it is --
so display it close to your printers where the customer can see it.
 
MOM-12-91
1110 HD COMPARISON CHART CORRECTION
 
Attached to the November '91 issue of the M.O.M. were
several comparison charts.
We've found one error in the Tandy  1110 HD chart.
The Pixel Resolution of the Display was shown to be 640 x 480.
It should be 640 x 200.
 
Please correct your copy of that issue to prevent any future misunderstandings.
We apologize for the error.
 
MOM-12-91
BIG CHANGES IN THE SIERRA ON-LINE PRODUCT LINE!
 
Sierra has had many changes and new additions to the Express Order  line
since the catalog came out last August.
You will note that many of the SOWG items have been replaced
by enhanced versions.
Please note that we carry the EGA/TGA versions
of King's Quest 5 and Space Quest 4 for those customers
who wish to purchase them instead of the VGA versions in the 25 series.
 
Note:  This chart only reflects the changes.
The rest of Sierra's products continue in the line.
 
Cat. #        Title                               Price    Comments
 
900-1012      Codename: Iceman                    34.95    NEW LOW PRICE
900-1088      Heart of China - Hint Book           9.95    NEW
900-1101      Space Quest 4 - CD                           Delayed until 4/1/92
900-1104      King's Quest 5 - CD                          Delayed until 2/1/92
900-1108      Stellar 7 - CD                               Delayed until 1/1/92
900-1119      Codename: Iceman - Hint Book         9.95    NEW
900-1120      Quest for Glory 2 - Hint Book        9.95    NEW
900-1121      Leisure Suit Larry 3 - Hint Book     9.95    NEW
900-1122      Conquest of Cam. - Hint Book         9.95    NEW
900-1164      Mixed-up Mother Goose - EGA         39.95    NEW
900-1210      Mixed-up Mother Goose                        SWG
900-1258      Space Quest 1                                SWG
900-1466      Leisure Suit Larry 1                         SWG
900-2759      Hero's Quest                        34.95    NEW LOW PRICE
900-2885      The Colonel's Bequest               34.95    NEW LOW PRICE
900-3067      King's Quest 1                               SWG
900-3312      Helicopter Simulator                         SWG
903/5-1013    Space Quest 4 TGA/EGA               59.95    NEW
903/5-1087    Space Quest 1 VGA                   59.95    NEW
903/5-1123    Space Quest 1 TGA/EGA               59.95    NEW
903/5-1124    Leisure Suit Larry 5 VGA            59.95    NEW
903/5-1131    Leisure Suit Larry 5 TGA/EGA        59.95    NEW
903/5-1132    Adv. Willy Beamish VGA              59.95    NEW
903/5-1156    Leisure Suit Larry 1 VGA            59.95    NEW
903/5-1157    Leisure Suit Larry 1 TGA/EGA        59.95    NEW
 
MOM-12-91
TANDY 2810 HD AWARDED AT COMDEX
 
Tandy's award-winning notebook computers
continue to receive the attention of the computer industry.
At COMDEX in October, the Tandy  2810 HD was honored by
PC Laptop Computer Magazine  with the prestigious
"1991 Editors' Choice Award" for the "'286 of the year."
 
The Tandy 2810 HD is considered to be the absolute best value
for the customer in today's market.
It received industry attention when it was introduced
and continues to be the choice for many customers
who need a high speed notebook portable
without paying the high price associated with other notebooks.
InfoWorld recognized the 2810 HD as
"a speed leader with a very competitive price" in May
when they awarded it the InfoWorld Buyers Assurance Seal.
 
In many cases, the 2810 HD will outperform some 16 MHz 386SX notebooks
offered by the competition,
and its battery life is rated as one of the longest in the industry.
So when your customers come looking for a notebook computer,
be prepared to tell them about all the good features of
the award-winning Tandy 2810 HD.
 
MOM-12-91
SVGA ARTICLE CORRECTION
 
In the  SVGA Video Drivers for Windows 3.0  article
on Page 24 of last month's (November 91's) M.O.M.,
we showed that the 800 x 600 video mode with 16 colors
was supported by all current monitors.
This is not correct.
Of our current monitors, only the VGM-440 supports this mode.
 
MOM-12-91
VGA MONITORS -- UNLIMITED COLORS
 
On Page 22 of the November 1991 M.O.M.,
the article entitled "Tandy VGA Monitors" began.
On Page 23 was a chart under the sub-title,
"A Comparison of VGA Monitors In The Current Product Line."
This chart showed the maximum number of colors available with our
current computers and display adapters.
 
We want to clarify one point -- VGA analog monitors can display
an "unlimited" number of colors.
The limiting factor in displaying colors
is the number of colors the display adapter can produce at one time.
 
So as adapters continue to improve
and are able to display a greater number of colors at one time,
current monitors will be able to show all those colors at whatever resolution
the monitor can support.
 
Happy Holidays
 
MOM-11-91
The Front Line
 
Haste Makes Waste
 
In last January's Front Line,
we reviewed the importance of properly handling the issue of
post-Christmas merchandise returns.
The column underscored the importance of
Radio Shack's customer satisfaction policy.
Courteous and hassle-free returns are good business,
both for now and for future business.
However, the time to minimize these post-Christmas returns is NOW.
 
Here are five action steps that you can take
throughout the Golden Quarter selling season
to insure that your computer returns are absolutely minimal:
 
1. Train Your Temporary Salesmakers
 
If part-timers are going to be employed in the computer sales area,
be sure that they can use DeskMate  and have a reasonable grasp
of what PCs can and cannot do.
Otherwise, they should be trained to "hand off" these
particular opportunities smoothly to more qualified and experienced employees.
(See the Sales Training article on Page 8 of this M.O.M. for
some handy tips on training your temporary staff.)
 
While many sales are lost due to poor product knowledge or sales techniques,
many returns are generated by eager but misinformed staff
who exaggerate the capabilities of a particular system.
 
2. Qualify The Customer
 
It is equally damaging to undersell as to oversell your prospect.
When it comes to computers, some salesmakers undersell
because they are afraid of giving an interested prospect "sticker shock,"
when the customer really wants and needs the higher performance.
On the other hand, some salesmakers will push the "latest and greatest"
to the detriment of finding out first what the customer needs.
The real solution is to take advantage of the fact
that Radio Shack offers the fullest possible range of products and features
and to let the customer tell you which one is the right one.
 
Ask the appropriate questions about
how the prospect actually intends to use the system
and what applications he/she intends to run,
and you can then quickly decide whether that prospect will be
more comfortable with a Tandy  1000 RL, an RLX, or a 2500 SX/20.
How much will they need to store on the hard drive?
Will they be happy with DeskMate
and DeskMate Home Organizer  applications and a variety of games,
or do they plan to run business applications under Windows,
requiring a 2500SX/20?
On the other hand, for many folks,
larger systems merely add confusing features and unnecessary complexity.
Don't force the first time user into Windows
when they will really be happier with DeskMate.
And, if in spite of your best efforts and DeskMate,
the prospect still looks "shell shocked" after your demo,
don't forget to offer the WP-100 Wordprocessor with built-in printer,
a very comfortable transition for someone
who has only used a typewriter until now.
 
3. Harness The Power Of DeskMate
 
All of the major promotional computers this Christmas
(RL, RLX, and 2500 SX/20) come bundled with DeskMate.
Take advantage of two major benefits it offers:
"Teach Me" tutorials and context-sensitive "Help" screens.
Actually sit the customer down and briefly show him/her
how these two features work,
and you may save that user many frustrating hours
or yourself a prompt, post-Christmas return.
 
One powerful example to demo is to intentionally miskey an entry
when the Tutorial screen prompts you to enter a particular letter
for an option.
If you miskey an ineligible letter twice,
DeskMate then gives you a picture of the keyboard
and an arrow pointing to the appropriate letter key.
That's a real friendly confidence builder for the first time user!
 
4. Don't Overpromote Credit Sales/Zero Percent
 
Credit is a two-edged sword.
The low approval rate of recent FAXed-in credit applications indicates that,
in all too many cases, credit is being pushed where it is inappropriate.
Used with discretion, time payment can add to sales;
overused, it can only lead to higher returns.
(For more information, see the RSVP article on Page 6.)
 
5. Test The Product In The Store
 
In many cases, you must configure the system for your customer,
and this offers you the opportunity to "test drive" it
before it goes out the door.
 
In the case of a Tandy  102 Laptop or WP-2 Wordprocessor,
take the extra minute or two required to install the batteries
as a courtesy for your customer --
and to prevent that customer from misinstalling those batteries.
It's also an opportunity to give the item a subtle checkout
for hidden shipping damage.
 
Customer Satisfaction Prevents Returns
 
There is no magic answer to making sure every sale will "stick."
However, returns will be reduced in your store
if your customer actually leaves with a product that fills his/her needs
and one where the customer has been given an operational introduction.
What we have offered here is simply a series of elements
that help insure that the prospect has been given a chance
to state his/her needs and opinions and, after purchase,
has been give some reasonable familiarity with the product
before it leaves the store.
 
Remember, what seems simple to you in the store
may seem totally bewildering to the customer alone at home:
high tech can mean high stress.
A friendly and helpful gesture at the time of sale
will go a long way to insure that the item will provide
real user satisfaction and will therefore remain sold.
 
MOM-11-91
The DeskMate  Difference
 
Overview -- Selling DeskMate During Christmas
 
Selling DeskMate During the Christmas Selling Season
 
How can you sell computers or software when your DM's on hold on one line,
your spouse is on hold on the other, one customer wants a refund,
and there are twelve people Christmas shopping in your store?
 
This article gives you specific information about DeskMate
which you can use to sell computers (or DeskMate)
when you don't have a lot of time for a demonstration.
 
DeskMate: Unique Added Value
 
Only Tandy offers DeskMate.
 
No other PC manufacturer offers its own Graphical User Interface.
 
DeskMate includes ten useful productivity applications.
 
These programs are all you need to get started immediately in
productive computing.
 
DeskMate programs have a common interface.
 
That means they all have a similar look and feel.
Once you learn how to use one DeskMate program,
you'll know how to navigate around any other DeskMate program.
 
DeskMate gives you a menu for "launching" your programs.
 
You can launch both DeskMate and non-DeskMate programs.
 
Most DeskMate programs install automatically.
 
You don't need to figure out how to install them on your hard drive --
just choose the Install option from the menu.
 
DeskMate reduces the need to learn MS-DOS commands.
 
You can execute most common file and directory manipulations right from
the Desktop without using DOS commands.
 
DeskMate supports older Tandy  printers.
 
Remember the DMP 105 which doesn't have IBM compatibility?
DeskMate supports it and others with bolding, underlining,
and graphic printing.
 
Dozens of DeskMate programs from other publishers are now available.
 
These include higher-powered versions of DeskMate word processors,
database managers, and a Lotus spreadsheet.
They also include programs for music, outlining, personal finance,
home education,
and much more -- all using the familiar DeskMate interface.
 
DeskMate Helps You Sell
 
DeskMate adds value to our Tandy  computers.
 
Value is what sells, so use DeskMate to help you sell our computers.
You'll be glad you did!
 
MOM-11-91
Multimedia Update
 
September 26, 1991
 
TANDY UNVEILS MULTIMEDIA PC PRODUCT LINE
 
On September 26th in New York City,
Tandy unveiled the exciting Multimedia PC family of products
and announced their immediate availability.
 
Tandy was the first to ship fully configured Multimedia PCs,
with a complete Multimedia PC product line of five different computer models
tailored for the home, education and business markets.
 
The New York City media event featured a private session
for major publications and national press and an afternoon open house.
 
The private session was attended by Newsweek, Time, The New York Times,
Byte, InfoWorld and approximately twenty other major publications.
Presentations by American Airlines and Central Kitsap ISD
provided insight into the application of multimedia computing
in the business and education markets.
 
Industry leading software publishers such as Microsoft, Sierra,
Asymetrix, OWL and Warner New Media
provided demonstrations of their new multimedia titles
on Tandy  Multimedia PCs.
 
TandyVision , the new electronic catalog for Radio Shack stores,
received a great deal of attention and very favorable comments from the press
as a "real world" application of multimedia technology.
 
October 8, 1991
 
MULTIMEDIA PC MARKETING COUNCIL LAUNCHES PLATFORM
 
On October 8, the Multimedia PC Marketing Council (MPMC) officially launched
the Multimedia PC platform at a unique event in New York City.
The MPMC presented background, descriptions and demonstrations of the platform
in the American Museum of Natural History at 77th Street and Central Park West.
 
Approximately 600 people attended,
including 100 editors from various publications,
350 corporate and education representatives
and 150 hardware and software company exhibitors and staff.
 
James Burke of the PBS series Connections told the group
that there are certain times in history when technology connections are made
that result in totally unexpected phenomena,
and that the Multimedia PC is one of these technology connections.
 
Bill Gates spoke next.
He agreed with Dr. Burke and noted that just as the PC has been
the standard for the last ten years,
the MPC will be the standard platform for the next ten years.
 
Mike Grubbs, chairman of the MPMC and Tandy Senior Director of Marketing,
outlined the marketing programs of the MPMC
including their sampler disc, titles catalog,
point of sale materials and ongoing public relations efforts.
 
Following the general presentations,
the participants turned right at Mollusks
and viewed the hardware and software exhibits.
Twelve hardware companies and fifty software companies showed the guests
that the future has arrived:  the MPC is real!
 
We should note that over half the MPCs on display
were either Tandy or GRiD units.
 
You can take pride in your company's continuing leadership role
with Multimedia PC technology and marketing.
Tandy really is more than you imagined!
 
MOM-11-91
COMPUTER SUPPORT SERVICES
"Answers at Your Fingertips"
 
SUBJECTS OF THE MONTH
 
DeskMate and DMP 136
 
The DMP 136 requires an Epson FX-850 or JX-80 driver
to print in color.
DeskMate  does not have the correct driver.
(The Epson driver in DeskMate is specifically for the DMP 240 in Epson mode.)
We have found that WordPerfect and Print Shop do have the proper drivers
to demo this printer.
 
MS-DOS 3.20.xx, 40 Meg SmartDrive (25-1048) and Adapter (25-1088)
 
The SmartDrive Adapter manual does not contain instructions
for initializing the 40 Meg SmartDrive  with MS-DOS 3.20.xx
and accessing the extended partition.
Here's how to do it:
 
1. With the MS-DOS Supplemental Disk in drive a:, type hsect <ENTER>.
   Follow the prompts on the screen.
 
2. After the formatting is completed, type fdisk <ENTER>.
   To create a 32 meg partition,
   answer the prompt "Do you wish to use the entire hard disk? (Y/N)"
   with "Y."
 
   To create a 20 and 20 meg split on the drive,
   answer this question with "N."
   When you see the "Partition Size" prompt, enter 489.
   At the "Enter Starting Cylinder" prompt, put 0.
   You must now make the partition ACTIVE to correctly boot.
   Choose option 2 to make the partition active.
 
3. Once fdisk is complete, reboot the computer.
   Then type mlpart <ENTER>,
   and follow the prompts on the screen.
 
4. Reboot the computer and type format c: /s
 
5. Once the formatting is complete,
   copy all of the MS-DOS and Supplemental files
   from both diskettes onto the hard drive.
   Create a config.sys file and put in this line:
   device=c: lpart.sys c:
 
6. Remove the disk in Drive A and reboot the computer.
   At the c: prompt, type mlformat d:
   This will format the D: partition.
   When this is complete, reboot the computer.
 
Now you're ready to install software.
 
MS-DOS I/O Error 378h
 
The "I/O error 378h" normally indicates that the printer cable
has been installed upside down.
If this is not the problem, you may want to try another cable.
 
Tandy  2500 SX/20 and Prodigy
 
The Prodigy software comes pre-installed on the hard drive when delivered.
Please make sure to read the addendum before doing anything with the equipment.
The addendum explains that the Prodigy directory should be backed up
onto diskettes as the system does not come with Prodigy on diskettes.
 
If the customer has deleted or reformatted the drive,
the Prodigy diskettes can be obtained from the vendor.
 
First Publisher for DeskMate, DeskMate  3.5 (25-1351) and MS-DOS 5.0
 
On the 1000 series computers with 640K of memory,
First Publisher for DeskMate will not have enough memory available
to run under MS-DOS 5.0.
MS-DOS 5.0 takes up more memory than does 3.30 or 3.20.
The only options are to:
 
a. Upgrade to 768K RAM if the machine will allow
 
b. Don't upgrade to MS-DOS 5.0
 
When discussing with your customers the option of upgrading to MS-DOS 5.0,
remember that they will also have to upgrade to 25-1351
for the ROM-based 1000s as well as upgrade memory
if they want to use First Publisher for DeskMate.
 
On the 2500 SX and above, this configuration works fine
as long as the device drivers and DOS are being loaded high.
 
Using a 720K 3 1/2" Drive in a 1000, 1000A, 1000 SX and 1000 TX
 
Remember to put this line in the config.sys file
for the 720K floppy drives to properly format a 720K disk:
drivparm=/d:1 /f:2
If it is not used in the above machines,
the disk will be formatted to 360K.
 
This is true for all of the above machines with MS-DOS 3.xx or later,
except for the 1000 TX.
The 1000 TX will require this line only with MS-DOS 5.0.
 
SmartDrive Adapter 250-1088
 
The 250-1088 SmartDrive adapter is only to be used
with the 25-1047 20 meg SmartDrive  and the 25-1048 40 meg SmartDrive .
The Adapter will not be supported with the 25-1045 and 250-1046.
 
MOM-11-91
The Credit Line
Tandy Computer Leasing/RSVP
 
Tandy Computer Leasing  ???
 
RIGHT...
It's still Tandy Computer Leasing and it's still your company!
 
1. Document kits, forms, rate factor cards
   and all other supporting materials are new,
   but the name "TANDY COMPUTER LEASING" is the same.
 
2. Lease sales will be processed in the same manner as before.
 
3. Prepayments will still be made payable to Radio Shack
   and entered on your POS.
   Note this important change:
   New lease numbers contain 7 digits,
   but you enter only the LAST 5 DIGITS into your POS System.
 
4. Original completed documents will still be sent to Fort Worth
   in the TCL mail-in envelopes you have been using.
 
5. A TCL support staff will be maintained in Fort Worth to:
 
   a. process completed documents
 
   b. provide customer service for Sanwa
 
   c. coordinate Tandy's interests between you, your customers and Sanwa
 
So What's New?
 
1. The "800" numbers for:
 
   FAXing lease credit applications
   1 (800) 552-3291
 
   or the easy-to-remember
   1 (800) 552-FAX1
 
   Answering lease questions (Voice)
   1 (800) 788-2639
 
   or the easy-to-remember
   1 (800) 78-TANDY
 
   We misprinted this number in the October M.O.M.
   The correct application FAX number is: 1 (800) 552-3291.
   Honest!
 
2. RATE FACTOR CARDS with up to 8 lease term choices
   for your commercial customers alone (!) and good competitive rates.
 
3. Lease agreement and terms; personal guaranty;
   delivery receipt all in one contract.
 
4. When lease terminates, for any reason,
   Sanwa will give you first dibs to repurchase it for resale
   but if you choose not to, they will remarket it themselves.
 
5. Possibly of most consequence:
   You will now have the support of SANWA's 5 regional offices!
   To contact the manager in your region, call 1 (800) 347-5253
   and enter the appropriate extension for:
 
   Northeast   Fergus Newland    X263
   Southeast   George Duffield   X268
   Midwest     David Rowe        X267
   Southwest   Tim Nicholson     X251
   West        Dick Anderson     X264
 
As always ...A TCL LEASE...
 
The Closing Link to a Total Solution
for your clients' business products needs
 
MOM-11-91
RSVP
 
Your September issue of M.O.M. focused on FAX-in apps
for those customers who do not qualify
(no major credit card and less than $50 initial purchase)
for phone-in RSVP applications.
So far, the approval rate for FAX-ins
has shown very little improvement over the "TAKE ONES,"
which they replaced.
It's still dismal, but it's an alternative we need, and want, to provide.
 
Need?
 
You bet!
IT'S A FEDERAL LAW:  Anyone of legal age
who asks to apply for credit is entitled to fill out an application
and have it submitted for consideration.
You must not deny that privilege to any one over age 18.
If in doubt, just mention the minimum age requirement
and (as with all applications)
be sure to check the age, physical description/appearance,
and birth date on IDs to confirm.
 
Want?
 
Sure we do!
Even though relatively few (non-qualifiers) qualify for FAX-in applications,
we're happy to add those that do to our growing customer base
of ValuePlus  cardholder's.
 
Our point in bringing this to your attention
is to help you better budget your time.
Remember:
 
  Credit is a product too:
  Sell it to your shoppers and watch it become a self perpetuating power tool
  for more sales and bigger ticket sales.
 
  The approval rate for phone-in applications
  is much higher than for FAX-ins.
  Best use your credit selling time and expertise with those.
 
Re-Reminders
 
1. On special promotions (e.g.; Deferred payment and/or 0% Interest)
   let your shopper know, in an upbeat manner,
   when the meter will start running.
   You might say, "Your first payment on purchases made during this promotion
   will not be due until [month]" or,
   "You'll have no interest fee...and will have until [month]
   to make your first payment."
 
2. There is a beginning and an end for any promotion.
   Be sure that signs pertaining to a promotion are displayed only from:
 
   after store closing the night before the promo starts
 
   until
 
   after store closing on the date the promo ends
 
And be sure your customers know it will be over when it's over!
 
3. The system disallows any purchases that go over
   a cardholder's credit limit.
   If a charge is denied and your customer has reason to believe it's in error,
   maybe it is!
   Immediately call:
 
   Voice Verification
   1 (800) 767-7818
 
   and ask for approval assistance.
 
4. Here is a correction to an item
   (Re: the credit decision on FAX-in Applications)
   that appeared in your September M.O.M.
   It read, "A decision will be called back to your store
   to make you aware of the outcome."
   Not so...
 
   Only the applicant will receive notification (by mail)
   of the credit decision:
 
      Approved applicants will receive their RSVP card enclosed
      with notice of approval.
 
      Declined applicants will be advised by letter.
 
Which leads us to this re-reminder:
Do not call the Operations Center
(and please discourage applicants from calling there)
to ask about a credit decision on a FAX-in.
 
Again, this information will not be relayed by phone;
only by direct mail and only to the applicant.
 
RSVP TOP TWENTY SCORECARD FIRST QUARTER FY '92
 
Store #   Manager             Location         RSVP Sales
 
01-3495   Azad Tirgardoon     Aiea HI           394,323
01-2711   Pete Baribault      Valley Stream NY  249,454
01-3561   Azad Tirgardoon     Aiea HI           194,361
01-8866   Ken Christenson     Orlando FL        175,314
01-2664   Richard Pellegrino  Brooklyn NY       172,524
01-1313   William McDonough   Leominster MA     158,655
01-1792   Chris Hill          Fayetteville NC   154,147
01-1266   Ed Vescara          Waterford CT      137,951
01-4586   Bobby Sons          Clarksville TN    133,804
01-2365   Gary Hunter         Jacksonville NC   133,624
01-9902   Ronald Ramirez      El Paso TX        125,821
01-3494   Walter Mahan        Wahiawa HI        125,201
01-8801   Robert Newell       Jacksonville FL   122,250
01-1731   Thomas Bowen        Virginia Beach VA 120,924
01-9629   Hassan Valipour     Charleston SC     109,921
01-8267   Alice Rosella       Houston TX        107,366
01-1334   Jim Phillips        Nanuet NY         105,120
01-9609   Steve Graziano      Columbus GA       101,885
01-1285   Michael Riche       Waterton NY        99,443
01-2618   Mike Gabelman       Elmhurst NY        98,665
 
Hats off to each of them and to their respective sales teams,
and congratulations to the winners of the RSM RSVP WORLD SERIES:
 
Big League Winner     Phil Oman    Charlotte Region
Pony League Winner    Tony O'Hara  Philadelphia Region
Little League Winner  Greg Woods   Seattle Region
 
REMEMBER TO ALWAYS:
 
Make RSVP your customers' first choice...
not your salesperson's last resort!
 
They did!
 
MOM-11-91
Sales Training
 
Training For Those Christmas Computer Sales!
 
Should They....Or Shouldn't They?
 
Okay, it's that time of year again.
You've got intelligent, aggressive,
NEW salesmakers who see computer sales as their ticket to huge paychecks.
But WAIT!!!
Are these people really ready to sell computers,
or should you delegate them to the floor stacks of toys for their sales?
 
The answer to the question is "maybe."
That decision, of course, is up to the store manager.
You should know how computer literate each of your people is,
whether regulars or holiday extras.
But computer literacy isn't enough.
It's important that anyone who sells computers in your store
knows how to properly qualify a computer customer
and lead that customer to the system that will best meet his/her needs.
 
Qualifying
 
Here are some qualifying questions that EVERY prospective computer buyer
should be asked:
 
   "How do you plan to use your new computer?"
 
   "What programs do you currently use?"
 
   "Are you using another computer now?
   What kind?
   Do you need your new computer to be fully compatible with this one?
   What do you like about your current computer?
   What would you like to change or improve?"
 
   "What other computers have you looked at?
   What did you like about them?
   What would you change?"
 
These questions, along with follow-ups,
give you plenty of information to determine which Tandy  Computer
may be best for this customer's needs.
 
ALL of your salesmakers should be qualified to sell
the 1000 series of computers.
If they're not, you need to make sure they take the extra time
to study the features and benefits of the RL and RLX.
These computers require a minimal amount of expertise to sell,
which makes them attractive for first time salesmakers.
Train your newcomers on DeskMate  and the DeskMate Home Organizer  software,
as well as some of the more popular education
and entertainment software packages.
 
The key words salesmakers should listen for during qualification are --
HOME, FAMILY, EDUCATION, GAMES, HOBBY.
These words will usually indicate that either the RL or RLX
will be the right computer for that customer.
Price point, expansion, graphics, hard drive,
and speed will determine which of the two will be the choice.
 
Words such as OFFICE, BUSINESS, ACCOUNTING, FORECASTING, GRAPHS,
POWER, SPREADSHEETS, DRAFTING, DESKTOP PUBLISHING, and so on,
indicate that this customer would be better off with something
that can provide a bit more "oomph" than an RL or RLX can provide.
That, of course, would mean a 2500 SX/20 or even a 4000 series computer.
 
Turn-Over
 
However, you may find it necessary to tell some of your salesmakers
not to attempt to sell anything but the 1000s.
If the customer shows a need for a 2500, a 4000 series,
or even a laptop, those salesmakers who are not qualified
should be instructed to turn over the sale.
 
   "Mr. Customer, the answers you've given me
   indicate that you need something a little more powerful than
   our Tandy  1000s.
   Because of that, I'd like you speak with someone who can get you
   exactly what you need.
   If you would wait just a moment, I'll be right back with ______.
   She's familiar with the type of system you're looking for."
 
To new salesmakers, it may look like they're giving up a $2,000+ sale.
In reality, they must understand that, in this instance,
their time is better spent on the sales floor writing other tickets.
The chances are that they would get in over their heads and end up
turning over the sale anyway, which simply wastes their time
as well as the customers'!
 
It can also cause another, more critical mistake.
If the newer salesmaker gets in too deep,
and the customer senses that this person is in over his head,
we can lose the customer for good.
We may never get the chance to sell that person the computer they need,
or anything else.
We lose credibility as well as sales.
Get your new people in the habit of turning over the sale early
to someone who is qualified to handle it.
 
Keep in mind, though, that the 2500 SX/20
is our biggest item this holiday season.
It's the one many people will be looking for when they come in.
Lots of newspaper ads, magazine ads, and TV commercials
will be out these next few weeks touting the speed, performance,
and overall value of this system.
 
If you feel confident in someone's abilities to sell the 2500,
by all means let them!
The ability to demonstrate DeskMate gives salesmakers
the needed expertise to sell the 2500 for home use.
But for business or home office use,
be sure that they're able to qualify such things as monitors,
extra memory needs, software compatibility, and so on.
 
Appointments
 
Another idea for handling computer customers during really busy hours
would be to set up an appointment book.
Schedule appointments for the manager, CS, or other qualified person
to handle customers during times that are usually slower on the sales floor.
That way each customer gets personalized, undivided attention to their needs!
 
The bottom line is to make the most of everyone's time on the sales floor --
yours and the customers'.
By following these suggestions, all the customers get what they need,
and all the salesmakers make more money!
 
MOM-11-91
Product News
NEW DMP 136 COLOR PRINTER
 
Tandy  DMP 136 Color Dot Matrix Printer (26-2868 $299.95)
 
This new addition to the Radio Shack printer line
has started arriving in the stores for sale.
Judging by initial sales numbers,
this printer is destined to become the best-selling printer
in recent Radio Shack history.
 
Featuring many of the attributes of its bigger brother,
the DMP 240, the new DMP 136 can bring color printing
to the new computer user at a reasonable price.
The nine wire print head can print at speeds
of up to 213 characters per second (CPS) in its high speed draft mode
and 40 CPS in its letter quality mode.
The DMP 136 offers the same reversible push/pull tractor feed
of the DMP 240 and also shares the same high quality fabric ribbons,
both black (26-2824) and 4-color (26-2826).
In addition, it has a bottom loading paper slot,
and has semi-automatic paper loading, paper parking, and short form tear-off.
 
For those users who require printing from a serial port,
an optional RS-232C serial port (26-2875 $59.95)
is available from Consumer Mail.
 
By including both Epson JX-80 and IBM Proprinter II/III emulations,
you can offer customers a printer that can function
with thousands of other software packages.
When combined with Radio Shack's new Print 'n Press Iron On transfer paper,
users can print colorful T-shirts using software like The New Print Shop.
 
Printing in color from dot matrix printers
is relatively new to the computer industry.
Low cost color printers, like those from Radio Shack,
have only recently started to become available to the regular user.
Keep this in mind and do not expect all software packages
to take advantage of the color abilities of the DMP 136.
Many currently available software packages
simply have not added color printing support yet.
 
It should be noted that the DMP 136 cannot print in color from DeskMate ,
and no driver to take advantage of color printing
is planned for the near future.
However, by selecting the IBM ProPrinter driver in DeskMate,
the DMP 136 can still print text and black and white graphics images.
Many other graphics-oriented paint and draw software packages
include drivers for IBM Proprinter or Epson FX/JX printers.
In addition, they typically also offer the Epson JX-80 emulation
if they support color.
 
But it is important to remember that not all software packages
have color support and the customer should be reminded
to check their software for it if they wish to print in color.
 
MOM-11-91
TANDY 2500 SX/20 AND DESKMATE IN AUTOEXEC
 
Early production units of the Tandy  2500 SX/20 were not set up to
boot automatically into DeskMate .
Here are instructions to modify the AUTOEXEC.BAT file to make it do so:
 
1. Boot from the hard drive and, at the DOS prompt,
   type EDIT <spacebar> AUTOEXEC.BAT
 
2. Go to the end of the file (using the arrow keys to position the cursor)
   and type in CD DESKMATE <ENTER> DESK <ENTER>
 
3. Now, to close this, you touch (one at a time, NOT TOGETHER)
   the <Alt> key, then the <F> key, then the <X> key, and then <ENTER>,
   and you're done.
 
4. Now you can reboot and the system will autoboot to DeskMate.
 
KEEP SELLING 2500 SX/20'S!
 
MOM-11-91
RADIO SHACK INTRODUCES RUGGED, LOW COST, HARD DRIVE NOTEBOOK PC
 
Press Release
 
October 14, 1991, FORT WORTH, Texas -- Radio Shack's newest,
most affordable, hard drive-equipped notebook PC
is always ready to go when you are.
 
The Tandy  1110 HD (25-3531) is a sturdy, compact (2.4 x 9.8 x1 2.1")
notebook computer that weighs in at only 6.6 pounds.
It fits neatly in a briefcase or a knapsack
making it an ideal companion for the business traveller or student
who needs quick computing and portability.
 
The 1110 HD is also priced to please.
At $1,199, it is one of the most affordable hard drive notebook PCs
available today.
"Frankly, the Tandy 1110 HD is the lowest-cost, hard drive,
portable computer we know how to make at this time,"
said Bernard S. Appel, president of Radio Shack.
"With the possible exception of closeouts or special sales,
no other similar product matches this value."
 
While the 1110 HD is a low-cost, compact PC,
it stands tall when it comes to performance.
It has a V-20 microprocessor, with ten megahertz (MHz) clock speed,
zero wait state, and comes with 640K of standard memory.
The system also includes a 3 1/2" 720K floppy disk drive
and a fast internal 20 MB hard drive with a 23ms access speed.
 
The MS-DOS 5.0 operating system and Tandy's easy-to-use DeskMate  3.5
personal productivity software are factory installed
on the hard drive for instant start-up computing.
DeskMate's friendly Graphical User Interface,
with its familiar pull-down menus and pop-up dialog boxes,
guides the user through nine productivity applications
including word processing with a spell-checker, a worksheet, filer,
calendar, address book, Hangman word game, Draw, and a phone accessory.
Programs can be accessed with the 1110 HD's enhanced 84-key keyboard
or with the point-and-click convenience of a Tandy  mouse
(sold separately).
DeskMate also includes a helpful tutorial program.
 
The Tandy 1110 HD features a sharp-contrast,
reflective LCD with a 9" diagonal measurement, 80 x 25 characters,
and 640 X 200 pixel resolution.
Other features include a removable,
rechargeable battery that provides four hours of continuous computing;
a travel-size AC adapter/charger; parallel printer port; and serial port.
 
Optional accessories include a 2400 bps Internal Modem ($199.95);
a Replacement Battery Pack ($29.95); a Soft Carrying Case ($39.95);
or a Leather carrying case ($99.95).
The Tandy 1110 HD is backed by a one year in-store warranty
and is available at nearly 7,000 participating Radio Shack  stores
and dealers nationwide.
 
The Radio Shack Division of Tandy Corporation
is the nation's largest retailer of personal computers
and consumer electronics.
 
MOM-11-91
AMERICA ONLINE DEMO ACCOUNTS -- PLEASE STAY TUNED!
 
Cards!
Letters!
Phone Calls!
Many of you have let us know you want demo accounts for America Online.
 
STOP!
We hear you and we are working on getting demo accounts
or some type of offline demo to help you sell America Online.
Hopefully we'll have more details for you in the next issue
of the M.O.M.
 
MOM-11-91
NEW TANDY 1800 HD
 
Tandy 1800 HD (25-3502 $1,999)
 
Radio Shack will shortly have available the latest
in its line of award-winning notebook computers.
The Tandy  1800 HD is basically
an enhanced version of the popular Tandy  1500 HD,
sharing a lot of the features of the award-winning Tandy  2810 HD.
The 1800's 80C286 processor operates at an increased speed of 12 MHz,
giving it significant speed improvement over the 1500 HD.
In addition, the Tandy 1800 HD comes complete
with an internal 1.44 megabyte floppy disk drive
and 20 megabyte hard disk drive.
Other enhancements include a film-compensated
triple supertwist backlit VGA display with 32 shades of gray
as well as a full megabyte of random access memory (RAM),
expandable to three megabytes for running memory-hungry programs.
 
Value added features that have made
the current series of Tandy notebook computers so popular
are retained in the new 1800 HD.
The sleek black design, measuring only 12.2 x 10 x 1.7 inches,
is attractive yet offers a ruggedly built design
that can withstand the rigors of portable operation.
The Tandy Power View System features indicators for power on/off
and battery/charging status that are clearly visible
even with the lid closed.
Tandy's high quality 84-key keyboard provides true 101-key emulation
complete with full cursor control keys,
and the exclusive Tandy Key-Switch system allows interchanging the
<CAPS LOCK> and <CTRL> keys to suit users
who are used to either typewriter or PC keyboards.
 
A rechargeable Ni-Cad battery operates the computer for 2 1/2 to 3 hours
between charges when utilizing the customer controlled power savings features
and programs.
For extended use in the field, a spare battery (25-3526) is lightweight,
easy to carry, and slips into place in seconds.
The total `travelling weight',
including the lightweight 110v AC adapter,
is only 6 pounds and 10 ounces,
making it one of the lightest full-featured notebook computers in the industry.
 
The 1800 HD ships complete with the new Microsoft MS-DOS 5.0
and DeskMate  3.5 already installed on the 23 millisecond 20 MB hard drive.
The unit is ready for immediate use by the customer, right out of the box.
Without purchasing any additional software,
the customer has access to all the programs that have made
the DeskMate name the most popular user interface for the average user.
 
Included as standard features for the 1800 HD
are connections for a serial device, parallel printer,
and an external 5 1/4" floppy disk drive.
Users have a choice of two internally mounted modems.
One is the conventional 2400 bps modem
(25-3525) and the second is the new Internal Fax/Modem
(25-3509) that features all the functionality of a 2400 bps modem
plus a 9600 bps send only FAX capability for portable FAX operation.
 
All the accessories for the 1500/2810/3810 family,
with the exception of the internal memory, also fit the 1800 HD.
This includes the modems, the 25-3526 battery,
and a choice of three different carrying cases.
The new 2 MB memory module kit (25-3504 $259.95)
is designed for lower power consumption and user installation.
 
Tandy continues to lead the industry in the 286 notebook computer area.
Many customers do not need the power or the extra features
of the Tandy 2810 HD and the Tandy  3810 HD.
But they also need more power, memory, and higher resolution graphics
than that found in the Tandy  1100 and Tandy 1500.
And nowhere else can the customer turn except to his friendly
Radio Shack store to offer a 286 solution with the right features.
 
The Tandy 1800 HD is scheduled to be available in small quantities
in November, with large quantities at the end of November.
There will be plenty to sell during the Christmas season.
 
MOM-11-91
DESKMATE UPGRADE ROMS AND MS-DOS 5.0 REVISITED
 
We need to reiterate what has been stated in the October and July/August issues
of the M.O.M.:
If a DeskMate in ROM customer upgrades to DOS 5,
the DeskMate in ROM will no longer be recognized.
Please don't offer your customer both!
They cannot be used together.
 
DeskMate users who wish to run MS-DOS 5.0 must use
the 25-1351 DeskMate  stand-alone product rather than the DeskMate in ROM.
(They are entitled to the DeskMate upgrade price of $49.95.)
 
Also, the Music and Sound programs that came with their original DeskMate
should run with 3.5.
Just have them reinstall the new DeskMate 3.5 disks over their existing
DeskMate directory, and continue to use their Music and Sound programs.
 
MOM-11-91
DATA CARTRIDGE SPECIFICS
 
The data cartridges you sell are industry standard,
and the chart below shows which of our catalog numbers
correspond to what "Industy Standard" numbers.
With this information, you can provide cartridges for your customers
who need them for other than Tandy machines.
 
  Our     Tape      Tape       Tape             Industry
Catalog   Width    Length    Capacity           Standard
number   inches     feet       FTPI    MBytes    number
 
26-0129   0.15      600       16000     160      CT-6000N
26-0204   0.25      600       10000     134      DC600XTD
26-0218   0.25      205       12500      40      DC2000
26-0246   0.25      307.5     15000     120      DC2120
26-1391   0.25      450       10000      45      DC300XLP
 
MOM-11-91
COMMUNICATIONS WITH COMPUTER MERCHANDISING -- UPDATED
 
We Appreciate Feedback
 
We get plenty of feedback and great ideas from the Annual Meetings.
But we do need comments and suggestions year 'round.
If your customers are asking for something new or
something to be offered slightly differently,
drop us a note.
Either a speed memo or Speed Mail message
generated from your POS will do.
 
We promise we'll acknowledge and consider every single one.
We're including a detailed "who buys what" list in this article so
you'll know to whom to direct your communications.
 
Making Phone Calls To Computer Merchandising
 
By the way, a reminder is in order about telephone calls to Merchandising:
 
We just can't take them from stores.
 
Don't get upset if our receptionist refuses to put you through
or the buyer declines to accept your call.
If you have an issue that you feel requires our immediate attention,
contact your District or Regional Manager.
It's their job to help you and  they  can call us if necessary.
 
Know who to contact, when, and how:
 
  Product Suggestions -- mail to the buyer
  Product Operation/Technical problems -- call Computer Support Services
  Anything Else -- contact your DM/RM. 
 
MOM-11-91
Speed Mail Etiquette
 
Speaking of Speed Mail,
we continue to receive a large volume of speed mail that is misdirected.
Product ordering, availability and procedural questions
must be directed to your District/Regional Manager.
Questions about product operation or reports of problems should be directed
to Computer Support Services.
 
So You'll Know Who To Write To.....
 
We've had a few changes since the last time we printed this list.
Here's the updated info:
 
MOM-11-91
WHO BUYS WHAT IN COMPUTER MERCHANDISING
 
      SOFTWARE PRODUCTS
 
Accounting/Finance             Kate Titsworth
Business/Personal Management   Kate Titsworth
CoCo Software                  Gene Schenberg
Communications                 Kate Titsworth
DeskMate                       Gene Schenberg
Desktop Publishing             Kate Titsworth
Educational (School, K-12)     Maggie Sherrod
Educational (Home)             Gene Schenberg
Entertainment                  Gene Schenberg
Forms Management               Kate Titsworth
Graphics                       Kate Titsworth
Online Services                Gene Schenberg
Operating Systems              Chris Imler
Productivity                   Kate Titsworth
Programming Languages          Kate Titsworth
SchoolMate                     Maggie Sherrod
Utilities                      Kate Titsworth
 
      HARDWARE PRODUCTS
 
Backup/Universal Power Supplies     Gene Schenberg
CD-ROM Drives                       Mark Clauder
Color Computer Hardware             Mark Clauder
Digitizers                          Colin Meyer
Diskettes/Media                     Gene Schenberg
FAX Products (for PCs)              Mark Clauder
Furniture                           Gene Schenberg
Joysticks (260/270-series)          Gordon Dixon
Joysticks (900-series)              Gene Schenberg
Mice                                Gene Schenberg
Modems (except laptops)             Mark Clauder
Laptops/Notebook PCs/Accessories    Colin Meyer
Networking Products                 Chris Imler
Paper/Labels                        Colin Meyer
Pocket Computer                     Colin Meyer
Point-of-Sale Hardware              Gene Schenberg
Printers & Printer Supplies         Colin Meyer
Printer Cables/Ribbons/Printwheels  Colin Meyer
Serial Cables/Connectors            Dick Hedrick
Scanners (Hand & Full Page)         Colin Meyer
Sound/Music Boards                  Mark Clauder
Spike Protectors                    Gordon Dixon
Tandy  1000 Hardware & Peripherals  Mark Clauder
Tandy  2500 Hardware & Peripherals  Jef Fike
Tandy  3000/4000 Hardware & Peripherals Jef Fike
Wordprocessors                      Colin Meyer
 
  Maggie Sherrod is in the Education Marketing Department
 
MOM-11-91
HAVE DEFECTIVE MEDIA?
 
Just What Does "TSA Warranty Exchange" Exchange?
 
They specifically exchange 25 and 26 series defective diskettes only.
 
They do NOT exchange:
 
  90 series diskettes of any kind
 
  diskette sizes (i.e., they do not have 5 1/4" versions of the 3 1/2"-only
  software
 
If you think you have defective media,
try these things before contacting TSA:
 
1. Read the instructions that came with the product
   to see if it is copy-protected or self-booting.
   Sometimes these disks aren't recognized in the disk drive
   unless the computer is booted from that floppy.
 
2. Make sure you are checking the original disk and not a bootleg copy.
   Pirated disks are often missing crucial files
   as part of the copy-protection.
   Look for crooked disk labels or partially peeled up labels
   as signs of tampering.
 
If it turns out you have a defective disk(s), mail it (them) to
 
TSA Warranty Exchange
205 NW 7th Street
Fort Worth, TX 76111
 
$5 per disk will be charged to your #4001 account,
so be sure to only send the defective disk(s) in question, not the entire set.
Be sure to include your store number and your current address.
If you have a discontinued product or something very old
and are not sure if TSA will have the exchange disk(s),
you may call or FAX them with your request.
They can be reached at:
 
(817) 336-3612 (voice), or
(817) 338-1917 (FAX)
 
Remember these numbers are for store use only.
They are not to be given to our customers. 
 
MOM-11-91
JUST IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS!
 
The Electronic Computer Glossary (900-2553) New Low Price
 
Was $59.95 -- NOW $29.95!
 
The Electronic Computer Glossary is easy to use
and features more than 5,000 definitions of computer terms
including proper names of products and companies.
In addition, the Electronic Computer Glossary contains
technical and basic computer concepts as well as:
 
  Programming language examples
  Bulletin Boards
  History of the computer industry
  Charts and diagrams
  A DOS Tutorial
 
It's more an on-disk computer encyclopedia than just a dictionary!
Everything is written in clear, concise language.
Perfect for both the professional and the beginner!
 
Also -- don't forget the book version of this glossary --
900-2808 at $24.95!
 
MOM-11-91
PRODUCTIVITY SOFTWARE THIS CHRISTMAS
 
Games are really fun to play,
but your customers want more to do than just play around!
That's why it's essential that you know about
the productivity software we offer
that will enhance their new computer experience!
 
The Software Bonus Value Pack (25-1338) has a new low price of $119.95!
A $450 value, the Bonus Pack features:
 
  DeskMate Q&A Write
  Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate
  Quicken for DeskMate
  PS/2-Style Mouse
 
The Bonus pack is a natural add-on for any Tandy  1000 RL/RL HD customer!
Let them know the value's there!
 
Great new titles are coming to your store this Christmas!
In addition to long-standing favorites like The New Print Shop and Quicken,
there's:
 
  Personal Roots (25-1432  $16.95) -- an easy-to-use,
  entry level geneaology program.
  Remember, if the customer is really serious about their family history,
  you may want to upgrade them to Family Tree Maker (900-2513   $59.95).
 
  Visions (25-1433  $39.95) -- Now you can check
  your daily horoscope or do your astrological charts!
  Statistics show that over 85% of the people that log on to an online service
  go and check their horoscope!
  Now they can get a complete daily look at their:
 
    Career
    Personal and professional conflicts
    Finance
    Romance
 
  plus lots more!
  It's fun and comes with several preset celebrity dates.
  Check Tom Cruise or Katharine Hepburn -- maybe today is your lucky day!!!
 
  DeskMate Home Lawyer (25-1434  $69.95)
  The 16 most popular Documents from Hyatt Legal Services!
  DeskMate Home Laywer can help with:
 
    Wills (single or married)
    Power of Attorney
    Medical Power of Attorney
    Bill of Sale
 
  Plus much more!
 
  The New Print Shop Companion (25-1436  $49.95) --
  Complements The New Print Shop or runs alone!
  There are brand new features that let you do things
  you've not been able to do before!
 
    Page Publisher -- includes special templates and typefaces
    that make it easy to produce newsletters, reports and flyers
 
    Letter Writer -- gives you a text editor
    for typing business or personal letters on a letterhead
    created with The New Print Shop
 
    Envelope Maker -- finally you can create beautiful envelopes
    to match your letterheads!
 
    AND -- the new Graphics/Fonts/Borders editor
    makes it easier than ever to create your own designs!
 
MOM-11-91
NEW ON PC-LINK AND AMERICA ONLINE
 
The Career Center now maintains a library of information about
a variety of career resources -- books, magazines, newspapers,
newsletters, video and audio tapes, films associations, services,
workshops, and more.
Here are the descriptions of each individual resource:
 
1. name
2. author/publisher/developer/provider
3. intended use and/or contents
4. format (i.e. book, videotape, conference, etc.)
5. cost
6. an address subscribers can use to obtain it
 
This information is maintained in eight downloadable files
which are updated at least once a month.
The files organize the resource information
according to classical career needs.
They are:
 
1. Resources for Career Planning
2. Resources for Job Seeking
3. Resources for Information about Educational Institutions and Occupations
4. Resources for Educational Planning
5. Personal/Social Development Resources
6. Self-Employment Resources
7. Resources for Individuals (handicapped, elderly, etc) with Special Needs
8. General Use Resources in Career Development
 
Members are encouraged to help the Career Center
build up these lists by mailing information about good resources
they have found to the Career Center staff.
 
The Career Center is opening a nationwide full-text searchable database
of job listings updated biweekly.
The ADNET Employment Advertising Network database
currently consists of between 800 and 1,000 openings
for professionals seeking work -- the bulk of which are unique to ADNET.
Each listing contains detailed information about the position
and contact information.
 
Literacy Volunteers of America is supporting a new area
in the Teacher's Information Network area with message boards,
articles and information and more.
 
MOM-11-91
VIRUS CHECKING ON FILES ON AMERICA ONLINE AND PC-LINK
 
Guest Column by Thomas L. Quindry
(PC Tom, Forum Leader/Manager, PC Software Center)
 
Question
 
Just what goes into checking programs that are made available
in the Computing and Software area for the America Online,
PC-Link, and Promenade online services of Quantum Computer Services, Inc.?
How well are they checked?
What are they checked for?
 
Answer
 
In the Computing and Software area, we get files from many sources.
We get files directly from the author and uploaded by our online members,
and files accumulated from other sources by the Forum Leaders and their staffs.
 
With so many places where files come from,
we have to be especially alert to any problems
that members downloading the files may have.
All staff that check files must go through training
and are given specific guidelines for checking files
and writing the fine file descriptions that we have online.
Experienced staff return many times for refresher training
while new staff are being trained.
 
In writing file descriptions, we provide specific information on each file;
version number if known, author, required special equipment,
special software needed, key search words;
and we explain the function of the program.
We also tell whether the program is shareware, public domain,
or freely distributed and provide details that may not otherwise be apparent
when using or installing the program.
 
Each program made available online is fully checked for functionality.
Functionality of the program can include making sure all expected files
are included, the program is properly documented
and that the program runs as expected.
First and foremost, however, we want to assure ourselves and the members
that a file is virus and trojan-horse free.
Very specific guidelines are followed for checking files
for these types of problems.
The term virus was coined for programmed code
that can replicate and attach itself to other executable files
that someone may have on his computer.
A  virus  is code designed to ultimately destroy or alter program and data
on computer storage media.
A  trojan-horse  is a term coined for code added to specific files
that can destroy data,
but it cannot replicate itself to other files as viruses can.
 
To date, there has NEVER been a file placed in our libraries
that has been found to have a virus.
This is not to say it can never happen;
and even though we fully check files
before making them available the first time,
we do have procedures for handling 
situations where virus problems are suspected by members.
Any file online that is suspected by a member or anyone else
will be temporarily removed from the libraries,
checked and double checked again for the suspected viruses.
It will only be placed online again when we are confident that
no virus is present.
Many times more than one person in the staff of the Computing and Software
area will do the re-checking.
We take these steps for providing good quality virus-free programs
very seriously and bank our online reputation on it.
 
When checking for viruses, staff is required to use a program
approved by Quantum Computer Services,
and obtained from a known source, i.e., a safe source.
This program is maintained and updated frequently
to include signatures of known viruses.
Staff are required to use the approved program and obtain it from Quantum --
they can also use any other virus detection and protection programs
of their own choosing in addition to the approved program.
 
Just how assured can one be that a virus won't be found online?
The key to answering this question is that we search for "Known' viruses.
We can only check for "Known" virus signatures,
so we cannot and no other online service can ever provide
a 100 percent guarantee that a newly uploaded file will not contain a virus.
But, our procedures for checking and damage control
when a member suspects a virus online do assure
that the chances of a member getting a virus from a program online
are minimal.
 
Some notable virus detection programs are available
both in the shareware and commercial arena.
John McAfee's Viruscan is a shareware program we maintain online.
Also there is Virucide from Parson's Technology,
and new virus protection programs from Central Point Software and Semantics.
All of these programs require that you update the signatures frequently
to check for newly written viruses.
This may entail updating the virus signatures many times a year,
not necessarily at specified intervals.
All of the programs mentioned here provide updated signatures frequently.
 
MOM-11-91
NEW! SOUND BLASTER MUSIC CARD
 
The Sound Blaster Card (25-1089) is now available
as a Special Purchase item for the Christmas selling season.
The manufacturer's suggested retail price is $169.95,
but through a special arrangement with the manufacturer,
Radio Shack will be selling this board at $139.95!!
This makes our price better or equal to the discount houses
on the music card that has set the sound standard on PCs.
 
The Sound Blaster features 11 voices,
a bi-directional digital to audio converter (DAC),
a built-in amplifier, a microphone jack, an IBM-standard joystick port
and a MIDI compatible port.
It is compatible with all AdLib and GameBlaster sound drivers.
The card also comes with Intelligent Organ,
Voice Kit and Talking Parrot software.
It will fit into any computer with an open 10" card slot,
and is a solid add-on for our computers with and without Tandy Sound.
 
Look at the software titles you carry in your store,
or visit one of our competitors,
and see how many programs now support the Sound Blaster card.
You'll be hard pressed to find any entertainment title
that doesn't list it as supported.
Some of the software that is supported on the Sound Blaster includes:
 
MOM-11-91
EDUCATION
 
First Byte     MathTalk                   KidTalk
               Speller Bee                First Shapes
               The Dinosaur               Discovery Kit
               The Rhyming Notebook       MathTalk Fractions
               SmoothTalker               Computer MAD LIBS
               First Letters and Words    The Puzzle Storybook
 
MUSIC
 
Creative Labs  Intelligent Organ + Songs  Pop-Up Music + Songs
               Sing-Along II              C/MS Music Composer
               C/MS Presenter             C/MS Music Teacher
               Folk Album                 Christmas Album
               Computer MAD LIBS
 
Magnetic Media       Prism
 
Twelve Tone Systems  Cake Walk
 
GAMES
 
Accolade       Conspiracy                 Don't Go Alone
               The Third Courier
 
Activision     DeathTrack                 Mech Warrior
(Mediagenics)  The Manhole PC             Tongue of the Fatman
 
Broderbund     Where USA Is Carmen        Where World Is Carmen
 
Capcom         Pocket Rockets
 
Cosmi          Chomp                      Navy Seals
 
Data East USA Inc   Monday Night Football
 
Dynamix        A-10 Cohen Tank Killer     David Wolf: Secret Agent
 
Epyx           Omnicron Conspiracy
 
Electronic Arts    Budokan                Cartooners
                   Keef The Thief         Kings Of The Beach
                   Lakers vs. Celtics     688 Attack Sub
                   Indianapolis 500       Populous
 
Gamestar       Take Down                  Ghost Busters II
               Faceoff
 
Konami/Ultra   Castlevania                Teenage Ninja Turtles
 
Kyodai         Psychic Wars               Hydlide
               Murder Club
 
Lucasfilm      Battle Of Britain             Indiana Jones/Last Crusade
               Indy: The Graphic Adventure   Loom
 
Mastertronics/  Ray Trace vs. Aliens      Excaliber
Virgi           Robin Hood
 
Michtron       Air Ball
 
MicroProse     Red Storm Rising           The Sword Of The Samurai
               F-15 Strike Eagle 2        F-l9 Stealth Fighter V3.0
               M-1 Tank Platoon
 
MindScape      Clubhouse Sports           The Road to Sturgis
               Fiendish Freddy's Big Top O'Fun
               Star Trek V: The Final Frontier
 
Omnitrend      Breach 2                   Universe III
 
Origin Systems   Times of Lore
 
Sierra Online  Code Name Iceman              The Colonel's Bequest
               The Conquest Of Camelot       Hero's Quest
               Hoyle's Book Of Games         King's Quest IV
               Leisure Suit Larry II, III    Police Quest 2
               Silpheed                      Sorcerian
               Space Quest III
 
Software
  Toolworks    Beyond Black Hole          Bruce Lee Lives
 
Spectrum       Falcon 3.0                 A-10
Holobyte       Stunt Driver               Tank
 
Strategic
  Simulations  Champions Of Krynn
 
Sublogic Corp. Flightsim ATP
 
Taito          Ark. II: Revenge of Doh    Bubble Bobble
               Operation Wolf             QIX
               Rastan                     Renegade
               Sky Shark                  Rambo III
               Alcon
 
Velocity       JetFighter
 
AND MANY MORE GAMES COMING SOON ...
 
This is one of the hottest products in the PC Sound market today,
and at $139.95, you've got the price that is guaranteed to sell.
Be sure to "sound off" to all your customers about Sound Blaster!
 
MOM-11-91
DISCONTINUED/CANCELED PRODUCTS
Discontinued
CAT. #     DESCRIPTION
 
250-4121   16-Bit SmartDrive Adapter
900-2401   Aboveboard Plus
900-2455   Dual Port Adapter (MC)
900-2460   Ramquest Extra (MC)
900-2457   SmartPort/208 (MC)
 
Canceled
CAT. #     DESCRIPTION
 
250-1800   Roger Rabbit
           (replaced by 900-1162)
900-1146   Bill Elliot's NASCAR
 
MOM-11-91
Product News
Of Special Interest to 01Zs
TANDY 4025 LX EARNS BUYERS ASSURANCE SEAL!
 
As featured in InfoWorld's October 7th (1991) review,
the Tandy  4025 LX was selected to receive the Buyers Assurance Seal.
They rated the 4025 LX as:  a work horse; well built;
easy to reconfigure; and fine expandability options.
 
Our customers seem to agree!
The 4025 LX has been the most popular choice
for our business and education sales teams!
The 4025 LX provides an excellent platform for the small- to medium-size
fileserver market.
It also works well as a dedicated workstation
for the more prudent computer user.
 
Be sure to make this part of your next presentation
or demonstration of the 4025 LX.
This just proves once again, that quality Tandy products are
as good as we say they are...for our customers!
 
MOM-11-91
NEW TANDY 4833 LX/T
 
Excellent Platform for Network/Multiuser File Server Environments
 
Remember when the 33-MHz 386 was cutting-edge technology?
In November we will be shipping
the NEW Tandy  4833 LX/T i486/33MHz (25-5145).
As featured on page 2 of RSC-23,
the 4833 LX/T will provide an excellent platform
for the Network/Multiuser file server environments.
The 8K of internal cache provides extremely powerful
software transparent cache which stores recently accessed information
on the processor chip.
It is a 4-way set associative and uses a write-through protocol.
Therefore, external cache is not a requirement for a 486 base system.
(As communicated earlier,
there is  no external 64K SRAM cache  as listed in RSC-23.)
 
The 4833 LX/T has a DX-type microprocessor.
This means it contains Floating Point Unit (FPU) capability,
which provides the Coprocessing capabilities
we are used to (at an optional added cost) for our 386-based computers.
Coprocessing capability provides more than just
off-loading intensive math operations from the CPU --
it handles in one instruction what would take hundreds of instructions
for the main CPU.
FPU also offers increased speed, efficiency and accuracy.
 
The CPU is socketed to allow for future Intel upgrade enhancements
for our 486 strategy.
 
Its two open half-height 5 1/4" device bays and one 3 1/2",
provide an excellent growth path for adding devices such as:
440 MB SCSI Hard Drive, internal tape backup, internal CD-ROM drive and more.
With a 300-Watt power supply,
it's built to handle the heavy load that these types of systems
are expected to take.
 
With sixteen SIMM sockets on the main logic board,
expansion to 64 MB can be achieved using 4 MB SIMMS.
The system comes pre-installed with 4 MB using four 1 MB SIMMS (80ns).
Adding additional memory does not require an optional memory card
and does not take up an expansion slot.
(4 MB SIMMS will be available through Third Party Products.)
 
Seven 16-bit ISA compatible expansion slots (6 open)
provide excellent expansion for the most widely accepted
and accessible industry standard expansion options.
 
The system includes a standard 1.44 MB 3 1/2" floppy drive.
The FDC (Floppy Drive Controller) has support for the 2.88 MB 3 1/2"
floppy drives (these will be available from National Parts
by the end of the year).
 
Two DB-9 serial, one DB-25 bi-directional parallel,
mouse and keyboard ports
(the mouse and keyboard ports are not ambidextrous),
provide normal system connections.
Keep in mind that our 101-key enhanced keyboard
is very much a quality product in itself!
 
DOS 5.0 is included,
and this means that your customers can be up and running quickly
without the added expense of buying an operating system.
 
16-Bit SVGA Adapter With 512K VRAM Is Standard
 
A 16-bit SVGA adapter is standard.
It is populated with 512K of VRAM and is expandable to 1 MB.
Also included are the VGA drivers for programs that can utilize
the full capabilities of our SVGA adapter.
With the appropriate video driver you can display:
 
with 512K VRAM
 
640  x  400  with 256 colors
640  x  480  with 256 colors
800  x  600  with 16 colors    (requires VGM-440)
1024 x  768  with 16 colors    (requires VGM-440)
 
with 1 MB VRAM
 
800  x  600  with 256 colors   (requires VGM-440)
 
IDE Hard Drives Can Be Automatically Configured For Use
 
When any IDE-type hard drive not listed in the BIOS is used,
the AUTO feature can be selected
and the Automatic IDE Hard Drive Selection
automatically configures the drive for use.
This allows the full capacity of the hard drive to be achieved
and to be recognized as a standard type hard drive,
without changing the BIOS!
This means that a DISK MANAGER-type program is no longer required
to make Novell think you have a standard drive type.
 
Here's how this works:
if shadow RAM is available, it will be used instead of the BIOS data area.
So for Novell users, it will be required that the BIOS be shadowed
to take advantage of the full capacity of the hard drive.
 
Floor-Standing or a Desktop?  You Choose.
 
This floor-standing model can also be used as a desktop system.
The drive bay door can be removed for easy access to the drive panels
for the desktop environment.
Of course, with the unit floor standing,
the door provides a secure,
yet dust prevention feature to protect the installed drives.
 
SX Version Coming
 
Following on the heels of the 4833 LX/T will be the Tandy  4820 SX/T,
the lower cost SX version.
This is planned for availability the middle of December.
 
So, 486s are here at Radio Shack for you,
and this is just the beginning of another great Tandy tradition.
 
MOM-11-91
TANDY VGA MONITORS
 
The monitor is a critical component of a Tandy Computer.
The customer may judge the quality of the entire system
by the quality of the display.
 
It is important to understand the positioning of our monitor strategy
and how each monitor meets the qualified needs of our computer customers.
Let's briefly look at each of our VGA monitors:
 
VGM-100
 
The VGM-100 monochrome monitor is an excellent "low cost" display
that provides a sharp white on black image.
While monochrome monitors are not measured in dot pitch
because of their single color,
the VGM-100 does provide high resolution clarity
for text and grey scale applications.
This monitor, when used for strictly word processing
or data entry type applications,
is excellent for extended use with little eye strain.
 
VGM-220
 
The VGM-220 monitor is an excellent "low cost" budget monitor
for the individual who typically uses a computer for just a few hours a day.
The resolution is not as crisp and sharp as our higher cost VGA monitors
and can cause slight eye strain and fatigue.
The glare-type screen increases this effect.
The education classroom is an excellent environment for this monitor.
With its low cost and the use-per-student time of only about an hour a day,
this monitor is ideal.
 
VGM-200
 
The VGM-200 monitor is a step up in cost as well as quality.
You've shown the differences for years between the CM-5 and CM-11;
this is similar to the relationship between the VGM-220 and the VGM-200.
The VGM-200 provides a sharper and clearer image
and utilizes a "non-glare" type screen which reduces glare
and lessens fatigue and eye strain for the user.
This monitor is for anyone who sits at a computer
for more than an hour at a time and needs its better clarity.
 
VGM-440
 
The VGM-440 Super VGA monitor is the ultimate in viewing pleasure.
With its included tilt-swivel base,
the angle can be easily adjusted for proper viewing.
The up-front control panel allows quick and easy fine tuning adjustments
if needed.
The true sharpness and crispness of each character displayed
as well as the fine high resolution this monitor can display,
makes it the best choice for those who use their computer all day.
 
Hitachi SuperScan Monitor
 
The Hitachi SuperScan monitor (available through Express Order )
is for the demanding user who requires superior high resolution and clarity.
With this monitor on your desk,
you can expect to get up close and personal with any display you choose.
The large screen enables drawings to be displayed and viewed easily
and accurately.
This monitor is the perfect choice for the user who demands
ultra high resolution.
 
Dot Pitch
 
All VGA color monitors are measured in "dot pitch."
 
"Dot pitch" is expressed as the physical width of an individual dot
as displayed on the monitor screen
(e.g. a designation of .28 dot pitch refers to a dot that is
28/100ths of a millimeter in diameter).
So, the smaller the dot, the more dots per image,
because they can be positioned closer together.
 
General Rule:  The smaller the number of the dot pitch,
the crisper the image displayed and correspondingly
the higher the price of the monitor.
 
A Comparison of VGA Monitors In The Current Product Line
 
Catalog                        Dot       Maximum       No. of
Number    Description         Pitch     Resolution     Colors
 
25-4040   VGM-100              N/A      720 x 350     64 shades grey
25-4044   VGM-220             .52mm     640 x 480     256 colors
25-4041   VGM-200             .42mm     640 x 480     256 colors
25-4046   VGM-440             .28mm    1024 x 768      16 colors
90-2354   Hitachi SuperScan   .31mm    1024 x 768      16 colors
 
Video Modes
 
Video modes reflect the manner in which a computer's display adapter
and monitor present on-screen information (text and/or graphics).
The Tandy  VGA adapter is supported by a number of software drivers
which enable it to support different video modes.
For example, in the Windows environment you can get:
 
640  x  480  256 colors
800  x  600  16 colors  (requires VGM-440)
1024 x  768  16 colors  (requires VGM-440)
 
Example:  640 x 480 denotes the capability to display
640 horizontal pixels by 480 vertical pixels with 256 simultaneous colors.
 
These drivers are above and beyond the standard VGA drivers
that are packaged with Windows
and are typically supplied on a diskette packaged with the computer.
Current versions of the drivers are also available
from Radio Shack Computer Support Services.
 
The video mode installed and the quality of your display
will affect everything you do in the Windows environment.
 
Video Memory
 
Additional VRAM provides additional video modes
and supports a greater number of colors.
The current line of Tandy "low profile" PCs (2500 SX and 2500 SX/20)
are configured with 256K of VRAM standard and can be upgraded to 512K
with Part Number MX-3750 which is available from National Parts,
while the 4016 DX and above are configured with 512K of VRAM standard.
 
All Tandy Multimedia PCs Are Configured With 512K VRAM.
 
Within the current line of Tandy  Multimedia PCs,
512K VRAM is standard in each configuration.
 
Tandy Quality Through and Through
 
As with all of our products, you expect quality and our customers do too.
All monitors are rigorously tested and retested for quality standards
that meet and exceed normal manufacturer's standards.
Why?
To provide a quality product that gives years of service, that's why.
So there may be some resistance to our pricing,
but you can assure each customer that they are getting
the best possible quality and service when they buy a Tandy  Computer
with a Tandy  Monitor.
 
Keep Selling Quality Tandy Monitors With Every Tandy Computer!
 
MOM-11-91
SVGA VIDEO DRIVERS FOR WINDOWS 3.0 -- CORRECTION
 
VIDEO MODES
 
Require 256K VRAM
 
640  x  480  16 colors
800  x  600  16 colors
 
Require 512K VRAM
640  x  480  256 colors
1024 x  768   16 colors
 
The Correction Is
 
On Page 18 of the October '91 M.O.M.,
we printed this article, but there were two mistakes.
First, in the VIDEO MODES box,
the 640 x 480 mode should have been shown with both 16 and 256 colors.
Secondly, the 800 x 600 16 color video mode does NOT require 512K of video RAM.
 
For your convenience, we're reprinting the entire article,
with the corrections included, below.
 
The Reprinted Article Is
 
Video drivers for Windows 3.0 and other software packages
are available from Computer Support Services.
These drivers allow Windows to run in the following modes:
 
  640 x 480 with 16 colors
  640 x 480 with 256 colors (requires 512K video RAM)
  800 x 600 with 16 colors
 
  (All current monitors will support the above modes.)
 
  1024 x 768 with 16 colors (requires 512K video RAM)
 
  (This last mode is only available with the
  VGM-440 Super VGA Color Monitor.)
 
These drivers are for the following Tandy  Computers:
 
  25-4075      Tandy  2500 XL/2
  25-4076      Tandy  2500 SX
  25-4077      Tandy  2500 SX/20 Hard Drive Special Edition
  25-4904      Tandy  2500 SX/20
  25-4903      Tandy  4020 SX (and 25-4902 version)
 
The video RAM
must be upgraded to 512K with the upgrade kit from National Parts
(Part Number MX-3750).
 
The following Tandy Computers, if they are the "A" versions,
require NO video RAM upgrade.
They are shipped with 512K standard:
 
  25-5001A     Tandy  4016 DX
  25-5125A     Tandy  4025 LX
  25-5130A     Tandy  4033 LX
 
MOM-11-91
INSTALLING ADDITIONAL MEMORY
 
Additional System Memory
 
With the tremendous excitement regarding the Power Windows Option
for the Tandy  2500 SX/20,
some of you have requested information on installation of the memory option.
 
NOTE:  Memory options are user installable.
Some stores are providing this service as a customer convenience.
Your local Service Center can also provide this service for a fee
and with their normal warranty of the work performed.
Please use discretion in choosing which option is appropriate in each
specific situation.
 
The main logic board has 1 MB of permanently installed memory
in its Banks 0 and 1.
Four empty SIMM sockets (Banks 2 and 3) are available
for additional memory.
You can install 80ns SIMMs, either 256K or 1 MB in these sockets.
Banks 2 and 3 are labeled A and B on the main logic board,
as illustrated on the facing page:
 
[picture here]
 
Install the SIMMs carefully
and always make sure you are static discharged before handling these parts.
 
Using the 25-5134 Memory Kit
(refer to the specific instructions contained on the back of the card)
you can insert the two SIMMs into Bank 2 and the system is increased to 3 MB.
Adding an additional memory kit to Bank 3 will provide 5 MB of RAM.
 
After installing the SIMMs, you must run the SETUPSX program
and enter in the proper extended memory figure;
e.g. an additional 2 MB would be 1024K x 2 = 2048K extended memory;
an additional 4 MB would be 1024K x 4 = 4096K extended memory.
Save this new configuration and then reboot the system
to recognize the additional memory you have just installed.
 
Now when Windows is run in the EXTENDED MODE
(which by typing in WIN recognizes this automatically)
you will notice more memory is available for Windows use.
 
Keep Selling the Power Windows Option to all Your Customers!
 
The above procedure and options apply to these additional Tandy Computers:
 
     25-4076   Tandy  2500 SX 
     25-4075   Tandy  2500 XL/2
     25-4902   Tandy  4020 SX (2 MB)
     25-4903   Tandy  4020 SX (1 MB)
 
Installation of the Video Memory option
 
The 2500 SX/20 has 256K of video memory
permanently installed on the main logic board.
Video memory is separate from system memory.
Video memory enables you to use the standard video modes
and some Super VGA modes.
Use the Super VGA modes only with applications designed to support them.
Some Super VGA modes require a multiple-frequency
monitor like the VGM-440,
video drivers (available from Computer Support Services),
or additional video memory.
 
To use the 640 x 480, 256-color graphics mode
(this mode can be displayed on any Tandy  VGA Color Monitor)
and the 1024 x 768, 16-color graphics mode
(this mode can only be displayed on the Tandy  VGM-440),
you must increase the amount of video memory to 512K.
 
The National Parts number MX-3750 Video RAM upgrade
provides a total of 512K Video RAM for additional Super VGA video modes
and increased colors.
This kit contains two 40-pin memory chips
for the two video memory chip sockets on the main logic board.
 
CAUTION: Incorrect installation of the video memory chips
can damage the chips or the main logic board.
Install the chips carefully
and always make sure you are static discharged before handling these parts.
 
[picture here]
 
1. Locate the two video memory chip sockets on the main logic board.
   To reach the video memory chip sockets more easily,
   turn the computer so the back of it faces you.
 
2. Remove one chip from the antistatic packaging.
   Pin 1 of the chip is indicated by a dot and a notch on one end.
   The main logic board is labeled 1 at the Pin 1 end of the memory chip
   sockets.
 
3. Orient the memory chip so the dot on the notched end
   of the chip aligns with the corner of the socket that is labeled 1.
 
4. CAREFULLY PRESS the memory chip into the socket.
   Be sure that the pins of the chip do not bend.
 
5. Repeat Steps 2 through 4 for the second memory chip.
 
When you start the computer, it has 512K of video memory.
The video memory IS NOT CHECKED when diagnostics are performed
at the system start-up.
 
The above procedure and options apply to these additional Tandy Computers:
 
     25-4076   Tandy  2500 SX 
     25-4075   Tandy  2500 XL/2
     25-4902   Tandy  4020 SX (2 MB)
     25-4903   Tandy  4020 SX (1 MB)
 
MOM-11-91
REALWORLD ENTRY LEVEL SOFTWARE --
NEW VERSIONS/PRODUCTS NOW SHIPPING!
 
Point-of-Sale Plus Version 1.2 Featuring Synchronics Point-of-Sale
 
     25-1469/905-2996    Point-of-Sale Plus Version 1.2
     25-1470/905-2651    Point-of-Sale Plus Multi-User Version 1.2
 
POS Plus Version 1.2 now:
 
  Handles Social Security/Medicare taxes
 
  Includes a credit card option -- an automated method to authorize,
  balance and capture credit card transactions entered on a
  point-of-sale register.
  It features:
 
     Electronic authorization
     Check verification functions
     Draft capture capabilities
 
Some of the many other features include:
 
  Automatic tracking of inventory data
 
  Easy entry and editing of recurring
  and regular bills payable and disbursement transactions
 
  Complete audit trails
 
  Automatic calculation of gross pay, taxes, deductions and net pay
 
  Reconciling up to three checking accounts to their bank statements
 
RealWorld Practical Accounting System
 
     903/5-2660     Single User
     903/5 2661     Multi-User
 
RealWorld Practical Accounting System helps your customers
organize their accounting records from tracking sales and inventory
to printing monthly financial statements.
They can quickly see who owes them money, how much and when it is due.
They can also keep their payables in order by recording bills owed,
plus any debit or credit memos associated with those bills.
Other key functions of RealWorld Practical Accounting System include:
 
  Sales Invoicing
  Inventory Management
  Check Reconciliation
  Custom Financial Statements
  Other Management Reports
 
RealWorld Service Manager (903/5-2663)
 
One of today's expanding markets is the Service Industry.
While they need accounting,
they have special requirements that aren't part of accounts receivable
or inventory.
RealWorld Service Manager can help you fulfill these needs.
This comprehensive package allows efficient management of:
 
  Service Operations
  Supervision of Technician Scheduling and Production
  Tracking of Customer Information
 
With this package, service businesses can improve their success
through improved customer service and completely accurate records.
 
Either Practical Accounting System or Point-of-Sale Plus
are required with RealWorld Service Manager.
 
MOM-10-91
The Front Line
 
Software Piracy is Theft!
 
Software Piracy Is A Business For Some
 
The news has been full, in recent months,
of stories about the prosecution of software counterfeiting and piracy:
 
  In Spain, a large insurance company was raided,
  and local police found hundreds of illegal copies of software.
  That firm now faces large fines and potential jail terms for top executives.
 
  In April, New Delhi authorities arrested an Indian software dealer
  and seized nearly 6,000 packages of counterfeit software.
 
  In April, Brazilian Officers of Justice conducted a surprise raid
  on the Sao Paulo offices of Westinghouse Brazil
  to find numerous unauthorized copies of Microsoft's MS-DOS
  and Autodesk's AutoCAD programs loaded onto workstation hard drives.
 
  And, closer to home,
  Microsoft and U.S. marshalls in August broke up
  a large counterfeit software ring in California consisting of
  six individuals and ten businesses,
  and seized over 20,000 illegal packages of MS-DOS 5.0 and Windows 3.0.
 
How Might You Be Involved?
 
While these are headline cases involving organized criminal activity
in many cases, similar problems exist on small scale
throughout both the business and consumer sides of the computer industry.
To the retailer, it usually seems innocuous enough:
a good customer who has just bought a new computer asks
that you throw in a copy of a well-known spreadsheet,
"documentation not needed,"
or an employee wants to make a "backup" of a hot new game
to play on his system at home.
What is wrong with this picture? -- IT'S THEFT!
 
What Does This Mean To You?
 
First of all, software piracy is a violation of Federal copyright laws.
The criminal activity wouldn't have achieved its current scale
if the potential for large illegal gains weren't possible.
The Software Publisher's Association estimates the revenue
lost to the industry in the U.S. for piracy at $2.4 billion for 1990.
The hundreds of man-years of intellectual effort
invested in a major software title by the legitimate developer
would be much easier to appreciate if the user saw the source code
in printed form (a stack of paper many feet high for many applications)
rather than as a few innocent-looking diskettes.
 
The typical software program takes from 18 to 24 months to develop
(longer than the product cycle of many major hardware platforms!),
and this development will soon cease
if the publishers fail to capture the legitimate profits
earned from the investment and risk involved.
 
The continued health of the software industry is of vital interest
to you as a retailer of both hardware and software.
The hardware can advance to dizzying heights of sophistication,
but if the software isn't available or doesn't keep up --
well, the hardware isn't going to do the job by itself!
Copyright protection for software is just as important as
patent protection for hardware.
 
Second, the legitimate product, with its complete documentation,
customer support, and upgrades, is superior to any bootleg version.
Also, the risk of introducing a very damaging and costly computer virus
into the system is all but eliminated with the authorized product.
 
Finally, it's the right thing to do.
What might appear to some to be an innocent favor for a friend
may really be theft of intellectual property worth perhaps $49.95, $149.95
or more.
 
Here's The Radio Shack Policy
 
Don't allow yourself or your employees or customers
any more liberties on software than you would on hardware.
Free software is NOT a fringe benefit of employment at Radio Shack .
Quite the contrary, software theft is grounds for dismissal,
just as is any theft.
 
Don't support the other forms of abuse either:
network users should either purchase the network version
or one copy of the solo version for each workstation.
If you purchase a legitimate upgrade,
the older version is not something that can now be given away
as a legal duplicate.
Some software licenses DO permit the single user to install
the same title on both office and home computers,
and some licenses do not;
read the documentation that comes with the package
to confirm what rights are granted by the publisher.
 
Software publishers are now striking back in self defense
by taking strong action against all forms of copyright abuse.
Radio Shack is supporting the software industry
by adding a "break the seal" license agreement
to all of our own hardware systems and software packages.
Here in Fort Worth,
department heads are auditing their departmental workstations
and will either destroy any unlicensed software found,
purchase legitimate copies, or arrange site licenses for multiple usage.
 
Some of the major publishers fully intend to follow up
by entering retail establishments to see if there is blatant abuse
by salesmakers.
Don't bring the "software police" down on Radio Shack
and your own career: DO THE RIGHT THING.
Audit your own store for unauthorized software and destroy it.
Set the proper example and keep both you and your store
on the right side of the law.
 
MOM-10-91
Home Office Marketing
 
Spreadsheet Options
 
What Does A Spreadsheet Do?
 
Next to word processing,
spreadsheets are one of the most common applications for the home office.
Not only can a spreadsheet be used for basic accounting purposes,
but it also provides some very useful planning and projecting features.
 
The easiest example of a spreadsheet is your own store's P&L statement.
If, for example, you were thinking about hiring a new employee,
you could input appropriate numbers then modify them
to see how your overall controllable expenses would be affected.
You'd see how this affects your total sales and profits in your store
and how it ultimately affects your bonus!
 
Most spreadsheets will do the simple stuff,
basic calculations and formulas.
Newer features in some of the more advanced spreadsheets
allow you to "link" spreadsheets or certain cells in the sheet.
For example, you have a spreadsheet of different customer accounts
within your company.
Among other things, it lists the:
 
     Account number    Current Balance
     Customer          Debit or Credit account
 
Now, let's say that you are creating a listing for your accountant
of all outstanding debts over 60 days,
and projecting cash-flow based on an 85% collection rate.
When you create your new sheet,
you can now simply open the other spreadsheet
and toggle back and forth between the two.
You need an account number?
Simply use the mouse to click on the cell you want
in the customer accounts sheet.
Notice that in your new spreadsheet, the value you were looking for appears,
and in the descriptive area at the top
the other spreadsheet path name and cell location is shown.
 
Similarly, you can hide columns or rows of information.
Also, especially with the newer spreadsheets,
you have added font capabilities for even more professional looking output.
 
So, which spreadsheet do you use?
Much like word processing,
spreadsheets have become a very "name brand" oriented product line.
But you still have some options.
 
For DeskMate
 
The DeskMate customer may have the Worksheet
built in as a part of their DeskMate  software.
Worksheet provides some very basic functionality,
but is not designed to do lots of complex calculations or functions.
 
   Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate  (250-1283  $199.95)
 
   Your best bet under DeskMate is the Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate.
   Similar in design to Lotus 2.01 for DOS,
   Lotus for DeskMate includes all the functionality
   with only the Macro capability excluded.
   However, you can add that same Macro capability
   through the DeskMate  Macro Companion (25-1361).
 
For DOS
 
For those still working in a standard DOS mode, we offer:
 
   Lotus 1-2-3, version 2.3  (903/5-2671  $495.00)
 
   Lotus 1-2-3, version 2.3 is the latest version
   of the industry-leading package.
   Lotus 1-2-3 now has a WYSIWYG display and
   over 200 different graphing styles.
   Many customers feel comfortable with 1-2-3 simply because it is 1-2-3.
   For those businesses with a network,
   there are also network software and workstation packages
   (903/5-2672 $795.00, 900-2676 $495.00.)
 
   Lucid 3-D  (903/5-1470  $99.95)
 
   Lucid 3-D is a mid-range software title
   for those who are still trying to decide what they want from a spreadsheet.
   It has lots of functionality
   plus the ability to link many cells within a spreadsheet.
 
   SwiftCalc  (900-1265  $39.95)
 
   For those who are looking for something quick and easy to get started,
   there's SwiftCalc.
   Designed with the home user in mind,
   it comes with nine specific templates for budgets or financial analysis.
 
For Windows
 
   Excel for Windows  (900-2921  $495.00)
 
   Under Windows, your selection is limited currently to Excel for Windows,
   version 3.0.
   Highly recognized as a major breakthrough
   in spreadsheet ease of use and functionality,
   Excel is a leader in the Windows marketplace.
   However it's also an expensive option.
   Without giving away too much of the future,
   expect to see other spreadsheets under Windows showing up in Express Order .
 
So, when a customer is looking for a spreadsheet,
remember that we offer a full range of product
both in price and in capabilities.
However, if a customer comes in wanting to purchase Lotus 1-2-3 2.3 or Excel,
sell it to them!
 
MOM-10-91
Multimedia Update
 
Products are Starting to Ship!
 
RADIO SHACK FIRST TO SHIP FULLY
INTEGRATED MULTIMEDIA PCs
 
As co-developer of the specification of the Multimedia PC
and the first to ship fully integrated systems,
we are proud to be at the forefront of this technology.
You should be proud too,
because this wonderful technology has now moved
from Tandy's world-class manufacturing
to America's finest distribution system for electronics --
Radio Shack  stores.
 
Radio Shack announced availability of fully integrated Multimedia PCs
on September 26th during a Tandy press event in New York City.
 
Tandy Multimedia PC Product Line
 
     Tandy  2500 SX Multimedia (25-4015)
            2 MB RAM    40 MB Hard Drive    $2,799
 
     Tandy  2500 SX/20 Multimedia (25-4017)
            2 MB RAM    52 MB Hard Drive    $2,999
 
     Tandy  4016 DX Multimedia (25-4016)
            4 MB RAM    52 MB Hard Drive    $3,999
 
     Tandy  4025 LX Multimedia (25-4018)
            4 MB RAM   105 MB Hard Drive    $4,999
 
     Tandy  4033 LX Multimedia (25-4019)
            4 MB RAM   105 MB Hard Drive    $5,499
 
All models are factory configured for "power-up and run" convenience
and include the following features:
 
  MS-DOS 5.0
 
  MS Windows 3.0 + Multimedia Extensions
 
  PS/2 Mouse
 
  CDR-1000 CD-ROM Drive
 
  Sound Blaster Pro Audio Board
 
  MS "Introducing Windows With Multimedia" Manual
 
  Getting Started Manual
 
  CD-ROM Disc with Sample Applications, Tutorials,
  On-Line Hypertext Help System
 
Tandy Multimedia PC Version 1.0
 
Multimedia, as a new technology,
will undergo a natural and progressive evolution.
The September 26th product rollout represents our initial release,
Version 1.0, of the Tandy  Multimedia PC platforms.
 
Version 1.0 integrates the Sound Blaster Pro audio board,
Windows 3.0 + Multimedia Extensions 1.0,
and the Tandy CDR-1000 into the existing family of Tandy  Computers
as a Level I compatible MPC platform.
Version 1.0 will ship only in fully integrated Multimedia PCs
and will not be available as a Multimedia Upgrade Kit.
 
The next step is Version 1.1,
currently under development, with a target release date of December 1991.
Version 1.1 will include an enhanced Tandy  Audio Board,
any new software releases from Microsoft
and a new release of the Tandy Multimedia System Disc.
 
Version 1.1 will be featured in fully configured MPC platforms,
Internal Multimedia Upgrade Kits and External Multimedia Kits.
 
Customers purchasing the Version 1.0 Multimedia PC will be upgraded,
at no charge, to version 1.1 when available.
This upgrade will involve Audio Board replacement
and a new release of the Multimedia PC System Disc.
 
MOM-10-91
STORE STOCKING/ORDERING POLICY
 
Version 1.0 Multimedia PCs should not be stocked in any Radio Shack store.
 
Here is how to handle orders for customers:
 
1. Orders for Multimedia PCs will be accepted
   at the TSDC Special Order Desk:
 
        TSDC Special Order Desk
        4925 Pylon Street
        Fort Worth, TX 76106
        FAX#: (817) 625-7057
 
2. Requirements for placing an order:
 
        Customer Name, Address and Phone Number
        25% Deposit from Customer
        District Manager Approval
 
3. Orders for standard configuration Multimedia PCs will ship
   within 48 hours of order placement.
 
It is imperative that you provide accurate customer information:
customer name, address and telephone number.
This information will be used to contact the customer
regarding upgrade to the Version 1.1 product when available.
 
MOM-10-91
MULTIMEDIA APPLICATION DEMOS
 
The Tandy Multimedia PC System Disc
contains software demonstrations from industry-leading publishers
in the education, entertainment and business markets.
These demo applications provide customers
with instant access to software applications
designed to take full advantage of the Multimedia PC.
 
Broad-based application support is critical to the success
of the Multimedia PC.
 
We are providing a service to our customers
by providing application demos on the Tandy Multimedia PC System Disc --
letting them `test drive' an application before buying
and helping them explore new possibilities with this exciting technology.
Here are examples of the demonstration applications
on the Version 1.0 System Disc:
 
Entertainment
 
   Mixed-Up Mother Goose -- features interactive Mother Goose stories.
 
Education
 
   Multimedia Beethoven -- is a multimedia study of many aspects of
   Beethoven's Ninth Symphony.
 
   Our House! -- shows how our houses have changed over the generations.
 
   Language Systems -- teaches the Spanish language
   through picture/word association.
 
   Learn to Speak Spanish -- teaches Spanish by speaking dialog.
   Also teaches grammar rules.
 
Information
 
   TIME Magazine's DESERT STORM, The War in the Persian Gulf --
   you can select from 8 weeks of war events.
   Hear, see, and read all types of information, including incoming reports,
   TIME Magazine stories, maps, and photographs.
 
   Electronic Library of Art -- lets you view art sorted by artist, title,
   medium, date, object, or school.
 
Productivity
 
   At Your Service -- is an animated appointment book and screen saver.
 
   Owl Guide -- is an authoring system used to create
   interactive multimedia documents.
 
   Authorware Professional -- is an object oriented authoring environment
   for multimedia.
 
   Monologue -- adds speech to applications.
   It can read a document to you so you can edit by sound as well as sight.
 
   Autodesk Multimedia Products -- shows the multimedia products
   available from Autodesk to create animation and 3-D design.
 
   Asymetrix Multimedia Resource Kit and Multimedia Toolbook --
   use to create interactive multimedia applications.
 
   Mediasource Image and Audio Libraries --
   includes professional-quality images, music, and sound effects.
 
   KnowledgePro -- is a Windows development tool
   that combines multimedia and database functions.
 
   Passport -- includes multimedia recording tools that let you create
   soundtracks and music presentations.
 
MOM-10-91
MULTIMEDIA GUIDEBOOK COMING
 
What is multimedia...what does it mean to me and my customers...how
does it work...why is it important...???
 
Answers to these questions -- and more -- are included
in the new Multimedia Guidebook.
Copies of this informative booklet should be in your hands
by the first week in October.
 
[picture of guide book]
 
Additional Multimedia PC marketing information
and customer presentation materials are in progress
and will be delivered during the month of October.
 
MOM-10-91
Multimedia Events
 
September 26th -- Tandy Press Event in New York
 
Tandy Corporation hosted a media event showcasing
the new Multimedia PC product line to The Wall Street Journal,
The New York Times and several other national publications
as well as computer industry trade press.
 
Several software publishers participated
by demonstrating new multimedia software products
targeted at the business, education and consumer markets.
 
October 8th -- Multimedia PC Marketing Council Public Launch Event
 
The Multimedia PC Marketing Council (MPMC) is an industry trade organization
formed to educate end users and promote multimedia personal computers
within the business, education and consumer marketplaces.
 
Tandy Corporation is a founding member and active participant
in this new industry organization,
which was incorporated as a subsidiary of the Software Publishers Association.
 
The MPMC will host a public launch of the Multimedia PC
at the New York Museum of Natural History on October 8th.
The Tandy Multimedia PC product line will be shown
and used by participating software publishers to demonstrate
their new multimedia software titles.
 
Fall COMDEX
 
Tandy Multimedia PCs will be well represented at this year's Fall COMDEX.
In addition to the Tandy booth,
which will feature the Tandy Multimedia PC product line
and selected software publishers,
Tandy Multimedia PCs will be used by a variety of other
hardware and software vendors to demonstrate their products.
 
MOM-10-91
COMPUTER SUPPORT SERVICES
"Answers at Your Fingertips"
 
SUBJECTS OF THE MONTH
 
Update On MS-DOS 5.0 And Tandy 1000 Series Keyboards
 
Last month (September '91 M.O.M.) on Page 7 we told you that
MS-DOS 5.0 expects the user to have an Enhanced Keyboard,
and that since the older Tandy  1000s did not,
some keys might need to be produced with other key combinations.
 
Since we gave you that answer, we've gotten more information.
In addition to using the keystrokes we gave you
for getting a backslash character,
you can also copy the KEYCNVRT.SYS file from the 03.20.22 MS-DOS
over to MS-DOS 5.0 and it resolves this issue.
 
You will need to put the following line into the config.sys file.
 
     device=path'-keycnvrt.sys
 
Thanks to Mike Grant from 01-1119 for providing this information.
 
LOADFIX On MS-DOS 5.0
 
Page 13 of the MS-DOS 5.0 Upgrade Guide has information on a "LOADFIX" file
that comes on the 5.0 diskettes.
It is not, however, mentioned in the MS-DOS 5.0 Reference manual.
If you receive the "packed file corrupt" message,
you will want to use the LOADFIX command
to load programs above the first 64K of conventional memory.
 
SVGA Driver Is Now Available
 
If you have a customer who needs the Super VGA 1024 driver to use with
Windows 3.0,
you can request a copy of the disk from Computer Support Services.
The driver comes with installation documentation,
and a README.TXT file on the disk explains how to use it.
 
Tandy  1000 TX, MS-DOS 5.0 And Blinking Lettering In The DOSSHELL
 
If, after upgrading with MS-DOS 5.0 on a TX with a VGA adapter,
you get blinking lettering in the DOSSHELL,
MS-DOS 5.0 is not seeing that you have a VGA adapter.
Refer to page 16 of the MS-DOS Upgrade Guide for instructions
on how to manually install the VGA files.
 
Another solution that has been tried is to use a file called VGA.COM.
Page 62 of the September 1990 issue of PCM talks about this file,
which can be ordered from PCM ON DISK from PCM Magazine.
 
MS-DOS 5.0 And DeskMate In ROM
 
We continue to get many calls about that fact that
the DeskMate  in ROM is no longer accessible
once you upgrade to MS-DOS 5.0.
Yes, this is correct.
If the customer insists they want to use 5.0
they must be told they no longer have access to the DeskMate in ROM.
You can upgrade them to the 25-1351 stand-alone package.
 
NO, the new 700-1360 series DeskMate  ROM Upgrades will not fix this.
The customer must choose to either use the DeskMate in ROM
or upgrade to MS-DOS 5.0 and run DeskMate with 25-1351.
 
CT-301 (17-1050) Battery Life
 
Here are some important steps to remember to
get the maximum usage out of the battery:
 
1. Charge the battery for 24 hours prior to using it for the first time.
 
2. After each 8 to 10 hours of usage,
   turn off the phone and charge for 24 hours.
 
3. After about 30 days of use, discharge the battery.
   Place the phone in standby mode for 24 hours
   and then recharge for 24 hours.
   This will help to get the maximum usage out of the battery.
 
If these steps are done on a regular basis,
the battery should last approximately 12-16 months.
 
Microsoft Works 2.0 And Tandy 1000 Series
 
When using MS Works 2.0 on Tandy  1000 series computers,
if Tandy 1000 video is chosen in the system installation,
the arrow keys do not function.
Choose CGA video and the keys will function properly.
 
Windows 3.0 On Tandy 1000 Series
 
Windows 3.0 comes up only in black and white
on the Tandy  1000 series computers when using the built in 16-color video.
There is no driver specifically for the Tandy 16-color video.
Make sure your customers understand this when purchasing Windows 3.0
to run on the Tandy 1000s.
Installing an EGA or VGA adapter board will allow colors.
Remember that Radio Shack  recommends a minimum system of
a 386 CPU for best performance.
 
Remember, your number to call for answers on any of our computer products
is:           1 (800) 2TANDY 4
 
(This number is for you, NOT for customers!)
 
MOM-10-91
The Credit Line
 
Tandy Computer Leasing/RSVP
 
Tandy Computer Leasing
 
By now, the "buzz" over the new Tandy Computer Leasing should be subsiding
and many of you will have called our new Leasing Operations Center
for the first time.
Naturally, we're very excited about the new
 
1 (800) 78-TANDY
 
Credit Call line,
the new one-page lease documents,
and the new support agreement with SANWA Leasing Corporation.
 
We do, however, want to reiterate that NOTHING has changed
regarding the actual processing of the lease sale.
 
1. You still accept a Lease Pre-Payment in the same manner as before,
   entering the dollar amount into your POS system
 
2. You still generate a "sale" to Tandy Computer Leasing
 
3. You still send the sales ticket and completed lease documentation to:
 
          TCL
          P.O. Box 17418
          Ft. Worth, TX 76102
 
   in the same pre-printed envelopes you've used in the past.
 
The only changes are where you phone/FAX your applications
and where you call to get help.
A ROLODEX card was included in your new kit with these numbers:
 
      Credit Applications/Questions   1 (800) 78-TANDY
 
      Credit FAX Line                 1 (800) 532-3291
 
We'll have more on the "new" TCL next month,
after we see what "common" questions arise.
 
A TCL LEASE...
 
The Closing Link to a Total Solution
for your clients' business products needs
 
MOM-10-91
RSVP
 
Your One And Only...
 
ACCEPTABLE RSVP CREDIT APPLICATION FORM IS
 
     FO-643
     followed by publication date (11/90) or (7/91)
 
"Mail-In" applications (FO-642) are Not Acceptable:
They are: obsolete -- kaput -- passe!!
 
     Don't distribute them
     Don't use them
     Don't possess them
     Destroy them
 
This was addressed in last month's M.O.M.,
in memos and in satellite broadcasts,
but our Operations Center is still receiving FO-642s in the mail.
They will NOT be processed!
 
Why this change and why the big deal about your adhering to the new procedures?
 
      FRAUD PREVENTION
 
The percentage ratio of fraudulent applications
and subsequent account defaults from customer generated "mail-ins" is huge.
Conversely, store processed applications prove to be
of considerably higher credit quality.
Why?
The answer is...YOU!!
 
The intent of the mail-in application was to open the credit window
to those shoppers who could not meet the criteria
for store submitted RSVP applications.
BUT...too many "pretenders" slipped through.
 
Fraud Is Costly To All Of Us...
 
Short of requiring a notarized "mug shot" and signature
with every mail-in application, what to do?
Do away with "DO IT YOURSELF" applications!
 
WE NEED YOUR INVOLVEMENT.
To be considered for credit card approval,
every RSVP application must now be submitted to our Operations Center by YOU:
 
    YOU, to phone-in applications for instant approval qualifying customers
 
    YOU, to FAX-in applications * to open that "credit window"
    for customers who lack a current major credit card and/or
    are not making an initial minimum purchase of $50.
    Review your September '91 M.O.M. issue for details.
 
Oops, FAX Apps Are Coming Hot And Heavy!
 
Our Operations Center is, presently,
swamped with FAX transmitted apps
for non-qualifying instant phone-in approvals.
Never anticipating the response to this credit opportunity,
we told you that turnaround time could run anywhere from "3 to several days."
 
WE UNDERESTIMATED!
 
"Best case" response time is running closer to 2 weeks.
Please advise "FAX applicants" not to expect a credit decision
for at least 2 weeks, and that status calls from them (or you)
to the Center during that time will just delay the process.
 
How Can You Help Speed It Up?
 
(and help prevent follow-up problems with phone-ins, too)
 
1. Every portion of the application form requires a response.
 
   Where the question does not apply, e.g.;
   "PREVIOUS ADDRESS (if less than 2 years at present address),"
   the initials "N/A" should be entered in the blank space
   to designate "not applicable."
 
   Double check to be sure applicant has completed all sections.
 
   Would you believe the most frequent omissions are:
   "YOUR PERSONAL REFERENCE" (top, column 2)
   and "Your Signature" (bottom, column 2)????
 
2. Would you believe that the other most frequent cause of delay
   is the omission of...are you ready...your identification????
   That's right.
   The last section (across the bottom of the form) "PRE-CALL INFORMATION"
   to be completed by you -- often isn't!
   Tell us who you are so we can contact you, if needed.
 
3. The second line of that PRE-CALL section needs to be completed by you.
   It requires that you check the actual "major credit card" and that you
   (not the applicant) fill in the information to complete the first 3 blanks.
   Compare the spelling and signature on the card
   with the applicant's signature on the form.
   If the applicant has no credit card, enter "0" in the spaces.
 
4. LAST BUT MOST:  We need your detection expertise.
   You'll need to check the applicant's Driver's License or,
   if no DL, a state-issued photo ID.
 
   a. Carefully scrutinize (as you do before accepting a check)
      the signature, physical description and birth date.
 
   b. When a person becomes a resident of a new state,
      a Driver's License must be acquired from the new state within 60 days.
      If the state listed on the Driver's License
      is different from that on the application, ask about that.
      It could indicate a potential fraud situation.
 
If you have any reason at all to be suspicious,
signal that to the Operations Center:
 
   On Phone-ins, by telling the operator taking the call
   that you have a "Code 10 application."
   A supervisor will come on-line and advise you how to proceed.
 
   On FAX-ins, by entering "Code 10" on the top
   AND after "FOR OFFICE USE ONLY" at the bottom.
   Also, please jot down what you observed that dictated caution.
 
 * NOTE: Any FAX transmittal to anywhere should include a cover sheet
   that identifies you and the receiver.
   We've stressed that you include your name, store,
   and phone number on the application as well,
   so you can be reached if the cover sheet
   gets separated from the application copy.
 
   There's another area where a cover sheet is crucial:
   You will, from time to time, receive information requests
   (by mail, phone or FAX) from any one of several Tandy Credit groups
   here in Fort Worth or from our Operations Center in Gray, TN.
   Each request should include the sender's department and/or name,
   along with the number/address to respond to.
   If you FAX your response, please...a cover sheet with your identity
   AND the name of the person or group
   (e.g., Customer Service; Insurance/MSI; Recovery)
   to whom it goes, is a must.
 
Developing the disciplinary guidelines we've covered in this issue
will give you more productive (sales making) time to increase your earnings.
Ask the consistent ValuePlus  sales leaders ** -- and...
 
REMEMBER TO ALWAYS:
 
Make RSVP your customers' first choice...
not your salesperson's last resort!
 
  ** They Did!
 
MOM-10-91
Product News
NEW TANDY 2500 SX/20 SPECIAL EDITION!
 
The NEW Tandy  2500 SX/20 Special Edition!
 
It ships preconfigured with an 80386sx processor
running at a FAST 20 MHz clock speed;
a large formatted 85 MB Hard Drive with MS-DOS 5.0 preinstalled
(as well as all software that's included);
2400 bps internal modem;
America Online and Prodigy information services software;
DeskMate; and a two-button mouse!
What a package for $1,299.00!
 
Here Are The STANDARD Features Of The CPU
 
  FAST 20 MHz 80386sx Microprocessor
  One megabyte of RAM, expandable to 16 MB
  Volume control through keyboard keystrokes
  MS-DOS 5.0 and DeskMate  3.5 (on DISK ONLY)
  Super VGA Graphics support, 256K of Video RAM, expandable to 512K
  16-Bit IDE interface for up to two SmartDrives
  One 1.44 MB 3 1/2" High Capacity Floppy Drive
  Three 16-Bit, ISA-compatible expansion slots
  Socket for 80387sx-20 Math Coprocessor (which is 900-2586)
  Device Slots: one 3 1/2" and one (open) 5 1/4"
  Ports: bi-directional parallel, serial, and mouse
  Standard 101-key, quality enhanced-style keyboard
  Digital audio with multiple voice sound
  Tandy  DAC enables you to record and play back speech and sound
  Microphone jack for speech and sound input
  Stereo headphone jack supports dual external speakers
  Clock with battery backup
  70 Watt power supply
  Low Profile Design: 4.25 x 15.5 x 15 inches (H x W x D)
  1 year customer warranty
  Made by Tandy  -- in the USA -- Backed by Radio Shack
 
Now For The ENHANCED Features
 
  FAST 18ms 85 MB Hard Drive INSTALLED and PREFORMATTED!
  MS-DOS 5.0 and DeskMate already INSTALLED!
  2400 bps internal modem INSTALLED!
  America Online and Prodigy software INSTALLED!
  Two-button mouse INCLUDED!
 
Like the 2500 SX (25-4076), the 2500 SX/20 (25-4077)
does not include DOS or the DeskMate  interface in ROM.
Instead, it's already installed on the hard drive!
 
So, right out of the box,
this computer can take advantage of MS-DOS 5.0's enhanced features
such as large hard disk partition of 85 megabytes;
ability to run MS-DOS in the high memory area
(to free up conventional memory for programs
and to enable them to run faster and more efficiently);
MS-DOS Editor, a new full-screen text editor
that you can use to easily create and modify text files.
These and many other new enhanced features are all included with MS-DOS 5.0.
 
With DeskMate preinstalled, you're already familiar with the
2500 SX/20 and ready to sell it!
With America Online, you can access services like news and finance,
people connection, lifestyles and interests, games and entertainment,
travel & shopping.
You even get an online encyclopedia!
Prodigy includes the latest news, weather and sports, plus shopping,
entertainment, financial services and electronic mail!
 
What About Windows 3.0?
 
With this powerful interface, your customers can utilize Windows applications
with extreme ease of use.
Windows goes beyond the previous 640K limitation and addresses extended memory,
the additional memory available in the 2500 SX/20.
Now you can run several applications at once
and work with much larger document files without running out of memory.
A special Windows 3.0 (25-4225) and 2 MB memory expansion kit (25-5134)
offer will be featured in Flyer 476 at a special price of $269.00.
That's a savings of $179.95 off the regular price!
You'll want to special order this
for customers who want the Windows advantage.
 
What About The Monitor?
 
With the aggressively priced 2500 SX/20 special hard drive edition,
you'll want to qualify each customer and offer the proper monitor
for his or her needs.
Let's look at the quality monitors you offer:
 
   VGM-100 Monochrome Monitor -- 14" paper-white display
   offers 64 shades of gray.
   Low cost choice for basic non-color applications, such as word processing.
   Cat. No. 25-4040, $199.95.
 
   VGM-220 Color Monitor -- 14" .52mm dot pitch with glare type screen
   shows off the brilliance in every color displayed.
   For the budget minded.
   Cat. No. 25-4044, $399.95.
 
   VGM-200 Color Monitor -- 14" .42mm dot pitch with non-glare screen
   displays a sharp, crisp character for the all day,
   everyday user that does not need SVGA.
   Cat. No. 25-4041, $499.95.
 
   VGM-440 Color Monitor -- 14" .28mm dot pitch
   that is Super VGA Compatible.
   This means that it can display resolutions from 640 x 480 or 800 x 600,
   to 1024 x 768 with the required 512K video RAM (MX-3750 at National Parts).
   Superb clarity and included tilt/swivel base.
   Cat. No. 25-4046, $649.00.
 
MOM-10-91
Tandy 2500 SX/20 Automatic IDE Hard Drive Selection
 
An outstanding new feature of the 2500 SX/20 (both the 25-4077 and 25-4904)
is Automatic IDE Hard Drive Selection.
When AUTO is selected in SETUP,
the system will automatically configure an IDE-SmartDrive for use.
When AUTO is selected there is no need to enter cylinder,
sector or other specific configuration parameters to configure
any IDE/SmartDrive within SETUP.
This allows the full capacity of the hard drive to be achieved.
And it will be recognized as a standard type hard drive,
without changing the BIOS!
 
The real benefit is that when new IDE-SmartDrives are added to the line,
they will be recognized by operating systems like Novell
as a standard drive type!
You will no longer need to use a DISK MANAGER-type program
to make Novell think you have a standard drive type,
even though it is not hard-coded in the BIOS.
 
The way this works is, if shadow RAM is available,
it will be used instead of the BIOS data area.
For Novell users, we will require that the BIOS be shadowed
to take advantage of the full capacity of the hard drive.
This is a setup feature for the user.
 
MOM-10-91
2500 SX/20 And 440 MB SCSI
 
The combination of 25-4077 or 25-4904 2500 SX/20
with the current 25-4167 440 MB SCSI hard drive
will not be supported due to the limit of the 70 watt power supply.
All other hard drive combinations will be supported.
 
MOM-10-91
Who's Your Target Market For The 2500 SX/20?  Everyone!
 
    Business:               POS Accounting, Graphics, Spreadsheets
    Education:              Home Learning, Homework, Tutorials
    Personal Productivity:  Word Processing, Databases
    Entertainment:          Action Programs, Family Interaction
 
You're offering your customer a system with excellent expansion.
The 85 MB hard drive offers ample room for programs and data storage.
Other systems on the market, in most instances,
come with a small 40 MB hard drive.
Tell your customer up front that we have custom configured our system
with their future growth in mind.
 
Can We Discount To Schools And Government Accounts?
 
No, this is not a regular catalog item;
it is a special edition.
They may purchase at the special price of $1,299.00.
The only approved discounts will be: Employee, Shareholder,
and Franchise/Dealer.
 
What About A Special Employee Package This Year?
 
What a golden opportunity to enhance your product awareness and knowledge
by owning your own high-performance Tandy  computer!
With the excellent value the 2500 SX/20 Special Hard Drive Edition offers,
employees will want to take advantage of their traditional 10% discount or,
those who are also Shareholders can combine their two discounts
and receive a 20% discount
(with Shareholder's letter surrendered at time of purchase).
Here are just a couple of examples of how you can save:
 
Tandy 2500 SX/20 Special Hard Drive Edition
 
With Employee 10% discount:
 
     25-4077   CPU       $1,299.00     less 10%   $1,169.10
     25-4044   VGM-220     $399.95     less 10%      359.96
           YOU SAVE        $169.89     Total      $1,529.06
 
With Employee 10% combined with Shareholders 10% discount:
 
     25-4077   CPU      $1,299.00     less 20%   $1,039.20
     25-4041   VGM-200    $499.95     less 20%      399.96
          YOU SAVE        $359.79      Total     $1,439.16
 
Do you want your system with an extra 2 MB of RAM and Windows 3.0?
Create your own system by adding the printer
and other accessories any way you want.
You may purchase through your store by following the normal
guidelines for employee purchases.
 
Will There Be A Floppy Version?
 
Yes, it will be available in October.
The 2500 SX/20 floppy version will be Cat. No. 25-4904
and will retail for $1,499.00.
This version will not ship with a modem or the Prodigy software,
but will include the America Online service.
All applicable discounts will apply to the floppy version
and it will only be available through TSDC with a special customer order
via the POS.
 
Take the opportunity to clear out your current stock of all 2500's
at the special package prices that have been given previously,
and make room for this great new addition to the Tandy family.
 
Tandy  Computers: The Best Selling PC Compatibles in America!
 
MOM-10-91
CLARIFICATION OF MS-DOS LICENSING ISSUES
 
All Tandy  Computers are licensed
for the Microsoft MS-DOS operating system.
Let's review the guidelines of the Tandy-Microsoft License Agreement
as it applies to two fairly new products.
 
25-4176 MS-DOS 5.0 Upgrade
 
This product is marketed for the express purpose of upgrading MS-DOS 2.x,
3.x and 4.x, on Tandy Computers, to the new MS-DOS 5.0 operating system.
 
The Microsoft license agreement with Tandy Corporation for this product
prohibits its sale for use on any other computer.
 
Customers who are upgrading the operating system
on another computer model should be instructed to purchase
the MS-DOS 5.0 Upgrade through retail distribution
or from the original equipment manufacturer.
 
Additionally, while the product sold through Radio Shack  stores
is the standard MS-DOS operating system,
device drivers and other system files unique to other computer manufacturers
are not included in the Tandy version.
These drivers and files can only be found on the Microsoft product
sold through general distribution
or through the original equipment manufacturer.
 
25-4177 MS-DOS 5.0 Documentation Set
 
This documentation set is intended to supplement
the quick reference material included with Tandy business computers,
which are now shipping with MS-DOS 5.0 in the box.
 
MOM-10-91
DESKMATE THESAURUS COMPANION...CLARIFICATION
 
The DeskMate  Thesaurus Companion (25-1365) is advertised
as a terrific add-on item for DeskMate text with 220,000 synonyms.
This is true,
and with word processing being the number one use for computers,
this product should be sold with every machine that has DeskMate.
 
I got an interesting question from one of you last month
regarding this product.
The question was, "How many of the 220,000 words are actually key words
that can be looked up?"
Obviously you can't look up synonyms for all 220,000 words contained
in the Companion -- the total synonyms for all those words would
(even with any overlap) add up to more than the 220,00 words you started with.
 
Well it took a little while to find out, but the answer is 15,000.
These are the most popular words that are looked up in Thesaurus.
 
Thank you for your questions, and please keep them coming!
 
MOM-10-91
30/32: THE CHAIRMAN'S CUSTOMER CHALLENGE
 
30 GREET each customer within 30 seconds
 
3  ASK at least 3 questions to determine
   the customer's needs/interests
 
2  Aim for 2 LINES per ticket; complete
   every sale with accessories & add-ons
 
MOM-10-91
DO YOU THINK THE PUBLIC LIKES THE CDR-1000?
 
Well, The Press Apparently Does!
 
How's this for an opening line?
 
     Consider theft if you must, but see if you can lay your hands on $399
     to get Tandy's CDR-1000 CD-ROM drive.
 
     It will change the way you look at your personal computer.
 
This is how an article entitled,
Tandy's CD-ROM, a feast of sound, video and data, started.
It was by Larry Blasko (Associated Press Writer) and published in the
Attleboro Sun Chronicle (Attleboro, Massachusetts) on August 13, 1991.
 
You know that the Tandy  CDR-1000 is an innovative and inexpensive
CD-ROM player.
It's one more example of Tandy's  Continuing Innovation .
But do you realize that this is just the beginning of a whole new area
of personal computing?
 
That's Not All!
 
Here are some other excerpts from that article:
 
     It brings pictures, sound and 500 million-character storage within reach
     of those of us who try to do Cadillac computing on a Ford Escort budget.
 
     This column is being written while the CDR-1000 pumps down-and-dirty
     honky-tonk music.
     Just moments earlier, the same drive and same PC were blasting through
     the 1991 New Grolier Electronic Encyclopedia,
     flipping up words, pictures and sound on the screen
     from a database of 10 million words.
 
     It's a little like the sci-fi cliche of the characters getting
     almost limitless information simply by asking, `Computer?'
 
     Cliche or not, it's fun.
 
And here's the ending:
 
     It's a first-rate product at an excellent price
     and it can open new worlds for your PC,
     especially in educational uses.
 
An article like this is an indication of things to come.
Multimedia computing, which the CDR-1000 is one element of,
will become more and more a part of all of our lives.
Our kids will encounter it in school,
we'll be facing it in our everyday business activities,
in the shopping malls of America,
and in our travels around the world.
 
As part of the sales organization of Radio Shack ,
you are uniquely positioned to be in on the ground floor
of this newest PC revolution.
Are you ready?
Do you have an inkling of what's coming?
 
We'll be providing you more information in this important arena
as developments arise.
Start now by knowing everything you can about the CDR-1000
and the PCs which use it,
including those great press comments!
Add your own experience and customer feedback,
and you'll have the basis for adding sales dollars to each store's bottom line
(and your pocketbook, of course!).
 
MOM-10-91
UPDATE ON NEW 25-1088 HARD DRIVE ADAPTER
 
First, it was due in June.
Then, August.
Then, the first of September.
And now, the definitive word on the news you've been waiting for:
the 25-1088 Hard Drive Adapter ($79.95)
is in the warehouse and shipping!!!!!!!
 
This is the new product that adapts the 25-1047 20 MB SmartDrive  or
the 25-1048 40 MB SmartDrive  into a hard drive card
for the Tandy  1000, 1000A, 1000 SX, 1000 TX, 1000 SL, 1000 TL
and 1000 SL/2.
It replaces both the 25-1032 20 MB and 25-4059 40 MB Hard Drive Cards.
 
(NOTE: It does not work with the 25-1045 OR 25-1046.)
 
The benefits of this product are tremendous.
Instead of carrying four different drives in your inventory,
you now only need two and this adapter.
You'll no longer find yourself with a 20 MB Hard Drive Card in stock
when your customer needs a 40 MB unit.
And, when the hard drives go on sale, the hard drive cards are on sale, too!
 
The bad news is that it took so long to get this product in the warehouse.
The good news is, we're sure we worked the bugs out!
 
MOM-10-91
MICROSOFT WINDOWS 3.0A -- NOW AVAILABLE
 
Microsoft Windows (25-4225) has been changed from SOWG to ACTIVE
and is once again available through TSDC warehouse.
 
The product contains 3 1/2" media only and is the latest revision 
released by Microsoft, version 3.0a.
 
MOM-10-91
SPECIAL MECA OFFER SHOWED WRONG TAX YEAR
 
Some of you eagle-eyes noticed that
on the Special Offer For All Radio Shack Employees! form
from MECA Software (included in the September '91 M.O.M.),
the tax year mentioned in the description for the
Andrew Tobias' TaxCut software was 1990.
 
Well, we all know that the tax year 1990 should have already been filed!
The next one we'll be working on is for this year, 1991.
 
You'll be happy to hear that it was just the description
that was was incorrect --
the software they have and will ship you is for tax year 1991.
 
MOM-10-91
KONEXX MODELS 106 AND 108 NOW IN RADIO SHACK LINE
 
Connect A Modem To Any Telephone
 
Today's rapid growth and expansion continues in the areas of
computer communications and connectivity.
The new Konexx Model 106 (900-0728  $59.95) and Model 108 (900-0729  $99.95)
are the connection products that allow a modem to connect into multiline,
digital, PBX and hotel telephones.
By connecting to a handset of a telephone,
these units offer a universal connection for communication right on the desk.
 
The Model 106
 
The Model 106 features connectors to attach it between the telephone base
and the handset.
It can be left in place at all times,
as it does not hinder the normal operation of the phone.
When modem communication is required,
just plug the RJ-11 phone plug into the socket on the Model 106
and then access the modem as you normally would.
The 106 uses power from the phone line itself.
 
The Model 108 Has Its Own Power
 
In some cases, phone line power may be non-standard or very low.
For these situations, we also have the Model 108.
The 108 differs from the 106 in that it comes with an AC adapter
and does not make use of the phone line power.
 
These Aren't Modems
 
Neither the Model 106 or Model 108 are modems --
they are connectivity devices for computers that already have modems.
 
Now, corporate customers have an alternative to dedicated telephone lines
when connecting modems to the phone systems in the office.
Also, customers who purchase modem-equipped notebook computers
can communicate from the hotel room or client's office without problems.
 
The Model 106 and 108 are excellent add-ons to all of your modem,
faxcard, notebook and laptop sales.
 
Key Points To Remember For Selling These Products
 
1. In the business or corporate environment,
   these units allow modem communications over multiline,
   digital and PBX telephones.
   The cost savings over dedicated telephone lines is significant.
   In the situation where the customer wants to dial his computer
   or use contact management software, nothing can touch these units.
 
2. In the field environment, users of portable or notebook computers,
   who need to communicate from an office or hotel room,
   need these devices to assure communication ability.
 
3. Ask your customer how they expect to connect their modem
   in the field or office.
   When they don't have an answer, suggest one of these Konexx models.
   "How are you going to make the connection?"
 
MOM-10-91
THIRD PARTY PRODUCTS UPDATE
 
Let Us Remind You About How We Work
 
Since the reorganization,
many of you are not familiar with Third Party Products' procedures.
Here are steps to follow,
and attached to this M.O.M. is an updated Request for Quote (RFQ) form.
Be sure to make copies to use for future orders.
 
Sourcing And Purchasing Services
 
Third Party Products only sources computer hardware and software.
 
We cannot source and/or purchase services such as consulting fees,
third party-provided training or data conversion fees.
 
If your customer is financing their purchase
through Tandy Computer Leasing 
and is insisting that these services be included in their lease,
contact TCL for assistance.
 
Review The Opportunity With Your RSM Or DSM
 
Before submitting a Request For Quote you must review the opportunity
with your RSM or DSM.
There can be no exception to this.
If for any reason he or she is not available,
contact your Divisional Vice President.
 
Completing The Request For Quote Form
 
A revised RFQ form is attached to this issue of the M.O.M.
The form must be filled out completely before we can act on it.
We are currently receiving many forms without a company name and contact.
This will only delay a reply since your request will be not be acted upon
until complete information is received.
 
Your Reply
 
Once TPP receives pricing, you will receive information back via FAX.
Only at this time are you to quote prices to your customer.
NEVER attempt to get pricing directly from a vendor.
 
To Place An Order
 
The first thing we do when we receive an inquiry
is to assign it a control number.
If you have received a quote from us and decide to place a product on order,
you can re-FAX the copy of the RFQ form back to Third Party Products
(which will have your control number) and just note to order it.
Or, on a plain piece of paper make a note that you wish to place an order,
noting your control number and store.
 
Product will be shipped to your store.
TPP will not ship direct to customers.
 
Phone Calls To Third Party Products/Feedback
 
It is not necessary to call TPP.
You'll only be told to FAX a properly completed RFQ form.
 
If you FAX a Request for Quote that we don't quote the same day we receive it,
we will send you a FAX confirming that we did receive it
and are working on it.
 
The day we place an order with a vendor for your product,
we will confirm with you that we have done so.
 
Both of these confirmation FAXES are sent automatically
at the end of each business day.
 
MOM-10-91
SVGA VIDEO DRIVERS FOR WINDOWS 3.0
 
Video drivers for Windows 3.0 and other software packages
are available from Computer Support Services.
These drivers allow Windows to run in the following modes:
 
   640 x 480 with 256 colors
   (All current monitors will support the above mode.)
 
   800 x 600 with 16 colors (requires 512K video RAM)
 
   1024 x 768 with 16 colors (requires 512K video RAM)
 
   (These last two modes are only available with the
   VGM-440 Super VGA Color Monitor.)
 
These drivers are for the following Tandy  Computers:
 
   25-4075     Tandy  2500 XL/2
   25-4076     Tandy  2500 SX
   25-4077     Tandy  2500 SX/20 Hard Drive Special Edition
   25-4904     Tandy  2500 SX/20
   25-4903     Tandy  4020 SX (and 25-4902 version)
 
The video RAM
must be upgraded to 512K with the upgrade kit from National Parts
(Part Number MX-3750).
 
The following Tandy Computers, if they are the "A" versions,
require NO video RAM upgrade.
They are shipped with 512K standard:
 
   25-5001A    Tandy  4016 DX
   25-5125A    Tandy  4025 LX
   25-5130A    Tandy  4033 LX
 
MOM-10-91
TANDY 4833 LX/T AND 4820 SX/T -- NO CACHE?
 
Page two of RSC-23 states that the 486-based systems
(25-5145 Tandy  4833 LX/T and 25-5140 Tandy  4820 SX/T)
will have 64K SRAM of Secondary Cache.
This is a misprint and these systems
 
      will not be configured this way!
 
The 486 systems feature 8K of cache built into the 486 processor.
Adding additional secondary Cache is only adding cost to the system
and offers no significant performance advantage.
 
MOM-09-91
The Front Line
 
Selling the Complete System
 
Don't Stop with the System of the Month
 
In today's hypercompetitive microcomputer market, both computers alone
and computer systems with monitor and `hardcard' are being advertised
at retail prices closer to actual cost
than at any time in the 13 year history of our industry.
And, as the growing number of mergers and bankruptcies
of computer dealers illustrates,
many of our competitors have failed to preserve enough gross margin
to sustain business activity over an extended period.
 
Radio Shack will continue to price basic computers and systems
at the price level required to remain competitive and draw customers
into your stores.
So, to help restore gross margin points to the system sale,
it is now doubly important that you take advantage of
one of your major strengths in the computer industry:
the ability to provide the customer with a complete system
that includes all of the related accessories, software,
and extended service that your customer may require.
 
Too many of our salesmakers think they have completed
a computer "system sale" when they have sold the advertised
"system of the month" with monitor and SmartDrive .
The key to realizing the full gross margin potential of this opportunity
depends on follow through with the sale of the additional items
that the customer requires to get full performance and enjoyment
from the personal computer purchase.
 
The customer is looking to the salesmaker for expertise and guidance
in the selection of his computer,
and you will be doing that customer a service
by offering the appropriate enhancements at the time of the original sale.
 
Proven Technique for Adding Accessories
 
After closing the basic computer or system sale,
and perhaps adding a major peripheral or two
(such as hard drive, modem, or printer),
you should now approach your customer with three categories
of add-on accessories before the ticket is totaled.
 
Required:
Begin by checking for those items which the customer absolutely MUST have
to operate: diskettes or cartridges, cables, fanfold paper, software, etc.
The customer will appreciate your thoroughness,
and it permits you to make a natural and easy transition
into the subject of add-on accessories.
 
Recommended:
Now talk about some items that will help the new owner
take care of his/her system.
Again, you can be "up front" in your transition
by openly saying "here are a few items that I like to recommend
to my customers to let them do their own preventive maintenance."
 
These include disk drive head cleaning kits, dust covers,
spike protectors, and disk storage boxes (to keep out dust).
Again, these all make good sense when properly presented,
and this shows your thoughtfulness.
 
Elective:
The final category includes that collection of accessories
that makes the computer system easier and more comfortable to use;
in other words, they add to the PRODUCTIVITY of the system.
It might be as simple one of the Dr. David Lien books on using MS-DOS,
a tilt-and-turn swivel for the monitor (or even an anti-glare screen),
a printer or CPU stand, a keyboard rest,
or a functional computer workstation desk.
 
Knowledge and Practice
 
With reasonable effort and skill, a salesmaker should easily be able to add
about $100 in accessories to a system sale to a first-time owner.
The secret is to make this a natural and smooth part of the wrap-up
of each computer sale.
What it takes is a bit of practice; each salesmaker should use training time
or slack time to do a bit of role playing with another salesmaker,
until the items listed above can be presented smoothly
and in the order outlined.
Look at the current catalog and add  items that are specific
to your store stocking plan.
 
Can you efficiently and quickly explain the 26-1395 Two-Outlet Spike Protector:
what it is and why it's a good investment?
Do you know what two functions a mouse pad provides?
Until you can explain these things, you too may wonder why you don't enjoy
the gross margin numbers that your efforts in closing system sales
should permit.
A surprising amount of your personal reward is wrapped up
in getting that final $100 in high profit accessories,
so do the little extra practice that it takes to give
a credible presentation on the  entire  computer system.
 
It Works for Everything You Sell!
 
And while this Required/Recommended/Elective sequence
in presenting accessories is very useful
with a relatively complex product system such as a computer system,
the same technique can be extended and practiced 
with other product families such as telephones, video, or audio --
anywhere there is a large group of accessories that needs to be presented
in a clear and logical sequence.
The salesmaker who uses this technique successfully in any
product family will soon come to use it across the entire Radio Shack
product spectrum.
Success breeds success!
Learn how to add on accessories and become a complete salesmaker.
 
MOM-09-91
The DeskMate  Difference
 
DeskMate Home Lawyer
 
Save Expensive Legal Fees!
 
You've been married a few years and are expecting your second child.
You really do need a will.
One of these days you're going to have to take care of that...
 
You're leaving the kids with your parents for a week while you're on vacation.
What if they get hurt?
 
The new food processor you bought doesn't work properly
and you can't get any help or response from the store.
Maybe you should contact the manufacturer?
 
Every one of us has had some similar situation arise.
Previously the only choices have been to put it off,
ignore the issue or (HORRORS!) call a lawyer.
 
But now, Home Lawyer for DeskMate puts 16 of Hyatt Legal Services
most commonly requested documents at your fingertips --
all with the DeskMate ease of use in completing them.
No more trips to an attorney (well, maybe fewer!) ...you can take care
of a lot of legal business in the privacy of your own home.
 
When you enter Home Lawyer,
you see a screen which advises that these are sample documents only.
If you have a situation that differs significantly
from the sample questions asked, you  should  consult an attorney.
 
The opening screen of the application shows a list
of all of the documents Home Lawyer can produce.
 
These documents are:
 
  Last Will and Testament -- Married
  Last Will and Testament -- Individual
  General Power of Attorney
  Medical/Special Power of Attorney
  Revocation of Power of Attorney
  Residential Lease
  Promissory Note
  Employment Agreement
  Independent Contractor Agreement
  Bill of Sale for Motor Vehicle
  General Bill of Sale
  Special Letters
         Offer of Employment
         Demand for Money Owed
         Bad Check Notice
         Defective Product Complaint
         Request for Credit Report
 
Welcome New Users
 
Under <F2> there is an option titled "Welcome New Users."
This is a full series of screens describing DeskMate Home Lawyer
and its features.
It also acquaints the user with how Worksheets are used
and how DeskMate Home Lawyer's help is structured.
This offers a great way for you to show off the product
to a potential customer.
 
DeskMate Home Lawyer's Help System
 
Home Lawyer's Help system gives you direct access to information
about using the program as well as helpful comments
about specific documents and questions.
If you are at the main menu, choose Help <F1> and your options are:
 
More About This Document --
This gives you more specific information
about the specific document highlighted.
 
General Help --
This gives General Help about the program itself.
 
Glossary of Terms --
This gives an alphabetical list of the legal terms used.
 
Filling out the Forms
 
Once you select a document,
DeskMate Home Lawyer begins to ask you questions to fill in the information.
This is a standard procedure for attorneys as most of these documents
have been created as "boilerplates" with merge variables.
 
DeskMate Home Lawyer also allows you to print out a "worksheet"
of all the questions.
That way, the user can take a look at the questions
and gather all of the appropriate information.
 
Some questions will ask the user to choose from a list of options.
Others will require a typed answer.
 
DeskMate Home Lawyer's Help differs
once the user is working on a specific document.
Pressing <F1> brings up:
 
Additional Comments
More information about the current question.
 
General Editing
Specifics about what keys perform what function.
 
Glossary of Terms
The alphabetical list.
 
Once all of the questions are completed,
DeskMate Home Lawyer will ask if you wish to save the answers.
 
Once saved, users can review or change any answer.
They can preview or print the document from within DeskMate Home Lawyer:
 
Or they can export that file to a word processor or desktop publishing package
to modify it or use a different font.
 
Things to Ask
 
Special "hot buttons" to look for
when you're talking with a customer might be:
 
Do they have children?
Do they ever leave them with family or friends?
If they have children, they should at least have a will.
And especially if they leave their kids with family or friends,
they should have the ability to create a medical power of attorney
which gives that "temporary guardian" the ability to authorize
medical care if the child gets hurt or sick.
 
Do they have elderly parents or need to act on someone's behalf?
A General Power of Attorney would be useful.
 
Have they ever had questions about ownership of a car?
Home Lawyer creates a Bill of Sale for a Motor Vehicle.
Clearly transfer the ownership without all of the legal hassles.
 
Consulting an attorney is an expensive proposition.
And many people will hesitate just because it's too much of a hassle.
DeskMate Home Lawyer will provide them
with the actual documents used by Hyatt Legal Services for their clients.
 
Joel Hyatt's picture is on the package
along with the Hyatt Legal Services name.
This is a powerful selling tool!
 
Hyatt Legal Services brought legal services to "the rest of us."
Now we're bringing powerful legal services to our customers --
DeskMate Home Lawyer.
 
The Perfect Complement
 
DeskMate Home Lawyer is the perfect complement
to the DeskMate Home Organizer .
Customers now have the ability to keep their home together
all under the DeskMate  interface!
 
The normal DOS Version of Home Lawyer has
a suggested retail price of $119.00 and a "street" price of about $75.00.
 
Our price is $69.95!
 
MOM-09-91
Home Office Marketing
 
Word Processing Options
 
Word Processing is no longer an option for a home office.
Creating attractive or personalized documents is a necessity!
Word processing has continued to be the Number 1 application
for computers in business for years.
 
So, what are the options available?
Radio Shack offers several, from the most basic to very advanced.
However, because word processing has become a basic function,
many people may have already decided which product they want to buy.
 
For DeskMate
 
If the customer is using DeskMate as a graphical user interface,
there are three options:
 
DeskMate  Text
 
As a basic text processor for the first-time user,
Text offers the basic functionality of cut and paste,
copying sections of text or creating a merge letter.
It also includes a spell checker and has an optional thesaurus
(sold separately as 250-1365 for $19.95).
 
HomeWord II    (250-1266  $69.95)
 
A step above DeskMate Text is HomeWord II.
Offering all the same features as Text,
HomeWord II also includes a thesaurus and an outliner to organize thoughts.
The outline function is also terrific for setting up meeting agendas.
But, as its name implies, HomeWord II is really more geared
toward a home user than a business.
 
DeskMate Q & A Write    (250-1299  $149.95)
 
For your DeskMate customers, our "high-end" offering is DeskMate Q & A Write.
With its built-in address book and merge capabilities,
Q & A Write is a full-featured word processor under DeskMate.
 
For DOS
 
Under DOS the options are:
 
WordPerfect 5.1    (250-1440  $399.95)
 
WordPerfect set the standard in word processing
and 5.1 is their latest version.
Offering full editing capabilities,
plus high-end features like indexing and generating a table of contents,
WordPerfect 5.1 completes its feature list with mouse support, macros,
merge capabilities, and the name WordPerfect 5.1.
Many customers will ask for it by name.
 
Microsoft Word 5.5    (903/5-1475  $495.00)
 
Microsoft Word 5.5 also features full editing capabilities and merges,
style sheets, speller, thesaurus, etc.
The newest version of Word now supports pull-down menus for full ease of use.
Like WordPerfect, many customers will ask for it by name.
 
Professional Write 2.2    (903/5-2511  $249.00)
 
Professional Write also has a strong "name brand" recognition with customers.
If they balk at spending $400 or $500 for a word processor,
Professional Write offers many of the same features and lacks
only those things that the majority of the customers don't use anyway
(like automatic indexing).
 
For Windows
 
And finally, under Windows, there are a couple of options.
With the font packages available under Windows 3.0,
word processing can now be used for many things customers
were using a desktop publishing package for.
 
Microsoft Word for Windows    (900-2515  $495.00)
 
This is currently one of the best word processors available under Windows 3.0.
All of the WYSIWYG ("What-You-See-Is-What-You-Get") capabilities
that make Windows so attractive also enhance Word for Windows.
Additionally, you now have "buttons" available on the toolbar
so Bold, Italics, Centering or Double Spacing are only a click away.
 
Ami Professional    (900-0530  $495.00)
 
Another award-winning option under Windows 3.0,
Ami Professional differs from Word for Windows
more in "feeling" and layout of options than in actual features.
Options are available with a click.
Ami Pro also features a complete library of style sheets.
 
As we said at the beginning of this article,
word processing has become a commodity item.
It is no longer just a "neat" feature of personal computing,
but is a necessity for running a business.
 
Radio Shack offers a full line of word processing options
from the very basic to the very complex.
Qualify your customer and then sell the best solution based on
that customer's business needs.
 
MOM-09-91
COMPUTER SUPPORT SERVICES
"Answers at Your Fingertips"
 
COMPTON'S MULTIMEDIA SUPPORT
 
Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia on the Tandy  2500 XL and XL/2
has been a very successful product.
We provide specialized support in several ways:
 
1. Each CMME unit is assembled by Tandy Systems Integration.
   Tandy Quality Control then inspects the unit and verifies
   that it functions properly before it is delivered to your customer.
 
2. Enclosed with each CMME unit is a letter that thanks your customer
   for selecting Compton's MultiMedia Enclyclopedia and a Tandy  computer.
   It also has instructions on how to start the system.
   A toll-free telephone number is included for the support of the CMME unit.
   The number, (800) 321-0160,
   may be given to your customers in the event they have lost this letter.
 
3. There are some cases where the computer is unpacked
   and found to have been damaged during shipment.
   You or the customer may call the above 800 telephone number
   and a replacement system will be sent to the customer.
   Replacement CMME units usually arrive to the customer within 2 working days.
   This is how we guarantee the success of the CMME units to the customer.
 
Version 1.2D of CMME has recently been released,
and several of our customers have it.
To see what version the customer has,
look at the series of numbers embossed on the inner circle of the CD-ROM.
The first two digits of that number show the version.
(See the article on Page 11 of this M.O.M. for more info.)
 
Customers who have earlier versions of CMME may upgrade their disks
through Encyclopaedia Britannica Educational Corporation.
They should call (800) 533-0130.
There is a $150.00 fee for the upgrade CD-ROM.
The customer will be required to return the older version CD-ROM disk.
 
MOM-09-91
SUBJECTS OF THE MONTH
 
MS-DOS 5.0 and laptop computers
 
We have experienced lock ups on some laptop computers
after installing MS-DOS 5.0.
After installing DOS 5.0, the system will reboot,
and then at some point it locks up.
Here's how we handle it.
Do the upgrade, and after the system reboots,
turn the power to the computer off and then back on.
The computer will work fine after that.
 
MS-DOS 5.0 using SETVER.EXE
 
A customer upgrading to MS-DOS 5.0 may lose the use of some device drivers
or "com" files unless the SETVER command is used.
One example of this is the support for the CGP-220 printer.
This GRAPHIC.COM command in MS-DOS 5.0 no longer has support for the CGP-220.
One solution is to copy GRAPHIC.COM from a previous version of DOS
to the new 5.0 system under a new name (i.e. GRPHICS1.COM).
Then use the SETVER command documented in the DOS 5.0 manual
to use this command (GRPHICS1.COM) under DOS 5.0.
 
MS-DOS 5.0 and Tandy 1000 series keyboards
 
Customers with the older style Tandy  1000 keyboard (the 84-key keyboard)
will experience problems with certain keys
which do not work correctly in DOS 5.0.
(The "backslash" key is one example.)
DOS 5.0 assumes the user has a 101-key Enhanced Keyboard,
and that keyboard has slightly different scan codes from the
older Tandy 1000 keyboard.
 
(Holding down <ALT> then pressing  <0><9><2> on the keypad
will produce a "backslash."
There may also be other keystroke sequences that produce other characters.)
 
TANDY 2810 HD and the "RGB" Port
 
The 2810 HD comes with a built in VGA video board.
On the back of the machine there is a compartment where the video port resides.
It is labeled as an RGB port.
The RGB port designation simply means "color" as in RED, GREEN and BLUE.
It doesn't mean you can plug any monitor other than VGA into that port.
The only monitor type supported in this machine is a VGA monitor.
 
Upgrading to MS-DOS 5.0 Using Windows 3.0
 
Customers upgrading to MS-DOS 5.0
who are already running Windows 3.0 should be aware of
some important changes that must be made to CONFIG.SYS file.
 
The new versions of HIMEM.SYS and SMARTDRV.SYS that come
with MS-DOS 5.0 replace the versions that came with Windows 3.0.
The 5.0 install will automatically reduce the number of files and buffers.
These must be changed back to files=30 and buffers=30
for Windows to work correctly.
Also, Windows must be the first directory in the path,
followed by DOS and then ROOT.
 
This information is in the DOS 5 manual,
but we thought it was worth reiterating here.
 
MOM-09-91
The Credit Line
 
RSVP/Tandy Computer Leasing
 
RSVP
 
As RSVP continues to grow, Tandy Credit continues to make adjustments
to accommodate this expansion and encourage continued success.
On August 1st:
 
The minimum initial purchase requirement was lowered to $50
for your new Value Plus applicants.
Now, you have the opportunity to offer RSVP to more of your customers
than ever before!
 
As before, the applicant must be a current major credit card holder
to qualify for immediate phone-in credit approval.
Please, do not attempt to phone in the applications for:
 
a. non-major credit card holders; and/or
 
b. new applicants whose initial total purchase is less than $50
 
Does that leave those applicants plum out of luck in
getting a Value Plus Account?
Not at all.
It simply means that more research is required
than for qualifying applications -- and that takes more time.
 
Here's how to handle non-qualifying phone-in applications:
 
1. Ask your would-be applicant to complete the
   (one and only acceptable) FO-643* RSVP application,
   before leaving your store.
   Keep control of the application to make sure it does not leave the store.
 
2. Let your customer know that you will be FAXing the application
   to our Operations Center and that they will be notified
   directly of the decision, when it's determined.
   The normal turnaround time can run several days.
   A decision will be called back to your store
   to make you aware of the outcome.
   After that, the procedure follows that of qualifying phone-ins:
   Approvals will receive their ValuePlus  Card in the mail;
   declines are notified by letter.
 
* NOTES: Forms Warehouse recently experienced
a shortage of FO-643 phone-in applications.
They are well stocked with them now
so there should be no problem filling your current orders.
 
FO-642 mail-in applications are no longer valid and will not be accepted.
If you have any on hand, destroy them immediately.
 
Pharewell Phil!!
 
Of course you all knew about the July phenomenon of a total eclipse.
BUT -- were you aware of another noteworthy
(albeit of somewhat smaller scope) "happening" in July?
For those of you who (literally) may not have heard Phil Oman's whoop of joy,
listen up:
Tandy Credit's booming "voice of RSVP" was promoted to
the position of Sales Manager for the Charlotte Region.
Good luck to the (now) North Carolina Oman.
 
Follow Up
 
Shoppers have lots of choices when it comes to:
 
What to Buy
When to Buy
Where to Buy
 
Frequently, the deciding factor can be Customer Support.
Ideally, that's handled by the store, as it should be.
When it goes beyond that,
Radio Shack's Computer Support Services department,
Tandy Computer Leasing's Customer Service,
or RSVP's Customer Service will be drawn in.
 
Focusing on RSVP customers:
When our Operations Center receives a customer complaint,
a detailed report of the problem is sent to the Radio Shack store manager
and copied to the District Manager.
That report concludes with, "Please contact the customer and advise us
of the settlement agreed to by both parties no later than [MM/DD/YY]."
 
What's this leading to?
Follow Up!
 
1. Contact the customer
 
2. Tell the customer what you're prepared to do
 
3. Inform the Operations Center (immediately) of the outcome.
 
Consider it a second chance to resolve what can be resolved!
 
Important Reminder
 
Much as you'd like to accommodate customers' Change of Address Requests,
you should not assume that responsibility.
 
1. Your POS will not accept customer statistical updates
   and you should not be wasting your selling time tied to a busy
   or "on hold" phone.
 
2. It's the cardholder's obligation to notify the Operations Center
   of such changes, post haste.
   They are subject to late charges if invoices are delayed
   due to unreported changes.
 
   For their convenience, please give them this toll-free phone number
   to notify our Operations Center of any changes:
 
   1 (800) 767-4556
 
MOM-09-91
Hearty Congratulations
 
Here are the FY '91 RSMs and DSMs
with the highest % of RSVP sales in each DIVISION:
 
RSM/Region         %     DSM/District #        %
 
Jerry McDaniel           Ed Smith
  Dallas         16.7      Kansas City 0843  23.1
 
Virgil Carson            Mitch Weston
  Charlotte      15.0      Hawaii 0385       20.2
 
Dan Rekus                Mike Swoboda
  New York       14.9      Miami 0588        19.7
 
Don Wilkins              Mario Lopez
  Charlotte      13.4      Denver 0367       17.9
 
                         Elsom Eldridge
                           Pittsburgh 0868   17.9
 
and here are the FY '91 Radio Shack stores
with the top % of RSVP sales in each region:
 
Manager             Store #   Location              %
 
Ken Christenson     01-8866   Orlando FL          52.1
Billy Moss, Jr      01-8334   Killeen TX          40.5
Rob Johnson         01-6796   Saginaw MI          39.2
Azad Tirgardoon     01-3495   Aiea HI             38.2
Harry Booher        01-4540   Radcliffe KY        37.8
Larry Requa         01-9280   Abilene TX          37.5
William McDonough   01-1313   Leominster MA       37.5
Hallie Robison      01-1924   Spring Lake NC      35.8
James Jasinski      01-9692   Columbus GA         33.0
Gale White          01-8445   Little Rock AR      32.7
Pete Baribault      01-2711   Valley Stream NY    32.4
James Huebner       01-3333   Tacoma WA           32.1
Joseph Amszynski    01-2658   Yonkers NY          31.0
Perry Menard        01-6073   Bellevue NE         29.9
Caesar Mascarenhas  01-2193   Alexandria VA       27.7
Kamal Timbadia      01-2206   Trenton NJ          26.6
Bryant Jennings     01-8874   Neptune Beach FL    26.0
Azfar Anwar         01-3589   Los Angeles CA      25.6
Tim Welter          01-1662   Auburn NY           25.0
Thomas Davis        01-3193   Sierra Vista AZ     24.3
Darrel Butt         01-6062   Rapid City SD       23.8
G. Keith Collins    01-4464   Bridgeport WV       23.3
Sam Von Duhn        01-6468   Hillside IL         21.9
Rodolfo Villalta    01-3821   Daly City CA        20.0
 
REMEMBER TO ALWAYS:
 
Make RSVP your customers' first choice...
not your salesperson's last resort!
 
THEY DID!!
 
MOM-09-91
Tandy Computer Leasing
 
Tandy Computer Leasing's annual meeting awards are presented
in recognition of total dollar volume of TCL sales
for the fiscal year just ended.
The Top of the Tops Award is presented to the #1:
Divisional Vice President, Regional Sales Manager, District Sales Manager,
01Z Manager or Sales Specialist, and 01 Manager in the nation.
An Outstanding Achievement Award recognizes District Sales Managers,
01Z Managers/Sales Specialists, and 01 Managers
whose total TCL sales in FY '91 met the TCL challenge that merits this honor.
 
Let's hear it for the WINNERS!!!
 
Top of the Tops
 
David M. Thirion    Vice President      Midwest Division
Tony O'Hara         Philadelphia RSM    Northeast Division
John Wissinger      Houston 0877 DSM    Midwest Division
Marie Deases        Store 01-8205 SS    Brownsville, TX
Michael McHale      Store 01-6581 MGR   Palatine, IL
 
Outstanding Achievement Award
 
Name             Store                    Division/City ST
 
Paul Mahoney     Philadelphia 0522 DSM    Northeast
Jack Teren       Atlanta 0553 DSM         Southeast
Andrea Leed      Philadelphia 0859 DSM    Northeast
Dennis Haggar    Hartford 0575 DSM        Northeast
Craig Jaschob    Chicago 0579 DSM         Midwest
 
Ron Kluck        Store 01-3417 MGR        Flagstaff AZ
Ken Bramlett     Store 01-8763 SS         Rome GA
Dan Bowman       Store 01-6200 MGR        Ville Park IL
Richard Roos     Store 01-6889 MGR        Peoria IL
Richard Coghill  Store 01-2360 MGR        Goldsboro NC
Steve McKolay    Store 01-6929 MGR        Traverse City MI
Wade Threadgill  Store 01-8207 MGR        Austin TX
John Cofer       Store 01-4137 SS         State College PA
Ray Dominick*    Store 01-8634 SS         Helena MT
Lewis Engle**    Store 01-2929 SS         La Vale MD
Eric Price       Store 01-8938 SS         Vero Beach FL
Craig Gierke     Store 01-6223 MGR        Escanaba MI
Basem Aybef      Store 01-9183 MGR        LaFayette LA
Ruben Lobo Jr.   Store 01-8062 MGR        Laredo TX
 
* Ray holds the record, This is the second consecutive year
and 3rd time in 4 years that he's won this award!
 
** This is the second consecutive year that Lew's been an outstanding achiever.
 
A TCL LEASE...
 
The Closing Link to a Total Solution for your clients' business products needs
 
MOM-09-91
Product News
NEW TANDY 2500 SX
 
Tandy  2500 XL/2 (25-4075) Status
 
With the great sales of the Tandy 2500 XL/2,
the warehouses are now out of stock.
The 2500 XL/2 is SOWG at $999.00,
and the system special with the 52 MB SmartDrive , VGM-220 monitor,
and Software Bonus Pack continues at $1,649.00.
 
Be sure to sell all of your demos
including the units used for Compton's Demo models with the CD-ROM drive.
(Just be sure to remove the CD-ROM Drive and Compton's before the sale.
You will put it in another machine soon.)
This is an excellent time to offer your customers
a great Tandy 2500 XL/2 that you have left in your stores!
 
MOM-09-91
Tandy  2500 SX (25-4076) Introduction
 
Introducing the NEW Tandy 2500 SX: our latest 386sx-based computer
is offered at a breakthrough price of only $1,299.00.
Here are the features:
 
  FAST 16 MHz 80386sx Microprocessor
  One megabyte of RAM, expandable to 16 MB
  Volume Control through keyboard keystrokes
  MS-DOS 5.0 and DeskMate  3.5 on DISK ONLY
  Super VGA Graphics support, 256K of Video RAM, expandable to 512K
  16-Bit IDE interface for up to two SmartDrives
  One 1.44 MB 3 1/2" High Capacity Floppy Drive
  Three 16-Bit ISA compatible expansion slots
  Socket for 80387sx-16 Math Coprocessor
  Device Slots open: one 3 1/2" height and one half-height 5 1/4"
  Ports: bi-directional parallel, one serial, and one PS/2-style mouse
  Standard 101-key, Enhanced style keyboard
  LIM 4.0 compatible software for expanded memory capability
  Bi-directional Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC)
  Microphone jack and speaker for voice and sound applications
  Clock with battery backup
  70 Watt power supply
  Low Profile Design: 4.25 x 15.5 x 15 inches (H x W x D)
  1 year customer warranty
  Made by Tandy -- in the USA -- Backed by Radio Shack
 
What a replacement for the highly successful 2500 XL/2!
The 2500 SX offers the increased performance of
32-bit software compatibility with 16-bit hardware your customers demand today.
 
MS-DOS 5.0 and DeskMate 3.5 are bundled with the 2500 SX.
Unlike the 2500 XL/2, the 2500 SX does not include DOS
or the DeskMate interface in ROM.
Most of your customers will add a hard drive when upgrading their system,
therefore the ROM is usually bypassed.
 
This is one of the first Tandy  computers to ship with the new MS-DOS 5.0.
So, right out of the box, your customers can take advantage of MS-DOS 5.0's
enhanced features:
 
  create large hard disk partitions of up to 2 gigabytes
 
  run MS-DOS in the high memory area to free up conventional memory
  for programs, enabling them to run faster and more efficiently
 
  use the MS-DOS Editor, a new full-screen text editor that you can use
  to easily create and modify text files
 
These and many other new and enhanced features are all included
with MS-DOS 5.0.
 
Expand the RAM from 1 MB to 5 MB right on the main logic board
and you've got a system that is ready for almost any memory intensive program,
such as Microsoft's Windows 3.0.
With this popular interface,
your customers can utilize the powerful yet easy-to-use Windows applications.
 
With our built-in support for Super VGA graphics
and our quality built VGA monitors,
you can display 640 x 480 with 16 colors from a palette of 256,000 colors.
Upgrade the video RAM to 512K
(available from National Parts, MX-3750)
and display 640 x 480 with 256 colors from a palette of 256,000 colors
(great for multimedia applications).
With the new VGM 440 monitor,
resolutions of 1024 x 768 in 16 colors are possible.
 
Adding our quality 1" height SmartDrives with capacities
from 40 MB to the speedy 105 MB (at their new low prices)
makes adding a hard drive to the sale the right thing to do.
Remember to offer the Tandy  CDR-1000 internal CD-ROM drive
as a natural with this new low profile system
for the user that wants the latest in innovation from Radio Shack.
As completely configured Multimedia PCs become available,
the 2500 SX will be featured as the entry-level system.
 
With DeskMate, you're already familiar with the 2500 SX and ready to sell it!
 
Who's your target market for the 2500 SX?
Everyone!
With 386sx power at an attractive price,
you're able to sell a 386sx at the price others are selling 286 systems.
Nobody compares!
 
Availability
 
The Tandy 2500 SX is available NOW for any store type
from Tandy Systems Distribution Center with a SPECIAL CUSTOMER ORDER ONLY.
You will only need to order the 2500 SX if you have it sold,
and not for stock.
There will be a special 386sx package that you will want to stock
in your stores in September.
 
Take this opportunity to clear out your current 2500 XL/2s
to make room for this great new addition to the Tandy family.
 
MOM-09-91
NEW (1.2D) VERSION OF CMME NEEDS MODIFICATION
 
The new version (version 1.2D) of the Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia
requires a change to run.
 
Those of you who find yourself dealing with the 1.2D version of CMME,
or have a customer complaining that it doesn't work,
should check the CONFIG.SYS file.
The "files=" statement should be set to 25
and NOT 15 as the instructions state.
This should take care of any problems.
 
MOM-09-91
UTILITIES SOFTWARE AND DOS 5.0
 
Most of the utilities packages we sell both in the stores
and in Express Order  were designed to work with DOS 3.X.
They will not function properly under DOS 5.0.
The things that don't work are applications
like backup and restore.
 
Be sure you relate this information clearly to your customer,
whether you're selling the DOS 5.0 upgrade or selling any of those
utilities packages.
You don't want a customer to back up a hard drive,
upgrade the system to 5.0,
and then find out they can't restore their software and data!
 
MOM-09-91
UPGRADING TO DOS 5.0 BOOK
 
This terrific book from Que (25-1439) is now in stock at the warehouse.
It is a must for any customer purchasing the DOS 5.0 upgrade kit.
At $14.95, there's no excuse not to pick it up.
 
If your customers have ever used a previous version of DOS
(and surely they have if they're purchasing the upgrade),
this book outlines the changes and differences,
plus gives tips on maximizing DOS 5.0.
 
There are still some quantities of the previous Using DOS book (25-1430)
available in stores.
This is a useful reference tool for your customers
who are running DOS 3.3 or 4.01.
 
MOM-09-91
NEW 9600 BPS MODEM DEBUTS IN EXPRESS ORDER AT $499!
 
Now in Express Order  is the ATI 9600 ETC-E External Modem (900-2673)
at the unbelievable price of $499.
The 9600 ETC-E is designed for environments
requiring high volume data transfer.
By combining the latest industry standards --
high speed V.32 full duplex protocol with V.42bis data compression,
it can transmit and receive data simultaneously at speeds up to 38,400 bps.
 
This modem features:
 
  V.32 full duplex protocol
  V.42bis data compression
  MNP 5 data compression
  V.42 error control (including LAP-M and MNP levels 2-4)
  V.22bis 2400 bps operation
  Bell 212A or V.22 1200 bps operation
  Bell 103 300 bps operation
 
Up front, there are controls to quickly set the modem
to auto redial in case of busy signals, auto answer,
synchronous or asynchronous operation, manual transmission speed set,
and a handy volume control.
 
The 9600 ETC-E has been thoroughly tested on networks and Xenix systems
and worked flawlessly.
 
This is the highest feature modem we sell, and at $499,
the best price anywhere for a modem that can do all the 9600 ETC-E can.
Make sure that your business and other telecommunication customers
know about the 9600 ETC-E modem.
 
MOM-09-91
SUPER SOLVERS -- LOADING WITH VGA
 
If your customer is running any of the Super Solvers games on a VGA machine,
it would be handy for them to have it boot up in VGA mode.
(This is particularly useful for customers with 1000 RLXs.)
Well, all they need to do is use the -E option on the command line.
For example, to load Super Solvers Midnight Rescue with VGA, type:
 
      SSR -E
 
To make it even easier, this could be put in a simple batch file
and run this way every time.
 
MOM-09-91
TAX TIME AGAIN?
 
It's approaching time to think about tax software again.
New 1991 versions of software will be showing up in retail stores
around the country soon.
 
Don't Worry -- Remember our Strategy!
 
The TaxCut software on your shelf is still a good product.
Since there are no disks included in the package,
when your customer calls or FAXes MECA software to request the disks,
they'll get the latest and greatest up-to-date version of the software
and new manuals for the 1991 tax year.
 
Customers who purchase early will receive the "yearly release" version
of the software.
Then, once Congress finalizes the forms and laws for this year
(sometime in December),
a final version is shipped to the customer.
The customer who purchases in January or February gets
that final version right away.
 
Your customers are always looking for ways to make their home computer
more useful.
Here's a great example of how to make it pay off in time savings.
TaxCut's "Expert" gives them online advice.
Plus, purchasing early means they're getting organized and ready.
Earlier filing means knowing their tax status earlier.
If they're due a refund, they know it soon.
If they've got to pay, they know just how much!
 
Start bringing up TaxCut software when you're selling a computer
or selling accessories to a PC owner.
 
MOM-09-91
JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON!
 
The New Print Shop -- Adds a Holiday Graphics Disk
 
The New Print Shop (25-1298), one of our best-selling applications,
has added a new graphics disk to the package.
Prices stay the same and the new software will be in the warehouse
in plenty of time for Christmas!
 
With the new DMP 136 Color Printer (26-2868) at only $299.95,
customers can create beautiful banners, cards and signs for Halloween,
Thanksgiving, Hanukkah or Christmas.
Don't let your printer customers leave without a copy of the New Print Shop!
 
Next, Sell Them Print 'N Press...Make Your Own T-Shirts!
 
Print 'N Press (260-1437) is a terrific new idea.
It's a special type of paper for dot matrix printers.
Create a design ... print it out ... iron it on!
Or, create a design, print it out, color it with regular crayons,
then iron it on!
 
It's that simple.
Be sure you remind your customers that if words are printed,
they'll need to print them out BACKWARDS!
The New Print Shop works great for this because "Print Backwards"
is a standard option for printing.
 
MOM-09-91
O'SULLIVAN PHONE NUMBER CORRECTION
 
In the July/August M.O.M., on Page 22 ("C" Class Q & A),
one of the questions was where to get furniture spare parts.
The phone number we gave you has been disconnected.
Here's the new one:
 
(800) 255-4887
 
Thanks to Gary Merriman at 01-0899 in Tallahassee for pointing this out!
 
MOM-09-91
160 MB SMARTDRIVE CANCELED
 
Due to technical issues that could not be resolved,
the anticipated 160 MB SmartDrive  (25-4126) has been CANCeled.
This drive can be obtained through the Third Party Purchasing program,
if needed for prior commitments.
It should be identified as a Seagate ST1186A.
 
We anticipate having other large capacity SmartDrives available in the future
through our normal merchandising line.
 
MOM-09-91
SPECIAL OFFER FROM MECA SOFTWARE FOR RADIO SHACK EMPLOYEES
 
MECA software, publishers of TaxCut and DeskMate Home Lawyer,
are extending a special offer for employees to purchase some of their products
at special prices.
The order form is attached to this issue of the M.O.M.
Please note that you will be required to verify your employment.
 
This offer provides you the opportunity to purchase
some really terrific software at bargain prices.
The offer expires October 31st, so get your orders in now!
 
Product News Of Special Interest to 01Zs
 
MOM-09-91
MS-DOS 5.0 NOW SHIPPING WITH SOME 4000s
 
Three Tandy  4000-series computers that were in RSC-22A have new low prices.
These computers also now include MS-DOS 5.0 when shipped from the warehouse:
 
                          RSC-22A   RSC-23
                                 New Low Price
 
25-5001   Tandy  4016 DX   $2,999   $2,499
25-5125   Tandy  4025 LX   $3,299   $2,999
25-5130   Tandy  4033 LX   $3,799   $3,499
 
Including DOS with these systems is saving $99.95 for your customers.
 
The User's Manual for DOS 5.0 is available as catalog number 25-4177
($21.95) -- not included.
 
MOM-09-91
4020 SX WITH MS-DOS 3.3 AND NEW LOW PRICE
 
Beginning in August, the 4020 SX (25-4903) includes
the regular package of DOS 3.3 (25-4109) at the new low price of $1,799.
However, 25-4109 will NOT ship from the warehouse with the 4020 SX.
Both items will need to be ordered to complete the sale.
This is regarded as a system sale in the POS.
 
This is a great opportunity to clear out the MS-DOS 3.3
you have in your inventory!
It's an added bonus for your customers who can now buy a 4020 SX
at the new low price of $1,799 which includes DOS.
 
If your customers wish to upgrade from DOS 3.3 to DOS 5.0,
they must purchase the MS-DOS 5.0 Upgrade (25-4176) for only $69.95.
 
MOM-09-91
TANDY 3810 HD NOTEBOOK COMPUTER MISSING REGISTRATION CARD
 
On page 5 of the 25-3571 Tandy  3810 HD User's Guide
under "PACKAGE CONTENTS" a reference is made to a `Registration Card.'
This registration card is not included with this unit.
 
You may reassure your customer that registration of this product
is not really required since the original sales receipt
from the POS System actually registers the purchaser as the owner of the item.
However, if a customer insists on registering their product
they may send a copy of their sales receipt with the words
"REGISTRATION COPY" marked clearly on it to:
 
Owner Registration
700 One Tandy Center
100 Throckmorton Street
Fort Worth, Texas  76102-9985
 
MOM-09-91
SYNCHRONICS POINT OF SALE CATALOG CORRECTION
 
Page 29 of you new Tandy Computer catalog has an incorrect listing
for Synchronics POS Software.
There are actually separate versions for a single-user DOS customer
or a multiuser network customer.
This affects POS the Point of Sale module ONLY.
All others are correct.
 
Here is the way it SHOULD read:
 
XENIX Version: 25-1465  $1095
Single User DOS: 903-3279  $995
Multiuser Network: 903-1158  $1095
 
Make this correction in your catalog immediately.
 
MOM-07/08-91
Change is the Only Constant
 
And this has never been more evident than in the last few weeks.
The personal computer business has grown, changed,
and evolved into a big business -- with big players and big stakes.
Products have become more sophisticated, customer's expectations have grown,
and availability of computer products has exploded.
 
Tandy Corporation has taken strategic steps in other business divisions
to address these fundamental effects on our business.
The good news (after you get through any initial angst and uncertainty)
is that your company will become stronger,
and Radio Shack will continue to lead the way
in providing quality computer products to mainstream America.
 
Radio Shack Computer Centers Become Sales Offices
 
Continuing the transition we began over two years ago,
Radio Shack Computer Centers will no longer handle retail business/traffic.
Customers buying at retail have shown a preference for
consumer electronics stores, mass merchants,
and other general and specialty retailers.
This means nearly 7,000 Radio Shack stores and dealers!
There is no longer a need for a dedicated computer store
for sales to individuals, home office buyers and many small business people.
 
Large and government accounts will continue to be serviced by GRiD,
and the new Radio Shack sales offices will now house
our two dedicated direct sales forces.
The K-12 Education Division sales force will continue to focus on
the education business,
and the Business Systems direct sales force will concentrate on
direct selling to small- and medium-sized businesses
with value-added solutions in the point-of-sale, light manufacturing,
wholesale and retail distribution and business accounting areas.
 
Computer City
 
Many different distribution methods for computer products have opened up
in the past few years.
One of these channels is superstores.
Tandy has recognized this, and is moving to take advantage of it.
 
Radio Shack will continue to sell large numbers of computers
and related products
(we represented over two-thirds of Tandy's overall PC unit sales
last year alone).
Remember, you're America's Technology Stores ,
and you have made Tandy  Computers the #1 Selling PC compatible in America.
A major part of the market continues to shop at Radio Shack
for the pre-selection of quality products,
unparalleled service and support,
and the knowledgeable and friendly salespeople that we have come to be
known for. (Yes -- this means you!)
 
However, there's another type of customer who wants
wide selection of product,
a self-service environment with some support,
and multiple brand name availability.
Rather than let this customer go out of the `Tandy family,'
we've decided to service and sell to this customer as well.
Just as we have with McDuff, we will be able to gain more of the retail
electronics and PC business.
Computer City will be the only chain to carry the top four U.S. brands,
as well as a wide selection of computers, peripherals, software,
furniture, supplies, accessories, home office equipment,
and parts (over 5,000 items in all).
 
For You -- Business As Usual
 
While change is indeed the only constant,
the changes for Radio Shack 01 stores and store personnel
will be minimal (primarily some transfer of Computer Center inventory).
We will continue to serve our existing customers with the same
professionalism that has gained us our
valuable reputation and irreplaceable goodwill.
Continue to do what you do best, and Good Selling!
 
MOM-07/08-91
Demonstrating DeskMate's Special Features
 
Most of us know how to show DeskMate's basic features,
functions and benefits:
show the Desktop, Text, Address Book, Calendar, PC-Link, etc.
 
Just below the surface of these applications
lie extra-value features you might not have learned to demonstrate.
This article describes some of these `extra' features and explains how
to demonstrate them.
 
The Desktop:  Different Views
 
You usually view the Desktop as a group of application buttons
and list boxes on the screen
from which you can select and execute applications.
 
There are two other ways to view the Desktop.
 
The Tree View
 
The Tree View shows the structure of the directories on the current drive.
On a floppy-based system, that will be drive A or B.
On a hard drive system, it will usually be drive C or D.
 
To display the Tree View, follow these steps:
 
Go to the Desktop.
Select View <F5>, Tree.
Press <ENTER>.
 
Benefit: This view shows how your floppy disk or hard drive is organized,
helping you find directories quickly.
 
The Files View
 
The Files View shows you the structure of the directories
on the current drive,
and it also shows you the  files  in the current directory.
You can execute any of the .PDM, .EXE, .COM and .BAT files
in the directory by selecting the file
and double clicking the mouse (or pressing <ENTER>).
If you select a data file associated with a DeskMate application,
DeskMate  will automatically run the associated program
and load the data file.
 
To display the Files View, follow these steps:
 
Go to the Desktop.
Select View <F5>, Files.
Press <ENTER>.
 
Benefit: This view helps you find files quickly and work with them.
It also gives you a quick look at the files' dates and sizes.
 
To return to the default Menu View:
 
Go to the Desktop.
Select View <F5>, Menu.
Press <ENTER>.
 
The DeskMate Clipboard:  Copying and Pasting
 
DeskMate's Clipboard lets you move information from place to place
in an application,
and it lets you move information from one application to another.
The Clipboard can move text data, graphic data, spreadsheet data, etc.
 
You can easily and effectively demonstrate the Clipboard
by copying a drawn graphic from DeskMate's Draw program to the Text program.
Here are the steps:
 
1. Run Draw and load a graphic onto the screen.
 
2. Choose Tools <F7>, Select.
   If more than one graphic is displayed, decide which one you will send
   to the document.
 
3. With the mouse, click-and-hold above the upper left corner of the graphic,
   drag the mouse down below the lower right corner of the graphic,
   then release the mouse.
   This selects the graphic.
 
4. Select Edit <F3>, Copy to copy the graphic to the Clipboard.
 
5. Exit the Draw program and run the Text program.
   Type in some text.
   At the point where you want to insert the graphic, insert a blank line.
 
6. Select Edit <F3>, Paste.
 
Benefit: You can add graphics to your documents.
The Clipboard also lets you take text from one DeskMate program
to another very easily -- just copy and paste!
 
The Spell Checker:  Get It Right Before You Print
 
DeskMate Text includes a spelling checker with 90,000 words
that helps you make sure all the words in your letters
and other documents are spelled correctly.
Here's how to demonstrate it:
 
1. Go into the Text program.
   Load in or type in a document.
 
2. Choose Edit <F3>, Proof.
   Any unknown words show up in context in the box.
   Now you have five options:
 
   Press <TAB> three times, then type a correction.
 
   Use the <Down Arrow> key then <ENTER> to accept
   one of the recommended spellings.
 
   Select Options <F2>, Add, to add this word to the dictionary.
 
   Press <ENTER> to accept the word as it is.
 
   Press <ESC> to exit the spelling checker.
 
After you have performed one of these steps,
the spelling checker will check the rest of the document.
 
Benefit: You can avoid spelling errors in printed documents.
 
Headers and Footers in Text
 
Business people often want their company name and address, page numbers,
the date, a title, etc. at the top or bottom of each page of their documents.
`Headers' appear at the top of each page while
`footers' appear at the bottom of each page.
Here are the steps for adding a header to each page of the document:
 
1. In Text, select Layout <F6>, Header.
 
2. Press the <Down arrow>, <SPACE>,
   <ENTER> to choose "Header on All Pages."
 
3. Type in the text for the header.
   You may include the page number and date by choosing them from the
   Layout <F6> menu.
 
4. Type <CTRL><C> to center any information in the header.
 
5. Choose Layout <F6>, Return to Document.
 
To view your header on the screen,
you must print the document to the screen following these steps:
 
1. Choose File <F2>, Print.
 
2. Press <Up arrow>, <SPACE>, <ENTER> to choose Print to Screen.
   The text appears with the header.
 
3. To return to the document, choose Options <F2>, Exit.
 
Benefit: Headers/footers add information to each page of the document,
giving it a professional appearance.
 
Printing Labels from Address Book
 
Businesses large and small need to send product or service information
to their customers.
DeskMate's Address Book program has label-printing capability built in.
Here's how to demonstrate it:
 
1. Run Address Book and be sure there are some names and addresses
   in the file.
 
2. Choose File <F2>, Format labels.
 
3. Choose `Sort by Last Name' and select a size, then press <ENTER>.
 
4. Choose File <F2>, Print labels.
 
5. Press <ENTER> to print the labels.
 
Since you cannot print the labels to the screen,
you may either print them to a printer
or print them to a file and view the file in Text.
 
Benefit: This is an efficient way to address envelopes for a
mailing to your current mailing list.
 
Using the Phone List Accessory
 
We all make phone calls during the day, and the Phone List accessory
lets you find phone numbers
without leaving the DeskMate program you're running.
For example, you may be working on a document in Text
and need to ask an associate a question before you can finish the document.
You can pull the Phone List onto the screen
OVER the Text word processing program, without ever leaving Text.
 
Phone List displays the names that are in the Address Book,
so be sure you have names with phone numbers in the Address Book
before attempting to demonstrate the Phone List.
Here's how to do it:
 
1. Go into Text and load in any document.
 
2. Choose <F10>, Phone List.
 
3. Use the <Up arrow> and <Down arrow> to scroll through the list.
 
Benefit: The Phone List gives you quick access to phone numbers
without taking the extra time to leave your application and then return to it.
 
Up- and Downloading Files with Telecom
 
DeskMate Telecom lets your computer communicate with online services
and bulletin boards through a modem.
These services and bulletin boards often contain program or data files
which you can download.
If these are text-only files, you can download them as text files.
But if they contain non-text data (as program files do),
you must use a communications protocol.
 
Probably the most widely supported protocol is `Xmodem.'
DeskMate Telecom lets you download and upload files using this Xmodem protocol.
Here's how to show it:
 
1. Run the Telecom program.
 
2. Select Options <F5>, Transfer file.
 
3. At this point you can select send or receive,
   ASCII or Xmodem, and a filename.
 
Benefit: Telecommunications users can up- and download both ASCII text
and binary (program and data) files.
 
Show the Features!
 
In several areas, DeskMate's capabilities go beyond the basic features
you may have been demonstrating.
Learn to demonstrate some of the less obvious features
to help you sell Tandy  1000 computers.
DeskMate sells computers -- use it!
 
MOM-07/08-91
Software for the Home Office: Start With DeskMate
 
Over the past few months this column has described the hardware needs
of home office users:  computers, laser printers, FAX machines,
and FAX boards.
This month we start a series of articles on software for the home office.
 
Who Is the Home Office User?
 
Most people who write such definitions, define the home office user
as a person who fits in at least one of these three categories:
 
  Full-time home business with fewer than five employees
  Part-time home business that generate income
  After-hours home offices that produce no income
 
According to BIS Strategic Decisions, there are approximately 18 million
income-producing home offices and about 16 million after-hours
non-income-producing home offices.
 
What Software is Most Commonly Used in the Home Office?
 
Word Processors and Spreadsheets!
The home office user's word processing needs reflect that of any business:
efficiently producing attractive business documents.
Many home office users also want to send personalized form letters
to some or all customers on their mailing list.
 
Home office workers use spreadsheets for basic financial records,
accounting, projections, and other calculations.
Basic spreadsheet functions are enough for these tasks.
 
Starting With DeskMate in the Home Office
 
The word processor and spreadsheet that come with DeskMate  are
sufficient for these home office tasks.
Let's consider how the capabilities of these applications
line up with the home office user's needs.
 
DeskMate Text
 
DeskMate Text is a simple word-processing program
that lets you prepare letters, memos, notes, company newsletters
or anything else you might normally use a typewriter to produce.
Here's a partial list of its features and capabilities:
 
  Quick-response basic word processing capabilities
 
  Multi-line headers and footers that can include page numbers
  and the current date
 
  Bold, underlined and centered text
 
  Support for a wide variety of printers including Tandy  printers
 
  A 90,000-word spell checker
 
  Creation of form letters using names and addresses
  from the DeskMate Address Book application
 
  Inclusion of drawings, charts, graphs, etc. created
  with the DeskMate Draw program
 
  Sharing data with other DeskMate programs using the Clipboard
 
  An optional Thesaurus
 
Additionally, the Address Book lets you print customer labels that can
be used to address envelopes or postcards.
 
As you can see, DeskMate Text can do what needs to be done in the home
office.
 
DeskMate Worksheet
 
DeskMate Worksheet is a simple electronic spreadsheet/financial
calculations tool.
As with all spreadsheets, you set up formulas and values
in the cells of the spreadsheet.
When you change one value that affects a second cell,
the new value of the second cell is automatically calculated.
Here's a partial list of Worksheet's capabilities and features:
 
  Spreadsheet size:  99 x 99 cells
 
  Variable column width
 
  Ability to search for labels and numbers
 
  Integer, decimal and currency formats
 
  A unique "Input" capability that lets you input values in real time
  as the spreadsheet is calculated
 
  Ability to generate an ASCII file of the spreadsheet values
 
  Ability to create files that can be loaded into
  Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate and graphed by DeskMate Business Graphs
 
  The following operations:  addition, subtraction, multiplication,
  division, exponents
 
  These functions:  ABS, ATN, AVG, CMT, COS, EXP, INT, LOG,
  MAX, MIN, RMT, SGN, SIN, SQR, SUM, TAN
 
Worksheet can easily handle the routine financial calculation tasks
required by most home offices.
 
Moving On Up While Keeping Your Data
 
After your home office customers learn about computing by using
DeskMate Text, Address Book, Worksheet and the other DeskMate applications,
their requirements may grow.
You can reassure your customers that they can easily move to
DeskMate Q&A Write, Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate,
and filePro for DeskMate without losing any of their data.
This makes the transition very clean.
 
DeskMate applications provide most of the capability needed for simple
home office operations.
Sell your home office customers Tandy  computers and DeskMate
knowing that Tandy's added value is your customers' added advantage:  DeskMate!
 
  DeskMate Worksheet is found in all versions of DeskMate 3
  except those included with the Tandy  1000 RL and the Tandy  1000 RLX.
 
MOM-07/08-91
Multimedia Update
Tandy's Leadership is Showing
 
TANDY'S MPC FAMILY WINS "BEST OF SPRING" AWARD
 
We've done it again!
Tandy's new line of Multimedia Personal Computers
has received the prestigious "Best of Spring" Award
as the Best Desktop System at the 11th annual Spring Comdex
and inaugural Windows World convention in May.
 
The "Best of Spring" Awards were presented by Byte magazine,
a leading monthly magazine for advanced business and professional
computer users with over one million readers worldwide,
and The Interface Group,
the world's leading independent producer of conferences and expositions.
 
"With over 900 companies exhibiting in the 11th annual Spring Comdex
and the inaugural Windows World,
`Best of Spring' winners not only drew the crowd,
they also captured the votes of the Byte editors
as truly outstanding products," said Fred Langa,
editor-in-chief of Byte magazine, as he presented the awards.
 
The Tandy family of Multimedia PCs received the award
based on the following criteria:
"new products or technologies that are innovative,
that show strong potential influence and impact on business computer
use worldwide, and that have strong impact on Spring attendees."
 
"Tandy Corporation is pleased and honored to accept this award for its
leadership role in multimedia technology and personal computing,"
commented Howard Elias, vice president of Radio Shack Computer Merchandising,
as he accepted the award on behalf of Tandy Corporation.
 
Comdex is one of several computer shows that Tandy participates in each year
to maintain a high profile as a leader in the personal computer industry.
Tandy's commitment to innovation and our leadership role
in pioneering multimedia technology over the past two years
have resulted in the addition of an eighth pillar
to our America's Technology Stores  New Standards Creed:
"Continuing Innovation in Product Development."
 
"This is to be the year that multimedia comes into its own,"
asserted columnist Jerry Pournelle in the June 3, 1991 issue of InfoWorld.
"If so, Tandy will have a lot to do with making it happen.
Tandy was out in force with a multimedia product line."
 
What It Means to You
 
As the criteria spelled out, Tandy's MPCs have these characteristics:
 
   Innovative.
   We're working to stay in front of the multimedia component
   of the PC industry.
   You can be proud to be part of a company whose innovation
   makes this leadership possible.
 
   Strong Potential on Business Computer Use.
   In the coming months you will see multimedia applications in many areas,
   and none will be more important than business applications.
   Since our MPCs start at $2,599,
   they do not fit the price profile of our home computers
   (although many home users will purchase MPCs and MPC Upgrade Kits).
   We are working to provide a set of business applications for these MPCs
   in training, presentations, point-of-information systems, etc.
 
   Strong Impact of Conference Attendees.
   Multimedia has impact.
   When you receive your Multimedia PCs and run the demos for your customers,
   you'll see the impact that sound, music, graphics, animation and interaction
   can bring to computing.
 
Take pride in Tandy's heritage of innovative technology leadership.
Nobody compares!
 
MOM-07/08-91
MULTIMEDIA PC MARKETING COUNCIL FORMED UNDER SPA
 
Tandy's Mike Grubbs Named Chairman
 
On June 3, the Multimedia PC Marketing Council announced
that it has been established as a subsidiary of
the Software Publishers Association.
The Council's charter is to educate end users on multimedia personal computing
within the business, education and consumer marketplaces,
and to promote the Multimedia PC platform to independent software vendors.
 
The Software Publishers Association is the principal trade group
of the PC software industry.
Its membership includes more than 780 independent software vendors
which market products to these same three marketplaces.
 
Mike Grubbs, Senior Director of Marketing for Tandy Electronics,
was selected as chairman of the Council.
"The Council's affiliation with the Software Publishers Association
is a significant step toward educating and supporting software developers
on the potential of the Multimedia PC," Grubbs said.
"The SPA's track record of strong administration and management,
intellectual property rights protection,
and its representation of independent software vendors
will greatly enhance our efforts to create strong awareness
of the Multimedia PC platform among the developer and end-user communities."
 
To promote the Multimedia PC within the business, education
and consumer marketplaces, the Multimedia PC Marketing Council
will sponsor a variety of marketing activities
designed to showcase the products of its software licensees.
The Council is planning a number of promotional programs,
including the development of special CD-ROM demonstration discs
showing samples of multimedia titles.
 
Founding members of the Multimedia PC Marketing Council include:
 
AT&T Computer Systems
CompuAdd Corporation
Creative Labs, Inc.
Media Vision, Inc.
Microsoft Corporation
NEC Technologies, Inc.
Olivetti
Philips Consumer Electronics Company
Tandy Corporation
Video Seven, a business unit of Headland Technology, Inc.
Zenith Data Systems
 
Each of these companies has announced plans to offer Multimedia PCs
and/or Multimedia PC upgrade kits this year or early in 1992.
 
In March of this year, founders of the Multimedia PC Marketing Council
unveiled plans to use the special "MPC" trademark (shown below)
to indicate hardware and software compatibility with the previously
announced Multimedia PC specification.
The MPC trademark is intended to help customers instantly recognize
Multimedia PC hardware and software.
Software companies can license the MPC mark on a per title basis,
and hardware companies can join the Council for a one-time fee
which includes the use of the trademark.
 
Tandy Shines Again
 
With the selection of Mike Grubbs to the post of chairman,
the personal computer industry has once again recognized Tandy
as the leader in multimedia personal computing technology.
This reinforces the Tandy leadership message sent to the industry
when John Roach announced the MPC specification
at the Multimedia Developers Conference last November.
 
In Multimedia Personal Computers, Nobody Compares!
 
MOM-07/08-91
MULTIMEDIA SOFTWARE
 
Like most new hardware innovations,
Multimedia software will lag a bit behind the hardware.
Developers need some time to create and test the applications.
 
And then, many of the first applications for multimedia will be tools
to create multimedia applications.
Much like the initial PCs, many of your first customers
will be people interested in creating their own applications.
The same folks that had a lot of fun writing BASIC programs
on the Model I or the Apple II or the first IBM PC,
will be creating their own applications on the MPC!
 
We've come a long way since BASIC.
There are some great new tools like Guide and ToolBook.
These products actually generate some code
without the user having to know a lot about a programming language.
Either of these products will be used for creating applications
or multimedia presentations.
With them, the user specifies a series of "events" that will take place.
An "event" may be to play a song for a specified period of time.
Next, list some text on the screen or find a .PCX file
and display it.
The next event may be to animate that photo or transition the text.
 
Suddenly creating a Windows application or a multimedia presentation
is much easier!
Graphics programs, programs that create animations,
CD-ROMs full of sound effects clips or animation clips
will give some zip to the application!
And because there is a standard specification for the multimedia hardware,
there are standard file formats for both the graphics and audio.
 
These users may be some of your best "do-it-yourself" customers
for other Radio Shack items.
When you see them in the store, let them know about the MPC.
They may be a prime candidate for the MPC or an upgrade kit!
 
MOM-07/08-91
COMPUTER SUPPORT SERVICES
"Answers at Your Fingertips"
 
INSTALLING A MULTI-SITE POS
Preparing a Game Plan
 
We have recently had an opportunity to assist in the installation
of some sizeable multi-site POS Systems.
In all cases the absence of a `game plan'
caused serious problems in the installation.
Someone once said,
"It's not what you know that counts, it's what you remember."
We are sure that you know all of these things,
but for a smooth installation to occur,
you must also remember and do them.
 
Pre-Sale Game Plan
 
1. Work with your SE and ABMM on this plan.
 
2. Determine what the customer thinks they need.
   Then determine what they must have for the SE to make it work.
   Check with Computer Support Services for assistance.
 
3. Take the time now to properly organize
   the entire implementation phase of the project.
 
4. Check availability of product.
   Check version numbers.
 
5. Check the availability of your installation team.
   (Who is going on vacation?
   Whose project takes priority?.....)
 
6. Sell the system.
 
7. Give the installation team enough time to complete the project
   (Hint: a multi-site POS takes more than one day).
 
Installation
 
1. Meet with your team and assign a project manager.
 
2. Order complete systems from Systems Integration whenever possible.
 
3. Outline each phase of the project and keep the customer appraised
   of the progress.
 
4. Order and have on hand all hardware and peripheral devices.
 
5. Be sure you have all needed software, device drivers, and scripts
   before you start the installation.
   Check version numbers for compatibility.
   Contact Computer Support Services for any necessary assistance.
 
6. Install all hardware, peripherals, operating system,
   and drivers to the "hub" system.
 
7. Completely check all communication ports,
   devices and printers under the operating system.
 
8. Install all application software.
 
9. Re-check all ports, devices and printers under the application software.
 
10. Build a model "satellite" following steps 6 through 9.
 
11. Connect the "hub" to the "satellite" and check the communication.
    Check first that they run manually,
    then check that they run unattended if this is required.
 
12. Build the rest of the "satellites," mirroring the model.
 
13. Carefully make note of the correct software versions and
    serial numbers for your records as well as the customer's.
 
MOM-07/08-91
QUESTIONS OF THE MONTH
 
Tandy  2500 XL/2 Supports only 2 Floppy Drives
 
The manual for the 2500 XL/2 states that it will support
up to 3 floppy drives.
This is incorrect -- the floppy drive controller chip only supports 2.
When you go into SETUPXL2,
you will notice that there is only an option for 2 floppies.
(The 2500 XL does have the ability to support 3 floppies.)
 
Tandy  1000 RL "ABOUT" Lockup
 
We have had several reports of stores as well as customers receiving
a lockup on their 1000 RL with the word "ABOUT..."
displayed on their screens.
This is because the Desktop.cfg file has become corrupted.
The problem is partially due to the fact that,
after the user has made changes to the Desktop
and is asked if it's OK to update the Desktop.cfg file on disk,
they are saying no.
Whenever the system prompts to update the configuration file,
do not abort out.
Let the system update the Desktop.cfg file.
 
If a customer has the problem displayed on their screen, follow these steps:
 
1. After rebooting the computer, use <CTRL><C> to terminate the batch file.
 
2. Once at the MS-DOS prompt,
   go to the DeskMate  directory and delete the Desktop.cfg file.
 
3. Reboot the computer.
   When the system asks to create a Desktop.cfg file, let it.
 
This should take care of the lock up.
If it does not, call Computer Support Services.
 
CDR-1000, Tandy  1000s, MS-DOS version 3.30, etc.
 
See the article on Page 16, "25-1077 CDR-1000 CD-ROM Drives and Tandy 1000s."
 
Tandy  1000 TL/3 and Monochrome Monitors (June issue correction)
 
The keystroke combination was incorrect in last month's article.
It should have read:
<CTRL><ALT><SHIFT><V>
 
MOM-07/08-91
Tandy Computer Leasing
 
In the Name of Progress
 
By the time this issue is in your hands,
Tandy Computer Leasing's Credit group
will have moved to Radio Shack Commercial Credit's neighborhood
to "share the pool," so to speak.
This will enable both departments to access state of the art
credit bureau report technology and trim the (from submission to decision)
turnaround time to an even greater extent.
You'll like the change!
 
Commercial Credit Manager George Cotton will now also head up TCL Credit,
with the support of Judy Wong as TCL Assistant Credit Manager.
Same Judy, same FAX number but the TCL WATS phone number
will now be the same as Commercial Credit's.
You'll want to keep these handy:
 
Lease/Credit Applications     FAX  1 (800) 828-7263
                            PHONE  1 (800) 442-2585
 
George Cotton, Credit Mgr          1 (817) 390-3352
 
Judy Wong, TCL Asst. Credit Mgr    1 (817) 878-4866
 
From the Contract Processors
 
At the bottom of the Equipment Description "Price" column
of the Lease Agreement (FO-138),
you need to complete the "Original Equipment Cost To Lessor" line
by entering that figure.
BUT...please leave the answer spaces in the following 2 lines blank, since:
 
1. A lump sum "Sales/Use Tax (if applicable)"
   is not applicable in the majority of States.
 
2. Due to the few capitalized states in which it would apply,
   "Total Cost To Lessor" would, generally, need to also include taxes;
   plus, e.g., financing costs and optional TSP  and insurance costs
   for all states.
 
Got the picture?
Let the Contract Processors worry about what, if anything,
needs to go on those 2 lines.
 
Upon lease approval, TCL Credit will FAX [to you]
the data to complete the upper right side block of the contract.
It's best to wait for that to ensure accurate numbers.
 
Lease Administration...wants to remind you:
 
Lessees can buy out their leased products at any time
during the contract term.
An early buyout could be compared to buying a home you had been leasing;
payments made up to that time would be considered
as rent (cost for use) payments and the purchase would be
a separate transaction.
 
Any or all leased equipment can be upgraded at any time
(call TCL Credit for upgrade information).
In the event there is a deficiency balance,
that amount can be rolled into the new lease for easy payout.
 
Please feel welcome to direct any questions regarding:
 
Lease Document Processing to (817) 338-2211
Buyouts, Cancellations    to (817) 390-3533
 
A TCL LEASE...
 
The Closing Link to a Total Solution
for your clients' business products needs
 
MOM-07/08-91
RSVP
 
Less than 40% of current cardholders opted for ChargeGard coverage
when they applied for RSVP.
Few, if any, of them regret that choice.
What about the 60% plus who chose the "NO" option?
A great number of them would welcome a chance to change that.
Needless to say, those who have had a "could have been insured against" loss
would, for sure, jump at an offer to sign on now!
 
Well, for the first time you can give them that second chance:
ask every ValuePlus  cardholder
if they have the ChargeGard Protection Plan.
If the answer is "no," let them know:
 
  They can complete a PriorityGram right now;
 
  You will call Voice Authorization right now; and
 
  Their coverage will be in place even as they leave your store!!
 
On the next page is a handy ChargeGard matrix
to help you check the available coverage for your local,
neighboring and "just passing through" shoppers.
 
Remember to always:
 
Make RSVP your customers' first choice...
not your salesperson's last resort!
 
MOM-07/08-91
RADIO SHACK EDUCATION DIVISION
CONCLUDES MAJOR CONTRACT
 
Pasadena, TX, June 26, 1991 --
The Radio Shack  Education Division,
in partnership with Jostens Learning Corporation,
has been awarded a major contract
with the Pasadena Independent School District.
The contract is valued at more than $10 million.
 
The award calls for a complete hardware/software solution
for more than 800 classrooms in 31 elementary schools. A total of
6,146 Tandy  2500 XL/2 personal computers will be installed for
the student workstations and 103 Tandy  4025 LX computers will
be serving them with the Novell Operating System under Ethernet
Topology. This platform is the delivery system for Jostens Learning
Corporation curriculum.
 
Since Radio Shack's Education Division and Jostens Learning Corporation
became Partners in Education in 1986,
they have furnished comprehensive education solutions
to more than 700 schools nationwide.
Together, they will provide the Pasadena I.S.D. with
the best in Integrated Learning System (ILS) technology.
Running under Tandy's popular SchoolMate  network,
the system offers sophisticated graphics, enhanced speech and sound,
and engaging text.
 
"The award of the Pasadena I.S.D. contract is the result of
their evaluation of our cost-effectiveness, networking speed,
and the performance of our computers
in a distributive networking environment.
Also, the SchoolMate environment allows the teachers to implement
the delivery of the curriculum," said Jim McGrody,
vice president of Sales and Marketing for Radio Shack's Education Division.
 
Dr. Larry Vaughn, superintendent of Public Schools for the Pasadena I.S.D.,
is providing the leadership for academic excellence
and implementing the district's technology plan.
The Pasadena I.S.D. is one of only a handful of school districts
in the U.S. implementing a computer program of this magnitude.
 
Tandy's powerful 4025 LX features a 32-bit 80386 microprocessor
with a clock speed of 25 MHz.
With power to share, it is an ideal server for the Novell Operating System.
The versatile Tandy  2500 XL/2 computer is a 16 MHz 80286
with MS-DOS 3.3 built in ROM.
Diskless start-up will save the school district time and money.
Last year, Encyclopaedia Britannica chose the 2500 XL/2
as the exclusive hardware platform for Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia
(CMME).
 
Radio Shack also will supply high resolution VGA color monitors,
high-speed printers, and additional peripheral equipment;
as well as providing installation and system integration,
and a full-service, on-site maintenance program.
 
Radio Shack's Education Division has been providing cost effective,
quality educational solutions in the K-12 market, since 1979.
 
MOM-07/08-91
Press Release
RADIO SHACK AND SKILLS BANK LAUNCH
NEW MARKETING VENTURE
 
Phoenix, AZ, June 19, 1991 -- The Radio Shack  Education Division
of Tandy Corporation and Skills Bank Corporation,
a leading publisher of educational software,
today announced a co-operative marketing agreement.
 
Radio Shack's Express Order  Software Program now sells
Skills Bank's networkable basic skills educational software, Skills Bank II.
The network version of Skills Bank II runs on Tandy's popular
SchoolMate  Plus educational networking environment
and Novell network operating software.
 
"Skills Bank II provides review of the basic skills --
reading, writing, math, language, and study skills.
We feel these are vital skills that all students must master
to function comfortably and effectively in today's world,"
said Dr. Garry L. McDaniels, president of Skills Bank Corporation.
"We are delighted Radio Shack is providing us with another means
of reaching additional students with this important teaching aid."
 
SchoolMate Plus, with its ability to link Tandy 
and other PC-compatible computers beyond the single classroom,
provides an ideal educational networking environment.
When combined with Skills Bank II, the package enables teachers
to make the most of computer-assisted instruction
through an integrated review system, and gives students
the individual assistance they need.
 
"We feel Skills Bank II adds a new dimension to SchoolMate Plus,
and enhances its applicability and usefulness in schools
across the nation," said Jim McGrody,
vice president of Sales and Marketing for Radio Shack's Education Division.
"Our relationship with Skills Bank provides an excellent opportunity
for Radio Shack to market an affordable applied solution to a wide market."
 
For more information on Tandy's SchoolMate Plus,
educators may contact their local
Radio Shack Education Marketing Representatives or call 1 (800) 321-0160.
For additional information on Skills Bank, call 1 (800) 451-5726.
 
MOM-07/08-91
RADIO SHACK INTRODUCES NEW 80386sx NOTEBOOK COMPUTER
Press Release
Tandy  3810 HD
 
Fort Worth, TX, June 24, 1991 -- Radio Shack introduced today
the new Tandy  3810 HD business computer,
its first 80386sx-based notebook PC
and one of the first computers to ship with
the new Microsoft MS-DOS operating system version 5.
 
"The 3810 HD has all of the features
that business users would expect to find on a desktop PC,
and desire to have on a notebook computer weighing less than seven pounds,"
said Bernard S. Appel, president of Radio Shack.
"It is designed and packaged for productivity in virtually any environment."
 
Weighing less than seven pounds (with battery),
the 20 megahertz 3810 HD has one megabyte (MB) of standard memory
(expandable to 5 MB), one 3 1/2" 1.44 MB floppy disk drive,
an internal 60 MB hard disk drive with an average access time
of 19 milliseconds, VGA graphics,
an 84-key keyboard with true 101-key emulation,
real-time clock with battery backup, bundled software,
power management features, and a battery life of up to three hours.
 
The 3810 HD's full-size fluorescent backlit display has a non-glare screen
and 640 x 480 resolution with 32 gray scales.
The full-size keyboard has a 3.5 millimeter keystroke and
features Tandy's unique Key-Switch  technology.
Key-Switch allows the user to interchange
the <Caps Lock> key with the <Ctrl> key
so the keyboard layout resembles and functions like a standard typewriter.
 
A removable, rechargeable NiCad battery can be quick-charged in just two hours
with the computer turned off and four hours while the computer is on.
A lightweight and compact AC adapter/recharger is included.
 
A Power Management Controller allows the user to take advantage
of the 3810 HD's Standby and Resume modes,
significantly improving battery life and preventing accidental battery drain.
In Standby mode, the backlit display,
hard disk drive and modem can be "shut down"
after a user-designated time period to conserve battery power.
Resume mode makes it possible for the user to turn on the 3810 HD
and return to the exact position in an application where he/she was working
before turning off the computer.
 
In addition, the 3810 HD has the Tandy Power-View System
which allows the user to monitor battery status and receive visual warning
when the computer is accidentally left on with the display closed.
 
The 3810 HD also has an internal slot for an optional modem and
an internal socket for an optional 80387sx-20 coprocessor.
Standard input/output ports include one bi-directional parallel printer port,
one RS-232C serial port, and connections for an external keyboard,
monitor and disk drive.
 
The MS-DOS operating system version 5 and DeskMate  3.5,
Tandy's personal productivity software,
are pre-installed on the 3810 HD's hard disk drive.
In addition to an address book, calendar and spell checker,
DeskMate includes simple word processing, spreadsheet,
filer and telecommunications applications for instant,
out-of-the-box computing.
 
Options for the 3810 HD include a 1 MB memory expansion upgrade
(25-3507, $249.95);
an internal 2,400 bit per second modem (25-3525, $199.95)
or a combination 2,400-bps modem/9,600 send fax (25-3509, $249.95);
a replacement battery (25-3526, $99.95);
an executive leather carry case ($99.95);
and a choice of two durable carry cases ($39.95-$59.95).
 
The 3810 HD has a one-year limited warranty and sells for $3,299
at more than 7,000 participating Radio Shack Computer Centers,
Radio Shack technology stores and dealers nationwide.
 
MOM-07/08-91
MICROSOFT MS-DOS 5.0 UPGRADE
 
After months of media hype and speculation,
the MS-DOS 5.0 operating system is now available.
Microsoft MS-DOS operating system version 5.0 upgrade
is the most important DOS upgrade in years.
It gives applications more memory to use than older versions,
is easy to install, and takes the mystery out of DOS.
 
MS-DOS 5.0 provides several new disk utilities, improved online help,
memory management features for 80286 and 80386 computers
and the new QBasic programming language.
 
A detailed description of product features,
selling tips and commonly asked questions is attached.
Take the initiative to review this information
and be prepared to discuss the benefits of this exciting new release
with your Tandy computer customers.
 
25-4176 MS-DOS 5.0 Upgrade ($69.95)
 
This has an Availability Code of 13
and is shipping from your Regional warehouse.
 
This product upgrades current users of MS-DOS versions 2.x, 3.x and 4.x.
It includes dual media, MS-DOS Users Guide & Reference
and a Getting Started booklet.
 
Minimum System Requirements
 
  Personal computer with an 8088 or higher processor
  MS-DOS 2.x, 3.x, or 4.x
  One 5 1/4" 360K floppy drive or one 3 1/2" 720K floppy drive
  384K RAM
 
25-4177 MS-DOS 5.0 Documentation Set ($21.95)
 
This has an Availability Code of 2
and is shipping from your Regional warehouse.
 
This is the standard Microsoft documentation set,
including the MS-DOS Users Guide & Reference and a Getting Started Booklet.
For those customers requiring in-depth operating system documentation,
this set supplements the MS-DOS documentation
included with Tandy  computers.
 
An Important Note Concerning DeskMate and MS-DOS In ROM
 
Your customers running MS-DOS and DeskMate from ROM
(i.e. Tandy 1000 SL, TL, etc.)
may upgrade to MS-DOS 5.0, but should be advised of the following:
 
1. The MS-DOS 5.0 Upgrade requires that the user disable the
   "boot from ROM" option and run MS-DOS 5.0 from a floppy disk or hard disk.
 
2. Once the "boot from ROM" feature is disabled,
   the customer can no longer access or execute DeskMate in ROM.
 
3. To continue using DeskMate,
   the customer must purchase 25-1351 DeskMate 3.5 for $49.95
   (the upgrade price).
 
There are no plans for a retroactive upgrade of
existing ROM based computers (i.e. 1000 TL, SL, etc.).
 
Please insure that all customers running MS-DOS and DeskMate from ROM
are advised of this requirement
before purchasing the MS-DOS 5.0 Upgrade.
 
MOM-07/08-91
THE RETAIL VERSION OF DESKMATE IS MISSING PC-LINK.
WHAT GIVES?
 
As you may have noticed,
PC-Link is no longer included
in the retail version of DeskMate  (25-1351).
This change was made for several reasons, but mainly,
with our promotional plan for PC-Link,
we discovered that many customers were getting multiple copies
of the product --
one with DeskMate and often another copy with a modem purchase.
 
By removing PC-Link from DeskMate,
we have better promotional control of the product and can lower costs
by not having some customers get a second copy.
 
Please continue to promote and sell PC-Link
for the great software value that it is.
Nowhere else online can Radio Shack customers find
the amount of support available to them on PC-Link.
Also, you may refer to the "What's New on PC-Link" sections
in most issues of the M.O.M to see just how much information
is available on PC-Link.
 
MOM-07/08-91
DESKMATE UPGRADE ROMS NOW AVAILABLE!
 
Here at last are the details regarding the DeskMate  upgrade ROMs!
These kits are comparable to the retail DeskMate 3.5 (25-1351):
retail box, manual, diskettes, and ROM chip(s).
The retail price for the upgrade kit is $99.95
(no upgrade allowance),
and installation is recommended.
 
The kits will be available for delivery the end of August,
but we are encouraging you to place your orders with CMC now
since the kits will be in limited supply.
 
Upgrade ROM Chart
 
Cat. #    Computer  CPU Configuration Code(s)     Part to Order
 
25-1401   1000 SL   UAA, UAF, UAG, UBF, UBG, UBI  70B-1360
                    UAB, UBB, UBH, UBJ            70D-1360
 
25-1402   1000 SL/2 UAA                           70B-1360
                    UBA                           70C-1360
 
25-1601   1000 TL   all models                    70B-1360
 
25-1602   1000 TL/2 all models                    70A-1360
 
    -- The three-letter CPU Configuration code (if applicable)
    can be found on the bottom of the computer.
 
MOM-07/08-91
25-1338 SOFTWARE BONUS PACK NOW AVAILABLE
SEPARATELY FOR $149.95
 
This bonus pack has been a great addition to your promotions
on the Tandy  1000 TL/3 and the Tandy  2500 XL/2.
Now you can offer the Software Bonus Pack (25-1338)
to any customer for $149.95!
With a retail value of $469.80, that's a terrific value!
 
This Bonus Pack comes with DeskMate Q&A Write,
Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate and Quicken,
three of our most popular software packages.
Plus, there's a PS/2 style mouse also included!
 
Here's one more example of your company's purchasing power!
 
MOM-07/08-91
SOFTWARE PACKAGES -- READ THE LABEL...
 
For software, the label is more important now than it has ever been.
There are a fair number of titles that have unusual requirements
with regard to memory and video, and in most cases,
the label is the only place you can look to find out.
So be sure to read the label!
It will not only help minimize your returns,
but it will help you sell the customer the software
that most closely matches their computer.
 
MOM-07/08-91
25-1077 CDR-1000 CD-ROM DRIVES AND TANDY 1000S
 
The new Tandy CDR-1000 drive has generated
a tremendous amount of press coverage as the lowest cost,
high performance CD-ROM drive on the market.
This is the only CD-ROM drive that will fully support
all aspects of multimedia computing.
No other drive has all the features this one does.
 
CDR-1000 Fitting into Tandy  1000s
 
The CDR-1000 will fit any of our Tandy 1000 computers
with an open 5 1/4" drive bay.
However, some may find that the opening in the bezel
(the front piece of plastic) is slightly too small to accommodate the drive.
By simply using a metal file or medium sandpaper,
the bezel opening can be modified to accept the drive.
This problem is only seen in the Tandy 1000 line of computers
and is not present in any of our other models.
 
Now What About the DOS Version?
 
For those customers owning Tandy 1000, 1000A, 1000 SX or 1000 TX computers
who wish to install this drive,
there is an additional requirement other than the drive.
They must upgrade to MS-DOS version 5 in order to use the CDR-1000.
These computers currently are upgraded to MS-DOS 3.2,
and MS-DOS 3.3 will not run properly.
Once version 5 is installed, the CDR-1000 will run properly in those computers.
All of the other 1000s with MS-DOS 3.3 or greater
will not require an update to the operating system.
(Be sure to see the Important Note on Page 14 of this M.O.M.)
 
Make sure to mention the CDR-1000 to all of your customers who purchase
computers with 5 1/4" drive bays, as part of the overall objective
in selling add-ons to increase your store's gross margin.
 
MOM-07/08-91
25-1062 MEMORY PLUS CARD FOR EX/HX -- UPDATE
 
As most of you know, the 25-1062 Memory Plus Board
has been in a constant backorder situation since January '91,
and there is a long wait to get an order filled.
We're sure you want to know why this happened
and what Radio Shack is doing about it.
 
The 25-1062 card has one unique part that requires a four-month lead time,
so quick reactions to market demand are difficult.
As this board only works in the Tandy  1000 EX or HX,
and these products are both discontinued,
we must be cautious not to order an excess amount.
We are ordering the Memory Plus board on a continuing basis,
and expect the majority, if not all,
backorders to be filled by the end of July.
 
If you have a backorder for the 25-1062 that is  not  for a customer,
or one that you've filled by getting product from another store,
please cancel it.
 
Accurate information about what is really a customer backorder
and what is a "phantom" order will help us
better plan the ordering of this board.
 
So, remember these points:
 
  The 25-1062 is an active item -- it is not being discontinued.
 
  If you have a legitimate backorder for the 25-1062,
  assure your customer it WILL be filled.
 
  If you have a backorder in place for store stock
  or for a customer who has already received a board,
  please cancel the backorder!
 
MOM-07/08-91
NEW!  VGM-440 COLOR MONITOR
 
Introducing the New Tandy  VGM-440 Color Monitor (25-4046).
The VGM-440 is capable of displaying the Super VGA graphics
you've been asking for and more!
Let's look at the features of this new monitor:
 
  14" Non-Glare display for reduced eye strain
 
  .28mm Dot Pitch for eye pleasing display
 
  Enhanced video modes up to 1024 x 768 (interlaced)
  for crisp characters and sharp color graphics
 
  Up to 70 Hz vertical scan rate for reduced flicker
 
  Front panel controls for ease of adjustment and fine tuning
 
  Tilt-swivel pedestal base with ergonomic design for comfort
 
  One year customer warranty
 
  Selling price of only $649.00, even with all of these enhanced features
 
The VGM-440 will replace the VGM-300 monitor as our top of the line
"stockable" VGA monitor.
Be sure to sell all of your VGM-300s before offering the VGM-440
to your prospects, therefore reducing your inventory.
TSDC is out of stock of the VGM-300 monitor
and now you have the same opportunity!
 
The VGM-440 is available from Tandy Systems Distribution Center
and has an availability code of 15,
which means that Centers and 01Zs can stock it and 01Ys and 01Vs
can special order it with a customer name.
 
Interlaced mode or Noninterlaced mode?
 
Interlacing is a common source of confusion among some of our customers.
Let's see if we can clear this up with some helpful selling tips.
 
As you may know, the image on a monitor is formed by one or more
beams of electrons that strike the phosphor coating
on the front of the tube and cause parts of it to glow.
In a noninterlaced display, the beams can scan each line of pixels
from left to right, starting at the top and ending at the bottom.
You can't follow the beams' progress with your eye, though.
The entire display is covered so quickly on the screen that it
is still glowing by the time the beam comes around again.
This phenomenon is called persistence.
The number of complete passes the beam makes in a second
is called the vertical scan rate.
 
On an interlaced display, the electron beams don't paint the entire picture
during each trip across the screen.
Instead, they scan every other line of the picture on the first pass,
then come back to fill in the rest on the second pass.
This results in a "flicker" which can increase eye fatigue.
 
With the new VGM-440, you can display 800 x 600 noninterlaced mode.
1024 x 768 is achievable only in interlaced mode.
 
MOM-07/08-91
AND YOU THOUGHT YOU HAD A MOUSE!
 
A common complaint among new users
is that they thought they had their mouse connected properly
because it works in DeskMate,
but aren't sure because it won't work anywhere else.
The solution to this is to load the mouse driver.
DeskMate  has its own drivers and doesn't require one to be loaded.
It is one of the few programs written this way.
Almost every other software package
requires the mouse driver to be loaded first.
 
MOM-07/08-91
NEW! 25-1087 1.2 MB 5 1/4" EXTERNAL DISKETTE DRIVE
FOR TANDY 1000 RLX
 
Adding a disk drive has never been this easy!
 
The 25-1087 External Drive ($299.95)
plugs into the DB-25 parallel printer port.
There are no interface cards to install,
so your customer does not have to open the cabinet of the computer.
 
With its unique printer port interface,
the 25-1087 drive works with any computer
that has a DB-25 parallel printer port,
such as the Tandy  1000 RLX, 2500 XL, 1100 FD and 1500 HD
(in fact, all of our MS-DOS based laptops).
It will also operate with the Tandy  1000 RL
with a slight modification of the main board of the computer
(available at our service centers).
 
It also works with all other PC-compatibles with an IBM-compatible
DB-25 printer port!
Now your customer can add a high density drive even if they don't have
a high density drive controller or expansion slots.
 
Installation is simple:
 
1. connect the 25-1087 to the computer's printer port
 
2. connect the printer cable to the printer port located on back of the drive
 
3. run the installation program (included with the drive)
 
4. answer one question
 
PRESTO!
The 25-1087 becomes the last drive on your system
(Drive F on a Tandy 1000 RLX).
 
This drive is a delight to use.
And at the price of $299.95, it is priced $50.00 under the suggested retail
of the closest drive to it in performance and features in the market.
 
MOM-07/08-91
NEW! 25-1088 HARD DRIVE ADAPTER
 
The 25-1088 Hard Drive Adapter ($79.95) is a new product
that adapts the 25-1047 20 MB SmartDrive 
or the 25-1048 40 MB SmartDrive
into a hard drive card for the Tandy  1000, 1000A, 1000 SX, 1000 TX,
1000 SL, 1000 TL and 1000 SL/2.
It also works on all other PC-XT and PC-AT compatibles.
It replaces both the 25-1032 20 MB and 25-4059 40 MB Hard Drive Cards.
 
The benefits of this product are tremendous.
Instead of carrying four different drives in your inventory,
you now only need two and this adapter.
You'll no longer find yourself with a 20 MB Hard Drive Card in stock
when your customer needs a 40 MB unit.
And, when the hard drives go on sale, the hard drive cards are on sale, too!
 
Currently, we project the Hard Drive Adapter to begin shipping
in mid to late July.
It will be stocked in TSDC as a special order product.
 
MOM-07/08-91
NEW SOFTWARE -- NEW REQUIREMENTS!
 
As you may have already noticed,
you are beginning to receive some new entertainment and education software.
These titles are part of the fall software line-up.
Please note that most titles this year contain only 3 1/2" media.
 
We don't feel that this is a major issue
since we have been selling 3 1/2"-only machines for years now.
 
Inside these 3 1/2"-only products is a 5 1/4" exchange coupon.
If your customer buys a 3 1/2"-only title and needs the 5 1/4" version,
they can get one directly from the publisher
by following the instructions on the exchange coupon.
 
MOM-07/08-91
WINDOWS SOFTWARE
 
We've all heard the number -- 3,000,000 copies of Windows have been sold!
And now that they've got Windows, what next?
 
There are a variety of Windows applications available.
Up to now the bulk of them have been high-end and very expensive.
It's only in the last few months that we've seen
some reasonably priced applications that were "utilities."
This year's catalog has a wide variety of Windows applications.
Here are a few examples:
 
     Word for Windows             word processor
     Excel for Windows            spreadsheet
     Ami Pro                      word processor
     Lotus for Windows            spreadsheet
     Drafix Windows               CAD
     Screenworks                  icon library and screen saver
     PowerPak for Windows         fonts
 
We are reviewing new Windows applications on an almost daily basis.
As soon as new ones are available we'll be letting you know!
 
MOM-07/08-91
SOFTWARE LICENSING -- NETWORKS AND COPIES -- BE CAREFUL!
 
Software licensing for use on networks,
or making unauthorized copies of software,
is a major issue in the computer industry.
More and more software vendors are taking legal action to halt software piracy.
 
Different companies look at the issue differently.
Some companies use the analogy of a book.
Many people can read the same copy of a book,
but no two people can be reading the same book at the same time
in different locations.
So, it would be OK to have a copy of the software loaded on one hard drive
in, say, the accounting department and another in the sales department,
as long as they were not being used at the same time.
 
Other companies maintain that if software is to be loaded
on two hard drives in two different departments,
each hard drive must have a separate copy of the software.
 
And, sometimes, software is licensed for use on a network
for 6-10 users.
 
BE CAREFUL.
When you propose a system to a customer,
don't propose 1 copy of software for 10 workstations.
Tell the customer that it's safer to purchase one copy per user,
but to be sure to follow the licensing restrictions on the software itself.
If you're recommending a network or XENIX system,
know how many users are authorized on the copy of the software.
If you need additional packages,
or you know that there's a 25-user version,
go through the correct channels to obtain that.
 
And never, NEVER tell the customer,
"Oh, I'll just put a copy of that software on your hard drive,"
even when it's DeskMate  or the Home Organizer Companion!
That violates the license agreement.
We sell good products.
They're worth the money.
Why cheat yourself out of the extra commission bucks?
Don't put yourself or the company at risk.
 
MOM-07/08-91
900-2494 BIGMOUTH VOICE MAIL SYSTEM
 
Just into the warehouse is the new BigmOuth Voice Mail
and Call Processing System ($299.95).
This single 8-bit card gives your computer the ability to become
a full-featured, computerized telephone management system,
rivaling those PBX systems costing thousands of dollars more.
 
The BigmOuth provides answering services, voice mail, call processing,
personal phone management, outbound call distribution --
or any combination of these and many more features.
It uses high quality, real voice digital recording technology
to provide superior crispness and clarity
to both inbound and outbound call applications.
 
As an answering system,
it lets the computer answer the phone in your voice
and record messages from callers.
It logs in the time, date and duration of the call.
Your outgoing message can be up to sixty seconds long.
BigmOuth lets you set the number of rings before it answers
(including a Tollsaver mode),
set up call monitoring with an external speaker (included),
transfer messages to individual mail boxes,
and forward messages to any location --
including a pager or cellular telephone.
 
For alarm systems, there is a special jack
that will cause BigmOuth to dial up to three numbers
and play a recorded message once an alarm circuit is closed
(no need for a separate Emergency autodialer).
 
As an autodialer, it lets you set up databases for customer,
supplier and personal numbers.
It finds and dials numbers with just a few keystrokes,
and allows you to keep notes or contact information with a built-in editor.
 
As a voice-mail system, BigmOuth lets callers
select individual message boxes to leave their messages in.
Voice-mail provides central automated answering services for multiple users.
These individual boxes also have their own individual greetings,
and all messages can be retrieved remotely by the box owner,
or they may be forwarded to a phone or pager in a different location.
 
BigmOuth can also be used for call distribution.
It will deliver a message automatically to a whole list of phone numbers,
such as information about a private sale to preferred customers
or it could call territory managers all over the country
to announce a price change or a new product introduction.
 
The Questionnaire selection is used to record the questions
associated with a questionnaire telebox.
The questionnaire function plays recorded questions and records the responses,
storing them with a single questionnaire response file.
Each questionnaire box can have up to 40 questions associated with it.
It first plays a greeting message, then starts asking.
It will continue to play and record responses
until it reaches the end of the questions.
 
For a home office, the BigmOuth is an indispensable item.
For small business, it is a true productivity multiplier.
The BigmOuth requires 256K RAM, 1 XT expansion slot and MS-DOS 3.0 or greater.
It comes with full instructions,
telephone cord and an external speaker for call monitoring.
There's nothing quite like it on the market, and at $299.95,
it's affordable for the masses.
Good Selling!
 
MOM-07/08-91
NEW ON PC-LINK
 
The "Rogues Gallery" is a library exclusively for digitized pictures
of system hosts so that members may become more familiar with them.
 
"CompuToon" will feature a one-panel computer-oriented cartoon
by Charles Rodrigues.
Charles currently produces the "MacToon" in "MacWEEK" magazine
and National Lampoon magazine, including "The Adventures of Same deGroot."
A new cartoon will be uploaded every Friday.
 
The new Directory of Services search screen
is part of the continued re-design of the searchable database system.
These changes make searching easier with simple language instructions
and examples of how to search.
 
A new PC Software Center --
a more streamlined version of the current Software Center --
has been redesigned to make it simple enough for a beginner to understand,
yet it contains information and libraries for members of all levels.
The Software Center Help Desk was moved to a higher position
on the main Software Center menu,
thus making the Help Desk more visible to members.
With the addition of a Help Desk in the
"Commonly Asked Question and Answers" area,
members can instantly find answers to frequently asked questions
without having to ask the Forum Leader and wait for an answer.
 
A Scuba Forum will be added to the Special Interests department.
This area will be used to answer questions about scuba diving,
as well as provide in depth information from our own scuba expert,
such as logistics of dives and information on certification.
The host is affiliated with Dive Publications magazine,
DAN (Divers Alert Network) publications, Seaspace and Underwater USA.
He will provide articles and information from these magazines
and publications to be available in the club
as well as providing guest speakers for auditorium events.
 
The stock quote service on PC-Link has been significantly enhanced
based on member feedback, and the improved service is now available to members.
Improved features include the ability to save portfolio to disk,
the ability to have multiple appearances of a single stock multiple places,
increased size of the portfolio,
improved presentation of the information to make the service faster
and easier for members to use.
The help information for this service has been significantly bolstered.
 
The Career Center's new Financial Aid Service,
a collaboration with Peterson's Guides,
will enable members to download and fill out a detailed questionnaire
and then send it to Peterson's
(along with a check or credit authorization of $35 to cover processing costs)
in return for help in locating financial aid resources.
This report includes a personalized need analysis,
to enable high school-age students to calculate:
 
1. the amount of money their parents will be expected to pay
   by the colleges of their choice
 
2. the cost and typical financial aid offered
   at up to five four-year colleges indicated by the members
 
3. specific scholarships and loan programs offered by the members' state
   and it has
 
4. a summary of federal aid programs and private sources
   of financial aid for which the member may be eligible
   and instructions on how to apply for each
 
MOM-07/08-91
"C" CLASS Q & A 
 
When "C" Classes meet in Ft. Worth,
there is a session for open discussion with
Computer Merchandising buyers and personnel.
We always get some good questions,
and we want to share the answers with everyone.
 
OutRun locks up on the TL/2 and TL/3!
 
You can't use DAC sound and the joystick at the same time
in the Tandy  1000s that contain a DAC.
This is a common problem for all software (like Prince of Persia and
Where in Time is Carmen San Diego), not just OutRun.
Use the mouse or the keyboard if you want the digital sound effects.
 
In the RL demo, we saw a lazy Susan in the kitchen.
Will we have one?
 
We have been looking into these for a while now and haven't been able to
find an attractive one at the right price.
As soon as we do, however, you'll be the first to know
(we'll tell you right here in the M.O.M.).
 
Will a non-VGA version of King's Quest V be available?
 
There are several VGA-only versions of products
that will be sold this Christmas in our stores.
The non-VGA versions will be available either directly from the vendor
in the form of an exchange disk, or through Express Order .
 
The F-15 Strike Eagle II drop shipment quantity seems excessive.
 
War simulation software is still very hot and sales have continued
to skyrocket.
The quantities that were chosen for drop shipment were based on
past sales performance, and indications from the publisher
of our competitor's ability to sell the product.
This Christmas will be even stronger than last
with respect to war software.
If you have any left on your shelves today,
it should certainly be gone by December 26th.
 
<F7> displays some icons that are not available on the 1000 RL/RLX.
 
If someone upgrades or purchases the retail DeskMate,
they would need these icons.
It's easier for the new user to delete them if they don't need them
than for someone to create them from scratch.
 
Prince of Persia has a sound problem on an RL with a printer.
 
Because of the computer logic and the way sound is handled,
the printer must either be on or be disconnected for any program
that uses Tandy sound to work properly.
 
Are we going to have a really lightweight laptop?
 
Weight is not as important as you might think.
Our best selling portable during this period of the industry
bringing out 6 lb units has been a 12 pound Tandy  1400.
Price is more the issue than weight.
Also, most published weights are not quite factual;
to get to some of these weights they leave out things like battery,
floppy drive, complete keyboards, and other things.
Take a look at the reviews on the 1500 HD and 2810 HD....we rate
at the very top for having a nearly perfect machine.
 
Where do we get furniture spare parts?
 
Every O'Sullivan product has a detailed checklist and instructions
on how to obtain replacement parts for missing or damaged parts.
I have personally used this service and although it was not as fast
as I might have liked, it was completely satisfactory and accurate.
I got the exact replacement parts I needed sent directly to my home.
So will your customer.
(The toll-free number is 800-526-3056.)
 
Why .52 dot pitch VGA (VGM-220)?
 
It's brighter and graphics look brighter/better.
There are always price trade-offs,
and this one best met the low-cost VGA need.
 
DeskMate Word Processing -- you can pull down an option
for Dictionary and Translate.
What/where are these?
 
They're "hooks" we left in to be available for a Companion product.
We aren't developing one ourselves, and haven't seen any so far
from other vendors.
 
DeskMate Address Book -- can you print only one label?
 
Not from just DeskMate, but other vendor's software uses the Address Book
files and can do this.
 
What happened to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles?
 
This was actually a case of the ideal entertainment software buying cycle.
We bought enough to get you through the Christmas season,
and then didn't have a lot left over that you had to "get rid of."
This was the perfect case of buying enough to sell at full retail
and/or with minimal markdowns and not be stuck with a lot of
excess merchandise.
Look for this to happen more often than not as we get better
at turning our software inventory.
 
Hard Drive for HX -- why do other vendors have one and not us?
 
They would need to be Class B -- running with the computer.
No HDs we looked at met this requirement and any that do are VERY expensive.
 
Will we have any programs for the 256K HX?
 
We're not seeing any publishers writing 256K programs any more.
Encourage your customers to upgrade their systems
and they will continue to find an excellent selection of new titles
for their computer.
 
Printer cable pricing is HIGH!
 
Pricing on cables varies with the degree of quality.
Our cables are shielded from connector to connector
and are constructed of high quality copper.
Others in the industry use either no shielding,
or have shielding that is not connected
to the connectors (which is required for proper grounding).
 
25-1013E modem problem w/Prodigy?
 
We're not aware of one; have you contacted Computer Support Services?
That's where you should check first.
As a side note, don't sell a 1200 bps modem for Prodigy --
customers WILL be dissatisfied.
Prodigy recommends 2400 bps as the minimum for use with their service.
 
When will our multimedia computers be available?
 
They will begin showing up in August.
The upgrade kits will probably be a month or so later.
 
Is the 25-1031 (serial card for the HX) being replaced?
 
No.
There are some left in the stores,
so look around or contact your Regional office.
 
MOM-07/08-91
CMC VS DISCONTINUED PRICING
 
The markdown sell price on discontinued field inventory is set low
to help clear existing store inventory quickly.
 
If you find you need to order additional merchandise from CMC
to fill a special customer order,
realize that this merchandise will come to you at or near original store cost,
for sale at the original retail price points.
 
Do NOT expect to order from CMC to sell at field clearance prices.
 
MOM-07/08-91
PRICE CHANGES
 
Cat. #    Description                Old       New
25-4125   Microsoft OS/2 v1.21     349.95    195.00
 
MOM-07/08-91
DISCONTINUED PRODUCTS
 
Discontinued
 
CAT. #    DESCRIPTION
25-4114   MS-DOS 4.01
90-2428   3270 Remote (MC)
90-2416   3270 Remote Gateway (MC)
90-2417   DFT-3270 Local (MC)
90-2420   COAXXSYS (MC)
90-2429   5250-12 Remote (MC)
90-2430   5251-11 Local (MC)
 
Discontinued from National Parts
 
CAT. #    DESCRIPTION
25-4036   Dual Speed Floppy Controller
25-4068   35 MB Hard Drive Kit
26-3016   Low Profile Keyboard
26-4154   15 MB Hard Drive w/TRS-DOS
26-4164   TPI Drive Kit
26-4167   Slim Drive Kit
26-5127   External HD Controller (T2000)
 
MOM-07/08-91
LATE DATE
 
Listed here is the one new item that appears in
the 1991 Tandy  Computer Reference Guide
which has not yet arrived at the warehouse.
Also included is the date it is expected to be available
at the warehouses.
This date is based on the latest available information,
and is the best estimate we have at this time.
 
Radio Shack Reference Guide RSC-22A
 
Cat. #    Description         Date
250-4126  160 MB SmartDrive   7/30/91
 
MOM-07/08-91
903/5-1750 ON TRACK SCSI VADD FOR NETWARE
 
The version of this product shipping from TSDC
is now compatible with Novell NetWare v2.2,
as well as all previous versions of NetWare 286.
 
This product DOES NOT SUPPORT NetWare v3.11.
 
MOM-07/08-91
TANDY ETHERNET ADAPTER UPDATE
 
Revision B of the 8-bit Tandy  Ethernet Adapter (26-5505B)
is now shipping from TSDC.
This revision ships with, and requires, SuperDisk V2.1
(which is backward compatible with ALL previous revisions of 26-5505).
 
MOM-07/08-91
900-1760 NOVELL BOOT PROM
 
This product provides a diskless boot capability
when installed on the 26-5505 Tandy Ethernet
or the 26-5506 Tandy Ethernet Plus-16 adapter.
It is compatible with NetWare v2.2 and v3.11.
 
MOM-07/08-91
REALWORLD VERSION 6.0
 
Version 6.0 of RealWorld's popular accounting and business software
for MS-DOS and Network solutions
is now available and shipping from our EXO warehouse.
Some of the new system-wide enhancements include:
 
  increased speed
  simplified multi-company installation
  support of laser printers
  use of date- and time-stamped notes
  unlimited cash accounts
  kit processing
  work orders
  alternate item numbers in inventory control
  401K Plans in payroll
  user-defined accounting ratios in general ledger
 
Except for the System Kit, SKUs for the MS-DOS and Network
operating environments are now the same with 6.0! 
 
In addition, the 6.0 version software no longer requires
separate application modules to perform MS-DOS and Network solutions.
For example, with version 5.0, accounts receivable for MS-DOS was 903/5-1439,
while accounts receivable for Network was 903/5-1663.
With version 6.0, accounts receivable for MS-DOS and Network
is 903/5-1439 -- two SKUs instead of four!
Separate System Manager Kits will continue to be required for version 6.0.
The System Manager Kit for MS-DOS will continue to be 903/5-1437.
And the System Manager Kit for Network will continue to be 903/5-1722.
 
This is a major new release which will greatly benefit existing RealWorld users
and new accounting software customers.
Note the new prices on your POS System.
Version 6.0 for XENIX solutions will be arriving soon.
 
DESCRIPTION        MS-DOS     NETWORK   XENIX/UNIX
                   Cat. #      Price    Cat. #        Price    Cat. #    Price
 
System Kit         903/5-1437  $195.00  903/5-1722   $795.00  250-1460  $895.00
General Ledger     903/5-1438  $695.00  903/5-1438   $695.00  250-1464  $895.00
Acct. Receivable   903/5-1439  $695.00  903/5-1439   $695.00  250-1461  $895.00
Acct. Payable      903/5-1444  $695.00  903/5-1444   $695.00  250-1462  $895.00
Payroll            903/5-1443  $695.00  903/5-1443   $695.00  250-1463  $895.00
Ord.-Entry Billing 903/5-1441  $695.00  903/5-1441   $695.00  903-1786  $895.00
Prof. Invoicing    903/5-1440  $695.00  903/5-1440   $695.00  903-1773  $895.00
Inventory          903/5-1442  $695.00  903/5-1442   $695.00  903-1787  $895.00
Purchase Order     903/5-1447  $695.00  903/5-1447   $695.00  903-1788  $895.00
Job Costing        903/5-1448  $695.00  903/5-1448   $695.00  903-1789  $895.00
Check Reconciliati 903/5-1445  $230.00  903/5-1445   $230.00  903-1772  $300.00
Sales Analysis     903/5-1446  $350.00  903/5-1446   $350.00  903-1790  $450.00
Report Writer/Data 903/5-2928  $795.00  903/5-2928   $795.00  903-2929  $895.00
XM (utility)       903/5-2658  $100.00  903/5-2664   $200.00  N/A
 
  = price for the new 6.0 version
 
MOM-07/08-91
THIRD PARTY PRODUCTS --
OUR CONTINUING STORY
 
Remember The Concept
 
There was a time when a computer customer was not comfortable
making their computer purchase from a store
unless that store also sold software.
Radio Shack addressed those concerns by selling software.
Today's market is different.
Now there are stores everywhere that sell only software.
You might liken it to the audio business.
In the early days of audio, you bought your `hi-fi'
at the same place where you purchased records.
Today, however, businesses selling audio systems (like Radio Shack!)
and the record stores coexist.
 
Remember that the purpose of Radio Shack Third Party Products,
first and foremost, is to help you close Tandy Business Computer Systems sales.
For this reason, we cannot fill requests for low-priced,
`personal' type software or products
clearly intended for sale to an individual.
We must have the  company name  of your customer on the request form.
Your Tandy 1000 customer will understand
if you don't have a particular piece of hardware or a software title,
especially if you tell them where they can get it.
 
Here are a few other categories of product that we can't purchase:
 
1. Products currently being evaluated for addition
   to the Radio Shack product line.
 
2. Products we know to have been rejected by Radio Shack Engineering.
 
3. Products that are identical to or nearly identical to those
   currently in the Radio Shack line.
 
4. Printers and CPUs (except under very unusual circumstances).
 
Filling Out the Request For Quote Form
 
In the upper left area of the form,
we must have the first and last name of the salesperson making the request
on the line marked "contact."
We also must have complete customer information,
including company name, contact, address and phone number.
In case you don't have one, a blank Third Party Product Request form
is attached to this issue of the M.O.M.
 
Calling Us
 
If you have any questions or problems with a request or order,
call our customer service clerk at (817) 878-6554
and leave a detailed message on the department's voice mail system.
Include the order control number in your message if you have it
and  exactly what you want .
If she can honor your request, she will do so without returning your call.
If she can't, she will call you back.
 
Shipping and Transit Times
 
Currently for UPS ground shipping, it is taking on average
about ten days from the time merchandise is ordered
until the store receives it.
We simply do not have the resources to follow up on orders placed
until those ten days have elapsed.
 
Company policy requires DVP approval to authorize the use of
overnight and second day carriers.
When you make that request of your DVP,
provide them with the order control number and ask that they pass it to us
with your shipping instructions.
Due to the fast turnaround we're getting from our vendors,
it is impossible to change the shipment method once the order
has been placed with them.
 
The Selling Price
 
Third Party Products will tell you what the selling price is to be.
We do not have any contract that requires us
to discount third party products.
Discounting for any reason is never permitted on Third Party products.
We regularly compare our price quotes
with POS data retrieved from your transmissions.
Cutting a price or illegal discounting of products
supplied by Third Party Products is as serious an offense
as changing prices on Radio Shack branded merchandise.
Don't do it!
 
MOM-06-91
The Front Line
Increasing Inventory Turns
You Benefit From Faster Inventory Turnover
 
A good store manager is ever vigilant to maintain an orderly and
properly merchandised showroom floor,
but even the best among our managers sometimes fails to appreciate
the potential drag on store P&L that can be accumulating in the "back room."
Next to consistent selling performance on that showroom floor,
the most critical variable in bottom line results is Inventory Turns.
 
In simple terms, a high inventory turn means that, on average,
all items of stocking inventory are sold, reordered,
and then sold again many times throughout the year,
and that relatively few items sit for long periods of time
without experiencing the cycle of being sold and reordered.
 
On the Radio Shack P&L, a beneficially high turnover of inventory
is seen in an Inventory Ratio somewhere between 1.5 and 2.0.
Technically, this factor is ending inventory divided
by net merchandise sales.
A "healthy" ratio would roughly indicate a store's inventory
was being completely cycled about once every 3 or 4 months,
which also equates to an average of three to four times per year.
Some of our competitors are able routinely to achieve even higher turns,
which can help them to operate with lower standard gross margins
to achieve equal or better bottom line results.
 
One way to think of this concept is to compare two automobile engines
of different sizes: the smaller engine can potentially develop
as much or more horsepower (output) as the larger one
if it can turn a higher number of revolutions than its larger,
heavier, but slower turning competitor.
We then say that the smaller engine is more efficient,
for it gets better results from less materials and fuel
(steel, gasoline, etc.) invested.
Corporations, no less than racing engines,
compete on the basis of efficient use of capital resources.
Money tied up in inventory must be made to show productive results
as rapidly and frequently as possible.
 
Radio Shack is and will be making continued efforts to improve
your stocking plan and to shorten your replenishment cycle time
so you will realize the benefits of a higher sustained turnover
of store merchandise.
 
However, weighing in against any such improvement in store efficiency
is the accumulated burden of discontinued merchandise and old floor demos.
This dead weight seems to constitute a higher percentage of
total store inventory as our product life cycles become shorter and shorter.
And, while this may be the particular time of year when many of the products
introduced in last year's catalog are going Sold-Out-When-Gone or DISContinued,
this dead merchandise remains a year 'round challenge.
 
It seems all too easy to eventually move that recent demo unit to the back room
next to an ignored old Tandy  1000 SL/2 or even a Model 2000
that is keeping company with
the CoCo disk drive that never went back for repair,
the DMP 130 printer with the bad power switch,
and the dusty box of CoCo Program Pak cartridges.
(Sound familiar?)
 
So, as we all work harder and harder to turn the good selling items
on your showroom floor yet faster,
you nonetheless may find that you have a surprisingly significant number of
inventory dollars tied up in discontinued and shopworn demo merchandise
that obviously will never sell from its present location in the back room.
Just make a quick mental calculation of your own situation,
and you will appreciate the relief you would feel
on your all-too-precious open-to-buy
from the immediate disposal of these items.
Use your inventory dollars to stay in stock on the high turning items
and not to become a museum of ancient technology.
 
It's Time To Do The Obvious!
 
Remember, what seems like "junque" to you may be, at the right price,
a real delight to some bargain hunter.
So,
1. Fix it up.
2. Clean it up.
3. Move it out to your Manager's Sale table.
4. Produce a clearance price tag so those bargain hunters
   and browsers can see a realistic price.
5. Watch your P&L improve as all of your inventory begins to turn
   and as additional SPiFF dollars materialize.
 
We'll Do What We Can To Help
 
From time to time, your merchandisers here in Fort Worth
will run special clearance ads to alert your customers
when we have good quantities of a discontinued product
still available in the stores.
Many flyers show Where-Is-As-Is bargains,
and newspaper ads will now occasionally list similar choice items.
 
And, as for the Model 2000 referenced earlier,
you need have looked no further than Pete Bradley's
store operating manual memo of November 7, 1990,
which told you how to price and write up a profitable sale
on that old SOS system.
 
Successful store managers take full advantage of all such opportunities
and will leverage off of all advertising support provided
by Fort Worth to give attention to clearance merchandise.
 
Be one of these successful managers and make sure that
ALL of your inventory is turning.
Don't let your inventory get lazy and hurt your P&L.
 
MOM-06-91
The DeskMate  Difference
DeskMate Companions:  The Salesmaker's Friend
 
You've got a lot to think about.
With so many products to learn and understand,
it may be easy to overlook one of the most attractive sets
of software products we sell:
DeskMate Companions
 
Quick -- can you name them?
After you try,
see the list at the bottom of the next column to check your memory.
This article focuses on the advantages of DeskMate Companions
and how to sell them.
 
MOM-06-91
Helping You Sell Computers
 
To a computer user, software is what makes a computer usable.
To a salesmaker, it often helps make a computer sellable.
How might DeskMate Companions help you sell more computers
than other software products?
 
DeskMate Companions show off Tandy's added value.
DeskMate  represents a large portion of Tandy's added value
of many of our computers.
DeskMate Companions, which require DeskMate to run
and are based on the DeskMate Graphical User Interface,
expand the usefulness of our special added value.
The advantage of our consistent DeskMate Graphical User Interface
means more to customers when they can benefit from
these add-on programs that share that interface.
 
DeskMate Companions have obvious usefulness.
They are single-purpose programs that do one main function and do it well.
You will not have difficulty explaining what they do
or the benefits of their use.
 
DeskMate Companions make your previous customers glad they bought
a Tandy  computer.
If you spot a customer who has purchased a Tandy  1000
or other Tandy computer with DeskMate built-in,
chances are that he has invested some time in learning how to use DeskMate.
Help your customer gather interest on this investment!
Do him a favor and sell him a DeskMate Companion or two.
 
DeskMate Companions help you sell retail DeskMate.
DeskMate Companions require DeskMate.
If a potential customer doesn't own DeskMate,
you have a prime chance to sell her a copy of retail DeskMate.
 
DeskMate Companions work fine on our laptop computers.
On floppy-based laptops with DeskMate built in (like the Tandy  1100 FD),
DeskMate Companions will take advantage of the DeskMate core
built into ROM and will run perfectly from one floppy disk.
On hard-drive equipped laptops,
just install them as you would on a desktop computer.
 
DeskMate Companions are inexpensive.
Statistical analysis on Radio Shack software sales showed that
of all the factors analyzed,
the one most closely correlated with high unit sales numbers was a low price.
Statistically, the lower the price, the better the sales.
DeskMate Companions' prices of $14.95 to $24.95 make them easier to sell --
in many cases they will be an impulse buy.
 
DeskMate Companions are a great add-on sale for Tandy computers.
They give specific added functions that certain customers need.
 
MOM-06-91
How to Sell DeskMate Companions
 
Make Them Visible.
We package DeskMate Companions in a clear clamshell package that shows well
when you hang it on a display rack or place it face-out on a shelf.
Because the packages are thin, DeskMate Companions do not show well
when displayed with only their edges showing.
Varying an old saying, out of sight, into carry-over inventory!
Display them prominently near the computers.
 
Learn to Use Them.
Because each one has a specific purpose and because they use
the DeskMate interface, you should have no problem learning to use them --
and that's what makes it easier to sell them.
 
Play Their Demos.
Business Graphs has a built-in demo available right from the menu.
Why not pull one down and show it sometime?
 
Our merchandising group in Ft. Worth works hard to select products
and packaging that help sell products.
They help, but successful sales require your efforts.
Do your customers a favor and use DeskMate Companions to help you
sell computers.
 
DeskMate  Macros  (25-1361)
DeskMate  Business Graphs  (25-1363)
DeskMate  Outliner  (25-1364)
DeskMate  Thesaurus  (25-1365)
 
DeskMate Companions:
Adding to Tandy's Added Value
 
MOM-06-91
Multimedia Update
Multimedia -- More Than You Imagined
 
HISTORY AND OVERVIEW
 
What is Multimedia?
 
A multimedia personal computer combines text, impressive graphics,
high-quality sound, animation and interactivity in a powerful
yet affordable system.
It gives us new and better ways to conduct business,
to teach and learn, and to have fun.
Multimedia technology adds an important new dimension to personal computing.
 
Imagine using animated drawings to train a salesperson
or brief a potential customer on a complex product.
Individual parts of the product could be examined,
rotated and shown demonstrating actual operation
while a human voice explains detailed information.
 
Imagine a geography student touring the streets of Hong Kong
via a multimedia computer, seeing actual city sights
and hearing real city sounds while listening to commentary from a guide.
 
Multimedia will change personal computing as we know it today.
But how will industry leaders respond to the challenge
and what will this new technology mean to the consumer?
 
Defining the Specifications
 
Until recently, the grand plan for multimedia was a mystery.
Companies were experimenting with different, and thus incompatible, systems.
The software industry was paralyzed by the fear of
either developing products for the wrong system,
or spending huge sums to support multiple configurations.
Without software development, hardware manufacturers were hesitant
to move forward.
 
In March 1988, Tandy's engineering and marketing teams began working
with Microsoft to develop hardware specifications
for a multimedia platform which were both practical and affordable.
Then, in November 1990,
Tandy and Microsoft shaped the future of multimedia
by revealing the minimum industry specifications
for hardware and software products.
Six other computer manufacturers pledged to support the specifications.
 
John V. Roach, chairman and CEO of Tandy Corporation, points out that
for specifications to be successful,
"they must be realistic and practical.
The technology must meet the requirement of the target consumer
in functionality and value.
The new multimedia PC specifications meets
all of those requirements for success.
It is technically realistic,
well-supported by commitments from key industry leaders,
and provides an existing base of tools that is rapidly
expanding and gaining momentum."
 
The specifications concentrate on the speed of the computer,
its storage capacity, its audio and video quality,
and the software to control animated sequences with synchronized sound.
As a result of Tandy's involvement in setting the specifications,
owners of many existing PCs will be able to upgrade their systems
to meet the minimum multimedia hardware requirements.
 
MOM-06-91
Tandy History Leading to Multimedia Computing
 
     1977   Radio Shack introduces first PC available nationwide.
 
     1980   Radio Shack's introduces Color Computer, offering
            color graphics and complex sound.
 
     1984   Tandy  1000 includes higher quality video and
            improved sound.
 
     1987   Tandy  1000 TL -- industry's first PC to include built-in
            digital sound recording and playback capability.
 
     1988   Radio Shack begins selling CD-ROM drives.
 
     1988   Microsoft and Tandy hold initial discussions on the
            future of multimedia technology in PCs.
 
     1989   Microsoft and Tandy engineers work together to
            develop the base multimedia specification.
 
     1990   February:  Tandy  2500 XL introduced, which met
                       many of the multimedia specifications.
                       The 2500 XL was selected by Britannica
                       Software as the platform on which to
                       market Compton's MultiMedia
                       Encyclopedia.
 
            March:     Public disclosure of base multimedia
                       specification.
 
            April:     Radio Shack Computer Centers are first
                       to sell a true multimedia product on a
                       nationwide basis: Compton's MultiMedia
                       Encyclopedia.
 
            November:  Specification launched at Multimedia
                       Conference, with hardware and software
                       vendor support.
 
     1991   March:     Radio Shack introduces the first
                       under $400 CD-ROM drive which meets
                       the specifications.
 
IN MAY 1991, TANDY INTRODUCED 286 AND
386 BASED MULTIMEDIA PCs.
 
MOM-06-91
Hardware and Software
Key components of the multimedia PC platform are
a read-only storage device called a CD-ROM drive,
an advanced audio subsystem and special software extensions.
Radio Shack has now introduced a new,
more affordable CD-ROM drive with the speed and processing power
required to provide multimedia PC graphics and sound.
The Tandy  CDR-1000 transfers data to its host computer
at the impressive rate of 150,000 bytes per second.
 
The audio specifications go far beyond the traditional "beep"
of computers.
The multimedia PC can play and mix digital audio,
recorded sounds in stereo, and MIDI music,
which allows sound created by electronic musical instruments
and other recording devices to be communicated through a computer.
 
The multimedia software specifications are based on Microsoft Corporation's
popular Windows 3.0 interface.
Extensions to Windows 3.0 control the multimedia PC's
sophisticated graphics and sound system.
 
MOM-06-91
The Future...Begins Now
 
As a result of these specifications, many leading software publishers
have begun an "all-out" multimedia development effort.
New and exciting multimedia applications will focus on business,
education, entertainment and personal productivity.
 
A state of the art Tandy Multimedia Technology Center in Fort Worth, Texas,
will benefit the industry as a valuable research,
development and educational resource.
In addition, Tandy Corporation will begin marketing
a family of 80286- and 80386- based multimedia computers
and upgrade kits this year.
 
By the end of 1991, multimedia will have seeded its growth
in the personal computing market.
Tandy will remain in the forefront of this new technology,
leading the industry to exciting new opportunities.
 
MOM-06-91
TANDY MULTIMEDIA PCs = YOUR FUTURE
 
May 6, 1991, LaQuinta, California -- The lights went down.
A hush came over the audience of 350 software and hardware industry executives.
As Radio Shack Computer Merchandising Vice President Howard Elias
approached the stage, the large screen monitors lit up
with a narrated animated sequence culminating
with a full-color full-screen photo of Elias' face.
 
Elias defined multimedia computing and outlined the evolution
of the standard PC to the Multimedia PC.
He showed a group photo of the five MPCs that Tandy announced today.
Then a fully animated MPC Man on the screen
(animated from a series of digitized photos of an actor)
showed how the new sound capabilities,
Tandy's CD-ROM drive and the Multimedia Windows environment
make it easy for computer users to interact with Tandy's MPCs.
 
As Elias was describing Tandy's added value beyond the MPC specification,
John Roach's fully animated image appeared like a small television image
on the right side of the screen.
"Howard," Mr. Roach said, "these fine people don't want to hear more
about speeds and feeds.
Tell them what you can DO with these MPCs."
 
In response, Elias showed a montage of photos,
multimedia application screens and animation
that detailed the kinds of applications under development for the MPCs.
The montage featured applications for business, education,
information and entertainment.
Elias then demonstrated samples of other Multimedia PC applications.
 
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the audio-visual presentation
was that it was shown not from a videotape
or even from a 80486-based multimedia system,
but rather in real time from the sound and graphics system
of the Tandy  M 4020 SX, the MPC version of the 4020 SX.
This demonstrated the viability of Tandy's MPCs in
even this presentation that was rich with stereo music,
recorded narration, 256-color high-resolution graphics and animation.
It's real, and it's really gorgeous!
 
MOM-06-91
The Tandy MPCs
 
Tandy's Multimedia PCs represent the next base PC platform.
Just as software developers know they can expect certain hardware and software
features from every PC-compatible computer,
they know they can expect a certain minimum set of hardware and software
with the MPCs.
This MPC system is a superset of the PC, so PC compatibility is maintained.
 
Tandy's MPCs exceed the MPC specification
announced by Tandy and Microsoft last November.
 
In creating our MPCs, we have integrated the components
of the Multimedia Upgrade Kit into our standard PCs.
This modularity gives us great inventory control and reduces
duplicated manufacturing efforts and expenses.
 
Here is a summary of these new components:
 
  A combination sound board / CD-ROM controller board.
  For sound, it provides stereo MIDI music, stereo recorded music and sounds,
  stereo CD-Audio (Redbook) music
  and a mixer to control their relative volumes.
  It also has a microphone jack and circuitry as well as MIDI in and out ports.
 
  In addition to running MPC software,
  this board will run all software designed for the SoundBlaster board.
 
  The sound output from the sound system can be routed into an amplifier
  with speakers, to a pair of amplified speakers or to stereo headphones.
 
  A CD-ROM drive, the Tandy  CDR-1000.
  The fast access rate of this drive will come into play
  with multimedia applications that pull data-intensive animated graphics
  and sound from the CD-ROM in real time.
 
  A CD-ROM disc with Microsoft Windows 3.0
  and the Multimedia Windows Extensions 1.0, multimedia tutorials,
  applications and demonstrations of multimedia titles.
 
  All needed cables and a configuration diskette.
 
The integrated Multimedia PCs announced May 6 include these:
 
     Tandy  M 2500 XL/2  (2 MB RAM,   40 MB HD, $2,599.00)
     Tandy  M 4020 SX    (2 MB RAM,   40 MB HD, $3,299.00)
     Tandy  M 4016 DX    (2 MB RAM,   40 MB HD, $3,999.00)
     Tandy  M 4025 LX    (4 MB RAM,  105 MB HD, $4,999.00)
     Tandy  M 4033 LX    (4 MB RAM,  105 MB HD, $5,499.00)
 
Each of these is the multimedia version of its namesake.
Prices do not include a monitor.
 
MOM-06-91
Tandy's Added Value
 
Our MPCs exceed the MPC specification in both sound and graphics.
In sound, the specification calls for 8-bit monaural,
and the Tandy sound system features both 8-bit stereo and 16-bit mono.
In graphics, the specification calls for standard VGA,
and our base platform is Super VGA with 640 x 480 x 256 colors.
 
Our integrated systems have the option of including RGB-555 VGA output
that permits 32,767 colors on the screen.
 
The CD-ROM disc we're including also contains Tandy added value
with its suite of demonstration programs as a Tandy-developed
introduction to multimedia, and a multimedia children's learning game.
 
Microsoft Windows 3.0 With Multimedia Extensions
 
Microsoft has extended Windows 3.0 with the Multimedia Extensions
that allow device-independent control of the following multimedia elements:
 
Waveform Audio:
Applications can play back recorded music and sound from the hard drive
or the CD-ROM.
 
MIDI Music:
The Musical Instrument Digital Interface can produce a multi-voice
musical score with a very small amount of data.
The application sends Windows the MIDI data,
and Windows makes sure the sound system plays it.
This leaves more processing power for graphics and other processing
during the output of these sounds.
 
Redbook Audio:
Windows handles the playback of standard CD audio under application control.
 
Video:
The Device-Independent Bitmap (DIB) facility optimizes the display of
bitmapped graphics to the resident video system.
 
Multimedia Control Panel:
This gives the user control over the video, audio,
animation and other new multimedia features.
 
Media Control Interface:
The MCI allows high-level control over external devices
such as videodisc players and VCRs.
 
Macromind Movie Player:
This allows the playback of Macromind Director animations
created on the Macintosh director program.
 
Joystick Support:
The Multimedia Extensions support two joysticks with two or three axes.
 
When added to the features of regular Windows 3.0,
the Multimedia Extensions provide a rich environment
for software development and use.
 
MOM-06-91
The Kodak Connection
 
Your company also announced that all Tandy MPCs and Multimedia Upgrade Kits
will be compatible with Kodak's new Photo CD.
Starting next year, Photo CD technology will permit people to have
photos from their regular photographic film
placed on a compact disc for viewing by various viewing devices.
Tandy's MPCs will allow this viewing,
and this feature adds significant value to our systems
since it may mean that customers don't have to buy another Photo CD viewer.
 
MOM-06-91
PRESS REACTION
 
The 3-year-old daughter of a Ft. Worth staffer recently declared
that a leader is "the one in the front."
By that definition and any other,
Tandy is maintaining its leadership role in Multimedia PC technology.
When you read the following reactions to our announcement,
you'll see that the press acknowledges this Tandy leadership.
 
"Tandy MPC:  Multimedia Comes to Market"
 
"Last November, Tandy Corp. joined Microsoft
in announcing a new standard for multimedia computers.
Now Tandy Corp. is announcing the results of its work with Microsoft
with an entirely new product line,
referred to as the Tandy MPC or Multimedia PC.
Every computer in the line (including five models)
comes standard with sound, graphics, a CD-ROM drive, Windows 3.0,
a mouse, and so forth...."
 
"..Let's take a reasonably coherent look at what the customer gets.
For $3,000 [including monitor],
the customer gets a speedy 286 machine (16-megahertz isn't bad)
or a slow 386 machine that plays CDs pretty well.
(Tandy's CDR-1000 drive has a bigger buffer
and has a handsome data transfer rate.)
He gets full 8-bit color graphics
(enough for photo presentation but not processing), full 8-bit sound,
and very limited motion video
(320 x 200 half frame pictures shown at 15 frames a second).
He gets a complete and fully installed user interface
that appears to be gaining significant third party support.
This is pretty cool stuff."
 
(P.C. Letter, May 6, 1991)
 
"Will Tandy Corp.'s Multimedia PC Become a New Platform?"
 
"This week, Tandy Corp is announcing a new desktop product line.
All five models in the new line meet the Multimedia PC (MPC) specification
announced by Microsoft and Tandy last fall
at Microsoft's Multimedia Developers Conference,
and will sport the Multimedia PC logo developed and announced by Microsoft."
 
"...This is the first arrival of fully integrated
multimedia-capable computers in the marketplace...."
 
"In the PC industry, that vast and amorphous part of the industry
populated both by large companies such as IBM, Compaq,
and Tandy and by garage shop operations slapping together standard components,
the last seven years have been a story of increasing fragmentation and chaos.
The last time the entire industry agreed on what constituted
the standard platform was when IBM introduced the PC AT in 1984.
Every other company in the business built computers
that included identical interfaces.
 
"Since then the so-called `standard' has been chipped away.
In 1986, Compaq introduced the 386 in a PC AT machine
along with something called Flex Bus,
which was a proprietary way to send data between the memory
and the processor.
In 1987, IBM introduced the PS/2 with the MicroChannel Architecture,
which did not become standard, and VGA,
which did once other companies figured out how to clone it.
 
"Then Compaq and other companies introduced the EISA bus.
Various companies started arguing about how high memory
should be treated in protect-mode systems.
Now Microsoft and IBM are at war over how the operating system
should be designed.
And the fragmentation has become more and more arcane.
 
"Meanwhile, the definition of what PC's do
and how they do it hasn't moved forward very much.
Most of us are still using machines with the DOS operating system
and running applications that were originally designed in the mid-1980s.
Those machines are extremely fast,
and the applications have gigantic feature lists,
but we're still doing pretty much the same things in the same ways.
 
"And that's where the Tandy MPC machines come in.
These machines can do things that `standard' machines can't.
They make sounds.
They let you play animations and even primitive videos.
They let you cruise through lots of data without typing any commands.
They let you see and experience things that you couldn't otherwise.
They even let you do the same things you do now -- 
writing, numerical analysis, data management, presentations --
more easily and enjoyably at the same time...."
 
"I'll tell you that I hope the other manufacturers go along with Tandy
in this case.
Otherwise, the dream of a mass market for interactive multimedia titles
is going to be a longer in coming that it could be."
 
(InfoWorld, May 6, 1991)
 
[Editor's Note:  Other manufacturers are going along with Tandy.
Several companies are expected to announce their multimedia computers
by the end of the summer.]
 
From the Wall Street Journal, May 3, 1991
 
"Tandy and other computer companies hope multimedia computers
will attract a new group of buyers because these computers
will be able to run software as entertaining as television
and as informative as encyclopedias.
A software program on the life of Ludwig van Beethoven, for instance,
could display the composer's portrait, play his music
and offer reams of historical information retrieved
at the user's own pace...."
 
"Tandy plans to sell multimedia computers first to schools and businesses.
In the long term, company executives believe all personal computers
will have multimedia capabilities."
 
From the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, May 3, 1991
 
"While Tandy already makes a family of 286-based
and more advanced computers,
its Radio Shack division recently began marketing another crucial part
of the puzzle.
In March, Radio Shack began selling a $400 CD-ROM drive --
or an optical storage device -- that can store vast amounts of data."
 
From USA Today, May 6, 1991
 
"Tandy Corp. takes the wraps off the first multimedia personal computers.
The PC's have been given new components and software
so they can simultaneously process a variety of media --
video, still pictures, animation, drawings, stereo sound and text.
For example, an advertising executive could use such a PC
to put together a proposal for a TV commercial.
It would include video excerpts of the commercial and charts
and graphs on the market reaction to similar commercials.
The executive could record his voice on the computer
to narrate the presentation.
Such capabilities have long been available
in computer systems that cost more than $20,000.
Tandy's machines, called MPCs, are priced from $2,599 to $5,499.
They are expected to be in Tandy's Radio Shack stores by late summer."
 
MOM-06-91
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
 
OK, this multimedia announcement sounds
exciting, but when will we have multimedia
products to deliver?
 
Believe it or not, you are providing customers today
with the fundamental component of Multimedia Computing...Tandy  computers
from the 2500 XL/2 through the 4033 LX.
 
An important point to remember -- the Multimedia PC
is an evolutionary step for existing 80286 and 80386 computers,
still capable of performing all the tasks and functions of
standard PC computing, with the ability to economically upgrade to
the enhanced capabilities of multimedia computing.
 
  The customer's PC technology investment is protected
 
  The PC still functions as a PC, with the ability to run standard
  PC-compatible software applications
 
  Customers may upgrade cost-effectively, at their convenience
 
The Multimedia Upgrade Kit is an exciting part
of our new multimedia product line.
With this kit, both Tandy computer owners and the large installed base
of 80286 and 80386 PC compatibles can upgrade their current PC
to a multimedia system.
 
Why did Tandy decide to announce at this time?
 
A great deal of behind-the-scenes work has been going on
for the past twelve months: establishing industry standards
for multimedia computing, multimedia system software development,
and computer and peripheral hardware design.
 
Tandy is a strong supporter and has played an active role
in these developments over the past twelve months.
 
Public acknowledgement of our role in multimedia computing
is important to both the computer industry and our customers.
 
The computer industry realizes that multimedia application software
will ultimately drive consumer and business demand for the Multimedia PC.
As a new and emerging technology,
software developers require that key components be in place
before committing to development of multimedia applications.
An accepted industry standard, system software, hardware and development tools
must exist before applications can be developed.
 
The consumer and business customer is assured that the PC platform they own,
use or plan to purchase today is capable of running
multimedia applications as these products become available.
 
MOM-06-91
What is Tandy's role in multimedia computing?
 
The 80286 Level 1 Standard --
Tandy aggressively and successfully lobbied for the 80286 platform
as the minimum hardware platform for multimedia computing.
 
Making the Multimedia PC Affordable --
The introduction of the CDR-1000 brought high performance CD-ROM technology
to an affordable level at an industry leading price point of $399.95.
 
The Multimedia Upgrade Kit (Internal) opens the world of multimedia computing
to the millions of 80286 and 80386 PCs currently in use for only $799.95.
 
Technology --
Tandy has worked closely with Microsoft in the development of the
Multimedia Extensions for Windows,
which provides the system level software for multimedia computing.
 
High performance software drivers developed for the CDR-1000
have proven the 80286 as an acceptable platform for multimedia computing.
 
Multimedia PCs have been shipped to software developers to provide
a head start on multimedia application development.
 
Tandy has toured the country to rally industry support
and cooperation. --
Software developers have been recruited to provide application support
for the multimedia platform.
 
MOM-06-91
Tandy Learning Systems:
Your Competitive Edge in Computer Marketing
 
To Register a Student for a Class, call:   1 (800) 433-5682
 
COMPARISON SHOPPING
 
We have done a survey of other training companies nationwide.
We wanted to see what topics were available, when they were taught,
what prices were being charged and the number of locations.
Although we knew we were leading the pack,
we were surprised to see how far ahead we are.
 
Topics Available
 
Every major player in the training market has classes in DOS,
WordPerfect, Lotus and dBASE.
Tandy Learning Centers have all of these plus Microsoft Word,
DisplayWrite, MultiMate Advantage, DeskMate
and even Introduction to Typing
(see related story next column).
We have a wide variety of topics available
plus several new ones coming in the next few months.
 
When Available
 
Most other training companies offer classes
on a particular topic once a month.
DOS fundamentals training is usually offered no more than twice a month.
We offer DOS fundamentals at least twelve times a month
and all of our application training at least nine times a month.
 
Pricing
 
A definite surprise was the range of prices charged for training.
Some companies charge as little as $60 and as much as $135
for a half-day training session.
Full-day classes range from $125 to $225.
Our supervised, self-paced courses are priced at $99 and $139
(depending on the topic).
Although these classes are intended to be completed in one day,
because they are self-paced,
the student can take additional time until the material is completed.
 
Locations
 
Nynex has 75 training centers nationwide,
Executrain boasts of their 43 locations.
The vast majority of training companies have only one classroom.
We have 124 locations nationwide including Hawaii and Puerto Rico.
 
We are clearly the leader in microcomputer training.
We have the best training system (that guarantees 85% proficiency),
very competitive prices (based on completion -- not time)
and scheduling designed to meet the customer's needs.
You can sell Tandy Learning Center training with confidence
that you have the right product at the right price at the right time.
 
MOM-06-91
TYPING COURSE ON SPECIAL
 
Effective immediately, with the purchase of any regularly priced
($139.00) application course
(word processing, spreadsheet or data base) at any Tandy Learning Center,
a customer can take "Introduction to Typing" for only $59.00 more.
Both classes must be purchased at the same time,
but can be scheduled at the customer's convenience.
 
"Introduction to Typing" is designed for anyone
with little or no typing experience.
The course teaches typing skills with an emphasis on accuracy.
This twenty-lesson course begins with the proper position of the fingers
on the home row,
progresses through using the appropriate home-row fingers to type other keys,
and then increases the typing speed to 20 words per minute.
 
Upon successful completion of this course,
the student is able to type a minimum of 20 words per minute
with 95% accuracy.
 
This promotion allows you to sell this course for $80 off
the regular price of $139.
The package price of $198 ($139 + $59) represents a savings of 29%
over the price of the courses when sold separately.
This promotion will remain in effect through September 30, 1991.
 
MOM-06-91
NEW LOW PRICES
 
Our two most popular courses, "Introduction to PCs and DOS" and
"Introduction to DeskMate ," have a new low price of $99.00 each.
 
Over two thousand students have been through these classes
since January and positive comments about them continue to arrive
in Fort Worth daily.
You can continue to sell these classes with the assurance
that your customers will be more than satisfied with the training.
 
And with all of our supervised, self-paced courses,
85% proficiency is guaranteed!
 
MOM-06-91
CLASS SCHEDULES ARE ATTACHMENTS
 
In response to a suggestion from the field, we're producing the monthly
class schedules as an attachment to the M.O.M.
This way we can provide information on two months at a time,
and you can post the current month prominently.
When appropriate, all you need to do is turn the page over to see
the next month.
Attached to this issue are the schedules for June and July 1991.
 
MOM-06-91
COMPUTER SUPPORT SERVICES
"Answers at Your Fingertips"
 
REPORTING PROBLEMS WITH SOFTWARE/HARDWARE
 
One of the more important tasks Computer Support Services performs for you
(besides answering questions and keeping track of information)
is reporting problems with hardware and software.
These problems may consist of confusing documentation,
actual bugs in the programs, hardware incompatibilities, etc.
 
We have a specific procedure that you, as Radio Shack personnel,
can use to notify us of problems you encounter in the field.
If you come across a problem that you can duplicate on more than one system,
call the appropriate group in Computer Support Services and report it.
 
When calling in, be sure to have this information:
 
  the exact system configuration
  (CPU, BIOS ROM version, MS-DOS version, peripherals)
 
  software stock number and version number
 
  exact problem duplication procedure
 
While you are on the phone,
the System Engineer taking your call fills out a Test Form
directly on the online department computer network system.
(The System Engineer should provide you with the Case Number
of the call so you can call back
and check on the status of the test if you need to.)
 
The online Test Form is accessed by a Testing Group
which investigates the problem.
 
You will be called back with the results of our testing
and notified if we were able to find a work-around.
A Problem Report will be generated if we
find that it is not a procedural problem,
and that it can be reliably duplicated.
 
This Problem Report will then be passed on to Merchandising,
which then gets the appropriate departments involved to resolve the issue.
When we have the results of that process,
we will call you back with an answer.
 
MOM-06-91
HAVE INFO YOU WANT TO SHARE?
 
We are interested in anything you feel
would help other Radio Shack personnel.
We will verify the information and make it available to others.
Submit hints and tips via POS E-mail to:
 
Cynthia Davis    01-7879
 
MOM-06-91
QUESTIONS WE'RE HEARING OFTEN
 
Tandy 1000 TL/3 and Monochrome Monitors
 
On a Tandy  1000 TL/3 with a monochrome monitor,
the <CTL><SHIFT><V> keystroke combination to put the TL/3 into monochrome mode
is not adjusting the "colors" correctly in some computers.
The machines that are experiencing this need to be taken to service.
 
Tandy 1000 RLX & TGA Video Software
 
Some software written before the existence of the Tandy  1000 RLX
may be expecting that if the machine is a 1000 it has Tandy 16-color video.
When it can't find that mode, it locks up.
Make sure, when installing software,
that you choose VGA when presented with video option choices.
 
Tandy 1000 TL/3 and Turbo Outrun
 
When playing Turbo Outrun on a Tandy 1000 TL/3 with a joystick,
keyboard or mouse, NO SOUND must be selected.
If the game has already be used on another machine,
the "TURBO.CFG" file can be deleted in order to setup the game again.
 
DeskMate Database File Sizes
 
There is a file size limit of approximately 675K per database file
in all versions of DeskMate  since 3.0.
How much data that equates to depends on the file
and the kind of information being input.
 
Home Organizer and DeskMate Color Setup
 
The colors being displayed in the DeskMate Home Organizer  package
are "hard coded" in the Home Organizer software.
What this means to the customer is they cannot be changed
through the DeskMate Color Setup.
 
Tandy 2500 XL & XL/2 and "Invalid Configurations"
 
If when booting the Tandy  2500 XL or 2500 XL/2
you get "Invalid Configuration, please run Setup,"
there are 2 settings in SETUPXL that are most likely causing the problem.
If the Mouse Port Device setting is enabled,
but no mouse is present, you will get an Invalid Configuration.
The second setting to check is remapping the shadow memory.
You must select "YES" when using 384K as extended memory.
These are not the only invalid configurations,
but the ones we seems to hear about the most.
 
DeskMate 3.X and Size of User Dictionary
 
The User Dictionary will allow the customer
to add 2,000 characters to the file.
 
DeskMate 3.X and Limit of Boxes on Desktop
 
The maximum number of boxes that can be displayed on the DeskMate Desktop
at one time is fifteen (15).
 
MOM-06-91
The Credit Line
Tandy Computer Leasing/RSVP
 
Tandy Computer Leasing
 
HEAR!
HEAR!
Completed, correct documents must be received by TCL
at least 2 or 3 days before calendar month end
to ensure that leases will get booked for that period.
This is especially crucial now if your lease sales are to be included
in your FY '91 TCL credits.....
 
Minimum Leasing $ Amount?
 
Frankly, we don't have an "etched in granite" number.
Our blue Rate Factor Card lists our "preferred" ticket rates
and terms starting with an "Under $1,500" published rate.
That rate could apply to leases as low as $700.
We will consider "smaller ticket" leases, for commercial use products,
at an adjusted rate and term.
 
FAX machines, cellular phones, copiers, and audio/video sound equipment
are just a few good "introduction to leasing" products.
Even those 01 stores with limited large ticket inventory
could profit from the increased sales ticket opportunity
that leasing provides.
 
Virtually any small business client, home-based or "Mom and Pop" business
would be tempted by the affordability of leasing a multi-purpose
TANDYFAX copier.
Consider the value of a cellular phone
to the landscape entrepreneur whose prospects can reach him
at his "office" even when he's clipping along on a power mower
or topping a tree!
 
The chance to lease a TANDYFAX or cellular phone might be
just the "taste test" a commercial client needs to grow
into the bigger leagues and bigger leases.
Don't hesitate to mention leasing as an option to those customers.
Tandy Computer Leasing can offer to qualified customers
a 12-month lease rate of:  .09168 with a buyout option of 18% OEC.
 
Prepare the lease application and let TCL's Credit Analysts
work it out for you.
 
The RSC-22, 1991 Tandy Computer Catalog,
featured 6 pre-built computer systems identified by the
SSP (System Service Plan) logo which
designates that the package price includes a one year
on-site zone 0 TSP.
A Computer Merchandising memo of August 23, 1990 provided the details.
On page 2 of that memo, it states:
"If a Tandy [TCL] lease is involved,
you must write `one year on-site TSP' on lease document."
 
PLEASE...BE SURE TO FOLLOW THAT INSTRUCTION ON ANY SSP THAT IS
SOLD ON A TCL LEASE.
 
Those leases which have slipped through without that item specifically stated
on the lease contract, have created monstrous customer service problems.
They do, in time, get resolved;
but...your customers' bruised feelings are slow to heal.
HELP US HELP YOU DO IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME.
 
MOM-06-91
RS/TCL/TSP -- A TRIAD
 
TCL's Customer Service (CS) group assumed (from the number received)
that they had the "exclusive" for handling calls from lessees
with questions about their TSP  billing.
Surprise!
Surprise!
It seems that Radio Shack's TSP/CS department also fields a bunch of
"how come?" calls from lease clients.
 
It's not unusual to have second thoughts,
or forget the justification of buying product protection,
when the first invoice shows up.
When those calls come to TCL, our CS group will "go the extra mile"
to soothe an irate lessee and explain the billing.
It's important that your lease customers realize that including a
monthly TSP charge on their TCL invoice is an accommodation by TCL
and Tandy Service Plans that allows the TSP to be paid monthly
(as opposed to an annual lump sum) along with lease payments.
 
The TSP is not a part of the lease and should not be listed on any
(except the aforementioned SSP) lease contract.
Here's another chance for us to work together in promoting
our customers' satisfaction with us and with our products.
 
MOM-06-91
Ready for Questions?
 
One of the TSP questions our CS group is most often asked (you too?) is:
"Since this comes with a 12-month manufacturer's warranty,
why can't I just pay 2/3 of the 3-year cost?"
Makes sense to me!  How many of us have asked the same question
when we've been on the other side of the counter?
Factually, your customer is just buying the portion of the service plan
(for 12-month warranty products)
that kicks in when the manufacturer's warranty ends.
 
In TSP parlance you are selling a 1+2 contract.
Use that term or:
1+3 (48 mo.), 1+4 (60 mo.), etc. to clarify that for your customer.
It will enhance your professionalism and avoid a lot of
unfounded customer concerns.
It might also lead to these questions from savvy buyers for which you
(savvy salesmaker) will be prepared:
 
Q. Can I buy a 3 year (1+2) service contract for products
   on a 24-month TCL lease (or 4 or 5 years on a 36-month lease?)
 
A. Yes.
   The cost will be prorated to coincide with your number of lease payments.
   If you choose the end of lease purchase option,
   the TSP will remain in force through its remaining term.
 
Q. What if I choose to return the equipment when the lease ends
   or want to cancel the TSP contract?
 
A. Tandy Service Plans will send you a refund for any unused months.
 
Q. If I sell the products, can I transfer any remaining TSP time
   to the buyer?
 
A. Sure can!
 
MOM-06-91
Important Numbers -- Keep Them Handy
 
If you have any other questions about TCL/TSP terms and conditions,
please call Tandy Service Plans Customer Service Group at:
 
1 (800) 433-5502
 
TCL's Customer Service Group has a new direct dial number:
 
1 (817) 334-8154
 
Don't neglect to offer the advantages of:
 
TCL/TSP TO YOUR COMMERCIAL CLIENTS
RSVP/TSP TO YOUR CONSUMER CUSTOMERS
 
The surcharge for other zones can be included in TCL's monthly invoice.
Lessees who wish to purchase extended TSP coverage, beyond the SPP period,
may also pay that fee monthly along with their TCL payment.
 
A TCL LEASE...
 
The Closing Link To A Total Solution
for your clients' business products needs
 
MOM-06-91
RSVP
 
We aim the spotlight on the TOP OF THE TOPS featured in the facing column.
KUDOS to each of them and to the members of their teams.
Your special attention is directed to:
 
  01-8866; #1 in RSVP sales $s and #1 in RSVP % of total sales!
 
  Other retail units that made both the TOP $ and the TOP % lists:
  01-3495; 1313; 6862; 6796 and 3561.
 
All 6 double-hitters just "happen" to also be MSIs!!
What works for MSIs can work for all Radio Shacks.
USE YOUR RESOURCES!
 
  A special "tip of the hat" to Randy Schell's 01-6051, a "V" store!!!
  That's all the more challenging to Randy and his team
  who are not letting that stop them from taking advantage of
  the selling power that RSVP offers.
 
An 01V with over 58% of its total sales...RSVP: 01-6051..Hooray to y'all!
 
Each of the following "scorecard" stores and districts have apparently made:
 
RSVP [their] customers' first choice...
not [their] salespersons' last resort!
 
RSVP SCORECARD -- THIRD QUARTER FY '91
 
STORE #   LOCATION           TOP 10 MGRS            SALES $s
 
01-8866   Orlando FL         Ken Christenson        317,647
01-3495   Aiea HI            Azad Tirgardoon        284,133
01-2711   Valley Stream NY   Pete Baribault         267,622
01-1313   Leominster MA      William McDonough      257,686
01-6862   Waukegan IL        Kelley Conn            134,914
01-6796   Cambridge MA       Charles Drakos         130,056
01-2664   Brooklyn NY        Richard Pellegrino     126,557
01-3561   Aiea HI            Azad Tirgardoon        122,129
01-1731   Virginia Beach VA  Tom Bowen              117,440
01-9280   Abilene TX         Lawrence Requa         113,468
 
                                          %/ALL SALES
 
01-8866   Orlando FL     Ken Christenson     88.57
01-1313   Leominster MA  William McDonough   62.09
01-6862   Waukegan IL    Kelley Conn         61.02
01-3561   Aiea HI        Azad Tirgardoon     58.88
01-6051   Rantoul IL     Randy Schell        58.34
01-6796   Cambridge MA   Charles Drakos      55.71
01-3495   Aiea HI        Azad Tirgardoon     52.56
01-9278   Killeen TX     Walter Tindall      50.80
01-8334   Killeen TX     Billy Moss          50.76
01-3333   Tacoma WA      James Huebner       49.73
 
DISTRICTS       TOP DSM         SALES $s
 
0385  Hawaii    Mitch Weston   1,079,426
0526  New York  Paul Monno       839,041
0348  New York  Joseph Muccia    827,533
0528  New York  Rick Wetzel      824,066
0896  Tampa     Joe Columbus     723,601
 
                              %/ALL SALES
 
0822  Dallas       John Eiskamp    25.90
0843  Kansas City  Ed Smith        25.34
0385  Hawaii       Mitch Weston    24.61
0378  Charlotte    Harry Carroll   24.23
0588  Miami        Mike Swoboda    22.75
 
Azad's wearing "two hats" and looking great in both!
 
TCL -- THIRD QUARTER FY '91 DSM SPiFF POOL
 
DIVISION          REGION  DSM             TCL SALES
 
NORTHEAST
   Pittsburgh      0384   Joe Flefleh    $ 32,988
   Boston          0879   Jeff Brodsky     32,239
   Philadelphia    0859   Andrea Leed      25,219
   Hartford        0512   Dave Rosenthal   18,857
 
MIDWEST
   Chicago         0579   Craig Jaschob    34,620
   Dallas          0822   John Eiskamp     21,843
   Kansas City     0599   Tom Tipps        18,229
 
WESTERN
   Seattle         0550   Terry Ostheimer  17,906
   Los Angeles     0577   Richard Grubbs    8,230
   Hawaii          0385   Mitch Weston      7,878
   Seattle         0888   Burt Chabot       7,367
                          (now DSM 0551)
 
SOUTHEAST
   Atlanta         0842   Lindie Wais      21,350
   Tampa           0890   Rick Bendig      18,786
   Miami           0589   Joe Columbus     17,192
                          (now DSM 0896)
   Atlanta         0593   Dan Dennis       16,954
 
MOM-06-91
THE EDUCATION SPECIALISTS
 
EDUCATION ACCOUNT PURCHASE PROGRAM FOR NETWARE v3.11
 
The Education Account Purchase Program for NetWare v3.11 allows schools
to make local copies of NetWare from special master diskettes.
It provides cost effective implementation for a large number of servers
at one time or for those schools that have scheduled the implementation of
a number of servers over a period of time.
 
1. Standard NetWare v3.11 (100-user) version
 
2. Schools pay a minimum Initial Royalty of $25,000,
   make copies locally as needed, and pay Novell quarterly
   for copies made in excess of those paid for by the Initial Royalty payment.
 
Price Schedule
 
Options Available                         Cost Per Server
 
Trade-In Advanced or SFT NetWare          $1,000
 
Trade-In ELS II or Other Vendor NOS       $2,500
(Must Total At Least $25,000)
 
New License                               $3,500
 
Program Definitions
 
"Trade-Ins."
Schools may trade-in other network operating systems
as long as the originals were legally acquired.
Each trade-in system must be recorded
on the "Trade-In Credit Form"
(available from Radio Shack Contract Marketing).
Systems traded in must be replaced with the NetWare v3.11 product
and may not be used, sold or traded.
 
Initial Royalty.
The minimum initial royalty of $25,000 is for the NetWare v3.11 component only.
Payments for added cost options also have minimums,
which are in addition to the Initial Royalty Payment for NetWare v3.11.
 
"Quarterly Reports."
Schools must submit a written report to Novell every calendar quarter
indicating the number of NetWare, NetWare NFS
or NetWare for Macintosh 3.0 copies made.
If no copies are made during the quarter,
a report indicating that fact must be sent to Novell.
Additional copies beyond the Initial Royalty must be paid
at the rates set forth in this article.
 
Documentation.
One set of manuals is supplied with the master diskettes.
Additional copies of the documentation may be purchased
or copies of the originals (but not copies of the copies) may be made locally.
The Novell copyright must be included on all copies made.
 
Updates.
The school automatically receives all upgrades for the first
year of participation in the program.
For subsequent years, the cost is $1,000 per server
with a $10,000 minimum order.
Not all systems installed under this agreement
are required to participate in the update program.
However, updated software may not be installed on those servers
without payment of royalties to Novell.
 
Order Process
 
Complete the Initial Order Form, Trade-In Credit Form and License Agreement.
All orders must be processed through:
 
Radio Shack Contract Marketing
1400 One Tandy Center
Fort Worth, TX 76102
 
Master diskettes for the school are custom manufactured by Novell.
Please allow up to four weeks for delivery of the product.
 
MOM-06-91
WORDPERFECT SCHOOL SOFTWARE PROGRAM
 
WordPerfect Corporation offers two special purchasing programs
for qualifying customers of all WordPerfect products.
This includes WordPerfect for DOS and XENIX, PlanPerfect, etc.
 
Qualified Individuals Program
 
If your customer is a full-time student, faculty or staff member
of an accredited college or university,
they qualify for a $100 rebate mailed directly to them by WordPerfect.
 
To receive their rebate, your customer will complete the rebate form
and mail it along with the following four items:
 
1. A photocopy of their student or faculty ID showing full-time status.
2. A photocopy of their driver's license or some other document showing
   their social security number.
3. A properly completed registration card from a WordPerfect product.
4. A photocopy of their Radio Shack sales receipt.
 
The Third Party Products Department will mail a Rebate form
to your store at the same time we mail the ICST and waiver
(normally the day after we order your product).
The salesperson will fill out the bottom half of the form
and give it to the customer when the software is delivered.
 
Qualified Schools Program
 
For each copy of a WordPerfect product that a qualified institution purchases,
WordPerfect will donate, at no charge, seven additional licenses
to use the software on school machines of the same type.
For example, if the school purchases one copy of WordPerfect for DOS,
they will receive a license to use that package on a total of eight PCs.
 
In the event the Institution purchases five or twenty packs
of the network or XENIX versions of WordPerfect,
the license would multiply the package's original licensing capability
by seven.
For example, if your customer purchases a five-user WordPerfect XENIX package,
they will be licensed to use it on as many as 35 workstations
at no additional charge.
 
Any school that is accredited by their respective state office of education
or by agencies or associations which are nationally recognized
by the U.S. Secretary of Education or certified teaching hospitals
and medical centers qualify for this program.
 
We will mail a License Agreement to your store at the same time we mail
the ICST and waiver (normally the day after we order your product).
The salesperson will fill out the bottom half of the license agreement.
If desired, the customer can obtain, at no extra charge,
additional keyboard templates by completing and mailing a form attached
to the license agreement.
 
Additional user's manuals are available for a charge from WordPerfect.
If your customer wishes to purchase them,
they are to be treated as normal product requests
and submitted to Third Party Products on the standard FAX form.
 
Ordering Procedures
 
Since all WordPerfect products are available from Third Party Products,
you should place a request for the product your customer needs
using the standard request form.
It's important that you completely fill out the customer name area
in the upper right-hand section of the request form,
since this is the information we'll need to determine
if your customer qualifies.
 
MOM-06-91
EDUCATION BIDS REQUIRING STATEMENT OF NOVELL RESELLER STATUS
 
In certain education bid situations, the customer may require a
statement regarding our reseller status with Novell
(i.e. Authorized OEM, Gold Reseller or Platinum Reseller).
The OEM Software Sales Division of Novell
has provided the following statement regarding
our current relationship and our status as a Novell Reseller:
 
"Tandy Corporation/Radio Shack is currently a Novell Authorized OEM.
As an Authorized OEM, Tandy Corporation/Radio Shack purchases product
directly from Novell and is supported directly by Novell.
The Novell products are bundled with Tandy Corporation/Radio Shack
server platforms and professional services to create
a total customer connectivity solution.
As a Value Added OEM, Tandy Corporation/Radio Shack is ideally suited
to meet the needs of customers who want a total solution provider
with worldwide capabilities to design,
implement and maintain connectivity solutions."
 
Novell, Inc.
OEM Software Sales
April 1991
 
MOM-06-91
Product News
 
25-1077 CDR-1000 CD-ROM DRIVE NOW AVAILABLE
 
The Tandy  CDR-1000 Internal CD-ROM drive is now available
from the TSDC distribution center.
 
The CDR-1000 features a continuous transfer rate of 150K bytes per second,
which is twice as fast as CD-ROM drives costing from two to three times more.
The CDR-1000 comes complete with front mounted volume control
and stereo headphone jack, an 8-bit interface card that has stereo line jacks
accessible from the back of the computer,
Microsoft CD-ROM Extensions Version 2.2,
a CD-Play program for audio disks and installation software and hardware.
All of this at an industry low price of $399.95 for a complete kit!
 
While shipments have begun, we expect demand to be high,
resulting in tight supplies and probable backorder situations.
To maximize availability to everyone, PLEASE DO NOT STOCK THIS ITEM.
 
There is nothing on the market to compare with
the Tandy CDR-1000 internal CD-ROM Drive, and only Radio Shack has it.
 
Once again, we have set the standards.
NOBODY COMPARES!
 
MOM-06-91
PRODIGY AND THE TANDY 1000 RLX...IT DOES WORK!
 
Prodigy goes to great lengths to make installation as easy as possible
for the customer.
Those of you who use Prodigy know that.
During installation, Prodigy assumes that all 1000 family computers
have Tandy 16 color graphics, hence the problem some of you have run into
on the RLX with VGA.
 
To solve this problem simply, change the video mode from Tandy  1000 video
to VGA video when the Prodigy installation program asks you
if what it thinks you have is correct.
It will automatically choose 16 color mode for a 1000
unless you tell it otherwise.
 
MOM-06-91
20 MB SMARTDRIVE AT NEW LOW PRICE
 
The 25-1045 20 MB SmartDrive  is now on sale at $279.95 (catalog $399.95).
While it is DISContinued,
there are many drives remaining in stores, and at this new price,
it is a great bargain for those wanting to upgrade their TL/2 or TL/3
to hard drive power and performance.
 
MOM-06-91
REVISED PRINTER CABLE SELECTION CHART ATTACHED
 
Thanks to Nick Thompson @01-8398
who came in 2nd behind our Computer
Support Services folks in pointing
this out!
 
Oops, we goofed in the "Printer Cable Selection Chart" included in
last month's (May 1991) M.O.M.
Some of you caught the error and were kind enough to point it out
so we could do a correction.
(Thank you!)
 
The Tandy  1000 TL/3  was  listed in the top chart
which includes all the "edge card" printer connector computers.
But the TL/3 has a 25-pin connector,
so it should have been in the bottom chart.
 
If you've made copies or posted that chart anywhere,
please replace it with this month's (the Revised) version.
 
MOM-06-91
"TANDY'S 1500 HD: BEST IN ITS CLASS"
 
"Always a solid contender, Tandy fields a winner."
Not words from Radio Shack Computer Merchandising,
but the words of Portable Computing magazine.
 
The Buyer's Guide to Portable Computers says,
"It's an outstanding value in an XT notebook computer."
PC Laptop magazine (October 90) called the Tandy  1500 HD
"a stunning achievement in value."
 
Industry professionals realize the value of the 1500 HD.
PC Laptop magazine says,
"...the Tandy 1500 HD might be one of the most important laptops
of the early 1990's."
As you know, you have been successfully selling the Tandy 1500 HD
for some time now to those customers who recognized the exceptional value
of this notebook computer --
so successful that you managed to run the warehouse
completely out of the product!
It is now back in stock in all the warehouses
ready to deliver to your customers.
 
The review in the Buyer's Guide to Portable Computers is full of praises
for the Tandy 1500 HD and the Tandy  1100 FD.
Instead of repeating the highlights,
we have enclosed a complete reprint that you can show off to your customers.
The summary paragraph on the 1500 HD sums up the review rather nicely --
"The Tandy 1500 HD is an outstanding value,
and an outstanding notebook computer.
Tandy is always a solid contender, but this time it's a winner."
 
MOM-06-91
TANDY 2810 HD GETS INFOWORLD BUYER'S ASSURANCE SEAL
 
Our Tandy  2810 HD (25-3551) has been awarded
the prestigious  InfoWorld  BUYER'S ASSURANCE SEAL
(InfoWorld, May 6, 1991).
 
The Tandy 2810 HD is the faster brother to the Tandy  1500 HD
which Portable Computing calls the "Best in its Class."
With two winners in the same family,
it's no wonder that Tandy notebook PCs are taking a big bite
out of this fast growing market.
 
In the InfoWorld review of 286-based Notebook Computers,
the Tandy 2810 HD proved to be a worthy competitor to
so-called industry giants like Compaq, Toshiba, NEC, and Texas Instruments.
In fact, the 2810 HD outscored the units from these manufacturers
by a big margin.
 
Powerful Processor
 
The high performance 16 MHz 80C286 processor played a big part
in the overall success of the unit,
earning it an `excellent' rating in all the performance categories
of the test, and even earned it a first place
for running the Windows 3.0 performance test.
It performed three of the software compatibility tests in the fastest times.
 
The ratings confirm the independent testing done by Tandy
that showed the Tandy 2810 HD performing better than
some of the 16 MHz 386SX notebook products being sold today.
 
For most users of notebook computers,
the power of the Tandy 2810 HD is more than adequate whether for DOS,
DeskMate , or Windows applications.
 
Impressive Battery Life
 
Another important point in the review showed that the 2810 HD
performed the InfoWorld battery test which resulted
in an impressive 3 hours and 14 minutes battery life.
This test simulated "moderately heavy use" by a user,
as defined by InfoWorld, and even under the strain the 2810 HD performed
to within 16 minutes of Tandy's published battery life estimate of
3 1/2 hours under normal computer use.
 
Battery life is an extremely important point to the notebook computer user,
and the Tandy 2810 HD out-lasted other contenders like Sharp, NEC,
Toshiba, and Texas Instruments by an hour or more.
 
"Real" or Traveling Weight
 
Another important point for the notebook user is weight.
And not only the weight of the unit itself,
but the `traveling weight' the user must carry.
The traveling weight adds the weight of the AC adapter
to the basic weight of the notebook plus battery.
The AC adapter used by the Tandy 2810 HD weighed in
as the lightest at only 10 ounces,
where the others ranged from 14 ounces to over 2 pounds.
 
Not only is the weight an important issue,
but an AC adapter that weighs over 2 pounds has got to take up
a lot of briefcase space.
So even those so called `letter size' notebooks aren't really letter size
when it comes to traveling with all the items required to operate them
in a portable environment.
 
Video, Memory, Design, etc.
 
Other points that helped Tandy earn the Buyer's Assurance Seal
are equally important.
The LCD screen was described by InfoWorld as "Impressive VGA."
Optional memory was described as "easy expanded-memory conversion."
The unit's system design was noted as a "well-designed compact case"
that had "conveniently located power and contrast."
And the product summary described the Tandy 2810 HD as "fast, inexpensive,"
and "a speed leader with a very competitive price."
 
What This Seal Means
 
The coveted InfoWorld Buyer's Assurance Seal
tells prospective customers that the computer product
they are about to purchase excels in all areas.
It assures the customer that the product is an excellent price performer.
It provides the buyer with the assurance
that Tandy will stand behind the product.
Is this anything new for Tandy?
Definitely not -- we have been providing these assurances for years.
 
At only $2,499, the Tandy 2810 HD is certainly a winner
in a field where
NOBODY COMPARES!
 
MOM-06-91
AVAGIO -- $99.95 WORTH OF POWERFUL DESKTOP PUBLISHING
 
Many of you have seen the announcements for PageMaker 4.0.
The "end all" in desktop publishing.
Big Deal.
 
The customers that are buying computers from you
probably don't understand the ins and outs of real desktop publishing;
they just want to produce output that looks good.
That's where you have the strength!
 
Avagio produces very high quality output on dot matrix printers --
just what we sell the most!
For your customer that just bought a POS system,
here's a way to create some clean looking flyers, sale tags,
shelf talkers or signs for the store.
Businesses can use it to do basic ad layouts -- try things out,
shift them around -- or just upgrade the quality of their business letters.
 
And in the home...when you've got a computer you're eager
to show what it can do!
You'll volunteer to publish stuff for PTA,
local civic organizations or clubs, make the signs for the garage sale --
whatever!
 
Avagio creates beautiful output on a DMP 107.
Imagine what it can do on a DMP 302 or a laser printer!
Give your customers a reason to be proud of their computer
and a way to show it off!
Sell them Avagio!!
 
MOM-06-91
RLX GETS NOTICED, AND APPRECIATED!
 
The May 1991 issue of  PCM  has a good review of the Tandy  1000 RLX,
which it calls, "An RL With `Oomph'."
It points out a lot of things you already know about both machines,
but there were a few statements we thought were worth reiterating.
 
After talking about how the RL is designed to appeal to the
first-time computer buyer, it goes on to say,
"...another sizable group of customers wants something between
the RL and other PC-compatible systems.
They like the RL's concept -- a compact, low-cost system
with all the really important options built in --
but they want a faster processor, more memory to run bigger applications,
and a higher-resolution video display to make everything look better.
Tandy's answer is the 1000 RLX; it adds the faster processor
and VGA video capability while maintaining all the RL's many virtues."
 
Then they talk about all the hardware items
that are included with the RL and RLX.
With a touch of humor, they summarize,
"Above all, the first-time home computer buyer wants a machine
that's easy to get going.
The RL and RLX go quite far to achieve this goal.
Since all the normal ports are built right in,
you need neither to tear open the case to install a batch of boards
nor to figure out which combination of switch settings
will make everything work at the same time.
All you have to do is plug in the monitor, keyboard and mouse;
plug the computer and monitor into a wall outlet;
and switch them on.
(If you got your VCR hooked up quickly, you'll be in fine shape --
if you didn't, you'll still be OK since this is a lot easier.)"
 
After a good discussion of the advantages of DeskMate 
and the DeskMate Home Organizer , they say,
"Now for the things that make the RLX a big brother to the RL:
The first, and most visible, improvement is the VGA display,
which is included on the motherboard..."
 
About the video, they also note,
"Another advantage of the RLX's VGA display system is that it doesn't
`steal' system memory; a 512K or 640K 1000 RLX has just as much
usable RAM for applications as any 512K or 640K PC-compatible system."
 
And here's an interesting item --
"The second big deal is the faster processor.
It's a 10-MHz 80286, and it lets the RLX run almost any PC application
at speeds that are at least comfortable and are often blindingly fast --
25 to 40 percent faster than the same program running on an original
Tandy 3000 or the best versions of the IBM PC AT."
 
"...the extra speed can make a difference when you run business applications
at home."
 
Here's a note for those customers who may consider spending their money
on a game machine:
"A lot of the newer games are designed to benefit from a faster processor
and VGA video displays; when run on the RLX, they come to life in ways
that put even the newest 16-bit game machines to shame."
 
So what's their bottom line?
Here's the last paragraph:
"So who needs an RLX?
Or to put it another way, who can still benefit from the 1000 RL?
Some users will want to go straight to the RLX for its improved speed
and display capabilities, just to make sure their computer will take them
wherever they decide to go.
Folks who just want to learn about computers and stick with the DeskMate
user interface don't expect to play in the big leagues,
so they won't need big-league speed and will probably prefer the RL.
And I wouldn't be surprised to see both machines --
and especially the RLX -- showing up in a lot of offices.
Don't forget:  These are not merely `home computers' but real,
honest PC-compatible machines that can do real work.
For the many people who want to get started in PC-compatible computing,
the Tandy 1000 RLX would seem the one to start with -- and to grow with."
 
Well, you may want to get a copy of this issue of PCM (May 1991)
to have to show your prospective customers.
That extra reinforcement of what you say may help some customers make up
their minds.
Can't hurt!
Good selling!
 
MOM-06-91
PRAISE FROM THE DESERT
 
We've all been interested in news from the Persian Gulf
over the last six months or so.
Well, when we received this letter we knew you'd be interested in
in seeing it.
(You may have seen a copy of it in the Intercom, too.)
 
Dear Tandy Computers,
 
Your computer, the Tandy 2500 XL has passed the Saudi Arabian Desert Test!
When Operation Desert Shield first began we were just about to leave
for Saudi Arabia when someone said,
"We'll need a computer for memorandums, etc."
So with little research as to the type of equipment we would purchase
we ended up at a local Radio Shack and purchased two Tandy 2500 XLs!
When we arrived in Saudi Arabia, a dust storm was brewing,
and I had a feeling that your equipment would not stand up to
that kind of abuse -- particularly if it was really exposed
to the harsh conditions of the Saudi desert as all of our equipment has been.
Sand gets into everything that isn't air tight.
Anyway, that was day one of the operation,
it is now day 91, and each day, we simply blow out the systems,
and they have operated without fail.
One exception however, one system was accidentally left out in a rainstorm
when we were moving from one site to another.
We simply let it dry out completely and it functioned
as good as ever!
One of the reasons we purchased Tandy computers was because we knew
that there were places in Saudi Arabia where they could be serviced
if necessary -- but, we obviously did not have this need!
I'm convinced that you have an excellent product and tank you!
 
Sincerely,
 
CPT Robert Bollinger
 
MOM-06-91
NORTON UTILITIES 5.0 -- PERSONAL COPY UPDATE!
 
Over 1,000 of you took advantage of the $25 offer for a personal copy
of the Norton Utilities Version 5.0!
That's a terrific response!
Obviously you understand the benefit of a product
that can optimize your hard disk, recover deleted files
or help repair a bad sector on your hard disk.
 
IT'S A GREAT PRODUCT!
A single $150 investment can save your customers
hundreds of dollars in support or consulting fees,
not to mention lost data, lost time,
and the total frustration that goes along with a hard disk crash!
 
It sounds trite, and like a bunch of advertising hype,
but really -- any customer with a hard disk
should own a copy of Norton Utilities.
Businesses especially, but also home users.
It doesn't happen often that a 10 page term paper gets "accidentally" deleted,
but it can.
 
Now that you understand the values of Norton Utilities 5.0,
pass the value on to your customers!
Hopefully they'll never have a reason to express their appreciation
to you for recommending it to them!
 
MOM-06-91
DISCONTINUED PRODUCTS
 
CAT. #    DESCRIPTION
 
250-1246  Quicken
250-3511  Laptop Carrying Case
250-4028  512K Memory Kit (150 ns)
250-4072  Tandy  3000 NL
250-4074  Tandy  2500 XL
250-4163  344 MB SCSI HD
250-4902  Tandy  4020 SX 2 MB
 
MOM-06-91
BRODERBUND EMPLOYEE OFFER -- CONTINUED
 
Last month we extended an offer to you for Broderbund software
at special prices.
Many of you have called Broderbund and written us asking
what software is included in this offer.
Below is the list of Broderbund software that is orderable.
Everything below is available under this offer.
Please don't call Broderbund
and ask them to mail you a list of their products.
 
Broderbund software list:
 
                                                     Suggested
                                                      retail
 
PRODUCTIVITY TOOLS
 
Bank Street Writer Plus                                $79.95
Memory Mate                                            $69.95
Type                                                   $26.95
 
Windows Compatible:
    Calculus (640K)                                    $99.95
    Dragnet (640K) -- by Access Softek                $144.95
    Prompt (640K) -- by Access Softek                 $129.95
 
CREATIVE WORKSHOP
 
Banner Mania                                           $34.95
The New Print Shop (512K or 640K for color)            $59.95
The New Print Shop Companion (521K or 640K for color)  $49.95
The New Print Shop Graphics Library Sampler Edition    $34.95
The New Print Shop Graphics Library Party Edition      $34.95
The New Print Shop Graphics Library
  School and Business Edition                          $34.95
VCR Companion                                          $54.95
VCR Companion Film Library                             $24.95
 
EXPLORATIONS
 
Katie's Farm (640K) -- by Lawrence Productions         $39.95
McGee (512K) -- by Lawrence Productions                $39.95
The Playroom (512K)                                    $44.95
Where in Europe is Carmen Sandiego? (256K)             $49.95
Where in Time is Carmen Sandiego? (512K)               $49.95
Where in the U.S.A. is Carmen Sandiego? (512K)         $49.95
Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? (512K)          $49.95
Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?
  Deluxe Edition (640K, Requires VGA)                  $79.95
 
MOM-06-91
MAGAZINE ADVERTISING
 
Tandy computer products are frequently advertised in leading national
publications.
Magazine advertising reinforces the image of Tandy  Computers
as a nationally recognized brand.
Tandy computer products will be featured in these publications
over the next month:
 
Date    Magazine               Computer
 
6/01    Management Network     RSCC Institutional Ad
6/01    Management Network     XENIX Acct. Ad
6/01    Management Network     Mibus/XENIX Acct. Ad
6/01    Management Network     POS Ad
6/15    PCM                    Multimedia
6/25    Byte                   Multimedia
6/25    Home Office Computing  1000 Word Proc.
6/25    Working Mother         1000 Word Proc.
6/26    Inc                    DMP 240
6/26    Personal Computing     DMP 240
6/26    PC Magazine            DMP 240
 
MOM-06-91
PRICE CHANGES
 
Cat. #    Description           Old      New
 
250-1045  20 MB SmartDrive    $399.95  $279.95
250-4125  MS OS/2 v1.21        349.95   195.00
 
MOM-06-91
CANCELED PRODUCTS
 
CAT. #         DESCRIPTION
 
903/5-5654     Once Upon Time SCM
903/5-5742     Once Up Time II SCM
 
MOM-06-91
LATE DATES
 
Listed here are the new items that appear in
the 1991 Tandy  Computer Reference Guide and
the 1991 Educational Products Guide
which have not yet arrived at the warehouses.
Also included are the dates the merchandise is expected to be available
at the warehouses.
 
The dates listed in this section are based on the latest available information,
and are updated monthly.
While they may not be 100% accurate, they are the best estimate we have
at this time.
 
The dates listed here should be your ONLY reference for availability of
cataloged items.
Ft. Worth Computer Support Services or Ft. Worth Computer Merchandising
will not have any dates other than the ones shown here.
 
Radio Shack Reference Guide RSC-22A
 
Cat. #    Description         Date
 
250-4126  160 MB SmartDrive 6/30/91
 
Radio Shack Educational Products Guide
 
Cat. #         Description                   Date
 
903/5-5654     Once Upon Time SCM            CANC
903/5-5659     Word Attack Plus SCM         6/30/91
903/5-5686     Timeliner SCM                6/15/91
903/5-5742     Once Up Time II SCM           CANC
903/5-5782     International Inspirer SCM   6/30/91
903/5-5789     Spell It Plus SCM            6/30/91
903/5-5790     Algeblaster Pls SCM          7/15/91
903/5-5797     Nat'l Inspirer SCM           6/30/91
 
MOM-06-91
Product News
NETWARE v3.11 NOW AVAILABLE
 
NetWare v3.11 is the third release of an open, 32-bit architecture
NetWare operating system.
NetWare v3.11 provides networking solutions to department, corporate,
remote office and enterprise-wide network users
through product stratification.
 
The NetWare v3.11 stratified product offerings
are based on the number of users.
This provides entry-level, mid-range and high-end product solutions
for the NetWare user.
Products are available in 20-, 100-, and 250-user versions.
The user-based stratification responds to the following customer needs:
 
  Organizations that want to standardize on one network operating system
  for all their networking needs.
 
  Organizations adding personnel, expanding into new buildings,
  establishing communications links with remote offices
  or needing ever-increasing amounts of disk storage space.
 
NetWare v3.11 Retail Products
 
No. of Users  3 1/2 Inch   5 1/4 Inch       Price
 
20            901-1900   883-001343-001    $3,495
100           901-1901   883-001344-001    $6,995
250           901-1902   883-001348-001   $12,495
 
Note: Novell Part Number, 5 1/4" versions must be purchased through
the Third Party Purchase Program.
 
List of Services Included In NetWare v3.11
 
  Remote Management Facility
  TCP/IP Protocol Stack
  Btrieve v5.15
  OS/2 Requester v1.3
  Print Server v1.21 
  SBackup v3.11
 
What Technical Features Distinguish NetWare v3.11 from NetWare v2.x?
 
  Support for the 80386/80486 CPU
  Addressing greater memory and disk space
  Supports more users
  Faster
  More open protocols
  More file and directory security attributes
  Dynamic configuration and resource management
 
MOM-06-91
A CHANGE -- ORDERING NOVELL UPGRADES TO v2.2 or v3.11
 
If your current Novell customer wishes to upgrade to the new versions,
please order them through Radio Shack Third Party Products
(not through Contract Marketing as was
stated on Page 23 of the May 1991 M.O.M.).
 
MOM-06-91
THIRD PARTY PRODUCTS -- WHAT ARE THEY DOING?
 
The results are in and they're astounding!
The average cost of a purchased product is $750.
The average retail selling price is about $1,100.
But even more importantly, our survey of stores tells us that
the Third Party Products were only 20% of the average ticket.
This means that $1,100 product has helped to close a $5,500 sale.
We could all use more of those!
 
Many of you have asked what we can get.
Here are some ideas that might help you out:
 
  Point-of-sale hardware including:
 
    Pistol-type bar code scanners from Symbol for any retail customer.
 
    Scales from Toledo for your prospects involved in
    shipping or weighing parts.
 
    Remote communications software from BLAST! for
    retailers with multiple stores.
 
    Hand-held data collection devices from ITS to make taking inventory easier,
    faster and more accurate.
 
    Remote price displays from Aedex to professionalize a POS installation.
 
  3COM products to take care of your existing customer base
  with their expansion needs.
 
  Academic editions of Microsoft and WordPerfect products
  for your educational customers.
 
  Vertical market software for the following businesses:
     Church Management       Video Rental Store     Property Management
     Auto Parts Catalogs     Home Appliance Repair  Shipping/Mailing Store
     Kitchen Design          Physician Management   Restaurant Inventory & Mgmt.
     Auto Repair Shop        Farm Management        Wallpaper Stores
     Police/Fire Department  Retail Florists        Real Estate Offices
     Travel Agency           Insurance Sales        Tax/Finance
     Boatyard and Marina     Millwork Shop
 
Will a Third Party Product make your month?
No way.
But that's not our objective.
They will help you to close those sales that, in turn, will make your month.
It will also help you look more professional
and allow you to truly offer a total system solution.
 
If you don't think you're getting your fair share
of these great sales opportunities,
review the memo announcing Third Party Products dated January 7, 1991,
as well as the Computer Merchandising Memo of the Month articles
in February, March and April, 1991.
Use the form attached to the April '91 issue to FAX your Product Request to us.
 
Get your fair share and watch those system sales build!
 
MOM-06-91
Success By Example
This Month -- POS Success
 
This column will provide information we've been wanting to add
to the M.O.M. for some time.
We believe a good way to be successful is to get ideas from those who've
had success, so we're going to provide this occasional column as a
forum for you to talk about what you've done, and how you've done it.
This month we're focusing on POS system sales.
We hope you'll find some good ideas you can use in your own sales efforts.
If you'd like to submit stories of your own for future issues,
send them to M.O.M. Editor on your POS E-mail system,
or FAX them to (817) 390-3802
(specify that it's for the Success By Example column).
Please focus on what helped you achieve success in a particular instance,
and include your phone number in case we have questions.
Now, on to this month's stories!
 
MOM-06-91
MAKE A START, AND THEN ADD ON
From David Clinton, FM at 11-7206 in Braintree, MA
 
Last November, I made a cold call to an automobile repair
and tire shop to make an appointment for an upcoming seminar.
The manager of the tire center agreed to come.
After the seminar, I made a proposal for a complete system with RealWorld POS+
as the main software for use in his business.
Well, I have got to tell you that he is more than pleased with the outcome.
"It's more than I hoped for," said the tire center manager.
"Why didn't I try this before?"
 
The best part is, upon calling him back last week on a care call,
he invited me back to quote on another system for a new branch
he is opening soon.
Our quality products and a program such as RealWorld POS+
make the sales for me -- Thanks!
 
MOM-06-91
CUSTOMER LIKES MAKING BAR CODES
 
From Mark Smith, AE at 11-7206 in Braintree, MA
 
Last March, I made a cold call to a liquor store to try to make an
appointment for an upcoming seminar.
The owner of the store was interested but could not attend the seminar.
We talked at great length about his business and the problems he was having.
After I was completely confident we had a solution,
I made an appointment the following week for a proposal.
I proposed a complete RealWorld POS+ system with all the trimmings.
 
He is extremely happy with the solution.
He especially likes the idea of making his own bar codes,
and the ease of use of the system.
Now that POS+ is available in a network version,
he can't wait to upgrade so he can connect his home PC in the office
to the POS terminal!
 
The characteristics of RealWorld POS+
combined with the quality of Tandy hardware, training and service
give me a great sales tool with which to Sell-Sell-Sell!!!!!!
 
MOM-06-91
A HAPPY CUSTOMER COMES BACK
From Kim Olsen at 01-2683 in New York City, NY
 
Originally the client came in with his wife looking to purchase
a computer for her.
He made a quick inquiry into a Point of Sale system for his store.
Originally, that was just the 1000 TL/2 Point of Sale system
which was on special at the time.
About a month later he returned looking for a little more than
the single-terminal TL/2 package.
After some discussion of what the system had to do
and how large it had to be to meet his needs,
I was ready to show him what Tandy Computer Systems are all about.
 
The main purpose was a liquor store which was already established.
In an adjoining building he was opening a new superette/grocery,
sandwich shop, and check cashing service,
each of which had originally been operating out of the liquor store.
This brought us to three full-functioning cash register terminals
and one terminal to maintain the check cashing data.
In the liquor store and superette, receipts did not need to be printed
for most of the sales,
but the sandwich shop is using the printer in the kitchen
to print the orders which the cooks need to prepare.
 
The total sale (which was leased through TCL) was just short of $15,000
(about half of what IBM had quoted)
including Tandy Service Plans on all items which were not covered
as included with the system.
A couple of months later, after he had gotten comfortable with the system,
he needed to enhance his telecommunication system.
A second lease was initiated for five two-line telephones
and two FAX machines, approximately $2,500 (with the service plans, of course).
 
The superette did not turn out to be as busy as expected,
so he moved the terminal into the liquor store
which had continued to support the bulk of the sales.
By the way, beer, soda, and chips are also sold through the liquor store.
He says that the system is working "Great!"
 
Only two terminals have barcode wands attached,
both of which are now in the liquor store.
He has since found that the speed needed to keep traffic flowing
in the store is hindered by the wands, which require two hands to use.
His next lease, soon to be written, will be for two hand scanners,
ordered through Tandy Third Party Products Division.
 
MOM-05-91
Don't Give a Demonstration -- Fill a Need
 
Selling microcomputers is really no tougher or simpler
than selling cars or insurance or real estate.
These are all technically complex products,
being offered in challenging times.
To make consistently successful sales presentations
you must personally master the following four elements:
 
1. Overcome Your Own Fear of the Dark
 
What if the prospect asks about the new 586 microprocessor?
What if someone requires proof that the microcomputer
will actually heal the sick and cure the lame?
There are any number of difficult situations that you can imagine
before you begin your presentation!
 
The fundamental truth is that Radio Shack has offered and supported
a complete and quality line of computers
for as long as microcomputers have been around.
Unfortunately, your nervous prospect has all too often armed himself
with an incomplete picture of current computer technology,
perhaps formulated from magazine reviews.
 
Realize that these magazine reviews are all too often based on
hand-built prototypes selectively shown to a dozen or so
influential and technocratic reviewers
who would never condescend to acknowledge that not everyone requires,
or can afford,
the very latest in "price-no-object" microcomputer technology.
 
Computer magazines are really no different from
sports car or home decorator magazines.
The true number of 486 desktops and 386 laptops in actual business
or personal use may be about the same as the number of Ferraris
on city streets or of picture perfect country homes,
but that does not prevent automobile, fashion or computer magazines
from devoting a disproportionate amount of coverage to the new and exotic.
But then the typical Radio Shack customer does not live on Fantasy Island,
which is why the next point is so important.
 
2. Establish the Agenda
 
It is your sincere questions, not your answers,
that will set the tone and tempo of your presentation.
Direct attention to the CUSTOMER'S NEEDS,
and don't let the opening evolve into an immediate critique
of your product and price.
If you let the customer ask all the questions,
you will all too soon find yourself on the defensive
over some obscure technical point or some pricing issue you can't concede.
 
Whether in personal or business computer selling,
you can always begin with,
"Can I ask you a few questions about what you are doing now?"
followed eventually by,
"What do you need a computer to do for you?"
Always start with carefully focused questions
rather than an overly general, "Can I help you?"
or, "What are your computer problems?"
 
Don't immediately assume that you are ready to propose a solution
for your prospect's needs until he has explained his requirements to you,
and don't interrupt once you have a positive dialog in progress.
The customer will be indicating his buying criteria
as well as his "problems."
Become a partner in THAT solution.
 
Recap and summarize whenever opportunity allows,
so you are sure that you have a clear understanding of the requirements.
This will lay the groundwork for a successful closing argument
when you demonstrate that you can fulfill these requirements.
If in a business setting, take notes.
If you have done your preparation properly,
you should have already surfaced any hidden objections
prior to the demonstration.
 
3. Make Your Demonstration From Strength
 
Once you have established your prospect's needs,
you are ready to proceed to the demonstration,
but remember that this demo is a double-edged sword.
Tailor your demonstration to respond to specific customer objectives
and not to create some technological "flash and dazzle"
that may only leave your prospect intimidated or resentful.
 
Eliminate the unnecessary technical jargon and buzzwords:
DeskMate is "an easy way to access the computer";
it's not a "graphical user interface."
The CM-11 color monitor is simply "high resolution," not "640 x 200 CGA."
 
Since you already have determined the customer's preliminary buying criteria,
you can begin the demo with your strongest card.
Look for the area where you know you can make the strongest impact,
and keep the focus on problems that you know you can solve.
Remember to "push their hot buttons"
as you proceed through the demonstration.
 
4. Close Immediately After Answering the Prospect's Needs
 
Don't be like the window washer who stood back to admire his work!
Once you have satisfied the majority of the customer's buying objectives,
you now have earned the right to ask,
"Are you ready to buy our computer now?"
followed by, "Will that be cash or charge?"
In the more lengthy business selling cycle,
perhaps now it's time to schedule specific action
or to force a commitment for the concluding proposal presentation and review.
 
Your goal all along has been to create a PRECOMMITMENT TO PURCHASE
based on certain criteria specified by the prospect.
Once you have satisfied those criteria, it's time to start the close.
It's also time to find out whether the prospect
is really in the market for a computer or if you have a "tire kicker"
who wants to impress you with the facts he's read in some magazines.
While some sales trainers call this entire process "qualifying the prospect,"
it's essential that you do so to prevent wasting
both your and your prospect's valuable time.
Gaining control of the sales dialog by asking the appropriate questions
to qualify your client is your ticket to filling their need (and your pocket).
 
MOM-05-91
Another Home Run! -- The Tandy 1000 RLX
The Home Team Does It Again!
 
If you like the Tandy  1000 RL (and you should!),
you'll love the Tandy  1000 RLX.
This fine new example of Tandy technology adds power and features
that make this home computer ready for business.
 
The Tandy 1000 RLX retains DeskMate  and the Home Organizer  solutions
that have made the Tandy 1000 RL a household name.
We have highlighted these solutions below and provided details
on some of the new software features in the Tandy 1000 RLX version
of DeskMate and the Home Organizer solutions.
 
The hardware specifications and features are described fully
in the article that starts on Page 17.
On Page 19 you can read about the position of the Tandy 1000 RLX
relative to the competition.
 
DeskMate and the Home Organizer:
Take A Look at the RLX Version
 
The most visible change in the Tandy 1000 RLX version
of the Home Organizer solutions is the most visible aspect of the programs:
the graphics.
All graphics in the Home Organizer solutions have been updated
to take full advantage of the Tandy 1000 RLX's VGA graphics.
As you'll see in the screens in this article, the improvements are dramatic.
 
One audible change is the addition of a spoken greeting
every time DeskMate is run on hard drive-equipped units.
A pleasant voice says, "Welcome to DeskMate.
For help at any time, press the key labeled <F1>."
This message can be turned on and off by pressing <F10><S>
to select the Setup accessory, then pressing <F2> to select options,
and selecting "Desktop sound" to toggle this message on or off.
(When a check mark appears next to the words "Desktop sound"
the greeting will be spoken each time DeskMate is loaded.)
 
As you should realize from working with the Tandy 1000 RL,
the Home Organizer solutions offer home users specific answers
to specific household needs.
For example, instead of a database manager that requires the user
to set it up for keeping a home inventory program,
we have included a usable, attractive Home Inventory solution.
 
From the DeskMate Desktop,
choosing the Home Organizer brings up the Home Organizer menu.
This menu displays the names of
all the Home Organizer solutions
along with a brief description of each one.
As you move the cursor bar from solution to solution,
the description of each appears in the box at the bottom.
 
The menu organizes the solutions into three categories:
Personal, Kitchen, and Financial.
 
Personal Solutions
 
The Collections solution lets you keep your collections organized.
It has several collections (books, videotapes, antiques, etc.) predefined.
It also allows you to define your own
by answering a few straightforward questions.
 
The Diary solution keeps personal diaries.
Each diary has a "page" of text on the screen
associated with each day.
The diaries are password protected for privacy.
 
The Home Inventory solution lets you keep a record of your possessions.
This can be especially useful for insurance purposes --
be sure to keep a copy of the diskette or printout in your safe deposit box!
This solution requires no setup:
you just start typing in the information
for each item in your home.
 
You will probably leave the Information Center on the screen
when you're not using the computer.
It shows the calendar for the month with today's date highlighted.
It has a "page" for each day
to let you keep track of each day's appointments and activities.
The emergency phone numbers are useful
for family members and for babysitters.
The corkboard area keeps notes that will remain from day to day
until they are erased.
The message center allows family members to leave messages
for one another in an organized way,
so you don't have to worry about whether the family members will see them!
 
New Feature! --
The Information Center now includes voice messaging
that takes advantage of the digital sound capabilities of the Tandy 1000 RLX!
Simply select the Voice option in the "Leave A Message" dialog box
and use an inexpensive microphone to speak your message.
No extra equipment is needed to play back the message:
it plays through the built-in speaker.
 
The Itemized List lets you keep a detailed list of anything
in your Home Inventory.
For example, if you have a jewelery box in your inventory,
the itemized list can contain a list of all the jewelery in the box.
You can also keep itemized lists of other things
such as a "to do" list, home improvements and car maintenance records.
 
Travel Planner lets you create a daily itinerary for your trips
and helps you organize your packing lists.
It also contains toll-free phone numbers
for major airlines, hotels, bus and rail companies
and car rental companies.
 
Kitchen Solutions
 
The Cookbook solution lets you browse through recipes stored by category.
It comes with dozens of recipes from The New Good Housekeeping Cookbook
and also lets you type in your own recipes.
One of its nicest features is,
as you change the number of servings in a recipe,
it will automatically recalculate the required amount of each ingredient!
 
Please tell your customers that the recipes included
with the Cookbook solution are only the start of a complete cookbook.
This program makes it easy for users to add their own recipes
and is not intended to be a complete cookbook by itself!
 
New Feature! --
To make it easier to add and share recipes,
the Tandy 1000 RLX version of the Home Organizer
includes the Recipe Sharer solution.
It allows you to select recipes and save them to a separate "export" file,
and it allows you to "import" recipes others have saved.
This feature will encourage the electronic sharing of recipes among friends,
even friends who communicate electronically using PC-Link!
 
The Grocery List solution lets you create a grocery list
by checking needed ingredients from a recipe,
by selecting items from categories or by typing them in.
When you print the shopping list,
the items will be grouped by category
to help you find them in the store.
 
The Meal Planner helps you plan entire meals by courses.
You can choose from meals you have already used or plan a new meal.
 
Financial Solutions
 
The Account Information solution lets you store basic information
about your checking and other accounts,
including the name, address, phone number and account number of each one.
You must create an account information card for each account
with a check register (see next item).
 
Checkbook Register lets you keep track of checks,
deposits and other transactions.
Just enter the information in the register,
and it calculates the current balance.
You can place each check in an expense category
for budgeting purposes.
 
When you receive your bank statement,
you can use the Checkbook Balancer to reconcile your checkbook.
You simply mark each check and deposit that has cleared the bank,
type in any interest and fees,
then type in the balance from the statement.
The difference (which should be zero!) is displayed automatically,
freeing you from the tedious task of manually adding or subtracting each item.
 
The Expense Itemizer displays budget information in several useful ways.
It lists all the items in one budget category
for the month with a total.
It displays a bar chart of a single budget category
across all the months of the year.
It also displays a pie chart showing the
amounts and percents for all budget categories within one month.
These graphs can be printed directly
or copied to the DeskMate  Clipboard
for further manipulation and printing by other programs.
 
The Financial Notebook stores information on stocks,
other investments and loans.
This is an easy way to store information
from a variety of sources in one place.
The stock card calculates profit or loss from the stock quantity,
purchase price, selling price, and fees.
 
Mathcard performs a variety of commonly needed calculations and conversions.
It asks you plain English questions,
then performs the calculations instantly.
 
Other DeskMate Applications
 
Now let's take a look at the other DeskMate productivity programs
that come with the Tandy 1000 RL.
 
Text is our familiar word processor.
It lets you create and edit letters and other documents.
It even checks your spelling!
 
Address Book lets you keep track of names and addresses.
You can organize names and addresses into lists
and print the lists or personalize form letters with them.
 
Draw helps you create artwork, logos, letterheads and fun pictures.
You can print these by themselves or merge them into documents
in the word processor.
 
New Feature! --
The Tandy 1000 RLX version of Draw includes
the powerful scalable font technology included with DeskMate  3.5.
This gives you three default fonts and the option to purchase
additional fonts through the Express Order  program.
 
PC-Link is an online information and communications service
that you use over your telephone line.
It lets you get news, sports, an encyclopedia, free software,
and even answers to your computer questions directly from Tandy.
PC-Link requires a modem.
 
Telecom helps you communicate with other information services
such as CompuServe, as well as local bulletin boards.
It also requires a modem.
 
The Music program brings out the musician in you
while using the Tandy 1000 RL's unique sound capabilities.
You can play the songs that come with the program or enter them yourself.
 
The Sound program lets you record sounds, store them to a disk,
then play them back.
You can also cut, copy and paste within a sound for interesting effects.
 
Hangman is a computerized version of the familiar game.
It's fun and educational for both children and adults.
 
You can run any of these programs from the DeskMate Desktop.
The Desktop comes set up with the most popular programs on the screen,
and you can customize it to suit your preferences.
You can even add non-DeskMate programs to the Desktop.
It also allows you to work with files and directories
without learning complex file commands.
 
Tutorials and Help
 
Each application comes with its own help files and tutorials.
BEFORE running an application, you can go through the tutorial
to learn how to use it.
If you get stuck or have a question WHILE using the program,
pressing the <F1> key brings up easy-to-understand help.
 
And They're All DeskMate!
 
Since these applications all work in the DeskMate Graphical User Interface
they are very easy to learn.
And once you have learned how to navigate through one program,
you can easily use any of the others.
The same keystrokes and mouse movements are used
throughout all these programs
to make it especially easy to move from one program to another.
 
The Tandy 1000 RLX Demo Program:
Sure to Win an Oscar!
 
With the Tandy 1000 RLX demo program,
we have started dancing on untrod ground.
The demo is preloaded on all hard drive-equipped Tandy 1000 RLX units,
so you don't have to worry about finding it.
Preloading it allowed us to make it slightly larger
than our usual one-floppy-diskette demos:
it takes about 15 megabytes on the hard drive!
 
The demo shows 256-color digitized photos
of a family using a Tandy 1000 RLX and animated transitions between scenes.
It also plays almost full-time music and spoken narration
that should grab the attention of all conscious customers who walk past it.
 
Not only does this demo help you sell the Tandy 1000 RLX in the store,
but it also gives your customers a great way to show off
their new computer to their friends.
Be sure to give each customer who walks out with a Tandy 1000 RLX
your name and phone number so their neighbors will know
whom to call to buy one of their own!
 
Not everybody wants to use 37% of their hard drive to store a demo program,
so we have included a very easy way for your customers
to delete the entire demo with one simple command.
 
To enhance the sound of the demo,
we recommend connecting one of our stereo amplifiers
and a pair of speakers to the Tandy 1000 RLX rather than
just an external amplified speaker.
We recommend the Optimus STA-20 (31-1979)
or the Optimus STA-785 (31-2069) receiver/amplifier
connected to a pair of Minimus 7 speakers (40-2030, 40-2045, or 40-2039).
 
How to Sell the Tandy 1000 RLX
 
  Keep the demo program running.
  It will attract a lot of attention and may almost close some sales for you.
 
  Learn the applications.
  If you know how to run the applications included with the Tandy 1000 RL,
  you're 95% there.
  Take the time to learn about the new features of the software
  (as well as the hardware -- see Page 17) so you can speak knowledgeably
  about both units.
 
  Don't knock the Tandy 1000 RL!
  We have sold more units of it than IBM has of the PS/1,
  and it is still a hot ticket!
  You should talk about "added features" of the RLX without insulting the RL.
  Some customers whom you approach about the RLX
  will select the RL instead because of the price difference,
  so stay positive about both units!
 
  Ask questions -- and LISTEN!
  When you're demonstrating to a customer,
  listen carefully to the customer's responses.
  Let the customer's interests guide your presentation.
 
  Show the solutions, the tutorials and help.
  Be sure the customer knows how much information and help is available
  at his or her fingertips.
 
  Emphasize the value of PC-Link.
  Besides providing news, public domain software, and an encyclopedia,
  PC-Link offers direct communications with Tandy Headquarters
  for answers to their questions.
 
The Tandy 1000 RLX represents an important next step
in our home computing strategy.
As the first Tandy 1000 with VGA graphics,
it represents a technology breakthrough in an easy-to-use home computer
at a very attractive price.
Sell it with pride and confidence because
 
NOBODY COMPARES!
 
MOM-05-91
The Home Office: Recent Market Research
 
The home office market often seems elusive because customers
don't just come in and say,
"I'm looking for a computer for my home office."
More often they say simply, "I'm looking for a computer."
Nonetheless, because of the size of this potential customer base
and because of Radio Shack's unique capabilities to serve them,
it is important to understand who this home office customer is.
 
Home Office Categories and Equipment
 
BIS Strategic Decisions recently released research
that can help us understand the home office market.
Here are their key findings.
The home office customers fall into one of three categories:
 
  Full-time home businesses with fewer than five employees
 
  Part-time home businesses that generate income
 
  After-hours home offices that produce no income
 
What equipment do these home offices have?
Let's look:
 
Full-Time Home Businesses
 
  [chart here]
 
Income-Generating Home Office
 
  [chart here]
 
After-Hours Home Office
 
  [chart here]
 
Changing Channels
 
Until the last few years, small businesses
have tended to purchase office supplies and equipment
from traditional office supply stores.
Recently the tide has shifted toward purchasing
from mass-market discount office stores,
especially among price-sensitive home office customers.
 
Analysis of this trend yields a simple reason:
home office customers and proprietors of very small businesses
are spending their own money.
Unlike those making purchasing decisions on behalf of larger companies,
if these customers save $50, it means they can go out to eat
two or three times or spend the money saved on other PERSONAL items.
 
Interestingly, the market research shows us a trend
in the opposite direction as well.
These customers will often spend a bit more money for three benefits:
1) product selection;
2) knowledgeable sales staff; and
3) post-purchase support.
 
Let's analyze this information.
In the same way that the home office user doesn't want to spend
his or her OWN MONEY unnecessarily, this customer often
cannot afford to waste TIME doing unnecessary comparison shopping,
digging out information on product features,
or trying to get support directly from the manufacturer.
Wasted time means lost opportunities which means reduced personal income.
 
What It Means to You
 
  Radio Shack sells home office equipment.
  The fact that we sell all categories of equipment on the list
  reinforces our strength in the home office market.
 
  PCs are very useful and popular in home offices.
  Our new Tandy  1000 RLX with VGA graphics for business
  and the Home Organizer software for personal use
  will be the right solution for many of your customers.
 
  Don't ignore our cellular phones as an item to sell to
  home office customers.
  The need to stay in constant touch with their home
  and their customers, even when they're in their car,
  can motivate cellular phone sales.
 
Regarding the three reasons these customers may be willing
to pay a little more:
the Fort Worth staff makes decisions on products
that will be available in Radio Shack stores,
so the first item is not entirely under your control.
(The buyers appreciate your input, though!)
They work hard to preselect the best products
at the best prices so your customers can buy with confidence.
 
What you do control are the second and third items.
Good customer support results from a knowledgeable
and courteous staff which in turn results from sales training.
Thus, this research reconfirms the importance TO YOUR BOTTOM LINE
of a well-trained sales staff.
 
Home office customers walk into your store every day,
and Radio Shack offers them the right products.
You are doing your customer a favor by selling him or her one of our products,
so sell to these customers with confidence!
 
MOM-05-91
Press Response to the Tandy CDR-1000 CD-ROM Drive
 
On March 18, Tandy announced the CDR-1000 CD-ROM drive at $399.95.
The first paragraph of our press release reads like this:
 
  The Tandy CDR-1000, announced today, is the first internal CD-ROM drive
  which meets the high-performance demands of Multimedia PCs,
  at an affordable price.
  The drive comes complete with interface adapter,
  CD-ROM driver software, CD play software and all necessary cables,
  yet is priced at just $399.95 (Cat. No. 25-1077),
  through participating Radio Shack technology stores and dealers nationwide.
 
Several articles about the drive have appeared
and several product reviews are in the works.
Here's a sample of what the press has said about the drive so far:
 
From -- Computerworld, March 18, 1991
 
Tandy Corp. is set to break through the high price barrier
restricting the mass marketing of compact disc / read-only memory (CD-ROM)
technology by introducing an internal CD-ROM drive
at a retail price of $399.95.
 
From -- InfoWorld, March 25, 1991
 
For years analysts have predicted that prices for CD-ROM drives
would drop to levels that consumers would pay.
The average price of a CD-ROM drive is now approximately $700,
said Frances Mendelsohn, a program manager for Internal Data Corp.'s
information strategies group, in Vienna, Virginia.
 
Tandy's CDR-1000 CD-ROM, available now for $399.95,
is an internal drive with a data access time of 800 milliseconds,
and it supports Microsoft Corp.'s specifications for multimedia Windows.
 
The CD-ROM transfers data to a host computer
at a continuous rate of 150K [bytes] per second, and it can play audio CDs.
Unlike many other drives, Tandy's doesn't come in a plastic caddy,
and it loads like an audio player.
 
From -- Byteweek, March 25, 1991
 
What this industry needs is a low-cost CD-ROM drive.
That's what people in the CD-ROM business have been saying for years.
And at the opening of last week's conference on CD-ROM and multimedia,
Tandy delivered the closest thing yet to the CD-ROM reader
with the dream price tag.
 
Tandy's new CDR-1000 is an internal CD-ROM drive,
for IBM compatible PCs, with a retail price of $399.95.
This is the lowest price of any CD-ROM drive on the market....
 
"It's definitely a big step in the right direction," said Kurt Mueller,
president of Dataware....
 
..At an opening session when a Tandy official announced the price
of the new drive, the audience applauded....
 
Product manager Mark Clauder demonstrated the CDR-1000
in a 286-based PC running in a speed test
against a 386-based system with a $900 CD-ROM drive.
Both drives read a video clip of elephants off a disc about mammals.
The 286 with the new Tandy drive finished running the clip
before the 386 did;
the 286 elephant moved noticeably quicker than the 386 elephant did.
Asked if buffering had anything to do with the 286's speedier replay,
Clauder said the 286 system had a 2K buffer while the 386 had a 32K buffer.
"What we're trying to show is that a 286 with the right [CD-ROM] drive
can make an effective multimedia platform," Clauder said.
 
Tandy has done away with the caddies required by most CD-ROM drives.
Instead of having to put a disc in a little plastic case,
you just put the disc into a sliding tray, like with CD audio drives.
Tandy has also done away with the electric motor
that feeds the disc caddy into the drive.
In the Tandy drive, you must insert the disc manually....
 
Tandy's approach here is brilliant:
Simplify the drive to get the best and least expensive one possible.
Surely other companies will follow suit,
but Tandy should be the lone player in the low-cost market
(which could be huge) for some time to come.
 
By -- Keith Ferrell, Editor-in-Chief, Omni Magazine
 
With the CDR-1000, Tandy takes a large step toward creating a market
for the most exciting publishing technology of the '90s.
By making the drive affordable, the company makes the medium viable.
 
This CD-ROM drive represents a key component of our multimedia strategy.
After evaluating the drive and its price,
the press and industry analysts agree with us:
ladies and gentlemen, we have a winner!
 
For availability information, see the article on Page 21
 
MOM-05-91
Tandy Learning Systems
Your Competitive Edge in Computer Marketing
 
To Register a Student for a Class, call:  1 (800) 433-5682
 
MICROSOFT WORD 5.0 TRAINING NOW AVAILABLE
 
By popular demand, Microsoft Word 5.0 training
(POS code M03, $139.00) has been added to our Tandy Learning Centers.
Microsoft Word has been on Computer Reseller News'
top twenty best sellers list for over two years.
Because of this, there are many opportunities
to add both new and existing clients to our class rosters.
Our new class makes learning the features and functions of Word 5.0
quick and easy.
 
BOOKING A TRAINING SALE
 
To enter the sale into the POS:
 
1. Enter Customer's name, full address and phone number
 
2. Select <F1> (Options) from the merchandise menu
 
3. Select <2> (Non-merchandise)
 
4. Select <9> (Classroom training)
 
5. Enter the information regarding the specific course
   the customer is buying.
 
It is very important that you clearly denote in the comments section
which course is being taken -- including the version number of the software.
Different training materials are used for WordPerfect 5.0 and 5.1.
Enter the price of the class, the course code
(see the CLASSROOM OFFERINGS list),
the name of the class (remember the version number)
and the unit number where the customer will be taking the class.
After the sales ticket is printed, call 1 (800) 433-5682
to register the customer in the desired class.
 
CLASSROOM OFFERINGS
 
SUPERVISED, SELF-PACED TRAINING
 
POS  CLASS NAME                     RETAIL   SPECIAL
 
D01  Introduction to PCs and DOS   $139.00   $99.00
D02  DeskMate                       139.00    99.00
W01  WordPerfect 5.0                139.00
W04  WordPerfect 5.1                139.00
M01  Microsoft Word 4.0             139.00
M03  Microsoft Word 5.0             139.00
M02  MultiMate Advantage II         139.00
L01  Lotus 1-2-3 Ver. 2.1/2.2       139.00
L04  Lotus 1-2-3 Ver. 3.0           139.00
D03  dBASE III+                     139.00
D06  dBASE IV                       139.00
D04  DisplayWrite 4                 139.00
T01  Executive Typing               139.00
 
INSTRUCTOR-LED TRAINING
(Available only at selected Tandy Learning Centers)
 
D05  Advanced MS-DOS/Hard Disk Management    159.00
W02  WordPerfect 5.1 Advanced Office Skills  199.00
L02  Advanced Lotus                          199.00
L03  Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate          159.00
 
Special price through June 1991.  This price not available
with any other discounts or special offerings.
New course code and description.
 
MOM-05-91
COMPUTER SUPPORT SERVICES
"Answers at Your Fingertips"
 
WHO ARE WE?
 
Computer Support Services consists of 70 people
taking over a thousand calls a day answering your questions about computer,
cellular phone, FAX machine and satellite products.
We also take calls directly from customers,
but the majority of our calls come from store personnel.
Bill Whisenhunt, Manager of Computer Support Services,
is responsible for the service and performance of this department.
 
Our job is to assist YOU with pre-sale questions
as well as questions a customer may ask you
once he or she has the product at his or her home or office.
We get questions on installing a hard drive in a Tandy  1000 TL/3,
getting replacement manuals, inquiries for vendor phone numbers,
installing software packages.....(and on and on and on.....)
 
We have a complete library of hardware and software products
to assist you or your customer with support issues.
The Software Coordinator maintains the software library
as well as the large Novell network
that tracks all calls handled by the support groups.
This network provides our support representatives
with information ranging from computer memory upgrades and
Product Profiles,
to the current status of tests submitted on your behalf.
 
Support representatives are assigned to various specialty groups.
Each specialty group has a supervisor who is available for you to call
if you need to.
 
MS-DOS Systems        R. J. Stone      (817) 390-2607
 
XENIX Systems         Art Harrelson    (817) 878-4116
Networks/Education
Satellite/FAX/Cellular
 
Tandy 1000 RL         Cedric Hights    (817) 390-2608
Tandy Learning Center
   Registration
Entertainment/Home
   Software
 
Accounting            Alan Lyons       (817) 878-4115
Applications
 
Portables/Languages   Duane Patton     (817) 390-2787
 
Software Coordinator  Cynthia Davis    (817) 390-2784
 
Manager               Bill Whisenhunt  (817) 390-3560
 
WE'LL SEE YOU HERE EVERY MONTH
 
We will be using this section to bring you technical information
and answer some of the questions we're hearing most often.
We will also try to provide interesting and helpful tips
on the products that we support.
 
60 Meg Tape Drive (25-4079)
 
When installing this tape drive in a Tandy  2500 XL and XL/2,
4016 SX or 4020 SX you will need the L-shaped bracket
that allows you to mount the drive into the 5 1/4-inch slot.
If the bracket is not packed with the drive,
you may order it from National Parts as Part # MB-0136.
 
700 Series Products
 
All 700 series products now come from Consumer Mail.
Reference the December 1990 M.O.M. for the article listing the products
that were initially moved.
 
Data Recoveries
 
Computer Support Services can provide limited data recoveries
for a nominal fee for your customers.
Available recovery services are:
 
  DeskMate  database files -- Versions 3.0 or greater
  Accounting data files -- ISAM recoveries
  Database -- PFS:File or Profile
  Tandy  1000 RL Password recovered
 
Please call the appropriate support group to help you evaluate
the feasibility of doing a recovery.
 
DeskMate 3.X
 
The keyboard on the CPU will beep when pressing the period,
the comma, the space bar or tab key
if the Auto Proof option is checked in the Spell Checker in DeskMate.
This beeping will occur while actually typing a document into Text.
If you do not want this to happen, go into Spell Checker by pressing <F10>,
then select Auto Proof with <F3>.
De-select the Auto Proof and this will eliminate the beeping.
 
Tandy  1000 TL/3 DeskMate and PS/2 Mouse
 
In the setup program of the 1000 TL/3 there is an option labeled
"Mouse Port Device."
The default setting for this option is "Not Installed."
The port is disabled until this option is  changed to "Installed."
 
In DeskMate, press <F10> and select Setup to select the PS/2 mouse
so DeskMate to recognize it.
 
MOM-05-91
The Credit Line
RSVP/Tandy Computer Leasing
 
RSVP
 
Ken Christenson took over management of 01-8866 (Orlando, FL)
in January 1990, shortly after Radio Shack joined
the Military Service, Inc. (MSI) credit program.
In the timeframe between MSI's start and Ken's start at 8866,
the Christmas gift shopping season came and went.
 
MSI's impact on holiday sales (despite a soft economy)
had not gone unnoticed by Assistant Manager Ed Oliver.
He sensed that MSI, if properly implemented,
could continue to stimulate sales throughout the year.
When Ed shared that conviction with his new manager,
Ken agreed that it could be a power tool
but only if every member of his team (including part-timers) would learn it,
use it and share in its success.
Part-timers?
You bet, considering that they're scheduled to work during the
peak selling times.
 
The first hurdle to overcome was the general tendency of salesmakers
to turn-off to anything that requires...the dreaded paper work.
In discussing his plan with other MSI authorized stores in the program,
Ken was amazed to hear comments to the effect that,
"it isn't worth all the paperwork to make a $250 sale."
He believes that,
"Anything's worth a $250 sale" and he had no problem
convincing his sales staff that,
"lots of $250 sales will be the key to our success!"
HOW DID HE DO IT?
 
Phase I     BY GOING BEYOND RHETORIC!
 
Ken held early morning meetings on 4 consecutive Saturdays
to ensure that the entire staff understood:
 
  Each and all parts of the application
 
  The significance of each of those parts
 
  The relevance of each question
 
  The domino effect each answer can have in determining the
  integrity and buying potential of an applicant
 
It didn't take long for every full-time and part-time employee
to overcome the "fear of" and get the paper work down
so slick that it eliminated that barrier.
 
Phase II     TRAINING SESSIONS STRESSED:
 
  "Talk RSVP and RSVP/MSI before talking product!"
 
  Approach your customer by asking, "Have you heard about..." or,
  "Has anyone told you about...?"
 
  Open the window of opportunity, right up front, so shoppers can see
  the chance to afford what they really want;
  don't wait till they've made a selection based on
  what they can pay for at the moment or:
 
  a. decide to shop around a little more
 
  b. put it off 'til they don't need to settle for less
 
  A goal of: 1 new RSVP/MSI application per week, per sales associate
  for an average sales ticket of $250
 
Phase III     ZEROING IN ON THEIR NICHE IN THE MARKET
 
Considering the proximity of 01-8866 to the Orlando Naval Training Center;
MSI's (then) $500 credit limit; an average ticket goal of $250
and the mobile lifestyle that requires conveyability,
the team picked 3 products to focus on:
 
1. personal stereos
2. car tape decks
3. portable CD players
 
Within 3 months, with effective merchandising
and the commitment of the sales team,
the program was in full swing with every full-timer and part-timer
reaching their goal.
They had become proficient to the extent of even recognizing
an out-of-uniform MSI prospect:
the haircut is the giveaway!
 
Training, teamwork and enthusiasm made it a success,
collectively and individually.
Before long the average ticket increased from $250 to $350!
 
Higher Credit Limit
 
Ken was excited when he first got wind that MSI
might add a $1,300 credit line to its program, thinking,
"It would be helpful in moving more computers.
It came to be and it did help computer sales
but I was amazed at what it did to camcorder sales;
they took off like crazy!
It's not unusual for us to sell from 3 to 6 of them a week.
Service personnel bought them for their parents this past Christmas
and we figured lots of them would come back, but few did.
The higher credit line also increased VCR and TV sales."
 
Ken goes on to say, "The average ticket now for a $500 MSI is $400.
With a $1,300 line, the average initial sale is $600,
but within 30 days they return and run that up to $1,000!
The repeat business for RSVP and MSI is phenomenal;
anywhere from an 89  part to a $300 item.
 
"It doesn't stop there: our MSI's go back to the base
with their new purchases, the word spreads and pretty soon
we have their classmates coming in and asking us
how they can get into the program.
We had at least 10 (from the new class)
come in just this past week to sign on."
 
It doesn't even end there!
When orientation is over and RSVP/MSIs transfer to other bases,
their card goes with them to their store of choice,
a Radio Shack, wherever they are.
 
Meanwhile the staff at 8866 is conducting their own orientation
with new arrivals at the Naval Center!
Speaking for his staff, Ken says, "We're proud to be #1
among the better stores in the program,
plus one of the highest producers among all of MSI's clients/vendors."
 
What about Ken's new hires?
He plays cat and mouse by {choose 1},
tempting; tantalizing; tormenting (?) them.
We kid you not; Ken does not address, encourage or (for that matter)
extend the privilege of taking part in the MSI program.
Before long, though, they take notice
of the high dollar tickets their associates are racking up
and they want in on it.
 
Ken goes into his, "I don't think you're ready for this yet" routine,
stopping just short of implying that a Harvard MBA is a prerequisite!
By that time, they're practically pleading for the chance to prove him wrong.
Nice guy that he is, Ken grants that and pairs them
with one of his stronger "graduates"
to go through the RSVP/MSI training steps.
They're soon off and running
and Ken has yet another promising player on his team.
 
01-8866...#1 in RSVP/MSI Sales in the Nation
 
Impressive in any event; ASTOUNDING when you consider
that there are only 250 trainees based there at any given time,
and for a mere 6 weeks at that!
 
Every company-owned Radio Shack Store is an RSVP Store:
To qualify as an RSVP/MSI Store, your Radio Shack
must be within reasonable proximity to a military facility.
Approximately 25% are currently in the program.
 
You may be asking, "How do I get started?"
Contact your DSM who, with MSI, will determine if your store
can take part in this very lucrative program.
 
This success story focuses on how 01-8866 became the #1 Radio Shack
MSI producer in the nation.
While reading it, did you recognize that
the same steps are applicable to your "in-place" RSVP program?
Learn it, use it, share in its success!
 
Remember to always:
 
Make RSVP your customers' first choice...
not your salesperson's last resort!
 
Tandy Computer Leasing
 
TO BE OR NOT TO BE....Insured
is not the question; with whom to insure, is!!
 
As stated in item #9 under Terms and Conditions of the Lease Contract
(FO 138), it is the lessees obligation to provide insurance coverage
for leased equipment.
 
That, along with the other stipulations in that contract,
are pretty much industry standard;
no more or less stringent but conceivably (and deliberately)
more detailed in that an informed customer/lessee
will more likely be a satisfied and repeat customer/lessee.
 
Prior to 1989 some lessees first took notice of this obligation
only after some or all of their leased equipment was lost, stolen,
damaged or destroyed.
They assumed it couldn't happen to them but that if it did:
 
  Their general insurance policy provided coverage (not always)
 
  Radio Shack or TCL would replace their equipment (uh uh!)
 
  Their lease payment obligation would end if equipment disappeared
  or suffered damage (double uh uh!!)
 
Through our arrangement with American Bankers Insurance (ABI)
we now make our lessees more aware of their insurance liability
which can be covered by their own provider or through our master policy
with ABI.
Shortly after a new lease is booked, our lessees receive a letter
with a return insurance election form.
It offers these options:
 
____Yes, please provide my coverage and send me an additional
    Insured Endorsement for my records.
 
____Enclosed is evidence of coverage from my agent or broker.
 
It also advises that the signed form must be returned
(with evidence of endorsement if insured with lessee's own provider)
within 30 days or coverage will be automatically placed with ABI
and charges from date of equipment delivery
will be added to monthly lease invoices.
If the form is not returned and/or a certificate of insurance
is not received, a follow-up letter will advise that coverage
has been placed under our master policy.
 
The Problem?
 
With all that, TCL's Insurance Coordinators still get calls
(after the charge shows up on the lease invoice) claiming
"Radio Shack didn't say anything about insurance
so I don't have to pay it."
 
The fact is, TCL is not obligated to take the steps noted above
and Radio Shack is not obligated to "say anything about insurance"
but maintaining customer goodwill by avoiding problems
is what we're both about.
Here's how you can help with this one:
 
P L E A S E:
While completing TCL documents with your customers,
use the positive approach by suggesting they get quotes
from their insurance provider so they're prepared
to make an informed choice when they receive their Insurance Election Form.
It's a supportive gesture that will reinforce your customers' confidence
in you and in Radio Shack.
 
For your customer's reference, please keep these ABI numbers:
 
Service Center Help Line           1 (800) 228-2639
             (in Dallas)             (214) 669-2524
 
To report a Claim                  1 (800) 358-0600
 
For any questions, contact the     1 (817) 390-3898
Insurance/MSI Coordinators at:     1 (817) 390-2763
 
A TCL LEASE...
 
The Closing Link to a Total Solution
for your clients' business products needs
 
MOM-05-91
SCHOOLMATE PLUS: EDUCATIONAL NETWORKING ENVIRONMENT
 
Overview
 
Networking is the best solution available to help increase
teacher productivity, bring computer-assisted instruction to students
and improve data sharing within schools and throughout a school district.
SchoolMate Plus links together Tandy and other PC-compatibles
to give schools an educational networking environment ideally suited
to meet the needs of students and educators.
 
The SchoolMate Plus solution is flexible -- use it in classrooms,
computer labs, the library, media center or office.
The new distributive network feature allows for multiple servers
and printer support, as well as remote printing capability.
In SchoolMate Plus schools have the power and expansion capabilities
of a distributive network, with improved security and global access
to all servers.
Diskless startup gets classes going on time,
and makes it easy for even pre-schoolers and kindergarteners
to learn with SchoolMate Plus.
And CD-ROM support makes SchoolMate Plus a must for libraries and classrooms
where research and ready-reference works are used.
 
To the student and teacher all this is accomplished through
the easy-to-use DeskMate  Graphical User Interface.
This interface and the DeskMate productivity tools make SchoolMate Plus
unique among educational networks.
The DeskMate Interface translates cryptic "computerese" commands
into English which teachers and students can follow with ease.
And with DeskMate productivity tools,
teachers can keep track of classroom equipment, write memos to parents,
organize schedules, create lesson plans, plan field trips, and more.
Students can use the DeskMate productivity tools daily for homework,
class projects and writing assignments.
 
In the office, the SchoolMate Plus GroupWare applications excel
at helping administrators and their clerical staff schedule activities
and communicate with teachers.
With the DeskMate productivity tools,
the office staff have the most widely used productivity tools --
word processor, spreadsheet, and database -- under one interface.
 
In the specialized lab or individual classroom, SchoolMate Plus handles
everything from basic skills to business education.
ILS integration, coupled with improved memory management,
enables teachers to make the most of computer-assisted instruction
with Integrated Learning System solutions
that give students the individual assistance they need.
Teachers can combine these ILS solutions with SchoolMate Curriculum Solutions
from leading software publishers such as Broderbund, Compu-Teach,
DLM Teaching Resources, Davidson and Associates and South-Western Publishing
to create an unbeatable combination of
computer-assisted instructional applications.
 
SchoolMate Plus Enhancements
 
We've taken everything schools liked
about the popular SchoolMate  network system -- and improved it!
SchoolMate Plus features simple system setup and installation
across several servers.
Once the system is installed, students and teachers
can immediately go to work using the default student desktop -- DeskMate.
 
Courseware Installation has been improved to incorporate software installed
from the system level as well as through SchoolMate Plus.
Virtually all networkable software will launch under SchoolMate Plus.
 
SchoolMate Plus gives teachers six powerful classroom management tools
right in its basic package: ROSTER, GRADE BOOK, LESSON SCHEDULER,
EXAM MAKER, GROUPWARE and the new STUDENT application.
 
With STUDENT, teachers can communicate with their students
and track their activity on the network.
Teachers can instantly get a list of all students or the students
in their class currently using the network.
Teachers can also send data file assignments to their students
and with a simple series of keystrokes collect the assignments
through the STUDENT function.
Teachers can also manage student directories and use STUDENT
to copy and delete files from a student directory.
 
The classroom management tools in SchoolMate have been improved.
ROSTER features a new Ethnic field for reporting requirements
and allows teachers to create a default quick schedule lesson.
GRADE BOOK now generates letter grades based on grade ranges
and displays symbolic or numeric grade average.
LESSON SCHEDULER has a new automatic class login feature
and allows teachers to schedule students for MS-DOS.
 
On top of all that, SchoolMate GroupWare enhances SchoolMate Plus with
-- CALENDAR, CENTRAL and FORUM.
The new GroupWare feature brings a new dimension
to educational networking environments by encouraging cooperative learning
among students and improving resource sharing
and communication between teachers and students.
 
The Shared CALENDAR helps teachers and administrators manage their time,
providing for centralized scheduling throughout an entire school.
With CALENDAR, events and reminders show up on each teacher's
DeskMate To Do List.
Teachers can schedule student activities, such as yearbook, debate team,
athletics programs, and science projects.
 
CENTRAL creates an online in/out board and telephone message center
for teachers and administrators.
With Central, teachers can send a message to any other teacher at any time.
Individual messages appear in the familiar "While you were out" format.
 
With FORUM, teachers and students can carry on a dialog about any subject.
This "bulletin board like" program allows teachers to create
student discussion groups to address specific topics,
such as a current events discussion among high school social studies classes
or a writing project among elementary students.
FORUM's selection criteria allow users to group topics and replies.
Teachers can also send action item memos to an individual student
or a selected group of students.
These action items have a deadline date and an "open/close" flag
to indicate if the deadline has been met.
 
The SchoolMate Graphical User Interface (GUI)
 
The SchoolMate Plus educational network environment is unique.
Because it is based on the easy-to-use DeskMate Graphical User Interface,
SchoolMate Plus has all the features computer users have come to expect
in a GUI.
 
First, the SchoolMate GUI "speaks" English, plain and simple.
That way teachers and students won't have to learn how to communicate
with SchoolMate before they start to use it --
they'll already be on speaking terms.
 
Second, the SchoolMate GUI features neat, organized displays
that present options clearly and concisely.
Easy-to-follow graphics make it simple for teachers and students
to see exactly where they are in a program.
Handy pull-down menus keep options tucked away and out of sight
until students or teachers call for them.
And pop-up dialog boxes guide teachers through tasks,
making sure that SchoolMate does what they want it to.
 
Third, the SchoolMate GUI provides a uniform operating environment,
which alleviates the frustration and confusion of switching from one task
to the next.
In the SchoolMate Plus educational networking environment,
teachers have classroom management tools, DeskMate productivity tools
and GroupWare tools all based on the same GUI,
with the same look and feel to them,
making each new application easier to learn.
 
Fourth, the SchoolMate GUI features a help function
that's context sensitive -- one that's able to "sense"
which task teachers are currently running and provide help
for that specific task.
 
Finally, for true convenience, the SchoolMate GUI operates with
just the point and click of a mouse cursor controller.
The mouse makes it quick and easy for teachers and students
to select choices from menus and dialog boxes,
taking the mazework out of getting around the many options
SchoolMate Plus offers.
 
System Requirements
 
Dedicated      Tandy 4000 series with at least two megabytes of
  Server:      RAM (four megabytes of RAM recommended), a
               minimum 40-megabyte hard disk drive on each
               network server.  Maximum 10 servers supported
               per network.
 
Workstation:   Tandy (or other PC-compatible) computers with at
               least 640K of RAM (random access memory) and one
               diskette drive or Boot ROM (Ethernet or ARCNET).
 
Network        An Ethernet, ARCNET or Token Ring network card on
  Card:        each server and each workstation.
 
Graphics:      CGA, EGA, VGA, or Hercules graphics adapters.
 
CD-ROM
  Support:     Dedicated Station and OptiNet software required.
 
GroupWare      Dedicated Station recommended.
  Support:
 
Software:      Novell Advanced NetWare v2.15 or SFT NetWare v2.15.
               DeskMate 3.5.  MS-DOS Operating system version
               3.2x.xx or later.
 
Optional:      Microsoft-compatible mouse for workstations.
               Additional or larger hard disk drives on servers.
               Workstation Boot ROMs (Ethernet or ARCNET).
 
Availability
 
SchoolMate Plus will be available in late May.
The GroupWare features will be available in September.
 
MOM-05-91
LIBRARY OF THE FUTURE SERIES IS HERE
 
We are pleased to announce the addition of The Library of the Future Series
First Edition CD-ROM (900-5915 $695.00) to our Education Software Catalog.
 
This remarkable product contains the complete text
of over 450 important historical, classical, philosophical,
cultural and religious titles from over 300 works on one CD-ROM.
 
The disk has won national acclaim from several reviewers.
It was awarded the 1990 Users Choice Award from Jerry Pournelle
of Byte Magazine for its extremely user-friendly format,
and was chosen "Best CD-ROM of 1990"
by Dennis Lynch of The Chicago Tribune.
It is also being reviewed by several educational publications,
and the company is anticipating similar reactions.
 
The Library of the Future is a natural complement to
the Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia,
and should appeal to your customers who have already purchased
the 2500 XL system and/or Compton's.
 
The disk includes powerful search and retrieval software which enables anyone,
teacher or student, to do a full-text word search in seconds.
You can also do a full-text exact phrase search
and find only the occurrences of the phrase you choose.
 
For example, you can find the phrase "I love you"
in 16th Century French Literature, or 18th Century Poetry,
or anywhere in the entire 450-book collection in a matter of seconds.
 
It is also possible to search by author, time of publication,
place of publication, and subject matter.
 
Some of the titles included are the works of Plato, Aristotle,
Shakespeare, The Complete Sherlock Holmes, The Bible, The Koran,
The Bhagavad Gita, The Book of Mormon,
Buddha's Life and Teachings,
poems and stories of Edgar Allan Poe and John Milton.
Novels such as Tom Jones, War and Peace, Don Quixote,
Tale of Two Cities, Decameron, Two Years Before the Mast, Robinson Crusoe,
and Gulliver's Travels are also included, plus over 200 others.
 
The Library of the Future is a powerful reference and research tool
that no educational institution can afford to be without.
It allows both teachers and students to instantly conduct reference searches
which would normally take hours, days or even weeks;
enabling them to concentrate on real learning and understanding.
 
If you would like more information on
The Library of The Future Series First Edition,
you can contact Valerie Hustwit at World Library, Inc. at 1 (800) 443-0238.
 
MOM-05-91
SPECIAL COMPTON'S SPRING PROMOTION
 
Complete Multimedia PC system now $2,899.00
 
In order to increase year-end sales
of Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia (CMME) to schools,
your Radio Shack Education Division and Encyclopedia Britannica
will offer a complete hardware/software system for $2,899.00.
 
This special value includes the Tandy  2500 XL/2
with a 40 megabyte hard drive
and the Hitachi CD-ROM drive (25-4075/1048/1081), VGM-220 monitor (25-4044),
serial mouse (25-1042), and the Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia on CD-ROM.
 
As part of this exciting promotion,
Encyclopedia Britannica will do a direct mailing
to 35,000 librarians and district computer coordinators,
describing the promotion.
So, you may get calls from local school personnel asking to place an order.
 
How to Process an Order
 
Education Account Executives may take orders for this special package.
The school's purchase order must be sent to:
 
Radio Shack Contract Administration
1400 One Tandy Center
Fort Worth, TX  76102
 
Commission will be paid on the $2,300.00 hardware portion of the sale
at a 30% discount level.
If the Encyclopedia Britannica representative writes the sale,
the Education Account Executive must turn in a referral form
to receive commission.
 
This is a bundled promotion ONLY!
It is based on $2,300.00 for the hardware
and $599.00 for Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia.
Schools only get this price if they buy the total CMME/2500 XL/2 bundle.
The CMME cannot be purchased at $599.00 as a separate item.
 
Here's hoping you write "bundles" of business!!
 
MOM-05-91
NEW!  TANDY 1000 RLX/HD JOINS A+
SAVINGS FOR EDUCATORS AND SCHOOLS!
 
The best new value in home computing just got even better!
It has joined our Spring '91 A+ Savings for Educators.
New brochures featuring the addition of the Tandy  1000 RLX/HD
will arrive in the RLX/HD POP Package.
 
RLX/HD TAP System
                                       Retail      TAP
Cat. #    Description                   Price      Price     Savings
 
250-1453  Tandy 1000 RLX/HD          $1,199.95
250-4044  VGM-220 Monitor               399.95
260-2839  DMP 240 Color Printer         549.95
260-0288  Printer Cable                  34.95
250-1244  SM Teacher's Helper            69.95
260-2826  Color Printer Ribbon           29.95
 
                 Total System Price  $2,284.70   $1,799.95    $484.75
 
Good News -- Time Extension!
 
The Spring '91 A+ Savings Campaign will be extended to July 31, 1991.
 
Be sure to follow the directions for Writing the Sale
as outlined in the March 1, 1991 memo from Education Marketing.
 
Proper signatures and teacher identification are necessary on TAP coupons
to qualify for the A+ Savings.
 
MOM-05-91
Product News
 
THE NEW TANDY 1000 RLX
 
On April 18th, the new 25-1452 Tandy  1000 RLX ($799.95)
and 25-1453 Tandy  1000 RLX Hard Drive ($1,199.95) computers
were introduced.
These new units continue the tradition set with the Tandy  1000 RL,
designed with the home user in mind,
but featuring the power and features
necessary for bringing work home from the office.
 
The PC Compatible Tandy 1000 RLXs both feature a 80286 microprocessor
running at 10 MHz clock speed.
The standard memory on the 25-1452 is 512K RAM,
with an available upgrade to 1 MB (25-1083, $79.95).
The 25-1453 RLX HD unit comes with 1 MB RAM already installed.
Included with both machines are two joystick ports, a DB-9 serial port,
a DB-25 parallel printer port, PS/2 mouse port,
a PS/2-Style two-button mouse (same as the 25-1042),
one 1.44 MB high density 3 1/2" diskette drive, 101-Key enhanced keyboard,
real time clock with battery backup,
special Tandy  1000 sound circuitry with bi-directional DACs,
VGA video support, volume control, stereo headphone jack,
microphone jack, one ten-inch expansion board slot,
MS-DOS and DeskMate  in ROM
and the 24 DeskMate and DeskMate Home Organizer  Applications.
 
On the 25-1452, there is an additional storage device slot
for either a 25-1075 720K or 25-4053 1.44 MB 3 1/2" floppy diskette drive
or a 25-1047 20 or 25-1048 40 Megabyte SmartDrive .
On the 25-1453, there is a 40 Megabyte SmartDrive
already built-in and formatted, with MS-DOS
and DeskMate pre-installed on the drive.
Your customer just powers up and goes!
 
The new features to this 1000-family computer include the
VGA video support (the first time for a 1000 computer),
up to 1 megabyte RAM on the main board
and the inclusion of a two-button PS/2-Style Mouse with the computer.
With the addition of the 25-4044 VGM-220 Color Monitor
to the 25-1452 Tandy 1000 RLX, you have a package price of $1,199.90,
the lowest price ever offered on a VGA computer/Color Monitor combination
from Radio Shack.
In fact, it's less than the initial catalog price
of the 25-1602 Tandy 1000 TL/2 computer alone!
 
Also included is a new Voice Message option in the Information Center,
which allows you to leave voice messages
by attaching a microphone to the RLX.
It is a great enhancement that will make a super demonstration
of the advanced sound technology built into every Tandy 1000
produced since the Tandy  1000 SL in 1988.
 
These features alone would make a solid computer for the home
or home office user,
but we've kept those special features that make this the perfect family system.
While these features are familiar to you with the RL computers,
they bear repeating.
First, as in the RL, we've left the fan out of the RLX.
It was designed to run cooler than most computers,
and all components were built with the special requirements
of a no fan environment in mind.
The floppy drive has a disk change detection circuit,
so when you change diskettes, the DeskMate screen is updated automatically.
The RLX has a durable, rugged metal enclosure
with a very compact footprint of
2 7/8" high, 14" wide and 15" deep.
DeskMate features the "screen saver" option
that causes the screen to go blank after a period of
keyboard and mouse inactivity,
thus allowing the monitor to stay powered on all the time
with no risk of screen burn-in.
 
On the hard drive version, the screen saver option also controls
the "power saver" program of the SmartDrive,
where the SmartDrive is turned off,
after a period of keyboard and mouse inactivity, until needed.
These two features are designed with the idea of leaving the computer
powered on at all times, making it a true home information center.
 
If your customer chooses to add a SmartDrive
to their floppy RLX computer later,
you'll find the installation a very easy task.
The 25-1047 20 and 25-1048 40 Megabyte SmartDrives feature
the HINSTALL initialization program that runs under DeskMate.
Four keystrokes and you're finished.
Even a labeled blank diskette is included!
The MS-DOS/GW-BASIC diskette installs to the SmartDrive under DeskMate
as well.
Just start DeskMate, press <F7>, highlight INSTALL,
put your MS-DOS/GW-BASIC diskette in Drive A,
and MS-DOS is installed in its own directory.
It even creates or modifies the AUTOEXEC.BAT file and sets the ROM.
 
As stated earlier, the RLX is a system,
and the other part of the system is software.
For the RLX, we have improved the 15 DeskMate Home Organizer applications
by the addition of new colors and graphics (made possible by the use of VGA),
and added the Recipe Sharer.
Let's review, by each category, the DeskMate Home Organizer Applications:
 
Personal
 
Collections:   Helps keep collections organized, such as coins, stamps, videos,
               records, etc.
 
Diary:         Keeps a password-protected diary on the computer to express
               your thoughts daily.
 
Home           Keeps an organized list of your possessions in your home for
Inventory:     insurance and other purposes.
 
Information    A "bulletin board" for leaving messages, plus a list of important
   Center:     phone numbers and a date book.  This replaces the refrigerator
               door as the family message center.
 
Itemized       Keep a detailed account of anything in your home inventory or
   List:       any other list.
 
Travel         Create an itinerary of your vacation or business trip and schedule
   Planner:    every day.
 
Kitchen
 
Cookbook:      Browse through recipes filed by category.  Make a selection and
               a "recipe card" displays both an ingredient list and preparation
               instructions.  Includes 30 recipes from the New Good Housekeeping
               Cookbook.  By using a new program called Recipe Sharer (included
               with the RLX), those with DeskMate Home Organizer software are
               able to write individual recipes to disk and share them with others.
 
Grocery        A real time saver, created from a list of foods you normally buy.
   List:       Just check each item needed and print a list.
 
Meal           Put together a menu created from recipes in your Cookbook.
   Planner:
 
Financial Organizer
 
Account        A handy file of your checking, savings, credit union and other
   Information:accounts.
 
Checkbook      Keeps track of the checks you've written and keeps the current
   Register:   balance of your account.
 
Checkbook      Helps reconcile your bank account with the monthly statement,
   Balancer:   easily and quickly.
 
Expense        Using information from the Checkbook Register, find out where
   Itemizer:   your money went during the month.  Includes both a monthly
               Pie Chart and annual Bar Chart for quick reference.
 
Financial      Keeps information on stocks, bonds and loans, right at your
   Notebook:   fingertips.
 
Mathcard:      Solve problems with commonly used formulas, including loans,
               savings, unit conversions and more.
 
The RLX also includes nine other DeskMate programs:  Desktop, Text, Draw,
PC-Link, Telecom, Hangman, Music, Sound and Address Book.
This makes a total of TWENTY-FOUR applications included
with the Tandy 1000 RLX computer.
 
Of course, we believe that the RLX and RL are THE Home Computers.
But we're not alone.
 
The Tandy 1000 RLX joins the Tandy 1000 RL
as the only computers to have the Good Housekeeping Seal.
The Seal is one of the most widely respected in the world,
and you should make sure your customer is aware that
our RLX and RL are the only computers with the Seal.
 
"The Home Computer... That Means Business!"
is the slogan we are using to indicate how confident we are
that the RLX is the system for those customers concerned with 80286 power
and work brought home from the office,
but still need an easy to learn and use computer.
Anyone can be successful using the RLX.
First, there are the built-in tutorial programs
to step the customer through the applications,
as well as a manual that covers both software and hardware.
Second, the friendly face of DeskMate allows you to learn one interface
and then use common features in all programs.
Third, we have special training for you, our salesmakers,
to help you become more proficient in running DeskMate
and the VGA enhanced DeskMate Home Organizer.
Fourth, you have the special RLX/RL 800 number
for store personnel to get quick answers to those unusual customer questions.
 
You may be asked to compare the IBM PS/1 or Macintosh Classic computers
to the Tandy 1000 RLX by your customers.
For direct comparison, a chart is attached to this M.O.M. issue.
The PS/1 has PC-DOS 4.0 and a built-in Modem.
The RLX has faster video, a larger hard drive, an expansion slot,
serial port, two joystick ports and built-in digital sound standard.
It has a superior keyboard to the IBM.
In fact, it's the same keyboard that we use with our most expensive computers.
If your customer wants a modem, many are available for the RLX.
But if they don't want to pay extra for a modem, they don't have to.
MS-DOS 3.3 runs faster and takes up less memory than the PS/1's PC-DOS 4.0.
Options for the RLX are much more affordable than those for the PS/1.
 
To decrease the learning curve,
the friendly face of DeskMate and the DeskMate Home Organizer software
requires the learning of ONE common set of commands.
The PS/1 software includes programs that require the learning of
five different interfaces.
 
The Mac Classic is a monochrome only system,
with no option to add color to its 9-inch built in screen.
Its operating system is incompatible with MS-DOS,
where 80% of program development is happening today.
The myth about Apple's ease of use has been shattered
by programs such as DeskMate and Windows,
and articles like the one from the Atlanta Constitution.
 
If your customer wants to bring work home,
such as preparing a speech or presentation,
or using Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate for forecasting,
the RLX can do the job.
The majority of home users will be well satisfied with the 80286 power,
VGA Graphics and up to 1 MB RAM available with the RLX.
For more intensive programs and power users,
the Tandy  2500 XL/2 may be better suited to their needs.
 
But for the majority of home and small business users,
both new and experienced, the Tandy 1000 RLX
has all the power and expandability they will ever use or need.
To sell this computer, you must forget about the needs
of a typical business computer user.
Functionality, ease of use and early success
will keep this computer busy long after others have been
relegated to the top shelf of the closet or stuffed in the attic.
 
As a special incentive, your customer gets a free software package
(up to a $199.95 value) with the purchase of a Tandy 1000 RLX computer
during the introductory sale.
 
This is the computer you have been asking for.
Input from the field was instrumental in the design and features
included with the RLX.
Now it's time to start selling.
 
The Tandy 1000 RLX proves, once again;
 
Tandy Computers -- there is STILL no better value!
 
MOM-05-91
RADIO SHACK INTRODUCES NEW HOME COMPUTER
THAT MEANS BUSINESS
 
Press Release
 
April 18, 1991, Fort Worth, Texas -- Radio Shack today
introduced the Tandy  1000 RLX,
the next generation of its popular home computer.
 
The Tandy 1000 RLX personal computer carries the extra power
of a 10 Megahertz (MHz) 80286 processor and one 3 1/2" 1.44 MB
floppy disk drive.
A second 3 1/2" drive bay will accept either a floppy disk drive,
or a 20 MB or 40 MB hard drive option.
The system also has one PC-compatible expansion slot.
 
"Group studies told us that people want the home management tools
that come with the 1000 RL plus the power of an office PC,"
said Bernard S. Appel, president of Radio Shack.
"The 1000 RLX is the home computer that means business," he said.
 
The 1000 RLX includes Tandy's DeskMate
and DeskMate Home Organizer's 24 easy-to-use home management applications.
Now DeskMate software turns its friendly face toward the bigger jobs
normally left in the office.
Pull down menus and pop up dialog boxes,
along with the "point and click" convenience of a Tandy mouse,
permit quick and easy performance of tasks.
This familiar and friendly system, with built-in tutorial programs,
guarantees success.
These features helped the original 1000 RL and the new 1000 RLX
become the only computers to earn the Good Housekeeping Seal.
 
The 1000 RLX comes in floppy disk and hard drive configurations.
Both systems include high resolution VGA graphics,
a voice message option in DeskMate's Information Center, a two button mouse,
two joystick connectors, microphone and stereo headphone jacks,
and a real-time clock with battery backup.
All internal components are designed to function without the need for a fan.
That means the 1000 RLX runs cooler and quieter than most computers
on the market today.
The unique "Screen Saver," that clears the screen
after a period of inactivity,
allows the 1000 RLX to remain powered up 24 hours a day,
ready for instant use.
 
The Hard Drive version comes with 1 MB RAM and a 40 MB hard drive.
It is factory loaded with the DeskMate and DeskMate Home Organizer 
software, MS-DOS operating system,
and a comprehensive demonstration program with voice, music, and photographs.
 
Suggested retail prices are $799.95 for the 1000 RLX and
$1,199.95 for the 1000 RLX hard drive model.
Monochrome and color monitors are additional.
During the introduction, customers may choose a bonus software package
valued up to $199.95 with the purchase of a Tandy 1000 RLX.
 
This offer, and these prices,
are good at more than 7,000 participating Radio Shack Computer Center ,
Radio Shack Plus Computer Center ,
Radio Shack  and dealer stores nationwide.
 
Here's an unsolicited comment we
got via E-mail from an employee
at a store in Indiana:
 
I have just had the privilege of going over the features on the
new Tandy 1000 RLX Hard Drive and I am so impressed that I wanted to write you.
The computer seems to have every convenient feature available
as well as all the most popularly requested add-ons
at a price that is very competitive.
Thank you for this perfect product.
 
Thank you for the comment!
 
MOM-05-91
TANDY CDR-1000 CD-ROM DRIVE UPDATE
 
In last month's M.O.M. (April '91) and in an S.O.S. memo of March 18th,
we indicated that the new 25-1077 CDR-1000 CD-ROM drive
would be ready for shipments immediately.
Many of you have noticed that the item has not been added to your stock deck,
and find it not available.
 
We found an error in the manuals for the drive
and have had them reprinted.
As soon as the new manuals are packaged with the drives,
they will become available in limited stock through the TSDC warehouse.
 
Note that they will be Code 18, and only available through special order.
Due to the initial short supply and high demand for these drives,
no store will be allowed to stock the drive
and must submit a customer name with each drive ordered.
Only in this way can we be sure of taking care of your customers properly.
 
An S.O.S. memorandum will be sent when the drive is available for ordering.
Until then, be assured you will have the least expensive
high quality CD-ROM drive on the market in as short a time as possible.
Thank you for your patience.
 
MOM-05-91
HARD DRIVE CARD AND SMARTDRIVE UPDATE
 
Many questions have been directed at the buyers
regarding the status and availability of Hard Drive Cards
and SmartDrives  for the Tandy  1000 computers.
Here's a recap:
 
                        Closeout  Catalog
Cat. #    Description    Price     Price     Comments
 
25-1032   20 MB Hard Drive Card   $299.95    This product is discontinued
                                             limited to stock in the field.
 
25-4059   40 MB Hard Drive Card   $449.95    This product is SOWG and
                                             limited to stock in the field.
 
There will be a replacement for the Hard Drive Cards in the next 60 days.
DO NOT offer rainchecks at the closeout prices.
If you have already given rainchecks on the 25-1032 and 25-4059,
the replacements will be used to fulfill them.
 
                            Closeout   Catalog
Cat. #    Description        Price      Price    Comments
 
25-1045   20 MB SmartDrive   $299.95             This product is discontinued
                                                 limited to stock in the field.
                                                 Substitute the 25-1047 20 MB
                                                 SmartDrive in TL/2 and TL/3
                                                 only with advertised system
                                                 sales.  The 25-1047 comes with
                                                 the necessary hardware and
                                                 software to work in the TL/2
                                                 and TL/3s.
 
25-1046   40 MB SmartDrive   $399.95             This product is SOWG, but
                                                 there are units still in the
                                                 warehouses and in the field.
 
25-1047   20 MB SmartDrive             $399.95   This product is active and used
                                                 in the 1000 RL, TL/2 & TL/3.
25-1048   40 MB SmartDrive             $459.95   This product is active and may
                                                 be used in the 1000 RL, TL/2
                                                 and TL/3 in XT mode, 2500 XL,
                                                 XL/2 and AT-IDE machines
                                                 in AT mode.
 
Do not offer the 25-1047 20 MB SmartDrive
at the 25-1045 closeout price of $299.95.
The 25-1047 is ONLY to be substituted for 25-1045 in advertised system sales.
 
MOM-05-91
NEW!  VGM-220 COLOR MONITOR
 
Introducing the NEW Tandy VGM-220 VGA Color Monitor.
The VGM-220 will help enhance your NEW Tandy 1000 RLX sales
which supports VGA graphics (Video Graphics Array)!
Let's take a look at the features of the VGM-220:
 
  640 X 480 high-resolution color
  Displays characters 80 across and 25 lines
  Graphics in 256 vivid colors
  .52 dot pitch
  14" Glare screen
  One year warranty
  Retail price $399.95
 
With these features you can offer your customers
a lower cost alternative to the VGM-200 monitor.
 
But, just as you've compared the CM-5 to the CM-11 with your customers,
you'll want to do the same with the VGA monitors.
For those customers needing a finer dot pitch than .52,
you'll want to display close by the VGM-200 Color Monitor (25-4041B).
The VGM-200 offers a .42 dot pitch and a non-glare type screen.
This provides a sharper image and is easier on the eyes with minimal glare
which reduces fatigue while using the monitor
(and the extra $100 in the drawer at the end of the day adds up too!).
 
Seeing is believing!
 
MOM-05-91
COMPUTER TECHNICAL TRAINING
 
Radio Shack Computer Technical Services offers technical training,
in Fort Worth, to government agencies, school districts
and other large account customers that maintain their own computer equipment.
Our lectures and hands-on labs teach the technician to perform
all alignment and to isolate malfunctions
to either the subassembly or component level.
 
Courses consist of lectures and labs.
During the lectures the student will learn what assemblies are in the computer,
what these subassemblies do, the theory behind how they do it,
and finally how these parts combine to make the complete computer system.
Schematic diagrams and chip data play a major role.
Our instructors discuss theory behind any alignments
as well as proper procedures.
 
Lab sessions teach alignments that are pertinent to the system
and show proper troubleshooting techniques.
During this portion of the course, students solve problems injected
into the computers by the instructional staff.
When the technician completes this course,
he/she will not only understand the theory behind
how the computer system functions, but how to effectively troubleshoot it.
 
1991 Customer Technical Training Schedule:
 
91-C03B1  Tandy 1000 Systems              June  3 -- June  7
91-C03B3  Tandy 80286/80386sx Systems     June 10 -- June 14
91-C03B4  Tandy 4000 Systems              June 17 -- June 21
 
91-C04B1  Tandy 1000 Systems            August  5 -- August  9
91-C04B3  Tandy 80286/80386sx Systems   August 12 -- August 16
91-C04B4  Tandy 4000 Systems            August 19 -- August 23
 
91-C05B1  Tandy 1000 Systems           October  7 -- October 11
91-C05B3  Tandy 80286/80386sx Systems  October 14 -- October 18
91-C05B4  Tandy 4000 Systems           October 21 -- October 25
 
Customized curriculums are conditionally available.
For more information about these, or our standard classes,
contact Renee Garrett at (817) 390-3969 or Ken Brookner at (817) 390-2985.
 
MOM-05-91
SELLING DISCONTINUED SOFTWARE
 
When a product is discontinued it usually means
there is a newer version of the product,
or in some cases that the product has lived its life as a "Hit" title.
That doesn't mean that it should sit around your store for eternity!
 
Software is a fast moving industry with new updates,
releases and versions of products as often as every other month!
Most software vendors offer upgrade programs to registered users.
It's in their best interest to support the newest version of the software.
It saves them having to support multiple old versions of a product.
 
But your customers must be able to find it!
Display it prominently with a sign indicating it's discontinued software --
Bargain Prices!
(And many of your DISC prices are bargains!)
 
Don't hide it on the rack or in the display with your current titles.
Customers might not mind purchasing an older version of a product
if they know what they're purchasing!
But if you stick it in with your new software,
they'll think it's a current title and be unhappy
when they discover it's not!
 
Do yourself a favor by getting rid of your old titles.
Do your customer a favor by giving them the chance to use
some terrific software for a bargain price ... and the 
ability to upgrade to all the bells and whistles if they want to.
 
MOM-05-91
PC-LINK DEMO ACCOUNTS
 
Quantum monitors our store use of demo accounts,
and they've noted that these accounts are being used
more when the stores are closed than when they are open!
 
While we realize this may happen occasionally,
it appears that it is now the rule instead of the exception.
Here are a couple of samples:
"Scotty 36" was asked about his use online by someone from Quantum;
he said he wasn't at work and then laughed about it.
Account "01-2154" was given to a non-Radio Shack employee for personal use.
 
107 accounts were turned off last month
because they were duplicate accounts for the same stores.
This is not how demo accounts are to be used!
They are a tool to help you sell modems and computers
that have PC-Link included in them.
 
If demo account abuse gets out of hand we will all lose a valuable sales tool.
If you want to spend your personal time on PC-Link,
take advantage of their reduced price offer to Radio Shack employees.
For those of you who are not familiar with it, here it is again:
 
  Radio Shack Employee Offer -- Special Online Rates on PC-Link!
 
  For only $5.95 a month (that's $4.00 off the regular monthly rate)
  Radio Shack employees can enjoy PC-Link at home.
 
  If you already have an account and are paying the full price,
  you can simply E-mail "LynC2" and tell her you are an employee
  and she will have your account rate changed.
  You will need to provide her your store number as well for verification.
 
  If you don't have an account yet,
  you may call 1 (800) 545-6572 and get set up.
  You will need to identify yourself as a Radio Shack employee
  and provide your store number.
  They will send you the information you need to sign on.
 
MOM-05-91
NO MAPS IN F-15 STRIKE EAGLE 2
 
There has been some recent confusion regarding maps being included
in this product (25-1383).
Maps are not required for game play
and the vendor had removed them from the product.
However, in one or two places in the manual maps are referred to
and the vendor failed to remove these remarks.
The maps are not missing.
They were never intended to be there in the first place.
 
MOM-05-91
WHAT'S NEW ON PC-LINK
 
New enhancements to Rabbit Jack's Casino
will provide a new "twist" to the longevity of the 4 interactive games.
This new tool gives the Casino Staff the opportunity to change the stakes
of all four Casino Games: BlackJack, Poker, Bingo and Slots.
In addition, they may set two options as a Bingo goal for players --
the NEW "Cover All" game
(where the entire card must be covered in order to call Bingo),
or the standard Straight-Line play.
 
The encyclopedia search screen has been re-designed
to make searching easier, with simple language instructions
and examples of how to search for information.
 
Scholastic's Electronic Learning magazine is celebrating its 10th anniversary
at the National Education and Computing Conference (NECC) in June.
As part of the celebration, Scholastic is honoring
"Ten Who Made a Difference."
Nominations for the contest, in order to encourage wider participation,
will be accepted via PC-Link.
 
The Computer Terms search screen has been updated
(as the encyclopedia screen noted earlier)
as part of the continued re-design of the searchable database system.
These changes will make searching easier,
with simple language instructions and examples of how to search.
Look for additional announcements for new screens
of other areas of the service next month.
 
MOM-05-91
NOTEBOOKS AND LARGER HARD DRIVES
 
Everyone is talking about it -- the newly announced BRANDX Notebook
computer with a 60 megabyte hard disk drive!!
The advertisements are all over the place enticing the user to ask for
and demand a 60 megabyte hard drive.
 
Unfortunately for the user, the actual number of notebook computers
with a 60 MB hard drive that are being delivered is relatively small.
Some manufacturers have resorted to shipping with a 20 MB drive
and including a coupon for a 40 MB or 60 MB upgrade WHEN AVAILABLE.
Others are simply continuing to advertise and doing their
best to get small quantities out to their dealers.
 
The buyers and staff of Computer Merchandising are not deaf
to customer's demands for a larger hard drive in the Tandy notebook line.
We fully understand that customers are asking for them in the stores --
but think a minute -- one of the reasons they are asking you
and continue to ask you is that not only is the
Tandy notebook computer line great,
but they simply are having trouble finding any dealer
that has a 60 MB unit in stock to sell.
 
The trouble with the supply of these large hard drives is
that there have been very bad problems with their reliability --
in some cases they simply do not work.
And although other manufacturers continue to try to supply these drives,
Radio Shack would rather wait for a quality product.
 
So be patient and try to calm the customers.
Radio Shack will move to the larger hard drives
when the manufacturers can produce them with consistently
good quality and quantity.
 
MOM-05-91
BRODERBUND SOFTWARE NOW AVAILABLE AT AN EMPLOYEE DISCOUNT!
 
Yes, that's right.
The entire line of Broderbund software is available to you at a great price.
Any title $99.99 or less can be purchased for only $12.50,
and any title over $100 can be purchased for only $25.00.
 
This offer is for personal use only, and is available for a limited time.
A battery card with your name on it, or a business card (preferred)
should be included with your order.
A form has been provided (attached to this M.O.M.) to facilitate your ordering.
 
MOM-05-91
BATTERY USE ON LAPTOP AND NOTEBOOK COMPUTERS
 
Introduction
 
Even though battery powered devices have been around for many years,
it still seems that we continually question why they act the way they do.
Batteries in laptop and notebook computers are no exception to the rule.
Since there are several different types of batteries in use
in Tandy notebook computers,
it is important to be able to answer some basic questions
when asked by a customer.
 
"Why doesn't my battery last for the {insert your own time}
that your catalog says it will?"
I'm sure every salesperson in our stores has heard this question at least once
if they have sold a notebook or laptop computer.
To begin, we will list the types of batteries used
in Tandy laptops/notebooks,
list some of the "published" times on our computers
and give you some explanation of how those figures are determined,
how they apply to the average user,
and then some tips on getting the maximum from a battery.
 
Types of Batteries
 
There are two basic types of batteries -- `lead acid' and `Ni-cad.'
The Tandy  1100 FD and the Tandy  2800 HD use the lead acid type.
This is a sealed battery quite similar in some respects
to the battery in your car.
The balance of our notebook/laptop line uses Ni-cad batteries.
The Tandy  1400 laptops used standard Ni-cad technology,
with the 1500 HD and the 2810 HD using high capacity Ni-cad.
 
During the early years of laptop computer development,
standard Ni-cad technology offered the user the ability
to use their batteries over and over again
instead of having to throw them away each time and buy new batteries.
Ni-Cad offered the maximum economical power.
It did, however, have one major drawback that became evident very quickly
with laptop computer users -- "the dreaded MEMORY CHARGE disease."
 
Now it's not fair to blame the spread of this disease
entirely on the battery -- the laptop user must share some of the blame.
And also the laptop itself is partly to blame.
Most users "forget" to remove their battery
when they plug in the AC adapter.
Most users will use their laptop batteries for 10-20 minutes during the day,
then plug them in to charge when they get back to the office or home
that evening.
Others quickly remove and change batteries at the very first warning beep
that the battery is getting low.
 
Ni-cad batteries MUST be discharged completely before they are recharged.
And this is even more important with the high capacity batteries
like those used in the Tandy 1500 HD and 2810 HD.
This means completely discharged, not just half way,
or down to the first warning that the battery is low.
The prudent user will make sure to leave their computer on
until it runs out of battery power at least once a week
before recharging the battery.
In so doing, the user prevents a `memory charge' from building in the battery.
For those of you that do not know what this means --
if you use a Ni-cad for only 1/4 of its charge and recharge it,
and do this several times in a row,
the battery will soon memorize that this is all the power you want
and will only charge to 1/4 of its power.
 
So -- if a battery develops this "MEMORY CHARGE DISEASE,"
is it curable?
In most cases the answer is YES --
it may take a few complete discharges (called DEEP DISCHARGES)
before the memory goes away
and the battery once again starts taking a full charge.
If you suspect a user has MEMORY CHARGE DISEASE,
tell them to leave their computer on overnight or during the day
until the battery goes dead, then completely recharge it.
Then repeat this sequence six times in a row.
In most cases the full charge capability will return.
 
Another important point to remember with laptop Ni-cad batteries is that
they can be recharged about 400 times over their life.
And the more times a battery is recharged,
the less capacity it will have.
As the battery gets closer to the 400 charge number,
it will be down to approximately half its charge capacity
as compared to when it was new.
This is a good point to remember when users complain
that their battery USED to give them 3 hours of life
but now only gives them about 1 hour of life.
 
The customer cannot understand why his laptop battery should be any different
from the battery in his portable drill,
or his portable electric razor, or some other tool:
"my razor lasted four years before I had to replace it --
why did my laptop battery only last nine months?"
Most customers like this are adamant that the product you sold him
is defective.
You have to explain how the two are similar
yet very different when it comes to the battery.
His razor, for example, takes very little power to run
and can use the battery down to very little charge.
 
His computer, on the other hand,
is probably used every day for a couple of hours,
recharged and used some more and recharged again,
and it takes a tremendous amount of power to spin up the hard drive.
And of course the battery probably remains in the unit when used on AC
which means the battery is getting charged when it really doesn't need to be.
 
If you do some quick math -- the razor gets charged 30-50 times a year --
and the laptop gets charged about 400 times a year.
And usually the customer starts complaining
when he sees battery life starting to drop off,
which usually happens as the battery approaches the 250-300 charge mark.
Once again his comment is "my razor didn't do that!"
But the truth is that his razor probably did do that --
he just can't remember because 4 years ago it went two weeks
between charges and now it only goes one week between charges.
And he really doesn't even notice when it does or when it doesn't
because all he does is put it in its charger stand every morning
and the charger stand takes care of when it gets charged.
 
Battery Life of Specific Laptops
 
Battery life that a user can expect to get from their unit
will vary tremendously from user to user.
And the `published' battery life times of the early laptop computers
was computed differently than it is now computed for computers
like today's Tandy 2810 HD.
At the time of the 1400 LT laptop,
what few laptops there were in the industry simply measured battery life
based on 10% floppy disk usage,
without any activity during non-floppy usage.
Whether right or wrong, it was the way the industry chose to measure it.
In keeping with the industry,
Radio Shack measured its early laptops the same way.
It is extremely important to remember that these times
are with a fully charged, new battery.
 
Tandy  1400 LT -- 4 hours
 
This `published' time was based on floppy disk use 10% of the time.
A more practical time value for this unit
(with 10% floppy disk use and and an actual program running
during non-floppy access)
would be TWO HOURS.
 
Tandy  1400 LT with the 20 MB hard disk drive kit.
No battery life was ever published for this upgrade,
but a customer could expect only about 30 MINUTES of use.
 
Tandy  1400 FD -- 4 hours
 
Once again, this time was based on 10% floppy disk usage
and running at 4.77 MHz.
A more practical time value for this unit
(with 10% floppy disk use and and an actual program running
during non-floppy access)
would be 2 1/4 HOURS or just slightly better than the 1400 LT.
Battery technology hadn't changed much between these units,
but it was slightly more efficient.
 
Tandy  1400 HD -- 2 hours
 
Once again, this time was based on 10% disk drive usage of the FDD only.
A more practical time value for this unit
(with 10% hard drive use, no floppy use, and and an actual program running
during non-hard drive access)
would be 45 MINUTES.
 
Between the time of the 1400 series and the 1100 FD,
the industry had gone through some changes in how battery life was measured.
When the industry was using straight computer-on time
with 10% disk access as a measurement,
they found that the times were just too far off
from what the user was really getting.
In keeping with the industry,
Radio Shack also changed its method of computing battery life.
Although this method was still not perfect,
it did more closely resemble what the user could expect.
(You'll read later on how this once again changed at Radio Shack.)
 
Tandy  1100 FD -- 5 hours
 
This time was based on 1% floppy disk usage with
the LCD being on 90% of the time.
Most users and magazines are reporting anywhere from 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours
of usage depending on how much the floppy disk drive is used.
Since the 1100 FD has DOS and DeskMate  in ROM,
you can see where little floppy disk usage is required for the DeskMate user.
Those users that run applications from diskette
will be the ones that get 3 1/2 to 4 hours of battery life.
 
Tandy  2800 HD -- 2 hours
 
This time, once again, was based on 1% hard disk usage,
no floppy disk usage, LCD brightness at its lowest setting,
LCD on 90% of the time, and all power management modes set to on.
Once again, in actual use,
average customers are reporting three quarters to a full hour of actual use.
 
Between the units above and the 1500 HD,
Radio Shack decided to use a more realistic number
when determining battery life.
It was determined that the user actually used their hard drive
about 10% of the time instead of only 1% of the time.
So Radio Shack adopted a measuring system of 10% HDD use,
1% floppy use, LCD on 90%, brightness at minimum setting,
serial ports turned off, no printer port activity,
no upgrade memory installed, no modem installed,
and all power management functions enabled.
While this formula does not fit every user's habits,
it more closely defines practical use of a laptop in a mobile environment.
 
Tandy  1500 HD -- 4 hours with a new battery.
 
Tandy  2810 HD -- 3 1/2 hours with a new battery.
 
With the Tandy 1500 HD and the Tandy 2810 HD, there are some simple rules
that MUST be followed by the user to obtain maximum battery life.
And there are several things the user can do to extend their battery life.
First, to obtain the times listed above, the user must have turned on
all the power savings modes of his unit.
With the SETUPxxx program furnished with each of the computers,
the user can control all the various settings.
For instance, on the 2810 HD, POWER MANAGEMENT must be set to ON,
the hard disk drive should be set to turn off after 1/4 minute,
the display and standby times should be set to the lowest limits
that the user can function with.
The LCD brightness switch must be set to its minimum setting,
as this one setting can affect the life by 20-30 minutes when set to high.
 
Hints and Tips
 
There are several other tricks a user can do to maximize battery life:
 
1. If nothing is used in the serial port connector --
   turn it off with the SETUPxxx program.
 
2. If the program being used does not require fast number crunching
   (like database entry, word processing, note taking, etc.),
   consider setting the speed of the processor to its slow setting.
   This can be done either in the SETUPxxx program
   or straight from the keyboard by pressing <FN>+<F3>
   while running most programs.
   Note the power light will change to amber
   when the processor is in slow speed.
   Pressing <FN>+<F3> again will toggle it back to fast.
   [Author's Note: I am writing this article using a Tandy 2810 HD
   and DeskMate Text on a plane bound for sunny California
   and I need maximum battery life, so I have put the processor in slow mode
   since the computer is waiting for me to type on the keyboard --
   not me waiting on the computer.
   I expect to get all the way to California on one battery
   (approximately 3 1/2 hours flying time).]
 
3. Set the LCD brightness to minimum.
   Even here on the plane with the sunlight coming in the window,
   this setting gives more than sufficient lighting to see the screen.
 
4. Take the battery out of the computer when it is not in use.
   Now this might sound silly, but even when the computer is turned off
   it still uses battery power.
   Why?
   Because the power switch is actually an electrical switch
   and power is always being used to monitor
   whether the switch has been pushed or not.
   This is true on the 1500 HD and the 2810 HD.
   Even with a fully charged battery and the computer turned off,
   the main battery will completely discharge in approximately eleven days.
   So it makes sense to remove the battery until it is needed.
 
5. Use the RESUME feature of the 2810 HD only when it is absolutely necessary.
   If battery life is the customer's main concern,
   turn off RESUME from the SETUPxxx program.
   When RESUME is enabled, the separate RESUME Ni-cad battery
   is constantly being charged by the main Ni-cad battery.
   And after the RESUME Ni-cad has used all its power,
   the RESUME function automatically changes over to the main Ni-cad
   for its power.
   Therefore, it is possible for the user to shut off their system with
   RESUME activated and the main battery system will discharge in a matter
   of one or two days if there is 5 MB of memory in the machine.
 
6. Remove the battery from the unit when it is being used on AC current,
   unless charging is taking place.
   This prevents the Ni-cad batteries from developing a memory charge.
   Also note that the majority of the power savings modes are disabled
   when the unit is plugged into AC current.
 
Things to remember:
 
1. adding memory upgrades will decrease battery life
2. adding a modem will decrease battery life
3. using a printer will decrease battery life
4. setting brightness of the LCD to maximum will decrease battery life
5. using programs that are hard drive intensive will decrease battery life
 
MOM-05-91
MAGAZINE ADVERTISING
 
Tandy computer products are frequently advertised
in leading national publications.
Magazine advertising reinforces the image of Tandy  Computers
as a nationally recognized brand.
Tandy computer products will be featured in these publications
over the next month:
 
Date   Magazine             Computer
 
5/02   Smithsonian          Compton's System
5/01   Delta Sky            Tandy  2810 HD
5/01   CompuServe           Tandy  2810 HD
5/15   Byte                 Tandy  2810 HD
5/18   PCM                  Tandy  2810 HD
5/20   Compute              Tandy  1000 RLX
5/20   PC Computing         Tandy  2810 HD
5/28   Home Ofc. Computing  Tandy  1000 RLX
5/29   Entrepreneur         RSCC Institutional Ad
 
MOM-05-91
DISCONTINUED PRODUCTS
 
CAT. #    DESCRIPTION
 
250-1032  20 MB Hard Drive Card
250-1045  20 MB SmartDrive 
          (replaced by 250-1047 20 MB SmartDrive)
250-1053  Tandy  1000 HX
250-4059  40 MB Hard Drive Card
 
MOM-05-91
"C" CLASS Q & A
 
When C Classes meet in Ft. Worth,
there is a session for open discussion with
Computer Merchandising buyers and personnel.
We always get some good questions,
and we decided that everyone would be interested in this information.
 
In the older Tandy 1000s, I have heard that if the DAC is used,
the printer must also be on.
Is this true?
 
Yes.
This characteristic was corrected in the TL/3 and RLX.
 
What do I do if I have a 1000 RL where the mouse locks up
at the top of the screen?
 
This characteristic was seen only in some of the first 5,000 units produced.
If necessary, National Parts can provide a no-charge ROM
which the store can then easily install in the appropriate socket.
 
I have several copies of the same software title in my store.
How should I display these?
 
Place the copy in the best condition showing "face out."
The duplicates can then be arranged "spine out" next to the display copy.
 
Will the discontinued 25-1032 hard drive card
be stocked in National Parts?
 
National Parts will maintain a rotating "repair exchange" inventory only.
The store replacement for 25-1032 for new sales will be announced shortly.
(See "Hard Drive Card and SmartDrive Update" article
on Page 21 of this issue.)
 
Can the new 25-1047 and 25-1048 SmartDrives  use
the alternate hard drive mounting bracket
for installation in either a TL/2 or TL/3?
 
For 25-1047 (20 MB), the answer is NO; for 25-1048 (40 MB), it's YES.
 
Will there ever be an upgrade to the new version of DeskMate
for owners of the older 1000 TL and SL?
 
This requires a new BIOS ROM which is now scheduled to be available this summer
as a 700 number.
 
The 2500 XL 3-voice sound isn't recognized by software.
Why? And are we fixing this?
 
The addressing for the 3-voice sound on the 2500 XL is different than for
the 1000s.
Software publishers have this information,
but it is taking some time for the new software
to make it "into the pipeline."
New software you receive should have 3-voice sound that works on the 2500 XL.
 
Our customers really love the "skin" keyboard cover that we use
on our POS keyboards.
We can't get them quick enough to sell!
 
We recently changed the Availability Code on these to 12,
and stock disappeared rapidly.
They're now arriving in quantity in Regional Warehouses.
 
MOM-05-91
CANCELED PRODUCTS
 
CAT. #        DESCRIPTION
 
903/5-5660    Homeworker SCM
903/5-5673    Double Up SCM
903/5-5674    Mark-Up SCM
903/5-5675    Proteus SCM
903/5-5676    Rhubarb SCM
903/5-5677    Sequitur SCM
903/5-5779    Bodyworks Jr SCM
903/5-5780    Bodyworks Sr SCM
 
MOM-05-91
LATE DATES
 
Listed here are the new items that appear in
the 1991 Tandy  Computer Reference Guide and
the 1991 Educational Products Guide
which have not yet arrived at the warehouses.
Also included are the dates the merchandise is expected to be available
at the warehouses.
 
The dates listed in this section are based on the latest available information,
and are updated monthly.
While they may not be 100% accurate, they are the best estimate we have
at this time.
 
The dates listed here should be your ONLY reference for availability of
cataloged items.
Ft. Worth Computer Support Services or Ft. Worth Computer Merchandising
will not have any dates other than the ones shown here.
 
Radio Shack Reference Guide RSC-22A
 
Cat. #    Description          Date
 
250-4126  160 MB SmartDrive   5/31/91
 
Radio Shack Educational Products Guide
 
Cat. #         Description                  Date
 
903/5-5654     Once Upon Time SCM           6/30/91
903/5-5658     Math Blast Plus SCM          5/15/91
903/5-5659     Word Attack Plus SCM         6/30/91
903/5-5660     Homeworker SCM               CANC
903/5-5673     Double Up SCM                CANC
903/5-5674     Mark-Up SCM                  CANC
903/5-5675     Proteus SCM                  CANC
903/5-5676     Rhubarb SCM                  CANC
903/5-5677     Sequitur SCM                 CANC
903/5-5686     Timeliner SCM                5/31/91
903/5-5742     Once Up Time II SCM          6/30/91
903/5-5779     Bodyworks Jr SCM             CANC
903/5-5780     Bodyworks Sr SCM             CANC
903/5-5782     International Inspirer SCM   6/30/91
903/5-5789     Spell It Plus SCM            6/30/91
903/5-5790     Algeblaster Pls SCM          6/30/91
903/5-5797     Nat'l Inspirer SCM           6/30/91
 
MOM-05-91
NETWARE v2.2
 
NetWare v2.2, a new release of the Novell operating system
for small business and educational computing,
is now available through Radio Shack.
 
Novell has combined its NetWare v2.x product line
(ELS I, ELS II, Advanced and SFT NetWare) into one product,
bringing the full functionality of SFT and Advanced NetWare,
and the ease of use of ELS I and II,
to all users of the popular NetWare v2.x product line.
 
NetWare v2.2 allows users to install, learn and use
the appropriate level of functionality for their specific network requirements.
As network requirements increase,
NetWare v2.2 provides easy access to more advanced features
such as disk mirroring and duplexing,
and the NetWare network operating systems Transaction Tracking System (TTS).
 
Major Enhancements Provide Ease of Use and Increased Productivity
 
Simplified, intuitive installation procedure with options
for basic network installation, advanced networking, maintenance, and upgrade.
 
Streamlined documentation including a 26-page "getting started guide"
for quick and easy installation steps.
 
Extensive online help eliminates the need for manuals at each workstation.
 
High-density media greatly reduces the number of diskettes
required to install the system.
 
Improved file server memory structure provides considerably more
File Service Processes for customers with a large number of users,
multiple VAPs, multiple LAN adapters and large disk subsystems.
 
NetWare v2.2 Retail Products
 
NetWare v2.2 is a full-featured, high performance network operating system
offered in 5-, 10-, 50-, and 100-user configurations.
Includes SFT and TTS functionality, NetWare Print Server,
NetWare Router functionality
(including dedicated and non-dedicated protected mode routers),
NetWare for Macintosh v2.2, support for the NetWare Requestor for OS/2 v1.3,
NetWare Btrieve VAP, and ASYNC Remote Router software.
 
Novell NetWare Retail Products
 
                Number
Description    of Users       Cat. #     Media     Sell      5 1/4" Media
 
NetWare 2.2      5          901-1910    1.44 MB    $895.00  883-001161-001
NetWare 2.2     10          901-1911    1.44 MB  $1,995.00  883-001163-001
NetWare 2.2     50          901-1912    1.44 MB  $3,495.00  883-001165-001
NetWare 2.2    100          901-1913    1.44 MB  $5,495.00  883-001167-001
 
5 1/4" media must be ordered through
the Third Party Products Department
 
What resources are available to learn more about NetWare v2.2?
 
Copies of NetWare v2.2 (5-user) will be made available
for demonstration purposes as soon as possible.
Further details will be communicated
through your Business and Education Marketing Managers.
 
A 43-page NetWare v2.2 Sales Guide has been prepared
for distribution to all stores authorized to sell Novell NetWare.
This guide contains complete information on product positioning,
marketing, product features, system requirements, etc.
 
Radio Shack Computer Training Programs is working on updated courses
and other resources to incorporate the new NetWare v2.2 product line.
 
What About Existing Store Inventory of NetWare 286?
 
1. First things first ... other than the 26-5563 ELS II Store Demo Unit,
   there should not be an inventory of Novell NetWare in your store.
 
2. Next, realizing that there are exceptions to every rule --
   now is the time to sell through any NetWare 286 store inventory
   by taking full advantage of the limited time offer from Novell to upgrade
   at no charge any customer who purchases NetWare 286
   to the corresponding version of NetWare v2.2.
 
3. There are three simple rules governing the upgrade offer:
 
   a. The upgrade will be fulfilled directly from Novell
      to the registered end user.
 
   b. The customer must have purchased NetWare 286
      between February 18, 1991 and May 18, 1991.
 
   c. The customer must register the software with Novell
      by completing the Registration Card enclosed in the package.
 
Novell NetWare -- Limited Offer No Charge Upgrades
 
                Number                          Number     Original
Description    of Users  Cat. #     Upgr to    of Users  Purchase Date
 
ELS I             4     901-1754   NetWare 2.2     5    2/18 to 5/18/91
ELS II            8     260-5563   NetWare 2.2    10    2/18 to 5/18/91
ELS II            8     901-1756   NetWare 2.2    10    2/18 to 5/18/91
ADV 2.15        100     901-1757   NetWare 2.2   100    2/18 to 5/18/91
ADV 2.15        100     901-1758   NetWare 2.2   100    2/18 to 5/18/91
SFT 2.15        100     901-1761   NetWare 2.2   100    2/18 to 5/18/91
SFT 2.15        100     901-1762   NetWare 2.2   100    2/18 to 5/18/91
 
What about upgrades for customers
who are not eligible for the no charge upgrade offer?
 
The NetWare v2.2 upgrade represents a major opportunity
for incremental business, establishing new relationships,
and providing additional products and services
to existing Radio Shack customers.
 
NetWare Upgrade List Prices and Migration Paths to NetWare v2.2
 
Upgrade   To:  NetWare v2.2   NetWare v2.2   NetWare v2.2   NetWare v.2.2
                 5-User        10-User         50-User         100-User
              (901-1910)      (901-1911)      (901-1912)      (901-1913)
From:         (New $895)     (New $1,995)    (New $3,495)    (New $5,495)
 
ELS Level I   883-001198-001   883-001199-001   883-001200-001   883-001201-001
v2.0a-v2.12        $395            $1,495           $2,995           $4,995
(901-1754)
 
ELS Level II  883-001203-001   883-001204-001   883-001205-001
v2.0a-v2.15        $800            $2,300          $4,300
(260-5563/901-1756)
 
Advanced V2.0a-v2.15   883-001208-001   883-001209-001
SFT I v2.0a               $1,420           $3,420
(901-1757/901-1758)
 
SFT II v2.0a           883-001202-001   883-001211-001
SFT v2.1x                   $350            $2,350
(901-1761/901-1762)
 
NetWare v2.2           883-001214-001   883-001215-001   883-001216-001
5-User                     $1,430           $2,930           $4,930
(901-1910)
 
NetWare v2.2           883-001218-001   883-001219-001
10-User                    $2,240           $4,240
(901-1911)
 
NetWare v2.2           883-001221-001
50-User                   $3,295
(901-1912)
 
Upgrades must be ordered through Contract Marketing.
 
Is NetWare v2.2 available under
the Tandy NetWare Scholarship Program for Education K-12?
 
NetWare v2.2 is not available as a Scholarship Award.
 
Technical Notes on NetWare v2.2
 
1. The current version of 903/5-2861 On-Track Disk Manager Novell
   will not operate under NetWare v2.2.
 
2. The current version of 903/5-1750 On-Track SCSI VADD
   will not operate under NetWare v2.2.
 
Efforts are underway to correct these problems.
 
MOM-05-91
TANDY NETWARE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR EDUCATION
 
Terms and Conditions of the Scholarship Program
 
1. The educational institution must be either state supported,
   or private not-for profit.
 
2. The scholarship program is for the Advanced NetWare v2.15c
   and NetWare v3.11 products listed below.
 
                           List    Scholarship
                           Price      Price
 
Advanced v2.15c
100 user                  $3,495     $1,000
 
100 user v3.11            $7,890     $2,000
 
3. The number of scholarship awards an educational institution may receive
   is based on the total enrollment of the school district.
   Any previous Novell Grants or previous scholarship awards
   apply to these limits.
 
   All educational institutions qualify for at least one scholarship award.
   The institution must have more than 5,000 students
   to qualify for an additional award.
 
   Number of      Scholarship
   Students          Award
 
        1 --  5,000   One
    5,001 -- 10,000   Two
   10,001 -- 15,000   Three
   15,001 -- 20,000   Four
   20,001 -- 25,000   Five
 
4. Installation and technical support are not included
   with the scholarship award.
 
5. Upgrades are not available through the scholarship program.
   NetWare Upgrades and Updates must be purchased through the normal channel.
 
Application Procedures
 
1. Education institutions interested in applying for a scholarship award
   should complete a Tandy NetWare Scholarship Program Application.
 
2. Forward the application to:
 
   Radio Shack Contract Marketing
   1400 One Tandy Center
   Fort Worth, TX 76102
 
3. The status of the award will be confirmed by Contract Marketing.
 
4. When approved, please allow 2 weeks for delivery of the product.
 
MOM-05-91
TANDY CORPORATION TO PARTICIPATE IN OS/2 PLATFORM TESTING
 
IBM has invited Tandy Corporation to participate in
an extensive product testing program to ensure that
repackaged versions of the IBM OS/2 Extended Edition
and OS/2 LAN Server products, including Database Manager,
Comm Manager and LAN Requestor and Server,
are compatible with Tandy labeled personal computers.
 
The program was announced in a press release on April 15th.
 
Although OS/2 has not yet achieved widespread acceptance
in the Radio Shack target markets
of small to medium business and education K-12,
this announcement is important to both you and our customers.
 
As Mr. John Roach explained in the press release:
 
"For our customers who embrace OS/2 as their choice operating environment,
Tandy welcomes this opportunity for us to ensure
that our computer products are compatible with IBM's OS/2 software."
 
"IBM's desire and willingness to cooperate with Tandy
to achieve an OS/2 platform that is compatible with other industry hardware
is clearly demonstrated through the establishment of this program."
 
MOM-04-91
Roadmap to Puzzle Palace
 
Ours Is A Complex Business
 
The communications gulf that seems to separate your retail store
from supporting operations here in Ft. Worth
is the inevitable result of attempting to supply so many stores
with a large number of state-of-the-art and complex products
over great physical distances.
Radio Shack has developed a broad range of
communications and publications to help keep information flowing:
SOS Memos, Flyer and Newspaper ad lineups, the monthly newsletters
(this Computer Merchandising Memo of the Month
and the Merchandising Newsletter),
Tandy  Product Profiles, numerous catalogs and product brochures,
and even the Intercom, with its examples of personal achievement.
However, some days it still doesn't seem like enough.
 
In addition to these written resources,
there are well over 100 people in Ft. Worth dedicated to "front-line" store
and customer support.
While this may appear to be a maze of unrelated departments
(all looking for the opportunity to shuttle your call off someplace else!),
perhaps we can provide here a few tips that will speed your inquiry
to the right place.
 
The Answer May Be Closer Than You Think
 
Yes, we know it's a great temptation to use the back door
and call one of your personal acquaintances in Ft. Worth,
but this can lead to you getting incomplete or incorrect information,
and it may cause wasteful duplication of effort
where the answer you get will not become generally available
to others who have similar problems.
At minimum,
going this way will waste someone else's productive time as well as your own.
 
The first place to try to resolve a field problem is in the field.
Believe it or not, your own DM or ABMM,
from personal or another store's experience,
may already know something helpful.
The SE is another resource frequently overlooked.
 
Try The Front Door First
 
OK, so you've tried your logical field contacts,
and you still need some heavy-duty technical expertise.
First, realize that it's you, not your customer,
that should be trying to resolve the problem.
It is totally unprofessional for you to make your customer call Fort Worth,
and our main switchboard and executive offices
already cope with plenty of frustrated customers
who have not received proper store support.
 
For computer questions, just remember this simple number:
 
(800) 2 TANDY 4 [Support]
Computer Support Services
 
This toll-free number is for your use only;
attached to this issue is
a complete listing of additional 800 numbers for Tandy  1000 RL support,
Education, and Satellite/FAX/Cellular,
as well as the non-800 numbers for direct customer use.
 
Computer Support Services consists of about 90 individuals
dedicated to store and customer problem resolution,
and they have the best data and resources to handle these issues.
The buyer's job is to source, manage, promote, advertise and merchandise
their product lines -- not handle customer service.
Computer Support Services, on the other hand,
has the equipment, expertise and an extensive computerized database
of information and previously reported problems to draw on.
 
Your "Friend" The Buyer
 
Buyers need and want to know what is happening with their products
in the field, but, by sheer weight of numbers,
cannot work directly with store personnel.
Frequent reminders from Fort Worth notwithstanding,
buyers still get more direct calls than they can properly manage.
 
While many buyers have worked in a store and are sympathetic to your needs,
as computer buyers they are outnumbered about 3,000 to 1.
If each store employee placed only one call to one buyer per year,
each buyer would get about 12 calls per weekday!
It simply isn't possible for a buyer to
source and merchandise products properly
without leaving the customer service to our customer service professionals.
 
If you feel that you see an "extraordinary situation"
that requires the immediate attention of Computer Merchandising,
go through your DM or ABMM so the issue can be properly forwarded.
(And remember that Computer Support Services has access
to Computer Merchandising, too.)
 
Buyers do want your suggestions for new products
or merchandising recommendations,
and they will welcome your E-mail on these subjects.
E-mail to the buyer, however,
is not an invitation to bypass Computer Support Services.
 
In the case of an outside party who approaches you
to find out how to sell a product to Radio Shack,
find out first whether their product or service is intended for resale
through the stores or for internal use by some department
or plant within Tandy.
Refer the former to our merchandising departments;
the latter may need to go to Tandy Electronics or to some other Tandy entity.
Your DM can help you sort these out.
 
The Warehouse Is Zero
 
OK, so you've been zeroed twice by the warehouse
and you've gotta' have it for a customer.
First, try for an interstore transfer; sometimes simple really is better.
Next, try your DM/ABMM who, if the situation warrants,
can call Rebuy (Pat Lillard) for a warehouse status check or transfer.
(That's what the buyer would need to do anyway.)
 
We hope these simple hints will be helpful.
 
GOOD SELLING!
 
MOM-04-91
DeskMate Macros Companion:
Productivity Through Automation
 
Think about your favorite DeskMate  program.
You probably have certain key sequences or mouse movements
you do several times while using that program.
For example, it takes several keystrokes to print a spreadsheet
or to key in your name and title.
 
Now you and your customers can automate these sequences
with DeskMate Macros Companion.
This makes you more productive and gives you more time to do other things
(like sell DeskMate Macros Companion)!
 
How Do Macros Work?
 
The Macros Companion lets you create "macros" which are simply recorded
keystrokes and mouse movements.
You assign these recorded keystrokes to a certain key combination
(for example, <ALT><P>).
When you want to "play back" these recorded keystrokes,
you press that key combination.
 
For example, you may want to assign <ALT><P> to mean
"print the current spreadsheet."
You would turn on the macro recorder
and tell it to assign the following keystrokes to <ALT><P>,
go through the key and mouse sequence that prints the spreadsheet,
then turn off the macro recorder.
The next time you want to print, you would press <ALT><P>,
and Macros Companion would automatically supply the keystrokes
and mouse movements to print the current spreadsheet.
 
How To Use DeskMate Macros Companion
 
DeskMate Macros Companion installs very easily:
just place the floppy diskette in your drive and type INSTALL.
Then follow the instructions that appear on the screen.
 
To start recording, select the MORE option from the <F10> Accessories Menu.
At the next dialog box, choose Macros.
 
To add a macro, select Add from the <F2> Options menu.
Next you type in a description of your macro (like "Printing")
and select a keystroke to be associated with it (like <ALT><P>).
 
Then press the keys and move the mouse as needed to perform the function.
As you do, Macros Companion records your sequence.
Finally, press <ALT><F1> to stop the recording process.
You will hear two beeps to confirm that the recording was successful
and complete.
 
To play back your macro, simply press the sequence of keys you selected.
 
Advanced Features
 
DeskMate Macros Companion allows one macro to call another macro
and also allows you to record macros directly
without accessing the Macros menu.
An information file on the diskette contains
tells how to take advantage of these advanced features.
 
Selling DeskMate Macros Companion
 
If you have customers who use DeskMate applications moderately or heavily
in their businesses or home offices,
DeskMate Macros Companion enhances productivity enough to pay for itself
very quickly.
Let's do a little math to prove it.
 
Say your customer saves 10 seconds every time he or she uses a macro
and uses six macros per hour during each of six hours per day.
Even this moderate usage saves 10 x 6 x 6 seconds or six minutes per day.
At six dollars per hour, that is one dollar saved per day.
That makes the $19.95 price of DeskMate Macros Companion
easy to cost justify -- and to sell!
 
DeskMate enhances productivity,
and DeskMate Macro Companion increases it even more.
Sell it with pride -- it's another fine example of Tandy's added value!
 
MOM-04-91
Multimedia Update
 
Tandy/Radio Shack: Committed to Multimedia
 
OVERVIEW
 
Multimedia.
It means everything, and yet it means nothing at all.
In the context of personal computing, multimedia is simply the addition of
photographic quality images, high fidelity sound, graphics and animation,
and the ability of all these technologies to be combined
to present information in a more meaningful manner.
 
Tandy Corporation is at the forefront of this exciting new technology --
and for good reason.
Tandy believes that multimedia is a fundamental technology evolution
of the PC itself.
In other words, just as I/O ports, graphics, and in Tandy  1000s, sound,
joysticks, and software, have become standard features --
so too will multimedia become a standard part of all PCs.
 
Why is Tandy best positioned to not only take advantage
of this shift in PC technology, but in fact cause it to happen?
We have been preparing for this change for many years,
and recently have worked closely with industry leaders, including Microsoft,
to define the base level specifications for multimedia computers.
This is important, as software developers need to know
that there is a standard specification to develop their software on.
This will benefit hardware companies,
software companies -- and therefore will benefit customers.
 
We are also uniquely qualified since many multimedia technologies
come out of the consumer electronics world (audio and video).
After all, we are the nation's largest manufacturer and retailer
of consumer electronics.
 
Advances in technology are required to make this happen.
It will not happen in weeks or months, but will be ongoing.
We have made great inroads with the Tandy  2500 XL
and Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia.
We have just introduced our new 2500 XL/2 with 16 MHz and super VGA capability.
In fact, all our AT machines now have super VGA.
 
The next step in our plan is to introduce a high performance,
but low cost CD-ROM drive (see next column).
Also, Tandy was instrumental in creating the MPC (Multimedia PC)
compatibility mark that was recently announced
by a group of industry leading companies.
This is a great advance as the customer will gain confidence
in knowing that software bearing this logo will work properly
on hardware bearing the same logo -- plug and play with no hassles!
 
The final pieces will come together later this year --
and then software developers will begin introducing
multimedia applications.
Tandy will produce a line of Multimedia PCs,
and will also market an upgrade kit for today's AT/VGA machines.
 
Tandy is ready.
Radio Shack is getting ready.
Sell Tandy  PCs with the confidence that we are paving the way
to the future -- and the future is here now!
 
MOM-04-91
RADIO SHACK UNVEILS HIGH-PERFORMANCE
LOW-COST TANDY CD-ROM DRIVE
 
San Jose, Calif., March 18, 1991 -- The Tandy  CDR-1000, announced today,
is the first internal CD-ROM drive which meets the high-performance demands
of Multimedia PCs, at an affordable price.
The drive comes complete with interface adapter, CD-ROM driver software,
CD play software and all necessary cables, yet is priced at just
$399.95 (Cat. No. 25-1077),
through participating Radio Shack technology stores and dealers nationwide.
 
According to Howard D. Elias, vice president of Computer Merchandising
for Radio Shack, the new CDR-1000 drive transfers data
to its host personal computer at a continuous rate of 150,000 bytes per second,
as opposed to half that rate for many of today's typical CD-ROM drives.
"The challenge was significant,
and the resulting product is a breakthrough," he said.
The CDR-1000 was the lead hardware announcement
at The Sixth International Conference and Exposition on Multimedia and CD-ROM:
Progress and Promise, which opened here today.
 
"The CDR-1000's fast continuous transfer rate --
over the computer's bus -- is required for smooth,
unhesitating animation and continuous high-quality sound," said Elias.
"To bring Multimedia PCs within reach of the average user,
the performance increase had to be achieved
along with an almost unheard-of low price.
We were able to meet both objectives."
 
"Not only did we meet performance and cost goals,"
continued Elias, "but the new design is mechanically simplified,
easier to use, and contains fewer moving parts for higher reliability."
The CDR-1000 is the industry's first internal CD-ROM drive to
eliminate the plastic holder or "caddy" required by other units.
"The CDR-1000 loads like an audio CD drive.
A tray slides out.
You just drop in the disc, and close the tray.
It's a major improvement in ease of use," said Elias.
 
Tandy has begun shipping CDR-1000 drives.
"Anyone considering a CD-ROM drive can choose the CDR-1000 now,
with confidence that it will meet the requirements
of industry-standard Multimedia PC software
as that software becomes available," said Elias.
"Of course it provides everything you need to run existing CD-ROM
software, and even play your favorite audio CDs."
 
Tandy began working in 1988 to make multimedia a reality.
The company played an instrumental role in defining the hardware
standards, announced last November, for affordable PC-based systems.
"The fast data transfer rate of the CDR-1000 is
required to meet those standards.
This is a necessary step in making Multimedia PCs really affordable,"
Elias said.
 
Tandy Corporation is a leading manufacturer and retailer of
personal computers and consumer electronics products.
 
25-1077 TANDY CDR-1000
 
FUNCTIONAL SPECIFICATIONS
 
Capacity: 540 MB (Mode 1)
          630 MB (Mode 2)
 
Rotational Speed (rpm): 200-530
 
Data Transfer Rate (Average): 150 kBytes/sec.
 
Access Time (msec):
 
    1/3 Stroke Average:    800
    Full Stroke Average:  1300
 
Interface Type: IBM-PC
 
PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIFICATIONS
 
Dimensions:
    Height:     43.0 mm
    Width:     148.7 mm
    Depth:     203.0 mm
 
Weight:  1.4 Kg
 
Ambient Temperature --  C:
 
    Operating:       0 to 50
    Non-Operating:  30 to 66
 
RELIABILITY CHARACTERISTICS
 
MTBF: 10,000 Hours
 
Error Rates:
    Unrecoverable: 1 in 10(12)
    Seek:          1 in 10(6)
 
MOM-04-91
INTRODUCING THE NEW 25-1077 TANDY
CDR-1000 INTERNAL CD-ROM DRIVE
 
On March 18th, at the Sixth International Conference and Exposition
on Multimedia on CD-ROM: Progress and Promise,
Radio Shack introduced the new
25-1077 Tandy  CDR-1000 Internal CD-ROM drive.
(See the Press Release on the previous page.)
 
The CDR-1000 is a high performance, low cost drive,
designed to meet the needs and budgets of home users,
and is priced at an incredibly low $399.95!
 
(nobody compares)
 
It features a continuous transfer rate of 150K bytes per second,
which is twice as fast as CD-ROM drives costing
from two to three times more.
This fast continuous transfer rate is required
for smooth animation and continuous high quality sound
that will be demanded as multimedia PCs begin entering the market.
 
Nobody Compares!
 
The CDR-1000 comes complete with front mounted volume control
and stereo headphone jack, an 8-bit interface card
that has stereo line jacks accessible from the back of the computer,
Microsoft CD-ROM Extensions Version 2.2,
a CD-Play program for audio disks and installation software and hardware.
 
What about the CD "Caddy?"
The CDR-1000 loads like an audio CD player, so no caddy is required.
This important feature simplifies the loading of software
and is found on no other internal CD-ROM drive.
 
NOBODY Compares 
 
This is going to be a HOT, HOT item.
We have taken the industry by storm by achieving high performance
and low cost in the same drive.
(Note that supplies will be tight until June.)
 
For your heavy use business and education users
who demand a faster access drive,
continue selling the 25-1081 CDR-1500 Internal CD-ROM Drive at $895.00.
 
There is nothing on the market to compare
with the Tandy CDR-1000 internal CD-ROM Drive, and only Radio Shack has it.
Once again, we have set the standard.
 
NOBODY COMPARES!
 
Good Selling!
 
MOM-04-91
TANDY MULTIMEDIA TECHNOLOGY CENTER TO
SERVE AS VALUABLE RESOURCE FOR DEVELOPERS
 
San Jose, Calif., March 18, 1991 -- Tandy Corporation announced today
that it is establishing a Multimedia Technology Center
at its corporate headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas.
 
The announcement was made at The Sixth International Conference and
Exposition on Multimedia and CD-ROM:  Progress and Promise.
 
Tandy's Multimedia Technology Center will serve as an industry resource
for educational training in multimedia technology,
assisting multimedia application development,
and evaluating new multimedia technologies and products.
 
The center and its programs will be available to independent software
vendors and corporate clients.
 
"As a leader in this emerging technology,
we are happy to share this important resource with developers and customers.
The center's availability to others will have a very positive impact
on the industry," said John V. Roach,
chairman and chief executive officer of Tandy Corporation.
 
Staffed by a team of multimedia application professionals,
the center's facilities will include a demonstration and training area,
a multimedia technology lab, and an audio/video studio.
 
The center will be equipped with multimedia authoring stations
and the latest technology for capturing multimedia information,
including audio and video.
A complete library of authoring system software will also be available.
 
Tandy has played a significant role in the evolution of multimedia technology.
In 1987, Tandy designed, manufactured and marketed
the industry's first PC to offer digital sound recording,
manipulation and playback as standard features.
 
In March of 1988, Tandy and Microsoft Corporation held initial
discussions on the future of multimedia PC technology and,
over the next two years, engineers from both companies jointly developed
the minimum hardware specifications announced in November 1990.
 
In addition, Tandy's Radio Shack division has introduced
the first CD-ROM drive which meets the rigid performance requirement
of the multimedia standard.
Tandy will manufacture and market a family of 80286- and 80386-based
multimedia computers, and upgrade kits, this year.
 
Tandy Corporation is a leading manufacturer of personal computer
and consumer electronics.
 
MOM-04-91
Tandy Learning Systems
Your Competitive Edge
in Computer Marketing
 
To Register a Student for a Class, call:   1 (800) 433-5682
 
TRAINING:
The right product at the right time
 
The demand for greater productivity in every area of business,
industry and personal life has brought two of America's most precious
resources -- people and technology -- into direct confrontation.
While advanced technology certainly carries the promise of
increased efficiency, it takes people with specialized skills
to make that technology work.
 
Helping people learn new skills, especially those related to computers,
and realize a return on their investment is no easy task;
yet, it is crucial to our customer's satisfaction.
Proper customer training requires the proper time,
environment and methodology.
Tandy Learning Centers have the solution.
 
The best way to learn how to use a software program
is to work directly with that program.
Tandy Learning Centers' supervised, self-paced (SSP) instruction systems
allow students to learn new skills by using the computer as they would
in a "real work" environment.
 
Tandy Learning Centers, now with 124 locations,
utilize proven KEE Systems training technology.
Since 1968, more than 3 million people have learned essential new skills
with this patented system.
Everyone wins because training helps salesmakers as well as their customers.
 
The dilemma: salesmakers earn more by selling, not supporting;
however, an unsupported sale can become "negative earnings!"
The answer: sell the appropriate Learning Center course(s)
along with the product.
By assisting customers with their training needs,
salesmakers can remain focused on upgrades
and add-ons, not lengthy support problems.
 
A monthly course schedule and list of course titles
will appear here in the M.O.M.
Call the Tandy Learning Center National Registration Group at
(800) 433-5682 for the location and Center number closest to you.
 
CLASSROOM OFFERINGS
 
SUPERVISED, SELF-PACED TRAINING
POS  CLASS NAME                              RETAIL    SPECIAL
D01  Introduction to PCs and DOS            $139.00   $99.00
D02  DeskMate                                139.00    99.00
W01  WordPerfect 5.0                         139.00
W04  WordPerfect 5.1                         139.00
M01  Microsoft Word 4.0                      139.00
M02  MultiMate Advantage II                  139.00
L01  Lotus 1-2-3 Ver. 2.1/2.2                139.00
L04  Lotus 1-2-3 Ver. 3.0                    139.00
D03  dBASE III+                              139.00
D06  dBASE IV                                139.00
D04  DisplayWrite 4                          139.00
T01  Executive Typing                        139.00
 
INSTRUCTOR-LED TRAINING
(Available only at selected Tandy Learning Centers)
D05  Advanced MS-DOS/Hard Disk Management    159.00
W02  WordPerfect 5.1 Advanced Office Skills  199.00
L02  Advanced Lotus                          199.00
L03  Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate          159.00
 
Special price through June 1991.
This price not available with any other discounts or special offerings.
 
MOM-04-91
Welcome Addition
 
The Proposal program on your POS workstation now includes RSVP and TCL
payment amounts.
Each time you enter a proposal,
the system asks if it is for a commercial or consumer prospect.
If "consumer" is selected,
the RSVP payment amount is calculated.
When "commercial" is selected the monthly lease payment amount is calculated.
The applicable payment amount is included in the printed proposal.
(For "commercial" qualifiers, see paragraph 1
on the next page.)
 
WHOOPS!
While reading last month's M.O.M.,
eagle-eyed Pete Donohue (DSM Boston District 0874)
noticed our omission of the J.C.Penney card from the list of
acceptable major credit cards for that RSVP application requirement.
Please add it now to the list found on Page 8 of the March issue.
 
Thanks, Pete, for reading our "stuff",
for knowing the "how to's" of the RSVP program well enough
to catch our goof,
and for caring enough to pick up the phone and call it to our attention.
 
While you're still correcting the copy on Page 8 of the March M.O.M.,
please take a moment to review the last paragraph on that page
(titled "A Phone Number to Give Out").
When giving that information to your RSVP customers,
please be sure to stress the importance of immediately reporting
changes or inaccuracies.
Failing to apprise or alert RSVP Cardholder Services of a situation
they need to address, can only create or compound a problem.
 
Obviously, it's crucial that lost, stolen or unauthorized use of a
ValuePlus  card be reported without delay.
It's also prudent to advise Cardholder Services ASAP
of address or other vital information changes or corrections.
If delivery of monthly statements is delayed due to unreported changes
and that results in overdue payments the accountholder will,
nevertheless, incur interest and late payment charges.
 
Do you suppose that perhaps a few
"the salesperson at Radio Shack promised to call RSVP for me"
allegations stem from cardholders who, themselves,
were remiss in alerting RSVP to an incident that required their involvement?
Heeding our advice to give ValuePlus customers
RSVP's toll free number for direct account service contact will:
 
  Eliminate the excuse that you (Radio Shack) dropped the ball
 
  Give you more selling time and after-sale product support time
 
  Expedite RSVP's responsive action to a situation
 
ChargeGard Protection -- WANTED!
 
ASSUME THAT ALL RSVP APPLICANTS WANT THE SECURITY OF ChargeGard PROTECTION
and statistically...  you'll be right at least 85% of the time!
 
The majority of your customers are savvy shoppers who understand
the tangible (and peace of mind) value of buying product and credit protection.
But it's up to you to let them know it's available to them.
 
For those who are not quite sure of its value,
point out the benefits it provides to them.
In order to do that, get familiar with the areas of coverage
(as well as the exceptions)
that ChargeGard provides in your state.
For out-of-state shoppers you can refer to the
"Summary Of ChargeGard Insurance Coverages And Charges"
portion on the back of the application.
We are, even as we speak, in the process of creating a new matrix chart
to provide you with a comprehensive and quick reference guide
for every state in the nation.
It should be completed and available within the next few weeks.
 
The #1 reason applicants hesitate signing on for ChargeGard is:
"My Homeowners Policy covers product damage and theft."
You'll want to point out to them that ChargeGard pays the entire amount
(no deductible; no depreciation) of repair or replacement
of covered products for any one of 20 listed perils stated in the contract,
regardless of compensation received from any other policy.
 
An additional point you'll want to make:
The "protected" minimum payment is the same as
the "unprotected" minimum payment!
Think about it:
With ChargeGard property coverage, for example,
a camcorder purchased 30 months ago is destroyed
by fire or flood or stolen during a forced entry burglary
and the account has been ongoing (without interruption)
from the date of purchase.
It will be replaced with a new one of, at least,
the comparable original value...
NO DEPRECIATION AND NO DEDUCTIBLE!
 
With the above scenario, think about this too:
The payout obligation remains even if the product is damaged or destroyed.
With ChargeGard property coverage,
you will have an exuberantly happy customer with a new camcorder
and only the original remaining balance left to pay.
(Without it?  A real customer relations problem.)
For you, it also means a new camcorder sale!
 
All this, plus you earn a $5 bonus for each of your approved RSVP applications
which include the "yes" ChargeGard choice!
 
Approximately 10% of your applicants will
(without hesitation and adamantly) state that they
do not want ChargeGard -- period.
Don't hassle them; just be sure that they do initial the "NO" option.
 
Remember to always:  Make RSVP your customers' first choice...  not your salesperson's last resort!
 
MOM-04-91
Tandy Computer Leasing
 
Rate Factor Card
 
Please direct your attention to TCL's blue Rate Factor Card.
The grid on the front side of the card (COMMERCIAL RATES)
is applicable to the majority of your commercial clients:
That includes retailers; farmers/ranchers; service companies;
private schools/agencies; fitness/recreation centers; real estate offices;
and professions (e.g. doctors, dentists, lawyers, accountants, consultants,
established authors, artists).
A commercial lease applicant can range from a one person home-based operation
to a major corporation so long as it's a bona fide business
(corporation/ tax ID#/ commercial checking account, etc.).
 
The benefits, including operating capital, credit and tax,
which make leasing the smart choice for commercial users,
do not apply to non-commercial consumers.
(Fortunately for them, Tandy Credit offers
the RSVP  revolving credit opportunity.)
 
In the March issue of the M.O.M., we gave you a breakdown of the functions of
those departments within TCL which you and our "Commercial" lessees
would most likely be involved with from start to finish of a lease.
We deliberately skipped over:
 
TCL's Special Contracts
 
The flip side of our rate card applies to government,
education and large corporate (over $50,000) leases
which require customized rates, terms and conditions;
a piece of cake for TCL's Special Contracts specialists
who are dedicated to handling all the details for you!
 
One facet of dealing with tax or publicly supported agencies
is the FISCAL FUNDING aspect, whereby an organizations' budget
is allocated annually.
Such agencies cannot enter a contract for a lease term of over 12 months
unless it includes a provision that allows cancellation
(without obligation) if funding is not renewed in subsequent budgets.
 
When you go after a potential sale involving public/tax-funded groups,
get TCL's SPECIAL CONTRACTS DEPARTMENT involved early on;
for best results, start working with them at the pre-proposal stage.
Make it standard procedure that every bid or proposal you prepare
includes a TCL quote.
 
TCL's SPECIAL CONTRACTS is familiar with federal, state and
local government/education regulations and can structure rate factors,
payment terms and conditions that meet their requirements.
 
You will also want to involve SPECIAL CONTRACTS when you have the
opportunity of preparing a proposal/bid for a potentially large
(over $50,000) "Commercial Lease" so that TCL can help you work out
any concessions you choose to offer, in competing for a contract.
 
The Special Contracts manager, David Lynn, and assistant manager,
Jason Reynolds, are responsible for working out the financial leasing details
for you from the pre-proposal stage to credit investigation,
financial analysis and preparation of the applications.
Their support goes beyond that.
They handle administration details of these leases from start to expiration.
 
The "season" for public schools, colleges and universities to place
their orders for the coming school year is NOW.
Many school bond issues have already been voted on
and fiscal funding appropriations are being announced at this time.
 
During this year, TCL's Special Contracts group has worked with Radio
Shack in booking over 5 million dollars in school contracts,
small, medium, large and awesome!
Here's a sampling:
 
$RANGE              SCHOOL DISTRICTS
 
750,000/1,000,000   Orange County FL; Cobb County GA
 
500,000             Dayton Oh; Ambridge PA
 
100,000 plus        Burlington VT; Easton PA;
                    Beachwood KY; Eden City NC;
                    Glen Lake MI; Old Town ME
 
50,000 plus         Hammonton NJ; Barren KY;
                    Portsmouth RI; Riverton IL;
                    Muhlenberg KY
 
20,000 plus         Canton TX; Cave Creek AZ;
                    Commodore Perry PA; Forest Park MI;
                    Scranton PA; Ventura CA
 
Under 10,000        Helena MT; McLoud OK;
                    Nelson County VA; Warren County KY;
                    Ft. Payne AL
 
Call David at (817) 390-3848 or Jason at (817) 878-6738 for help
or any questions you have regarding "Special Contracts."
 
A TCL LEASE...
 
The Closing Link to a Total Solution
for your clients' business products needs
 
MOM-04-91
The Education Specialists
Press Release
 
RADIO SHACK AND PHI DELTA KAPPA DEVELOP NEW
COMPUTER-ASSISTED WRITING CURRICULUM
Reach Exclusive Marketing Agreement
 
Fort Worth, Texas, March 18, 1991 -- Radio Shack and Phi Delta Kappa,
the international fraternity of professional educators,
have announced the joint development of a new computer-assisted
writing solution for the K-6 education market.
 
The solution, called Write More, Learn More Plus,
will be marketed exclusively by Radio Shack.
It is a whole language,
process-based writing curriculum bundled with software which runs
on Tandy  computers under the SchoolMate  networking environment.
 
The backbone of the new curriculum was adopted from Phi Delta
Kappa's popular Write More, Learn More program.
 
To enhance the curriculum and provide a complete solution,
Radio Shack has added five award-winning software packages
from leading educational publishers.
These include Microtype:  The Wonderful World of PAWS,
keyboarding instruction from South-Western Publishing;
Bank Street Writer III, word processing from Scholastic Software;
The Children's Writing and Publishing Center, an easy-to-use program from
The Learning Company that combines graphics, text and page layout features;
The New Print Shop, graphics creativity from Broderbund Software;
and, Express Publisher, desktop publishing from Power Up!
 
Using a curriculum guide, teachers can orchestrate many different
activities including writing, editing, revising and publishing.
 
Write More, Learn More Plus sells for $3,950 and is available by
special order through Radio Shack's Education Division.
The price includes the software documentation, a 50-user network license,
ten colorful classroom posters and an orientation video.
 
As a bonus, Creative Word Processing,
an Oregon-based non-profit educational corporation,
will publish a special Tandy edition of The Writing Notebook.
This teacher resource book is a collection of articles and current ideas
on teaching kids to write.
It is written by educators, for educators.
 
A two-day staff development workshop will be offered by Phi Delta Kappa.
The cost for the workshop, including all fees and materials
for up to 30 participants, is $3,000.
Workshops can be held at an individual school
or in conjunction with several schools in a district.
 
For more information on Write More, Learn More Plus,
interested educators may contact their local
Radio Shack Education Account Executive or call 1 (800) 321-0160.
 
MOM-04-91
WRITE MORE, LEARN MORE PLUS ANNOUNCED
 
On Sunday, March 17, 1991, Write More, Learn More Plus
was formally announced to the public.
Write More, Learn More Plus is a whole language, process-based,
writing solution using computers for grades K through 6.
The solution is marketed exclusively by Radio Shack and Phi Delta Kappa,
the international fraternity for educators.
 
The Grand Hyatt on Union Square in San Francisco was the site
for the breakfast announcement.
About one hundred educators, administrators, publishers,
and press people gathered to hear Shari Bradley,
Marketing and Training Coordinator for Phi Delta Kappa,
and Sonny Compton, Manager of Education Sales & Marketing Support
for Radio Shack, share the story of Write More, Learn More Plus.
 
"The backbone of this writing solution is the Write More,
Learn More curriculum guide from Phi Delta Kappa," said Compton.
"Radio Shack installs award-winning programs from The Learning Company,
South-Western Publishing, Broderbund Software, Power Up! Software,
and Scholastic Software on a SchoolMate  Novell file server.
Phi Delta Kappa then conducts a two-day, hands-on training session
for the teachers who will use the solution.
Write More, Learn More Plus is a practical, functional,
and affordable solution for elementary writing skills development."
 
The attendees were in San Francisco to participate
in the Software Publishers Association Spring Symposium
and the 46th Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development Conference.
 
MOM-04-91
MICROSOFT WORKS AND DESKMATE GO TO SCHOOL WITH SCHOOLWORKS
 
K-12 MicroMedia Publishing has expanded its long-time relationship
with Tandy Corporation by offering two of its very popular
SchoolWorks series for DeskMate .
 
Both SchoolWorks: Teacher and SchoolWorks: LetterFiles
are now available in a 3 1/2" DeskMate format.
 
Using SchoolWorks: Teacher, teachers can write tests,
progress reports, keep grades, keep track of inventory, and much more
(there are over 30 different files).
SchoolWorks: LetterFiles cuts down on the time spent composing letters
from scratch with its load-and-edit format.
 
Teachers, administrators, school nurses, counselors and athletic directors,
can personalize the approximately 100 samples to suit their individual needs.
 
All of the SchoolWorks products are enhancements for Microsoft Works, namely:
 
     Teacher
     Office
     Athletic Director
     LetterFiles
     Media Center
     Social Studies
     States and Presidents
 
   Social Studies and States and Presidents are databases
   which teach critical thinking skills,
   and provide supplemental curriculum enrichment.
 
   Media Center contains all of the files that a media specialist needs
   to computerize a library.
 
   Athletic Director helps the coach keep track of players' statistics,
   games, provides a trainer's report, print out tickets, and more.
 
   The Office, along with Microsoft Works, prints teachers' schedules,
   keep statistics on students, tracks inventory, etc.
 
Microsoft Works alone is great, but in partnership with SchoolWorks,
it's unbeatable.
 
All of the SchoolWorks products come with a site license
and can be used with DeskMate or Microsoft Works on the
SchoolMate  network.
 
MOM-04-91
KEE/ETS ORDERING PROCEDURES
 
The availability code for all KEE/ETS products is 95.
This is the procedure to use when ordering KEE/ETS products:
 
  The salesperson will send the purchase order to:
 
      Contract Administration
      1400 One Tandy Center
      Fort Worth, TX 76102
 
  Contract Administration will authorize shipment to the store.
 
The following KEE/ETS products are now available:
 
903-5830  KEE/ETS Management Module
 
903-5831  Introduction to Personal Computers
          and DOS Module
 
903-5832  Introduction to Personal Computers
          Passport & Student Manual
 
903-5835  Introduction to WordPerfect 5.0 Module
 
903-5836  Introduction to WordPerfect 5.0
          Passport & Student Manual
 
903-5837  Introduction to WordPerfect 5.1 Module
 
903-5838  Introduction to WordPerfect 5.1
          Passport & Student Manual
 
903-5845  DisplayWrite 4 Module
 
903-5846  DisplayWrite 4 Passport & Student Manual
 
903-5849  Lotus 1-2-3 3.0 Module
 
903-5850  Lotus 1-2-3 3.0 Passport & Student Manual
 
903-5851  dBASE III Module
 
903-5852  dBASE III Passport & Student Manual
 
903-5853  dBASE IV Module
 
903-5854  dBASE IV Passport & Student Manual
 
903-5855  Executive Typing Module
 
903-5856  Executive Typing Passport & Student Manual
 
903-5857  Aequitas WordPerfect 5.0 Test
 
903-5858  Aequitas WordPerfect 5.1 Test
 
903-5859  Aequitas DisplayWrite 4 Test
 
903-5862  Aequitas Executive Typing
 
The KEE/ETS courses for DeskMate  3, Microsoft Word 5.0
and Clerical Skills are expected to be available in April.
 
MOM-04-91
MORE EDUCATION BROCHURES AND FACT SHEETS
 
Four new promotional pieces have been added to the line-up
of education brochures and fact sheets now available from TSDC.
 
   FC-641  Laptops in Education
   (25 Pack)
 
   This fact sheet explains how students and teachers
   are using laptops in education in the classroom and beyond.
   Includes educator testimonials.
 
   FC-661  New for '91 Brochure
   (25 Pack)
 
   Brief overview of the newest education products --
   including SchoolMate Plus, Write More, Learn More Plus, KEE/ETS Solutions,
   English Express and Microsoft Academic-Priced Editions.
 
   FC-662  Write More, Learn More Plus
   Awareness Book (25 Pack)
 
   An in-depth introduction to Write More, Learn More Plus,
   a whole language, process-based, writing solution using computers
   for grades K through 6.
 
   FC-663  KEE/ETS Business Solutions
   (25 Pack)
 
   This fact sheet introduces schools to these proven,
   self-paced tutorials from KEE Systems and Education Testing Services.
   Ideal solutions for turning classroom theory into marketable skills.
 
In this busy selling season for education,
don't forget the other education promotion materials available to you.
 
   FC-645  Radio Shack Education Story
   (10 Pack)
 
   This 8-page, full color brochure emphasizes Radio Shack's commitment
   to education, our more than 10 years experience selling to education,
   and our ability to bring the complete solution to the education customer.
 
   FC-637  Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia
   (25 Pack)
 
   This fact sheet introduces students, teachers and administrators
   to the wealth of information available
   through Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia.
 
   FC-639  SchoolMate Teacher's Helper
   (25 Pack)
 
   This fact sheet introduces teachers to the productivity tools
   included in Teacher's Helper -- ROSTER, GRADE BOOK, EXAM MAKER and DRAW.
 
   FC-642  Education Computer Leasing
   (25 Pack)
 
   This brochure gives your education customers complete information
   on how Tandy Computer Leasing  can help schools use tomorrow's dollars
   to acquire state-of-the-art equipment today.
 
   Integrated Learning Systems
   (25 Pack)
 
   These fact sheets emphasize how each of our ILS partners
   has its own unique method of providing comprehensive curriculum
   through computer-based instruction.
 
   FC-644  New Century Education Corporation
   FC-646  Computer Curriculum Corporation (CCC)
   FC-647  Jostens Learning Corporation
   FC-648  The Roach Organization (TRO)
   FC-649  Wasatch Education Systems
   FC-650  Wicat The Learning Improvement Company
 
   FC-655  Education Presentation Folder
   (100 Pack)
 
   We are also producing a new Education Specialists Folder.
   The new folder is especially designed to showcase
   the new education product literature,
   and features "real kids" using Tandy  Computers.
 
More materials will follow in the coming months.
Keep an eye on the M.O.M. for details.
 
MOM-04-91
Product News
"RADIO SHACK ON THE RISE"
 
Did this title catch your attention?
It should!
Look at this chart we found in the February 18, 1991 issue
of Computer Retail Week:
 
WHERE HOME WORKERS BUY PCs
 
Radio Shack on the rise
                                        1988      1989      1990
 
Computer Store                          40.7      45.8      43.6
Tandy/Radio Shack                        5.9       7.5      14.5
Direct Mail                              5.9       1.7       7.8
Department Store (electronics section)  12.7       4.2       6.1
Mass Merchant                            N/A       5.0       4.5
Consumer Electronics Store               5.9       1.7       4.5
Catalog Showroom                         N/A       5.8       2.8
Office Products Dealer                   2.5       5.0       2.2
Warehouse Club                           N/A       N/A       0.6
Other                                   21.2      19.2      10.1
 
     BASE: 708 RESPONDING HOUSEHOLDS
     DATA IN PERCENT OF HOUSEHOLDS THAT OWN PCs    SOURCE: LINK RESOURCES CORP., JUNE 1990
 
As reported in Computer Retail Week.  Reprinted with permission.
 
A close look at this chart will show you how more and more of the people
that own PCs are getting them from Radio Shack.
And when you consider that some Radio Shack numbers could be included
in some of the other categories
("Computer Store" or "Consumer Electronics Store"),
you'll see that Tandy  Computers bought from your stores are certainly
reaching more and more households,
and more importantly,
a growing percentage of all PCs in homes.
 
You're doing something right!
Do you believe that Nobody Compares?
Our customers do!
Keep up the good work.
 
MOM-04-91
THE MENAGERIE OF SALES
 
"Everything" seem to be on sale?
Use this to your advantage.
 
Lately, does it seem to you that every computer in your store is on sale?
Is it a novelty to have one at catalog price?
Is that what's bothering you, bunkie?
 
Well, there is some truth to this.
We are attempting to sell out some of our older models
to make room for the new ones, promote some of our new ones
to get traffic into your store and generate excitement
on units that are between the old and the new.
 
What determines if this is a blessing or a curse?
Your attitude.
 
A negative attitude will see this situation as one where no one
can figure out what to sell.
A positive attitude will see it as multiple opportunities
to find the right computer and close the sale.
Which attitude do you have?
 
With so many computers on sale at once,
this makes qualifying your customer even more important than before.
Finding out what purpose the computer is being purchased for
directs you to the right machine.
And more than likely, that computer is on sale!
Your customer saves and you have another important tool
to help him or her decide to buy today.
 
If your attitude is right,
sale prices are always an advantage in closing a sale.
Use the unprecedented amount of computers on sale
to increase your close ratio, beginning today.
 
MOM-04-91
TANDY 1000 TL/3 HOME OFFICE CONTINUES IN APRIL
 
The Tandy  1000 TL/3 Home Office Introductory Sale continues
with a sale price of $1,599.00 -- a $670 savings!
This sale has generated a lot of excitement and has proven to be a winner.
 
One item listed, the 25-1045 20 MB SmartDrive , is now discontinued.
After you have sold out of the 25-1045,
you should begin substituting the 25-1047 20 MB SmartDrive 
(commonly called "the RL SmartDrive")
for the 25-1045 in your TL/3 and TL/2 system sales.
The 25-1047 comes complete with instructions
and a special mounting bracket for use in the TL/3 and TL/2,
and features the popular HINSTALL installation software,
as in the RL computers.
 
Congratulations on your success so far with the TL/3 Home Office!
Good Selling!!
 
MOM-04-91
TANDY 1000 HX UPDATE
 
The 25-1053 Tandy  1000 HX is selling well
at the current promotional price of $199.00 alone or $499.50
with the 25-1043 CM-5 monitor.
In talking with salesmakers in stores,
the most successful approach seems to be selling it as a second computer,
for the kids, so they may work on their own computer
and not on Mom and Dad's, which has family finances
and other items that should not be disturbed.
 
The second most successful approach is as the first family computer,
not unlike the approach on the Tandy  1000 RL.
If you have another approach you have found to work well,
be sure to share it with your fellow salesmakers.
 
There are several peripherals that are exclusive to the HX,
and to help you sell, here is the status and availability of those items:
 
          Current
Stock #   Description                   Retail  Status   Availability
 
25-1018   1200 Baud Plus Modem           39.95  SOWG     Good
25-1031   Plus RS-232 Modem              59.95  DISC     Poor -- Limited to
                                                         Stock in stores
25-1060   5 1/4" 360K External Drive     99.95  DISC     Poor -- Limited to
                                                         Stock in stores
25-1061   3 1/2" 720K External Drive    279.95  ACTIVE   Excellent
25-1062   Memory Exp Adapter            149.95  ACTIVE   Backordered --
                                                         Avail mid-April
25-1065   3 1/2" 720K Internal Drive    129.95  ACTIVE   Good
 
The 25-1062 Memory Plus Boards are going to be in very tight supply until July.
Most backorders on hand as of this writing will be filled by the end of April.
Thank you for your patience.
Items indicated as "limited to stock in stores"
can normally be located by contacting your District Manager.
 
MOM-04-91
FURNITURE IS NOT JUST FOR KEEPING THE COMPUTERS OFF THE FLOOR!
 
These are good profit items, and should be offered as a standard accessory
with each and every computer sale.
Don't lose the business to someone else!!
Your customer just bought a computer system;
do not suppose they already have a desk at home to put it on!
No, they have a kitchen table to put it on until they find a desk.
 
Why not help your customer and make an additional sale at the same time?
BE SURE THE FURNITURE PRICE TAGS ARE PROMINENTLY DISPLAYED
ON EACH AND EVERY PIECE OF FURNITURE IN YOUR STORE.
Having them know the items are for sale and not just store fixtures
will make a big difference.
 
MOM-04-91
THE NEW DMP 202 --
GREAT VALUE IN A 24-WIRE PRINTER!
 
Look at all the features this printer has -- for only $399.95!
 
The Tandy DMP 202 (26-2864) is the newest entry
in the Radio Shack line of printers.
The DMP 202 is a 24-wire dot matrix printer designed for
the home computer user who wants high resolution output in text and graphics
modes at an economical price.
The design of the DMP 202 comes mostly from the very successful
million selling DMP 13X series of printers,
combining smooth flowing case design with heavy duty internal construction.
In keeping with the easy-to-use operation of its predecessors,
the DMP 202 employs only two front panel switches
which allow the user to control the basic operation of the printer.
 
The DMP 202 24-wire bi-directional, logic seeking print head
automatically switches to uni-directional printing for graphics mode
to insure that the user gets perfect registration.
In addition, the print head incorporates several protection circuits
to protect the printer from damage in case something should go astray.
The print head is capable of printing at speeds of up to 180 cps
(characters per second) burst speed in its super speed draft mode
and 144 cps in its Elite draft mode.
And for those times when letter quality characters are required,
the DMP 202 prints at speeds of up to 57 cps.
 
Using the very popular IBM ProPrinter X24 emulation,
the DMP 202 can be used with virtually all popular MS-DOS software.
And at a price of only $399.95 it is sure to be a winner
in the Radio Shack lineup.
 
SPECIFICATIONS
DMP 202 Dot Matrix Printer
 
Stock Number   26-2864
 
Paper Width:   4" - 10" maximum
               Single Sheet
               Fanfold
               Multiple part
 
Print Head     24-wire  Bi-directional/Logic Seeking
 
Print Speed    180 cps (super speed draft)
               144/120 cps (standard draft)
               57/33 (letter quality)
 
Head Life      30 million dots
 
Graphics Resolution   360 x 180
 
Paper Handling     Friction feed (single sheet)
                   Push tractor (fanfold)
                   Semi-automatic paper load
                   Paper park
                   1" paper tear
 
Number of copies   Original + one (0.15 mm maximum)
 
Interface          Parallel (IBM type)
 
Emulation          IBM ProPrinter X24
 
Resident LQ Font   Courier
Font Card          no
Font Download      11K maximum
 
Print Buffer       1K
 
Configuration/Setup  Front Panel switches (2)
                     Dip switch
 
Included Ribbon      Sample ribbon (1.5 mil char)
Replacement Ribbon   26-2871 black (2.5 mil char)
 
Acoustic Noise Level 57 dB
 
MTBF                 4,000 hours (25%)
 
Dimensions           15" x 11"x 4.75" (W x D x H)
 
Weight               8.6 pounds
 
Retail Price         $399.95
 
MOM-04-91
WE'RE ON A SOFTWARE DIET...
 
Just as with toys at Christmas, we are now in the mode of clearing out
last Christmas' old entertainment and education software products
and making room for the new.
The warehouse inventory is beginning to run low,
and we are in the process of getting the next group of products
tested and shipping for the upcoming holiday season.
 
Now is the time to take advantage of the great sales
we've been running to sell out of as much software as you can.
Make it a personal goal to sell 2 or more pieces of software
with every computer that goes out the door.
Be sure to recommend those products you stock
that take advantage of the digital hardware
in the Tandy  1000 product line.
Know that EVERYONE plays some games on their computer,
regardless of what they say they are going to use it for,
and sell them the best.
Our prices are extremely competitive and our quality is great.
Convey this to the customer during the sale
and watch the software leave the shelves.
 
MOM-04-91
COMPTON'S MME AND THE TANDY 2500 XL/2
 
If you or your customers are having problems with
sound with CMME and the XL/2...
 
The Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia is capable of playing digitized sounds
through the internal speaker of the Tandy  2500 XL/2,
just like it does on the Tandy  2500 XL.
Due to an installation anomaly, you will have to modify the batch file
that runs the encyclopedia to make it work properly.
You will have to do this in your stores and for your customers
who complain of their sound not working on their Tandy 2500 XL/2.
 
Note: This patch isn't necessary if you are moving your hard drive
from a 2500 XL in which Compton's was already installed.
 
Until we can get the program modified by the publisher,
the fix is very simple and can be done from within DeskMate :
 
1. Go into DeskMate and load the Text program.
 
2. Press the <F2> file open box, and type, "C: CME.BAT"
   in the file name box.
   You are now looking at the batch file.
 
3. Add the following line after the command line
   that begins with the word "Mark:"
 
            IbmPlayt /d 004 
 
4. The file should now look like this:
 
            C:
            CD C: COMPTONS
            Mark > Nul
            IbmPlayt /d 004
            F:JOS_TSRO.EXE F: F: C: COMPTONS -S -DI
            JMI.EXE
            Release > Nul
 
5. Press the ESC key to bring up the exit and save changes dialog box.
   You should say  yes  to save the changes you just made.
 
6. Reboot the machine and you are ready to enjoy digital sound
   with Compton's MME and the Tandy 2500 XL/2.
 
MOM-04-91
RSC-22A -- THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
 
  Page 6    The Tandy  4020 SX has a .7 wait state.
 
  Page 13   What about a Graphical User Interface  block; the 1000 TL/3 and
            2500 XL/2 should also be listed under DeskMate .
 
  Page 13   Under  Local Area Networks , the reference to "pages 44 and
            45" should be to "pages 14 and 15."
 
  Page 15   XIRCom Pocket Arcnet UTP (900-2436) has been canceled.
 
* Page 15   5151-11 Local Gateway 900-2427 has been discontinued.
 
* Page 16   the price for 900-2921 Microsoft Excel should be $495.00.
 
  Page 17   the price for 905-3083, RealWorld 4-in-1 Accounting has been
            lowered to $159.95.
 
  Page 19   the price for 905-3083, RealWorld 4-in-1 Accounting has been
            lowered to $159.95.
 
* Page 21   the price for 900-2808 The Computer Glossary should be $24.95.
 
* Page 22   CM-8 Color Computer 3  Monitor -- stock number should be
            26-3215 (not 25-3215).
 
* Page 22   the price for 26-255 6-ft. Shielded VGA Monitor Extension
            Cable should be $26.95.
 
* Page 22   the price for 25-3049 Monochrome Graphics Adapter should be
            $99.95.
 
* Page 23   the price for 900-2112 240 MB Videotrax Backup should be
            $399.00.
 
* Page 28   the price for 900-2399 Cardinal Technologies V.32 9600-bps
            Half-Card Modem should be $899 (not a new low price).
 
* Items added since last month
 
Also, the brochures on specific products are all now available.
The numbers you need to know are:
 
FC-231    Tandy  102 Laptop             FC-976    Point of Sale
FC-374    DT-110 Terminal               FC-977    Tandy  2810 HD
FC-377    Tandy  4025 LX (revised)      FC-978    Tandy  1500 HD
FC-384    Tandy  1100 FD (revised)      FC-979    Tandy Printers 442/134/107
FC-385    Tandy  4016 DX (revised)      FC-980    Tandy Printers 2103/30 & 302
FC-386    Tandy  4033 LX (revised)      FC-981    RSCC Institutional/Image
FC-389    DMP 240 Printer               FC-3037   WP-2 Wordprocessor
FC-397    Tandy  4020 SX                FC-3038   WP-100 Wordprocessor
FC-398    Tandy  2500 XL/2
 
MOM-04-91
HARD DRIVE CARD UPDATE
 
The 25-1032 20 MB Hard Drive Card and 25-4059 40 MB Hard Drive Card
are both SOWG and are to be discontinued shortly.
There should be sufficient units in store stock to allow you
to continue selling these drives until a replacement
for both arrives in our warehouses.
Please contact your District Manager for help in locating these drives
in a store near you.
 
MOM-04-91
25-1045 20 MB SMARTDRIVE DISCONTINUED
 
The 25-1045 20 MB SmartDrive  has been discontinued.
Its promotional price remains $299.95.
For your TL/2 and TL/3 customers,
you should begin selling the 25-1047 20 MB SmartDrive  at $399.95
(see the TL/3 Home Office Article for more on the 25-1047).
 
MOM-04-91
NEW 25-1048 40 MB SMARTDRIVE
 
An XT/AT-switchable SmartDrive!
 
The 25-1048 40 MB SmartDrive  is now available in the regional warehouses.
This low-power, 1" high 3 1/2" hard drive features 28 ms access time.
It is also the first XT/AT  switchable  drive we have ever carried,
and one of the first available anywhere.
This means it can be used in the Tandy  1000 RL and TL/2 and TL/3
XT computers and the 2500/4000 series AT computers
with just the move of a jumper!
 
For the 1000 RL, 1000 TL/2, 1000 TL/3, 2500 XL and 2500 XL/2,
the drive has the user friendly HINSTALL program for drive initialization.
This program runs under the DeskMate  interface
and has proven to be a real favorite in the 25-1047 20 MB SmartDrive .
As with the 25-1047, a pre-labeled blank 3 1/2" 720K diskette is included
for the installation process.
 
For computers without DeskMate in ROM,
the 25-1048 formats just like any other type 17 IDE drive.
And at $459.95, this is the lowest priced drive for our AT computer customers.
 
For your Tandy 1000 RL customers,
this means they now have a choice of 20 or 40 MB storage
in their family computer.
The 25-1048 is a very quiet hard drive,
and in the RL it contributes to the quiet operation of this fanless computer.
The 40 MB SmartDrive also uses the RLSPIN program, which,
in conjunction with the Screen Saver function of DeskMate,
spins down the hard drive after a customer-set period of inactivity.
 
Good Selling!
 
MOM-04-91
MAGAZINE ADVERTISING
 
Tandy computer products are frequently advertised
in leading national publications.
Magazine advertising reinforces the image of Tandy  Computers
as a nationally recognized brand.
Tandy computer products will be featured in these publications
over the next month: 
 
Date  Magazine                 Computer
 
4/01  Delta Sky                Tandy  2810 HD
4/01  American Way             Tandy  2810 HD
4/01  Manufacturing Systems    MIBUS
4/01  Journal of Accountancy   RTSCC Institutional
4/01  Today's Office           Xenix Accounting
4/01  Apparel Merchandising    POS
4/01  Discount Store News      POS
4/01  Drug Store News          POS
4/01  Hardware Age             POS
4/01  Jeweler's Circular       POS
4/01  Supermarket              POS
4/01  Toy & Hobby World        POS
4/01  Smithsonian              Compton's MultiMedia
4/03  Sports Ill.- Select      Tandy  1000 RL
4/15  Newsweek-Business        Tandy  2810 HD
4/15  Black Enterprise         POS
4/15  Byte                     Tandy  2810 HD
4/16  PC Magazine              Tandy  2810 HD
4/17  Sports Illustrated       Tandy  1000 RL
4/18  PCM                      Tandy  2810 HD
4/20  Compute                  Tandy  1000 TL/3
4/20  Compute                  Advertorial
4/20  Natural History          Compton's MultiMedia
4/21  Rainbow                  CoCo Software Coupon Offer
4/23  Home Office Computing    Home Office Sys
4/23  Home Office Computing    Tandy  1000 TL/3
4/25  PC Computing             Tandy  1000 TL/3
4/25  Inc.                     RSCC Institutional
4/29  PC World                 Tandy  2810 HD
 
MOM-04-91
LATE DATES
 
Listed here are the new items that appear in
the 1991 Tandy  Computer Reference Guide and
the 1991 Educational Products Guide
which have not yet arrived at the warehouses.
Also included are the dates the merchandise is expected to be available
at the warehouses.
 
The dates listed in this section are based on the latest available information,
and are updated monthly.
While they may not be 100% accurate, they are the best estimate we have
at this time.
 
The dates listed here should be your ONLY reference for availability of
cataloged items.
Ft. Worth Computer Support Services or Ft. Worth Computer Merchandising
will not have any dates other than the ones shown here.
 
Radio Shack Reference Guide RSC-22A
 
Cat. #    Description             Date
 
250-4126  160 MB SmartDrive      5/31/91
 
Radio Shack Educational Products Guide
 
Cat. #    Description                    Date
 
903/5-5654     Once Upon Time SCM       5/30/91
903/5-5658     Math Blast Plus SCM      4/30/91
903/5-5659     Word Attack Plus SCM     4/30/91
903/5-5660     Homeworker SCM           4/30/91
903/5-5673     Double Up SCM            5/31/91
903/5-5674     Mark-Up SCM              5/31/91
903/5-5675     Proteus SCM              5/31/91
903/5-5676     Rhubarb SCM              5/31/91
903/5-5677     Sequitur SCM             5/31/91
903/5-5686     Timeliner SCM            5/31/91
903/5-5742     Once Up Time II SCM      5/31/91
903/5-5779     Bodyworks Jr SCM         5/31/91
903/5-5780     Bodyworks Sr SCM         5/31/91
903/5-5782     Inter Inspirer SCM       5/31/91
903/5-5789     Spell It Plus SCM        4/30/91
903/5-5790     Algeblaster Pls SCM      4/30/91
903/5-5797     Nat'l Inspirer SCM       5/31/91
 
MOM-04-91
NORTON UTILITIES PERSONAL COPY OFFER -- WRONG FAX NUMBER
 
Re-FAX your order to Symantec
 
Attention!  Wrong FAX Number!!!
 
Symantec listed the wrong FAX number on the order form
for your personal copy of Norton Utilities!
 
We have revised the form and included it with this M.O.M.
Please resend your order to the correct FAX number!
Product News -- Of Special Interest to 01Zs and Computer Centers
 
MOM-04-91
BUSINESS COMPUTERS UPDATE
 
1 MB memory, super VGA, and lower prices.
 
Beginning this month, the 4016 DX, 4025 LX and 4033 LX will be positioned
even better for you to your prospect.
Let's outline the changes:
 
                                                         Previous     New
SKU         CPU       VGA Adapter       Memory            Retail     Retail
 
25-5001A  4016 DX  Super VGA W/512K  1 MB/4-256K SIMMs  $2,999.00  $2,299.00
25-5125A  4025 LX  Super VGA W/512K  1 MB/4-256K SIMMs  $3,999.00  $3,299.00
25-5130A  4033 LX  Super VGA W/512K  1 MB/4-256K SIMMs  $4,999.00  $3,799.00
 
Your current inventory of 4025 LXs with 2 MB are to be cleared out
at the new price of $3,299.00, as well as the 4033 LX at $3,799.00.
All of these catalog numbers will have an "A" suffix
to designate the new configurations.
Here's the strategy...
 
1 MB Memory
 
Most of the configurations you are selling require more memory.
So, offering all 1 MB systems, the upgrade path for memory results
is less "throw away" memory.
 
Two typical memory upgrades would be:
 
1. Upgrade to 2 MB using ONE 25-5031 memory kit
   and utilizing the base memory already in the unit.
 
2. Upgrade to 4 MB using TWO 25-5134 memory kits
   and remove the base memory in the unit
   (this upgrade will not require the use of the SECOND memory board 25-6030,
   until you upgrade beyond 8 MB).
 
Be sure to follow the memory upgrade chart found on page 27 of RSC-22A.
 
These systems only require a minimum memory speed of 100 ns.
However, all systems are now shipping with FOUR 80 ns 256K SIMMs.
If you will refer back to the M.O.M. articles in February and March '91,
we explained mixing memory speeds.
 
16-Bit Super VGA Adapter
 
To keep up with the new 2500 XL/2 and 4020 SX, we have included the same
video features they have and went one step further.
We put the full memory of 512K on the video board
so you will not have to order a kit to upgrade.
With our current monitors, you can display 640 x 480 with 256 colors.
 
New Retail Prices
 
Last but not least, these CPUs have new selling prices.
You'll also notice that the cost to your store is less too!
It seems that our competitors are doing a bit of "DUMPING"
due to high inventory levels.
However in our case,
we are positioned with good inventory levels thanks to you!
Our price reductions are the result of lower component cost
from our own factories.
So these savings are passed on to you and you can pass them on
to your prospects.
With these new prices, you'll be able to move your prospects up
to a faster and more powerful CPU, and close even more sales.
 
MOM-04-91
THIRD PARTY PRODUCTS
 
Start using the new forms attached to this issue of
the M.O.M. IMMEDIATELY!
 
New Request Forms
 
We've learned a lot since we opened for business in January.
One thing we've learned is that we can reduce callbacks and errors
if we get more information from you up front.
Please destroy the request forms you've been using
and begin using the ones attached to this issue
of the M.O.M. immediately ("Rev. 3/91").
 
Here are some additional points to remember as you place your request:
 
1. We must have your complete name.
   "Bill J." or "Nancy" are not acceptable.
 
2. We must have the complete name and address of your customer.
 
3. Give us a realistic need date.
   If you don't know, leave the space blank.
   "ASAP" doesn't tell us anything.
 
4. If you need something other than UPS ground shipping,
   we must have your Airborne account number
   as well as the authorization from your DVP.
 
5. We never order merchandise without first quoting you
   the price in writing and receiving a response from you
   that the price is acceptable.
 
MOM-04-91
SPANISH VERSIONS OF MICROSOFT PRODUCTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE
 
The following Microsoft products are now available in Spanish editions:
 
     Microsoft Works
     Microsoft Word
     Windows 3.0
     Excel for Windows
     Word for Windows
     Learning DOS
     MS-Chart
     Multiplan
 
Both program and documentation are in Spanish.
These are top quality, Microsoft produced packages.
For pricing and availability, place your request
in the usual manner with Third Party Products.
 
MOM-04-91
NOVELL COMPUTER BASED TRAINING PRODUCTS NOW AVAILABLE!
 
As a result of several requests from the field for
Novell Computer Based Training products,
the following are now available through Radio Shack for resale to the customer:
 
Novell Self-Paced Computer Based Training (CBT)
 
Course    Description                               Length      List Price
 
1103      Introduction to  Data Communications     12-16 Hrs     $395.00
1107      ELS v2.1x: System Supervisor             10-14 Hrs     $295.00
1109      NetWare v2.15 System Supervisor I        12-16 Hrs     $495.00
1111      NetWare 386: System Supervisor I         12-16 Hrs     $595.00
1112      NetWare v2.15: System Supervisor II      10-12 Hrs     $495.00
1113      NetWare 386: System Supervisor II        10-12 Hrs     $495.00
 
Product Description
 
Computer based training (CBT) is the most widely used technology for training,
and one of the most cost-effective,
according to an American Society for Training and Development survey.
 
  You pay only once for a CBT course, then use it over and over again
 
  You progress at your own pace, without fear of failure or embarrassment
 
  CBT courses are available around the clock to fit your own schedule
 
  You choose which lesson module to study, review or practice
 
When time and budgets are tight, Novell's computer based training courses
are effective complements to classroom instruction.
 
How To Order Novell CBT Products
 
To maintain consistency, product fulfillment will be accomplished
through Radio Shack Contract Marketing in the same manner as Tandy Grants,
Education Account NetWare and NetWare Upgrades.
 
MOM-03-91
THE FRONT LINE
THE FRONT LINE is a monthly column dedicated to discussing
marketing, merchandising and customer care concepts.
 
YOUR DIGITAL FUTURE
 
Your personal success at Radio Shack in the years ahead
will be proportional to your own dedication in mastering
and applying the skills required to explain the new digital products
as they appear to America's consumers and small businesses.
 
Radio Shack has been described as
"distribution for the products of technology,"
and this technology is increasingly digital.
As a salesmaker who handles the entire spectrum
of current consumer electronics products --
ranging from audio to video to telephone
to computer to parts and components -- the interrelationship of all of
these products may be difficult to appreciate.
Even thinking about just computer products,
monitors seem more related to TVs, printers closer to copiers,
and modems closer to telephones than to the central microcomputer itself.
 
Of the three dominant consumer electronics industries today,
only the computer is fully digital;
video and telephone technology is still primarily analog.
It is the rapid changing of these other two industries from analog to digital,
and the resulting fusion of all electronic technology
into an interrelated digital network,
that will provide products for Radio Shack in the years to come.
 
The Universal Language
 
All digital information ("data") is processed and stored
in a simple code of 1s and 0s, in so-called binary form
(for example, the letter "T" in binary code becomes 1010100).
More complex sound wave patterns and video images
can be mapped with this same basic scheme of digital coding.
 
Although a large number of coding bits is required
to handle information in this digital form,
the advantage is that binary is the language of digital processing and
storage itself.
 
The clear advantage of the digital data format is that it offers the
potential for becoming the UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE for all information,
whether for numbers and text, audio wave patterns, video images, etc.,
or even combinations of them all.
The world's entire information and entertainment archives
could then be stored and exchanged in this common format,
and a single processing unit in a home or office could serve
as the telephone and voice mail system, radio, television,
stereo, VCR, word processor and data computer, book and movie library,
personal data base, etc.
 
And, linked by digital data lines into the Integrated
Services Digital Network (or ISDN), anyone could then access other
personal and business workstations and data libraries.
 
The Universal Workstation
 
Not only is the form of the data becoming universal;
the processing units themselves can now become more unified.
Consider the combination of the microcomputer with a laser printer,
a scanner, and a modem:  you now have created a "hard copy output machine"
which is the functional equivalent of today's computer printer,
FAX machine, and plain paper copier.
 
The microcomputer, in addition to being a major force in consumer electronics
in its own right, has provided the research and development stimulus
to bring down the cost of microprocessing power and digital memory.
The Intel 80386 microprocessor of 1986 was as fast as the IBM model 370/168
mainframe computer of 1976, and the latter cost $3.5 million!
 
Although it's easy to be impressed by the progress of
the microcomputer since 1977, there are many important
breakthroughs that need to happen in the years immediately ahead.
 
More Memory Needed
 
Much larger and less expensive digital storage will be needed to contain
the volumes of data to be manipulated by the ISDN.
For example, if a double spaced page of text contains 2,000 characters,
then a 360K 5 1/4" floppy diskette can hold about 180 pages of text.
The Encyclopedia Britannica, consisting of 450 million characters
in 33 published volumes, requires:
 
    1,250 Floppy Diskettes (360K each)
            or
    Eight 60 MB Hard Drives
            or
    Three 160 MB Tape Backups
            or
    One CD-ROM (with room to spare!)
 
Even more dramatic than text,
a 360K floppy can only store 3 seconds of very high quality audio,
whereas one CD-ROM can store a full hour of that same very high quality audio.
Also, that floppy can store only 5 high resolution (TV-quality) images,
while the CD-ROM can store 5,000.
Clearly, the current Compton's system, built around a CD-ROM drive and
the Tandy  2500 XL (or XL/2) computer, is a signpost to the future.
 
Catch Your Piece of the Future
 
The so-called "digital revolution" is YOUR future,
as well as the future of Radio Shack itself.
We are uniquely positioned through both manufacturing and distribution
to continue to be America's premier supplier of the products of technology
for years to come.
You should work to position yourself to earn a profitable living
by taking advantage of the digital future.
 
MOM-03-91
THE DESKMATE  DIFFERENCE
A series of articles on DeskMate.
BUSINESS GRAPHS: DISPLAYING NUMBERS GRAPHICALLY
 
In our visually-oriented society,
graphs and graphics have more impact than text alone does.
Although visual presentations are easier to view and absorb,
they are usually more difficult to create than text.
 
Business Graphs (25-1363  $24.95), a new DeskMate Companion product,
makes the creation of these graphics very easy.
If you already have numbers in a DeskMate spreadsheet,
in most cases you can import them directly into Business Graphs.
If you don't have your numbers in a spreadsheet,
you just key them into Business Graphs.
In either case, the DeskMate interface makes the process easy.
 
How to Use Business Graphs
 
Automatic Installation
 
Business Graphs uses DeskMate's automatic installation.
With the Desktop displayed, you simply place the diskette in your floppy drive,
choose Desktop <F7> Install, and stand by.
Business Graphs will be displayed on your Desktop
and installed on your hard drive or floppy drive.
 
Creating a Graph
 
To create a new graph, you must tell Business Graphs
what kind of graph you want and give it some numbers.
Start by selecting File <F2> New to create a new graph.
To define the graph, choose the Edit <F3> Define/Edit Layout option.
 
Here you key in the desired titles and subtitles,
select fonts and choose other graphic options.
To select the type of graph you want,
click on the GRAPH button at the top of the screen.
Your graph options appear.
 
You can select from several common types of graphs.
For this example, choose the bar graph.
Next, key in the data.
Select Edit <F3> Enter/Edit Data and start typing.
 
The example above shows monthly expenses.
The labels that will be displayed as "X" data are along the left side,
and the data along the top will be displayed as different bars.
After you enter the data and press <ENTER>, the graph is displayed.
 
Printing a Graph
 
Business Graphs prints both in color and in black and white.
By default, it displays the graphs in color.
It can print graphs in the same colors with a Tandy  DMP 240 printer
with a color ribbon.
 
If you have a black and white printer,
you can preview the graph in black and white by choosing the
Options <F4> Display in B/W.
 
To print, select File <F2> Print.
After you select how much of the printed page you want the graph to fill,
the printing process begins.
 
Importing and Exporting Data
 
Business Graphs can import labels and numbers from DeskMate Worksheet
and from Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate.
To import from Worksheet, print your worksheet to a file
using the ASCII driver.
Go into Business Graphs, select File <F2> New then File <F2> Import.
Key in the name of the file, and it happens like magic!
The screen below shows data imported directly from Worksheet
with no manipulation.
 
To import from Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate,
select a portion of the worksheet and copy it to the DeskMate Clipboard
using <F3> Copy.
Then run Business Graphs, select File <F2> New,
then Edit <F3> Paste from Clipboard.
The data appears just as if you had typed it in.
 
In both cases, the labels that appear along the left side of the spreadsheet
will appear as the X axis.
 
To export the data to a text file, select File <F2> Export,
choose ASCII text and type in the filename.
 
Exporting Graphics
 
Business Graphs uses the DeskMate Draw format
for storing and manipulating its graphics.
When you use Edit <F3> Copy,
Business Graphs copies the graph to the DeskMate Clipboard in the Draw format.
That means you can paste your graph into any DeskMate application
that recognizes those files.
These include DeskMate Draw and DeskMate Text.
 
These graphics can also be exported to a DeskMate Draw file
with the .FIG extension.
This can be read directly by DeskMate Draw and also by DeskMate Q&A Write.
Thus, to use a graph from Business Graphs in DeskMate Q&A Write,
first save it using Business Graphs' File <F2> Export function.
Then, in Q&A Write, use the graphic hot link in a "*G TEST.FIG*" format
to link to that .FIG file.
 
Multiple Windows
 
Business Graphs uses Star Software's multiple windowing technology
under DeskMate.
This means you can open several graphs simultaneously on the screen.
 
Besides providing flexibility in viewing,
the multiple window feature lets you compare graphs side by side.
You can use this to display the same data in different graphs
to choose your favorite, or you can display different graphs
to compare results.
For example, you could view your January, February and March graphs
on the screen at the same time to discover trends.
 
How to Sell Business Graphs
 
Business Graphs has a demo mode that helps you sell it.
You can install Business Graphs on your demo machine,
run the program and select Options <F4> Demo.
This self-running demo will attract attention and interest.
 
Business Graphs adds value to DeskMate Worksheet because Worksheet
has no graphing capability.
It's a natural addition.
It also adds value to Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate
because it provides a variety of new graph types
which Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate does not offer.
 
The natural customer for Business Graphs is the small business user.
If you sell a Tandy  computer that includes DeskMate to a business user,
show him or her Business Graphs as a low-cost add-on.
The home office customer can also use business graphs.
These graphs can be used for presentations to customers,
presentations to potential funders and perhaps advertisements and brochures.
Students benefit from being able to add graphs to term papers,
so Business Graphs can help them, too.
 
When selling, show the different types of graphs
and emphasize the import capabilities.
This flexibility and ease of data acquisition
make Business Graphs a real timesaver.
 
Business Graphs is a powerful program at a reasonable price.
Make it part of every DeskMate presentation and every computer sale!
 
MOM-03-91
HOME OFFICE MARKETING
As part of the Tandy  1000 TL/3 bundle,
Quicken helps you sell to the Home Office customer.
 
QUICKEN IN THE HOME OFFICE: AUTOMATING ROUTINE FINANCIAL TASKS
 
Every home has financial tasks.
These include keeping track of checkbooks and paying bills.
They SHOULD include reconciling our checkbooks with our bank statements
each month.
 
And about this time of year we're faced with another fiscal task:
calculating our taxes.
Quicken from Intuit can make all these jobs easier.
 
Home offices that produce income often have
additional financial management needs.
These include budgeting, cash management, accounts payable,
accounts receivable, and more.
Quicken's features simplify these tasks, too.
 
In addition, Quicken prints checks!
This makes the home office more efficient,
reduces errors and produces professional-looking results.
(One of the challenges faced by home offices is acquiring
an appearance of professionalism in every aspect of the business.
Custom computer-printed checks adds to this professional appearance.
These personalized checks for use with Quicken are available from Intuit.)
 
The Appeal of Quicken
 
People like Quicken because it looks familiar.
The two primary screens of Quicken are Write Checks screen
and the Check Register screen, and they look like a typical checkbook.
 
After keying the correct information into the check on the screen,
press <ENTER> to accept it.
 
The information for the check then appears in the check register,
the balance is updated, and the check is ready to print.
 
On all your recurring bills, Quicken will "learn" the transaction.
This lets you select a recurring payment with just a couple of keystrokes,
making this process much faster than writing checks by hand.
 
Categories and Reports
 
If you wish, you may use Quicken's categories to organize
your checks and deposits for later reporting.
Quicken includes a set of sample business categories
and a set of sample home categories to get you started.
 
Quicken's reports constitute one of its most valuable features.
To print a report of your checks and deposits,
select the Transaction Report from the Activities Menu.
You can opt for the transactions to print by date, payee, category or memo,
whether the check has cleared, or any combination of these.
You may ask for subtotals by week, month, quarter, etc.,
as well as by payee and by category.
 
At tax time you can print helpful reports such as all charitable donations,
all interest income, etc.
 
The Category Reports offer the same flexibility.
Rather than showing individual checks and deposits,
Category Reports show summaries by week, month, quarter, etc.
You may create reports showing all or only selected categories.
 
The Budget Reports let you compare what you've spent during a month
with what you've budgeted in each category.
Again, you have great flexibility in creating these Budget Reports.
 
Hope for Reconciliation
 
Reconciling your checkbook with your bank statement can be a burden,
but it should be done to make sure that both you and your bank
have an accurate balance for your account.
Quicken simplifies this task by allowing you to type in
the bank statement balance and then identify the checks and deposits
that have cleared according to the statement.
 
If your account balances, you receive a congratulatory message.
If not, you can either fix the problem
or accept the bank's balance as correct.
Automating this reconciliation process can save you time!
 
Getting Down to Business
 
Quicken offers functions that small businesses need,
without requiring the business person to learn double-entry accounting.
Accounts Receivables can be keyed in, totaled and reported
by setting up a separate file just for these receivables.
You can set up Accounts Payable by postdating checks in the register
and tracking these postdated checks.
Quicken can handle cash flow forecasting, petty cash, payrolls
and other business tasks with similar ease and simplicity.
 
And It's DeskMate!
 
As a DeskMate  application, Quicken retains the familiarity and ease of use
that all DeskMate applications share.
Having learned one DeskMate program,
people find it very easy to learn new DeskMate programs.
The similarity in the menus, dialog boxes, help systems, etc. of
DeskMate programs "quicken" the learning curve on any new applications.
 
It's In There:  The TL/3 Bundle
 
The current Home Office System includes the Tandy  1000 TL/3,
a CM-5 monitor, a 20-megabyte hard drive, Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate,
DeskMate Q&A Write, Quicken and a mouse for $1,599.00!
See Page 11 for details.
 
Using Quicken to Help You Sell a Bundle
 
Every home office does financial tasks, so demoing Quicken
is a good approach to take when selling the 1000 TL/3 bundle.
 
Go ahead and copy the Quicken software onto the TL/3's hard drive.
(Since Quicken is included with the bundle,
it is okay to load it onto the drive.)
Then you will be ready to demo without searching for floppy diskettes.
 
Learn to use Quicken -- it really is easy!
When demoing Quicken, show the Write Checks screen.
Add a check, then return to the Check Register
to see how the balance has changed.
 
If you want to be REALLY prepared, key in a dozen or so checks
in advance using the sample categories.
(See pages 8-6 and 8-7 in the Quicken manual to tell you how to do this.)
When demoing to a customer, key in another check, show the check register,
then display a report on the screen.
This one demo may be enough to sell the system!
 
You can also demonstrate having Quicken memorize and recall
common check payments -- see pages 6-2 and 6-6 of the Quicken manual.
This makes another impressive demo.
 
Make YOUR bundle by using Quicken to help you sell
the Home Office System bundle -- you'll be glad you did!
 
MOM-03-91
THE CREDIT LINE
Direct to you from Tandy credit departments -- RSVP and Tandy Computer Leasing
RSVP
 
Special Offer for RSVP Cardholders ONLY...
 
There's been enthusiastic response to our coupon
(enclosed with your shoppers' recent RSVP billing)
offering:
 
    $50 OFF the regular price of the Road Patrol
    X, K and Ka-Band Radar Detector (22-1626)
 
The best way to solve a problem is to avoid it:
Show and Tell your RSVP cardholders how this product can help them
do just that and...Remind them that March 30 is the last day
to take advantage of this superb value.
 
Reminders to Help You Avoid Problems, too!
 
We need to start now to improve our discipline
with the administrative procedures for the credit program.
 
1. Requirements for phone-in (FO-643) applications:
 
   a. Minimum initial purchase of $100
 
   b. Has one of these major credit cards:
 
           American Express     Discover
           Optima               Carte Blanche
           MasterCard           Sears
           Diners Club          Montgomery Ward
           VISA
 
2. Application Procedure...NEAT AND COMPLETE is the key.
   You can fill in the application with your customer
   supplying the information requested or:
   Ask your customer to complete the application and,
   after it's handed back to you, review it together, block by block,
   and make any changes or additions needed.
   NEAT AND COMPLETE...
 
   a. Every question needs a response:
      Those that are not applicable can be "answered" by entering "None"
      or "N/A."
      Entriee must be "readable."
 
   b. Be sure that either "YES" or "NO" in the "INSURANCE ELECTION-OPTION"
      (bottom left block) is initialed and that the
      "CREDIT ACCOUNT AND SECURITY AGREEMENT" (bottom right block)
      has been signed and dated.
 
3. Ask to see a driver's license
   (or state issued personal ID card) and a credit card
   to complete the "PRE-CALL INFORMATION" section.
   Verify:
 
   a. Birth date; must be 18 or older
   b. Signature; must compare with those on IDs
   c. Photo and physical descriptions;
      compare with appearance of applicant
   d. Social Security number
 
CALL APPLICATION IN TO 1 (800) 729-4556.
 
If you have any doubts about the applicant's integrity or
comparisons with the IDs you've checked,
do not indicate that to the applicant!
As soon as your call is answered,
just state that you have "a code 10 application."
Your call will be taken over by a supervisor
who will advise you on how to proceed.
We do not want you subjected to a confrontational situation.
For this same reason,
no application will be declined
while the customer is in your store.
It will be "PENDING."
 
For instant APPROVALS, you receive:
 
         a.     Account #
         b.     Line of Credit Amount
         c.     Authorization #
 
Otherwise you will receive a PENDING #.
If so, advise the client they'll be notified of the decision,
by mail, in a few days.
 
Under the "FOR OFFICE USE ONLY" section,
enter those numbers in their appropriate blanks.
REPEAT them back to the account representative.
For security reasons, you will not be able to call back later
to verify the numbers.
Tell your approved applicants the good news,
including the amount of their ValuePlus credit line.
 
PLEASE ADVISE THEM THAT:
 
a. Their RSVP Card will be mailed to them within 10-14 days
 
b. From then on, it can be used at all
   Radio Shack owned stores and participating Associate Stores
 
Please do not, in any event, give Tandy Credit's "New Accounts"
number to a customer/applicant.
It is for store use in submitting applications...only.
 
A Phone Number to Give Out...  1 (800) 767-4556
 
That's the number for active cardholders (only) to call for:
 
a. billing/payment information
b. change of address
c. loss, theft or unauthorized use of ValuePlus card
d. ChargeGard questions/claims
 
This will also help eliminate cardholders claims that,
"I didn't report it because the salesman at Radio Shack
said he'd take care of notifying you..."
 
RSVP's Customer Service handles CREDIT SUPPORT.
That frees you up to provide your customers with topnotch PRODUCT SUPPORT!
 
Global Developments and MSI
 
As the Persian Gulf situation unfolds,
be especially sensitive to the needs of our military forces stationed nearby
or returning from Desert Storm duty.
Be sure your MSI cardholders are aware that the military allotment program
now offers two (2) credit options:
 
1. $500 with monthly withholdings of $27.00
 
2. $1,300 with monthly withholdings of $42.00.
   At this time, the higher credit line option might prove especially helpful
   to them and their (authorized, cardholding) household or family members.
 
        includes $2 monthly service charge 
 
STAND BY:
New ValuePlus Card reissue plans to be announced soon!
 
Remember to always:
 
Make RSVP your customers' first choice...
not your salesperson's last resort!
 
 
Tandy Computer Leasing
 
To meet the challenges ahead,
Tandy Computer Leasing (TCL) has done some serious restructuring
(and you in the field thought you had an exclusive on that!).
In this issue we'd like to introduce you to the departments within TCL
and tell you a little bit about each of them.
 
Risk Management (formerly "Credit") Department
 
This is where it all starts.
As soon as you FAX or phone-in your customer's lease application,
a credit report is pulled up and the file is then assigned to a Credit Analyst
for review.
We're happy to say that a majority of your commercial customers
prove to be TCL credit-worthy.
Barring delays caused by bank and installment references
or the need to delve deeper into questionable credit report data,
a determination can be expected within hours.
If there is a delay, you will receive periodic status reports.
The decision will be FAXed or phoned to you and will include,
on approvals, a comprehensive information list including:
 
1. Required documents
2. Customer number
3. Lease number
4. Prepayment and monthly payment amounts
 
There will be those whose credentials do not meet our requirements
(even with additional security) and must, regrettably, be declined.
That determination might take longer since our analysts will take extra time
before declining an application to seek any possible "conditions"
under which approval could be considered.
 
Lease Add-Ons and Upgrades should also be submitted to the Risk
Management Department.
 
Lease Processing Department
 
After you prepare the required documentation
according to the Leasing Approval Form,
the lessee completes their portion of the documents,
you collect the amount shown under "TOTAL PREPAYMENT RECEIVED"
and deliver the leased products:
 
FAX a copy of the lease and delivery receipt to TCL 
and immediately...
Mail all completed documents to TCL 
 
After the lease is booked,
the only other financing involvement you need be concerned with
is YOUR SPiFF.
Write it in on your time card.
(Refer to the new SPiFF structure outlined in the JAN/MAR
issue of TC Credit Check.)
Be sure you get the extra bonus: you've earned it!
 
Customer Service Department
 
Your lease customer is entitled to the same goodwill and product support
from you as is any valued Radio Shack customer.
With TCL, you and our customer have an extra asset available;
our Customer Service Department.
Throughout the term of the lease,
this will be the group you and the lessee will most likely be involved with.
They handle inquiries and coordinate resolutions for:
 
  Contracts and billing
  Add-ons, upgrades, substitutions and cost changes
  Rental Start Date changes
  Tax, maintenance and equipment problems
  Change of address, phone number or ownership
  Sales/Use and Personal Property Tax questions
 
Insurance Department
 
The lessee is responsible for insuring leased equipment.
TCL offers the option of coverage
through our group policy arrangement.
Direct "group" insurance problems, questions or claims
to an insurance coordinator.
 
Lease Terminations Department
 
Specialists in this group will provide early buyout
and/or early cancellation quotes and notify lessees of settlement or buyout
option amounts for expiring contracts.
 
TCL Phone/FAX Numbers
 
Receptionist:                1 (817) 390-3890
 
Risk Management:     FAX     1 (800) 828-7263
                   Phone     1 (800) 433-5548
 
Lease Processing:            1 (817) 338-2211
 
Customer Service:            1 (817) 390-2124
 
Insurance:                   1 (817) 390-2763
                             1 (817) 390-3898
 
Cancellations:               1 (817) 390-2717
 
Expirations:                 1 (817) 390-2716
                             1 (817) 390-3610
 
A TCL LEASE...
 
The Closing Link to a Total Solution
for your business clients' product needs
 
MOM-03-91
STOCK FILE CHANGES
A quick reference to product status changes -- pricing, availability, etc.
LATE DATES
 
Listed below are the new items that appear in
the 1991 Tandy Computer Reference Guide and the
the 1991 Educational Products Guide
which have not yet arrived at the warehouses.
Also included are the dates the merchandise is expected to be available
at the warehouses.
 
The dates listed in this section are based on the latest available information,
and are updated monthly.
While they may not be 100% accurate, they are the best estimate we have
at this time.
 
The dates listed here should be your ONLY reference for availability of
cataloged items.
Ft. Worth Computer Support Services or Ft. Worth Computer Merchandising
will not have any dates other than the ones shown here.
 
Radio Shack Reference Guide RSC-22A
 
Cat. #    Description          Date
250-4126  160 MB SmartDrive   4/30/91
 
Radio Shack Educational Products Guide
 
Cat. #         Description              Date
903/5-5654     Once Upon Time SCM     5/30/91
903/5-5658     Math Blast Plus SCM    3/31/91
903/5-5659     Word Attack Plus SCM   3/31/91
903/5-5660     Homeworker SCM         3/31/91
903/5-5673     Double Up SCM          4/30/91
903/5-5674     Mark-Up SCM            4/30/91
903/5-5675     Proteus SCM            4/30/91
903/5-5676     Rhubarb SCM            4/30/91
903/5-5677     Sequitur SCM           4/30/91
903/5-5686     Timeliner SCM          4/30/91
903/5-5742     Once Up Time II SCM    5/31/91
903/5-5758     Sim City School        3/31/91
903/5-5765     French Scrabble        3/31/91
903/5-5779     Bodyworks Jr SCM       4/30/91
903/5-5780     Bodyworks Sr SCM       4/30/91
903/5-5782     Inter Inspirer SCM     4/30/91
903/5-5789     Spell It Plus SCM      3/31/91
903/5-5790     Algeblaster Pls SCM     3/31/91
903/5-5797     Nat'l Inspirer SCM      4/30/91
 
 
CANCELED PRODUCTS
 
CAT. #     DESCRIPTION
900-2436   Xircom Pocket Arcnet UTP
 
 
DISCONTINUED PRODUCTS
 
CAT. #    DESCRIPTION
260-5540  Tandy TokenRing Adapter
          (replaced by 900-2470 WD TokenRing
          Adapter w/128K at $599.00)
 
MOM-03-91
25-1031 SERIAL BOARD SOWG
 
The 25-1031 Plus RS-232 Serial Board is SOWG.
Many of these are being sold along with the 25-1016 Plus Card Adapter
for standard expansion slot computers.
This combination results in a retail price of $74.90 for one DB-25 connector.
 
A better solution is to sell the
25-4025 Dual Serial Port/Parallel Printer Adapter for $79.95.
Your customer gets two DB-9 connectors and a printer port for only $5.05 more.
Perhaps of greater importance is that it will allow us
to stretch the remaining stock of the 25-1031 for our 1000 HX customers.
 
MOM-03-91
25-4050 1.2 MB 5 1/4" FLOPPY NOW AVAILABLE TO ALL STORES!
 
With the NEW Tandy  1000 TL/3's capability of utilizing
HIGH CAPACITY floppy disk drives,
the 1.2 MB 5 1/4" internal floppy disk drive is now available
for 01Ys and 01Vs to SPECIAL ORDER for customers through the TSDC Warehouse.
Computer Centers and 01Zs can stock the 25-4050 drive.
This drive is also a nice enhancement for your Tandy  2500 XL
or the NEW 2500 XL/2 sales.
 
With the 1.2 MB Capacity, your customers can READ and WRITE 360K
or 1.2 MB formatted floppy disks.
 
In addition to the 1.2 MB drive,
the 25-4053 1.44 MB 3 1/2" internal floppy drive
is also available for SPECIAL ORDER by all stores and Computer Centers.
This drive offers your customers high capacity compatibility
to READ and WRITE 720K or 1.44 MB formats.
This drive mounts in the 3 1/2" available device area
of most Tandy  Computers.
 
MOM-03-91
PRODUCT NEWS
INTRODUCING THE NEW TANDY 1000 TL/3
 
On February 16th, we introduced the new 25-1603 Tandy  1000 TL/3 computer
with a special Home Office System for the March and April flyers.
The TL/3 is the next generation of the Tandy 1000 TL series computers.
 
Tandy 1000 TL/3 Features
 
  80286 microprocessor -- 10 MHz clock speed
  640K RAM (upgradable to 768K)
  DB-9 serial port
  DB-25 bi-directional parallel printer port
  two joystick ports
  PS/2-style mouse port
  bi-directional Digital to Analog Converter (DAC)
  stereo headphone jack with volume control
  microphone jack
  internal speaker
  real time clock with battery backup
  101-key enhanced keyboard
  one 3 1/2" and one 5 1/4" open device slot
  four 10" XT expansion slots
  MDA/Hercules/CGA/Tandy Enhanced Color Graphics support built in
  3 1/2" 720K disk drive
  70 watt power supply
  an IDE SmartDrive  adapter built on the main logic board
 
Although it comes with a standard density drive,
the TL/3 has a dual-speed floppy controller built-in.
This means that you can install high density (1.2 MB 5 1/4" or 1.44 MB 3 1/2")
disk drives into the computer with no special adapter required!
 
Also included with the TL/3 is the new DeskMate  version 3.5,
with special font and printer support.
Both the DeskMate Desktop and MS-DOS 3.3 are built into ROM,
so you get "instant-on" operation.
 
March/April Home Office System
 
As stated earlier, the TL/3 will be featured in a Home Office System
for the March and April flyer periods.  This system consists of:
 
25-1603     Tandy 1000 TL/3
25-1043     CM-5 Color Monitor
25-1045     20 MB IDE SmartDrive
25-1338     TL/3 Bonus Pack, which includes:
               Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate
               DeskMate Q & A Write
               Quicken
               and a 2 Button PS/2 Style mouse!
 
Demonstrating the TL/3 Home Office System
 
We believe that the best way to show off the features
of the TL/3 Home Office System is to use demonstration programs
on a configured system.
In that way, you have a full system to show the customer
the benefits of hard drives, color monitors and a mouse,
as well as demonstrations of Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate,
DeskMate Q&A Write and Quicken.
Make sure your hard drive is initialized,
DeskMate is installed and the mouse is connected and enabled.
 
Use the Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate Demo Diskette
for a self-running demo.
Remove only the mouse from the Bonus Pack.
DON'T INSTALL THE ACTUAL LOTUS,
AS IT BECOMES UNSELLABLE AT THAT POINT!
 
Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate is a powerful analytical software program
uniting the three most useful business functions
into one fully-integrated package (spreadsheet, database and graphics).
 
With these useful functions one can tackle complex tasks such as:
financial statements, cash budgeting, business plans, loan analysis and more.
The database function allows you to do things such as:
store and update information, sort data by primary and secondary categories
and in ascending or descending order.
 
Changing graph types is easy;
all you do is go to the select graph output option
and choose the one you desire.
Accelerator key options allow the user to
jump from one function to another quickly.
 
Last, but very important to all users, it prints the worksheet,
database report and graph you created.
 
DeskMate Q & A Write is a powerful yet easy-to-use word processor
running under the DeskMate Interface.
It has a lot of power, with the ease of use of DeskMate.
The demo disk contains a runtime version of the program.
As you demonstrate the product, you'll want to highlight these key benefits:
 
Card File --  Q & A Write lets you enter names and addresses
into card files then generate form letters or mailing labels.
 
Spell Checking and Thesaurus -- DeskMate Q & A Write features
a 100,000 word spell checker you use inside your document.
The thesaurus offers help with alternate words to use in a document.
 
Page Preview -- Page preview allows you to look at the page
before it prints out.
You can check spacing on the page, margins, and any bold or underline used.
 
Determine which features are important to your prospect
and then show them what DeskMate Q & A Write can do!
 
Quicken is used by businesses ranging in size
from home businesses to large corporations.
Many non-profit organizations such as churches and charities also use Quicken.
Quicken's power and flexibility come from a flexible reporting system
that can produce many different kinds of reports for many different uses.
It helps keep track of budgets, taxable income and deductions,
income and expenses, forecasting cash flow, and accounts payable.
Quicken also provides check printing capability.
(See the Home Office Marketing article on Page 6 of this issue.)
 
With Quicken, your customer can put their home office on the fast track
to success with a completely automated financial system.
 
And don't forget DeskMate!
Remember to mention the ten programs included with DeskMate,
such as Draw, Sound, Music, Calendar, Address Book, PC-Link and others,
as well as the DeskMate Desktop,
a user-friendly menuing interface that eliminates
the complexities of MS-DOS commands.
A full set of tutorials guides even the most inexperienced user
in learning how to operate the applications,
and context sensitive help is available at the touch of a button!
 
Stress the fact that the Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate,
Quicken and DeskMate Q&A work under the friendly DeskMate interface,
featuring common commands, look and feel in the three different programs.
Your demonstration depends on your skills with these programs,
so don't go exploring during the demo -- just go where you know!
 
Pricing
 
This package has a regular sale price of $2,269.65,
but will be featured for a super sale price of $1,599.00!
That's a $670.65 savings!
 
However, the key to a successful sale is not the amount of advertising
or the money that can be saved:
the key is an effective and persuasive demonstration.
Make sure you know the demos and how to operate the mouse inside and out,
and sales will be your reward.
 
For those customers who wish to upgrade the Home Office System,
there are many options:
 
   Upgrade to 25-1024 CM-11 from CM-5     add $100     ($1,699.00 Total)
   Upgrade to 25-1046 40 MB from 20 MB    add $100     ($1,699.00 Total)
   Upgrade to both CM-11 and 40 MB        add $200     ($1,799.00 Total)
 
There are also, for the first time,
UNADVERTISED upgrade specials for those customers
who prefer a VGA Color Monitor:
 
   Upgrade to     25-4041 VGM-200
                  Color Monitor and
                  25-4043 VGA Adapter     add $300     ($1,899.00 Total)
   Upgrade to     both VGA and 40 MB      add $400     ($1,999.00 Total)
 
For the introduction of this computer,
we have had ads in many publications,
including the Wall Street Journal on February 22nd.
There will also be TV ad support,
so be ready for your customer's questions on the new Tandy 1000 TL/3.
 
There is STILL no better value!
 
MOM-03-91
NEWER SOFTWARE PROGRAMS WITH THE TANDY 1000 HX
 
Some of you may have customers who are complaining that the Tandy  1000 HX
will not run newer software packages, such as Silent Service II,
even if they're running at 640K.
 
Do any of them require MS-DOS Version 3.0 or later?
The HX comes with MS-DOS 2.11,
and it turns out that some of the newer software will not work on it.
The upgrade to MS-DOS Version 3.20.22 is available as catalog number 700-2618,
and it is a free upgrade for your customer.
They must set their HX to boot from disk and use the 700-2618 disk.
Once this is done, the majority of software will run properly.
 
The idea (and many of the words) for this article were contributed by
Tim Clukey, Manager, Store 01-1622 in Plattsburgh, NY.
Thank You!
 
MOM-03-91
RADIO SHACK INTRODUCES NEW TANDY 2500 XL/2 COMPUTER
 
Fort Worth, TX -- February 18, 1991 -- Radio Shack introduced today
its new Tandy  2500 XL/2 personal computer, a small footprint,
low-profile 80286 desktop PC with increased speed
and added support for super high resolution graphics.
 
Designed for small business, education and home office users,
the 2500 XL/2 is ideal as a stand-alone system
or as an affordable workstation in a network environment.
 
The 2500 XL/2 is an upgraded version of the popular
Tandy  2500 XL computer.
The 2500 XL, equipped with an optional hard disk and internal CD-ROM drive,
is the hardware platform used to run the award-winning
Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia.
 
"The new Tandy 2500 XL/2 builds on the strength and success
of the original 2500 XL,
providing more features and more value than ever before
in a small footprint business computer,"
said Bernard Appel, president of Radio Shack.
 
In addition to having the same value-added features as its predecessor,
the new 2500 XL/2 offers increased performance
with a 16 megahertz microprocessor and
built-in support for Super VGA graphics.
 
A business-class AT-compatible computer,
the 2500 XL/2 has advanced features which provide ease of use
to novices and added convenience to experienced PC users.
 
The MS-DOS 3.3 operating system
and Tandy's DeskMate  Graphical User Interface (GUI)
are built into the 2500 XL/2's read-only memory (ROM)
for "instant-on" operation.
When the computer is turned on, the DeskMate interface greets the user
with an organized display of his/her programs.
 
DeskMate  3.5 -- Tandy's personal productivity software
with 12 different applications -- is bundled with the 2500 XL/2.
DeskMate 3.5 provides users with word processing, spreadsheet, database,
calendar, address book and telecommunications applications,
as well as music, sound and draw programs.
 
The 2500 XL/2 has one megabyte (MB) of standard memory, expandable to 16 MB.
To access memory beyond the traditional 640 kilobyte (K) boundary
of most MS-DOS applications,
the 2500 XL/2 includes LIM 4.0 expanded memory specification (EMS) software.
 
One 3 1/2-inch, 1.44 MB floppy disk drive comes with the 2500 XL/2.
There are two additional device bays for installing one 3 1/2-inch
and one 5 1/4-inch disk drive.
An internal CD-ROM drive or a tape backup device can easily be installed
in the 5 1/4-inch bay.
 
Three 16-bit industry-standard expansion card slots,
as well as the drive bays and main logic board,
are easily accessed with Tandy's innovative "fold-out" internal case design.
A keylock device is located inside to prevent unauthorized access
to the system, and for safety, access to the inside requires
that the AC power cord be detached.
 
The 2500 XL/2 also has a digital to analog and analog to digital (DAC)
converter for sophisticated sound reproduction.
By plugging an optional microphone into the 2500 XL/2's
built-in microphone jack, the user can record, store and play back speech,
music or sound.
 
Other standard features include a 16-bit industry-standard
IDE SmartDrive  adapter for built-in hard drive support;
80287 math coprocessor support; one bi-directional parallel printer port;
one RS-232C serial port; one PS/2-style mouse port;
a 101-key enhanced keyboard; and, a real-time clock with battery backup.
 
The low-profile footprint of the 2500 XL/2 measures
just 4.25 x 15.5 x 15 inches (HxWxD).
A one-year limited warranty is provided by Radio Shack.
 
The Tandy 2500 XL/2 personal computer sells for $1,499
at more than 7,000 participating Radio Shack Computer Centers,
Radio Shack Technology Stores and dealers nationwide.
 
Radio Shack, a division of Tandy Corporation,
is the nation's largest retailer of personal computer and consumer electronics.
 
MOM-03-91
INTRODUCING THE TANDY 2500 XL/2
 
With the great sales of the Tandy  2500 XL promotion,
the warehouses are now out of stock.
The 2500 XL is SOWG at $1,199.00,
and the system special with the 52 MB SmartDrive , VGM-200 and mouse
continues as well.
 
Be sure to sell all of your demos,
including the units used for the Compton's Demo with the CD-ROM drive.
This is an excellent time to offer your customers a great Tandy 2500 XL
that you have left in your store.
 
Introducing the NEW Tandy 2500 XL/2
 
On February 18th, Radio Shack announced the NEW Tandy
2500 XL/2 (25-4075).
The retail selling price is $1,499.00,
and includes these enhanced value-added features:
 
NEW Tandy 2500 XL/2 Features
 
  16 MHz  80286 Microprocessor
  One Megabyte of RAM -- expandable to 16 MB
  Volume Control Through Keyboard Keystrokes
  MS-DOS 3.3 and DeskMate  in ROM
  Bundled with DeskMate version 3.5
  Super VGA Graphics capability
  256K of Video RAM -- expandable to 512K
  16-Bit IDE interface for SmartDrive expansion
  One 1.44 MB 3 1/2" High Capacity Floppy Drive
  Three 16-Bit ISA compatible expansion slots
  Socket for 80287 Math Coprocessor
  Device Slots OPEN: One 3 1/2" and one 5 1/4"
  Ports: bi-directional parallel, serial, and PS/2-style mouse
  Standard 101-Key, Enhanced style keyboard
  LIM 4.0 Compatible software for expanded memory capability
  Bi-directional Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC)
  Microphone jack and speaker for voice and sound applications
  Clock with battery backup
  70 Watt power supply
  Small Footprint: 4.25 x 15.5 x 15 inches (HxWxD)
  Made in America
 
The NEW 2500 XL/2 offers increased performance
and built-in support for Super VGA graphics.
The increased speed will provide a quicker response for software applications.
With our VGA monitors and the standard 256K of video RAM in the 2500 XL/2
you will see 640 x 480 with 16 colors from a palette of 256,000 colors.
Upgrade the video RAM to 512K (available from National Parts as MX-3750)
and display 640 x 480 with 256 colors from a palette of 256,000 colors.
 
The RAM memory expansion is upgradeable to 5 MB on the Main Logic Board,
without having to replace the standard 1 MB.
Using the 16-bit expansion slots, the memory is upgradeable to the full 16 MB.
With our new memory kit strategy,
upgrades are even more affordable and desirable.
 
O1Zs and Computer Centers will want to turn the 2500 XL/2 into
their new Compton's MultiMedia demonstration system.
With the sophisticated sound reproduction of the digital to analog converter
and analog to digital converter, the user can record,
store and play back speech, music or sound.
We've even added the capability of raising and lowering the volume
by just a few simple keystrokes at the keyboard!
 
Availability
 
The Tandy 2500 XL/2 will be available from regional distribution centers
during the first two weeks of March.
Take this opportunity to clear out your current 2500 XLs to make room for
this great new addition to the Tandy family.
 
The NEW 2500 XL/2 is positioned for the markets you are targeting:
 
Education        Small Business      Home Office
 
Administrator's  Low end             Personal
Workstation      POS System          Workstation
 
Network Student  Network             Personal
Station          Workstation         Productivity
 
Compton's        Entry-Level          Word
MultiMedia       Desktop Publishing   Processing
 
Mainframe        Spreadsheet          Entertainment
Connectivity     Analysis             Home Education
 
There is very little competition in the 16 MHz 286 platform,
which means you can offer your client base and prospects
another Tandy Advantage!
You're able to offer more enhanced features to an already winning combination.
 
Tandy : The Best-Selling PC Compatibles in America.
 
MOM-03-91
CAUTIOUS CONDOR ONLY RUNS ON THE TANDY 2500 XL!
 
The CD-ROM adventure game, The Case of the Cautious Condor (900-1071),
was specifically designed to take advantage
of the digitized sound capabilities of the Tandy  2500 XL.
It currently will not work on the Tandy  1000 family
or any other Tandy  computer.
Please keep this in mind when you are ordering it for a customer.
 
MOM-03-91
RSC-22A 1991 TANDY COMPUTER REFERENCE GUIDE
 
You have received copies of our new 36-page
1991 Tandy  Computer Reference Guide
which presents Radio Shack's complete selection of computer hardware products,
peripherals, accessories, and selected software.
 
In response to many helpful comments from the field,
we have streamlined the major equipment presentations in order to create
a simplified product line guide and price list,
appropriate for both internal reference and customer distribution.
 
The desktop computers, laptops, and printers are presented
in simplified chart form for easier feature selection and comparison.
Discounted systems are no longer shown.
All pricing (including system pricing) is now at full retail,
so use the appropriate discount program as applicable.
 
To augment our abbreviated black-and-white catalog presentation
of major computer equipment, we have expanded the series of full-color
Fact Sheets to cover all major CPUs, laptops, and printers.
These are available at nominal cost from TSDC in packages of 25 sheets
in the FC catalog number series.
Use these "spec sheets" during sales presentations
and as attachments to proposals to provide focus on a particular piece
of major equipment.
RSC-22A will then serve as your reference and selling piece
for the related peripherals and accessories.
 
Notes
 
Page 6     The Tandy  4020 SX has a .7 wait state.
 
Page 13     What about a Graphical User Interface block;
            the 1000 TL/3 and 2500 XL/2 should also
            be listed under DeskMate .
 
Page 13     Under Local Area Networks, the reference
            to "pages 44 and 45" should be to "pages
            14 and 15."
 
Page 15     XIRCom Pocket Arcnet UTP (900-2436)
            has been canceled.
 
Page 17     the price for 905-3083, RealWorld 4-in-1
            Accounting has been lowered to $159.95.
 
Page 19     the price for 905-3083, RealWorld 4-in-1
            Accounting has been lowered to $159.95.
 
MOM-03-91
WPDUET -- FILE TRANSFER FROM THE WP-2 TO THE MACINTOSH
 
Introducing WPduet (900-0723): just $99.95!
 
Here's what MacUser magazine (Dec. 1990) had to say about WPduet:
 
"Have you stopped yourself from buying Tandy's inexpensive
WP-2 word processor because of concerns about Mac compatibility?
Fret no more.
Cabochon's WPduet interface kit lets you upload and download files
(with formatting intact) between Tandy's WP-2 and the Mac.
The interface kit includes a cable that connects to the RS-232C port
on your Tandy and to the older DB9 or newer mini-8 male connection
on the Mac; an adapter for use with the Tandy Portable Disk Drive;
and a word processing, file transfer and translating program
for your Mac that supports formats such as MacWrite II, WriteNow and RTF."
 
A similar article appeared in an issue of MacWorld magazine.
This is going to bring in a whole new group of customers
to your Radio Shack store.
Show off the WP-2 ...  and if that Mac customer happens to take a look
at the Tandy  1000 RL while they're there .. well ... Hmmmm .......
 
MOM-03-91
NEW 16-BIT MEMORY EXPANSION BOARD
 
Available now through TSDC Express Order
is the NEW STB RapidMEG 16-Bit Memory Expansion Board (900-2400  $259.95).
Here are some of the features that will help you sell this NEW board:
 
  Add up to 8 megabytes of memory (using the 25-5134 -- 2 MB SIMM kit)
 
  Expandable in 512K or 2 MB increments
 
  Complete hardware and software support of LIM EMS 4.0
 
  Supports Expanded or Extended memory
 
  16-Bit full length ISA Compatible
 
  Compatible with 6-12 MHz bus speeds
 
  Includes Expanded memory manager software
 
  TWO Year Vendor Warranty
 
The Tandy  Computers that utilize this NEW board
for memory expansion beyond the MLB capacity are:
 
     Tandy  4020 SX     Tandy  4016 SX
     Tandy  2500 XL     Tandy  2500 XL/2
     Tandy  3000        Tandy  3000 HL
 
This board replaces 25-4030, 900-2395, 900-2401 and 900-2402
which have been DISContinued.
Other Tandy business computers have a dedicated memory slot
and utilitze their own specific memory board
(e.g., 25-6030, AXX2505029, AXX2504027, 25-4930 as shown in RSC-22A).
 
MOM-03-91
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT TAXCUT
 
As we enter March, more and more customers will be looking
for some solution to their tax software needs.
Here are some commonly asked questions about TaxCut
and why they'd want to buy it!
 
Q: Why aren't there any disks in the package?
 
A: We want you to have the most up-to-date software possible.
   When you get your disks direct from MECA,
   you'll get the best final version of the tax software
   including the correct forms.
 
Q: How can you be so sure I'll be impressed by TaxCut?
 
A: Because TaxCut is the first and only tax product with "expert system"
   technology built in.
   Just press the EXPERT key to put tax expert Dan Caine at your side.
   Questions about tax law?
   Just ask Dan.
 
   PC/Computing's March 1991 issue shows TaxCut as their best choice
   for tax software.
   Take a look:
 
   "Andrew Tobias' TaxCut, from MECA Software, stands head and shoulders above
   all the other tax-preparation software as the all-around package.
   TaxCut is chock full of online help and expert advice.
   Its Shoebox function, which allows you to randomly input tax information
   while the program figures out where to put the data,
   continues to be the most innovative use of tax technology
   we've see in some time."
 
   And -- from that same article:
 
   "Andrew Tobias' TaxCut earned our admiration last year
   as the finest personal tax-preparation package on the market --
   and this year it's done it again.
   From the moment you're greeted by its patriotic red, white and blue screen
   until you do your final recalc and `audit' your return for errors,
   you'll feel that you're in capable hands."
 
Q: I've been doing my taxes with pencil and paper for years!
   Can you teach an old dog new tricks?
 
A: You won't have to learn many new tricks.
   Not only is TaxCut novice-proof, it's designed for flexibility.
   You can fill in the forms the same way you always have ... OR
   you can go through a sophisticated `interview' process
   that will translate your answers into the forms.
   Or, mix and match to feel comfortable.
 
Q: Who's going to check for entries that might raise a red flag to the IRS?
 
A: TaxCut's powerful, built-in `Auditor' is trained to audit your return
   the way an accountant would.
   It has an electronic `checklist' to help you research any tax situation
   by topic for any deductions you may have missed.
   TaxCut won't quit until your return is complete and accurate.
 
Q: Why should I trust TaxCut?
 
A: Because, unlike any other program,
   TaxCut comes with the following guarantee:
   If the IRS makes you pay a penalty because of a miscalculation in TaxCut,
   MECA will pay the penalty.
   And only TaxCut is reviewed and certified accurate by Deloitte and Touche,
   a "Big-Six" accounting firm.
 
MOM-03-91
COLOR COMPUTER PROMOTIONS CONTINUE!...
 
To help spur the movement of Color Computer software in your stores,
we've come up with a unique promotion.
Beginning with the April issue of Rainbow magazine
(which hits the streets on March 17th)
we have advertised Color Computer software with a coupon.
The ad reads, "Buy any Color Computer software at 1/2 price
and get a second one for only $5!"
 
This promotion is scheduled to end on May 31, 1991
to coincide with the last day of the May issue of Rainbow magazine.
 
All in-stock titles are fair game for the 1/2 price special.
The coupon specifically lists 11 titles
which can be sold as the second $5 title.
No other titles can be substituted for this $5 special price.
The 11 titles are:
 
   1.     26-3072     Thexder
   2.     26-3084     Shanghai
   3.     26-3093     Dungeons of Daggorath
   4.     26-3106     Personal Finance II
   5.     26-3110     Color File  II
   6.     26-3161     Soko-Ban
   7.     26-3172     GFL Football
   8.     26-3244     Winnie the Pooh
   9.     26-3245     Donald Duck's Playground
  10.     26-3247     Mickey's Space Adventure
  11.     26-3271     Micro-Mission
 
To enter this into POS:
Wand the first piece of software.
When the description and price appear on the screen,
use the left-arrow key to move the cursor to the Discount % field.
In the Discount % field, enter 50.
 
Wand the second piece of software.
When the description and price appear,
use the left-arrow key to move the cursor to the Price field
and change the price to $5.00.
In the Reason for Price Change Window, select reason 8, Other.
On the line provided enter COCO SOFTWARE.
 
MOM-03-91
"C" CLASS Q & A
 
When C Classes meet in Ft. Worth, there is a session for open discussion
with Computer Merchandising buyers and personnel.
We always get some good questions,
and we decided that everyone would be interested in this information.
 
Is the DMP 440 ribbon available?
I can't get it.
 
   They're available in quantity from the Force Feed warehouse (26-2809).
 
The Tandy  1000 RL with the 25-1013 modem has a problem on Prodigy.
Is there a fix?
 
   Use the most current version of the 1013 modem, which is 25-1013F,
   and you'll have no problem.
 
On the 1000 RL, we can't get into Filer, Calendar, or Worksheet.
 
   Since the Home Organizer actually incorporates these functions already,
   we didn't include them on the RL.
   The names (only) were left in ROM, but will be taken out in future versions
   to avoid this confusion.
 
Where can we get the 32K memory upgrade for the DMP 240?
 
   It's a National Parts item, and it's in stock.
   Part Number AX2602853.
 
We have customers who have forgotten the password they put on their RL,
and sometimes we have the same problem with the RL in our stores.
What can we do?
 
   If you call Customer Service, they will explain your options.
   (They do have a solution, but there is a slight charge.)
   If you put an RL on display in your store, be sure to put a password
   on it yourself, or a customer will, and then you won't know what it is.
 
We have customers asking for laptops that can be networked.
 
   Check out the Xircom Pocket Adapters, 900-2432 (for Ethernet)
   and 900-2435 (for Arcnet).
 
Is Prodigy out of stock?
 
    We had a temporary hold-up while we changed versions
    (we had them do a change to correct the problem with it installing
    on a 512K version of the RL -- product shipping now will install
    on a 512K RL).
 
How do we find out more information on Special Order Hardware?
 
   You have several sources.
   First is the Catalog,
   then these M.O.M.s,
   and also the Tandy  Product Profiles
   in the Tandy Headquarters section of PC-Link.
 
PC-Link appears to customers to be an expensive service.
They also report that they're confused about how to stop the service
after the initial 30 days. 
 
   We thought this one required a bit of space, so see the next article.
 
MOM-03-91
PC-LINK IS WORTH IT!
 
If you have a customer who wishes to terminate their PC-Link account,
they can without problems.
But before they do, you should try to find out
why they want to discontinue their service.
Any complaint or reason your customer has for discontinuing their service
can be countered with just as good a reason to stay on
provided you know and understand how PC-Link works.
Be sure to have an active demo account provided to you by your DM
for situations such as this.
 
If expense is the reason, remind them that PC-Link
is relatively inexpensive compared to its nearest competitor, CompuServe.
Only these two nationwide services offer live chat areas and file transfer.
They are both pay-as-you go services with PC-Link being the much better value.
PC-Link offers an extensive basic services area that allows users,
for one low monthly price, to access many different services as well.
 
Prodigy also has a basic monthly price,
but its services are not as deep as PC-Link or CompuServe.
Prodigy is geared towards the shop-at-home kind of user.
There are no file transfer or chat areas,
and E-mail over 30 messages a month is surcharged.
Prodigy is also advertiser supported, so its fees are subsidized.
The bottom 1/6th of the screen of advertising
pays the majority of the customer's monthly fee,
while you won't find that on CompuServe or PC-Link.
 
PC-Link also has an exclusive area supported by Tandy.
In it you will finds an extensive problem and answer database,
your Product Profiles, and other important items.
 
There are many other good reasons to stay on PC-Link.
In the M.O.M. we regularly publish a list of the new features and events
that occur on PC-Link (as in this issue for instance).
By merely going through a few recent back issues of the M.O.M.,
you can see how PC-Link is changing and adding services
to meet the needs of your customers.
 
If after that, the customer still wishes to discontinue their account,
they can call 1 (800) 458-8532 and have their service stopped.
This 800 number is the main customer service number
and can be given to customers for any PC-Link issues you
(or our Customer Service department) are unable to help them with.
 
MOM-03-91
WHAT'S NEW ON PC-LINK
 
In our continuing series of articles on PC-Link,
here are the latest enhancements to the service:
 
Radio Shack's battery cross reference information is now available
in PC-Link's Tandy Headquarters area.
This online listing has information on thousands of batteries
used in applications ranging from watches to camcorders.
Sorted by the part number found on your battery,
the listing allows you to easily locate
the equivalent Radio Shack part number.
 
A "SPECIAL" library of shareware games
and a few utility programs written by Chris Gunn (ChrisGunn on PC-Link)
will be highlighted for two months.
 
A new offering "Ask the Lawyer" will help members understand
the legal system and answer their general questions about family law,
wills and estates, and other legal issues.
It will also highlight a thought-provoking courtroom simulation game,
"U Be the Judge."
 
News Watch, an extension of our news services, will allow users
to find specific, current news articles related to
the search words or phrases that are typed in.
The news is updated on continual basis
from a datafeed from Comtex News Service.
 
"Suggestion Boxes" is a new area where members can voice
their opinions and suggestions about services,
from the various main departmental menus.
After the suggestions are made,
they will be sent directly to the mailbox of the Producer of the given area.
This assures that all voices will be heard.
 
The Career Center has developed an area
that will be dedicated to aid members
interested in a self-employment direction,
as well as to provide guidance and information to assist them
in starting and operating a successful business.
 
With the tax season upon us a Tax Forum area will be added.
Answers to tax questions posted on message boards,
live discussions in the conference room and auditorium events
will all be included in this area.
A CPA will also provide tax preparation services for a fee which
he will collect from the member through Visa or MasterCard.
 
Quantum's StockLink service now offers stock information
provided by PC Quote, Inc. (in addition to
the stock updated from Trade Plus).
 
The latest version of Grolier's Academic American Encyclopedia
is currently available.
 
The winter semester of classes began on PC-Link on January 9
and includes a wide variety of subjects such as: Creative Writing; German;
History (Civil War); Biology; Algebra; Statistics; Calculus; Business;
Word Processing; Lotus 1-2-3; Introduction to DOS; Machine Language I;
Machine Language II; Hard Disk Management; BASIC;
and Computer Troubleshooting.
 
MOM-03-91
TANDY 2000 DESKMATE AND MS-DOS AVAILABLE!
 
All stores have been authorized to sell
their former SOM/SOS Tandy  2000 systems,
and many of you have been asking for Tandy 2000 software to help you sell them.
Now available through Tandy Software Assembly is TSA-2000
which contains MS-DOS 02.11.03 and DeskMate  for the Tandy 2000.
The cost to your store will be $7.16 plus shipping.
There is no cost to your customer when they purchase the Tandy 2000 system.
 
The Tandy 2000 DeskMate is the original text-based version.
With DeskMate 2000, your customers will benefit from
the six easy-to-use applications:
 
   Text: Wordprocessing made simple
 
   Worksheet: Electronic spreadsheet in "plain English"
 
   Filer: Simple name and address file or small inventory list
 
   Telecom: By adding a modem, communicate with a host computer
 
   Calendar: Set up an agenda for the month,
   as well as a daily appointment schedule
 
   Mail: Allows you to send and receive messages to and from
   other DeskMate users
 
And it's easy to demonstrate too!
To order from Tandy Software Assembly call:
 
    (817) 336-3612
 
MOM-03-91
MAGAZINE ADVERTISING
 
Tandy computer products are frequently advertised
in leading national publications.
Magazine advertising reinforces the image of Tandy  Computers as
a nationally recognized brand.
Tandy computer products will be featured in the following publications
over the next month:
 
Date     Magazine          Computer
 
3/01     Business Week         RSCC Institutional
3/01     CompuServe            DeskMate  Apps
3/01     Business Women        "Your Home Office Hdqtrs"
3/01     Governing              Cougar Mtn. sftwr
3/01     Vis a Vis              Tandy  2810 Laptop
3/04     Barron's               Tandy  2810 Laptop
3/05     PC Magazine            Tandy  2810 Laptop
3/06     Sports Ill.-Select     Tandy  1000 RL
3/11     Time-Business          Tandy  2810 Laptop
3/11     Newsweek-Business      Tandy  2810 Laptop
3/15     Byte                   Tandy  2810 Laptop
3/18     PCM                    Tandy  1000 TL/3
3/18     Computer Systems News  P/U "Tire Tracks"
3/20     PC Computing           Tandy  2810 Laptop
3/20     Compute                Tandy  1000 TL/3
3/20     Compute                "GUI" Advertorial
3/20     Natural History        Compton's MultiMedia
3/21     Rainbow                CoCo s/w coupon offer
3/22     Entrepreneur           POS Solutions
3/25     Working Woman          Tandy  1000 RL
3/25     Changing Times         Tandy  1000 RL
3/25     INC                    Tandy  2810 Laptop
3/26     Home Office Computing  Home Office System
3/29     Business Week          RSCC Institutional
 
MOM-03-91
FILEPRO FOR DESKMATE -- EMPLOYEE PURCHASE OFFER
 
Here's your opportunity to acquire filePro for DeskMate for your personal use
to become more familiar with one of our hottest titles.
Please read these rules carefully:
 
   This product may be purchased for your personal use or for
   use by a member of your immediate family.
 
   One copy per employee.
 
   Product may not be given away or resold.
 
   Product may only be shipped to your home; no shipments to a store.
 
   Cost is $25.00.
 
   Orders must be received by April 30, 1991.
 
To order, simply call (800) 847-4740,
or in New York state (914) 769-3160,
and be ready with your major credit card number.
In addition to your name and mailing address,
the vendor will need your social security and store/unit numbers.
 
To order filePro for DeskMate by mail,
send a cashier's check or money order in the amount of $25.00 to:
 
   The Small Computer Company, Inc.
   41 Saw Mill River Road
   Hawthorne, New York 10532
   Attn: filePro For DeskMate
 
MOM-03-91
SPECIAL EMPLOYEE OFFER!  NORTON UTILITIES FOR $25.00
 
Now you can own your own copy of the award-winning Norton Utilities!
Handle anything from UNdeleting files
to optimizing your hard drive's performance!
 
Here are the rules:
 
   This product may be purchased for your personal use or for
   use by a member of your immediate family.
 
   One copy per employee.
 
   Product may not be given away or resold.
 
   Product may only be shipped to your home; no shipments to a store.
 
   Cost is $25.00.
 
   Orders must be received by April 30, 1991.
 
To order, use the form attached to this issue of the M.O.M.
This offer is valid only for current Radio Shack Employees
through April 30, 1991.
 
MOM-03-91
TANDY COMPUTERS AND NOVELL NETWARE -- STILL BETTER!
 
Yielding to market pressures,
IBM recently announced the signing of a reseller agreement with Novell,
the market leader in network operating systems for PCs.
 
While IBM will continue to offer the LAN Server product
(the equivalent of Microsoft's LAN Manager),
this announcement is perceived as a reaction to market realities
and an ever-increasing customer demand for Novell NetWare.
 
This announcement is both comforting and reassuring to Radio Shack.
A major competitor has reaffirmed that our network product marketing strategy
is on track and headed in the right direction.
 
Radio Shack launched the Novell product line in August 1989
as a Novell Authorized Reseller.
Since that initial product launch,
we have worked diligently to strengthen our position
in the network marketplace and foster our strategic relationship with Novell.
 
   The Tandy NetWare Scholarship program is
   an exclusive Tandy-Novell program,
   providing low cost grants to introduce schools to network technology.
   (See Page 27 for updated information on this program.)
 
   Introduction of Education Account NetWare which provides
   a low cost per server implementation of NetWare in large bid situations.
 
   Development of SchoolMate Novell, the "electronic resource center"
   for classrooms and teachers.
 
   Our transition from "Novell Reseller" to "Authorized Novell OEM."
 
   Dedicated engineering group tasked with the testing of
   new computer models and peripherals under NetWare and BETA testing
   new revisions of NetWare.
 
   Radio Shack Certified NetWare Engineers (CNE) providing
   direct field support through the Ft. Worth Customer Service organization
   and ongoing sales, marketing and technical training
   for Novell Authorized Radio Shack Computer Centers.
 
We will continue our efforts to strengthen and improve
our network product line.
Our charter is to anticipate changes in the network market,
enabling us to fulfill customer demand,
and placing us one step ahead of our competitors who are merely reacting
to market pressure.
 
MOM-03-91
UPDATE ON NOVELL ANNOUNCEMENT -- NETWARE 3.11
 
On February 11th, Novell announced NetWare 3.11 at NetWorld Boston.
 
This marketing announcement was initiated by Novell to coincide
with the NetWorld industry trade show event.
To set the record straight,
the product has not been released for distribution and is not available
at this time...to anyone.
 
NetWare 3.11 represents the next evolutionary step
in the high end of the Novell product line,
currently known as NetWare 386 v3.1 (901-1766).
In addition to several product enhancements and new features,
the new product will be offered in 20-, 100- and 250-user versions.
 
Radio Shack has been testing BETA releases of NetWare 3.11
for several months to insure hardware and software compatibility
with both existing and future products.
 
Novell has announced NetWare 3.11 product availability
during the latter part of March 1991.
Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
 
MOM-03-91
NEW TANDY 4020 SX, 1 MB VERSION
 
By popular request,
the Tandy  4020 SX is now a standard 1 MB system (25-4903)
with a selling price of $1,999.00.
This means that the 2 MB 4020 SX (25-4902) is SOWG at $2,199.00.
Be sure to sell out all of your 25-4902s before offering the 25-4903.
 
The strategy for offering a 1 MB version is this:
 
   A lower cost "up front," with more flexibility in memory upgrade paths
 
   The 4 SIMM sockets are available for expansion with 1 MB SIMMS
   or 256K SIMMS
 
   This results in:  no "throw away memory"
 
Refer to RSC-22A for the memory upgrade path that best meets
your customer's requirements.
 
386sx's are HOT!
So, strike the match and blaze the Windows 3.0 CRAZE
and propose the Best Selling PC Compatibles in America TODAY...Tandy Computers!
 
MOM-03-91
NEW 512K SIMM KIT -- PACK OF TWO 256K SIMMs (80 ns)
 
Last month (February 1991 M.O.M., Page 28) we told you about the new
2 MB SIMM Kit which is a pack of two 1 MB SIMMs.
That Kit (25-5134) replaced two other SKUs.
 
This month we have a NEW 512K SIMM Kit -- Pack of two 256K SIMMS (80 ns)
(25-5135  $99.95)
which replaces the following SIMM Kits:
 
SKU         Description            Status     Price
25-4028     512K, Pack of two
            256K SIMMS (150 ns)     SOWG     $99.95
 
25-5131     2 MB, Pack of eight
            256K SIMMS (80 ns)      DISC    $499.95
 
Why two 256K 80 nanosecond SIMMS?
 
With our new memory kit packaging strategy,
our goal is to reduce the number of SKUs and deliver
the best possible solution to our customers.
 
Systems that require a MINIMUM of 80 ns MUST use 80 ns memory.
Systems that require a MINIMUM of 100 ns or 150 ns, therefore,
can use the 80 ns memory which is able to run slower than 80 ns
if the CPU requires a slower memory access.
 
Configuring memory in Tandy Systems
 
Depending on which CPU you're upgrading,
you will be able to configure the system by adding one or two of the new kits.
Consider the total memory desired and number of SIMM sockets available.
 
It is best to refer to the User's Guide for the individual CPU
for information about upgrading the memory of that CPU.
The NEW RSC-22A reference guide also provides the proper upgrade path
using the NEW memory kits.
 
Do yourself a favor and
sell out of your current inventory of OLD memory kits
before offering the NEW memory kits.
 
MOM-03-91
SELLING SIMM MODULES FOR OTHER PC-COMPATIBLES
 
Part 2 -- Using 256K SIMM Modules
 
To take up where we left off last month (February 1991 issue, Page 20),
we have introduced another new SIMM kit to complement our new memory strategy.
With the introduction of the NEW 512K Memory Kit,
25-5135 pack of two 256K SIMMs,
these too can be sold for other PC Compatibles like Tandy Computers.
 
There are some qualifying questions that you will need to get answered
before you ring up your client:
 
1. Does their system require 256K x 9 SIMM modules?
   If they answer yes, then more than likely you've got a sale.
 
2. Can they upgrade by 2s or 4s?
   Remember...just as your Tandy Computer clients
   require different upgrade paths, they may also.
   So will you sell them one (512K) or two (for 1 MB) of the 25-5135s?
   Qualify like a professional.
 
So while you're calling, prospecting, or just plain selling,
ask your clients if they need a memory upgrade to realize
the full potential of their system for an application such
as Windows 3.0 and Windows type applications.
 
MOM-03-91
CORRECTION
 
On Page 17 of the January 1991 M.O.M, the article about the maximum capacity
from the 105 MB SmartDrive  contained two errors -- the drive types
and formatted capacities of the 3000 12 MHz and the 4000 16 MHz.
The entire article is reprinted below with the correct figures.
 
MOM-03-91
MAXIMUM CAPACITY FROM THE 105 MB SMARTDRIVE
 
This article will clarify the actual formatted capacity
that is possible using the 25-4130 105 MB SmartDrive 
in all Tandy  Computers with DOS 3.3 or 4.01.
The chart on the next page will assist you in selling
a higher capacity hard drive to your customers.
Actual capacity may vary.
 
               Current   Drive Type      Formatted
Computer         BIOS     Selected       Capacity
 
3000 8 MHz     01.03.03      28          84,994,048
3000 HL        01.03.02      40          70,992,565
3000 12 MHz    01.03.02      40          79,992,565
3000 NL        01.04.03      35          79,801,013
2500 XL        03.10.00   Non-Standard  104,698,549
4000 16 MHz    01.03.02      40          79,992,565
4000A 16 MHz   01.03.05      35          79,801,013
4000 LX        01.04.04      35          79,801,013
4000 SX        01.05.00      36          88,767,157
4016 DX        01.10.00   Non-Standard  104,698,549
4020 LX        01.10.00   Non-Standard  104,698,549
4025 LX        01.10.00   Non-Standard  104,698,549
4033 LX        01.10.00   Non-Standard  104,698,549
4016 SX        01.10.03      32         104,698,549
4020 SX        01.10.00      32         104,698,549
 
  The SmartDrive Adapter 25-4121 is required
  for these computers to utilize the 105 MB SmartDrive.
 
  Formatted Capacity is determined by CHKDSK value
  after minimum system files are installed.
 
Parameters for entry of Non-Standard drive type would be:
 
   Heads        16
   Cylinders   755
   Precomp     none
   Head Park   755
   Sectors      17
 
      This number can be 754 or 755
 
When formatting for a Novell network,
the use of On-Track's Disk Manager Novell 903/5-2861 is required
to achieve the maximum formatted capacity of the 105 MB SmartDrive
when installed in ALL Tandy computers
(excluding the 4016 SX, the 2500 XL/2, and the 4020 SX).
These computers have the correct drive type in the BIOS.
 
In the future, as new drives are introduced we will try to maintain
updated BIOSs for the older Tandy computers.
As BIOSs are updated,
they will be available through the normal channels of National Parts.
 
MOM-03-91
THIRD PARTY PRODUCTS UPDATE
 
We've completed a very successful first month of operation,
and we've experienced some growing pains
that have necessitated a few changes to the program.
 
Voice Mail
 
Calling Third Party Products (817) 878-6554
connects you to our voice mail system.
If, after listening to the recording, you have a question,
please leave a detailed message (including a control number
if your question is about a response you received from us).
Please do not switch to the attendant.
In most cases they can only take a message anyway.
 
Control numbers
 
The very first thing we do when we receive an inquiry
is to assign it a control number.
This helps us track your inquiry all the way through to purchase.
Once you have this control number,
please reference it in all communications you have with us.
 
Know the procedure:
 
It's important that you understand the steps involved
in a complete transaction with Third Party Products.
They are:
 
1. You review the opportunity with your supervisor
   and FAX us a request for price.
 
2. We respond back to you in a FAX with the price and availability
   for the item(s) you're requesting.
   We don't order the merchandise until you tell us to!
 
3. You must tell us, in writing, via FAX that you want to order the items.
 
4. We place your order with the supplier for delivery to your store.
 
Feedback
 
Many stores have asked us to confirm receipt of incoming FAXed requests
and orders.
We've done both:
 
1. If you FAX us a Request for Quote that we don't quote
   on the same day we receive it,
   we will confirm via FAX that we did receive it and that we're working on it.
 
2. The day we place an order with a vendor for your product
   we confirm it to you.
 
Both of these confirmation FAXes are sent automatically
at the end of each business day.
(Yes, we use Tandy FaxMate !)
If your FAX machine is not connected or turned on,
you won't receive them since there is no one here who can call you in advance.
 
MOM-03-91
OS/2 VERSION 1.21 NOW AVAILABLE
 
25-4125 Microsoft OS/2 1.21     $349.95
 
What is OS/2?
 
OS/2 is the advanced operating system for Intel-based 286, 386 and 486
personal computers, developed under joint agreement between Microsoft and IBM.
 
It features a graphical user interface (GUI) called Presentation Manager
which is quite similar to the GUI under Microsoft Windows.
OS/2 is a 16-bit operating system that fully utilizes
the memory management facilities of the 80286 processor.
 
OS/2 -- The Rocky Road To "Success"
 
Once touted as the next generation operating system
that would replace the "aging" DOS and present a strong challenge to UNIX,
OS/2 has traveled a rocky road.
 
Development problems, slipped release schedules
and a lack of OS/2-specific applications have produced lackluster sales results
and slow customer acceptance.
 
The 1.21 release would appear to put the product back on the right track,
although no one is now seriously envisioning an immediate mass exodus
from the DOS world to embrace OS/2.
 
OS/2 Target Markets
 
Currently the primary markets for OS/2 are corporate accounts,
government agencies and software developers.
Until these markets fully embrace the OS/2 platform,
interest in our target markets of small to medium business and education
will continue to be weak.
 
Product Features
 
   Presentation Manager Graphical User Interface (GUI)
   High Performance File System (HPFS)
   DOS Compatibility Box and Dual OS/2 DOS Boot Capability
   Multitasking Operating System
 
System Requirements
 
Description    Absolute Minimum    Optimal System
               System Requirement   Recommendation 
 
CPU               80286               80386
Memory            2.5 MB              8 MB
Floppy Drive      High Capacity       High Capacity
Hard Drive        40 MB               105 MB
Graphics          EGA                 VGA
Other                                 Mouse
 
The Tandy Value Added Perspective
 
The Tandy release of this product incorporates two very important
"value added" features that set you apart from the competition
and ensures your customer a quality product:
 
   Extensive quality assurance testing for hardware
   and software compatibility
 
   AT/MC SCSI Drive Support
 
What Is Included In 25-4125
 
   One Microsoft User Reference Guide (perfect bound)
   Eight 3 1/2" High Capacity Diskettes
   One Addendum for Getting Started
 
How Do I Obtain 5 1/4" Diskettes?
 
   5 1/4-inch diskette requests are fulfilled
   through the Tandy Software Assembly Warranty Exchange Program.
 
How do OS/2 1.0 (25-4200) customers obtain an upgrade?
 
   Upgrades from version 1.0 to version 1.21 may be obtained
   by calling the Consumer Mail Center at (800) 433-2024.
   Request stock number 700-4125; the price is $129.95.
 
What options are available to customers upgrading from V1.0?
 
   1. Simply install V1.21 on the same drive on which V1.0 resides.
 
   2. To take advantage of enhancements such as larger disk partition sizes
      for the FAT files system, High Performance File Systems (HPFS)
      and dual boot (OS/2 and DOS), the user must reformat the hard drive
      and install the new version.
 
MOM-03-91
1990 IN REVIEW -- RADIO SHACK EDUCATION DIVISION
 
The number of Tandy  computer systems installed in American schools
increased in 1990,
as more schools and education agencies turned to Radio Shack
as their single-source vendor of cost-effective technology solutions.
 
Forty-five state and local government education agencies
and more than 300 individual school districts awarded contracts
to the Radio Shack Education Division in 1990.
 
For more than a decade, the Radio Shack Education Division --
staffed with experienced educators and computer professionals --
has provided schools with a variety of technology-based solutions,
including networking, curriculum-based software, process writing,
telecommunications and distance learning, desktop publishing,
administrative management and CD-ROM technology.
 
MOM-03-91
EDUCATION SOLUTIONS FOR THE CLASSROOM -- AND BEYOND
 
Some innovative uses of Tandy technology in American education
last year include:
 
Fort Worth (Texas) Independent School District
 
Radio Shack and Snap Food Systems installed a sophisticated
point-of-sale food service system at 107 schools in the district.
 
IMPAC Learning Systems, Inc.
 
In an exclusive agreement, Radio Shack was chosen to provide Tandy computers
and related services to K-12 schools in Arkansas.
 
Central Kitsap (Wash.) School District
 
Radio Shack has supplied the Central Kitsap School District
with more than 225 Tandy computers, extensive SchoolMate  networks,
and integrated learning systems.
In a major restructuring process,
Central Kitsap is integrating computer technology
into virtually every aspect of its district,
from computer-assisted instruction in the classroom
to its transportation system and central office.
 
Savannah-Chatham (Ga.) School District
 
Radio Shack, Jostens Learning Corporation and Winnebago Library Systems
were chosen to install a state-of-the-art educational network
in the East Broad Street Elementary Magnet School.
The installation consists of 262 Tandy  2500 XL computers,
a high-speed remote Micro to Mainframe gateway
(a telephone line using more than 56,000 bits per second digital data lines),
extensive SchoolMate Novell networks, and an integrated learning system.
In this revolutionary multi-server environment,
the Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia, Josten's ILS solution,
DeskMate  and other programs can be accessed by teachers,
administrators and students.
Students also have the ability to access and search for library books
in the Winnebago library system.
 
Orange County (Fla.) Public Schools
 
As part of a five-year plan,
Radio Shack was chosen to replace typewriters with microcomputers
in 11 Orange County high schools and 18 middle schools.
More than 900 typewriters, used primarily in business education classes,
have been replaced to date with Tandy 2500 XL, Tandy  1000 TL/2,
and Tandy  1000 HX computers.
 
MOM-03-91
EXCLUSIVE PRODUCTS AND TOOLS FOR EDUCATION
 
In partnership with educators and software developers,
the Radio Shack Education Division creates products and applications
exclusively for education.
 
Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia
 
In February, Britannica Software Inc. announced that it had chosen
Tandy computers as the exclusive hardware platform
on which to market its Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia
to the education and library markets.
 
This award-winning product is available today at Radio Shack retail outlets
and participating dealers nationwide.
 
Multimedia
 
In November, Tandy Corporation and Microsoft Corporation announced
a set of hardware and software standards
for affordable personal computer-based multimedia systems.
Tandy has made a significant investment in the development
of affordable hardware products, and will market multimedia hardware
through its Radio Shack retail chain in 1991.
 
Education will be one of the primary focuses of multimedia applications
and Tandy/Radio Shack will be a major player,
both as a manufacturer and retailer, in the market.
 
Internal CD-ROM Drive
 
Radio Shack was one of the first companies to offer an internal CD-ROM drive
for its line of personal computers.
Today, Radio Shack offers more than 25 different
educational CD-ROM applications through its retail outlets.
 
SchoolMate Novell
 
In May, Radio Shack announced a Novell-version of
Tandy's SchoolMate Education Network.
To provide schools with additional service and support,
all Radio Shack Systems Engineers have received advanced Novell training.
 
SchoolMate Teacher's Helper
 
In October, Radio Shack announced SchoolMate Teacher's Helper.
Designed to streamline a teacher's routine tasks, SchoolMate Teacher's Helper
is an electronic teacher's aide
which features four different management tools -- Roster, Grade Book,
Exam Maker and Draw -- in one convenient software package.
It can be used at home or at school,
and files can be transferred to or from a SchoolMate network.
 
MOM-03-91
INTRODUCING TEACHERS TO TECHNOLOGY
 
A major emphasis of the Radio Shack Education Division
is to keep teachers in our nation abreast of the latest computer technology
and empower them with these tools both in the classroom and at home.
 
Teacher Appreciation Program
 
In April, Radio Shack offered 20 percent savings
on Tandy computer hardware and gave away more than 7,000 free copies
(approximately $500,000 in value)
of its SchoolMate Teacher's Helper software package.
 
The Teacher Appreciation Program annually offers special incentives
and savings to educators who purchase a Tandy computer for their own use.
 
Teacher Opportunity Program
 
Radio Shack's 1990 program tripled in growth.
Educators were offered a choice of three different computer systems --
complete with monitor, printer, cables and software --
at savings up to $1,062.
The annual Fall Teacher Opportunity Program
offers special purchasing incentives and savings to educators.
 
MOM-03-91
CREATING PARTNERSHIPS FOR BETTER EDUCATION
 
To provide schools with the best in educational and administrative solutions,
Radio Shack has formed unique partnerships
with more than 200 leading software publishers.
These Partners In Education provide solutions throughout the school,
including administration, guidance counseling, library management,
food service, testing and Integrated Learning Systems.
 
Partners In Education Program
 
In 1990, two major companies -- New Century Education Corporation
and Wicat Systems -- joined the Radio Shack Partners In Education program.
 
New Century Education Corporation markets The New Century Method,
an instructional system which combines reasoning, mathematics,
reading and language arts curricula
with classroom management tools for the teacher.
 
Wicat Systems specializes in integrated learning products
and educational services which target Chapter 1,
English As A Second Language/Limited English Proficiency (ESL/LEP),
At-Risk and Achievement Improvement programs.
 
Value Added Education Reseller Program
 
In 1990, Radio Shack announced the addition of
Computer Curriculum Corporation (CCC), Edunetics Corporation,
and Encyclopedia Britannica Educational Corporation as authorized
Value Added Education Resellers.
 
Computer Curriculum Corporation is marketing Tandy computers
with its popular CCC Instructional System,
an integrated learning system with more than 3,000 hours of
kindergarten through adult courseware in reading, math, science and language.
 
Edunetics Corporation is marketing and supporting Rediscover Science,
their integrated computer-based science curriculum, on Tandy computers.
 
Encyclopedia Britannica Educational Corporation
is marketing the complete Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia
hardware/software solution, using exclusively the Tandy 2500 XL computer
with an internal CD-ROM drive.
 
MOM-03-91
RECOGNIZING ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
 
To underscore its commitment to education,
Tandy Corporation has instituted programs to encourage and
stimulate academic excellence.
 
Tandy Scholar Program
 
Since 1983, Tandy Corporation has honored students in its hometown
of Fort Worth, Texas.
Students in the top two percent of their class are awarded,
as well as one outstanding mathematics or science teacher
from each of the 12 high schools and 19 middle schools.
 
Tandy Educational Grants Program
 
In 1990, more than 675 educators applied for a Tandy Educational Grant
by submitting proposals on the potential use of Tandy technology
in their schools.
At the judgement of an independent grants review board,
the company awarded 22 grants totaling more than $95,000.
 
This annual program has distributed more than two million dollars
in Tandy computer hardware, software and peripherals
to over 200 individual educators and/or public and private institutions.
 
Tandy Technology Scholars
 
This annual national program rewards outstanding teachers and students
in mathematics, science and computer science by awarding grants,
scholarships and Certificates of Achievement.
National finalists share $350,000 each year in cash scholarships and awards.
 
The first Tandy Technology Scholars awards were presented
in the Spring of 1990 and were based on student and teacher accomplishments
through the 1988-1989 school year.
 
The program is funded by Tandy Corporation,
endorsed by the National Association of Secondary School Principals,
and administered by Texas Christian University.
 
USA Skills Olympics
 
For the last three years, the Radio Shack Education Division
has been a major sponsor of the USA Skills Olympics,
a national competition sponsored by
Vocational-Industrial Clubs of America (VICA).
Radio Shack sponsors the computer-aided drafting (CAD) competition
in both statewide contests and the national finals.
Each CAD competitor is provided a Tandy 2500 XL computer,
equipped with a hard disk drive, VGA color monitor,
math coprocessor and mouse, to use in the competition.
 
MOM-03-91
THE GLOBAL CLASSROOM
 
International Conference on Technology and Education 
 
In March, Radio Shack sponsored the Seventh International Conference
on Technology and Education (ICTE) in Brussels, Belgium.
More than 800 educators from 33 different countries
set a new attendance record for the three-day conference.
Approximately 550 professional papers were presented in 102 sessions.
 
The conference promotes an international exchange of information,
software and technical expertise on subjects ranging from computer literacy
to artificial intelligence.
Other topics include distance learning, interactive video, multimedia,
integrated curriculum, adult education and teacher training,
telecommunications, courseware design and development, bilingual education,
library information systems, administrative office management,
and the use of technology with special needs populations.
 
MOM-03-91
NATIONAL EXHIBITS AND VENDOR SUPPORT
 
During 1990, Tandy computers and the Radio Shack Education Division
were represented at approximately 200 national,
regional and local trade shows.
The company received awards for its presentations
at four of the national shows.
 
The following is a list of the 1990 national trade shows
at which Tandy/Radio Shack participated:
 
   National Education Computing Conference
   Florida Education Technology Conference
   National Association of Secondary School Principals
   Texas Computer Education Association
   American Association of School Administrators
   National School Board Association
   National School Board Association ILS Conference
   National School Board Association -- "Making Schools More Productive"
   National Science Teachers Association
   National Association of Elementary School Principals
   National Business Education Association
   National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
   International Reading Association
   National Catholic Education Association
   Computer Using Educators
   National Association of Black School Educators
   National Council of Teachers of English
   American Vocational Association
   Association of School Business Officials
   Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development
 
MOM-03-91
INTO THE FUTURE
 
Computers will play an even greater role in our educational system
in the coming decades.
Educators have a unique opportunity to use technology
to enhance the learning experience.
Efforts must be devoted to matching technology with a curriculum
that will educate our youth and prepare them
for an increasingly competitive world.
 
In the words of Jim McGrody, vice president
of the Radio Shack Education Division of Tandy Corporation,
"The real objective is not computer literacy,
but rather a literate society in which computers and other technologies
are but a part!"
 
MOM-03-91
TANDY NETWARE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
 
A number of NetWare Scholarships have been awarded in the past month
and it is encouraging to see that many are taking advantage
of this exclusive Tandy Novell program.
 
As we gain momentum, let's review both the purpose and the guidelines
of the Tandy NetWare Scholarship Program.
 
Purpose
 
The Tandy NetWare Scholarship Program is a sales and marketing tool
targeted primarily at the K-12 education market.
The program is a Tandy exclusive tool that provides you
with an edge in a highly competitive marketplace.
 
It affords a unique opportunity to introduce network technology
to the school for a modest investment,
assists in opening doors that were once closed
and in establishing a working relationship with the new accounts.
 
Success is not measured in how many Tandy NetWare Scholarships are awarded,
but in the incremental business that follows
and the number of new business relationships established.
 
Guidelines
 
1. The school district receiving the Tandy NetWare Scholarship
   must be state approved or private not-for-profit.
 
2. Technical support and upgrades are not included
   with the scholarship award.
 
3. Every school district qualifies for at least one scholarship award.
   Additional awards are granted as indicated below
   (scholarship awards previously received from Novell
   will apply to the limits indicated here):
 
        Number of          NetWare
        Students         Scholarships
 
        1  --  5,000         One
    5,001  -- 10,000         Two
   10,001  -- 15,000        Three
   15,001  -- 20,000         Four
   20,001+                   Five
 
   Note: The maximum number of NetWare Scholarships
   per School District is FIVE.
 
   Tandy NetWare Scholarship Pricing
 
                 Advanced     SFT     386 NetWare
 
   List Price     $3,295     $4,995     $7,995
   Discount         70%        80%        75%
   Net Price
   To District    $1,000     $1,000     $2,000
 
Application Procedure
 
1. The program is available to qualified school districts only.
 
2. Request the Scholarship Application form, to be completed by the school,
   from Contract Marketing.
 
3. All applications must be placed with:
 
   Radio Shack Contract Marketing
   1400 One Tandy Center
   Fort Worth, TX 76102 
 
4. While every effort is made to expedite your order,
   please allow 7 to 10 days for delivery.
 
MOM-03-91
COMPTON'S MULTIMEDIA ENCYCLOPEDIA UPDATE
 
The new 1991 update of Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia (version 1.3)
will be available in the March-May timeframe.
All customers who have purchased the old version of Compton's
since January 1, 1991 will be offered the upgrade for $25.00.
All customers who purchased the old version prior to January 1, 1991,
will be able to purchase the new version 1.3 for $195.00.
 
CMME Replacement Policy
 
A replacement copy of the Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia
may be purchased for any product which has been damaged, lost or stolen.
Replacement costs are 25% of the original retail price of the product.
 
Contact your local Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia sales rep
or your Area Education Marketing Manager
for assistance in placing orders.
 
MOM-03-91
NEW SPRING A+ SAVINGS FOR EDUCATORS
 
Radio Shack has given a great deal of thought to how we can best
serve teachers who wish to invest their own money in computer equipment.
Teachers have repeatedly told us that they want value for their investment,
not merely artificial discounts off of
inflated manufacturer's suggested retail prices.
 
By offering discounts to teachers at specific times during the year,
Radio Shack is able to configure computer systems that have
significantly more value than our competition.
We are frequently able to include state-of-the-art software bundles
that specifically address the needs of teachers
who are buying their first or second computer.
During each discount period, a selection of fully-configured systems
are offered at very significant savings.
As a testimony to the acceptance of the program,
this last fall teachers and administrators responded in record numbers
and bought more computers from Radio Shack than in any previous program.
 
Our fall promotion usually begins September 1 and extends until December 31.
Our spring offering will begin April 1 and last at least until June 30.
This schedule enables us to bring the newest and best in technology
and software at real discounts to teachers and administrators.
 
Three new systems will be highlighted in our new TAP brochure
which you will receive with the 467 POPs.
We will offer our Tandy  1000 RL and Tandy  2500 XL/2 systems.
In addition, we will be offering a super price on a Tandy  4020 SX system.
YES !!!
ALL STORES WILL BE ABLE TO SELL THESE COMPLETE SYSTEMS.
Complete ordering information will be sent to you in mid-March.
 
Teachers love the program and so do successful salesmakers.
Those successful salesmakers tripled their volume during the fall promotion
and increased their personal sales and commissions.
 
WHAT'S YOUR TARGET??
 
MOM-03-91
NINTH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON TECHNOLOGY AND EDUCATION
TO BE HELD IN PARIS, FRANCE
 
The International Conference on Technology and Education (ICTE)
has become a leading international forum on new information technologies
and their uses in education.
In May, 1991, the Eighth ICTE convenes in Toronto, Canada,
and will be held in conjunction with the twelfth annual conference of
the Educational Computing Organization of Ontario (ECOO).
Appropriately, the theme for this joint conference is
EDUCATION, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY:  EMERGING PARTNERSHIPS.
Numerous papers, presentations, workshops and panel discussions
will cover technology-influenced issues vital to all educators.
 
And even as the Eighth Conference approaches, plans for the Ninth --
to be held in Paris, France in March of 1992 -- are already underway.
1992:  EDUCATION "SANS FRONTIERES" will focus on international cooperation
in education as outlined in the 1989 UNESCO report
General Conclusions, Recommendations
and Suggestions for Action.
Topics include:
 
   The Global Classroom
   Universal Access
   Lifelong Learning
   Teacher Training
   Technology-Supported Pedagogy
   Information Security
   Integrated Learning Platforms
   Assessment of Technology
   Restructuring and Reforming Education
   Impact on Curricula, Culture and Language
 
Contributed papers, presentations and workshops
are welcome within these themes.
Intentions to submit, along with a 100-word abstract
and completed Information Card, needs to be received by May 1, 1991.
 
Radio Shack is the founding co-sponsor of the ICTE, along with the
University of Texas at Austin.
Some of the additional co-sponsors include the University of Edinburgh,
Scotland; Michigan State University; the University of Tennessee;
InterTAN, Inc; and Microsoft Corporation.
 
If customers want information on attending the Eighth ICTE,
or submitting abstracts for the Ninth, ask them to please write to:
 
   Mr. Jamie Alexander
   Radio Shack Education Division
   1600 One Tandy Center
   Fort Worth, TX  76102 
 
MOM-02-91
THE FRONT LINE
THE FRONT LINE is a monthly column dedicated to discussing
marketing, merchandising and customer care concepts.
 
INSIDE SALES
 
Radio Shack is first and foremost a retailer.
We depend on having people who are interested in our products coming to see us.
Our Computer Centers that have a solid track record of good sales and
profit performance almost always have a good mix of inside vs. outside sales.
 
It's been said that our Computer Centers are located away from
high traffic locations (such as major shopping areas) so they can
concentrate on developing outside sales efforts.
This statement is only partially correct.
Many Computer Centers are located away from major shopping areas
and closer to centers of commercial business such as industrial parks
and manufacturing zones in an effort to capitalize
on the potential business in that particular area.
But does this mean that developing walk-in traffic is an impossibility?
 
Here is a list of steps that, if followed carefully,
are guaranteed to bring you foot traffic.
This is a strong statement, but these are tried and tested examples:
 
Commit to Doing It
 
Every single person working in your Center must understand the value
of foot traffic and be committed to wanting more of it.
There is a very close relationship between outside sales and inside traffic.
Get more of one and you will get more of the other.
 
Don't Chase Your Walk-ins Away
 
1. Your housekeeping must be impeccable regardless of the circumstances.
   Systems must be clean, orderly and functional.
   Displays must be neat and attractive.
   Carpeting must be swept and, if smoking must be permitted,
   ashtrays must be emptied often.
   Restrooms must be immaculate.
 
2. Salespeople on the floor must know the product
   and know how to be personable.
 
3. Understand the dynamics of your showroom.
   Large, empty showrooms can easily imply that you are going out of business.
   Small showrooms can become so cluttered that it becomes annoying
   to customers to move around in.
   We can't be experts at everything,
   so don't be embarrassed to ask your DSM, ABMM or RBMM
   for some pointers on retail merchandising.
 
Work To Serve Your Customers
 
1. Make sure you're familiar with and can explain all of our secondary
   "products" such as Commercial Charge, Tandy Leasing,
   custom printed forms, Express Order and CLP.
 
2. If you don't sell what your customer wants,
   tell them where they can find it.
 
3. Open your store on time.
   If you find people waiting at your door at opening time
   or knocking on the door after closing, take care of them.
   Then speak with your District Manager about changing your operating hours.
 
Have It In Stock
 
In the computer business, anything retailing for less than $200
qualifies as an impulse item.
You need a reputation for "always having it."
Go on a crusade to be in stock on every single item you are
allowed to stock that retails for less than $200.
Customers will understand that you don't happen to have a
Tandy 4033 LX ready to deliver,
but they will never accept your being out of stock on toner for their LP 950
(and when they need an item like this, they usually need it right now).
If you do get caught without that item your customer is looking for,
offer to have the customer pay for the item,
then get it for them from another store and deliver it to their home or office.
They will never forget you.
 
Know Your Customers
 
Know who your walk-in traffic is likely to be, where they live,
and what they want.
If you're in an industrial area,
be ready with commercial charge applications and be prepared
to talk intelligently about networking.
If you're in the heart of a residential community,
make sure you're properly staffed on Saturdays.
 
Help Your Customers Know You
 
Make sure your prospective walk-in customers know where and who you are.
Here are some tried and tested methods:
 
1. A private, by invitation only, new product showing is a great idea.
   Hold it after regular hours, perhaps from 7:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M.
   Deliver invitations to businesses in your area.
   Serve coffee and cookies.
 
2. Become active in local user groups and, if you have a classroom facility,
   offer it for club meetings.
 
3. Distribute business cards liberally.
   Give them out in multiples so they can be passed along.
 
4. Every catalog and brochure must go out with a label
   with your address and telephone number on it.
 
Be Patient
 
Building a reputation can take six months to a year or more.
But the sooner you get started,
the sooner you'll be able to start writing those sales.
 
MOM-02-91
THE DESKMATE DIFFERENCE
A series of articles on DeskMate.
 
RETAIL DESKMATE IS BACK, AND IT'S BETTER THAN EVER!
 
DeskMate 3.5 (25-1351) has arrived,
and it delivers even more value than ever!
Tandy designers and engineers have added useful new features
that bring even more functionality to DeskMate.
 
Reviewing DeskMate Basics
 
As a program that is bundled with many Tandy computers,
DeskMate gives the customer all the software needed to get started.
This new stand-alone version of DeskMate brings this set of basic software
(including the new features described below)
to users of other PCs and allows owners of previous versions of DeskMate
receive our latest offering.
 
The DeskMate Text word processor, Address Book, Worksheet,
and Filer programs have the capabilities needed for basic computing.
PC-Link and Telecom bring communications power to modem-equipped computers.
Draw and Hangman add the potential for fun and creativity.
The DeskMate Desktop ties these program together by providing
a convenient menuing system and an easy way to perform common file commands.
 
All these programs share the familiar "look and feel" of DeskMate
(the "DeskMate Graphical User Interface").
Once you become familiar with one DeskMate program,
you've essentially learned to use all of them!
This ease of use based on familiarity insures positive experiences
with the programs and encourages new users to experiment.
Let's look at the major new features of DeskMate 3.5.
 
Fonts in Draw
 
Previous versions of DeskMate Draw have a system font and two "stroke fonts"
that allow you to place rudimentary text on the drawing.
DeskMate 3.5 adds true scalable fonts
that dramatically improve the appearance of printed font output.
With these fonts, DeskMate Draw can be used
as a low-end desktop publishing system suitable for printing signs,
overhead transparency masters, etc.
 
To view your font options, select the Options <F6> menu and the Text option.
The dialog box that appears displays the available fonts and your options
in working with them.
You select the font, the point size, the width and any desired attributes.
These attributes include bold, underlined, italic, hollow and grayed.
Press <ENTER> to complete the selection process.
 
At the "canvas" screen, select the Tools <F7> Text option
(or its accelerator, CTRL-T) to enter the text mode.
Position the cursor at the desired start location, and start typing.
When you reach the end of a text line,
review it carefully then press <ENTER> to proceed to the next line.
 
The magic of these fonts lies in their quality and scalability.
The print output of these fonts has been optimized for each printer,
and their quality may surprise you!
Furthermore, if you resize the text on the screen (using Edit <F3> Resize),
the fonts automatically optimize to the new size.
Each line and curve is recalculated to present the best screen
and printer output possible at each size.
 
[picture here]
When the small text was resized to create the larger text,
the font system optimized the print output of both.
 
Of course, you can add lines, rectangles, polygons, patterns, etc.
to the Draw graphic to enhance and highlight the graphic.
 
The default Draw fonts -- Cobb, Dixon, and Marin -- approximate Courier,
Helvetica and Times-Roman respectively.
Additional low-cost font packages for DeskMate will be available soon.
 
As always, you can copy all or part of your graphic to the Text word processor
using the DeskMate Clipboard.
This handy feature allows you to create letterheads
or other enhanced text and graphic images in Draw for use
in word-processed documents.
 
One more thing:  DeskMate supports the graphic modes
of many older models of Tandy printers.
This means that owners of these printers
(who may have difficulty finding desktop publishing software
that supports their printers)
can reap the benefits of the high-quality print output that Draw produces.
 
Save That Screen!
 
The Tandy 1000 RL sports a Screen Saver function
that blackens the display screen after a user-determined duration of time
with no keyboard or mouse activity.
This prevents the monitor from "burning in" the image of the program
on the screen.
 
DeskMate 3.5 now delivers this popular Screen Saver
to any PC running DeskMate.
You turn on the Screen Saver by selecting the amount of delay
before the screen goes blank at the Screen Saver option of the
Accessories <F10> menu.
This Screen Saver "times out" DeskMate applications
that are run from version 3.5 of the Desktop.
 
Out on a LIMM
 
When you load DeskMate into a computer with LIMM 4.0 memory and drivers
installed, the core of DeskMate will automatically load into the LIMM memory.
This frees up approximately 90K of the basic 640K system memory
for other uses.
This benefit is similar to having DeskMate in ROM -- in fact,
the DeskMate modules loaded into LIMM memory are the same ones
that are stored in ROM on Tandy's ROM-based computers.
 
Save That Clipboard!
 
DeskMate's Clipboard is an in-memory buffer
that allows you to copy information within a DeskMate application
and from one DeskMate application to another.
Up to now, you could store only one piece of Clipboard data at a time,
and that piece of data could be stored only in memory.
When you exited DeskMate or turned off the computer,
the Clipboard data was lost.
 
DeskMate 3.5 features a new Clipboard accessory under the
Accessories <F10> menu that allows you to save your Clipboard information
to disk and maintain multiple Clipboards on disk for later use.
 
One example of the use of this feature is with letterhead
text and graphics mentioned above.
You could create your letterhead in Draw, copy it to the Clipboard,
then pull down the Clipboard accessory to save it to disk.
Then, at any later time, from the Text word processor
you could use the Clipboard accessory to reload it from disk
and paste it into your document.
This is one example of how these seemingly small features
can add up to big increases in productivity!
 
Selling DeskMate 3.5
 
The customer benefits of DeskMate have not changed --
useful productivity applications with a consistent Graphical User Interface,
launched from an easy-to-use Desktop.
You should continue to sell these benefits as Tandy's added value
to many of our computers, and now as a stand-alone software package.
 
When selling DeskMate 3.5 to new customers,
maintain a balance of emphasis between the continuing benefits of DeskMate
(see Reviewing DeskMate Basics above) and the new features.
The overall value of DeskMate lies in its features and consistency
at a reasonable price.
 
For owners of previous versions of DeskMate, our half-price offer continues.
These customers can bring in the front cover from the manual
of any previous version of DeskMate, and receive DeskMate 3.5 for $49.95.
Now that's value!
 
Note About the Home Organizer Solutions
 
Retail DeskMate 3.5 (25-1351) includes updated versions
of the same ten DeskMate productivity programs
that have been included in previous versions
of the retail version of DeskMate.
It does not include the Home Organizer solutions.
These Home Organizer solutions are available separately
for $99.95 as 25-1370.
See the article on Page 27 for details.
 
MOM-02-91
THE CREDIT LINE
Direct to you from Tandy credit departments -- RSVP and Tandy Computer Leasing
 
RSVP
 
In last month's M.O.M. (January 1991),
we told you about RSVP's redesigned credit cards;
new mail-in and phone-in credit applications;
increased MSI limits; pocket price book information and "signs."
Lots of changes, all as a result of the phenomenal growth
in our credit card program.
Now...
 
There's More
 
Another change that we need you to implement:
move your (FO-642) mail-in applications display from its "TAKE ONE"
location.
The forms will still be available for those customers
who do not meet the requirements
(major credit card holder, $100.00 minimum initial purchase)
for on-the-spot FO-643 phone-in approval,
but nevertheless desire the opportunity
to be considered for an RSVP credit card.
 
Please take a moment right now to transfer your TAKE ONE holders
to P.O.P. areas where they will be out of sight, but convenient to you.
When a shopper specifically requests an application for an RSVP credit card,
it generally indicates that person's confidence
in his or her own creditworthiness.
 
In that event, you might even want to encourage those customers
to complete the mail-in application while they're in your store
so you can check it over to be sure it's complete and correct.
As a good customer service, you could even offer to mail it in for them.
 
Good customer service and better customer relations can result
from this change:  it will help eliminate the extremely high percentage of
mail-in application declines  and  the number of disgruntled customers
which that creates.
 
Concentrate on These Other Visual Selling Aids
 
  PRINT ADS which make your shoppers aware of affordable
  per month product costs even before they enter your store.
  Be prepared when they ask how they can buy upscale advertised products
  with low monthly credit payments.
 
  IN-STORE DISPLAY SIGNS:  Cost per month cards and
  the new RSVP Credit Desk posters should be proudly and prominently displayed
  to trigger a customers' interest in becoming an RSVP cardholder.
 
On the Flip Side
 
BE SURE THAT SPECIAL PROMOTION AND
TIME SENSITIVE SIGNS ARE DISPLAYED ONLY DURING THEIR STATED
PROMOTIONAL PERIOD.
 
The "cut-off date" of all Radio Shack credit promotions is
advertised to the public.
The obvious intent of any credit promotion is to increase sales by creating,
for the buying public, a sense of urgency;
the need to take advantage of a "good deal"
within its effective time frame.
To extend the opportunity beyond the cut-off date:
 
  Defeats the urgency of the "buy" decision
  Encourages inconsistency with the credit decision
  Is "bottom line" cost prohibitive
 
Customers have a right to get upset (even hostile)
when they see a sign promoting a special buying opportunity
and then are told, "Oh, that ended yesterday."
You can prevent that:
 
1. Post special promo signs  after  closing time
   the day  before  the promotion kicks in...and
 
2. Remove special promo signs immediately after closing time
   on the day the promotion ends .
 
For Application Only
 
With the constant (and gratifying) increase in RSVP application activity,
we need to stress the importance of forwarding each day's credit applications
on the same day they're phoned in and...in the blue envelopes provided
for that purpose.
The envelopes are self-addressed and bar-coded to get them
where they need to be in a timely manner.
This will expedite processing time
and reduce your store's exposure to possible chargebacks.
 
DO NOT USE THE ENVELOPES FOR ANY OTHER PURPOSE:
Changing or crossing out the printed address on an envelope
will not affect its routing since the bar-coding
dictates its delivery to TANDY CREDIT-RSVP.
We frequently find Radio Shack sales slips,
payroll and health insurance claims and...even a birthday card to Grandma!
Our conscientious application processors will, when possible,
try to reroute "foreign objects" to their appropriate destination;
but with thousands of envelopes arriving daily,
important documents (and precious birthday cards) will be delayed,
misrouted or inadvertently trashed.
 
Auditioning the New Phone System!!
 
In an effort to handle the mounting number of phone calls,
RSVP is experimenting with a new phone system.
You need to remember:
 
1. All calls regarding active/functioning RSVP credit accounts,
   whether from the cardholder or a Radio Shack representative,
   must be directed to the Operations Center Customer Service toll free number:
 
       1 (800) 767-4556
 
2. The number, for Radio Shack use only, to call for information
   regarding pre-activated (missing/problem/chargeback) applications is
 
       1 (817) 390-2669
 
   You will hear this message:
 
   "You have reached the RSVP Credit Department.
   Our hours of operation are 8 AM to 12 PM and 1 PM to 5 PM
   Central Standard Time."
 
   The message then goes on with the number to enter for
   Dealer/Franchise information but you can skip over that by pressing "1"
   right after the hours of operation message.
   If the operators are busy, the next four calls will be put on queue.
   When the queue is filled you will be advised to call back,
   in order to avoid an extended hold period.
 
After you've used this system a few times, please let us know
if you have any suggestions that might further improve the efficiency
of the system.
 
Remember to always:
 
Make RSVP your customers' first choice...
not your salesperson's last resort!
 
MOM-02-91
Tandy Computer Leasing
 
An important element of TCL's "Total Solution" advantage
is the opportunity to include THIRD PARTY PRODUCTS
in our leasing program.
Now Radio Shack has created a special
"Third Party Products Purchasing Department" (TPD)
and the guidelines for obtaining those products for your customers
apply to leasing and cash customers alike.
 
This new department will provide the professionalism and expertise
for the most efficient handling of third party acquisitions.
We welcome the opportunity to work with them and you
when supplemental Third Party products are included in TCL leases.
 
Please follow the directions outlined in the the article entitled
"Third Party Products Department is Created"
(Page 19 of this issue)
for ordering outside vendor products.
This change does not apply to Third Party Training and Support
which is handled, as before, by TCL.
Submit credit applications for leases which are to include such products
after you have received availability and pricing information
(about 3 days) from the TPD.
That's it!
 
IMPORTANT CHANGE IN SUBMITTING LEASES...
 
As before, all completed lease documents (with or without third party products)
should be submitted to TCL on the same day as the products are delivered
(full or partial).
The change?...
Effective February 1, we also need you to first FAX the lease and
the delivery receipt to TCL.
This will allow:
 
1. Our Lease Processing staff to begin structuring the lease
   before the documents are delivered,
   thus avoiding the dreaded last minute crunch, and...
 
2. Our Contract Buyers can notify you immediately
   if any delay causing problems appear on those vital documents.
 
While a lease cannot be activated from these FAXed copies,
they do afford extra time to make any needed revisions
and can avoid a reversal situation.
 
DSM SPiFF POOL
 
For the second quarter (only) of FY '90,
we are changing the criteria for determining DSM Pool Winners
from total quarterly TCL sales to per month TCL sales.
 
Considering the regional and district changes that resulted
from the Radio Shack realignment (effective November 1, 1990)
it appears that the only equitable way to distribute that quarter's
DSM SPiFF POOL is by each of the three months.
 
THE **WINNERS**
 
October     November     December
 
Northeast Division
02-0346  J. Quigley     12-0377  O. Lewis      24-0869  H. Arezki
01-0515  D. Pavlock     02-0518  M. Rodman     02-0859  A. Leed
01-0879  J. Brodsky     14-0348  J. Muccia     19-0575  D. Haggar
12-0541  K. Kelsey      19-0514  P. Pollack    12-0377  O. Lewis
 
Midwest Division
21-0877     J. Wissinger     06-0579     C. Jaschob     22-0581     C. Risovi
21-0592     A. Flores     08-0855     K. Kiewig     06-0555     B. Jacobius
16-0599     T. Tipps     08-0884     M. Schmitz     08-0359     C. Newcomer
21-0821     D. Gravette     16-0850     P. Fanning     16-0599     T. Tipps
 
Western Division
10-0852     P. Jultak     18-0533     M. Gouin     18-0533     M. Gouin
07-0534     B. Peretz     18-0863     R. Kennedy     18-0550     T. Ostheimer
10-0578     C. Wood     10-0367     M. Lopez     03-0577     R. Grubbs
07-0576     W. Diamond     11-0539     J. Dyer     18-0888     B. Chabot
 
Southeast Division
20-0341     D. Surrett     17-0553     J. Teren     13-0849     J. Collazo
04-0545     G. Kerns     29-0371     G. Miller     25-0890     R. Bendig
13-0524     D. Sickle     25-0595     T. Ricotta     25-0554     D. Felknor
04-0374     G. Cowger     09-0351     R. Louden     17-0553     J. Teren
 
Special thanks and recognition to 0377, 0599, 0533, 0553 who made leasing
the sensible alternative for their stores and customers 2 of the 3 months!
 
A TCL LEASE...
 
The Closing Link to a Total Solution...
for your clients' business products needs.
 
MOM-02-91
HOME OFFICE MARKETING
Why the LP 950 Laser Printer is the Right Solution for Home Office Users
 
LASER PRINTERS:  MAKING THE RIGHT IMPRESSION
 
Home-based businesses need to make a good impression
in order to compete with larger companies.
Because they usually consist of only one or two employees,
they also need maximum personal productivity.
 
Laser printers can help the Home Office users to meet these two objectives.
Home Office Computing's annual readers' survey confirmed
that these users know this:
the laser printer was second on the list of equipment
that Home Office users planned to purchase this year.
Fully thirty percent of the respondents said they plan to buy
a laser printer in the next year.
(Only the FAX machine with 39% had more intenders.)
 
Why a Laser Printer?
There are three major reasons.
 
Speed -- Laser printers like our LP 950
can print text at 6 pages per minute (PPM).
By contrast, dot matrix printers usually print text
at about 1.5 PPM in near-letter-mode.
Although graphics printing is slower than text printing,
the proportional speed gains are the same.
That means the laser printer's speed gains in minutes
are greater in graphics mode.
 
Quiet Operation -- In a one-person office,
the president of the company often types the correspondence as well.
That means he may be talking on the phone while the printer runs nearby.
In that situation, the almost silent operation of the laser printer
brings great advantage.
 
Quality Print Output -- At 300 dots per inch both horizontally and vertically,
laser printers produce high quality printed output.
To many, this "laser look" has become an accepted quality standard
for correspondence.
Both text and graphics printing benefit from this high resolution.
 
Why a Tandy LP 950?
 
Our LP 950 offers these features:
 
  Prints 6 pages per minute
  Emulates these printers:
     HP Laser Jet Series II
     IBM Proprinter
     IBM Graphics Printer
     Epson FX-80
     Diablo 630/630 ECS
  Two font card slots for extra online font capability
  Compact size (approximately 10 x 13 x 14 inches)
  512K Memory Expandable to 2 Megabytes
 
Selling the LP 950 to the Home Office User
 
Your home office customer needs the professional appearance
that the LP 950 gives to correspondence.
She should consider the way she evaluates correspondence
she receives in the mail -- the only way to judge
the company is the mailed documents and advertising pieces.
If she's trying to make the best impression without going
to the expense of typesetting, her best bet is a laser printer.
 
The quiet operation of the LP 950 has another advantage for home office users.
These folks often work when others are home,
whether that's during the day or in the evening.
The quiet LP 950 will prove less disruptive than would dot-matrix printers.
 
When making a small business grow into a large one,
the impression the company makes is crucial.
Do your home office customers a favor and offer them the LP 950!
 
MOM-02-91
STOCK FILE CHANGES
A quick reference to product status changes -- pricing, availability, etc.
 
LATE DATES
 
Listed below are the new items that appear in
the 1991 Educational Products Guide
which have not yet arrived at the warehouses.
Also included are the dates the merchandise is expected to be available
at the warehouses.
 
The dates listed in this section are based on the latest available information,
and are updated monthly.
While they may not be 100% accurate, they are the best estimate we have
at this time.
 
The dates listed here should be your ONLY reference for availability of
cataloged items.
Ft. Worth Computer Support Services or Ft. Worth Computer Merchandising
will not have any dates other than the ones shown here.
 
Radio Shack Educational Products Guide
 
Cat.#          Description             Date
 
900-5766       Trivial Pursuit FR     2/28/91
900-5767       Trivial Pursuit GER    2/28/91
900-5768       Trivial Pursuit SP     2/28/91
 
903/5-5654     Once Upon Time SCM     3/31/91
903/5-5658     Math Blast Plus SCM    2/28/91
903/5-5659     Word Attack Plus SCM   2/28/91
903/5-5660     Homeworker SCM         2/28/91
903/5-5673     Double Up SCM          3/31/91
903/5-5674     Mark-Up SCM            3/31/91
903/5-5675     Proteus SCM            3/31/91
903/5-5676     Rhubarb SCM            3/31/91
903/5-5677     Sequitur SCM           3/31/91
903/5-5686     Timeliner SCM          3/31/91
903/5-5742     Once Up Time II SCM    3/31/91
903/5-5758     Sim City School        2/28/91
903/5-5765     French Scrabble        2/28/91
903/5-5779     Bodyworks Jr SCM       3/31/91
903/5-5780     Bodyworks Sr SCM       3/31/91
903/5-5782     Inter Inspirer SCM     3/31/91
903/5-5789     Spell It Plus SCM      2/28/91
903/5-5790     Algeblaster Pls SCM    2/28/91
903/5-5797     Nat'l Inspirer SCM     3/31/91
 
 
CANCELED PRODUCTS
 
CAT. #       DESCRIPTION
250-1376     Spell-A-Saurus
 
 
PRICE CHANGES
 
Cat. #       Description                Old          New
 
250-3515     20 MB HD for 1400 LT     1,199.00       499.00
            (limited supply)
250-3516     20 MB HD for 1400 FD     1,099.00       499.00
250-4902     4020 SX 2 MB Version     2,499.00     2,199.00
250-5033     2X1MB Memory Kit           499.95       299.95
 
 
EDUCATIONAL PRODUCTS GUIDE CORRECTION
 
                                           Price        Actual
Cat. #     Description                     Shown         Price
 
903-5591   Skills Bank Comprehensive     $1,245.00     $3,735.00
 
 
EX/HX MEMORY BOARD TEMPORARILY OUT OF STOCK
 
The 25-1062 Memory Board for the Tandy  1000 EX and HX is currently
out of stock.
It is expected to be back in stock in April '91.
 
MOM-02-91
PRODUCT NEWS
ALL STORE
The "ALL STORE" section contains information of interest to all store types.
01Zs and Computer Centers will also be interested in the information contained in the "COMPUTER CENTER" section.
 
TANDY 1000 RL SALES REPORT
 
The totals are in for Christmas, and we find that
the Tandy 1000 RL and 1000 RL Hard Drive computers were
the HOT sellers this year.
With the DeskMate Home Organizer, quiet fanless operation,
easy-to-understand tutorials, the "Success Guaranteed" program
and the best trained sales force anywhere,
the public has accepted the RL as THE Home and Family Computer.
 
But just because Christmas is over doesn't mean you should quit selling the RL.
For the same reasons as before,
the RL continues to be the best combination of value priced hardware
and superior home management software available anywhere.
 
For those many customers who purchased the RL for Christmas,
now is the time to remind them of the many upgrade options
available for the RL.
Your floppy unit owners might want to look at upgrading to a SmartDrive,
for example.
A 20 MB SmartDrive is available for the RL (25-1047).
It has a very simple initialization procedure that runs
under the DeskMate interface,
and it comes with everything your customer will need (even a blank diskette!).
 
Those same 25-1450 owners may also be wanting to add a clock to their computer.
Remember the 25-1033 SmartWatch just plugs in
(instructions are in the RL manual).
 
A definite area to look at is memory upgrading.
Only 1 out of 5 customers purchased the 25-1082 256K RAM Memory Upgrade
during the Christmas selling season,
so there are many opportunities out there for a $59.95 sale.
 
Those who have explored DeskMate may now be looking to use PC-Link
and are good candidates for a 25-1013 1200 Baud or
25-1037 2400 Baud Internal Half-Card Modem.
And a mouse or joystick makes a super gift for any occasion.
 
Your tremendous success in selling the RL computers during Christmas
is appreciated by all.
Without our outstanding sales force, there would be no Radio Shack.
Thank you.
 
Don't forget that there are thousands of RL customers out there
waiting for someone to sell them an upgrade or option to their computer,
and that someone should be YOU!
Good Selling!
 
MOM-02-91
DESKMATE TIPS AND TRICKS -- Part 1
 
In this first of a series of articles we will attempt
to help you with some of the most common DeskMate problems.
These typically relate to either the installation
or higher DeskMate functions.
 
In an effort to make this column as efficient as possible,
we will assume that you have a basic knowledge of DOS
and how to create and edit files.
 
The copies of the DOS books and "Getting the Most Out of DeskMate 3"
you have in your stores are an excellent reference
if you need a refresher course on either subject.
 
Question:  How can I get more than 15 things on my Desktop?
 
Answer:  Creation of a Batch programs box will allow
the user to create as many items as they want to launch from the Desktop.
This is done by following these steps:
 
1. Create a directory called "Batch".
   All the files you create will go into this directory.
 
2. Use the editor in Text, or the "Copy CON" command
   to create the batch files you want to run.
   Here's an example of one which runs Prodigy:
 
     cd \Prodigy
     Prodigy
     cd \DeskMate
 
   This changes to the C:\PRODIGY directory, runs Prodigy,
   and then changes back to the DeskMate directory before reloading DeskMate.
 
3. From within DeskMate, use the "Create" command
   from the Desktop pull-down menu, to create the following box:
 
     Menu Name:           Batch
     Program name:        (leave blank)
     Data file extension: BAT
     Start-up Directory:  C:\Batch
 
Now all of the batch files the user wants can be placed in this box
and launched from the Desktop.
 
MOM-02-91
1990 M.O.M. INDEXES SHIPPING WITH THIS ISSUE
 
Not attached to but shipping with this issue of the M.O.M. is
the INDEX to the 1990 issues of the Computer Merchandising Memos of the Month.
 
As noted on the front page of the index,
it is not a comprehensive word index,
but all articles are included and grouped by the areas that the
information in the article applies to.
Many articles are listed in multiple places.
 
To use the index, find the category on the front page that most likely
contains the information you want, and then go to that page number to
look at individual article titles in that section.
 
MOM-02-91
TURBO OUT RUN, LIGHTSPEED AND QUEST FOR GLORY II NOW SHIPPING!
 
Just a quick notice to let you know that the above products
are now available in your regional warehouses.
Be sure you have sufficient quantities on hand
to support all of the first time computer buyers
who will be returning to your store over the next few months.
 
With the exception of SPOT! and Spell-a-saurus
(which have been canceled) all of the entertainment and education titles
shown in the 1991 catalogs are now shipping.
 
MOM-02-91
TAXCUT VS. TURBOTAX
 
The tax season is upon us,
and this year we've got a great solution both for the customer and for you.
TaxCut 25-1431 ($59.95) is the award-winning tax solution from MECA Software
and Andrew Tobias, the Managing Your Money people.
But there's a difference as we explained last month --
the product you're selling has no disks inside.
 
Radio Shack, together with MECA,
has devised a program to deliver a product that makes sense
for both the customer and for us.
There is documentation and a form for your customers to call MECA
and order their software direct.
This assures them that they'll get the most up-to-the-minute product.
AND it gives you a product that won't be outdated on your shelf on April 16th.
And, even if that product is still on your shelf in September,
MECA will send the customer new documentation and disks.
The customer ALWAYS gets the most up-to-date product.
 
Be sure you let your customers know up front
that there are no disks in the box.
This is a big benefit to them as it gives them time to get their records
organized and all in one place, ready to go once the disks come in.
 
So now you have TaxCut (25-1431) sitting on your shelves.
But a couple of years ago we sold J.K. Lasser's package --
and then there's TurboTax, too.
How does TaxCut rate against its competitors?
 
The only real competitor for TaxCut is TurboTax.
Both products are strong in their category.
The biggest factor in favor of TurboTax is that is has been
the leader in tax software.
But in the last two years, TurboTax has been losing market share to TaxCut.
 
This is because TaxCut has some definite advantages.
First it comes from MECA Software,
well known for their expertise in the financial software business.
It carries Andrew Tobias' endorsement.
 
On top of that, TaxCut brings expert system technology to the user.
TaxCut uses artificial intelligence
so you can interact with Harvard tax lawyer Dan Caine
while you prepare your return.
 
TaxCut offers more forms and schedules,
and conveniently it will recalculate the form you're viewing with each entry.
 
The January 1991 issue of PC World magazine
compared TurboTax 8.0 and TaxCut.
Here are some of their comments:
 
on TurboTax:
 
"Choose TurboTax if you have basic familiarity with tax forms....
You'll still have to read over your return carefully before submitting it,
since TurboTax may not catch small errors such as missing names
or Social Security numbers.
 
on TaxCut:
 
"TaxCut really shines when it comes to providing
simplified `expert advice.' ... 
When you invoke TaxCut's Expert,
you're asked a series of detailed questions designed to elicit
all the information needed to fill out the form.
TaxCut fills out the form for you eliminating the need
for you to understand IRS terminology.
 
"TaxCut caught more mistakes in our Tax forms
than TurboTax's Data examiner did."
 
In Summary:
 
"Overall TaxCut provides more in-depth assistance for tax novices.
It also has more thorough error-checking."
 
Here's a chart outlining some of the differences
between TaxCut and TurboTax with some descriptions of the features.
 
Feature      TurboTax        TaxCut
 
Tax Help     "Hypertext"     "Expert"
             (You read)      (Q & A)
 
TaxCut Advantage: TaxCut actually fills in forms.
TaxCut's Q&A sequences covered most common topics in-depth.
Just answer the Expert's questions and TaxCut fills in your forms for you.
You'll get the right result for your tax situation.
 
With TaxCut, you work faster: No hunting through screens of
text to find the info you need -- just ask the expert.
 
TaxCut Reduces Stress:  With the expert at your side, you don't
have to worry that you might have missed something.
 
TaxCut is easier:  In TaxCut, you can often enter your responses
while the relevant help is on the screen.
In TurboTax, you have to memorize what you read,
close the help screen, find the place in your data, then make your entry.
 
Tax Forms:     36 IRS      50 IRS
              Fileable    Fileable
               Forms       Forms
 
TaxCut Advantage: TaxCut Comes Better Equipped: TaxCut
has EVERY form found in TurboTax, PLUS 14 more.
 
Interview   40 Ques.   90+ Ques
 
TaxCut Advantage: TaxCut makes sure you don't miss anything.
TaxCut's interview is more extensive and more in depth.
 
TaxCut's Interview is Customized: With TurboTax, the
interviewer asks everyone the same questions.
With TaxCut, your interview may be different from your neighbor's.
 
Laser                  No           Yes
Printing
w/Softfonts
 
TaxCut Advantage: TaxCut's output looks better.
TaxCut's laser output is professional quality.
TaxCut prints twice as quickly: you can print 20 TaxCut laser forms
in the time it takes to print 10 TurboTax laser forms.
 
Guarantee:             No          Yes
 
TaxCut Advantage: Only TaxCut has a Guarantee: MECA
guarantees that if you pay a negligence penalty because of a
miscalculation in TaxCut, MECA will pay the penalty.
 
Certified:             No          Yes
 
TaxCut Advantage: Only TaxCut is Certified: TaxCut is certified
by the Big Six accounting firm of Deloitte & Touche.
 
MOM-02-91
THE WP-2 WORDPROCESSOR AND COMMUNICATIONS
 
You may have some customers who are using their WP-2 (26-3930) to
communicate at high speeds with online services.
If so, and if they report problems to you,
here's some information you need to know:
 
We've identified that SOME original (non-"A" version) WP-2s
will pick up or show stray characters during high speed,
high volume data transfer when flow control is NOT in use.
This does NOT affect 26-3930A units,
and it does not even affect all 26-3930 units.
 
If you have a customer with a WP-2 that is exhibiting this problem,
the fix is to get a replacement ROM for the unit.
Here's what you should do:
 
1. Contact Computer Support Services in Fort Worth
   and choose the option for the Word Processing group.
   Describe the problem and you will be told how to handle the unit.
 
2. IF the problem is as described in this article
   and is verified by Tech Support,
   the ROM will be replaced at no charge to you or the customer.
 
3. IF this particular problem is NOT verified,
   any ROM replacement (normal ROM replacement or voluntary upgrade)
   will be at full parts and labor cost.
 
MOM-02-91
NEED A PC-LINK DEMO ACCOUNT FOR YOUR STORE?
 
We're getting calls (in some very unexpected places!)
from store managers asking how to get a store demo account for PC-Link.
 
Here's the scoop -- District Managers (only!) can call Ft. Worth
to request an account for a store.
DMs have been told what number to use.
 
If a DM has misplaced the number or doesn't have a record of it,
they should call Gene Schenberg, the buyer.
 
MOM-02-91
RADIO SHACK ANNOUNCES NEW TANDY 80286 NOTEBOOK COMPUTER
 
Fort Worth, Texas, January 14, 1991 -- Radio Shack announced today
that it will ship this week the new Tandy 2810 HD,
a notebook-size business computer that weighs 6.7 pounds (with battery).
The 2810 HD features a 16 megahertz 80C286 microprocessor, VGA graphics,
both an internal hard and floppy disk drive,
and a battery life of up to three and one half hours.
 
The system sells for $2,499 at more than 7,000 participating
Radio Shack Computer Centers, Radio Shack stores and dealers nationwide.
It is being manufactured by Tandy Corporation in Fort Worth, Texas.
 
"The 2810 HD is a full-function AT compatible
for people who demand the power and performance
of a 286-based desktop computer in an affordable, truly portable package,"
said Howard Elias, vice president of Radio Shack Computer Merchandising.
 
With one megabyte (MB) of standard memory, expandable to 5 MB,
the 2810 HD can run the most advanced business
and personal software applications.
For complex spreadsheets or math-intensive applications,
an optional Intel 287 XLT coprocessor can be added.
 
The 2810 HD has both a low power 3.5-inch, 1.44 MB floppy disk drive
and an internal 20 MB hard drive with a 23ms access speed.
The MS-DOS 4.01 operating system,
Tandy's new and easy-to-use DeskMate 3.5 personal productivity software,
and a TEMM memory manager are factory-installed on the hard drive
for instant, out-of-box computing.
 
A rechargeable, replaceable Nicad battery provides
up to three and one half hours of continuous computing power
and can be quick-charged in just two hours.
An 8-ounce AC adapter/charger is also included.
 
To monitor the 2810 HD's battery status, the Tandy Power View LED system
is located on top of the case and is visible
at all times -- without lifting the display.
The Power switch is located underneath the display
to prevent accidental battery drain.
 
When the 2810 HD is turned off,
a Resume Mode will return the user to the exact place he/she left
in an application.
 
The 2810 HD has a power-saving fluorescent backlit,
black-on-white liquid crystal display with 640 x 480 VGA graphics resolution
and 16 or 32 gray scales for improved contrast and readability.
The full-size display screen measures 7.625 inches by 4.625 inches.
 
The computer also has a full-size 84-key keyboard with true 101-key emulation.
Tandy's exclusive Key-Switch feature allows the user to switch
the CONTROL and CAPS LOCK keys, and their functions,
so that the keyboard layout resembles a standard typewriter.
 
"For those users who want only one computer,
the 2810 HD has been designed to double as a desktop system.
It has built-in ports for an external 101-key enhanced keyboard,
an external VGA monitor and a variety of additional peripherals,"
added Elias.
 
Other standard features include an internal slot
for an optional 2,400 bit per second modem ($199.95, suggested retail price),
one serial communications port and one bi-directional parallel printer port.
 
The Tandy 2810 HD laptop computer has an executive black case
which measures just 1.7 x 12.2 x 10 (HxWxD).
It comes with a one-year limited warranty.
Service is provided nationwide by Radio Shack.
 
Radio Shack, a division of Tandy Corporation,
is the nation's largest retailer of consumer and computer electronics.
Tandy Corporation is a leading manufacturer of personal computer
and consumer electronics.
 
MOM-02-91
INTRODUCING THE NEW TANDY 2810 HD NOTEBOOK COMPUTER - Page 1 of 5
 
On January 14, 1991, Radio Shack introduced the all new Tandy 2810
HD Notebook Computer (25-3551).
Like the Tandy 1500 HD, it's bound to be a winner!
 
The Tandy 2810 HD shares many of the attributes
that have made the 1500 HD a success with customers
and the envy of your competitors.
The external dimensions are identical to the 1500 HD
maintaining the full size screen and full size keyboard
complete with separate cursor control keys.
It utilizes the same replacement battery (25-3526)
and low cost optional internal modem (25-3525) as the 1500 HD,
and shares the same extended memory kit (25-3507).
Additionally, many of the user convenience items
are also incorporated into the design,
like Tandy Power View, Tandy Key Switch, internal power switch,
3 1/2" 1.44 MB floppy disk and 23 ms access 20 MB hard drive, and much more.
 
In addition to all the nice features of the 1500 HD,
the Tandy 2810 HD comes equipped with 640x480 VGA graphics;
a fast 16 MHz 80C286 microprocessor;
a full megabyte of internal memory (expandable to 5 megabytes);
a battery backed Resume system; external ports for a VGA monitor,
5 1/4" disk drive, and keyboard; MS-DOS 4.01,
more power savings features; and much more.
And it weighs only 6.7 pounds complete with battery.
AND.....all at a price of only $2,499.
 
Who Do We Sell It To?
 
The versatility and power of the Tandy 2810 HD Notebook Computer make
it an excellent choice for EVERYBODY!!!!
 
The first time computer buyer will appreciate how easy it is to use
right out of the box.
In addition, it may be the only computer they need
since it can double as a complete desktop solution.
 
The user that already has or uses a desktop computer will find
the transition to the 2810 HD laptop computer very easy.
The 2810 HD is designed to mimic the look and feel of a desktop computer
and still be portable.
In addition, the power of the 2810 HD in most cases will equal or surpass
that of their existing desktop.
With VGA graphics, 20 MB hard drive, 3 1/2" floppy disk,
a 16 MHz operating speed, and a full megabyte of memory,
even the most demanding applications will run quickly and efficiently.
 
Traveling executives that don't have time to learn complicated
stand alone programs will enjoy the ease of use of the DeskMate interface
on a powerful computer.
 
Salespeople that access large amounts of data will appreciate
the fast access 20 MB hard drive to store their files.
In addition, they will find transferring data to the company personal computer
is easy using the internal 3 1/2" disk drive.
In addition, the optional internal modem allows them to transfer
sales data directly to their office by phone
and retrieve new information quickly.
 
College students will find the Tandy 2810 HD a preferable option
to buying a desktop computer.
With its 6.7 pound weight,
the unit can be carried from class to class for note taking,
increasing the productivity of hard-to-find study time.
 
For the person that wants the best of the best,
the Tandy 2810 HD offers more features for the price
than any other unit on the market.
With its 16 MHz speed and 23 ms hard drive,
nothing can match it in its class
(and even a few 386SXs will have trouble).
 
What makes this unit different
from all the other 286 laptops on the market?
 
First and foremost,
it is manufactured right here in the United States by Tandy Corporation,
the number one name in MS-DOS compatible computers.
 
It is sold by the Radio Shack sales force,
described by customers and industry trade press alike
as the most knowledgeable sales force in the marketplace.
 
Service is available throughout the United States through
the Radio Shack service organization --
an important point to remember since people
who purchase this unit will likely be traveling.
 
It is packed full of the features that make it stand out in the crowd,
if you take the time to explain them to the customer:
 
   As Goldilocks once said,
   "Not too big, not too small.....just the right size" --
   weighing in at 6.7 pounds, the Tandy 2810 HD is easy to carry
   and won't move around on a table when you type on it
   like some of the other "lightweights" on the market.
   Put in on the counter in front of the customer, let them type on it,
   have them notice that it doesn't have a tendency to move away from them
   as they type like some of the 4 and 5 pound units.
   The customer doesn't have to keep adjusting the placement of the unit
   to continue typing -- like an obedient pet, it stays where you put it.
   And with its rugged case design,
   it's not going to break easily when dropped or sat on.
 
  "THE FLIMSY FACTOR" -- pick it up, twist it,
   notice how its rugged case design feels like quality workmanship.
   Twist some of the competition -- but not too hard --
   not only will they feel like a stiff rubber band, but they may break!!!
 
   Speed -- at 16 MHz it is THE fastest 286 laptop in the market.
   The rest of the industry offerings poke along at 12 or 12.5 MHz.
   In graphics or speed intensive applications like Windows 3.0 or Lotus 1-2-3,
   the difference in performance will be very noticeable.
 
   Price -- at a $2,499 suggested retail price, the Tandy 2810 HD
   has most of its competitors beat by $700 to $1,500.
   Compare the Toshiba T1200XE at a suggested list of $3,199
   with only CGA graphics and weighing in at 8.1 pounds,
   or the TI TravelMate 2000 at $3,999
   without an internal 3 1/2" floppy disk drive,
   or the NEC UltraLite 286/V at $3,699 with its external floppy disk,
   or the Sharp PC-6200 at $3,995 also with an external disk drive,
   or the Compaq LTE 286 Model 20 with 640K, CGA screen at $3,499.
   Even at their street prices, the Tandy 2810 HD has more features
   than comparable models -- for less investment.
 
MOM-02-91
INTRODUCING THE NEW TANDY 2810 HD NOTEBOOK COMPUTER - Page 2 of 5
   Rated Battery Life -- at 3 to 3 1/2 hours practical usage time,
   the 2810 HD has most other 286 units out-distanced by an hour or more.
   Most all other major players rate their battery life at 2 hours.
   The 2810 HD design is maximized to conserve power
   during all phases of operation.
   It includes power saving utilities that can be customized by the user
   for every working environment.
   (NOTE: Battery life rated at 90% screen usage,
   backlite on low power setting, 10% hard disk usage,
   1% floppy disk usage, and all power savings modes enabled.)
 
      Backlite brightness --
      three position switch to allow the user to increase the brightness
      in dim light environments.
      It should be left on the lowest setting for maximum battery life.
 
      Hard disk time out  --
      user adjustable from always on to off after a certain number of minutes.
      By allowing the hard drive to spin down after use,
      power is conserved until the next time it is needed
      by the program in use.
 
      Intelligent microprocessor speed --
      the 2810 HD includes a special system that will slow down the processor
      when not in use by the program.
      When running at slower speeds, the system requires less battery power.
 
      In addition, the user can switch the system into 8 MHz mode
      for all programs that do not require the speed of the 16 MHz setting.
      This slower setting reduces the power requirement of the processor.
 
      Each of these features may be turned off completely by the user
      for programs that need maximum speed.
 
      Modem power savings mode --
      the optional modem (25-3525) automatically reduces its power requirements
      when not in use and will automatically power up
      when the program addresses the modem.
 
      Serial ports --
      power can be turned off by the user
      to these system ports when they are not in use.
      By turning off these circuits, power requirements are further reduced.
 
      Floppy Disk Standby --
      the floppy disk standby will power down when not in use.
      Once again, for those programs that require constant use
      of the floppy drive,
      this power saving feature can be turned off by the user.
 
      LCD Display Time-out --
      the user can set the LCD display to turn off
      automatically at preset times or remain on at all times.
      As one of the main power drawing items in a laptop,
      this control can conserve lots of battery power.
      Standby Mode --
      a complete system power savings mode that allows the user
      to set the system to engage all the power savings modes
      at one time after a pre-set period of inactivity on the keyboard.
      Settings of 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 minutes, as well as `never time-out,'
      allow the user complete freedom of choice.
 
      When enabled, after the preset time period of inactivity of the keyboard,
      the system will turn off the LCD, hard drive, floppy drive, serial ports,
      modem, and also slow the processor until a key is pressed on the keyboard.
      This feature is most useful when the user is distracted from the laptop
      for a few minutes.
      By allowing the Standby Mode to engage all the power savings modes,
      precious battery life is not wasted while the user is distracted.
 
      Resume --
      this feature allows the user to turn off the laptop
      in the middle of a program --
      and then turn it on later and `resume' from the same spot.
      In effect, the system takes a snapshot picture of the laptop
      at the time the power switch is turned off and stores it
      to `shadow memory' for later retrieval when the power switch
      is once again turned on.
      When the laptop is turned on once again,
      it does not have to go through a power up sequence
      and require the user to restart their program.
      The user is simply returned to the same screen
      as when they turned it off.
 
      Once again, this feature may be turned off by the user if required.
      The resume feature is powered by a separate NI-CAD battery
      inside the unit
      (Note: this is part of the reason for the extra weight over the 1500 HD).
      The internal resume battery will hold the resume status
      for up to 24 hours
      (depending on the amount of extended memory that has been added).
      After this 24 hour period, the main laptop battery (25-3526)
      that normally powers the unit will take over and hold the status
      for up to two weeks.
      During this time, the `shadow memory' is kept in a powered up state
      by the resume battery ready to return to work
      at the touch of the power button.
 
      The resume battery is charged at the same time
      the main battery is charged.
      Charge time will vary depending on the charge remaining
      when plugged in to AC power,
      and could be as much as 14 hours if completely depleted.
      It is recommended that the 2810 HD be used on the AC adapter
      at least once a week to insure that the resume battery is fully charged.
 
MOM-02-91
INTRODUCING THE NEW TANDY 2810 HD NOTEBOOK COMPUTER - Page 3 of 5
      Suspend Mode --
      a user controlled feature
      that can be set from 0 to 60 minutes (at 10 minute intervals).
      The suspend mode differs from the Standby Mode in that
      after the preset time limit of inactivity,
      the system completely shuts down -- turns off --
      powers off, just as if the power switch was turned off.
      In addition to turning off the power switch,
      the Resume Mode is engaged just like it is when
      the user intentionally shuts off the power switch.
 
      This feature can be especially helpful if a user gets distracted
      and forgets altogether that their laptop is on.
      Imagine users of other laptops inadvertently leaving their system on
      when they go home from work at night and finding out
      that the battery is completely dead when they return the next day
      to finish their work.
      With the Tandy Suspend Mode enabled,
      the system will save the current work to resume memory, turn itself off,
      and be ready to go the next day without a severe loss of battery life.
 
      Or how about forgetting to turn off the unit,
      sticking it in your briefcase, and leaving to go to the airport
      where you intend to finish your report on the plane!
      Upon opening your briefcase you find you forgot to turn off your laptop,
      and even worse, the battery is completely dead
      and you don't have a spare.
      With the 2810 HD, the Suspend Mode will not only turn off your laptop,
      but it will also save the work in progress....ready to go
      when you arrive in your seat on the plane...with plenty of battery power
      still available.
      (NOTE: Resume Mode must be enabled for the Suspend Mode to function.)
 
      Battery Discharge Mode --
      if Resume is enabled when the battery completely discharges
      while the unit is turned on and being used,
      the user can save the status of the program that is running
      by simply pressing the power switch, which engages Resume Mode,
      shutting the power down when the red battery LED starts flashing.
      This allows a user the opportunity to replace the main battery
      with a fully charged one or plug into AC power
      and return to the program without losing any data
      because of a battery out condition.
   User convenience features
      Tandy Power View --
      two multi-color LEDs that can be seen
      even when the LCD display is closed.
      The two LEDs monitor the state of the battery
      and also tell if the unit has been left on by mistake.
 
      The power LED will show green if the unit is on and in 16 MHz mode
      or yellow if on and in 8 MHz mode.
 
      The battery LED will show green if the AC adapter is plugged in
      and the battery has not reached a discharged state.
 
      It will show yellow while being charged
      (turns to green when fully charged),
      and will show red when the battery is at a fully discharged level
      at which time the user has about five minutes to save their files
      and exit out to either replace the battery or plug in the AC adapter.
 
      The important point is that these visual indicators can be seen
      when the case is closed,
      making it easier for the user to utilize the system
      without having to fumble with display tops to see what is going on.
 
      Tandy Key Switch --
      this amazingly simple but powerful feature allows
      users to exchange the left <CTRL> key with the <CAPS LOCK> key.
      Although it seems trivial,
      many users that are converting over to laptops have used typewriters
      and have gotten used to the <CAPS LOCK> key being
      at the bottom left of the keyboard.
      The MS-DOS laptop world has penalized these users for years by
      putting the <CAPS LOCK> key in various places on the keyboard.
 
      On the Tandy 2810 HD, we chose to put the default position
      of the <CAPS LOCK> key in the same place as we do
      with our desktop computers.
      This allows users that also have a desktop to migrate freely
      between their desktop and laptop without having to re-learn
      the position of this key each time they change.
 
      At the same time, with the Tandy Key Switch feature,
      new users can change the default position
      and adapt quickly to the new environment.
      Since the key tops themselves are exchanged
      as well as the hardware altered electronically,
      all programs recognize the switch and no software problems are incurred,
      making the switch 100% foolproof in all situations.
 
      Power Switch  --
      the power switch was placed inside the top cover to keep the unit
      from being accidentally turned on while traveling.
      The top cover (where the LCD is) must be opened to gain access
      to the power switch; after all, if the screen is not up,
      there is usually no need to have the power on.
 
      Separate Cursor Control Keys --
      unlike many of our competitors, Tandy designed the keyboard to be
      very user friendly.
      In many of the so-called Notebook computers,
      the keyboard was shortened by one row of keys --
      and those keys usually removed are the arrow keys and the <PAGE UP>,
      <PAGE DOWN>, <END>, and <HOME> keys.
      These keys are usually then re-mapped to other keyboard characters
      on the keyboard which require the user to use multiple fingers
      to get a simple <PAGE UP> command or arrow movement.
 
      Tandy left those keys as separate keys to make typing easy for the user.
      Since word processing and spreadsheet programs will be
      two of the major uses of this unit,
      those keys will be in use almost constantly.
      Imagine the frustration of a user having to use multiple fingers
      to do a simple column move in a spreadsheet on those other laptops
      that lack single keys for these functions.
 
      <FN> key keyboard control --
      by utilizing the special blue <FN> key the user has control of
      many of the power savings modes directly from the keyboard
      without having to get out of their program
      and run some sort of special program.
 
MOM-02-91
INTRODUCING THE NEW TANDY 2810 HD NOTEBOOK COMPUTER - Page 4 of 5
      The user can:
          turn off the hard disk (<FN>+<F4>)
          turn off/on the LCD display (<FN>+<F7>)
          turn off the serial ports (<FN>+<F8>)
          put the unit into Standby Mode (<FN>+<F10>)
          turn off/on the internal speaker when in quiet places (<FN>+<F5>)
          toggle the processor speed from 16 to 8 MHz (<FN>+<F3>)
          toggle the display from the internal LCD to an
              external VGA monitor (<FN>+<F2>)
          cycle through various color mapping changes to the LCD (<FN>+<F1>)
          turn on the internal numeric keypad (<FN>+KeyPad)
 
      And to make it easy for the user to remember which key does what,
      each of the keys is color coded to the <FN> key
      with a one word description to prompt its use.
      (Note: some programs take control of the keyboard, like Windows 3.0,
      and will not pass the <FN> key combination on through to the BIOS.
      In this case the above combinations may not function.)
 
      Color Mapping --
      using the <FN>+<F1> key combination,
      the user can cycle through 16 different combinations
      of gray scale emulation of color to match the program in use
      (also includes reverse
      where black becomes white and white becomes black).
 
      Some programs are only designed to run in color,
      and when displayed on a monochrome laptop LCD some colors are
      hard to see.
      By using this key combination, various colors are mapped
      to other shades of gray making it possible to see most all programs.
 
      (NOTE: some programs are color hard coded and take control of
      the video chip and do not allow this color mapping.)
 
      Keyboard --
      the QWERTY keys on the Tandy 2810 HD use standard desktop spacing
      and are not a non-standard size thus making it easy for users to move
      between a desktop keyboard and the 2810 HD keyboard.
      In addition, the keyboard has a full 3.5mm stroke
      just like a standard keyboard.
 
      External Ports --
      the Tandy 2810 HD contains the ports required to
      hook up to the outside world.
      To enable the user to utilize the 2810 HD as a desktop computer,
      a 15-pin VGA port allows the user to plug in a standard VGA monitor
      and a PS/2 style keyboard connector allows the use of
      a full size desktop keyboard.
      In addition, the bi-directional parallel printer port doubles
      as an external disk drive port using a similar interface
      to the Toshiba laptop computer line.
      And a 9-pin standard RS-232C connector allows the use of a mouse,
      external modem, portable FAX, or any other serial type device.
 
      RESET switch --
      just like a full featured desktop computer,
      the 2810 HD has a functional RESET switch that allows the user
      to reboot the system without turning it off.
      Since the 2810 HD uses a Resume Mode,
      `cold booting' the system will be seldom used; however,
      for those times when needed, it's available.
 
      User installable modem --
      the optional modem (25-3525) can be used
      at 1200/2400 baud to communicate with the outside world
      with the enclosed DeskMate Terminal program or PC-Link,
      or any other type of communication program.
      It installs easily into a modem compartment on the outside of the unit.
 
      And remember, the Radio Shack modem has a retail
      price of only $199.95, which is hundreds of dollars below
      the cost of modems for similar laptops.
 
      NI-CAD battery --
      the battery (25-3526 $99.95)
      installs easily into an outside compartment without
      the need to try to fit a small connector into a small receptacle.
      There are no wires to worry about.
      It slips easily in place ready for use.
      The battery at full charge will provide 3 to 3 1/2 hours of normal use
      for most users (see Rated Battery Life paragraph above).
      Since this is a NI-CAD battery, users should be reminded:
 
          When using AC power, the battery should be removed
          if it is not being charged.
 
          The battery should be allowed to completely discharge
          before being charged to keep a `memory charge' from developing.
          At least once a month the battery should be completely discharged
          and recharged to keep it at full capacity.
 
          The battery will take approximately 1,000 recharges
          before having to be replaced.
          During this life, the battery will continue to hold
          smaller and smaller charges.
 
          Purchase spare batteries for those occasions
          when AC power is not available.
 
         The charging cycle should not be interrupted by
         unplugging the AC adapter and plugging it in later on.
         It should be allowed to completely charge the battery
         and turn the battery status LED to green before being disconnected.
 
Other Items
 
For 12 volt operation in an auto or on a boat,
recommend the Zirco PowerTrip Adapter.
This adapter converts 12v DC current back into 110v form
and guards against voltage fluctuations
normally found in auto/boat electrical systems.
When using this device, the customer will plug the AC adapter
that comes with the 2810 HD into the PowerTrip adapter.
This item is included in the Radio Shack Special Order Program
as stock number 900-2431 and has a retail price of $199.95.
(NOTE: the Radio Shack High-Current DC Adapter (270-1562)
can also be used to power or charge the unit, but not at the same time.
In addition, voltage fluctuations of the auto electrical system
will be passed directly to the laptop and may cause damage.
Customers should be advised to use with care.)
 
MOM-02-91
INTRODUCING THE NEW TANDY 2810 HD NOTEBOOK COMPUTER - Page 5 of 5
For overseas use where 220 volt is available,
Radio Shack sells the 50-Watt Converter/Transformer
for Electronic Equipment (273-1401) and assorted Plug Adapters (273-1405).
In most cases this unit will charge and power the 2810 HD.
Remember that some overseas countries have severe fluctuations in power
and in some cases this unit will power or
charge the unit, but not both at the same time.
 
Carrying Cases -- the Deluxe Carry Case (25-3513 $49.95)
and the Universal Carry Case (25-3512 $39.95)
are both designed to fit the 2810 HD and its accessories.
 
Adding memory -- the Tandy 2810 HD comes with
a full megabyte of internal RAM that can be upgraded to 5 megabytes.
The expansion can only be done in 2 MB increments --
from 1 MB to 3 MB and 3 MB to 5 MB.
Remember to sell two 1 MB Memory kits (25-3507 $399.95 each) for each upgrade.
The unit will not accept only one kit at a time.
This additional memory can be addressed by the TEMM2810.SYS program
included on the hard drive with the 2810 HD.
The memory kits can easily be installed by the user
in the memory compartment right above the keyboard.
 
Software -- included with each Tandy 2810 HD is MS-DOS 4.01
and DeskMate 3.5 software.
This software is already installed for the user at the factory
and is ready to use right out of the box.
Diskette versions are also included
in case the user needs to re-install the software.
 
Power Management Programs -- are included along with the software.
There are both MS-DOS and DeskMate versions of the program.
For those users that like to make temporary changes in the parameters
for certain applications,
an included POWER program can be invoked
that will make changes for the current session only
and will revert back to default when the power is turned off.
The SETUP program is used to make permanent changes
to the power management routines that are invoked
every time the unit is powered on.
 
Traveling weight -- the total traveling weight
of the Tandy 2810 HD is only 7.2 pounds including the AC adapter.
The adapter is similar to the adapter for the 1500 HD
but uses a different voltage, so it was designed
with a different connector to keep confusion to a minimum.
The adapter is extremely small and light making it easy to travel.
 
Math CoProcessor support -- the 2810 HD is already equipped
with a socket for an Intel 287XLT
(900-2309 $326.00) to speed up math calculations.
 
MOM-02-91
MAGAZINE ADVERTISING
 
Tandy computer products are frequently advertised
in leading national publications.
Magazine advertising reinforces the image of Tandy Computers as
a nationally recognized brand.
Tandy computer products will be featured in the following publications
over the next month:
 
Date     Magazine               Computer
 
2/01     Business Week          Multiuser solutions
2/01     CompuServe             DeskMate  S/W
2/01     Delta Sky              Tandy 1000s
2/01     Mgmt Network           Multiuser solutions
2/01     Smithsonian            Tandy 2500 XL/Compton's
2/04     Barron's               Tandy 2810 Laptop
2/04     Computer Systems News  Consultant Liaison Program
2/05     PC Magazine            Tandy 2810 HD
2/06     Sports Ill. Select     Tandy 2500 XL w/ S/W
2/11     Time (Bus ed.)         Tandy 2810 HD
2/15     American Way           Tandy 2810 HD
2/15     Black Enterprise       Retail POS
2/15     Byte                   Tandy 2810 HD
2/18     PCM                    Tandy 2810 HD
2/20     Compute!               Tandy 1000 RL
2/20     Compute!               Advertorial
2/25     City & State           Cougar Mtn./SCO/Xenix
2/25     Inc.                   Point of Sale
2/25     PC Computing           Tandy 2810 HD
2/25     PC World               Tandy 2810 HD
2/26     Home-Office Comput     Tandy 2810 HD
COMPUTER CENTER PRODUCT NEWS
Also Contains Information of Interest to 01Z Stores.
 
MOM-02-91
THIRD PARTY PRODUCTS DEPARTMENT IS CREATED
 
On January 7th, creation of the Third Party Products Department
was announced.
 
To summarize the announcement,
the Third Party Products Department was created
for the purpose of supplying a product to our computer customers
that is not a catalogued item in the Radio Shack computer product line.
Previously, requests for these products were handled by National Parts,
Tandy Computer Leasing and Tandy Systems Integration.
 
This new department will be available to Radio Shack 01Zs
and Radio Shack Computer Centers to:
 
1. Assist the salesperson and ABMM,
   RSM or REMM in qualifying a customer's needs
 
2. Where the need is justified and in the company's and the store's
   best interests, source the product
 
3. Provide pricing and delivery information
 
4. Arrange for delivery of the product to Tandy Systems Integration
   or the store
 
The announcement memo included detailed instructions,
examples of acceptable and unacceptable proposals
and a series of questions we anticipated that you'd ask along with answers.
However, since the department has been in operation,
there are a few additional points that need to be clarified/amplified:
 
Profit
 
One of the objectives of the creation of Third Party Products Department
is to insure that you make a profit!
This is in contrast with programs offered previously
through Tandy Leasing and National Parts.
If we can't fill your product needs
while at the same time allowing you to make a profit,
it is highly unlikely that we'll fill your request.
 
Since the merchandise we source for you will be charged to your
Merchandise Purchases account (#4001),
when you sell something for the price you pay for it,
besides not making any money on the transaction,
here's what it will cost you:
 
   First, you'll pay 6.25% of the cost of the product for handling.
 
   Then, you'll be charged 3.4% of the cost for freight at the end
   of the month for this as well as all other purchases.
 
   Finally, you'll pay around 19% of the selling price for fixed expenses
   such as advertising and general administration.
 
You can't afford to sell anything at cost!
 
Sourcing and Purchasing Services
 
Third Party Products only sources computer hardware and software.
We cannot source and/or purchase services such as consulting fees,
third party-provided training or data conversion fees.
If your customer is financing their purchase through
Tandy Computer Leasing and is insisting that these services be included
in their lease, contact TCL for further assistance.
 
Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia
 
TDP does NOT buy CMME.
The policy for handling that product remains unchanged
even if the customer wants it included in a TCL hardware lease.
Those procedures are described in the April 1990 issue of the M.O.M.
 
Quoting Prices
 
Once you quote a price to your customer, at minimum
you are morally obligated to deliver the product at that price.
If you've quoted a price in writing,
you are now legally obligated to deliver the product at that price.
 
The only price to quote is the one you get in writing
from Third Party Products.
Never NEVER attempt to get pricing directly from a vendor.
 
Reviewing the Opportunity with your RSM, ABMM, or REMM
 
You may not submit a Request For Quote to the Third Party Products
Department until after you've reviewed the opportunity with your RSM,
ABMM or REMM as applicable.
There can be no exceptions to this.
If for some reason he or she is not available,
you should call your Divisional Vice President.
 
Phone Calls to Third Party Products
 
It is not necessary to call TPD.
You'll only be told to FAX a properly completed RFQ form.
 
Completing the Request for Quote Form
 
An additional RFQ form is attached to this issue of the M.O.M.
The form must be completely filled out before we can act on it:
 
   LEGIBILITY:  Please print clearly.
   If your handwriting doesn't transmit well via FAX,
   have someone else complete the form.
 
   CONTACT:  We must have the first and last names
   of both the Radio Shack sales representative and the customer.
 
   ADDRESS:  We need your  complete  address including state and zip code.
 
Summary
 
If you have a sales opportunity or customer service issue
that calls for a software or hardware product
that is not available as a 25, 26 or 900 series item,
contact your Area Business Marketing Manager,
Regional Educational Marketing Manager or Regional Sales Manager,
and review the opportunity with them.
Then, if it is agreed that the opportunity fits the rules,
copy and complete the attached form and FAX it to TPD at: (817) 878-6550
 
MOM-02-91
SELLING SIMM MODULES FOR OTHER PC-COMPATIBLES
 
Part I -- Using 1 MB SIMM Modules
 
Now that memory is becoming more reasonable,
you might be wondering if you can sell memory
for other PC-compatible computers.
Well, the answer is yes.
There are some simple questions that you will
need to answer before you ring up your client:
 
1. Does their system require 1 X 9 SIMM modules?
   If they answer yes, then more than likely you've got a sale.
   The 1 X 9 says that there are 9 DRAMS on one SIMM board
   for a total of 1 MB with parity.
 
2. Can they upgrade by 2s or 4s?
   Remember...just like your Tandy Computer clients require
   different upgrade paths, they may also.
   So will you sell them one (2 MB) or two (4 MB) of the 25-5134s?
   Qualify like a professional.
 
There are some computer systems that actually use 2 MB and 4 MB modules,
which means there is 2 MB or 4 MB on a special proprietary type module.
These are very expensive and Tandy Computers do not use these,
so you would not be able to offer these type of upgrades.
 
So while your calling, prospecting, or just plain selling,
ask your clients if they require a memory upgrade
to utilize the full potential of their system
for an application such as Windows 3.0 and Windows type applications.
 
We'll do Part II next month -- Using 256K SIMM Modules.
 
MOM-02-91
3COM BOWS OUT OF NETWORK OPERATING SYSTEM MARKET
 
3Com recently announced its decision to leave
the network operating system market and place renewed emphasis
on the internetworking and hardware product lines.
The announcement was not unexpected.
Sluggish sales of the 3+Open product,
availability of MS LAN Manager through normal distribution channels
as an off the shelf product,
and Novell's ever increasing market share were all contributing factors.
 
Eric Benhamou, President and CEO of 3Com, in a brief statement,
explained that "3Com has no role as a network operating system provider.
It's more important to cover connectivity systems
independent of the operating system that is used by the customer."
 
Highlights of the Announcement
 
   3Com will no longer develop versions of 3+Open for the PC server.
 
   Value added software products such as Macintosh and NetWare connectivity
   have been licensed to Microsoft for future versions of MS LAN Manager.
 
   3Com will sell off some of its other business divisions,
   including server hardware.
 
   3Com's efforts will be focused on internetworking products
   to include adapters, bridges, routers and communications servers.
 
What This Means to Radio Shack Customers
 
   3+Open Version 1.1 products will continue to be available
   through the Third Party Products Department for existing accounts.
   (See the article on Page 19.)
   No new development or maintenance will be undertaken by 3Com.
 
   3Com hardware products required to maintain account control
   remain available through the Third Party Purchase Program.
 
   Microsoft has stated that the value added software products,
   previously developed by 3Com,
   will be incorporated in future versions of LAN Manager "later this year."
 
   There is some confusion as to the status of 3+Open
   for 3Com server platforms and availability of future versions
   of LAN Manager on these hardware platforms.
 
The immediate impact on our customer base should be minimal.
Emphasis should be placed on those installations
that are planning immediate expansion and on long term planning
for all customers using the 3Com operating system platforms.
More information will be provided
as further developments are announced by 3Com and Microsoft.
 
MOM-02-91
COMPUTER CENTER OUTLET STORES
 
Last October we moved all the discontinued merchandise
from the Computer Centers and 01Zs into 23 locations.
Then we ran a series of "tent sales" in each of these locations
to sell it off.
The remaining merchandise has been moved into four strategically located
outlet stores to continue with the sell-off.
 
Many of you have had inquiries by customers looking to purchase software
and accessories for older Tandy computer products.
These outlet stores have plenty!
They can supply many software
and hardware products for the following Tandy computers:
 
    Tandy 2000
    Tandy 6000
    Model I/III/4
    Model II/12/16
    Tandy 200/600 Laptops
    Pocket Computers
 
All items are in limited quantities.
Call or FAX these stores for availability.
They can ICST the product to you or charge and ship directly
to a customer on our regularly accepted credit cards.
 
   Location:      Garden Grove, CA
   Phone:         (714) 891-1160
   FAX:           (714) 891-5960
   Store Manager: George Hite
 
   Location:      Springfield, NJ
   Phone:         (201) 467-9827
   FAX:           (201) 467-3744
   Store Manager: Scott Charles
 
   Location:      Villa Park, IL
   Phone:         (708) 530-8224
   FAX:           (708) 530-7476
   Store Manager: Dan Bowman
 
   Location:      Dayton, OH
   Phone:         (513) 276-4112
   FAX:           (513) 276-2656
   Store Manager: Ty Goolman
 
Do not transfer anything from the outlet stores
unless you have a customer with a deposit.
 
Note: These outlet stores are not accepting any transfer of merchandise
into their stores.
 
MOM-02-91
NEW VERSION OF TANDY ETHERNET ADAPTER NOW SHIPPING
 
A new revision of the 26-5505 Tandy Ethernet Adapter is now shipping.
All retail packaged product shipping from TSDC and all systems
shipped by TSDC System Integration include this new revision, 26-5505A.
 
This revision features an option for two hardware selectable I/O addresses
or the option to set the base I/O address
via the software based EZSETUP program.
 
Important Note:
26-5505A requires Tandy Ethernet Superdisk (LAN Drivers) Version 2.0.
 
The Version 2.0 Superdisk is fully backward compatible
to all previous versions of the 26-5505 Tandy Ethernet Adapter.
 
Remember, when in doubt ... use Superdisk Version 2.0!
 
MOM-02-91
TWO 80287 MATH COPROCESSORS ARE REPLACED BY ONE!
 
Well, you could call it magic or you can call it the new Intel 287XL
80287 Math Coprocessor, 900-2585.
This NEW Coprocessor replaces the 900-2191 which was the 8 MHz 80287
and the 900-2192 10 MHz 80287 Coprocessor
(the 10 MHz oscillator is required for the 3000 NL,
part number AXX-7149 available through National Parts).
This new Math Coprocessor is now available through TSDC with a special order.
 
The new 80287 287XL is up to 50% faster than previous 80287s
at the same clock speed.
With this leading edge technology, it helps meet
the increasing performance needs of "power users" and application software
that is enhanced by the added performance of a Math Coprocessor.
 
The new 80287 287XL also works in ALL 286 based systems with NMOS or
CHMOS 40-pin sockets and at any speed.
And best of all you'll only need to order one stock number
for all Tandy 80286 based computers.
And the price...$326.00.
 
If you have store inventory of the older Math Coprocessors
(which you should not have)
be sure to sell out of your older inventory first,
before you begin offering the new Math Coprocessor.
 
MOM-02-91
EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY
Radio Shack Education Marketing Newsletter
 
AN OPEN LETTER FROM JIM MCGRODY, VICE PRESIDENT, EDUCATION DIVISION
 
With the start of a new year, many of us make a list of resolutions that,
with a little bit of luck, will still be resolute by the end of January.
 
The Education Division conducted its semi-annual sales meeting
this past December.
During that three-day meeting we introduced several new products
that will dramatically improve sales in your respective territories.
Our resolution, which I assure you will last beyond the end of January,
is to meet and exceed the sales targets for each of the products introduced.
 
By the time you read this,
you will have already attended Education Account Executive training
and will have been introduced to these new products.
This letter highlights my perspective on them:
 
KEE/ETS Solution and Microsoft Academic Editions
 
The trend is clear --
schools must provide "school to work" transition experiences
for those students who do not immediately go on to post-secondary education.
Sometimes called the "forgotten half," these high school students,
graduating from the general track, are ill-prepared to enter the work force.
The KEE collection of products,
and our association with The Educational Testing Service (ETS)
through its AEquitas tests,
offers us an opportunity to help solve this critical problem
while at the same time help us achieve our personal and corporate
financial goals.
 
The KEE solution also provides us with an opportunity to address
the staff development issues
that exist in every school district in the country.
Additionally, KEE/ETS will position us well as we pursue the sale of
Academic Editions of Microsoft's popular productivity software.
 
There will be no decision-maker in your territory
who will refuse to see you when you call to set up a business appointment
to discuss KEE/ETS and/or the Microsoft Academic Editions.
See the article entitled "Microsoft Academic-Priced Editions"
on Page 25 of this issue for complete information on this exciting program.
Resolve to make those calls!
 
Write More, Learn More Plus
 
To learn the process of writing through word processing
is to free oneself from the tediousness of exposition!
A truly empowering concept for students of all ages.
 
The Write More, Learn More Plus solution is an outstanding collection
of award-winning "creative-writing" software
supplemented by a process-based writing curriculum
developed by Phi Delta Kappa (PDK).
Our business connection with PDK will bring enormous credibility
to the value-added nature of the Write More, Learn More Plus solution.
This, coupled with the commitment we have from our software partners
to help us market the product, will surely mean double-digit sales gains
for each of you.
 
There will be no decision-maker in your territory
who will refuse to see you when you call to set up a business appointment
to discuss THE Write More, Learn More Plus solution.
Resolve to make those calls!
 
Edunetics Science Curriculum
(see article in December 1990 M.O.M., Page 25)
 
America is putting its money where its mouth is!
The resurgence of interest and funding for the core curricula
of math and science (earth, life and physical)
clearly demonstrates a commitment to maintaining
America's global competitive edge.
 
The Integrated Learning System offered by Edunetics, our newest VAR,
is outstanding in terms of curriculum content, pedagogical style
and technical innovation.
With educators' focus on teaching problem-solving and developing
higher order thinking skills,
this computer-based science curricula will surely add exponential income
for each of you.
 
There will be no decision-maker in your territory who will refuse to see you
when you call to set up a business appointment to discuss
the Edunetics Science Curriculum solution.
Resolve to make those calls!
 
Novell NetWare Pricing Alternatives
 
America's schools are networking!
 
The backbone to these networks will be Novell NetWare.
Our business relationship with Novell provides us with pricing alternatives
(Tandy NetWare Scholarship and Education Account NetWare)
that will give us a competitive edge.
Several memos have been issued on these pricing actions
and you need to become comfortable with them.
If you are well prepared you can more fully participate
in this dynamic business opportunity.
 
There will be no decision-maker in your territory who will refuse to see you
when you call to set up a business appointment to discuss
Novell NetWare pricing alternatives.
Resolve to make those calls!
 
English Express -- the Multimedia
English-As-A-Second-Language (ESL) Program
 
For a growing number of students English is a second language.
This is a major concern for school districts across America
because of the shortage of teachers with second language skills
sufficient to deal with the problem.
 
Enter English Express, a multimedia,
whole-language program based on the popular Longman's Picture Dictionary.
This program, which will soon be delivered via CD-ROM,
gives us a competitive edge when dealing with the
growing bilingual education segment of the K-12 marketplace.
You won't need to speak a second language
when you take your commission check to the bank for selling this product.
 
There will be no decision-maker in your territory who will refuse to see you
when you call to set up a business appointment to discuss English Express.
Resolve to make those calls!
 
The Education Division has made its resolutions!
Will you resolve to do your part?
Learn the products!
Make the calls!
Get to know your AEMM and/or REMM and call on them when you need help!
Make the most of these exciting product offerings.
Make FY '91 your best year ever!
 
Good luck, and good selling!
 
MOM-02-91
$1,000 IN CASH GOES TO TOP SALES PERFORMERS
 
Each fall for the last couple of years,
the Radio Shack Education Division has sponsored a program
called the TEACHER OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM, or TOP.
In this promotion, teachers and employees of schools all across the country
have the opportunity to purchase specially-priced Tandy computer systems
at substantial savings from their local Radio Shack store.
 
The promotion for the fall of 1990 was called
"A+ SAVINGS FOR EDUCATORS," and was an overwhelming success!!
Total sales tripled.
This tremendous growth was due to having the right products,
at the right price, and the right people supporting the promotion.
 
The Education Division is proud to recognize the efforts
of the TOP Regional Education Marketing Manager,
Nick Maggio of the Northeast Region.
For his success, Nick will receive $1,000 cash.
 
The Education Division is also proud to recognize
the TOP Area Education Marketing Manager in each region.
These winners will also receive $1,000 cash.
Their names are:
 
REGION      NAME
WESTERN     Cheri Hilderbrand
MIDWEST     Frank Spear
SOUTHEAST   Paul Benenati
NORTHEAST   Rick Zuchelli
 
Our thanks go out to all the Radio Shack salespeople
who helped make this promotion one of the most successful promotions
in the history of the Radio Shack Education Division.
Look for news about the new A+ program starting with the #467 POP
(March/April).
 
MOM-02-91
TANDY GRANTS DEADLINE FEBRUARY 28
 
The deadline for the second and final cycle of the 90-91 school year
for the Tandy Educational Grants Program is February 28th.
The topic for this cycle is:
 
"Using Microcomputers for Classroom Management
to Increase Teacher/Student Productivity."
 
Educators may submit proposals addressing this topic
and request up to $5,000.00 retail value in Tandy computer
hardware and software to carry out their proposal.
 
The proposal must follow the guidelines issued by
the Radio Shack Education Division.
The request for guidelines must be in writing on letterhead from the educator.
The guidelines spell out exactly what the form of the
proposal should be, but the content is totally up to the author.
However, the proposal must relate to the topic.
 
The previous cycle, "Using Microcomputers for Writing Across the Curriculum,"
with a deadline of November 30th, 1990,
will be decided March 2nd at the American Association of School Administrators
annual convention in New Orleans.
The winners' names will be posted in the Radio Shack booth in the exhibit hall.
 
The Tandy Educational Grants Program was started by Tandy Corporation in 1982
and has awarded over two million dollars in computer hardware and software
to schools and organizations across the nation.
The awards are decided by an impartial review board of distinguished educators,
chaired by Dr. Lee Droegemueller, commissioner,
Kansas State Department of Education.
The proposals are written "blind" so the review board
does not know who or where the author is.
The program is managed by the Radio Shack Education Division.
 
Many schools would never have had any exposure to computers
if it were not for the awards from this program.
Many school and individual computer purchases result
from the planting of these "seeds" by this program.
Radio Shack also receives good local publicity when a grant award
is presented by the Area Education Marketing Manager
and the local Education Account Executive.
 
If you have a school customer interested in getting more information
on the Tandy Educational Grants Program,
please ask them to write on their letterhead requesting
a Grants Application Pack to:
 
    Tandy Educational Grants Program
    Radio Shack Education Division
    1600 One Tandy Center
    Fort Worth, TX  76102
 
MOM-02-91
EDUCATION CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
 
The Radio Shack Education Division participates
in a number of national education conventions throughout the year.
So far this year, Tandy computers and education solutions
have been exhibited at the following conferences:
 
    Association of School Business Officials
    Computer Using Educators
    National School Boards Association
    National Association of Black School Educators
    National Council of Teachers of English
    American Vocational Association
 
During February and March, we will exhibit at the following
national and key state conferences:
 
    Florida Education Technology Conference,
           Tampa, February 5-7
    American Association of School Administrators,
           New Orleans, March 1-4
    National Association of Secondary School Principals,
           Orlando, March 8-11
    Association of School Curriculum Directors,
           San Francisco, March 16-19
    National Business Education Association,
           Nashville, March 26-29
    National Science Teachers Association,
           Houston, March 27-30
 
People who attend these conferences have one thing in common:
they use, or plan to use, educational technology
to enhance and/or manage the learning process.
Educators from all areas of learning take advantage of opportunities
these meetings offer.
They gain information on the latest educational technology products available
and participate in sessions that describe the latest practices and projects
across the nation.
 
The Radio Shack exhibit showcases a variety of solutions at these exhibits.
Special emphasis will be placed on the KEE/ETS Solution
(see page 19, January 1991 M.O.M. for article).
We will also have new and exciting multimedia products
running on Sony and Pioneer laserdisc players.
As new solutions and new hardware are introduced,
special invitations to breakfasts and luncheons are sent
to help make decision makers aware of our offerings.
 
Call your Area Education Marketing Manager for more details
about any of these exhibitions.
 
MOM-02-91
MICROSOFT ACADEMIC-PRICED EDITIONS
 
Microsoft products are now specially priced for the academic community
and are available through Radio Shack.
The academic-priced editions are identical to the retail versions
in everything except cost.
All packages -- single-user Academic-Priced Editions, 10-Packs,
or Network Versions for the classroom --
offer tremendous value with savings of up to 70 percent
when compared with their retail equivalents!
 
Single-User Academic-Priced Edition packages are offered for
individual use by faculty, staff and students.
All Academic-Priced Editions contain the same core software
as full-priced retail packages.
 
Academic-Priced 10-Packs include 10 sets of software
and one complete set of documentation.
The core software is the same as in the retail versions,
and extra sets of documentation are available at a nominal charge.
 
Academic-Priced Network Versions contain software for one LAN
(local area network) server for up to 32 users connected to the LAN.
The package includes one complete set of documentation.
The core software is the same as in the retail version,
and extra sets of documentation are available at a nominal charge.
 
Microsoft Quick languages, ideal for computer science students
and programmers alike, offer the fastest and easiest way
to learn and master C, assembly language, BASIC and Pascal.
The Academic-Priced Editions of these languages
are the same as their retail counterparts.
 
The Microsoft Windows graphical environment bridges the gaps between text,
graphics and data programs seamlessly and quickly,
which allows teachers and students to do their work with little fuss
and a lot of learning.
The Academic-Priced Windows applications
are identical to the retail versions.
 
Ordering Procedures
 
1. This program is available to qualified
   accredited education institutions only.
 
2. All orders must be placed with:
 
      Third Party Products Department
      1400 One Tandy Center
      Ft. Worth, TX  76102
 
   Use the Third Party Products Department Request for Quotation form
   (copy attached to this issue of the M.O.M.)
   to order the academic editions.
   Be sure to specify media size.
 
3. Each purchase order must be a minimum of $250 or 10 units.
 
4. Microsoft Academic-Priced Editions are already discounted
   and cannot be discounted further to schools.
 
5. TPD will order the product from Microsoft.
 
6. Microsoft will ship the product directly to the store or TSI.
   The store will be charged cost plus 6.25% handling.
 
7. When the product is delivered,
   the customer will sign a Waiver/Proof of Delivery form
   and take delivery of the product.
   The Waiver will then be returned to TPD to conclude the sale.
 
The following Microsoft Academic-Priced Editions
can now be ordered through Radio Shack.
 
     School/Academic-Priced Edition                            Price
 
CD-ROM Series
Microsoft Bookshelf Academic-Priced (NTWK Ver.)                895.00
Microsoft Programmer Library Academic-Priced (NTWK Ver.)     1,095.00
 
Productivity Application
Microsoft Word Academic-Priced Edition                         135.00
Microsoft Word Academic-Priced 10-Pack                         600.00
Microsoft Works Academic-Priced Edition                         79.95
Microsoft Works Academic-Priced 10-Pack                        560.00
Microsoft Works Academic-Priced (NTWK Ver.)                  1,120.00
 
Programming Languages
Microsoft QuickBASIC Academic-Priced Edition                    69.00
Microsoft FORTRAN Academic-Priced 10-Pack                    1,395.00
Microsoft QuickC Academic-Priced Edition                        69.00
Microsoft QuickPascal Academic-Priced Edition                   44.95
Microsoft QuickC/QuickAssembler Academic-Priced Edition         99.00
 
Windows Series
Microsoft Windows Academic-Priced 10-Pack                      650.00
Microsoft Excel for Windows Academic-Priced Edition            189.00
Microsoft Excel for Windows Academic-Priced 10-Pack          1,195.00
Microsoft Word for Windows Academic-Priced Edition             189.00
Microsoft Word for Windows Academic-Priced 10-Pack           1,195.00
 
 
Microsoft Courseware
 
Microsoft also offers courseware to assist teachers and students
in learning Microsoft applications and incorporating them in their curriculum.
These courses are also available to your education
customers through the Third Party Products Department.
 
     School/Academic-Priced Edition                             Price
 
Microsoft Chart
Microsoft Chart Instructor Guide                               100.00
Microsoft Chart Student Workbook                                20.00
 
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Excel Instructor Guide                               100.00
Microsoft Excel Student Workbook                                20.00
Microsoft Excel Macro Programming
        Class-in-a-Box Instructor Guide                        295.00
Microsoft Excel Macro Programming
        Class-in-a-Box Student Workbook                         20.00
Switching to Microsoft Excel for
        Windows (for Lotus 1-2-3)                               24.95
 
Microsoft Project
Microsoft Project Instructor Guide                             100.00
Microsoft Project Student Workbook                              20.00
Microsoft Project for Windows Instructor Guide                 295.00
Microsoft Project for Windows Student Workbook                  20.00
 
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows Instructor Guide                             295.00
Microsoft Windows Student Workbook                              20.00
 
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word Class-in-a-Box Instructor Guide                 295.00
Microsoft Word Class-in-a-Box Student Workbook                  20.00
Microsoft Word for Windows Class-in-a-Box -- Instructor Guide  295.00
Microsoft Word for Windows Class-in-a-Box -- Student Workbook   20.00
 
Microsoft Works
Microsoft WorksBox Instructor Guide (for Grades 7-12)           79.95
Microsoft WorksBox Student Workbook (Grades 7-12) 10-Pack       99.95
Microsoft Works Class-in-a-Box Higher Education Instr Guide    129.00
Microsoft Works Class-in-a-Box Higher Education Stdnt Workbook  20.00
Microsoft Works Growing Your Business                           20.00
Microsoft Works In and Out of the Classroom                     20.00
 
MOM-02-91
RADIO SHACK AND PHI DELTA KAPPA REACH EXCLUSIVE AGREEMENT
 
New Computer-Aided Writing Solution Developed
 
The Radio Shack Education Division and Phi Delta Kappa,
the international fraternity of professional educators,
have reached an exclusive agreement to market
a new computer-aided writing solution called Write More, Learn More Plus.
 
Write More, Learn More Plus is a whole language,
process-based writing curriculum for students in kindergarten
through sixth grade.
 
The backbone of the solution was adopted from Phi Delta Kappa's
writing curriculum called Write More, Learn More.
To enhance the solution,
Radio Shack has integrated award-winning software packages from Broderbund,
The Learning Company, Scholastic, South Western, and Power Up!
with Tandy's SchoolMate  Education Network.
The result is a cost-effective solution with the latest
in computer-assisted writing instruction.
 
All Area Education Marketing Managers and Education Account Executives
have received complete details on this solution.
For further details, contact your local Education Account Executive.
 
MOM-02-91
EDUCATION ADVERTISING
 
Tandy computer products and solutions for education are frequently
advertised in leading education publications.
These ads reinforce our committment to education on a national scale.
 
Here is a schedule of education ads for February and March:
 
FEBRUARY 1991
 
MAGAZINE                             ADVERTISEMENT TOPIC
Chronicle of Higher Education        ICTE Conference -- Paris '92
Curriculum Product News              SchoolMate Novell
Education Week                       KEE/ETS
Electronic Learning                  SchoolMate Novell
Kappan                               Why Do School's Buy
                                     Radio Shack Products?
School Administrator                 KEE/ETS
T.H.E. Journal                       Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia
T.H.E. Journal                       ICTE Conference -- Paris '92
Teaching K-8                         SchoolMate Novell
Technology & Education               Laptop in Education
Today's Catholic Teacher             SchoolMate Teacher's Helper
Voced Journal                        KEE/ETS
 
MARCH 1991
 
MAGAZINE          ADVERTISEMENT TOPIC
American School Board Journal        KEE/ETS
Chronicle of Higher Education        ICTE Conference -- Paris '92
Education Week                       Write More, Learn More Plus
Education Week                       ICTE Conference -- Paris '92
Electronic Learning                  SchoolMate  Plus
T.H.E. Journal                       SchoolMate  Plus
Technology & Education               Write More, Learn More Plus
Today's Catholic Teacher             SchoolMate  Plus
 
MOM-02-91
NEW PRODUCTS
PRODUCT RELEASES NOT IN CATALOGS -- DESCRIPTIONS
 
HOME ORGANIZER COMPANION
 
DeskMate Home Organizer Companion
25-1370   $99.95
 
The product you've been asking for
is now available in your regional warehouses.
The DeskMate Home Organizer Companion (25-1370)
contains essentially the same software found on the Tandy 1000 RL
once the user has installed it on their computer.
 
Owners of our other fine Tandy Computers (as well as other PC compatibles)
can now enjoy the great Personal, Financial and Kitchen applications
that have helped to make the Tandy 1000 RL computer a huge success.
 
PLEASE NOTE: Since this is a companion product, DeskMate is required.
Any version of DeskMate greater than 3.0 (including 3.0)
will support this product; however, version 3.5 (25-1351) is recommended.
The product also requires 640K of memory
and will run best with a mouse and a hard disk.
 
Pricing for this product is identical to 25-1351 (DeskMate).
The suggested retail for this product is $99.95;
however, with proof of DeskMate ownership (see below)
the user is entitled to a $50.00 discount resulting in
a final price of only $49.95.
 
If a customer comes in to buy this product and doesn't already own DeskMate,
you should sell them both DeskMate and the Home Organizer Companion.
The total price of the package will be $149.90.
(This is $99.95 for DeskMate and then only $49.95
for the Companion because they now own DeskMate.)
 
PLEASE NOTE: Customers should use Coupon 1 from the back of
their DeskMate manual as proof of ownership of DeskMate.
This will show proof without having to remove the cover
of their existing manual.
 
This coupon requirement will be advertised in an upcoming flyer
along with the announcement of the product's availability.
 
MOM-02-91
HARD DRIVES
 
202 MB 3 1/2" SCSI Hard Drive
25-4164   $1,899.00
 
That's right, the 25-4164 202 MB 3 1/2" SCSI Hard Drive is now available.
The new 202 MB SCSI is a fast 15 ms access drive.
 
This drive is 1.6 inches high
which means that it will mount in a 3 1/2" drive bay
of our high profile desktop systems.
It also requires the 25-4161 SCSI Adapter.
Therefore, you will be able to offer further internal expansion
in the 5 1/4" drive bays with an extra floppy drive and tape backup
without having to go external.
 
When you're installing the drive in the 4016 DX, 4025 LX, 4033 LX, 4020 LX,
4000 SX, and 5000 MC,
it is important to utilize the 4 mounting SCREWS
that COME PACKED WITH THE DRIVE.
This will provide proper fitting for the drive
in 4 mounting areas of the drive.
 
Installation for the low profile desktop systems requires that you
install this drive in the 5 1/4" area of the 2500 XL, 4020 SX and 4016 SX.
Using the mounting screws that come packed with these systems will allow
you to secure the drive from the bottom of the swing open hinged bay
for a proper fit.
 
Features of the 202 MB SCSI Hard Drive are:
 
  Over 202 MB of formatted capacity
  Average seek time of 15 milliseconds
  Automatic head parking at power-down
  Multiple block transfer of up to 64K
  32K look-ahead cache memory
  1:1 interleave ratio
  Asynchronous data transfer rate of up to 3 MB per second
  Synchronous data transfer rate of up to 5 MB per second
 
Typical applications include:
 
  Local area networks server
  Local area network workstation
  Multi-user environment
  High-performance workstation
 
In keeping with our theme of More MegaBytes For The Buck (MMBFTB),
you are able to offer the 202 MB SCSI at the same retail price as the
current 170 MB 5 1/4" SCSI at $1,899.00!
 
MOM-02-91
MIDI PRODUCTS IN EXPRESS ORDER
 
This month, we have two new MIDI devices to introduce.
They are the 903-2469 PC MusicMaker Home Recording Studio
and the 900-2467 SoundBlaster MIDI Connector Box.
 
PC MusicMaker Home Recording Studio
903-2469   $269.00
 
The PC MusicMaker Home Recording Studio is a new external MIDI
connection box and software system for the recording, playback and
editing of the music you make.
Although it is a peripheral device, it does not require a card slot.
Instead, it connects by way of the parallel port of the computer.
And it works on all of the Tandy computers with at least 256K RAM,
including laptops and 1000s with the edgecard printer connectors!
 
The Home Recording Studio is like a word processor for music.
It allows anyone to create 64-track recordings just like a polished musician.
The system can add notes, delete or change them completely,
adjust the tempo and change the instrument sounds.
 
The Studio Box has 3 MIDI in and 3 MIDI out connectors with indicator LEDs,
and a DB-25 parallel printer port for pass through when
the printer is required
(this means that the Studio Box and the printer can both be connected
at the same time).
The Maestro software allows 64 tracks,
6,000 ticks per beat resolution and 50,000 MIDI events capacity
(approximately 30 minutes continuous).
 
The system comes with the Home Studio box, two 10-foot MIDI cables,
two Studio Box to printer port cables
(one for DB-25 and one for edgecard printer ports),
and an instructional video that shows how to  make music in minutes
without ever reading a manual.
 
SoundBlaster MIDI Connector Box
900-2467   $129.95
 
The SoundBlaster MIDI Connector Box allows you to add 1 MIDI in
and 5 MIDI thru-output connectors to the 900-2407 SoundBlaster Music Card.
It connects to the joystick port on the SoundBlaster card.
 
Included is Voyetra Sequencer Plus Junior software,
which allows recording and playback with any MIDI synthesizer,
64 tracks, each capable of recording up to 128 simultaneous MIDI notes
on any one of 16 MIDI channels.
 
Requirements for the MIDI connector box include the SoundBlaster card
and 640K RAM.
 
WHICH ONE TO SELL?
 
Both these systems offer comparable, top-of-the-line features.
If your customer has 640K and owns or will be purchasing a SoundBlaster card,
the SoundBlaster MIDI Connector Box is the device of choice.
However, for your customers who don't have a SoundBlaster
(including 1000 EX and 1000 HX owners), the PC MusicMaker is your choice.
Either way, you now have two solid, affordable solutions
for your MIDI customers.
 
MOM-02-91
MEMORY
 
2 MB SIMM Kit -- Pk two 1 MB SIMMs (80 ns)
25-5134   $299.95
 
Introducing the NEW 2 MB SIMM Kit -- Pack of two 1 MB SIMMs (80 ns)
25-5134...RETAIL $299.95!
It's true again, memory at More MegaBytes For The Buck (MMBFTB).
This new kit will replace the following catalog numbers:
 
25-5132 4X1 MB Memory Kit (80 ns)
25-5033 2X1 MB Memory Kit (100 ns)
   By the way, this kit has a New Low Price of $299.95 
 
You can run faster access RAM in slower machines.
The strategy for only carrying the 80 ns memory is threefold:
 
1. In today's market, it is less expensive to
   buy the 80 ns memory...supply and demand.
 
2. Since the 80 ns memory can be used in place of 100 ns or slower memory,
    it just makes SKU sense.
 
3. Some systems require a minimum of 80 ns such as 4020 SX and 4000 LX.
 
Configuring memory in Tandy Systems
 
To configure the new memory kit into Tandy Computers,
it is best to follow the instructions in each individual User's Guide.
Check the current Radio Shack catalog to see what part to order
for your customer.
(If the part shown there is a 25-5132 or 25-5033 memory kit,
substitute this new 25-5134 2 MB SIMM Kit.)
 
MOM-02-91
POS HARDWARE
 
TimeKeeping Systems Serial Bar Code Wand
900-2475   $319.00
 
RS-232 version that can be connected to a PC serial
port, or between the host and terminal.
 
MOM-02-91
NEW CD-ROM DRIVE IN SPECIAL ORDER
 
In case you're not familiar, a CD-ROM looks just like a Compact Audio Disk.
A CD-ROM disk has the same benefits as a compact audio disk,
such as no wear and sturdy construction.
And it cannot be erased.
It holds an astounding amount of data -- over 550 megabytes on each disk.
Entire encyclopedias, atlases, phone directories, zip code guides,
works of Shakespeare, one week of memos from Radio Shack -- on one disk!
It includes the ability to combine pictures,
words and audio for a very effective multimedia experience.
CD-ROM continues to be the wave of the future
not only for educational computers, but for ALL computers.
This month, we introduce the 903-2376 Hitachi CDR-1700.
 
Hitachi CDR-1700 PC/XT External CD-ROM Drive
903-2376   $995.00
 
The 903-2376 Hitachi CDR-1700 is a new external drive
that replaces the 900-2156 Hitachi CDR-1503 external drive.
It features 340 ms access time,
which makes it one of the fastest drives on the market.
Superior dust protection and self-cleaning mechanisms
make this drive very trouble-free.
Included with the drive is an 8-bit XT interface card, cable,
3 1/2" software, stereo headphone jack with volume control and a CD caddy.
 
The drive can be used with Tandy 1000 series (except for EX and HX)
computers, 2500/3000/4000 series and other PC compatibles.
 
MOM-02-91
MONITOR
 
Hitachi 20 inch Color Display Monitor
900-2354   $3,295.00
 
Now in stock at the TSDC warehouse, this Multi-Scan monitor
automatically adjusts to a wide range of scanning frequencies
from 30 KHz to 64 KHz (Horizontal), 50 Hz to 100 Hz (Vertical).
It features a maximum pixel resolution of 1280 x 1024
with a tri-dot pitch of 0.31mm.
This new addition to the monitor line will support standard VGA,
extended VGA up to 1024 x 768, and some of the newer display modes
in non-interlaced mode.
 
The monitor includes dual inputs for BNC and standard DB-9 connectors
and can actually run off of two graphics cards with separate input connectors.
Front panel controls for Vertical Position, Vertical Size,
Horizontal Position, Horizontal Size, Brightness, Contrast, Degauss,
input, and auto or manual VGA Size make it easy to set up and use.
The monitor includes a tilt and swivel base.
 
MOM-02-91
NETWORK HARDWARE
 
Tandy ARCNET Active Hub
26-6514   $595.00
 
This product replaces the following stock numbers:
 
     26-6508     Active Hub            $695.00
     90-2471     TC6050 Active Hub     $695.00
 
The Tandy Active Hub amplifies the the signal strength
of a local area network,
giving the network the ability to operate over longer cable distances.
The Active Hub digitally relays signals
among up to eight stations on an ARCNET LAN.
When connected, the Active Hubs can support the maximum network span
of 20,000 feet.
 
The front panel has a power indicator light
and eight activity indicator lights that gauge network activity
on the eight ports.
The back panel has the power connector,
the voltage indicator/switch and eight BNC port connectors.
 
Hardware Specifications:
 
    Dimensions:  11" x 3.2" x 6.75" (W x H x D)
    Weight: 5 Lbs
    Coaxial Cable:
        RG62/U, 93 Ohm
        Connector Type: BNC
        Max. Length Between Stations: 2,000 Ft.
        Max. Total Length: 20,000 Ft.
 
The ARCNET topology provides a proven,
low cost network for small business and education
that features easy installation/configuration
and excellent expansion capabilities.
 
Radio Shack markets a full line of hubs, adapters,
and cabling for ARCNET under the Novell NetWare operating system.
 
MOM-02-91
KEYBOARD CONVERTER
 
Mini-DIN Enhanced Keyboard Plug Adapter
T26-142   $4.95
 
To enhance your Enhanced Keyboard sales,
we have added the Female 5-pin DIN to Male 6-pin Mini-DIN connector,
T26-142, stocked in Consumer Mail.
This will allow the 25-4032 101-Key Enhanced Keyboard to be plugged
into the "NEW" style Mini-DIN connectors.
 
So just dial...(800) 433-2024...TODAY!
 
MOM-01-91
THE FRONT LINE
THE FRONT LINE is a monthly column dedicated to discussing
marketing, merchandising and customer care concepts.
 
THE RETURN
 
We talk a lot about the basics of running a store:
 
  Cleanliness
  Up-to-date signs and POP
  Greeting your Customer
  Stepping Up and Adding On
  Offering RSVP and SSPs, etc.
 
But now that the holidays are over,
we hit the other basic of running a store:
 
  THE RETURN
 
Radio Shack is well known for its customer satisfaction policy --
Nobody Compares.
It's your job within the store to insure that we not only
satisfy the customer but that we do it pleasantly and without hassle.
 
Take a look at this from the customer's point of view.
Chances are they're a bit nervous about making the return in the first place.
Maybe they start out a little hostile.
If you're lucky, you'll be dealing with the person who actually bought
the item and they'll have a receipt.
 
But you probably won't be lucky.
In reality, the person standing in front of you will be the person who
received the gift.
They don't have the first idea where it was purchased -- nor do they care.
It was a Radio Shack, and they want a smooth and easy return.
 
So make it that way.
Don't hassle the customer about where they bought it or why they want
to return it.
But it won't hurt to ask:
 
"Is the product working correctly?
Maybe there's something I can help you with."
 
or
 
"Would you like to exchange this for something else?"
 
By trying to solve the customer's problem, you build both your reputation
as a salesperson and Radio Shack's reputation as a retailer.
 
But if they say, "No, I just want my money back," then give it to them.
Don't hassle the customer about where it came from.
Handle the return quickly and courteously,
and be sure to invite the customer back as they're leaving.
 
Remember, at Radio Shack, Nobody Compares for customer satisfaction.
It's good business for you...and good business for Radio Shack.
 
MOM-01-91
THE DYNAMICS OF CHANGE
 
Observe always that everything is the result of a change,
and get used to thinking that there is nothing Nature loves so well
as to change existing forms and to make new ones like them.
 
Meditations of Marcus Aurelius Antoninus
(AD 121-180)
 
You are all aware of recent field organizational changes
made in the continuing evolution of our outbound
"business-to-business" computer marketing.
These changes have been made for three reasons:
 
1. To solidify a strong and dedicated outside sales organization,
   complete with appropriate organization and staff, experienced management,
   and training support.
   These organizational changes and recent vertical training efforts are
   part of the ongoing process to insure that our marketing productivity
   remains in step with evolving industry norms.
 
2. To focus even more strongly on our targeted segments
   of business specialization:
 
      retail point-of-sale
      light manufacturing
      wholesale distribution
      education K-12
 
   After six months of concentrated effort,
   our vertical market training in accounting systems is bearing fruit
   and points the way for future efforts.
   Allowing sister companies to assume responsibility for Fortune 1000
   and Government sales
   permits much needed specialization and avoids counterproductive
   and costly overlap of marketing effort.
 
3. To provide our business clients with a total solution
   and not simply a piece of hardware.
   Value-added solutions represent one of the critical elements
   separating Radio Shack from the "computer box" discounters.
   Resources will continue to be allocated from Fort Worth
   to provide a wide range of computer systems solutions which are:
 
     fully appropriate for the needs of our target customers,
 
     fully pretested and integrated with respect to peripherals,
     operating systems, and software applications, and
 
     fully supported and maintained through customer training
     and maintenance to assure reliable performance
     over the effective working life of that particular system.
 
Fort Worth will continue to provide the field
with the structure and products required to meet the outbound sales challenge.
THE DESKMATE DIFFERENCE
A series of articles on DeskMate.
 
MOM-01-91
FILEPRO FOR DESKMATE:  INFORMATION ON DEMAND
 
You've heard about it.
You've wondered about it.
Now you can see it:
 
   filePro for DeskMate  (25-1334 $99.95)
 
And it has more database power than ever before under DeskMate --
and maybe under any Graphical User Interface!
 
filePro for DeskMate completes the "Big Three" triumvirate
of strong third-party DeskMate applications:
DeskMate Q&A Write for word processing,
Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate for spreadsheet manipulation,
and filePro for DeskMate for database power.
This combination makes the DeskMate environment stronger than ever
for home offices and small businesses.
 
Previous filePro users will find familiarity in the way
data is presented and reports are generated.
DeskMate users will notice additional familiarity since filePro for DeskMate
uses the same friendly GUI we all know and love.
 
Installation
 
As you would expect, installation of filePro for DeskMate is a snap.
You simply insert Disk 1 in a floppy drive and select
the <F7> Install option from the Desktop.
After you answer a few questions,
filePro for DeskMate automatically installs the files to your hard drive.
 
The Main Window
 
The Main Window of filePro for DeskMate provides
a graphical view of your options.
 
  The Files list box allows you to select the data file
  on which you wish to work.
  To create a new file, simply double click on the word "Files"
  at the top of the list box.
 
  The Screens Window lists the data entry screens.
  It allows you to create and select data entry screens.
 
  The folder above the Screens Window is the
  Inquire, Update, Add Icon.
  After selecting this icon you can enter data,
  modify data and search using the current file.
 
  The Reports Window lists the reports, forms and labels
  you have created for the current file.
  It lets you create new and modify existing reports.
 
  The folder above the Reports Window is the Report Icon
  which lets you print reports.
 
  The Datafile View line at the bottom of the screen
  displays a single record of the current file.
  This unique feature gives you a glimpse of any file without opening it!
 
Defining Files
 
Clicking on the top of the Files list box brings up
the Define Files screen.
Into this screen you type the information that defines each field in the file.
filePro for DeskMate includes more than thirty field types
including various alphanumeric, numeric, dollar-related, date, and time 
fields.
You can also assign fields to common groups,
which allow these "associated fields" to be searched and sorted
as if they were one field -- a very powerful option!
 
Defining Screens
 
filePro for DeskMate lets you create data entry screens,
and it will even provide you a very usable default screen if you prefer.
 
You may start with the default screen and edit it as you wish.
With the cursor bar on the desired file, double click on the Screens window.
Then select File <F2> Default Screen to bring up the default screen.
Clicking on an item permits you to move that item anywhere on the screen.
 
You can even create DeskMate check boxes and radio buttons
on your data entry screens!
When you do, each check box and radio button can have
a specific data item associated with it.
For example, on the screen above, the "No" radio button has the letter
"N" in the actual data field associated with it,
and the "Yes" button has "Y" in its field.
The easy user interaction made possible by these elements
is one of many things that sets filePro for DeskMate apart
from other database managers!
 
Inquire, Update, Add
 
When you select the Inquire, Update, Add icon from the Main Window,
you can begin entering data.
As with all DeskMate applications, you can move the mouse
or use the <TAB> key to move around the screen.
When you're done adding or editing, select the SAVE button
at the bottom of the screen.
After you save (or cancel) your editing, PREV and NEXT buttons
appear at the bottom of the screen to let you move from record to record.
 
Queries
 
filePro for DeskMate offers two options for querying the system for data.
The Query by Form option brings up a screen
that looks similar to the Inquire, Update, Add screen.
You type in the information for which you are searching,
and filePro for DeskMate will locate it.
For example, if you want all your clients located in California,
you could type "CA" into the state field and begin the search.
 
The Extended Query Writer screen lets you easily initiate
more involved searches.
One at a time, you identify search criteria by selecting a field,
comparison operation, and value.
Then you select the logical connection ("and" or "or")
and go to the next search criterion.
This simple, graphical screen lets you build complex searches
without learning a script language.
 
A Different View
 
The Browse feature displays data in a spreadsheet format
instead of a record format.
With the Browse feature you can view multiple records on the screen
at once and edit them on the spot.
This lets you see relationships among records
that you may otherwise have missed.
By clicking on a record you can go directly to the Inquire, Update, Add
mode for updating.
 
The Browse mode is also useful for displaying the results of queries.
 
Reports
 
Selecting the Reports Window brings up the Report Writer.
Here you tell filePro for DeskMate what you want on your printed reports.
In the same way the system provides a default data entry screen,
it provides a useful default report.
You can easily customize this report for your needs
and save various versions for different needs.
Besides field data, your reports can include Record Numbers,
Today's Date, Record Creation Date, Record Update Date, and Page Number.
 
filePro for DeskMate is one of the few systems that allows you to print
multiple lines on the report from a single record.
When you print reports from records which contain many fields,
you'll appreciate this feature!
 
For printing labels, filePro for DeskMate contains information
on Radio Shack labels and lists them by catalog number.
Plus, you can create your own label configurations.
 
A Very Domestic Import
 
Database users frequently need to import information
from other data management systems or programs.
filePro for DeskMate can import five kinds of data:
 
  Delimited ASCII (which almost any database can produce)
  Lotus spreadsheet files (.WK1)
  dBASE files
  DeskMate Filer files
  DeskMate Address Book files
 
Here is where filePro for DeskMate's ease of use shines again.
You simply create a file with the fields you want from the imported file,
in the order you want, then select the file.
filePro for DeskMate displays a screen that lets you match the fields
you have created to the records in the file.
This is done graphically using the mouse (or keyboard),
without any difficult commands.
This may be the easiest file import mechanism ever!
 
Other Features
 
We've just touched on some of the main features of filePro for
DeskMate here.
It includes many other features such as these:
 
  powerful processing commands
  data transfer through the DeskMate Clipboard
  string handling
  sophisticated indexes
  definable user menus
  upward file compatibility to other versions of filePro
 
and much more!
 
Selling filePro for DeskMate
 
The combination of power and ease of use that filePro for DeskMate
offers makes it a natural for home offices and small businesses.
You should offer it as an option for any Tandy 1000 or 2500 XL
that you sell to these customers.
 
Likely applications of filePro for DeskMate include keeping mailing lists,
client lists, vendor lists, inventories, project tracking and even recipes.
In fact, filePro for DeskMate will work well with any kind of information
which has multiple records with the same type of data.
 
filePro for DeskMate is a true database management system for the
first-time user.
People who have been reluctant to use a database manager
because of their complexity will be pleasantly surprised
when they try this product.
Plus, at $99.95, it gives you the most power for your software dollar!
 
You now have the Big Three applications under the DeskMate interface.
Sell DeskMate applications with pride because they add unique value to
Tandy Computers!
STOCK FILE CHANGES
A quick reference to product status changes -- pricing, availability, etc.
 
MOM-01-91
LATE DATES
 
Listed below are the new items that appear in the 1991 Catalogs
which have not yet arrived at the warehouses.
Also included are the dates the merchandise is expected to be available
at the warehouses.
 
The dates listed in this section are based on the latest available 
information,
and are updated monthly.
While they may not be 100% accurate, they are the best estimate we have
at this time.
 
The dates listed here should be your ONLY reference for availability of
cataloged items.
Ft. Worth Computer Support Services or Ft. Worth Computer Merchandising
will not have any dates other than the ones shown here.
 
Radio Shack Catalog #459
Radio Shack Software Buyer's Guide
Tandy Computer Catalog RSC-22
 
Cat. #  Description Date
 
250-1268    WordPerfect 5.1 CANC
  Upgrades from 5.0 to 5.1 are obtained directly from
  WordPerfect for $85.00 plus shipping & handling.
  Call WordPerfect at (801) 225-5000 for further information.
250-4117    WordPerfect XENIX   CANC
900-2490    APC PowerChute Software: UNIX   1/30/91
 
Radio Shack Educational Products Guide
 
Cat. #      Description              Date
 
900-5743    PC LOGO SCM             1/15/91
900-5766    Trivial Pursuit FR      1/30/91
900-5767    Trivial Pursuit GER     1/30/91
900-5768    Trivial Pursuit SP      1/30/91
 
903-5795    RSDP 1-3 SCM            1/15/91
903-5796    RSDP 1-8 SCM            1/15/91
 
903/5-5654  Once Upon Time SCM      1/30/91
903/5-5658  Math Blast Plus SCM     1/30/91
903/5-5659  Word Attack Plus SCM    1/30/91
903/5-5660  Homeworker SCM          1/30/91
903/5-5673  Double Up SCM           1/30/91
903/5-5674  Mark-Up SCM             1/30/91
903/5-5675  Proteus SCM             1/30/91
903/5-5676  Rhubarb SCM             1/30/91
903/5-5677  Sequitur SCM            1/30/91
903/5-5686  Timeliner SCM           1/30/91
903/5-5742  Once Up Time II SCM     1/30/91
903/5-5758  Sim City School         1/30/91
903/5-5762  Lang Exam 1 French      1/15/91
903/5-5763  Lang Exam 1 German      1/15/91
903/5-5764  Lang Exam 1 Spanish     1/15/91
903/5-5765  French Scrabble         1/15/91
903/5-5779  Bodyworks Jr SCM        2/28/91
903/5-5780  Bodyworks Sr SCM        2/28/91
903/5-5782  Inter Inspirer SCM      2/28/91
903/5-5789  Spell It Plus SCM       1/30/91
903/5-5790  Algeblaster Pls SCM     1/30/91
903/5-5797  Nat'l Inspirer SCM      2/28/91
903/5-5798  Lang Exam 2 French      1/15/91
903/5-5799  Lang Exam 2 German      1/15/91
903/5-5800  Lang Exam 2 Spanish     1/15/91
903/5-5801  Lang Exam 3 French      1/15/91
903/5-5802  Lang Exam 3 German      1/15/91
903/5-5803  Lang Exam 3 Spanish     1/15/91
903/5-5804  Lang Exam 4 French      1/15/91
903/5-5805  Lang Exam 4 German      1/15/91
903/5-5806  Lang Exam 4 Spanish     1/15/91
 
 
CANCELED PRODUCTS
 
CAT. #  DESCRIPTION
 
250-1268    WordPerfect 5.1
250-4117    WordPerfect XENIX
 
MOM-01-91
THE CREDIT LINE
Direct to you from Tandy credit departments -- RSVP,
Tandy Computer Leasing and Commercial Credit
 

RSVP
 
The new year is starting out with some streamlining enhancements to the RSVP
program.
The revisions will make RSVP easier than ever to sell and process ... and that
means   m o r e    s a l e s    f o r    y o u.
 
New RSVP Applications
 
FO-642 RSVP mail-in applications and FO-643 RSVP phone-in applications
have been revised.
We expect, by now, that the new documents will be available to you
from the Forms Warehouse.
Please use up any stock of the already existing applications that you,
your DSM or ABMM might still have on hand, before displaying
or disbursing the new forms.
 
Please note these improvements in the new applications:
 
  Information blocks have been repositioned to follow the same order
  as the phone-in receiving operator's script.
 
  Placing "Your Personal Reference" block directly opposite
  "Your Personal Information" block will enable you to easily verify
  at a glance that (as required) the reference listed does, in fact,
  live at an address other than that of the applicant.
 
  By separating the "Insurance Election Option" and the
  "Credit Account and Security Agreement" portion and placing them
  opposite each other, there should be scant chance
  that either will slip through without the required endorsements.
  Phone-in applications have segments of those blocks highlighted
  to focus attention to the requirements.
 
  At the bottom portion of the phone-in application you will find
  a new category designated as "PRE-CALL INFORMATION"
  (completed by store employee).
  On the old application this line was included in "For Office Use Only."
  Now, by providing the information during your phone-in submission,
  the approval turnaround time should be significantly expedited.
 
SOUND GOOD?
LET IT WORK TO YOUR ADVANTAGE...
For starters, be sure to keep an adequate supply of RSVP applications on hand.
Conversely, try not to order excessive quantities;
it will just consume limited storage space ... and money.
 
The new applications will be bundled in packages of 25 with a limit of 5
packages per order.
We suggest that you keep no more (or less) than a three-month supply 
available.
Determine the average number of phone-in submissions and mail-in applications
disbursed by your unit during the past quarter and order accordingly.
 
Your New Radio Shack Pocket Price Book
 
This quick reference guide includes a wealth of succinct TCL
and RSVP facts and figures to answer the most pertinent (and often asked)
questions from your customers.
You will even find a "fill in the blanks" section on the RSVP page
where you can enter the quick and comprehensive answers
(applicable for your state) to:
 
1. How much will ChargeGard cost?
 
2. What coverage does that include?
 
Have you ever tried to field those by groping through the application page
titled "Summary Of Insurance Coverage and Charges" ... for the answers?
Now you'll have them right in your pocket!
You do a great job selling product protection with TSP;
be sure you sell payment-and-loss protection with ABI ChargeGard.
 
Increased MSI Limits
 
N O  M O R E  E X C U S E S ! !
 
Now you can give your military customers two credit limit options:
 
  $500.00 with low monthly payments of $25.00
 
or
 
  $1,300.00 with low monthly payments of just $40.00
 
    Plus a monthly service charge of $2.00
 
With the new option of a $1,300.00 credit line,
your MSI customers will be able to start acquiring some of those
"wish list" items (computer, camcorder) with easy pay terms.
Keep in mind that our existing MSI customers can also take advantage of the
increased credit limit.
 
New RSVP Card
 
You'll soon be seeing more and more of RSVP's newly designed credit cards.
They will be phased in by distribution to new cardholders
as the current card stock is depleted.
VERY IMPORTANT ... your existing cardholders will still be presenting
their traditional RSVP cards and they should be welcome, as always.
Plans to replace existing cards with the new issue
will be announced before the end of this fiscal year.
 
Credit Desk Sign
 
Is your new eye-catching RSVP Credit Desk sign displayed prominently
in its rightful place?
Don't miss the opportunity of letting this "Help Sell Itself" sign
work for you.
There is a limited quantity of additional cards available
through your DSMs and ABMMs.
 
Remember to always:
 
Make RSVP your customers' first choice...
not your salesperson's last resort!
 
MOM-01-91
Tandy Computer Leasing
 
How does TCL's SPiFF program fit into the recent restructuring of
Radio Shack Consumer and Business Marketing units?
The following SPiFF awards apply to leases processed at standard rate factors
as shown on the blue TCL Rate Factor Card effective November 1, 1989.
 
CONSUMER DIVISION
 
(percentage structure remains unchanged)
 
 
STORE MANAGER   1.0%    of total store TCL sales
SALES MAKER 1.5%    of personal TCL sales
DSM POOL    .25%    of district's qualifying TCL sales
 
The SPiFF Pool is distributed quarterly to the managers of the
four districts in each of the retail divisions with the highest
dollar volume of TCL sales.
 
1st place DSM wins  40% of the SPiFF Pool
2nd place DSM wins  25% of the SPiFF Pool
3rd place DSM wins  20% of the SPiFF Pool
4th place DSM wins  15% of the SPiFF Pool
 
BUSINESS MARKETING DIVISION
 
RSCC Mgr.       1.0%    of Center's total TCL sales
Marketing Rep.  1.5%    of personal TCL sales
ABMM             .5%    of HUB's qualifying TCL sales
RBMM             .125%  of region's qualifying TCL sales
Facility Mgr.    .25%   of Center/facility TCL sales
 
PUBLIC SCHOOL/MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT LEASES
 
RSCC Mgr.       .50%    of center's total TCL sales
Marketing Rep.  .75%    of personal TCL sales
ABMM            .25%    of HUB's qualifying TCL sales
RBMM            .0625%  of region's TCL qualifying sales
Facility Mgr.   .125%   of Center/facility lease sales
 
  In the event that a unit manager is also the sales maker,
  he or she will receive the total of both SPiFFs.
 
TCL will credit the portion of the RSCC/Facility Managers and
Sales/Marketing Reps SPiFF directly to P/L account #5211, Commission Transfer.
Each is responsible for ensuring that they receive
the correct amount of SPiFF credit earned.
DSM, ABMM and RBMM SPiFFs will be distributed through payroll.
 
As always, with TCL leasing you make more sales,
bigger sales and extra "take home" for yourself.
 
MORE?   BIGGER?   EXTRA?  Here's how...
 
  More small businesses can commit to $135 each month
  than to a cash outlay of $4,000
 
  More chance of large businesses and agencies approving $650 a month
  than a $25,000 expenditure
 
MORE SALES for you!
 
Sales pros know that the "per month" cost should always be
the initial price quoted to commercial clients.
Let your marketing expertise benefit you and your customers
by explaining how a TCL lease can provide the affordability
to acquire the best of today's technology for today's business climate.
 
BIGGER SALES for you!
 
To illustrate, let's start with a computer system that comes to a total
of $3,800, as configured.
Using your blue TCL Rate Factor Card as a guide,
your calculation would be:
 
O.E.C.  Lease Term  Rate Factor Base Pmt. Per Month
$3,800  36 Months   .0337   $128.06
 
Easy terms for your customer, but don't stop there:
You owe it to your clients to offer them
the opportunity of adding other products to their lease
to enhance the efficiency of their business operations.
 
How about combining the computer system with the convenience of
a handy Tandy PPC 750 copier?
With that, the total monthly base payments would be just $148.28 for 36 
months.
 
or
 
A dandy TandyFAX 1010.
Adding that to the computer system would mean
monthly base payments of less than $152...
 
But don't even stop there...
 
By combining the computer system, copier and FAX all on one lease,
the total equipment cost of $5,098.95 would qualify for the $5,001
plus break rate factor of .0325.
That means you can offer your customer, in addition to the computer system,
a high quality copier and a multifunctional facsimile machine.
Together they can provide the technological and professional results
that will more than compensate their base cost of just $165.72 a month!
 
That's good for your customer, good salesmanship on your part,
and that creates heftier sales tickets.
 
EXTRA INCOME for you!
 
Every customer that you greet could lead to a potential lease sale:
you know that includes small business owners;
large corporate management and professionals ... but it can even apply
to their employees!!
The people who manage and operate office systems
have a great deal of input when it comes to choosing those products.
 
Hooray for you!
And hooray for your customers who recognize that a TCL lease
is the smart financing choice.
 
A TCL LEASE...
 
The Closing Link to a Total Solution...
for your clients' business products needs.
 
MOM-01-91
HOME OFFICE MARKETING
Selling our current bundle into the Home Office
 
TANDY 1000 TL/2 INSTANT HOME OFFICE
 
The Instant Home Office (just add people) is ready to go at Radio Shack!
The bundle includes:
 
Tandy 1000 TL/2
20 MB SmartDrive 
CM-5 Color Monitor
Serial Mouse
Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate
DeskMate Q & A Write
 
and is available at $1,499.00 for the January flyer period
(December 26 through January 19).
That's a savings of more than $620.00 off the
combined regular catalog price of $2,119.70!
 
Along with the flyers, this promotion is supported by magazine advertising.
Customers are ready to buy -- so make sure you're ready to sell!
 
We believe that the best way to show off the features
of the Instant Home Office is to use demonstration programs
on a configured system.
That way, you have a full system to show the customer the benefits
of hard drives, color monitors and mice, as well as
demonstrations of Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate and DeskMate Q & A Write.
Make sure your hard drive is initialized,
DeskMate is installed and the mouse is connected and enabled.
 
Use the Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate self-running demo
disk which was shipped to each store when the Lotus product was first 
released.
Remove only the mouse from the Bonus Pack.
 
Don't install the actual Lotus product,
as it becomes unsellable when you install it!
 
Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate
 
Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate is a powerful analytical software program
combining the three most useful business functions
into one fully-integrated package.
These useful functions are spreadsheet, database and graphics.
 
With these functions one can tackle complex tasks such as:
financial statements, cash budgeting, business plans, loan analysis and more.
The database function allows you to do things such as:
store and update information, sort data by primary and secondary categories
and in ascending or descending order.
 
Changing graph types is easy: all you do is go to the select
graph output option and choose the one you desire.
Accelerator key options allow the user to jump from one function
to another quickly.
Last, but very important to all users, it prints the worksheet,
database report and graph you created.
 
Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate reads and writes files that are compatible
with all products in the Lotus 1-2-3 PC spreadsheet product line,
including 1-2-3 Release 2.0, 2.01, 2.2, 3, and Symphony.
This means that people working at home with this package can read directly
spreadsheet files from the office or from other sources.
 
DeskMate Q & A Write
 
DeskMate Q & A Write is a powerful, yet easy-to-use word processor running
under the DeskMate Interface.
It has all the power users need, with the ease of use of DeskMate.
 
01Zs and 11s should have copies of the DeskMate Q & A Write demo disks.
01Ys must use the regular DeskMate Q & A Write package for demonstration.
As you demonstrate the product, you'll want to highlight these key benefits:
 
Card File -- Q & A Write lets you enter names and addresses
into card files, then generate form letters or mailing labels.
 
Spell Checking and Thesaurus -- DeskMate Q & A Write features a
100,000-word spell checker you use inside your document.
The thesaurus offers help with alternate words to use in a document.
 
Page Preview -- Page preview allows you to look at the page
before it prints out.
You can check spacing on the page, margins, and any bold or underline used.
 
Determine which features are important to your prospect
and then show them what DeskMate Q & A Write can do!
 
This Is a Complete Home Office!
 
Home office users can use these programs to do a variety of basic,
useful tasks.
For example:
 
  Keeping mailing lists of customers and suppliers in the DeskMate Q & A
  Write Card File.
 
  Setting up form letters and creating personalized mass mailings to
  customers.
 
  Keeping track of sales and determining profitability
  using Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate.
 
  Tracking inventory levels of products sold to help keep optimum amounts
  of inventory on hand.
 
Stress the fact that the Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate and DeskMate Q & A 
work
well together and can share data between the programs.
Your demonstration depends on your skills with these programs,
so don't go exploring during the demo -- just go where you know!
 
Successful Demo = Successful Sale
 
The key to a successful sale is not the amount of advertising
or the money that can be saved:
the key is an effective and persuasive demonstration.
Make sure you know the demos and how to operate the mouse inside and out,
and sales will be your reward.
Good Selling!
PRODUCT NEWS
ALL STORE
The "ALL STORE" section contains information of interest to all store types.
01Zs and Computer Centers will also be interested in the information
contained in the "01Z/COMPUTER CENTER" section.
 
MOM-01-91
TANDY LEARNING CENTERS
 
We are pleased to announce the nationwide opening of TANDY LEARNING CENTERS
in Radio Shack Computer Centers across the United States.
The program, first piloted in the Baltimore-Washington D.C. area
in October 1989, utilizes state-of-the-art computer training systems
and friendly, knowledgeable instructors to provide guaranteed productivity
on many popular software programs.
 
The program was expanded in May 1990 to six additional regions including
Atlanta, Denver, Dallas, Ft. Lauderdale, Kansas City and Philadelphia.
It is now being expanded to 124 locations nationwide in all major markets
as well as Puerto Rico and Hawaii.
 
The Tandy Learning Centers offer an unrivaled combination
of quality instructors and special technology
that allows participants to learn topics such as
Intro to Personal Computers and DOS, DeskMate 3, WordPerfect, Lotus 1-2-3,
Microsoft Word, IBM DisplayWrite, or dBASE III+/IV in just one day.
 
Classes on each subject are available on weekdays and Saturdays,
and are held in classrooms equipped with the latest computer technology.
Participants are given special workbooks which serve as
comprehensive reference guides after the class.
At the completion of a course, participants are given a printed report
which clearly indicates their mastery of the materials.
If there are topics requiring additional practice,
the participant may return to complete the class at a convenient time
for no additional charge.
 
These unique and effective courses, originally priced at $195 each,
are available for only $139 per participant.
Customers are provided with a 100% money back guarantee of total satisfaction.
In addition to courses in the Tandy Learning Centers,
training can also be conducted on-premises for companies
with multiple participants.
 
The courses and course materials were developed especially for Tandy
by KEE Systems, a leader in software training systems since 1968.
Over 2,000,000 people from many prominent Fortune 500 corporations
and major government agencies have been trained using
KEE products and services.
 
Visit a Tandy Learning Center near you to get acquainted,
and then be sure to let your customers know that this valuable resource
is available!
 
MOM-01-91
LAPTOPS ON THE MOVE
 
Many customers are asking how to use their laptops in cars,
in other countries, on boats, and other places.
Use these guidelines when talking to customers.
 
   Some 12v DC systems in cars and boats
   do not always produce 12v.
 
The variation in voltage can actually change by 50% one way or the other.
So hooking 12v directly into a laptop that requires 12v DC can
lead to damage to the laptop.
 
   The least preferred solution for autos is using
   a 12v adapter like Radio Shack sells.
 
Although this allows the user to tailor the DC voltage
to match the requirement of the laptop,
it still must put up with the constant voltage variation of the auto.
In addition, users may find that although the unit will operate correctly,
the laptop battery may take much longer to charge,
and if the unit is turned on, the laptop battery may not charge at all.
For the Tandy 1100 FD and Tandy 1500 HD,
you can suggest that the customer purchase Stock Number 270-1562
and set it at the 9 volt setting.
 
   The preferred method for powering ALL laptop portables is a
   device sold by Radio Shack called the ZIRCO PowerTrip
   Adapter (900-2431) through the Special Order program.
 
Although this device is more expensive than our other DC adapters, $199.95,
it provides the user with protection against voltage spikes
that can cause laptops to perform improperly.
In addition, since this device actually takes 12v DC
and recreates a modified 110v AC, the laptop batteries will charge properly.
In addition to laptops, this device can be used
with other small electronic devices that have a 110v AC line-in cord.
 
   For operation overseas where 220v AC current is required,
   suggest the 273-1401 and 273-1405 products.
 
This 50 watt adapter will power most laptops
and has been certified on the 1100 FD and the 1500 HD.
(Note:  The Tandy 2800 HD has a dual voltage AC/DC adapter
and does not need a special adapter/transformer to be purchased separately.)
 
Make sure you offer your customers the opportunity to purchase extra batteries
for their unit.
The added flexibility of having a new fully charged battery
on a long plane ride can be a good idea.
 
MOM-01-91
DE-MYSTIFYING PRINTER CABLES
 
In determining which printer cable to use with which printer
and desktop CPU it is easy to become confused
IF you try to make it too difficult!
It is really not that difficult since
there are only three questions you need to answer.
 
1. What length cable is required -- 6 foot or 12 foot?
 
2. What kind of connector is on the CPU -- 25 pin or Card Edge?
 
3. What kind of port is on the printer -- Tandy or IBM?
 
Answers to these questions are also very simple:
 
1. What length cable?
   Easy -- just ask the customer.
 
2. What kind of connector on the CPU?
   You can either look at the connector on the CPU
   or use these general guidelines:
 
     All of the older Tandy 1000 computers used a
     card edge connector up to and including the Tandy 1000 TL/2.
     The list includes:
 
         Tandy 1000/1000A
         Tandy 1000 SL/1000 SL/2
         Tandy 1000 SX
         Tandy 1000 TL/1000 TL/2
         Tandy 1000 TX
 
     Most other MS-DOS based systems and the balance
     of our MS-DOS based systems (except for the Tandy 2000)
     use a 25 pin connector on the CPU:
 
         Most IBM Compatibles
         Tandy 1200
         Tandy 3000 (all models)
         Tandy 4000 (all models)
         Tandy 5000 (all models)
         Tandy 1400 (all models)
         Tandy 1500 HD
         Tandy 1100 FD
         Tandy 2800 HD
         Tandy 1000 RL
         WP-2
 
3. Now determine what type of printer port is on the printer.
   Once again it is very simple and straightforward.
 
     Most third party printers use a port that
     is similar to an IBM/EPSON type of port.
     These printers of ours also use this type of port:
 
         DMP 134    DMP 240
         DMP 302    DMP 2103
         DMP 2130   LP 950 Laser Printer
 
     Our older Tandy printers used a port that was
     developed by Tandy and was our standard for many years.
     Any printer not listed above has this Tandy port in it,
     including a couple of items in the current catalog.
 
         DMP 107           DMP 442
 
With the answers to these three questions,
you know everything you need to to get the right cable.
See the PRINTER CABLE SELECTION CHART that's the last page
of this issue of the M.O.M. (it was also attached to last month's M.O.M.)
and you can be assured of choosing the correct cable for your customer
every time!
 
See the Printer Cable chart on Page 49 of RSC-22 for the appropriate cable
for other Tandy computer models.
 
MOM-01-91
MAGAZINE ADVERTISING
 
Tandy computer products are frequently advertised
in leading national publications.
Magazine advertising reinforces the image of Tandy Computers as
a nationally recognized brand.
 
Tandy computer products will be featured in the following publications
over the next month:
 
Date    Magazine                Computer
 
1/01    Delta Sky               Tandy 1500 HD
1/01    Mgmt Network            RSCC/Multi-user
1/01    Vis A Vis               Tandy 1500 HD
1/02    Smithsonian             Tandy 2500 XL Speech/Sound
1/07    Newsweek (Bus ed.)      Tandy 1000 RL
1/08    PC Magazine             Tandy 1500 HD
1/10    Business Week           RSCC/Mfg Solutions
1/14    Time (Bus ed.)          Home-office Hdqtrs
1/15    American Way            Tandy 1000 RL
1/18    PCM Tandy               1000/DeskMate S/W
1/20    Compute!                DeskMate S/W
1/20    Natural History         Tandy 2500 XL/Compton's
1/21    Rainbow                 CoCo "last call"
1/25    Changing Times          Tandy 1000 RL
1/25    Inc.                    Multiuser Solutions
1/25    Working Woman           Tandy 1000 RL
1/28    Newsweek-Business       Tandy 1000 RL
1/28    PC World                Tandy 2500 XL w/DAC
1/29    Home-Office             Tandy 1500 HD
 
MOM-01-91
OLD RIBBONS NEVER DIE, THEY JUST DRAFT AWAY
 
The number of characters that a particular printer will print using a
black printer ribbon is a subject that has `no good answer.'
It has also been a subject of discussion among customers and manufacturers
since the dawning of personal dot matrix printers and even a
subject of discussion in mainframe computers for years and years.
 
It is as hard to define as how many miles a particular car will get
per gallon of gas.
The number of variables involved is amazing -- all which can drastically
alter the number of characters significantly up or down.
 
This `magic number of characters designation' can be affected
by such things as:
 
1. Quality of paper printed on -- since ink is a liquid of sorts,
   the more porous the paper, the more ink is absorbed into the paper.
 
2. Print mode of the printer -- graphics characters take much more ink
   than do letter quality characters,
   which in turn take more ink than draft characters.
   And even the pitch of the printing can alter the number of characters.
 
3. Temperature of the ribbon -- there are obviously limits to
   the highs and lows, but a cold ribbon will print fewer characters
   because the ink will not `flow' as smoothly.
 
4. Method of printing -- printing for continuous periods will result
   in fewer characters than printing one page at a time,
   or several smaller print jobs.
   Once again, since ink is a liquid of sorts, it migrates
   from all parts of the fabric used in the ribbon.
   When printing continuously, the ink doesn't have time to migrate
   from the outer edges into the center of the ribbon.
   It's kind of like when it rains on the highway
   and a long line of cars drives over the wet spot continuously --
   the road where the tires meets the pavement dries more quickly.
 
5. Also, the acceptable darkness of the characters when someone
   decides that the ribbon is `used up' varies greatly from person to person.
   This one factor can change the count up to 50%.
 
6. Type of ink used -- the ink used in the ribbon also contributes to
   how many characters can be printed.
   Simplifying this a bit -- some inks are designed for continuous printing
   and some are designed for short print projects.
   Some are designed to last for months and months in an unused state,
   and others are designed to be used immediately.
 
   If you can imagine the different types of customers
   that purchase our printers, it would be impossible
   for Radio Shack to specialize in one kind of printing application.
   Some of our users print literally hundreds of pages at one print session,
   and others print only one page a month.
 
   You can see that ribbons must be designed to offer the most flexibility --
   the ink must last from hours to basically a year or two without completely
   drying out because of non-use.
   At Radio Shack we have tried to give our users the best possible solution
   to fit all situations evenly.
 
7. The area where you, as store personnel, can help is the shelf life.
   Our ribbons are designed to have a shelf life of one year.
   This means that the ribbon should usually be no older than one year
   before it is sold to a customer.
   Since most customers then use the ribbon up during the next 9 to 12 months,
   the total time from manufacture to `finish printing'
   would be about two years.
   You should carefully watch your stock of ribbons and make sure
   that you sell the oldest ribbons first.
 
   Our date code system on ribbons is quite simple.
   You will see a set of characters stamped on the box or on the cartridge
   that looks like "12A0."
   The first two digits (can be 1-12) is the month of manufacture,
   and the last digit (0-9) is the last digit of the year.
   So our example (12A0) would mean December 1990 production.
 
Other items of interest:
 
   Some ribbons are wider than others,
   like the DMP 133/134 ribbon versus the DMP 300.
   This wider type of ribbon actually has a `mobius twist'
   and actually passes through the printhead upside down on alternate passes.
   In addition, this `wideness' is intentionally designed into this
   printer to allow the ribbon to absorb lots of ink
   (remember that ink migrates).
   Since the DMP 130 series printer is
   typically used for very small print jobs,
   the ink has plenty of time to migrate from the outer edges of the ribbon.
 
   The DMP 240 printer is designed for a specific purpose --
   that is to have color capability.
   This, then, precludes the same design on the ribbon as with the DMP 133.
   (A color ribbon cannot have a mobius twist or the colors would reverse!)
 
   Color ribbons typically have shorter life spans than black ribbons.
   In fact, color ribbons do not have a specific character life
   associated with them because they are typically used in printing graphics
   which tend to use much more ink than just plain text.
   In addition, color inks tend to have more
   `solids' in them, reducing the printing life.
 
   Ribbons like those used on our 24-wire printers
   are typically rated at 2 million draft characters.
   And if you think about it, if that character number was applied
   to a typewriter ribbon and a person typing at 60 characters per minute,
   it would yield over 111 hours of typing.
   Applied to the number of pages -- it would yield about 1,000 pages
   of draft text at a cost of about one penny per page,
   compared to current costs of about 3-4 pennies per page
   from a laser printer.
   All in all, the costs are reasonable.
 
Here are some suggestions I have received from other users that
you might offer to your customers.
 
   Use letter quality mode only when absolutely necessary.
 
   Keep older ribbons to print draft documents where darkness and
   quality are not required, and print all draft documents in draft mode.
 
   Keep a separate `letter quality' ribbon that you pop in when
   printing final versions of important documents.
   Then when this ribbon becomes too light in letter quality mode,
   change it to a `draft mode' ribbon.
 
   Don't keep large numbers of extra ribbons on hand and use the local
   Radio Shack store as a stocking location where
   the turnover of ribbons is much greater.
   This will insure the `freshest' ribbons when you purchase.
   The shelf life of a ribbon is approximately one year,
   and performance will start to deteriorate after this period.
 
Radio Shack continues to look at this area of printer ribbons.
We are constantly trying to improve performance and still maintain
that delicate balance for the myriad of printing requirements
that exist with purchases of dot matrix printers.
There is no one single answer for everyone.
Unfortunately, with the current situation in the oil industry
(petroleum is used in the ink and plastic)
finding an economical way to increase print life is becoming harder and 
harder.
 
Remember, "old ribbons never die, they just draft away."
 
TANDY COMPUTERS: Because There Is No Better Value.
 
MOM-01-91
TAX SOFTWARE, A NEW SOLUTION...
 
Yes, folks, it's IRS time again!!
But this year, we've got a neat solution both for the customer AND FOR YOU!!!
 
Tax Cut 25-1431 ($59.95) is the award-winning tax solution from MECA Software
and Andrew Tobias, the Managing Your Money people!
But there's a difference!!
 
The product you're selling HAS NO DISKS INSIDE!!!
 
That's right, there are no disks in the box.
Radio Shack, together with MECA,
has devised a program to deliver a product that makes sense
for both the customer and for us.
There is documentation and a form for your customers to call MECA
and order their software direct.
This assures them that they'll get the most up-to-the-minute product.
AND it gives you a product that won't be outdated on your shelf on April 16th.
 
And, even if that product is still on your shelf in September,
MECA will send the customer new documentation and disks.
The customer ALWAYS gets the most up-to-date product.
 
TAX CUT -- Award winning software!!!
 
Tax Cut's "expert system" puts Harvard tax lawyer Dan Caine at your side.
Unlike any other tax product,
Tax Cut uses artificial intelligence to let you interact
with Dan Caine and his team of professional experts.
Help is only a keystroke away as you fill in your forms.
Or, let them guide you through a step-by-step interview designed
to discover your best tax strategy.
 
Then, once you've completed your return,
Tax Cut's experts will audit your return for any missed deductions or entries!
 
Tax Cut also guarantees its calculations!
If the IRS charges you a penalty because of a miscalculation in Tax Cut,
MECA will pay the penalty!
That's how sure they are of this software.
 
Selling Tax Cut To Your Customer
 
Be sure you let your customers know up front
that there are no disks in the box.
This is a BIG benefit to them as it gives them time to get their records
organized and all in one place, ready to go once the disks come in.
 
There are TWO versions of Tax Cut.
One is designed to be installed on a hard drive; however,
there is a version available that will run on a single drive computer
(like all those Tandy 1000 RLs you sold at Christmas!)
Both versions require 512K and, of course, a printer to print out your 
returns!
 
With our great success in the home market,
Radio Shack is a natural for the TAX business.
And Tax Cut is the right product -- both for the customer and YOU.
 
MOM-01-91
COMMUNICATIONS WITH COMPUTER MERCHANDISING -- UPDATED
 
We Appreciate Feedback
 
We get plenty of feedback and great ideas from the Annual Meetings.
But we do need comments and suggestions year 'round.
 
If your customers are asking for something new or
something to be offered slightly differently,
drop us a note.
Either a speed memo or Speed Mail message
generated from your POS will do.
 
We promise we'll acknowledge and consider every single one.
We've printed a detailed "who buys what" list on this page so
you'll know to whom to direct your communications.
 
Making Phone Calls to Computer Merchandising
 
By the way, a reminder is in order about telephone calls to Merchandising:
 
   We just can't take them from stores or Centers.
 
Don't get upset if our receptionist refuses to put you through
or the buyer declines to accept your call.
 
If you have an issue that you feel requires our immediate attention,
contact your District or Regional Sales Manager,
or your Area or Regional Business Marketing Manager.
It's their job to help you and they can call us.
 
Speed Mail Etiquette
 
Speaking of Speed Mail,
we're receiving a HUGE volume of speed mail that is misdirected.
 
Product ordering, availability and procedural questions
must be directed to your District/Regional Sales Manager,
or your Area/Regional Marketing Manager.
 
Questions about product operation or reports of problems should be directed
to Computer Support Services.
 
So you'll know who to write to.....
 
We've had a few changes since the last time we printed this list.
Here's the updated info:
 
WHO BUYS WHAT IN COMPUTER MERCHANDISING
 
      SOFTWARE PRODUCTS
 
Accounting Software             Randy Lunz
Business Management Software    Randy Lunz
CAD Software                    Kate Titsworth
CD-ROM Software                 Gene Schenberg
CoCo Software                   Gene Schenberg
Entertainment                   Gene Schenberg
Communications Software         Kate Titsworth
Database Management Software    Randy Lunz
DeskMate                        Gene Schenberg
Desktop Publishing Software     Kate Titsworth
Educational Software            Maggie Sherrod
Environments                    Chris Imler
Forms Management Software       Kate Titsworth
Home Education (MS-DOS)         Gene Schenberg
Integrated Software             Randy Lunz
Online Services                 Gene Schenberg
Operating Systems               Chris Imler
Paint & Graphics Software       Kate Titsworth
Personal Finance Software       Kate Titsworth
Personal Management Software    Kate Titsworth
Presentation Graphic Software   Kate Titsworth
Programming Languages           Kate Titsworth
SchoolMate                      Maggie Sherrod
Spreadsheet Software            Randy Lunz
Spreadsheet Add-ons             Randy Lunz
Utilities Software              Kate Titsworth
Vertical Market Software        Randy Lunz
Word Processing Software        Kate Titsworth
 
      HARDWARE PRODUCTS
 
CD-ROM Drives                   Mark Clauder
Color Computer Hardware         Mark Clauder
Digitizers                      Colin Meyer
Diskettes/Media                 Gene Schenberg
FAX Products (for PCs)          Colin Meyer
Forms                           Randy Lunz
Furniture                       Gene Schenberg
Mice & Joysticks                Gene Schenberg
26-series Joysticks             Gordon Dixon
Modems                          Mark Clauder
MS-DOS Laptops                  Colin Meyer
Networking Products             Chris Imler
Non-MS-DOS Laptops              Colin Meyer
Paper/Labels                    Colin Meyer
Pocket Computer                 Colin Meyer
Point-of-Sale Hardware          Randy Lunz
Power Conditioning Equipment    Chris Imler
Printers & Printer Supplies     Colin Meyer
Printer Cables/Ribbons/Printwheels  Colin Meyer
Serial Cables/Connectors        Dick Hedrick
Scanners (Hand & Full Page)     Colin Meyer
Sound/Music Boards              Mark Clauder
Tandy 1000 Hardware & Peripherals  Mark Clauder
Tandy 2500 Hardware & Peripherals  Jef Fike
Tandy 3000/4000 Hardware & Peripherals  Jef Fike
Tandy 5000 Hardware & Peripherals  Jef Fike
Tandy 6000 Hardware & Peripherals  Jef Fike
Wordprocessors                      Colin Meyer
 
  Maggie Sherrod is in the Education Marketing Department
PRODUCT NEWS
01Z/COMPUTER CENTER
 
 
MAXIMUM CAPACITY FROM THE 105 MB SMARTDRIVE
 
This article will clarify the actual formatted capacity
that is possible using the 25-4130 105 MB SmartDrive
in all Tandy Computers with DOS 3.3 or 4.01.
The chart below will assist you in selling a higher capacity hard drive
to your customers.
Actual capacity will vary with flawed tracks locked out.
 
                Current           Drive Type       Formatted
Computer         BIOS              Selected         Capacity
 
3000 8 MHz     01.03.03              28            84,994,048
3000 HL        01.03.02              40            70,992,565
3000 12 MHz    01.03.02              35            79,801,013
3000 NL        01.04.03              35            79,801,013
2500 XL        03.10.00         Non-Standard      104,698,549
4000 16 MHz    01.03.02              35            79,801,013
4000A 16 MHz   01.03.05              35            79,801,013
4000 LX        01.04.04              35            79,801,013
4000 SX        01.05.00              36            88,767,157
4016 DX        01.10.00         Non-Standard      104,698,549
4020 LX        01.10.00         Non-Standard      104,698,549
4025 LX        01.10.00         Non-Standard      104,698,549
4033 LX        01.10.00         Non-Standard      104,698,549
4016 SX        01.10.03              32           104,698,549
4020 SX        01.10.00              32           104,698,549
 
  The SmartDrive Adapter 25-4121 is required
  for these computers to utilize the 105 MB SmartDrive.
 
  Formatted Capacity is determined by CHKDSK value
  after system files are installed.
 
Parameters for entry of Non-Standard drive type would be:
 
Heads             16
Cylinders        755
Precomp         none
Head Park        755
Sectors           17
 
When formatting for a Novell network,
the use of On-Track's Disk Manager Novell 903/5-2861 is required
to achieve the maximum formatted capacity of the 105 MB SmartDrive
when installed in ALL Tandy computers
(excluding the 4016 SX and 4020 SX).
Both of these computers have the correct drive type in the BIOS.
 
In the future, as new drives are introduced we will try to maintain
updated BIOSs for the older Tandy computers.
As BIOSs are updated,
they will be available through the normal channels of National Parts.
 
MOM-01-91
COMPTON'S MULTIMEDIA ENCYCLOPEDIA UPDATE
 
Last month when we printed this, we left the hard drive out of the
configuration list!
So we're printing this information again this month, with the hard drive.
 
Replacement CD-ROM Disks
 
Every RSCC and 01Z was sent a Not-For-Resale Compton's CD-ROM disk
in April.
In the event a store or Center was closed, the CD-ROM disk
was to have been claimed by the District or Regional Sales Manager
for movement to new stores or existing stores that lost or misplaced theirs.
If you have a location in need and cannot supply one in this manner,
replacements are now in stock as FC-961 in TSDC.
The cost to the store for this item is $55.00.
They require a DSM or RSM authorization to order.
These demo disks are not to be sold or given away under any circumstances.
 
Hardware Components
 
The hardware required to demonstrate Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia
consists of:
 
25-4074 Tandy 2500 XL
25-4124 52 MB Hard Drive
25-1081 Internal CD-ROM Drive
25-1042 PS/2 Style Mouse
25-4041 VGM-200 Color Monitor
 
The first three items are available from TSDC as a complete system with the
Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia driver software already installed.
The store will only need to insert the CD-ROM disk into the machine and go.
This is the exact system that sells for $2,999.00
which is pictured on Page 183 of the 1991 Consumer catalog.
 
When the parents of today were children, they had an encyclopedia.
As they grew older, that set either got larger and more costly,
or remained the same and became outdated.
What parent today could refuse the opportunity to give their children
something better than what they had at a much better price?
Don't let your stores miss out on this great sales opportunity.
 
For additional details about CMME,
refer to the June 1990 issue of the Computer Merchandising Memo of the Month.
 
MOM-01-91
NOVELL RESELLER AUTHORIZATION LEVELS
-- CLEARING UP THE CONFUSION
 
The Novell reseller distribution channel is organized in a tiered structure
and governed by the Novell Reseller Authorization Program.
There have been a number of inquiries from both customers and stores
as to where Radio Shack fits in this structure.
 
First, let's take a look at the organization of
the Novell Reseller Authorization Program and the requirements
for each of the three authorization levels.
 
Novell has established specific guidelines for achieving
each reseller authorization level.
These guidelines include annual sales volume, training and staffing,
customer support and product demonstration capabilities.
The higher authorization levels require higher sales volume,
additional training requirements and so on.
 
Authorized Reseller
 
Authorized resellers typically serve the small and medium business accounts.
All Novell resellers must start at this level.
This level is authorized to sell ELS I, ELS II, Advanced and SFT NetWare only.
 
Gold Resellers
 
This level tends to focus on specific vertical markets
and specific network configurations.
Gold Resellers are authorized to sell NetWare 286/386
and the communications products offered by Novell.
 
Platinum Resellers
 
Novell's pipeline to the Fortune 1000 accounts,
typically involved in the installation of complex multivendor environments --
large companies distributed across multiple sites
with a diverse array of hardware and software.
All Novell products are available through the Platinum Reseller.
 
Where does Radio Shack fit in the Novell Reseller Authorization Program?
 
Radio Shack is classified as a Novell Authorized Original Equipment
Manufacturer and Reseller ("Authorized OEM"),
and as such is not restricted by the guidelines
of the standard Novell Reseller Authorization Program.
This authorization level provides Radio Shack unrestricted access
to all Novell products and services.
 
The requirements for the OEM classification are stringent
and Novell limits Authorized OEMs to a small number.
An Authorized OEM must provide value-added product and services
in addition to NetWare, with emphasis on the OEM's ability to offer
a complete network solution.
Radio Shack fulfills these value-added requirements through its line
of Tandy Computers, SchoolMate Novell, nationwide distribution
and an established service and support organization.
 
Customer inquiries and bid specifications requiring a statement
of Radio Shack's authorization level should be answered by stating
that Radio Shack is an "Authorized Novell OEM."
 
MOM-01-91
EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY
Radio Shack Education Marketing Newsletter
 
What's In ETN This Month
 
Skill Preparation for the Workplace 19
Press Release -- Radio Shack Signs Agreement to Provide
    Computers for Technology-Based Programs in Arkansas Schools 21
Press Release -- Radio Shack Offers Free Copy of SchoolMate
    With Integrated Learning Solutions  21
 
 
SKILL PREPARATION FOR THE WORKPLACE
 
The School Board News in its July 31, 1990 issue reported
"The United States can learn some important lessons
from other countries about how to prepare young people for the work force...."
 
The Policy Information Center of Princeton, New Jersey in its 1990 report
From School to Work asserts "Unlike other developed countries, the
United States does very little to smooth the transition from school to work
for high school graduates...."
Students receive an academic education which frequently does not motivate them
to learn and does little to prepare them for the real world of work.
"There is increasing agreement that those students not going on to
post secondary education are not well served by their high school experience.
The watered-down general track produces a thin education
and no occupational skills.
Those in the vocational track may get some occupational education, but are not
likely to get the mathematics, science, and communication skills
they will need to progress beyond entry-level employment
(and their options for postsecondary education
are often -- but not necessarily -- curtailed.)"
 
These students who do not go on to higher education have become known in the
popular press as "the forgotten half," of our student population
who are ill-equipped to enter the world of work
and are equally ill-equipped to go on to further education.
 
Across America, employers complain that the skills high school graduates
bring to the workplace are inadequate.
In some school districts employers are sitting down with educators
to try to define what skills are necessary for graduates
to be productive in the workplace.
But in all too many situations, students are being condemned to failure.
 
In an effort to address these problems
and to provide the means for swift skills development,
the Radio Shack Education Division,
in cooperation with KEE Systems and Educational Testing Service
is introducing the KEE/ETS Solution.
 
The KEE/ETS Solution introduces real-world training
leading to marketable skills for high school, junior college,
and adult education students.
Further, through use of the ETS AEquitas tests,
schools are able to certify to employers that their students
have the skills to do the job.
 
The KEE/ETS Solution also provides school districts and junior colleges
with an effective, inexpensive way to do in-service training with clerical and
professional staff in a non-threatening, self-paced environment.
The KEE/ETS Solution provides an array of products which address a vitally
important need in American education -- skills training for the marketplace.
 
The KEE/ETS Solution
 
The demand for greater productivity in every area of business and industry has
brought two of America's most precious resources -- people and technology
-- into direct confrontation.
While advanced office automation certainly carries the promise
of increased productivity, it takes people with specialized skills
to make that technology work.
 
Helping people learn new skills, especially those related to computers,
is no easy task.
Both in the corporate and educational environment,
trainers are finding their resources sorely pressed
by the complexities of teaching people how to use sophisticated technology,
and by the sheer number and diversity of people
who need to acquire new skills.
 
Radio Shack with the KEE/ETS Solution has the answer.
The best way to learn how to use a software program
is to work directly with that program.
The KEE/ETS Solution's computer-based instruction systems allow students
to learn new skills by using the computer as they would
in a real work environment.
 
Based on a patented technology, the KEE/ETS instruction systems create a
highly interactive tutorial environment that makes learning easy and fun.
A "multi-sensory" guidance system, which includes "teaching windows,"
audio signals, a color-coded light panel and software,
establishes instant rapport between the user and the computer.
Step-by-step lessons reinforced by exercises and proficiency tests
ensure that students learn and retain new skills.
 
Three separate teaching modes allow students to progress at their own pace,
making the KEE/ETS Solution as effective for instructing
first-time users as for cross-training knowledgeable users.
Within four to eight hours (scheduled at their convenience) students
have the knowledge and confidence to put their new skills to work on the job.
 
In the first mode, a series of "teaching windows" appear on-screen
along with the application software.
The color-coded light panel
-- an interchangeable replica of the computer keyboard --
guides the student through the lesson by highlighting the correct keystrokes.
Throughout the process, the system protects the student from frustration
by intercepting erroneous key entries.
 
In the second mode, the student completes a series of exercises independently.
In the event of a mistake, the light panel and an audio signal alert the
student to correct the keystroke.
Each exercise is scored automatically.
If the student has not reached the desired proficiency level,
the system recommends ways to increase efficiency
and initiates an appropriate course of review work.
 
In the final mode, the system reviews all functions learned
in the previous modes and tests the student's overall performance
in using the newly-acquired skills.
 
The KEE/ETS Solution is a computer-based instruction system that provides
complete, results-oriented training for today's most popular business 
software,
including WordPerfect, Lotus 1-2-3, dBASE, Microsoft Word and others.
 
The KEE/ETS Solution includes a patented interchangeable,
color-coded light panel.
The panel works with the Tandy 2500 XL or other AT Class, MS-DOS-based
computers with a minimum of 640K RAM, VGA graphics,
and a 40 MB hard drive.
The KEE/ETS Solution's unique software allows students to learn essential,
new skills by using the computer as they would in a real work environment.
 
KEE/ETS Solution Components
 
The product available to schools consists of a Management Module
containing a PC Tutor light board, management software
for the KEE Systems training modules,
and management software for the AEquitas tests.
Additionally, schools will select one or more training and testing modules
and enough student modules for each student to have a manual
and a passport diskette.
(The students retain the student manual for reference on the job.)
The following components will offered:
 
   Management Module -- This contains the PC Tutor light board,
   the KEE Systems Management Software, AEquitas Management Software,
   Introduction to Word Processing lesson, Introduction to Spreadsheets 
lesson,
   Introduction to Data Bases lesson, Introduction to Computers lesson,
   Concepts of KEE Training lesson, and the Administrator's Manual.
   REQUIRED
 
   Introduction to Personal Computers and DOS Module
 
   Passport Diskette and Student Manual for Introduction to
   Personal Computers and DOS
 
   DeskMate  Module
 
   Passport Diskette and Student Manual for DeskMate
 
   Introduction to WordPerfect 5.0 Module
 
   Passport Diskette and Student Manual for Introduction to WordPerfect 5.0
 
   Introduction to WordPerfect 5.1 Module
 
   Passport Diskette and Student Manual for Introduction to WordPerfect 5.1
 
   Microsoft Word 4.0 Module
 
   Passport Diskette and Student Manual for Microsoft Word 4.0
 
   DisplayWrite 4 Module
 
   Passport Diskette and Student Manual for DisplayWrite 4
 
   Lotus 1-2-3  2.2 Module
 
   Passport Diskette and Student Manual for Lotus 1-2-3 2.2
 
   Lotus 1-2-3 Module
 
   Passport Diskette and Student Manual for Lotus 1-2-3
 
   dBASE III Module
 
   Passport Diskette and Student Manual for dBASE III
 
   dBASE IV Module
 
   Passport Diskette and Student Manual for dBASE IV
 
   Executive Typing Module
 
   Passport Diskette and Student Manual for Executive Typing
 
   AEquitas WordPerfect 5.0 Test
 
   AEquitas WordPerfect 5.1 Test
 
   AEquitas DisplayWrite 4 Test
 
   AEquitas Microsoft Word 4.0 Test
 
   AEquitas Typing Test
 
   AEquitas Clerical Skills Test
 
SKUs will be published when the product becomes available
(expected in February).
 
The Academic Edition price of the Management Module is $1,295.00.
The Academic Edition price of each course is $349.00.
The Academic Edition price of each AEquitas test is $249.00.
The Academic Edition price of each Student package is $19.99.
 
Academic Edition prices are discounted from the original
manufacturer and are not further discountable.
 
Recommended Configuration
 
Recommended School Configuration of a single training station:
 
Curriculum  Price
 
Management Module   $1,295.00
Introduction to WordPerfect 5.1 Module  349.00
Lotus 1-2-3 3.0 Module  349.00
dBASE IV Module 349.00
AEquitas WordPerfect 5.1 Test   249.00
AEquitas Typing Test    249.00
AEquitas Clerical Skill Test    249.00
60 Passport Diskettes & Manuals @ $19.99    1,199.40
 
Academic Edition Curriculum Total   $4,288.40
 
Hardware    Price
 
Tandy 2500 XL   $1,499.00
VGM-200 Monitor 499.95
Mouse   49.95
52 MB SmartDrive    599.00
DMP-302 Printer & 6' cable  633.95
 
Hardware, 25% System Discount Applied   $2,461.39
 
GRAND TOTAL $6,749.79
 
MOM-01-91
RADIO SHACK SIGNS AGREEMENT TO PROVIDE COMPUTERS
FOR TECHNOLOGY-BASED PROGRAMS IN ARKANSAS SCHOOLS
 
Little Rock, Ark. (November 26, 1990) -- The Radio Shack Education Division
of Tandy Corporation has signed an agreement with
IMPAC Learning Systems, Inc., to provide Tandy MS-DOS compatible computers
and related services to K-12 schools in Arkansas.
The announcement was made by James J. McGrody,
vice president of Radio Shack's Education Division, and Mack McLarty,
president of IMPAC Learning Systems, Inc.
 
IMPAC Learning Systems, Inc., was established in 1985 as a
non-profit company by the Arkansas Commission on Microcomputer Instruction.
During the past seven years, IMPAC has provided services
to 269 school districts with programs for the improvement of basic skills
instruction, grades 4-8.
 
Through IMPAC Learning Systems' unique partnerships with companies
such as Tandy Corporation,
Arkansas school districts have developed computer-based
supplementary instructional programs that have enhanced learning
for more than 50,000 students through individualized instruction
and assisted more than 2,000 teachers to better meet the needs of students.
 
Computer-based basic skills instructional programs are being enhanced
through IMPAC's technical support services, software dissemination
under a state license and hardware purchase assistance
using IMPAC's high volume discount.
IMPAC also supports satellite-based long distance learning programs and
vocational education basic skills programs.
 
"The education, business and government sectors of Arkansas have
taken a leadership role in the education of its youth by establishing
an effective technology program with real value to schools," said McGrody.
"Tandy Corporation is pleased to be a partner in providing
state-of-the-art technology for use in IMPAC approved programs
that will lead to better educational opportunities for Arkansas students."
 
MOM-01-91
RADIO SHACK OFFERS FREE COPY OF SCHOOLMATE WITH INTEGRATED LEARNING SOLUTIONS
 
Fort Worth, Texas (November 15, 1990) -- Schools that purchase
an Integrated Learning System (ILS) solution on Tandy  Computers
through April 30, 1991,
will receive a free copy of SchoolMate networking software from
Radio Shack.
This special offer is a savings of $799.95.
 
Leading ILS publishers such as Jostens Learning Corporation,
New Century Education and TRO PLATO Education Services are participating
in the special offer to schools.
All companies are part of Radio Shack's Partners in Education program.
 
"Radio Shack realizes the importance of providing schools
with effective and affordable computer instruction solutions,"
said James McGrody, vice president of the Radio Shack Education Division.
"Together, with our Partners in Education,
we can deliver a networking solution with computer-assisted instruction
of real value to schools, teachers and students."
 
SchoolMate is an easy-to-use "electronic resource center"
designed for teachers.
It is the only school network that includes, in its basic package,
classroom management tools for the teacher.
 
Running on Tandy's SchoolMate network, Integrated Learning Systems merge
computer-aided, individualized instruction with established curriculum.
 
Other SchoolMate Curriculum Solutions, available from leading educational
software publishers such as Broderbund, Compu-Teach, Davidson and Associates,
DLM Teaching Resources, and South-Western Publishing,
can be added to the network.
 
MOM-12-90
THE FRONT LINE
THE FRONT LINE is a monthly column dedicated to discussing
marketing, merchandising and customer care concepts.
 
THE ONE MINUTE MERCHANDISER
 
Peak-Load Merchandising
 
This article was published in the November issue of the
Merchandising Newsletter, but the points made are so relevant,
we decided to reprint it as the Front Line this month.
The author is Chuck Sizer
of the Radio Shack Consumer Merchandising Department.
 
At this time of year, when customer traffic is building toward its peak,
professional merchandising is more important than ever.
Your store must show that you are proud of the merchandise
and proud of AMERICA'S TECHNOLOGY STORE.
 
Here are some helpful hints for keeping up with customer flow
and store appearance:
 
  Use breaks between "rushes" to rearrange displays and signs.
  Attractively displayed merchandise draws customers into your store
  and makes them want to buy.
 
  More shoppers means more to clean up.
  Housekeeping must be as continuous a process as restocking battery bins.
  Assign areas of the store to each employee and keep after it.
 
  Your shoppers will want to see or hear the merchandise in action.
  Make sure everything works, the first time you turn it on!
  Use fresh batteries, top quality tapes and interesting software.
  Make the products work to their maximum potential.
 
  Every display should be lit up.
  This includes decks, receivers, and VCRs as well as clocks and clock
  radios.
  Don't try to save electricity in December;
  it's the least expensive advertising you can buy!
 
  Stick with the basics.
  Blockbuster stands and floor stacks are for Blockbusters only.
  Don't confuse your customers by adding accessories to the displays.
  Merchandise your add-ons separately and apart from the Blockbusters
  and move to them after you close the sale for the Blockbuster.
 
  If you run out of something "hot" or a sale item,
  transfer your enthusiasm to something you have in overstock.
  Re-merchandise your displays constantly to maintain the "look"
  of a variety of exciting products with good on-hand quantity.
  Shoppers lose their enthusiasm quickly when they notice a "shopped-out"
  appearance in a store.
 
  Remember that Christmas shopping is a chore for many people
  and they will appreciate your suggestions for everyone on their lists.
  You will be doing your customers a favor when you play Santa
  with Radio Shack gift ideas!
 
November and December can take their toll on everyone in the store.
Try to arrange the schedule so that each person gets enough food and rest.
It's too easy to get sick at this time of year,
and if we don't take care of ourselves first
we won't be able to help our customers.
 
MOM-12-90
THE DESKMATE DIFFERENCE
A series of articles on DeskMate.
 
OUTLINER: THE KEY TO ORGANIZED WRITING
 
Your customer needs a way to improve the usefulness of her new computer
as a writing tool.
You need a quick add-on sale for that Tandy 1000 RL, Tandy 1000 TL/2
or Tandy 2500 XL you've just sold.
At just $19.95, our new Outliner software package can easily meet
both your needs.
 
A DeskMate Companion
 
Outliner represents a new category of software products at Radio Shack:
DeskMate Companions.
This line of software has four main characteristics:
 
  Usefulness:
  The customer will immediately realize the need for and value of the product.
 
  Narrow focus:
  It does one main function and does it well.
 
  Inexpensive:
  Each DeskMate Companion product costs $29.95 or less.
 
  Requires DeskMate:
  Part of keeping the price low is keeping the cost of manufacturing down.
  DeskMate Companion products do not include the extra 5 1/4" and 3 1/2"
  DeskMate runtime diskettes required to make DeskMate applications
  run directly from the DOS prompt without DeskMate.
  What they do include is a small manual plus a 3 1/2" diskette and a
  5 1/4" diskette with the application and all files needed to make it run
  from the DeskMate Desktop.
 
What Outliner Does
 
Outliner helps you organize your thoughts into a coherent document.
It does this by letting you create an outline in the same way
a word processor lets you create a document.
By adding and deleting topics from the outline without worrying about
renumbering them, you can focus on the content rather than
the mechanics of the outline.
After the outline is complete,
Outliner lets you type in a sentence or paragraph for each point,
thus completing your entire document without leaving the program.
 
How to Use Outliner
 
As with any application, the first step in running Outliner is installing it.
Outliner takes full advantage of DeskMate's automatic installation.
On floppy-based systems, Outliner will automatically appear
when the AUTOCONFIG box is displayed on the screen.
You simply select the box (which now says "Outliner") and go.
On hard drive systems, using the Desktop's <F7> Install feature
will start the automatic process of copying all needed Outliner files
from the floppy diskette to the hard drive.
 
After you run the program, you can start a new outline
with the File <F2> New option.
The program will prompt you for the title of the program,
then let you start typing in the headings, subheadings, topics,
subtopics and details.
 
You scroll up and down the outline either by pressing the arrow keys
on the keyboard or by clicking with the mouse on the arrow indicators
on the right part of the menu bar.
From any point in the outline, you can add either another point at the same
level or a point at the level below.
When you insert or delete topics,
the remaining topics are renumbered instantly.
 
At any time you can add a sentence or paragraph to a topic.
With the highlight bar on the topic on which you want to elaborate,
press <ENTER> or double click with the mouse.
A dialog box will appear with the topic at the top and lots of room
for text at the bottom.
In fact, you may type in as much as 99 lines of text for each topic!
 
As your outline grows you may lose sight of the overall organization
of the document with all the topics and subtopics displayed on the screen.
To make some of the subtopics disappear from the screen,
place the highlight bar on one of the topics and select
the View <F6> Close option.
When part of an outline is closed,
you'll notice that the hollow triangle to the left of the topic
has changed to a solid triangle indicating that
more information is contained therein.
 
With a mouse you can open and close levels
by simply clicking on the triangle to toggle the levels open or closed.
 
To print your outline, simply choose the File <F2> Print option.
You can print the outline with or without details
and with or without any closed levels.
The print option also allows you to export to a standard text file
or to DeskMate Text.
 
Special Features
 
Outliner uses Star Software's sizable,
movable windowing technology under DeskMate.
You can open as many as ten outline windows on the screen at one time.
These windows can overlap one another or be "tiled" side by side.
By clicking on a window or by selecting a window from the menu,
you can make any window active and bring it to the front.
 
With the mouse or keyboard you can also make any window any size
from a few characters wide and tall to the entire screen.
These windows can then be moved from one part of the screen to another.
 
Having multiple windows gives you two main advantages.
First, you can refer to information in one outline
while working on another outline.
Second, you can copy information from one outline to another
using the cut-copy-paste options in the File <F2> menu.
Sharing information among outlines is a unique, usable feature of Outliner.
 
Outliner uses DeskMate's Clipboard as its cut-copy-paste buffer.
That means you can move selected text within an outline,
to or from another outline, or between Outliner
and any other DeskMate application that uses the Clipboard.
DeskMate Text, DeskMate Q&A Write, Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate,
Homeword II and MemoryMate are all examples of programs
that use the Clipboard and can all share text with Outliner.
 
Outliner takes full advantage of DeskMate's context-sensitive help system.
You can press the <F1> key from anywhere in the program
and receive information about the specific function you are performing.
Context-sensitive help is usually found only in more expensive programs:
Outliner represents real value.
 
An Outline for Selling
 
We're well into the Christmas selling season.
You're working hard to sell computers.
Many customers buy computers as gifts,
either for themselves or for a loved one.
What these customers want to help them justify
the purchase of a computer is value.
DeskMate adds value to our computers and represents a major reason
that many of our customers buy Tandy computers from Radio Shack.
 
Many of your customers justify the purchase of a computer
expecting that it will improve a student's performance at school.
One of the most important functions a computer performs for a student
is word processing.
Outliner can add value and functionality to DeskMate's
built-in Text word processor by helping the student organize his thoughts
before he starts writing.
Added to the editing ability of a word processor,
this help with organizing information can give students who use computers
a real advantage.
 
Another potential user of Outliner is the home-office/small business user
of DeskMate.
All businesses occasionally need to write letters, product descriptions,
advertising copy, articles, and/or press releases.
Outliner gives them the same assistance in organizing their information.
 
At $19.95, 25-1364 Outliner represents real value for DeskMate users.
Sell it with every computer,
and use Outliner's value to help you sell more computers!
Both you and your customer will be glad you did!
 
MOM-12-90
HOME OFFICE MARKETING
Why do our TANDYFAX machines represent a large sales opportunity for you?
 
FACTS ON FAX -- Part 2
Tandy FaxMate
 
FAX capability has become increasingly important for home office users.
Radio Shack offers three main FAX options:
the TandyFAX 1000, the TandyFAX 1010, and Tandy FaxMate.
This month we take a close look at FaxMate (25-3063).
 
What is FaxMate?
 
FaxMate is a PC add-in board with DeskMate software
that lets you send and receive FAXes from your hard drive-equipped computer.
By connecting to your phone line,
it lets you compose and send documents from your word processor.
It also lets you receive FAXes while you're doing other work,
then view and print the received FAXes.
 
Installing FaxMate
 
As a DeskMate application,
FaxMate installs automatically onto the DeskMate Desktop or directly from
DOS. A FaxMate button appears on the Desktop to make it easy to choose
and run the program.
FaxMate can also be used without DeskMate if desired.
 
Sending a FAX
 
To create a FAX, run the FaxMate application.
Fill in the form displayed to tell FaxMate where to send the FAX.
Then press <ENTER> or click on the OK button to complete this setup step.
This step reroutes all printed output to a file on the hard drive
for later processing.
 
Next, go to your word processor or other program
that will produce the print output you want to transmit.
If you want to FAX a letter to an associate,
simply type in the letter in the word processor.
You can use any word processor that supports printing
either to an ASCII printer or to an IBM Graphics Printer.
 
When the document is ready,
use the word processor's regular print option to print it.
Instead of appearing on the printer, the document will be printed to a file.
You can print multiple documents, charts, graphs,
or whatever else you want to FAX.
 
When you're done printing, run the FaxMate program again.
This time instead of the OK button, a SEND button appears.
Press <ENTER> to start the FAX process.
(This step also reroutes your print output back to your printer.)
You can then return to your other work on the computer.
 
Here's where the magic starts.
As you're working, your computer is performing another simultaneous task
in the background.
It converts the output file to a FAX format,
dials the recipient's FAX number and transmits the FAX.
When the FAX has been successfully sent, your computer will beep.
 
Receiving a FAX
 
When you install FaxMate,
you have the option of making FaxMate part of your automatic startup.
That is, when you first turn on the computer,
it will automatically load in the FaxMate modules.
With these modules in memory, your computer is ready to receive FAXes.
 
After a certain number of rings (the number is adjustable),
the FaxMate system will answer the phone as a FAX machine.
It will receive the incoming FAX and store it in a file on your hard drive.
You can then view your FAX on the screen and print it out.
It's that simple!
 
Selling FaxMate
 
FaxMate has several advantages over a stand-alone FAX machine,
especially for people in home offices or small businesses.
 
First, the image transmitted by FaxMate is superior to an image
transmitted by a regular FAX machine (see the samples in the next column).
A regular FAX machine must scan in your original printed image,
which degrades the image slightly.
Some of the original sharpness of the printing is lost.
FaxMate "knows" how to transmit an image that prints
as if it were printed on a high-resolution dot-matrix printer.
It transmits the clearest printed characters of all our FAX products.
 
Second, FaxMate uses plain paper because it prints on your printer.
Most people agree that plain paper printing is superior
to the thermal printing used by most FAX machines.
 
Third, FaxMate saves paper.
You don't have to print your original FAX
(although you can print a copy of each one).
Likewise, you don't have to print a copy of each incoming FAX.
 
Finally, FaxMate costs less.
Where else can you get a plain-paper FAX capability for $349.95?
 
There are two disadvantages of FaxMate.
First, FaxMate does not allow you to scan in images.
If all of your FAX transmissions are produced by your printer,
this disadvantage is very small because you can transmit
virtually any image you can print.
 
Second, FaxMate takes some memory and processing time on your PC.
Depending on your computer's processor and what other processes you're
running, you may notice a slight slowing of these other processes
while FaxMate is processing FAXes.
 
At $349.95, FaxMate gives a lot for the money.
The convenience, cost savings and clear FAXes that FaxMate makes possible,
make it a very attractive FAX option for the home office and small business.
 
MOM-12-90
STOCK FILE CHANGES
A quick reference to product status changes -- pricing, availability, etc.
 
LATE DATES
 
Listed below are the new items that appear in the 1991 Catalogs
which have not yet arrived at the warehouses.
Also included are the dates the merchandise is expected to be available
at the warehouses.
 
The dates listed in this section are based on the latest available
information, and are updated monthly.
While they may not be 100% accurate, they are the best estimate we have
at this time.
 
The dates listed here should be your ONLY reference for availability of
cataloged items.
Ft. Worth Computer Support Services or Ft. Worth Computer Merchandising
will not have any dates other than the ones shown here.
 
Radio Shack Catalog #459
Radio Shack Software Buyer's Guide
Tandy Computer Catalog RSC-22
 
Cat. #    Description                               Date
 
250-1268  WordPerfect 5.1                         12/15/90
  
  Currently, WordPerfect 5.0 is shipping under this Cat. #.
  Version 5.1 should begin shipping under this Cat. # by 12/15/90.
  Upgrades from 5.0 to 5.1 are obtained directly from WordPerfect
  for $85.00 plus shipping & handling.  Call WordPerfect at
  (801) 225-5000 for further information.
 
250-1334  filePro for DeskMate                    12/15/90
250-1351  DeskMate                                12/15/90
250-1376  Spell-a-saurus                          12/15/90
250-1389  Quest for Glory (Hero's Quest 2)        12/30/90
250-1399  Spot!                                   CANC
250-1392  Turbo Outrun                            12/30/90
250-4117  WordPerfect XENIX                       12/15/90
 
900-2436  Xircom ARCNET Adapter (UTP)             CANC
900-2490  APC PowerChute Software: UNIX           12/30/90
 
903/5-1036     Spirit of Excaliber                12/15/90
 
Radio Shack Educational
Products Guide 
 
Cat. #       Description                              Date
 
900-5743     PC LOGO SCM                             12/15/90
900-5766     Trivial Pursuit FR                      12/30/90
900-5767     Trivial Pursuit GER                     12/30/90
900-5768     Trivial Pursuit SP                      12/30/90
 
903-5795     RSDP 1-3 SCM                            12/15/90
903-5796     RSDP 1-8 SCM                            12/15/90
 
903/5-5654   Once Upon Time SCM                       1/30/91
903/5-5658   Math Blast Plus SCM                     12/30/90
903/5-5659   Word Attack Plus SCM                    12/30/90
903/5-5660   Homeworker SCM                          12/30/90
903/5-5673   Double Up SCM                            1/30/91
903/5-5674   Mark-Up SCM                              1/30/91
903/5-5675   Proteus SCM                              1/30/91
903/5-5676   Rhubarb SCM                              1/30/91
903/5-5677   Sequitur SCM                             1/30/91
903/5-5686   Timeliner SCM                            1/30/91
903/5-5742   Once Up Time II SCM                      1/30/91
903/5-5758   Sim City School                         12/30/90
903/5-5762   Lang Exam 1 French                      12/30/90
903/5-5763   Lang Exam 1 German                      12/30/90
903/5-5764   Lang Exam 1 Spanish                     12/30/90
903/5-5765   French Scrabble                         12/30/90
903/5-5779   Bodyworks Jr SCM                         1/30/91
903/5-5780   Bodyworks Sr SCM                         1/30/91
903/5-5782   Inter Inspirer SCM                       1/30/91
903/5-5789   Spell It Plus SCM                       12/30/90
903/5-5790   Algeblaster Pls SCM                     12/30/90
903/5-5797   Nat'l Inspirer SCM                       1/30/91
903/5-5798   Lang Exam 2 French                      12/30/90
903/5-5799   Lang Exam 2 German                      12/30/90
903/5-5800   Lang Exam 2 Spanish                     12/30/90
903/5-5801   Lang Exam 3 French                      12/30/90
903/5-5802   Lang Exam 3 German                      12/30/90
903/5-5803   Lang Exam 3 Spanish                     12/30/90
903/5-5804   Lang Exam 4 French                      12/30/90
903/5-5805   Lang Exam 4 German                      12/30/90
903/5-5806   Lang Exam 4 Spanish                     12/30/90
 
CANCELED PRODUCTS
 
CAT. #       DESCRIPTION
 
250-1399     Spot!
900-2436     Xircom ARCNET Adapter (UTP)
 
 
DISCONTINUED PRODUCTS
 
Cat. #       Description
 
250-1241     SchoolMate 3Com
901-1767     NetWare Assurance Advanced
901-1768     NetWare Assurance ELS II
901-1769     NetWare Assurance SFT
 
MOM-12-90
PRODUCT NEWS
ALL STORE
The "ALL STORE" section contains information of interest to all store types.
01Zs and Computer Centers will also be interested in the information
contained in the "01Z/COMPUTER CENTER" section.
 
FREQUENT CUSTOMER QUESTIONS
 
This is a busy time of year for you.
To best serve your customers,
and to keep them from having to contact you or Computer Support Services
later, here are some questions (and their answers) that Computer Support
Services advises will probably come up often:
 
I am getting the error I/O 378H when I boot the machine
(Tandy 1000/A, SX, TX, SL, TL, SL/2, TL/2),
what is wrong?
 
  The printer cable is probably connected upside down,
  or the LPT1 port may be bad.
 
Will my 1000 series computer support 2 hard drive cards?
 
  The 1000 series computer's power supply is not designed to
  handle 2 hard drive cards.
 
Why does my DeskMate  only give me 2 colors in the CGA
mode on the 1400 series laptop computers?
 
  The IBM-compatible CGA in the laptop computers can only produce 4 colors,
  2 colors at a time.
 
How do I print my entire spreadsheet in Worksheet
from DeskMate?
 
  Press the <F3> key, then use the Select All function
  from the menu and press <ENTER>.
  Your entire spreadsheet is now highlighted.
  Press <F2>, select Print and execute the print commands.
 
How do I get Text to underline and boldface in DeskMate?
 
  First select the text by using the shift and arrow keys
  (the shift and right or left arrow key will select one character at a
  time, the shift and up or down arrow keys will select a line at a time).
  Then press <F4> and choose bold or underline.
  If you wish to underline and boldface a portion of text,
  you must select the portion of text again and select bold or underline
  to use both attributes.
 
I have installed a SmartWatch in an SL,
and the SMWCLOCK command does not work.
What is wrong?
 
  The SmartWatch on the 1000 SL uses the SLCLK.COM file on the
  utility diskette for operation.
  The command to use to set the clock is SLCLK.
  there are three switches for this command --
  C(Calibrate), SLCLK S(Set), SLCLK F(View).
  These commands are issued from an MS-DOS prompt.
 
I have a 1000 TL/2 and every time I try to play music
my machine locks up.
 
  The MUSIC program will lock up your machine if there is a printer attached
  and that printer is not online.
  To check this, either disconnect the printer or bring it online,
  then run the MUSIC program again.
  You may also see this on the 1000 TL/SL/RL and the 2500 XL.
 
Can I install a 20 or 40 Meg hard drive card
in my Tandy 1200 HD?
 
  The 25-1032 or 25-4059 hard drive cards are not supported in the 1200 HD.
  Both cards require MS-DOS 3.20.00 or higher to function properly and
  the only supported MS-DOS version for the 1200 HD is 2.11.41.
 
I am getting INTERNAL DATABASE ERROR -15, 30,
in my DeskMate Address Book.
What is wrong?
 
  The PERSONAL.ADR file has been corrupted.
  (This is the file that holds the data for the Address Book).
  The two options for the customer are to
  (1) start the address book all over again, or
  (2) mail a disk containing the file to:
 
      Database Recovery
      400 Atrium, One Tandy Center
      Fort Worth, TX 76102
 
  A check made payable to Radio Shack for $20.00
  must be included with the diskette.
 
Can I install a high density drive in my 1000 series computer?
 
  No, the 1000 series computers floppy disk controllers were not designed
  to support high density drives.
  Since there is no provision for disabling the built-in
  floppy disk controller, a high density controller will not function.
 
MOM-12-90
NEW SUPPORT PHONE NUMBER FOR STORES
 
Be sure to see the attachment to this M.O.M. that describes the new
store support phone number you should begin using on December 1, 1990.
 
The phone numbers to provide to your customers for computer support questions
are also reprinted.
 
MOM-12-90
TANDY 1000 RL SURVEY RESULTS
 
Congratulations!
The Tandy 1000 RL is fast becoming a great success.
Sales have been above plan.
But even better, we have just received the results of a survey taken of
initial 1000 RL owners -- and it indicates an exceptional level of user
satisfaction of both the product and your product knowledge.
 
A fifteen-minute telephone survey was conducted between October 10 and 14,
1990 in which 200 interviews were completed.
Here are some of the things we learned.
 
  For the majority of buyers, the RL is their first home computer.
  Only one-third of the households includes a family member who uses a
  computer at their place of work.
 
  Both males and females of all ages are using the RL.
 
  In 71% of households, two or more people use the RL.
 
  Most respondents (65%) had been seriously considering a home computer
  before learning of the RL.
  Four out of ten didn't look at other brands before purchasing.
  Of those who did, 40% looked at Apple, 18% at IBM, 12% at Epson,
  and 11% at Compaq.
 
  The majority were aware that the Tandy 1000 RL carries the Good
  Housekeeping Seal!
 
  A full 72% of users say they're using the RL for "personal use only,"
  and only 2% said "business use only."
  The top three factors influencing the buy decision were price, ease of
  use, and the included software, in that order.
 
  Now the best news -- 94% of the respondents are satisfied with their RL
  and would recommend one to a friend or relative.
  So, your best sales leads could come from those satisfied customers.
 
  And finally, roughly 7 out of 10 respondents said the store personnel
  they dealt with were either "extremely well informed," or "well informed"
  about the hardware and software.
 
This proves that we are reaching a new market segment
and a new set of customers with the RL.
Those people needing to bring work home from the office,
or who have heavy home/office use continue to be served by the
1000 TL/2 and 2500 XL.
But the RL is perfect for the first-time user for personal and family use as
well as light office tasks.
 
Continue to set your sights on making this the best Computer Christmas ever.
As the survey shows -- we are more than competitive with the IBM and Apple
offerings.
Brush up on the competition and you'll soon find out why you shouldn't lose a
single computer sale this season.
 
Keep up the great job!
 
MOM-12-90
DEMO COPY OF HOME ORGANIZER SHOULD
NOT
BE COPIED FOR CUSTOMER'S COMPUTERS
 
We've heard reports that some stores
are copying their demo version of the DeskMate Home Organizer
onto customers machines.
(We've even heard some stores are SELLING this to customers!)
 
This is a definite mistake!
 
Not only is that version of the software not meant
to be used on computers
other than the RL and will cause your customer nothing but problems,
but if you're caught, it will cause you nothing but problems.
 
We are working on a version of this software to be used on other
PC-compatible computers and expect it to be available soon,
but for now please tell customers to wait for the software
so they can get the best possible version (while you profit from the sale).
 
MOM-12-90
DESKMATE THESAURUS AND MACROS
COMPANION PRODUCTS NOW AVAILABLE!
 
These two long-awaited products are being manufactured and shipped to our
warehouses as this article is being written.
Do not miss your chance to sell these great add-on items.
Both are only $19.95 and represent great values while providing you maximum
sales margins.
 
Thesaurus Companion -- 25-1365
 
The Thesaurus is a repackaging of 25-1252 at a new low price.
You are already familiar with the benefits of being able to easily add 220,000
synonyms to DeskMate Text.
This product only needs 384K so it is especially nice for owners of
the Tandy 1000 SL.
 
Macros Companion -- 25-1361
 
The Macros product is just that.
It allows the capture of key strokes or mouse clicks to a file.
That file can be called up by <CTRL> or <ALT> and a key.
Think how easy laborious tasks will be with the addition of this product.
A hard drive is recommended for this product.
 
Don't forget that both of these products require DeskMate version 3.X.
This includes 3.0 through the current product.
 
MOM-12-90
256K TANDY 1000 HX WITH SOFTWARE
 
The Tandy 1000 HX with CM-5 Monitor, on sale at $499.50,
is proving to be a hot computer buy.
You can't beat a good value,
and an MS-DOS PC-compatible with color monitor
at this low price is absolutely an incredible value.
With its compact, all in one design,
the HX is the perfect computer for the first time user on a budget,
or for the kids as an educational and entertainment unit.
 
To help you keep these machines selling this holiday,
we're reprinting the list of all programs that will work with the 256K HX.
(And most all 256K RAM software made for PC compatibles
will run on the 1000 HX.)
 
25 series software that operates on the HX:
 
250-1125     F-15 Strike Eagle
250-1174     Varsity Scripsit
250-1183     Thexder
250-1188     Typing Tutor IV
250-1189     Lovejoy's SAT
250-1196     Chuck Yeager's Adv Ft Sim
250-1200     Math Blaster Plus
250-1215     Microsoft Flight Sim 3.0
250-1216     Reader Rabbit
250-1217     Writer Rabbit
250-1218     Math Rabbit
250-1219     Gunship
250-1226     PrintPower
250-1227     Awardware
250-1230     GFL Football
250-1231     King's Quest IV
250-1232     Speller Bee
250-1235     Future Magic
250-1239     TV Gameshows
250-1304     Print Shop
250-1307     John Madden Football
250-1318     Where USA is Carmen Sandiego
250-1319     Math Blaster Mystery
250-1378     Sesame St Dx Elec Crayon
 
Software from Express Order:
 
903-0505     Silent Service
900-0521     Personal Lawyer
900-0522     FastPak Mail
903-0527     WillMaker "Personal" Law
903-0528     For the Record
900-0529     Bannermania
900-0955     Archipelagos
900-0956     Algebra 1: First Semester
900-0957     Algebra 1: Second Semester
903-0965     Car Builder
903-0995     Flight Simulator 4.0
900-1007     Dragon Wars
903-1045     Mah Jong Master
900-1060     Math Blaster Mystery
900-1210     Mixed-Up Mother Goose
903-1217     Pirates!
903-1218     Word Attack Plus
903-1247     Managing Your Money
900-1248     Financial Calculator
900-1254     Maniac Mansion
900-1258     Space Quest: Sarien Enc
903-1263     FormFiller
903-1266     Word Writer PC
903-1277     Deep Space: Oper Coper.
903-1300     Labels Unlimited
900-1326     Stock Portfolio
900-1327     Mailing and Phone List
900-1330     Home Inventory
903-1340     Complete Comp Recipe Sys
903-1358     Checkwrite Plus
903-1367     Star Wars
900-1410     Direct Access 5.0
903-1469     Kidwriter Golden Edition
900-1486     Video Tape Log
903-1490     The Scoop
903-2304     PrintChief
900-2507     Home Lawyer
903-2519     Definitions Plus
903-2540     Floor Plan
900-2712     Recipe Finder
903-2721     Mexican Cookdisk
903-2722     The Personal Cookdisk
900-2757     Sesame Street Print Kit
903-2769     Monsters and Make-Believe
900-2779     Garfield Trivia Game
900-2781     Manhunter: San Francisco
900-2801     My Mail List
900-2802     My Label Maker
900-2803     My Phonebook
900-2804     My Treasures
900-2815     Writer Rabbit
900-2820     Win, Lose or Draw
900-2822     Thexder
900-2823     Space Quest II: Vohaul's Rev
903-2825     F-15 Strike Eagle
903-2826     Gunship
903-2830     Homeworker
903-2836     Thunderchopper
900-2911     Speller Bee   It Talks!
900-3071     PrintMaster Plus
900-3106     Speed Reader
903-3135     See the USA
900-3136     John Elway's Quarterback
900-3137     Manhunter: New York
900-3142     Star Trek II: Rebel Univer
903-3147     Spell It
900-3152     King's Quest II
900-3259     Ancient Art of War at Sea
903-3267     Form Tool
903-3284     Think Quick! Adventure Gm
900-3285     Solitaire Royale
900-3313     Jordan vs. Bird: One on One
900-3317     Tetris
900-3318     Mean 18
903-3353     Test Drive
900-3375     Learning Library I
903-5085     Math Maze
903-5300     Stickybear Math
903-5301     Stickybear Numbers
903-5302     Stickybear Reading
903-5510     Certificate Maker
903-5511     The Newsroom
903-5533     Stickybear Reading Comp
903-5546     Stickybear Typing
900-5580     Create With Garfield
 
MOM-12-90
WHICH DRIVE DO I USE TO UPGRADE THE HX?
 
As we continue selling Tandy 1000 HX computers in record numbers,
some of you may find that you are selling version "A" of the 25-1053.
 
The version "A" unit has only a few differences from the original HX:
 
  First, it has a small floppy eject button on the right side of the bezel,
  instead of a large button centered in the bezel.
 
  The stock number is followed by the letter "A."
 
  The circuit board has some minor changes, all transparent to the user.
 
  The major difference is that it uses 1" height 720K 3 1/2" floppy drives
  instead of the 32mm drive in the earlier HXs.
  This means that when your customer wishes to upgrade to a
  second floppy drive, they must use a 25-1075 instead of a 25-1065.
 
So, make sure which HX you're upgrading before selling that drive, and sell
25-1075 drives for the version "A," 25-1065 for the rest.
 
Thanks to C. David Sima, Store 01-2044, Odenton, MD
for asking the question that resulted in this article.
 
MOM-12-90
WHAT'S NEW ON PC-LINK
 
In our continuing series of articles on PC-Link,
here are the latest enhancements to the service:
 
  The Debate Forum is an area that will provide a vehicle
  in which to debate current issues of the day, live.
  As evidenced by the success of the Express Yourself area and the Iraq
  Crisis Center, the interest among members to discuss a variety of
  issues and current affairs has become apparent.
  The Debate Forum will provide another area in which they may express
  their point of view.
 
  RabbitJack Casino made its debut this month.
  This interactive casino game includes blackjack,
  poker and slots all available for free downloading in the Casino area.
  All games are fully supported with a Casino Lounge Chat Area
  containing message boards, text files and software library.
  Members will be able to interact while participating in these games
  hosted by Casino staff.
 
  The Romance Connection area introduced Find by Region;
  this will enable members to meet others online within their geographic
  areas.
 
  An update from Steve Case was available to members
  in the Town Hall explaining that Quantum will provide
  the monthly calendars online.
 
  Resume Templates and Sample Letters files have been made available
  on PC-Link.
  They will appeal to members who are in the process of or thinking about
  looking for new positions or changing careers.
  Twelve resumes and guidelines for choosing the right style
  are available to read and download.
  The sample Letters file contains fourteen sample letters
  written by Career Center host Jim Gonyea.
  These are designed to cover every step of the job hunting process,
  again available for downloading.
 
  Career Focus 2000, a series of five booklets
  containing descriptions and guidelines about career analysis,
  is available for downloading in the Education area.
 
  Hypermedia Exchanges in the Teachers Information Network provides
  an area where teachers can exchange ideas and work together
  to build comprehensive multimedia units around several subject areas.
  This area consists of one message board with folders for Windowcraft,
  Linkway, Toolkit and Matrix Layout as well as one software board.
 
  The Expert's Pavillion (new to the Teacher Information Network),
  is an area that allows teachers the opportunity to ask questions
  of educational experts in a wide variety of fields including,
  science, mathematics, geography and English.
 
  The Academic Research Service was designed
  to provide research support for students at high school,
  college and graduate school levels as well as to provide resource
  information on non-profit and governmental organizations to the
  general public. The service will be divided into a series of
  topical message boards reflecting the databases that are available
  plus a message board for specific questions and requests.
 
MOM-12-90
POCKET COMPUTER BATTERY
QUICK REFERENCE LIST
 
MODEL         CAT. #     BATTERY TYPE      RS CAT. #     # USED
 
PC-1         26-3501     675 Mercury      23-1521           4
PC-1 I/F     26-3505     NiCad Recharge                 Built-in
 
PC-2         26-3601     AA Alkaline      23-0552           4
PC-2 I/F     26-3605     NiCad Recharge                 Built-in
 
PC-3         26-3590     CR2032 Lithium   23-0162           2
PC-3A        26-3589     CR2032 Lithium   23-0162           2
PC-3 I/F     26-3591     NiCad Recharge                 Built-in
 
PC-4         26-3650     CR2032 Lithium   23-0162           2
PC-4 Cass    26-3651     AA Alkaline      23-0552           2
PC-4 Printer 26-3652     NiCad Recharge                 Built-in
 
PC-5         26-3670     CR2032 Lithium   23-0162           2
                         CR1220 Lithium   CS0231
                         (memory backup)  (Consumer 1 Mail Center)
PC-5 Cass    26-3651     AA Alkaline      23-0552           2
PC-5 Printer 26-3652     NiCad Recharge                 Built-in
 
PC-6         26-3672     CR2032 Lithium   23-0162           2
                         CR1220 Lithium   CS0231
                         (memory backup)  (Consumer 1 Mail Center)
PC-6 Cass    26-3651     AA Alkaline      23-0552           2
PC-6 Printer 26-3652     NiCad Recharge                 Built-in
 
PC-7         26-3672     CR2032 Lithium   23-0162           2
 
PC-8         26-3655     CR2032 Lithium   23-0162           2
 
MOM-12-90
MAGAZINE ADVERTISING
 
Tandy computer products are frequently advertised
in leading national publications.
Magazine advertising reinforces the image of Tandy Computers as
a nationally recognized brand.
Tandy computer products will be featured in the following publications
over the next month:
 
Date      Magazine                 Computer
 
12/01     American Way             Tandy 1500 HD
12/01     CompuServe               Tandy 1500 HD
12/01     Delta Sky                Tandy 1000 RL
12/03     Time Business Ed.        Tandy 1000 RL
12/10     Newsweek Business        Tandy 1000 RL
12/14     Wall St. Journal         Tandy 1000 RL/1500/134 & TL/2
12/15     Black Enterprise         RS/Home Office Hdqtr
12/15     Byte                     Tandy 1500 HD
12/15     Working Woman            RS/Home Office Hdqtr
12/18     PCM                      Tandy 1500 HD
12/20     Compute!                 Tandy 1000 RL
12/21     Home-Office Computing    Home Office Hdqtr
12/24     PC World                 Tandy 1500 HD
12/25     PC Computing             Tandy 1500 HD
 
MOM-12-90
Thanks for the Memory REPRINT
 
Confused?
Join the crowd.
Computer memory is one of the most perplexing topics in the industry today.
Not only are end users baffled by the jargon,
but a majority of professionals in the computer industry
don't have a clear understanding of how it all works.
 
This is not a subject that can be ignored.
Computer users are becoming more sophisticated and are increasingly demanding
more power and performance from their platforms.
Additional memory is one of the tools you can utilize to meet the
performance demands of your customer.
 
In this issue of the M.O.M., Bill Barden, a noted expert on microcomputers,
unravels the mystery surrounding computer memory.
Invest 30 minutes in reading this reprint --
the investment will pay off in add-on sales of memory.
 
MOM-12-90
PC-6 KEYBOARD PROBLEM
 
National Repair Depot has observed a higher-than-acceptable incidence
of upper keyboard problems with the PC-6 Pocket Computer (26-3672),
starting with units received from April, 1990.
The most common symptom is an intermittent or inoperative key or keys
(again, upper keyboard only).
 
All warehouse inventory has been 100% inspected and defective units repaired.
 
If you have any units in your store or any customer returns
that exhibit this specific problem,
they will be fixed by the National Repair Depot at no charge.
They are also reviewing previous repair tickets from April, 1990
and will arrange for a store refund
where the repairs can clearly be identified as being from this problem.
 
MOM-12-90
ABCs OF MODEMS
 
What is a Modem?
 
A modem is simply an electronic device for converting the binary symbols 0 and
1 used within a personal computer to represent numbers and letters (the
computer's "digital language") into the analog format required for
transmission across the telephone network to another computer.
Since the telephone network was originally designed to convey the human voice
as an electrical current which is altered in frequency and strength to
represent the patterns of sound, today's telephone network cannot handle the
digital bits of computer-generated data unless they are altered to analog form.
 
A second modem is then required at the receiving computer to convert the
incoming analog signals from the telephone line back into digital signals to be
processed within the second computer.
In technical terms, the modem is used to MOdulate and DEModulate (MO-DEM) the
digital signal for transmission.
 
In the next ten to twenty years, the conversion of the telephone network itself
from analog to digital will have been completed, and this Integrated Services
Digital Network (ISDN) will obsolete the requirement for modems with their
limited transfer rates and susceptibility to line noise.
Until then, modems with various speeds and features will be with us to allow
access to remote computers, bulletin boards, and databases.
 
The most important features for the consumer or small business are:
 
A.  Speed:
 
     1.     1200 bits-per-second (or "bps") --  also
            called Bell 212A
 
     2.     2400 bps -- also called CCITT V.22bis
 
     3.     9600 bps -- also called CCITT V.32
 
B.  Compression:
 
  The final effective speed of the modem can be enhanced
  by compressing the data itself before transmission, and there are now two
  common standards.
  The amount of compression and speed improvement actually achieved is highly
  dependent on the type of files transmitted (text, data, graphics, etc.).
  The faster a modem can send its data, the less long-distance charges the user
  will pay.
 
  1. Microcom Network Protocol ("MNP") 5, with an approximate 2:1 compression
     rate
 
  2. V.42bis, with an approximate 4:1 compression rate
 
C.  Error Correction:
 
  For many years, higher speed modems required
  special and expensive leased lines to insure adequate line quality and final
  transmission integrity.
  Today's consumer modems achieve good results over most standard
  dial-up lines, and supplemental protocols are available for data
  verification and error correction:
 
  1. MNP levels 2-4
 
  2. V.42 (choice of MNP 2-4 and LAPM)
 
D.  Internal vs External:
 
  Modems are available in both internal and
  external form factors, each with its own advantages.
 
  The external version is the more expensive choice
  since it requires a serial port for attachment
  (and therefore perhaps a dedicated serial card)
  in addition to requiring its own power supply, enclosure, and cable.
  While this separate "modem-in-a-box" takes up extra real estate,
  it is easier to disconnect for service or to reconnect with another CPU,
  and it usually offers a bank of status lamps
  that allow detailed monitoring of operations.
 
  The internal modem, now more popular with most users,
  uses a card slot within the computer and draws its power from the CPU,
  eliminating the cost of the dedicated power supply and enclosure
  and possibly a serial card.
 
Hints for Initial Modem Setup
 
The first-time modem user can be easily overwhelmed by the owner's manual and
the seemingly complicated setup required.
However, it is comforting to realize that most of what appears in the manual is
simply reference material for the advanced user and for special applications.
 
In the case of an external modem, it is simply connected to a computer's serial
port by means of a serial cable.
 
However, in the case of an internal modem, it is essential to check before
installation to be sure that it does NOT use the same COM port as another
serial device, such as a mouse.
For example, the factory default setting for RS modems is COM 2.
If a serial card has been installed previously and assigned to this same COM
port 2, it will be necessary to either remove the serial card and reset it to
COM 1 or to reset the modem itself to COM 1 before installation.
Since the modem's COM port jumpers or dip switch may not be accessible once the
modem is installed, the owner's manual should be consulted and the correct COM
setting confirmed BEFORE installation occurs.
 
Today, there are many fine communications software programs which will allow
the user to program and operate the modem without further recourse to the
owner's manual.
This includes initial setup operating parameters for both auto answer
and auto dialing modes.
DeskMate includes a simplified Telecom program that allows just such modem
configuration and operation.
If a user is intending to use the modem to link to one of
the commercial database services such as CompuServe or Dow Jones,
he/she will need to know before programming the communications software
what the parameters of the database service are:
 
  telephone number
  speed (in baud or bps)
  word length (seven or eight bits)
  parity (odd, even, or none)
  stop bits (one or two), and
  if flow control will be used (Xon/Xoff: yes or no)
 
Generally, some form of password is also required
to allow access to the service.
 
A modem that can be programmed to auto dial and auto answer
(a "smart modem") uses a collection of programming commands
commonly termed the Hayes Command Set,
and those modems utilizing this programming language are said to be
"Hayes compatible."
Almost all consumer modems today utilize some subset of this Hayes protocol.
The manual is useful when the user wishes to program the modem directly using
these Hayes commands or to see what special features are available.
 
The many exciting services available by modem to the computer user
make mastery of this frequently misunderstood peripheral device
something every computer retailer should master.
 
Familiarity with the basic features and terminology
and the ability to set up a modem under DeskMate
are skills that will return many dollars in future sales.
 
MOM-12-90
STOCK ITEMS RELOCATED
 
As of November 1, selected 25 and 26 series accessories and all 700 series
upgrade products have been moved to Consumer Mail.
In the future, CMC will stock all 700 series products.
To order, simply call:
 
(800) 433-2024
 
By the way, a refresher is in order regarding computer products stocked in CMC.
If an item that was originally stocked in TSDC and was orderable by a store
through the POS is moved to CMC, the description for that item on your
stock file will carry the letter designation "CMC" in the last three
characters of the field.
The appearance of this designation is to alert you to the fact that the item
was stocked in a regular warehouse, and that there may be quantities in
some stores.
If you need one and cannot find it in another store, you may be able to order
it from CMC.
 
Here's a list of the items that were moved:
 
Cat.#       Old Description               New Description
 
25-1158     Custom Font Sys               DMP FONT SYS  CMC
26-0220     8"/20mb Bernoulli             8/20MB BRNULI CMC
26-0247     Clear/pk 500                  500 CLEAR LBL CMC
26-0248     Color/pk 1000                 1M COLOR LBL  CMC
26-0281     File Folder/pk 1500           1500 FILE LBL CMC
26-0282     Color File/pk 1500            1500 COLR FIL CMC
26-0299     Laser/pk 750                  750 LASER LBL CMC
26-1281     Black ink f/ CGP220           BLACK CGP220  CMC
26-1282     Color ink f/CGP220            3COLOR CGP220 CMC
26-1333     8-1/2" x 75'/pk 3             PK3 8-1/2X75' CMC
26-1372     8"/10mb Bernoulli             8/10MB BRNULI CMC
26-1391     1/4" Tape/40mb     1/4        TAPE/40MB CMC
26-1402     8-1/2" x 500'/pk 2            PK2 8-1/2X500'CMC
26-1405     4-3/4" x 130'E/pk 3           PK3 4-3/4X130'CMC
26-1407     9" x 90'/pk 1                 PK1 9 X 90'   CMC
26-3506     1-3/4" x 18'/pk 6             PK6 1-3/4 X 18CMC
26-3507     PC1 Pocket Printer            PC1 RIBBON    CMC
26-3606     2-1/4" x 30'/pk 6             PK6 2-1/4X30' CMC
76-1003     8-1/2" x 100'T/pk 6           PK6 8-1/2X100'CMC
88-2042     EPC150 Legal/500              500 EPC150 LGLCMC
88-2045     EPC150 Toner/pk 6             6 EPC150 TONR CMC
88-2046     EPC150 Letter/500             500 EPC150 LTRCMC
88-2051     PPC200 Toner/pk 2             2 PPC200 TONR CMC
700-1502    SCO Device Drvrs              SCO DEV DRVRS CMC
700-1504    SCO Tandy S/W                 SCO TANDY S/W CMC
700-1505    RM/COBOL Runtime              RM/COBOL RNTM CMC
700-1508    DT-110 Termcap                DT110 TERMCAP CMC
700-2617    3.2 Upgr f/SX                 3.2 UP F/1KSX CMC
700-2618    3.2 Upgr f/ TX                3.2 UP F/1KTX CMC
700-3039    XENIX 3.2 Upgrade             M6K 3.2 XEN UPCMC
700-3040    XENIX 3.2 Upgrade             M6K 3.2 XEN UPCMC
700-3041    MSDOS 3.2.3 Upg               3.2.2 UPGRADE CMC
700-3043    XENIX 3.2 Config              M6K XEN3.2CON CMC
700-3044    3+ARCNET Drvr                 3+ ARCNET DRV CMC
700-3048    XENIX V 2.1 Config            XEN V2.1 CONF.CMC
700-3353    Fund TL 1.1                   FUNDAM TL 1.1 CMC
700-3407    UPC Driver f/ T200            UPC DRVR T200 CMC
700-4109    Intl. Drvrs f/ 3.3            INT DRVRS 3.3 CMC
700-4110    LIM 4.0 f/ 386                LIM 4.0 F/386 CMC
700-4162    SCSI Drivers 1.1              SCSI DRVR 1.1 CMC
700-5203    SCO (AT) Upgrade              XEN 2.3AT UPG CMC
700-5204    SCO (MC) Upgrade              XEN 2.3MC UPG CMC
 
MOM-12-90
PRODUCT NEWS
01Z/COMPUTER CENTER
 
NOVELL ANNOUNCES NETWARE UPGRADE AND NETWARE UPDATE PROGRAM
 
Novell recently announced two new after market products
that replace NetWare Assurance.
These new products are designed to provide an affordable and efficient way
to manage system growth and keep up-to-date with current versions
of the popular NetWare operating systems.
 
Novell has tailored the distribution of these products
to provide maximum benefit to their Platinum and Gold Resellers.
Radio Shack, as a Novell OEM,
will leverage off these benefits afforded to the small and select group
of Platinum and Gold resellers authorized to provide these new products
direct to end users.
The UpGrade and UpDate products are available to other Novell resellers
only by referring the end user directly to Novell for fulfillment.
 
Move up with NetWare UpGrade
 
The NetWare Upgrade product provides two options:
 
1. If the NetWare system currently in use is below the current version,
   you can use NetWare UpGrade to essentially trade in the old operating system
   for the current version.
   An example would be moving from Advanced NetWare V2.0a to V2.15.
 
2. Or, you can upgrade from one NetWare operating system
   to one with greater functionality,
   such as moving from Advanced NetWare V2.15 to NetWare 386 V3.1.
 
Key Marketing Notes for NetWare UpGrade:
 
  With the purchase of NetWare UpGrade,
  the customer also receives six months of free NetWare UpDate
  covering the new operating system.
 
  When proposing NetWare, be sure to point out the fact
  that their investment is protected.
  Customers are now assured of a cost effective upward migration path
  as their business expands.
 
  Why Novell customers upgrade from ELS NetWare:
  ELS I has a limitation of 4 users and ELS II a limitation of 10 users.
  Advanced and SFT provide additional enhancements in performance, security,
  and fault tolerance for mission critical applications.
 
  Why customers upgrade from ADV and SFT NetWare:
  The number of concurrent users under NetWare 386 is 250 versus
  the limitation of 100 users under ADV and SFT.
  NetWare 386 also takes full advantage of the 80386 environment
  and offers many enhancements for speed, power, larger storage capacity,
  and improved network management.
 
NetWare UpGrade Migration Paths and List Pricing
 
UpGrade to:   ELS NetWare     ELS NetWare     Advanced     SFT NetWare    NetWare 386
               Level I          Level II      NetWare        V2.15           V3.1
                 V2.12           V2.15         V2.15
From:         (New $795)     (New $1,895)   (New $3,295)   (New $4,995)  (New $7,995)
 
ELS Level I Item No.2000  Item No.2001  Item No.2002  Not available   Not available
                $400         $1,380        $2,780      as an Upgrade   as an Upgrade
 
ELS Level II              Item No.2005  Item No.2006  Item No.2007    Not available
                               $665        $2,065        $3,765       as an Upgrade
 
Advanced V2.0a                          Item No.2009  Item No.2010    Item No.2011
SFT I V2.0a                                $1,155        $2,855          $5,855 
 
SFT II v.20a                                          Item No.2012    Item No.2013
SFT V2.1x                                                $1,745          $4,745 
 
NetWare 386                                                           Item No.2014
V3.0                                                                     $2,800 
 
Keep up with NetWare UpDate
 
New NetWare UpDate is a lower-cost renewable software upkeep program.
It's for users who are at the current NetWare version
and want to remain current year after year.
 
NetWare UpDate ensures that the customer receives all updates, patches,
fixes and features released for a particular NetWare product family
for one year.
 
Each quarter, Novell aims to combine all update releases
and distribute them only to Novell UpDate subscribers.
 
Key Marketing Notes for NetWare UpDate:
 
  NetWare UpDate is only for users at the current version of
  their NetWare operating system.
  If the user is not at the current version,
  they must first purchase a NetWare UpGrade.
 
  Annual renewals may be purchased any time within 12 months
  of the expiration of a NetWare UpDate subscription.
 
  With the rapid advancements being made in network technology,
  the NetWare UpDate product assures your customer of taking full advantage
  of the improvements and enhancements released by Novell.
 
How To Order NetWare UpDate and NetWare UpGrade
 
1. All orders must be placed with:
 
   Radio Shack Contract Marketing
   1400 One Tandy Center
   Ft. Worth, TX 76102
 
2. The following information is required to process the order:
 
   Radio Shack Store #
   Customer Name
   Serial Number of the Current NetWare Product
   UpGrade or UpDate Product Description
   Item #
 
   Note: A photocopy of the the diskette with the serial number
   clearly visible must also accompany this order.
 
How Commissions Are Paid
 
1. The store will receive an 8% commission.
   This commission will be issued by Contract Marketing in Fort Worth.
 
2. The salesmaker should be paid a 4% SPiFF
   (a store manager making the sale should be paid a 3% SPiFF).
 
NetWare UpDate Pricing
 
If you are at this
current version   ELS NetWare  ELS NetWare    Advanced    SFT NetWare   NetWare 386
...and want to      Level I      Level II     NetWare       V2.15          V3.1
remain current...    V2.12        V2.15        V2.15
                  (New $795)   (New $1,895)  (New $3,295)  (New $4,995)  (New $7,995)
 
Order 12 months  Item No.2500  Item No.2501  Item No.2502  Item No.2503  Item No.2504
  of NetWare        $325          $575          $850          $1,250        $2,000
   UpDate
 
MOM-12-90
CONFIGURING NOVELL NETWARE --
AN IMPORTANT REMINDER
 
When configuring and proposing Novell networks,
remember two key products -- On-Track Disk Manager-N and On-Track SCSI VADD.
These products are an essential part of the configuration.
Avoid annoying and costly delays by including these products where required.
 
903/905-2861 On-Track Disk Manager-N   $249.95
 
Required to utilize full formatted drive capacity
of the 25-4130 105 MB IDE AT Hard Drive under Novell NetWare.
 
Supports ELS I, ELS II, Advanced and SFT
 
Note Also provides alternative to Novell's time-consuming
"COMPSURF" utility for preparing hard drives.
 
903/905-1750 On-Track SCSI VADD   $99.95
 
Required to support SCSI devices under Novell NetWare.
 
Supports Advanced and SFT
 
Note Does not support Micro Channel architecture.
 
MOM-12-90
AVAGIO AVAILABLE AT A NEW LOW PRICE
 
The Avagio Desktop Publishing System is in the warehouse!
It will complement your business sales by giving the customers
a high-quality publishing system that works well with their current
computers and printers!
 
Avagio's strength is in its output to dot matrix printers.
No longer is a customer required to have a laser printer for
smooth-edged letters and graphics.
And with the exclusive `Mingle' feature,
users can create some dazzling effects!
 
Because of some new pricing structures,
we will be able to offer this terrific product for only $99.95.
 
You will be receiving an Avagio demo kit with a Not-For-Resale copy
of the software.
Take it out and load it up!
Then print some sample output and leave the printouts
next to the various printers.
It won't take long for customers to see the quality
and start asking about the product!
 
MOM-12-90
COMPTON'S MULTIMEDIA ENCYCLOPEDIA UPDATE
 
This holiday season 01Z stores and 11 Centers have the opportunity to sell a
very unique gift: a Tandy 2500 XL with a CD-ROM drive and
Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia.
Each of these locations should be equipped to demonstrate this product
to their customers.
To bring customers into the stores, the system is being featured in RSCC/01Z
ROP advertising throughout the months of November and December.
 
Replacement CD-ROM Disks
 
Every RSCC and 01Z was sent a Not-For-Resale Compton's CD-ROM disk
in April.
In the event a store or Center was closed, the CD-ROM disk was to have been
claimed by the District or Regional Sales Manager for movement to new stores or
existing stores that lost or misplaced theirs.
If you have a location in need and cannot supply one in this manner,
replacements are now in stock as FC-961 in TSDC.
The cost to the store for this item is $55.00.
They require a DSM or RSM authorization to order.
These demo disks are not to be sold or given away under any circumstances.
 
Hardware Components
 
The hardware required to demonstrate Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia
consists of:
 
25-4074     Tandy 2500 XL
25-1081     Internal CD-ROM Drive
25-1042     PS/2 Style mouse
25-4041     VGM-200 Color Monitor
 
The first three items are available from TSDC as a complete system with the
Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia driver software already installed.
The store will only need to insert the CD-ROM disk into the machine and go.
This is the exact system that sells for $2,999.00
which is pictured on Page 183 of the 1991 Consumer catalog.
 
When the parents of today were children, they had an encyclopedia.
As they grew older, that set either got larger and more costly, or remained
the same and became outdated.
What parent today could refuse the opportunity to give their children something
better than what they had at a much better price?
Don't let your stores miss out on this great sales opportunity.
 
For additional details about CMME refer to the June 1990 issue of the Computer
Merchandising Memo of the Month.
 
MOM-12-90
NORTON UTILITIES NOW AVAILABLE
 
Ever type DEL *.* and press <ENTER> before you realized you were in
the wrong directory?
Ever wish you could keep unauthorized people from looking at files
on your hard drive?
Ever wonder why your hard drive that had such a fast access speed
is reacting so slowly?
 
Enter 25-1429 Norton Utilities.
Utilities?
No, it's not a new electric or water service.
It's a comprehensive set of everyday tools for the average PC user
and a powerful support tool for your customers who
are supporting their own systems.
 
Peter Norton is a foremost authority on personal computing.
As the author of several books on using and supporting PCs,
Norton has the name that means "fix it."
And the new Norton Utilities 5.0 version adds some new features.
 
  The Norton Disk Doctor II
  is a revolutionary utility that diagnoses and repairs bad hard
  drive partition tables, boot records or mangled root directories.
  It can even reformat bad sectors and recover the data.
  Now, in addition to these features, Disk Doctor II can be customized
  to address only certain kinds of problems.
  There's a feature that tracks problems and records them
  so they can be traced and repaired.
  You can also UNDO your "doctoring" in case an inexperienced user
  has created more problems repairing the problem.
 
  Unformat pretty much speaks for itself.
  Norton will retrieve more data than other competitive products.
 
  Calibrate does wonderful things for your hard drive.
  It checks and repairs areas on your hard drive that are damaged
  and reestablishes your hard drive alignment.
 
  Speed Disk is the safest disk optimizer on the market.
  You can even pull the plug while it's running and not lose any data.
  It will go out and check what percentage of the hard drive is fragmented
  and offers suggestions on optimizing your drive's performance.
  With the new enhancement, you can also point to any location on the map
  and find out what specific files are stored in that location.
 
All the Norton Utilities functions can be loaded and operated from
a network drive.
It will not bypass network security and can be operated
by a network administrator.
And it works with Windows 3.0.
 
ANY business customer with a hard drive should have a copy of the
Norton Utilities.
It could save them valuable time and valuable data!
 
MOM-12-90
COMPUTER TECHNICAL TRAINING
 
Radio Shack Computer Technical Services offers technical training, in Fort
Worth, to government agencies, school districts and other large account
customers who maintain their own computer equipment.
 
Our lectures and hands-on labs teach the technician to perform all alignments
and to isolate malfunctions to either the subassembly or component level.
 
Courses consist of lectures and labs.
During the lectures the student will learn what assemblies are in the computer,
what these subassemblies do, the theory behind how they do it, and finally how
all these parts combine to make the complete computer system.
Schematic diagrams and chip data play a major role.
Our instructors discuss theory behind any alignments as well as proper
procedures.
 
Lab sessions teach any alignments that may be pertinent to the system and
demonstrate proper troubleshooting techniques.
During this portion of the course, students solve problems injected into the
computers by the instructional staff.
This allows the student to practice and reinforce what has been learned in the
lecture sessions.
 
When the technician completes this course, he/she will not only understand the
theory behind how the computer system functions, but how, effectively, to
troubleshoot it.
 
1991 Customer Technical Training Schedule
 
Course
Number    System                                   Dates
 
91-C01B1  Tandy 1000 systems              January 21 -- January 25
91-C01B3  Tandy 80286/80386sx systems     January 28 -- February 1
91-C01B4  Tandy 4000 systems              February 4 -- February 8
91-C02B1  Tandy 1000 systems                 April 8 -- April 12
91-C02B3  Tandy 80286/80386sx systems       April 15 -- April 19
91-C02B4  Tandy 4000 systems                April 22 -- April 26
 
Customized curriculums are conditionally available.
For more information about these, or to discuss our standard classes,
contact:
 
Renee Garrett at (817) 390-3969, or
Ken Brookner at (817) 390-2985
 
MOM-12-90
LASER ACCESSORIES LIFE CYCLES
 
Many questions have come up concerning the life of laser toner
and other replacement kits.
Listed here are the "published" life times of the products we sell.
In talking to customers about these life times,
you must make them aware of the many different things
that can severely affect these page counts.
 
How is Life Measured?
 
First, each manufacturer has their own measurement.
It is usually expressed as
"xxx copies at x% print using x type of paper
at xx-xx degrees temperature range with a humidity of x%
using the built in default font."
 
This way of measuring gives the manufacturer a way to measure that
will be consistent from one time to the next.
This is the only way to accurately predict the number of pages.
 
You can see right away that there are going to be varying numbers
achieved by our customers simply because of the grade of paper used,
or the temperature in the room where the printer is sitting,
or the humidity of the room or paper when it is fed into the printer.
Just by varying these three factors a customer can change the number of copies
by as much as 50% one way or the other.
You may find that some customers get as few as 1000 copies
from an LP 1000 toner cartridge and that some get as many as 3000.
 
Toner and Toner Cartridge Life
 
One contributing factor is the length of the print run,
which means the number of copies that are printed right after each other.
For example, writing ten letters and printing them
each as a separate print job is not the same as printing one letter
with a print instruction to make 10 copies.
The latter will take less toner to accomplish and will deposit less toner in
the spillover tray (Kit B on the LP 1000).
And even further, printing 10 separate letters,
one each day for ten days,
uses even more toner than printing ten separate letters
without ever turning off the printer.
 
To help you explain this,
think about what happens when you turn on a laser printer.
It first cycles through a complete revolution which does indeed activate the
toner system to clean it.
That causes toner to be used and that cleaned toner
to be deposited into the spillover tray.
 
Similar things happen when printing is done one page at a time.
Even though the toner that actually ends up on ten pages of paper is the same
whether it is printed one page at a time or all at once, the amount of toner
needed to accomplish the job is much different.
 
When ten pages are printed continuously in one print job,
each page follows the other right through the system
in a systematic pattern without the drum having
to accomplish extra cycles for cleaning.
When each page is printed separately, the drum must be purged of bad toner.
This is because it may have sat on the drum for days since the last print job
-- the printer doesn't know whether the last print instruction was
accomplished one minute or one month ago.
Therefore, before each page is printed, this purging is accomplished using more
toner and depositing more toner in the spillover tray.
In addition, each print instruction that is separate causes the drum to turn
additional turns which also uses more toner.
 
To explain it another way,
think about a painter that is painting a room.
How much paint will be used if he paints it all at one time
versus stopping for a day between brush strokes?
Obviously, the brush will have to be cleaned every day of the old paint before
starting the new day, which causes more paint to be used and the garbage
can to fill up quicker.
 
Paper Grade and Toner
 
Another important factor in toner usage is the quality or type of paper used
(Not to mention the size -- a legal sheet will take more toner than a
standard letter size).
This one factor is the hardest to explain to a customer
since the measurements are not something they would run into every day.
 
There are several factors in paper that will determine how well it reacts to
toner:  weight, smoothness, porosity, opacity, surface resistivity,
stiffness, moisture content, thickness, and dimensions.
 
If you want to give a technical specification on the paper for the LP 950 for
example, you would have to tell the customer to use:
 
Weight                60-80g
Smoothness            FACE greater than 20 seconds
                      (BEKK method)
BACK                  greater than 18 seconds
                      (also BEKK)
Porosity              greater than 7 seconds
                      (BEKK method)
Opacity               greater than 77%
Surface resistivity   greater than 5.0 x 10
                      to the 8th
Stiffness             vertical greater than 17cm
Horizontal            greater than 13cm
                      (CLARK method)
Moisture content      5.5% plus/minus 1%
Thickness             75um - 110um
Temp/Humidity         20-25 degrees C
                      65 plus/minus 5% RH humidity
 
Now if that doesn't confuse you then you're in the wrong job!
Just think how a customer would respond to paper specifications like that.
To achieve the maximum possible best printing paper,
the customer could use a special paper designed specifically
for Laser Printers.
This paper is not available through Radio Shack,
but is available from most office supply houses.
And -- it is very, very expensive.
And even then there are several different types of this special paper.
 
Most customers use standard copier paper,
while some use typewriter paper, and some use their own letterhead.
The toner required for the same amount of printed lines on each of these will
be much different.
Think about a smooth sheet of paper versus a special (very elegant looking)
letterhead on paper with a weave-like look.
It obviously would take more toner to "fill in" between the weave of the
elegant looking special letterhead.
The more porous a paper is, the more toner it will take to print a character
and the more toner will end up in the spill tray.
And standard copier paper is sometimes the absolute worst at using toner
because it is generally very poor quality paper.
 
"at x print"
 
The other factor from our "measurement line" the second paragraph
of this article is "at x% print."
This refers to the percentage of the paper that is actually filled with toner
(i.e. how much is black versus how much is white).
For example, the LP 950 is rated at 4% print.
This means that only 4% of the physical page will be covered with toner.
Or 4% of the actual page will be black versus 96% will be white
or not printed on.
 
Don't let this measurement fool you into thinking that 4% isn't much.
It is really a lot of the page considering that most pages
have margins on the left, right, top and bottom,
and that there are blank spaces and blank lines,
and that each character only takes up a small portion of the square
that it prints in.
 
If you think in terms of a 9 wire dot matrix printer, for example,
the letter "c" uses 11 of 72 dots or 15% of the space to create the letter.
So if that "c" was printed on every possible space on a piece of paper,
the "print percentage" for the whole page would only be 15%.
Now take into account the margins and spaces of a normal letter and you get
that magic 4-5% number that is used in most laser measurement specifications.
 
With the 4-5% above in mind, it should be fairly obvious that there are several
factors which can alter the page count from a toner cartridge.
 
1. Any graphics on a page will lower the page count considerably as
   graphics use much more toner
 
2. A page with all capital letters will use more toner than a page with
   varying amounts of capitals and lower case
 
3. A bolded font will use more toner than a standard weight font
 
4. A large point size font will use more toner than a smaller size font
 
As you can see, even the type of printing or font can seriously alter the
amount of toner that is used.
AND -- the more toner that is used to print, the more toner that is
deposited into the spillover tray
and the fewer number of copies that a drum is good for.
 
Some Other Factors
 
One other point worth mentioning is that some customers automatically assume
that the developer or drum needs changing
just because there is something wrong with the printing quality
or a spot gets on the printed page.
The more often a drum or developer is changed,
the more toner that falls out of the tray into the printer
causing less copies to be printed.
 
One other item worth mentioning is that some customers change supplies
because of a printing problem when it is simply the shield plate (LP 1000) or
the transfer or main charger wire that need cleaning.
 
How Many Copies Was That Again?
 
In conclusion, is there any magical way of determining how many copies
a customer should be getting out of a toner cartridge
or a developer kit or drum kit?
The answer is YES if you can absolutely guarantee that each of the printing
specifications is adhered to without fail 100% of the time.
And obviously no one can do this.
This can only be accomplished in a special laboratory environment where
everything can be controlled.
 
As a vendor of printing products,
we can no more guarantee the life of a toner cartridge
than can the automobile manufacturers guarantee miles per gallon.
There simply are way too many driving habits and printing habits to do so.
 
So why do we bother to publish "life" numbers for our products?
Because it is a finite way to measure and does at least give a reference point
for comparing against different products.
There is no average customer environment or average customer paper or average
customer printing habit to base these numbers on.
And remember, the entire printing industry uses a measurement standard based
upon similar laboratory results which gives the customer something to compare
our products to others.
 
Life Cycle Listings
 
Cat. #    Description    Rated life
 
26-2804   LP 1000        180,000 copies
                         Max 3,000 per month
                         Max 1,000 per day
26-2807   Toner          2,000 pages
26-2805   Kit A         20,000 pages per kit
26-2806   Kit B         10,000 pages per kit
 
(Based on 5% print using Ricoh PPC 6000/Xerox 4024 paper
at 23 degrees C at 60% humidity.)
 
Cat. #    Description                  Rated life
 
26-2838   LP 950 Laser Printer         200,000 copies or
                                       5 years whichever comes first
26-2841   Toner                        3,000 pages
26-2842   Drum Cartridge               50,000 pages
26-2843   Developer Cartridge          25,000 pages
 
(Based on 4% print using paper specified above
at 20-25 degrees C at 65 plus/minus 5% humidity.)
 
Note: The LP 950 monitors everything electronically
and will tell the user when to change supplies.
 
TANDY  COMPUTERS: Because There Is No Better Value.
 
MOM-12-90
WHO DO I SELL POINT-OF-SALE SYSTEMS
TO IN DECEMBER?
 
Target potential customers that do not depend on the Christmas Holidays for
their sales.
You will find that this is the best time of the year for these customers to
convert to a new accounting system.
 
Here is a suggested list of potential customers:
 
Plumbing Supply
Swimming Pool/Spa Supply
Electrical Supply
Office Supply
Building Material/Lumber Supply
Hardware Stores
Scuba Diving Equipment Shops
Marina and Boat Supply
Feed and Seed Supply
Implement/Tractor Dealers
 
These customers can be your reference referrals for those prospects who will
have time to talk to you after the Holiday Season.
 
MOM-12-90
POINT-OF-SALE CREDIT CARD OPTION
 
For 250-1465 Retail Point of Sale (XENIX) order 903-2556 Credit Card
Option Software.
Remember this software enables the user to record the credit card sale and
telephone the credit card service automatically.
Suggested retail is $95.00.
 
Additional Information
 
For information on card processing and check guarantee services
call Merchant Services at (800) 848-3213 and ask about the
"Synchronics Connection."
Don't forget the Credit Card Option requires a Hayes compatible modem
and the 900-2397 magnetic stripe reader with the 273-1651 ac/dc adapter
(an example is the 900-2180 Smart One Modem
with a suggested retail of $139.00).
 
MOM-12-90
NEW ADDRESS FOR CUSTOM FORMS
 
Effective immediately, our custom forms printer has a new address
and intra-Texas phone numbers.
Address your orders as follows:
 
  Total Forms Order Entry
  All-States Business Products
  3011 Red Hawk Drive
  Grand Prairie, TX   75051
 
The new telephone numbers are
 
  National     (800) 527-0625  (same as previous)
  Texas only   (800) 327-9679
  Dallas local (214) 641-4664
  FAX          (214) 641-2980
 
MOM-12-90
EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY
Radio Shack Education Marketing Newsletter
 
 
From all of us here at the Education Division,
 
Happy Holidays To All,
And To All,
Good Sales!
 
TEACHER OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM
CONTINUES THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 1990
 
Over 2,000 completed TOP coupons have been received by Education Marketing
since September 1.
That means that more than 2,000 computer systems have been purchased by
educators and their schools from all over the country.
 
Thanks go to all of you who have helped make this one of our most successful
promotions to date.
 
December is a perfect time to remind your local schools about this outstanding
opportunity.
The promotion continues through the end of December, and offers special pricing
on 2500 XL, TL/2, and RL/HD systems.
 
See Page 22 of the September 1990 M.O.M.
and Page 22 of the October 1990 M.O.M. for complete details of the offer.
 
And remember, software is the perfect stocking stuffer.
Teacher's Helper (25-1244, $69.95) should be under any teacher's tree.
 
MOM-12-90
TANDY NETWARE SCHOLARSHIP
 
On September 1, 1990, Novell gave to Tandy the exclusive right
to administer the Novell Education Grant Program.
This program will now be administered by Tandy
under the Tandy NetWare Scholarship program.
 
Tandy NetWare Scholarships allow school districts
to put networks in place at substantial discounts.
With the scholarship, the cost of Advanced NetWare or SFT NetWare is $1,000.
The cost of NetWare 386 is $2,000.
 
     Software
 
            Advanced    SFT      386
 
List Price   $3,295   $4,995   $7,995
Discount       70%      80%      75%
Grant Price  $1,000   $1,000   $2,000
 
With Tandy NetWare Scholarships you can offer your customers the best price
for NetWare approved by Novell.
 
The Tandy NetWare Scholarship program is an excellent sales tool:
 
  Helps seed the K-12 marketplace with NetWare,
   and in the process sell significant installations of Tandy computers.
 
  With such significant discounts, school districts can try NetWare
  at minimal expense.
 
  Also shows our corporate support to help school districts bring
  cost effective network technology to students, teachers and administrators.
 
Terms and Conditions of the Scholarship
 
Unlike the Novell Grants Program, the Tandy NetWare Scholarship program
is designed to meet the specific needs of the K-12 market.
In our program, we have lowered the full-time enrollment requirement from
15,000 to 10,000 for each scholarship,
and we have removed the requirement for prepayment.
 
1. The school district receiving the scholarship
   must be either state supported, or private not-for-profit.
 
2. The scholarship is for Advanced NetWare, SFT NetWare or NetWare 386 only.
   The cost to the school district for Advanced NetWare or SFT NetWare
   is $1,000.
   The cost for NetWare 386 is $2,000.
 
3. The number of scholarships a school district can receive
   is based on the Full Time Equivalent enrollment of the school district.
   Any scholarships received previously from Novell will apply to these limits.
   Any school district qualifies for at least one scholarship copy of NetWare.
   A primary or secondary school district (Kindergarten to 12th grade)
   must have more than 10,000 students to qualify for a second scholarship.
 
   Number of Students      Number of Scholarships
 
        0 to 10,000                1
   10,001 to 20,000                2
   20,001 to 30,000                3
 
   (with one additional for each 10,000 students)
 
4. Technical support is not included with the scholarship.
 
5. Upgrades are not available through the scholarship program.
 
Application Procedures
 
1. This program is available to qualified school districts only.
 
2. You may request the Scholarship Application,
   to be completed by the school, from Contract Marketing.
 
3. All applications must be placed with:
 
   Radio Shack Contract Marketing
   1400 One Tandy Center
   Ft. Worth, TX  76102
 
4. The store will be notified in writing
   if the scholarship is approved or declined.
 
Commissions, SPiFFs & Sales Quotas
 
1. The store will receive an 8% commission.
   This commission will be issued by Contract Marketing in Fort Worth.
 
2. The salesmaker should be paid a 4% SPiFF.
 
3. A store manager making the sale should be paid a 3% SPiFF.
 
4. The Area Education Marketing Manager will receive the value
   of the 15% commission on the sale of the Tandy NetWare Scholarship
   as a revenue credit, which will be applied toward sales quotas.
 
MOM-12-90
EDUNETICS AND RADIO SHACK OFFER
COMPUTER-BASED SCIENCE CURRICULUM
 
October 26, 1990 -- Fort Worth, Texas  -- The Radio Shack Education
Division of Tandy Corporation announced today that Edunetics Corporation is a
newly authorized Value Added Education Reseller of Tandy computers.
The announcement was made in Fort Worth at the Conference for the Advancement
of Science Teachers (CAST), held October 26-27, 1990.
 
To deliver a complete hardware/software solution to schools, Edunetics has
chosen to market and support their computer-based science curriculum on Tandy's
popular line of MS-DOS compatible computers.
 
"Radio Shack is pleased to announce the addition of Edunetics Corporation to
its Value Added Reseller program," said Jim McGrody, vice president of Radio
Shack's Education Division.
"Academic excellence in science is of great importance to this nation's
longterm global competitiveness, and the curriculum offered by Edunetics
gives students a strong foundation for the future."
 
Edunetics publishes Rediscover Science, an integrated software curriculum which
has been designed with an emphasis on the development of critical thinking
skills through science processes.
It contains 210 lessons to teach and learn knowledge-based information,
concepts, principles, science methodology and applications.
 
Rediscover Science covers three different curriculum areas for grades 5-9:
Life Science, Earth Science, and Physical Science.
 
Each curriculum area offers three instructional modes:
Tutorials, which use extensive interactions and animated color graphics to help
students understand important science concepts; Simulations, which enable
students to perform simulated experiments and analyze their findings; and,
Explorations, which challenges students to use their critical thinking skills
to apply and evaluate scientific concepts.
 
All instructional lessons are self-paced with glossaries, help screens and
hints.
Every six months, existing lessons are updated and new lessons are added.
 
For the science teacher, Rediscover Science includes a Test Bank of more than
3,000 questions, diagnostic curriculum to track student scores and progress,
and a management system that gives the teacher a flexible tool to prepare and
assign individual educational plans, as well as to monitor students' learning
in real time.
 
MOM-12-90
FASTYPE TEACHES KEYBOARDING
 
FasType II is now available in a network version for SchoolMate.
It's available through Radio Shack's Educational Express Order
and sells for $399.95.
 
The network version was written with the teacher in mind and includes a
Teacher's Manual with lesson plans, course outline, transparency masters, and a
printout of all the lessons.
The stand-alone version of FasType II is also available for Tandy's PCs and
sells for $39.95.
 
FasType II is the simplest and fastest way to learn keyboarding.
FasType II teaches keyboarding based on the method developed by Carol Yacht,
who has taught typing in elementary and high school and at the college level.
Her method simplifies and accelerates the process of learning the keyboard.
 
FasType II encourages students to learn the keyboard the way they will use it:
to type words and continuous prose.
Words and phrases are used to teach keystroking patterns.
 
Proper finger and hand position is stressed.
Only the proper letter responses allow the exercise to continue.
Speed tests are placed at intervals throughout the lessons to reinforce the
student's kinesthetic integration.
Students find that learning the keyboard using the FasType II system is
habit-forming.
They like it.
 
Margaret Lee Doscher, a teacher at the Educational Therapy Clinic of Princeton,
New Jersey, says that the FasType exercises help her dyslexic students develop
keyboard proficiency on the computer.
 
The alphabetic keys, number and symbol keys, function keys, and 10-key pad are
taught.
Speed tests are included for the 10-pad keys.
 
There are three levels of skill building exercises.
Level 1 exercises are designed to reinforce repetitive keystroking patterns.
Students practice letter combinations that form simple words.
Level 2 and Level 3 exercises also reinforce repetitive keystroking patterns as
the words get progressively more difficult.
 
The FasType II method enables students to learn the entire keyboard and the
lessons flow logically and easily.
 
FasType II is designed for students in the third grade through college levels.
If you have any questions about FasType II,
please call Carol Yacht at (602) 634-3238.
 
MOM-11-90
THE FRONT LINE
THE FRONT LINE is a monthly column dedicated to discussing
marketing, merchandising and customer care concepts.
 
INVENTORY CONTROL!
 
Although this month's column is primarily directed to the 01Zs and 11s,
it also contains good information that is applicable to all stores.
Tent sales around the nation have done a great job of
achieving our objectives: to reduce the amount of inventory on hand
in our Computer Centers and Plus Computer Centers
and clear out the last of many discontinued products.
You have been given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to start afresh
with a "clean" inventory.
Let's talk about how product must be handled in our Computer Centers
from now on to insure that we take full advantage of our position
and maximize our ability to make profit:
 
First, Some Basic Rules
 
1. No special order merchandise should be ordered from TSDC
   without a bona fide customer order with deposit.
   We'd all like to think that a customer who says they'll be back
   will indeed be back, but the reality is, if we get a deposit,
   the chances of that customer claiming their item are increased dramatically.
 
2. Never, ever order 900 series merchandise for stock.
 
3. Express Order  software that has been accidentally ordered
   or returned by a customer can be returned for as much as full credit
   in some cases.
   Make sure you clearly understand how to take advantage of the program.
   Review the SOM, Section VI, Page 17.
 
4. You must take responsibility for your inventory.
   If it's discontinued, make sure that everyone knows it must be sold.
   If it's an overstock item, make sure that attention is drawn to it.
   If it's broken, get it repaired as soon as possible.
 
5. Speaking of taking responsibility for your inventory;
   from time to time we're able to offer programs
   that allow you to return excess quantities of inventory or defective items.
   We're always surprised by how few managers take advantage of these programs
   and how much product remains in the store at their conclusion.
   Of course, you're busy;
   however, these programs are your "golden opportunity"
   to reduce your inventory and move out product that,
   for one reason or another, you can't sell.
   Take advantage of them!
 
6. Never order a system for a customer without a commitment.
   Make it your policy to require a lease application,
   written purchase order or cash deposit.
 
7. Plan how your store or Center will
   insure that floor samples are sold regularly.
   You can't have an empty showroom,
   but you must also turn the equipment on a regular basis
   to guard against merchandise becoming shopworn.
 
Next, Use Tandy Systems Integration
 
Use Tandy Systems Integration and sell the cataloged systems.
TSI and the featuring of packaged systems in our catalog
are both new programs for us.
These programs have the normal number of "bugs"
that we're working to resolve.
If you've tried it, congratulations!
If you've tried it and alerted us to mistakes or shortcomings, thank you.
Your advice and suggestions are a good way for us to find out
what needs to change.
 
Based on the feedback we've received,
we need to clarify a couple of things:
 
  Our August 23rd memo described "off the shelf" delivery
  from Tandy Systems Distribution Center on certain pre-built systems.
  This aspect of the program has taken longer to implement
  than we expected it would.
  Parts availability has been the main reason for delayed shipments.
  Detailed in an attachment to this M.O.M. are some changes
  in system configurations that should solve most of the problems
  and help get TSDC back on schedule.
 
  There appears to be a misunderstanding about what "off the shelf" means.
  Barring parts availability problems,
  TSDC will ship and bill the pre-built systems within two business days
  from the receipt of the order.
  Regular transit time still applies.
  If you need to speed up the transit time
  the system can be shipped overnight or second day air,
  with your DVP's authorization.
 
Changes to Catalog System Configurations
 
There are a few minor changes to the system configurations.
See the new "PRE-BUILT SYSTEM ORDER" form attached to this M.O.M.
for additional information regarding changes in the handling
of computer systems.
 
Summary
 
Every successful retailer can attribute part of their success
to good inventory management.
The inventory you have on hand in your store or Center represents
the highest single expense cost on your P & L.
It's been said here before, but now that you have a "fresh start,"
it's worth repeating...
 
Stocking those items that sell well will result
in a greater number of inventory turns,
reduce instances of obsolescence and devaluation --
and that puts money in your pocket.
 
Good Luck and Good Managing!
 
MOM-11-90
THE DESKMATE  DIFFERENCE
A series of articles on DeskMate.
 
SELLING DESKMATE UNDER BATTLE CONDITIONS -- Part 2
 
Last month in Part I we gave general tips for
selling computers using DeskMate as well as selling tips for the versions of
DeskMate shipped with various Tandy computers.
This month we move to the actual selling process.
 
As you know, selling computers means more than writing sales tickets.
To be a successful computer salesmaker you must know how to use DeskMate
in the selling cycle to sell computer systems.
As the holiday season approaches, you must often condense the sales cycle
in order to best serve all of your customers.
This article will give you pointers on doing just that.
 
Qualifying:  Determining the Customer's Needs
 
As pointed out in last month's Training Kinetics article,
several questions can help you determine a customer's needs:
 
"Is this computer to be a gift for someone else
or a gift for yourself?"
Determine who will be using the computer to help you direct the sale
to the correct system.
 
"Have you ever used a computer before?"
Determine the computer sophistication of the purchaser.
 
"What do you want to do with the computer?"
If the customer starts rattling off uses, take careful note of them.
Be sure to cover all these uses when you present the capabilities
of the computer.
 
If the customer doesn't know, set the customer's expectations
by naming some of the capabilities of the built-in DeskMate software:
writing and correcting letters, keeping addresses and a calendar,
keeping a home inventory, etc.
If the Tandy  1000 RL seems appropriate, mention the checkbook balancing,
the kitchen programs, the diary,
and other programs that seem right for the customer.
 
"Where else have you looked at computers,
or where else are you thinking about going?"
If the customer mentions other computers by name,
ask what features are important to him or her.
 
The Kicker
 
To this list we can add one more question:
"If I can provide you with a computer that meets your needs
at the right price, are you prepared to go ahead?"
This single question will separate the tire-kickers from the serious customers.
If the answer is "No," and if your store is crowded,
you must decide how much time you want to invest in your attempt
to turn this situation into a sale.
Be ready to answer any questions, but don't stay with this customer
and neglect your other customers.
 
If the answer is yes, spend more time with the customer,
following the guidelines below.
 
About the Demonstration...
 
Avoid it if possible.
We recently asked one of our C Classes how many of them had sold computers
without a demonstration.
Most hands went up.
We asked how they did it, and these are some of their answers:
 
  Have a Tandy  1000 system set up with the DeskMate Desktop
  on the screen.
  Point to the application boxes on the screen as you describe what
  each program can do.
  If you're selling a Tandy  1000 RL,
  also use the DeskMate Home Organizer  menu with its description
  of each program to sell the system without running any of the programs.
 
  Emphasize how easy the system is to use.
  Describe the tutorials and the help system, and show them if needed.
 
  Discuss the Guaranteed Success pledge and what it means to the customer.
  "This Tandy 1000 RL is so easy to use that it guarantees success."
 
  Let the customer view the Tandy 1000 RL demo diskette.
  It shows how a typical family might use the RL on a typical day.
 
  Sell the customer the DeskMate Videotape (25-1253).
  This gives him a good chance to consider the advantages of DeskMate and
  Tandy computers without taking a lot of your precious selling time.
  (Plus, you sold one more item -- the videotape!)
 
  Let the customer use the computer herself while you help other customers.
  You may use DeskMate Text and let the customer start typing.
  Point out the arrow keys, the delete key, and the <F1> key for help.
  Or, you may choose one of the tutorials as a good introduction to DeskMate's
  ease of use.
 
Ready-to-Buy Indications
 
As you are selling the computer, watch for signs that your customer
is ready to buy.
When you see one of these signs, stop selling and close:
 
1. "Do you have it in stock?"
 
2. "Do you take credit cards?"
 
3. "How long does it take to get a Radio Shack credit card?"
 
4. "What kind of warranty do you offer?"
 
5. If your customer starts comparing the different models
   of Tandy computers, he or she may have decided to buy
   and must now decide which model.
   Don't push -- just answer the questions and offer any relevant observations.
 
6. Learn to read body language.
   One of our managers claims he can tell within a minute whether
   the customer will buy.
   When asked how he can tell, he cannot describe the signs.
   But he can read them.
   Learn to read signs of readiness to buy, reluctance, fear,
   embarrassment about lack of knowledge, etc., and learn to sell to
   each kind of response.
 
Closing the Sale
 
If the customer doesn't give buying signals after a reasonable amount of time,
you must close the sale.
Use questions such as these:
 
  "Do you have a Radio Shack Value Plus credit card?"
 
  "We offer delivery of computers.
  Would that be helpful to you?"
 
  "Would you prefer the system with a hard disk or without one?"
 
  "Do you agree that DeskMate's ease of use makes this
  the right computer for you?"
 
  "Is your child's success in education worth the investment
  of thirty dollars a month?"
 
Adding the Extras
 
With each computer sale you have the opportunity
to include high-profit add-ons that your customer will appreciate.
Don't forget these:
 
   Printer -- (What good is a word processor without it?)
   Once you sell the printer, remember the printer cable,
   paper and an extra ribbon.
 
   Additional Software -- Focus on entertainment,
   home education and low-cost productivity titles.
   If you have them, sell the Bonus Packs.
   These are great bargains for quality DeskMate applications.
 
   A Mouse -- The DeskMate system works more smoothly and intuitively
   with a mouse.
   (And every mouse needs a mouse pad!)
 
   Keyboard Cover -- Will your customer use the computer
   in the kitchen or on the dining table?
   A keyboard cover can keep the keyboard clean
   and avoid the soup-in-the-keys syndrome.
 
Proper preparation and plenty of practice makes your selling smoother and
more effective.
So get ready!
That next DeskMate customer is about to walk in your door!
 
MOM-11-90
THE CREDIT LINE
Direct to you from Tandy credit departments -- RSVP, Tandy Computer Leasing and Commercial Credit
 
RSVP
 
THIS IS THE SEASON
RSVP for your consumers' holiday gift shopping
 
From now until the jingle bells ring,
you can assume that every visitor who enters your store
will need to be thinking about gift buying.
Some, like Ed McMahon, may not plan to do anything about it
until late the afternoon "before," but it's to your advantage
to let each and every shopper (and looker) know about
Radio Shack's own credit card.
 
As you prepare to ring up a sale (any size sale) be sure to ask,
"Will this be on your card today?"  OR...
as Pete Baribault, manager of 01-2711 in Valley Stream, New York
asked a lady who stopped in his store just to pick up her free
battery of the month, "Have you gotten your RSVP card yet?"
That resulted in her filling out an RSVP application,
getting approval and leaving Pete's store with her free battery
and $800 in purchases!!
 
Then there's the opportunity to approach the person "looking" at
a high ticket ($100/$400 range) product and ask,
"If I can sell you that for just $15 a month,
would you like to take it with you today?"
That's one of Ted Gatlin's successful openers.
Ted, before his recent move to Houston,
was manager of 01-3495 in Aiea, HI.
 
You've got the product line to offer suitable and exciting gifts
for every name on your shoppers' holiday gift lists:
RSVP can provide the credit line.
And while you're at it, don't pass up the chance to earn extra cash
for your holiday cheer by suggesting ChargeGard coverage for RSVP purchases.
There's a $5 personal bonus to you for every one of your
newly-approved applicants who sign up for ChargeGard benefits.
 
Be sure to let your cardholders know that with ChargeGard,
their RSVP purchases will be repaired or replaced when damaged,
destroyed or stolen (conditions listed in the certificate)
for up to 3 years as long as there remains a running balance on the account.
 
Again quoting Pete Baribault,
"Why would any rep not encourage RSVP applicants to buy ChargeGard coverage?"
 
Through Christmas, FAX lines for RSVP applications will be available
for all stores.
Every effort will be made to keep the turnaround time
for FAXed applications as short as possible,
but processing may take up to three hours.
 
The All Store FAX number is:
 
(800) 767-3465
 
You can still expect to get your quickest response on applications
through standard phone-in procedures,
even when needing to wait on queue.
Whether by phone, FAX or mail,
you can effectively expedite processing time by making sure
each portion of the application has been completed.
The biggest delay-causing culprits are the omission,
inaccuracy or illegibility of:
 
1. Business phone number
 
2. Social Security number
 
3. Initialed Insurance Election
 
4. Checking/Savings account information
 
NEAT and COMPLETE is the KEY!
 
Speaking of "NEAT"...wait 'til you see your customers reaching into their
wallets for their stunning new Radio Shack Value Plus Credit Cards!
The futuristic new RSVP cards are still in the production stage,
but distribution should be starting shortly after the new year.
Meanwhile, watch for your sneak preview later this month of a newly-designed
RSVP Credit Desk sign -- a sign to help you accelerate
the growth of your credit sales this holiday season
by making your customers aware of the plusses of ValuePlus!
 
Remember to always:
 
Make RSVP your customers' first choice...
not the salesperson's last resort!
 
   See your October-December issue of Tandy Credit Check
   (formerly the RSVP Update) for more on Pete and Ted's success stories:
   They are truly "stars" to emulate!
 
MOM-11-90
Tandy Computer Leasing
 
THIS IS THE SEASON
TCL for your commercial clients' year end
business equipment shopping.
 
Through December 31st:  Double SPiFFs for you!!
No Lease Security Deposit Requirement for your (qualifying) Customers
during this promotion!!
 
What better time than now to:
 
  Contact your current TCL customers
  and offer them the chance to upgrade or add-on to their existing leases
  with no cash up front outlay?
 
  Touch base with your "thinking about it" and "cold call" prospects?
  This deadline offer might just be the sale clincher.
 
  Approach every possible commercial shopper with the news?
  A TCL lease can be good news any time, but this is celebration time.
 
BE PREPARED...Give yourself the gifts ( ) that can be your "Cash Cow."
 
  The gift of: LEASING AWARENESS...KNOW THAT:
 
  1. Leasing is fast becoming the #1 financing choice
     of astute commercial decision makers from "Mom and Pop"
     to Fortune 500 operations.
 
  2. You have a leasing company (TCL) as close as your phone or FAX,
     dedicated to provide financing for the product needs of
     your Radio Shack commercial customers.
 
  3. (The following applies only to those who, on the subject of $$$,
     feel more is better than less)...
     YOU EARN MORE ON A TCL SALE !!
 
  The gift of: LEASING LITERACY...KNOW THAT:
 
  1. There are 2 basic requirements before you can "sell" TCL Leasing:
 
     The desire to increase the number of sales you close
     and the average dollar amount of your sales. 
 
     An investment of the relatively small amount of time and effort
     needed to use this power tool effectively.*
 
     Start by reading a copy of "LEASING: The sensible alternative,"
     the customer handout that should be prominently displayed
     in a "TAKE ONE" holder in every Radio Shack Store in the nation.*
 
     Next, look over the leasing forms in one of the blue
     complete TCL document packets (FO-150).*
 
     Then, get familiar with TCL's blue Rate Factor Card.*
 
FAMILIARITY BREEDS CONFIDENCE;
attain that with Leasing AWARENESS and leasing LITERACY:
 
* Contact TCL for display items, documents or assistance at any time.
 
A TCL LEASE...
 
The Closing Link To a Total Solution...
for your clients' business products needs.
 
MOM-11-90
Commercial Credit
 
During the past month Commercial Credit has added four (4)
additional "Lock Boxes" for customer remittances.
 
These lock boxes enable Radio Shack Commercial Credit to post payments
to customer accounts in a timely and efficient manner,
by reducing mail delays and avoiding Accounts Receivable workload fluctuations.
 
The states affected and the new addresses are:
 
Wisconsin, Iowa,    Radio Shack Accounts Receivable
Missouri, Kentucky, P.O. Box 96062
Indiana, Illinois   Chicago, IL 60693-6062
 
Montana,            Radio Shack Accounts Receivable
South Dakota,       File Number 96062
North Dakota,       P.O. Box 1504
Minnesota           Minneapolis, MN  55480-1504
 
Wyoming,            Radio Shack Accounts Receivable
Nebraska            File Number 96062
                    P.O. Box 419670
                    Kansas City, MO  64141-6670
 
Michigan            Radio Shack Accounts Receivable
                    File Number 96062
                    P.O. Box 33075
                    Detroit, MI  48232-3075
 
All customers in the above-listed states have been notified by letter
and the new remittance addresses are being printed on the customer statements.
As other lock boxes are added, this information will be updated.
 
As a note of caution, customers with unapproved accounts will receive
the above-mentioned letter.
If a customer desires to make a purchase and shows this letter
as proof of an account, call Commercial Credit Approval at:
 
(800) 442-2585
 
This is especially important if you have not previously sold to this customer
and/or the company name is not listed on your store's current
Accounts Receivable Detail List of Charge Account Customers.
HOME OFFICE MARKETING
Why do our TANDYFAX machines represent a large sales opportunity for you?
 
MOM-11-90
FACTS ON FAX -- Part 1
 
Large Sales Potential
 
If you read last month's Home Office Marketing article carefully,
you noticed an interesting fact from the survey:
among all items of home office equipment listed,
FAX machines had the largest percent of intended purchasers
and almost the smallest installed base.
This means the largest purchase potential among existing home offices is for
FAX machines.
 
What Is FAX?
 
FAX is short for "facsimile."
FAX machines may be thought of as remote copiers.
You place a printed page in your machine and a copy prints out at a remote
location.
A FAX machine adds efficiency and legitimacy to a home office.
 
FAX machines have become one of the standard means of communication
from office to office, whether the two offices are blocks apart
or continents apart.
Why?
Because FAX machines provide instant,
inexpensive transmission of text and graphics.
 
Saving Money With a FAX Machine
 
Most people use FAX machines to send documents that would otherwise
be sent overnight -- that makes real savings.
A small business can easily cost-justify by considering these costs:
 
Cost to send document overnight Mail:  $10.00  (Approx.)
Cost to send FAX (for the phone call):   2.00  (Approx.)
Savings per document:                  $ 8.00
 
Cost of TANDYFAX 1010:                $699.00
Documents to recover cost ($699/$8):       88 documents
 
Assuming you send two documents per day,
the FAX machine will pay for itself within six weeks!
 
Furthermore, if the business is within the local calling area
and the call is free, the out-of-pocket cost is practically nothing!
 
The TANDYFAX 1000 and TANDYFAX 1010
 
We sell excellent quality FAX machines at good prices.
The new TANDYFAX 1010 has these features:
 
Automatic Document Feeding.
You can insert a document, up to five pages at a time,
into the TANDYFAX 1010 and the system will automatically
feed the sheets in one at a time.
 
Automatic Reception.
You don't need to stay near the TANDYFAX 1010 for
it to receive documents -- it's automatic.
 
Terminal Identification.
The TANDYFAX 1010 prints your station ID at the top of the page
so the receiving party can quickly identify you.
 
Home Office Computing magazine has rated the items above as top priority
capabilities.
Our TANDYFAX 1010 has these additional features:
 
Group 3 Compatibility means compatibility with the
largest installed base of FAX machines (85% plus).
 
Memory Dialing stores up to 10 numbers of 36 digits each.
Most businesses routinely send most FAXes to only a few destinations,
so memory dialing is a real time saver.
 
Adjustable Transmission Settings let you adjust the contrast
and resolution for the best copy.
 
Copy Function lets you preview your FAX before you send it
by making a copy of it first.
 
Transaction Journal lets you review time and date information
about documents you send and receive.
 
Polling lets your machine automatically retrieve documents
from other locations.
Rather than have each sending unit call a central receiving unit,
the polling machine queries specified senders for information.
 
Built-In Telephone lets you use the TANDYFAX 1010 as a regular phone.
It also lets you talk with the receiving party before or after sending
a document.
 
Switchable Answer Mode allows you to select whether the
TANDYFAX 1010 automatically answers calls or whether you will answer it like
a regular phone.
You can set the FAX machine to answer after 5 rings or not to answer at all.
 
Automatic Redial will dial your FAX recipient as many as five
times if the receiving machine has a busy signal.
Thus you can leave the document in the machine and go about your business
when you receive a busy signal.
 
Redial lets you instantly dial the last number called.
 
Built-In Backup Battery protects the settings and autodial
numbers during a power loss.
 
On-Hook Dialing saves dialing time and effort.
You don't have to pick up the receiver to dial.
 
Hearing Aid Compatibility means you can use the phone with your
hearing aid if your hearing aid has a T switch.
 
The TANDYFAX 1000 includes all the features of the TANDYFAX 1010
listed previously, plus these:
 
Terminal Identification lets you include your company name,
not just your phone number.
 
Turnaround Polling allows you to send and receive documents
during the same call.
 
Halftone Setting with 16 shades of gray for FAXing photos.
 
70-Number Autodialer.
 
24-Hour Timer that lets you transmit and poll after hours when
telephone rates are lowest.
 
LCD Display prompts you with plain-English instructions.
 
Common Questions About FAX in a Home Office
 
Do I need two phone lines to have a FAX machine?
 
No, although two lines make FAXing more convenient and efficient.
The best way to use a FAX machine with one line is to set the FAX to allow you
to answer the call normally.
Then if you pick up the phone and hear the FAX beep, you can press the START
button to receive the incoming FAX.
 
Can I use a FAX machine and an answering machine on the same line?
 
Yes.
Set your FAX machine as mentioned above and connect your answering machine
as you usually would.
 
Why don't the TANDYFAX machines have automatic paper cutters to cut
individual pages?
 
FAX machines with this feature cost hundreds of dollars more
than those without.
We chose the lower-cost alternative.
Most businesses retrieve their FAXes as they come in.
A paper cutter doesn't provide additional benefit for the cost.
 
Selling TANDYFAX Machines
 
Learn to use the TANDYFAX machines so you can demonstrate their features.
Unlike computers, the functionality and usefulness of a FAX machine is readily
apparent.
Plus, a FAX machine makes a superb gift for the home-office owner.
 
The future of simplified document transmission is here now with the TANDYFAX
1010 and the TANDYFAX 1000.
These are fine products at reasonable prices, so sell with pride and
confidence!
 
Next month:  FaxMate , the FAX system that fits inside a computer.
STOCK FILE CHANGES
A quick reference to product status changes -- pricing, availability, etc.
 
MOM-11-90
LATE DATES
 
Listed below are the new items that appear in the 1991 Catalogs
which have not yet arrived at the warehouses.
Also included are the dates the merchandise is expected to be available
at the warehouses.
 
The dates listed in this section are based on the latest available information,
and are updated monthly.
While they may not be 100% accurate, they are the best estimate we have
at this time.
 
The dates listed here should be your ONLY reference for availability of
cataloged items.
Ft. Worth Computer Support Services or Ft. Worth Computer Merchandising
will not have any dates other than the ones shown here.
 
Radio Shack Catalog #459
Radio Shack Software Buyer's Guide
Tandy Computer Catalog RSC-22
 
Cat. #    Description                     Date
 
250-1258  USA Today Sports Center       11/30/90
250-1334  filePro for DeskMate          11/30/90
250-1351  DeskMate                      12/15/90
250-1361  DeskMate  Macros Companion    11/30/90
250-1268  WordPerfect 5.1 *             12/15/90
 
* Currently, WordPerfect 5.0 is shipping under this Cat. #.
Version 5.1 should begin shipping under this Cat. # by 12/15/90.
Upgrades from 5.0 to 5.1 are obtained directly from WordPerfect
for $85.00 plus shipping & handling.  Call WordPerfect at
(801) 225-5000 for further information.
 
250-1376  Spell-a-saurus                    11/15/90
250-1377  Dinosaur Discovery Kit            11/15/90
250-1385  Light Speed                       11/30/90
250-1389  Quest for Glory (Hero's Quest 2)  11/30/90
250-1392  Turbo Outrun                      11/15/90
250-1399  Spot!                             11/30/90
250-1425  Avagio                            11/15/90
250-4117  WordPerfect XENIX                 12/15/90
250-4166  160 MB SCSI Tape Backup           11/30/90
 
260-0129  160 MB Tape Cartridge             11/30/90  
 
900-0954  Eye of Hourus                     CANC
900-2436  Xircom ARCNET Adapter (UTP)       11/30/90
900-2490  APC PowerChute Software: UNIX     11/30/90
900-2874  CompuServe DOS Kit                CANC
 
903-2931  Solomon A/R                       11/30/90
903-2932  Solomon A/P                       11/30/90
903-2935  Solomon Order Entry/Inventory     11/30/90
903-2936  Solomon Inventory                 11/30/90
903-2937  Solomon Purchasing                11/30/90
903-2938  Solomon Fixed Assets              11/30/90
903-2939  Solomon Sales Analysis            11/30/90
903-2941  Solomon Job Cost.                 11/30/90
903-2942  Solomon Ext. Sys. Interface       11/30/90
903-2943  Solomon Address & Mail List       11/30/90
903/5-0961  Shinobi                         CANC
903/5-0964  Railroad Empire                 CANC
903/5-0992  Command HQ                      11/30/90
903/5-0993  Knight of the Sky               CANC
903/5-1026  Altered Beast                   CANC
903/5-1036  Spirit of Excaliber             11/30/90
903/5-1043  Metal Gear                      CANC
903/5-1075  Space Harrier                   CANC
 
Radio Shack Educational Products Guide
 
Cat. #     Description              Date
 
900-5743   PC LOGO SCM             11/30/90
900-5766   Trivial Pursuit FR      12/30/90
900-5767   Trivial Pursuit GER     12/30/90
900-5768   Trivial Pursuit SP      12/30/90 
 
903-5795   RSDP 1-3 SCM            11/30/90
903-5796   RSDP 1-8 SCM            11/30/90
 
903/5-5654  Once Upon Time SCM     12/30/90
903/5-5658  Math Blast Plus SCM    12/30/90
903/5-5659  Word Attack Plus SCM   12/30/90
903/5-5660  Homeworker SCM         12/30/90
903/5-5673  Double Up SCM           1/30/91
903/5-5674  Mark-Up SCM             1/30/91
903/5-5675  Proteus SCM             1/30/91
903/5-5676  Rhubarb SCM             1/30/91
903/5-5677  Sequitur SCM            1/30/91
903/5-5686  Timeliner SCM           1/30/91
903/5-5742  Once Up Time II SCM     12/30/90
903/5-5758  Sim City School         12/15/90
903/5-5762  Lang Exam 1 French      12/30/90
903/5-5763  Lang Exam 1 German      12/30/90
903/5-5764  Lang Exam 1 Spanish     12/30/90
903/5-5765  French Scrabble         12/30/90
903/5-5779  Bodyworks Jr SCM         1/30/91
903/5-5780  Bodyworks Sr SCM         1/30/91
903/5-5782  Inter Inspirer SCM       1/30/91
903/5-5789  Spell It Plus SCM       12/30/90
903/5-5790  Algeblaster Pls SCM     12/30/90
903/5-5797  Nat'l Inspirer SCM       1/30/91
903/5-5798  Lang Exam 2 French      12/30/90
903/5-5799  Lang Exam 2 German      12/30/90
903/5-5800  Lang Exam 2 Spanish     12/30/90
903/5-5801  Lang Exam 3 French      12/30/90
903/5-5802  Lang Exam 3 German      12/30/90
903/5-5803  Lang Exam 3 Spanish     12/30/90
903/5-5804  Lang Exam 4 French      12/30/90
903/5-5805  Lang Exam 4 German      12/30/90
903/5-5806  Lang Exam 4 Spanish     12/30/90
 
MOM-11-90
CANCELED PRODUCTS
 
CAT. #         DESCRIPTION
 
900-0954       Eye of Hourus
900-2874       CompuServe DOS Kit
903/5-0961     Shinobi
903/5-0964     Railroad Empire
903/5-0993     Knight of the Sky
903/5-1026     Altered Beast
903/5-1043     Metal Gear
903/5-1075     Space Harrier
 
MOM-11-90
DISCONTINUED PRODUCTS
 
Cat. #         Description
 
260-5430       ESC Net        N/A
900-1670       Etherlink MC
               (replaced by 900-1678 Ethercard Plus MC)
905-2353       Color Computer Eyes
               (replaced by 900-2442 Computer Eyes)
 
MOM-11-90
PRICE CHANGES
 
Cat. #     Description               Old       New
 
900-2808   The Computer Glossary     26.95    24.95
903-2309   287 Math Co-processor    549.00   326.00
           (Available 11/15/90)
903/5-2968 filePro+ for DOS    990.00   699.00
 
MOM-11-90
SOFTWARE IN 25-1331 BONUS PACK
 
We are now selling the 25-1331 Bonus Pack as a regular retail item!
This is a great value for both your new and existing customers at:
 
Cat.#     Description                          Retail
 
25-1331   Tandy  1000 SL/2 Bonus Pack
          Quicken/RightWriter/Instant Pages   $ 49.95
 
Reminder!!
 
This was a special purchase item and it contains only 3 1/2 inch media.
Do not misrepresent this to your customers.
The vendors will not swap merchandise in this pack.
 
MOM-11-90
ITEMS MOVED TO NATIONAL PARTS
 
These items have been moved from TSDC to National Parts:
 
Cat. #     Description                 Nat'l Parts #
 
250-3048  EGA Adapter                   AX2503048
250-4027  3000 NL Memory Board          AX2504027
250-4082  128K Memory Kit 3000 HL/NL    AX2504082
 
MOM-11-90
PRODUCT NEWS
 
ALL STORE
The "ALL STORE" section contains information of interest to all store types.
01Zs and Computer Centers will also be interested in the information
contained in the "01Z/COMPUTER CENTER" section.
 
 
APPLE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THREE NEW PRODUCTS
 
The Announcement
 
On October 15th,
Apple announced three new "low cost" versions of the Macintosh computer line.
These announcements are being supported by a massive advertising 
campaign and much fanfare, and are an attempt to regain momentum in a market 
where Apple has gone from 17% to 9% market share in the last three years.
 
"Low cost" is a relative term in this announcement.
While the machines are certainly low cost in relation to other Apple computers,
they are not inexpensive.
For example, the lowest cost Macintosh color system is over three times
the price of Tandy's lowest cost system.
In fact, there are five different Tandy color systems
priced less than the least expensive Mac color system.
 
Apple's previous advantages in computing,
such as ease of use and user friendly programs, have disappeared,
with interfaces such as DeskMate  and Windows
offering common look and feel in uncommon applications.
Setup manuals, a necessity with MS-DOS computers of the past,
have been replaced with a single sheet of paper.
Computers like the Tandy  1000 RL/HD are so easy to set up,
with pre-installed software on the hard drive,
you just take 'em out of the box and plug 'em in.
Advantage -- Tandy.
 
The three units announced are the Macintosh Classic,
the Macintosh LC and the Macintosh IIsi.
All are based upon the Motorola 68000 chip set and are compatible
with all Macintosh software.
The Macintosh LC and IIsi feature something new for Apple --
the ability to input sound through a microphone jack.
This feature has been standard on the Tandy  1000 line of computers
since the Tandy  1000 SL in 1988.
 
The Macintosh Classic
 
The Macintosh Classic is being advertised as the Mac for the Home.
Comparing this to our Tandy 1000 RL,
you'll find this "home" computer features no video options,
joystick ports or expansion slots, all standard on the RL.
The Mac's 9" monochrome monitor is the only one available --
there is no option to upgrade to a larger monitor
or to add color to the system.
 
The RL has the extraordinary DeskMate Home Organizer  software,
designed with the home user in mind,
while the Classic has only the operating system software with it.
The Mac does include something that the RL lacks -- a fan!
Both units have sound circuitry built-in,
but the RL also has sound input capabilities, optional with the Classic.
The monochrome-only Mac Classic retails at $999 and includes a mouse.
The RL with a mouse and 13" COLOR monitor runs $849.85
during November and December.
 
For those who need 80286 power in a home computer,
offer the Tandy  1000 TL/2.
The TL/2 has the great sound of all the Tandy 1000s,
as well as 4 expansion slots and a 5 1/4" device bay.
Packaged with DeskMate software, color monitor and serial mouse,
the TL/2 is Christmas-priced at $1,149.85.
Add a 20 MB hard drive for only $299.95 more!
The TL/2 compares favorably with either the Mac Classic or the Mac LC.
 
The Mac LC
 
The Mac LC is the "low cost color" Mac.
At $2,499.00, it features 2 MB RAM and a 40 MB hard drive.
Its market is schools and small businesses.
Compare it to the Tandy  2500 XL.
The 2500 XL offers 3 full AT slots versus the one proprietary slot on the LC.
The 2500 XL can also use an internal 5 1/4" device,
such as a CD-ROM or 1.2 MB floppy drive,
while the LC must use only external 5 1/4" drives.
And don't be confused by the memory issue --
you need more memory to run MAC DOS than MS-DOS.
With color monitors, the Mac LC with a 40 MB HD runs $3,098.00
versus the 2500 XL with a 52 MB HD and mouse at $2,647.90.
The Mac LC will not be available in quantity until January, 1991 --
the Tandy 2500 XL is available TODAY!
 
The Macintosh IIsi
 
The Macintosh IIsi is the lowest cost Macintosh II.
At $3,769.00, it also includes 2 MB RAM and a 40 MB hard drive.
Its market is also schools and businesses.
It has a Motorola 68030 chip running at 20 MHz.
As in the LC, there is no internal expansion available for 5 1/4" devices.
It does have one expansion slot.
Compare it to the Tandy  4020 SX,
which at $2,499.00 has 2 MB RAM and also runs at 20 MHz.
The 4020 SX features expandability at reasonable prices,
with the power of an 80386sx processor.
With color monitors, the Mac IIsi with a 40 MB HD and a keyboard
(it's optional, not in the base unit)
runs $4,597.00 versus the 4020 SX with 52 MB HD and mouse at $3,647.90.
 
A Mac is a Mac -- But It Doesn't Run MS-DOS
 
"No matter which one you choose, a Macintosh is a Macintosh is a Macintosh,"
says Apple on one of their brochures.
We agree, and so do most customers for PC computers these days.
MS-DOS is far and away the standard for now and the future.
Most homes buying computers today are looking for a unit that
Mom and Dad can bring work home to and the kids can use for education.
Other uses include work-at-home and other home office functions.
 
As the vast majority of businesses use MS-DOS computers,
having an incompatible unit at home makes little, if any, sense.
While many schools have Apples in their classrooms,
the majority of these units are Apple IIe computers,
which bear little resemblance and no software compatibility
with the Macintosh.
(Apple will offer such an option for the Mac LC to run only Apple IIe (no IIgs)
software in March, 1991 for $199 plus a $399 external drive.)
 
When the kids go into the business world of computers,
they won't find many Apples of any variety.
No matter how it's packaged, a Mac is not MS-DOS compatible
and thus remains a standard to itself.
With the introduction of Windows 3.0,
even those few businesses that used Macintoshes are coming back to MS-DOS.
 
Since Macintosh has its own software standard,
there are fewer software developers writing to it than to MS-DOS.
A survey by the Software Publisher's Association showed that
MS-DOS programs accounted for over 77% of software sales in 1989.
Sales of Macintosh software accounted for 14% of the total.
And 38% of Macintosh software sales were for
graphic and desktop publishing programs,
not exactly the bread and butter for home,
home office or small business users.
When you look at the pool of prospective software customers,
it's obvious where software companies are going to put their time and effort.
 
MS-DOS computers also have hardware standards
that have been adopted by most companies,
and these standards have caused option prices
for those computers to drop as sales volume increased.
With a larger customer base to sell to,
the manufacturers can keep margins lower.
Options for the Macs, such as modems, cost more,
since there are fewer units to spread development and other costs over.
 
Your Advantages
 
You have the best and most complete lineup of MS-DOS computers
in the industry, from the low-cost 1000 line to the high performance 4033 LX.
As your customers compare our line to the new Macs,
remember the key points outlined in this article:
 
  The Tandy 1000 RL, a true Home Computer, with Screen Saver,
  SmartDrive  Power Saver, quiet fanless operation and ease of use built in.
 
  Digital Sound Input and Output standard in Tandy 1000s since 1988.
 
  DeskMate and other productivity software included with the 1000s
  and 2500 XL, a standard since 1984.
 
  Instant on and a user friendly interface on all 1000s and the 2500 XL.
 
  13" Color Monitors available for every Tandy computer,
  not just the high end units.
 
  Industry Standard Expansion slot(s) built into every Tandy computer.
 
  Internal 5 1/4" device bays available for CD-ROM
  or floppy drives on the majority of Tandy computers.
 
  True low-cost, high-value computers to fit every need.
 
  MS-DOS compatibility, just as important as VHS compatibility in VCRs.
 
Tandy Computers -- setting the standard.
There is STILL no better value!
 
(See the comparison charts attached to this issue for at-a-glance information.)
 
MOM-11-90
DIMENSIONS OF NEW DELUXE SYSTEM DESK AND HUTCH
 
Desk (26-144) only:
29 1/4" high X 60 1/8" wide X 27 1/4" deep.
 
The keyboard shelf/drawer:
22 3/4" wide
(it extends out about 15 3/4".)
 
The top of the roll-out printer stand:
16 3/4" wide X 22 1/2" deep.
 
Hutch (26-145) only:
24 7/8" high X 60 1/8" wide X 11 5/8" deep.
 
The monitor shelf is:
23 1/8" wide X 11 3/8" deep.
 
The combined height of both units is:
54 1/8".
 
MOM-11-90
TANDY 1000s ON SALE
 
Sure, it's a general title, but a true one.
The Christmas selling season is upon us,
so that means that all of the Tandy  1000 line of computers,
the number one PC-compatible in America, are on sale.
 
Tandy 1000 RLs
 
Celebrating their first Christmas season are the 25-1450 Tandy  1000 RL
and the 25-1451 Tandy  1000 RL/HD computers.
These computers have been selling like hotcakes
from the day they were introduced in New York City.
They have ushered in a new type of computer,
a system with the home user in mind.
 
The PC-compatible Tandy 1000 RLs both feature an 8086 microprocessor
running at 9.54 MHz clock speed.
The standard memory is 512K RAM,
with an available upgrade to 768K (25-1082, $59.95).
Included with both machines are two joystick ports, a serial port,
a parallel printer port, PS/2 mouse port,
one 720K 3 1/2" diskette drive, 101-key enhanced keyboard,
special 1000 sound circuitry with bi-directional DACs,
Tandy Enhanced Graphics and Hercules video support, volume control,
stereo headphone jack, microphone jack, one 10" expansion board slot,
MS-DOS and DeskMate  in ROM and
the DeskMate Home Organizer  applications.
 
On the 25-1450, there is an additional storage device slot
for either a 25-1075 3 1/2" floppy diskette drive
or a 25-1047 20 MB SmartDrive  and a SmartWatch socket
for adding a real-time clock (25-1033, $39.95).
On the 25-1451, the SmartWatch is included on the main board.
And a 20 MB SmartDrive is already built in and formatted,
with MS-DOS and DeskMate pre-installed on the drive.
Your customer just powers up and goes!
 
Other features include a dedicated PS/2-style mouse port
(uses 25-1042 PS/2-Style Mouse, $49.95)
and a standard 25-pin parallel port, just like the Tandy  2500,
3000 and 4000 computers (remember that when you sell printer cables!).
 
There's no fan in either RL.
They were designed to run cooler than most computers, and all components were
built with the special requirements of a no-fan environment in mind.
The floppy drive has a disk-change-detection circuit,
so when you change diskettes, the DeskMate screen is updated automatically.
The RL has a durable, rugged metal enclosure with a very compact footprint of
2 7/8" high, 14" wide and 15" deep.
DeskMate features a new "screen saver" option
that causes the screen to go blank after a period of keyboard
and mouse inactivity, thus allowing the monitor to stay powered on
all the time with no risk of screen burn-in.
On the hard drive version, the screen saver option also controls
a spin-down of the SmartDrive, where the SmartDrive is turned off,
after a period of keyboard and mouse inactivity, until needed.
These two features were designed with the idea of leaving the computer powered
on at all times, making it a true home information center.
 
If your customer chooses to add a SmartDrive to their floppy RL computer later,
you'll find the installation a very easy task.
The 25-1047 20 MB SmartDrive features an initialization program
that runs under DeskMate.
Four keystrokes and you're finished.
Even a labeled blank diskette is included!
The MS-DOS/GW-BASIC diskette installs to the SmartDrive under DeskMate as well.
Just start DeskMate, press <F7>, highlight INSTALL, put your MS-DOS/GW-BASIC
diskette in Drive A, and MS-DOS is installed in its own directory.
It even creates or modifies the AUTOEXEC.BAT file and sets the ROM.
 
Remember to discuss the DeskMate Home Organizer.
This collection of 15 programs was developed after extensive market research
determined the common uses for a computer at home.
The programs are divided into three categories -- Personal,
Kitchen and Financial.
 
The RL also includes nine other DeskMate programs -- Desktop, Text, Draw,
PC-Link, Telecom, Hangman, Music, Sound and Address Book.
This makes a total of twenty-four applications included with the Tandy
1000 RL computer, right out of the box.
Your customer begins computing as soon as they get home.
 
The Tandy 1000 RL has earned the Good Housekeeping Seal.
It is the first and only computer to have earned
this distinguished symbol.
The Seal is one of the most widely respected in the world,
and you should make sure your customer is aware the RL
is the only computer that has it.
 
"The Tandy 1000 RL is so easy to use, we Guarantee Success."
With the built-in tutorial programs to step the customer
through the applications,
a manual that covers both software and hardware,
the friendly face of DeskMate that allows you to learn one interface
and then use common features in all programs,
the special training that helped you become more proficient in
running DeskMate and the DeskMate Home Organizer,
and the special RL 800 number for store personnel to get quick answers
to those unusual customer questions,
together we have solidified this statement.
Thanks for your hard work.
 
For Christmas, the 25-1450/25-1043 Tandy 1000 RL with CM-5 color monitor
package is on sale at $799.90, a savings of $100.00.
Even greater savings are offered on the 25-1451/25-1043 Tandy 1000 RL/HD with
CM-5 color monitor package at $1099.90, $200.00 off.
 
For the majority of new home users, the Tandy 1000 RL and Tandy 1000 RL/HD
have all the power and expandability they will ever use or need.
But you may have customers who need more expandability or power.
For that customer, we have the Tandy 1000 TL/2.
 
Tandy 1000 TL/2
 
The 25-1602 Tandy  1000 TL/2 offers features such as an 80286 processor,
a 5 1/4" drive bay, four 10" expansion slots, MS-DOS and DeskMate  in ROM,
10 DeskMate applications, real-time clock with battery backup,
640K RAM (expandable to 768K with the 25-1078 128K RAM kit), serial port,
two joystick ports, microphone and headphone jacks
and an IDE hard drive controller.
It also has the same great sound and video qualities as the 1000 RL.
 
We're advertising the TL/2 with both the 25-1045 20 MB SmartDrive
(on sale at $299.95, $100.00 off) and the 25-1046 40 MB SmartDrive
(on sale at $399.95, $100.00 off).
The packages are:
 
Cat.#       Description           Sale       Savings
 
25-1602     Tandy 1000 TL/2
25-1045     20 MB SmartDrive
25-1043     CM-5 Monitor
                    System      $1,399.85    $300.00
 
25-1602     Tandy 1000 TL/2
25-1046     40 MB SmartDrive
25-1043     CM-5 Monitor
                    System      $1,499.85    $300.00
 
25-1602     Tandy 1000 TL/2
25-1043     CM-5 Monitor
                    System      $1,099.85    $200.00
 
For home, home office, education or small businesses
that need the power of a 286 processor with the affordability of a 1000,
the TL/2 is the perfect choice.
 
Tandy 1000 HX
 
The 25-1053 Tandy  1000 HX continues on sale at $299.00,
or $499.50 with the 25-1043 CM-5 color monitor.
The sales of this unit have been phenomenal since the half-price sale started,
and Christmas should see even more HXs go out the door.
 
The HX, with its all-in-one compact design and low price,
has become a favorite for dorms and the kid's room at home.
This PC-compatible has solid features, such as a 3 1/2" 720K disk drive,
DeskMate  II software, MS-DOS in ROM, 90-key keyboard,
Tandy Enhanced Color Graphics,
two joystick ports and a parallel printer port built in.
Upgrade memory to 384K with the 25-1062-Plus memory board.
Add a 25-1079 256K RAM kit (new low price of $59.95)
to the 25-1062 to go all the way up to 640K RAM.
Also, mention the 25-1018 1200 BPS-Plus modem, on sale at $49.95.
 
On any of these sale systems, you have the option of upgrading the customer
from the CM-5 to the 25-1024 CM-11 color monitor for only $100.00 more.
 
Other Tandy 1000s
 
If you have any Tandy  1000 TX, TL, SL, SL/2
or other discontinued computers on hand,
this is also the time of year to get out the Windex,
clean 'em up, put some new, clean Manager-Special price tags on them
and sell them.
These are great bargains for your customers,
and a good chance to make extra margin for the store.
 
Close That Sale!
 
Don't forget RSVP!
Quote monthly payments when possible,
as many customers shop in terms of what they can afford per month.
Figuring the additional monthly payment for an add-on
is often an excellent way to increase your sales ticket.
 
Indications are that this is going to be a banner Christmas selling season in
the 1000 line of computers.
From the inexpensive HX to the hot RLs to the solid TL/2,
there is a computer to fit the needs and pocketbook of every customer
that visits your store.
You have the tools, and you've prepared well.
Now it's time to make it happen.
 
Good Selling!
 
MOM-11-90
ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS PROMOTE DEL MONTE SNACK CUPS
 
In the August 1990 issue of the M.O.M. (Page 16),
we printed a tidbit we found in Business Week which talked
about DeskMate  being offered as part of a Del Monte promotion.
Their "Get Smart" promotion offers substantial discounts
on computer software and accessories in exchange for proof of purchase
from Del Monte Snack Cups, and DeskMate is one of the items offered.
 
We recently saw a cardboard cover from a four-pack of Del Monte fruit cups,
and sure enough, Tandy DeskMate is on the inside.
 
Alvin and the Chipmunks are part of this promotion,
and you should be, too!
While it's still going on, mention it to your customers.
Parents will be interested and will appreciate hearing from you how they can
obtain educational software for their children at reduced prices.
You'll make friends and repeat customers with this type of information.
While many of your customers will already have DeskMate
(since it came with their computer), they'll see that you're interested
in helping them get other software inexpensively.
If they don't have DeskMate, it will help establish it in their minds
as an aid to education and home productivity.
And don't worry about losing business --
the promotion is a limited time offer, but you'll be there the next time
the customer wants to buy!
 
MOM-11-90
TANDY 1000 RL ROM AND SOFTWARE UPGRADE
 
ROM Upgrade (for the 25-1450 Tandy 1000 RL with no hard drive)
 
The new ROMs are in for the 25-1450 Tandy  1000 RL computers.
These ROMs are to correct the PS/2 Mouse lockup problem
some of you may have experienced on the RL.
 
Since not all RLs exhibit this problem,
we have placed the new ROM in National Parts,
and they should only be ordered for computers which
exhibit the PS/2 Mouse lockup problem.
They are orderable under part number MXP-0810
and are available at no cost to your store.
This ROM is only for the floppy-based 25-1450
and is not required for the 25-1451 Tandy 1000 RL/HD,
or for 25-1450 computers that have been upgraded
with a 25-1047 20 MB SmartDrive  with MS-DOS installed
using the Install program under DeskMate .
 
The upgrade should be done at the store by a person
familiar with installing option cards, co-processors or SmartWatches.
 
Any 1000 RL you send to a service center for other repairs
will also be checked for the new ROM and upgraded, if needed,
at no additional cost to you or your customer.
(Do not send otherwise functioning units to the service centers
just for the ROM upgrades,
as this will result in a charge to your store for the labor.)
 
Note that all 25-1450 Tandy 1000 RLs that shipped from the warehouse
after September 25th have the new ROM already installed.
You can readily identify these units by a GREEN DOT
on both the master pack box and the gift box (next to the catalog number).
 
DeskMate Home Organizer Software Upgrade for the RL and RL/HD
 
We have put together a software upgrade diskette
for the RL and RL/HD computers.
This upgrade expands the capacities of both the Diary and Meal Planner
applications in the DeskMate Home Organizer .
This upgrade has been drop shipped to all stores at no charge.
 
This one diskette can be used to upgrade all of the RL and RL/HD computers
you have in stock, and all of your customer's DeskMate diskettes.
If your customer wants to take a copy home to perform his own upgrade,
you may either use DISKCOPY to make a copy or you may order a copy
from Consumer Mail under stock number 700-1450.
This stock number should also be used if you need a replacement copy
of your store diskette.
 
All 25-1450 Tandy RL and 25-1451 Tandy RL/HD computers that shipped
from the warehouse after September 25th have the upgrade software.
You can identify these units by a GREEN DOT on the master pack box
and gift box (next to the catalog number).
 
These upgrade products are examples of the continuing commitment
by Radio Shack to provide you with the best engineered
and best supported products in the industry today.
Nobody Compares!
 
MOM-11-90
COLOR COMPUTERS -- CHRISTMAS COMPUTING ON A BUDGET
 
The Christmas selling season is traditionally when
the majority of Color Computer sales take place.
Once again, it's the time of year to get that Color Computer 3 display
spruced up and ready to sell.
 
This year, the 26-3334 Color Computer 3 is sale priced at $99.95,
which is half its catalog price of $199.95.
Along with the Color Computer, the 26-3215 CM-8 Color Monitor is $120 off
at $179.95, the 26-2228 DC Modem Pak is $80 off at $9.95,
and the 26-3133 FD-502 Drive is $100 off and sale priced at $199.95.
Note that the FD-502 Drive is discontinued,
but there is a very large store inventory available.
 
For the customer who doesn't want to spend a lot of money
but wants more than a video game machine, the Color Computer fills the bill.
There are tens of thousands of Color Computers in use today,
with tremendous third-party support.
The Color Computer User Groups are among the most loyal in the industry,
and at these prices, many of their members may be looking to upgrade
and replace older equipment with new products.
Software is available through the regional warehouses and Consumer Mail,
and there are a wide variety of programs available.
 
To get ready for Christmas, take a look at your CoCo display.
Is the computer looking a little dirty?
Does the monitor have a scratch on it?
Try taking a new computer and monitor and putting them on display.
Plug in a ROM pak and a couple of Deluxe or Pistol Grip joysticks,
and keep the unit on and available for demonstrations.
 
The time to sell Color Computers is now.
 
MOM-11-90
MAGAZINE ADVERTISING
 
Tandy computer products are frequently advertised
in leading national publications.
Magazine advertising reinforces the image of Tandy  Computers as
a nationally recognized brand.
 
Tandy computer products will be featured in the following publications
over the next month:
 
Date      Magazine                Computer
 
11/01     Governing               Business-Workgroups
11/01     Business Women          We are the BP hdqtrs
11/01     United Vis a Vis        Tandy  1500 HD
11/01     Smithsonian             Tandy  2500 XL w/Compton's
11/01     Delta Sky               Tandy  1000 RL
11/01     CompuServe              Tandy  1100 FD
11/01     Mgmt Network            XENIX Accounting/RSCC
11/05     Newsweek - Bus Ed.     Tandy 1000 RL
11/07     Sports Ill. Select     Tandy 1000 RL
11/12     Time-Business Ed.      Tandy 1000 RL
11/13     Ladies Hm Journal      Tandy 1000 RL
11/13     Good Housekeeping      Tandy 1000 RL
11/15     American Way           Tandy 1000 RL
11/15     Byte                   Tandy 1500 HD
11/18     PCM Magazine           Tandy 1500 HD
11/19     Working Mother         Tandy 1000 RL
11/19     Computer Res News      National SW [Tires]
11/19     Newsweek-Business      Tandy 1000 RL
11/20     Home Office Comp.      Low-end PCs
11/20     Compute                DM ad featuring S/W
11/20     Natural History        CD-ROM / Compton's
11/21     Rainbow                CoCo/Software promo
11/21     Sports Illustrated     Tandy 1000 RL
11/25     Inc.                   RSCC POS ad
11/25     PC Computing           Tandy 1500 HD
11/30     Entrepreneur           RS office hdqtrs
 
MOM-11-90
WHICH HARD DRIVE DO I HAVE??
 
Have you ever found two hard drives out of a box that were different capacities
but looked the same on the outside?
Maybe you got interrupted and then you came back scratching your head wondering
which drive was which?
 
Well fine!
Here's a nifty chart to help you identify which is which and to help keep your
inventory accurate.
 
What we've done is given you the catalog number of the drive
along with the type of drive,
the description labeled on the drive itself (that identifies the drive),
and shown where on the drive that label is.
 
Cat. #     Capacity   Type   Description  Location
 
25-1045     20 MB     IDE      WD9302     On top
25-1046     40 MB     IDE      WD9304     On top
25-1047     20 MB     IDE      ST-325X    On top
25-4061     40 MB     ST-506   92B        On top
25-4062     20 MB     ST-506   ST-225     On top
25-4064     40 MB     ST-506   ST-251     On top
25-4067     70 MB     ST-506   RO 5090    On top
25-4119     40 MB     IDE      8051A, or  On top
                               7040A      On top
25-4120     80 MB     IDE      7080       On top
25-4123     40 MB     IDE      CP-3044    On top
25-4124     52 MB     IDE      52AT       On back
25-4130     105 MB    IDE      105AT      On back
25-4159     40 MB     SCSI     40S        On back
25-4160     80 MB     SCSI     80S        On back
25-4162     170 MB    SCSI     ST-2209N   On top
25-4163     344 MB    SCSI     ST-4376N   On top
 
Only 1st 6 digits are significant.
 
MOM-11-90
NEED BACK ISSUES OF THE M.O.M.?
 
We often get requests for additional or replacement copies of
the M.O.M. from the field.
Here's our answer.
 
Each 01 store should be getting one copy,
each Computer Center should be getting two
(one for the store, one for the SE).
If you need additional copies in your store, please make them locally.
 
If you need copies of back issues, please contact your
District Sales Manager.
All DSMs should have back issues of the M.O.M. on file as a resource
for store personnel.
If the District Office doesn't have an issue,
the DSM can call or send mail and we'll send copies to the DSM so they
can provide copies to stores locally.
 
MOM-11-90
LOOKING FOR SOFTWARE OR HARDWARE "PARTS"?
 
We've heard rumblings and grumblings from the field about not being
able to get replacement diskettes, manuals, parts, etc., from "Fort Worth."
 
We've revisited this subject recently and
have decided that the procedures certainly could be clearer.
This article will try to address how to find the various "parts"
you often call about.
First, though, a little background data.
 
Fort Worth on the Prairie
 
"Fort Worth" is a very spread-out place,
and you need to be aware that the various phone numbers available to you
may be for distribution or manufacturing operations that handle a very
specific function only.
When you ask a question about something they don't take care of,
they may not have any idea what you're talking about,
and though they want to be helpful, they may not know where to refer you.
And they can't "just transfer" you to someone else,
if the "someone else" is in a building 20 miles away
(even though they're still in "Fort Worth")!
 
Reference Numbers
 
These numbers are for store use only.
Do NOT give these numbers to customers.
 
National Parts             (817) 870-5600
 
Tandy Software Assembly    (817) 336-3612
    TSA FAX #              (817) 338-1917
 
Computer Support Services  (800) 321-1270
 
Software Isn't Always Software
 
Well, OK, maybe it is, but it's not always treated the same way.
If you need to return or exchange an entire software package,
contact the warehouse from which you ordered the package
(your POS will tell you which is the correct warehouse).
Different operations have varying policies on returns and replacements for
damaged or defective merchandise.
 
If you want to exchange diskettes -- let's talk.
90X-series (EOS) software is the easiest,
so let's get that out of the way first.
For warranty replacement (or any other kind of diskette exchange)
on 90X-series software,
the customer should contact the vendor of that software.
Tandy Software Assembly can't help you with this,
and neither can Computer Support Services.
And unless you want to exchange the entire package,
don't contact the Express Order warehouse.
Remember, Express and Special Order products (that's 90X-series software)
are supported, totally, by the original vendor.
 
To exchange diskettes on 25/26/700-series software,
here are your options:
 
If it states on the box that the original vendor
provides warranty replacement diskettes, contact that vendor.
 
If the needed file is a utilities diskette that comes with a computer
and/or is some other diskette that come with hardware
(e.g., utility software with hard drives),
or if it's any other software,
Tandy Software Assembly is your source.
Their address is:
 
Tandy Software Assembly
205 NW 7th Street
Fort Worth, TX  76106
 
[Tandy Software Assembly is a source for stores, NOT customers.
Don't refer customers to TSA directly.]
 
Here are the rules/procedures:
 
1. Diskettes to be exchanged must be originals.
 
2. Diskettes will only be exchanged for like-size diskettes
   (5 1/4" for 5 1/4" and 3 1/2" for 3 1/2").
 
3. Each diskette exchanged will cost the store $5.00.
 
4. The stock number of the product must be included.
 
5. Exchanges will be made for the most current version number
   shown for that stock number.
   If a specific earlier version number is required,
   you must specify what version number you want.
   (Also be aware that exchanges for non-current version numbers
   may take longer than the 10 working days specified in #7 below.)
 
6. Accompany the diskette with a speed memo showing the stock number
   of the item, and your store name and address.
   No exchanges can be made unless the store name and address
   is clearly shown on something (preferably a speed memo)
   accompanying the diskette(s).
 
7. Please allow ten working days for an exchange.
   Most turn-arounds will be faster,
   but if you haven't heard anything in ten days,
   contact Tandy Software Assembly at the numbers shown previously.
 
Manuals Aren't Always Manuals, Either
 
And this is the truth!
What kind of manual do you need?
If you want a replacement instruction manual for a hardware product,
contact National Parts at the number shown previously.
The manual will be listed under the hardware product stock number,
so be sure you have that handy.
 
If you want a full instruction manual for a software product,
it may or may not be available.
Think about it, a software package that isn't copy-protected
(and the majority of them aren't these days)
can have its diskettes copied easily.
All someone needs to do is get a copy of the manual,
and they've got a "whole" software product.
We won't contribute to that.
And there truly aren't enough situations to justify carrying and
selling extra manuals of software, so we generally don't do it.
 
Now those manuals that are available include products
not easily copyable, or those that come with a Program Pak (for the CoCo).
Tandy Consumer Mail carries a limited supply of replacement manuals
for some proprietary software
(i.e., PC-1, PC-2 and Color Computer Program Paks).
They may also have some combination DeskMate /CPU manuals
(like for the 1000 series computers).
 
A Word About Copyrights
 
You may be told that a copy of a diskette or a manual cannot be made for you
because that would be a violation of copyright.
The majority of software sold through your store
is NOT produced by Tandy Software Assembly,
and unless they have replacement diskettes or have permission from
the original vendor to copy diskettes, they cannot make copies for you.
TSA (or any other Tandy entity) cannot and will not disregard
copyright laws, and you should not ask them to.
In these cases, you must contact the original vendor
or accept that the diskette in question is just not available.
(Remember that in the case of the Bonus Packs,
no one will swap the 3 1/2" disks for 5 1/4".)
 
BIOS Upgrades
 
The latest in BIOS ROMs are available from National Parts.
If you have any questions about BIOS ROMs, contact your local Service Center.
 
Anything else?
 
If you're not SURE where to go to get something,
use the 800 number listed in your Store Operating Manual for
Computer Support Services, and ask them.
If they're not sure, they'll find out and get back to you.
 
If we haven't covered it?
 
Let's save everyone misunderstandings and lost time.
Know who you're calling and follow the guidelines in this article.
 
If you have problems,
send E-mail on your POS system to Computer Merchandising.
Be sure to include allthe details of your search.
If there's something we need to fix, we'll do it or explain why not.
If you've followed the wrong procedures,
we'll try to be kind in pointing out the correct path for you to follow.
 
Remember, everyone's goal is to get the customer taken care of.
It may be a cliche, but it's true that you catch more flies
with honey than with vinegar.
Be professional.
Courtesy and respect are due your fellow employees
no less than your customers.
 
MOM-11-90
EMPLOYEE SOFTWARE PURCHASE PROGRAM
 
Here's your opportunity to acquire software
for your personal use to become more familiar
with our hottest titles.
Please read the rules carefully before you order:
 
  These products may be purchased for your personal use
  or for use by a member of your immediate family
 
  One copy per employee
 
  They may not be given away or resold
 
  Product may only be shipped to your home;
  no shipments to a store
 
To order, simply call the 800 number shown
and be ready with your major credit card number.
In addition to your name and mailing address,
the vendor will need your social security and store/unit numbers.
 
This offer expires December 31, 1990.
 
Cat #       Description          Price    Telephone number
 
25-1246     Quicken              8.00     (800) 624-8742
25-1256     Prodigy             10.00     (800) 776-0836  Ext. 735
25-1283     Lotus for DeskMate  39.95     (800) 345-1043
            Ask for "Orders"
25-1299     Q&A Write           30.00     (800) 441-7234 or
                                          (408) 253-9600
            Follow prompts for
            "Inside Sales"
25-1300     RightWriter         15.00     (800) 992-0245
25-1315     Backup Pro          20.00     (800) 223-8665
                               Outside CA (800) 223-8665
25-1375     Mavis Beacon        15.00     (800) 223-8665
            Teaches Typing     Outside CA (800) 223-8665
            Press "1"
 
MOM-11-90
SELLING THE BACKUP POWER SUPPLY -- Part 4
 
In Part 1 of this series (August 1990),
we identified several potentially destructive types of power disturbance:
 
- Brownout (or Sag) -- Dip in power line voltage below about 96
volts (the minimum voltage required to support the typical microcomputer)
that lasts for more than several milliseconds (thousandths of a second).
Cause:
Peak-hour overloads on the utility grid or heavy equipment overloads
within a particular building (air conditioning, furnace, etc.).
Occurrence:
87% of all disruptive disturbances are of this type, with an
average frequency of 14 times per month.
 
- Blackout -- Complete loss of power lasting more than one
alternating current (AC) cycle, or 16.66 milliseconds.
Cause:
Downed utility lines, tripped circuit breakers, etc.
Occurrence:
5% of disturbances or about once every two months.
 
- Surge -- Rise in power line voltage to more than about 135 volts
for more than several milliseconds.
Cause:
Poor power line regulation by the power utility while switching lines or
generators.
Occurrence:
Rare; less than one percent of disturbances.
 
All three of these disturbances represent major and relatively long-duration
alterations to the standard 120 volt/60 hertz wall current required for proper
microcomputer operation.
The appropriate protective device to counter all three disturbances is a good
backup power supply as described previously in the August, September, and
October issues.
 
Line Regulator
 
Another device sometimes mentioned is the line regulator, which is used to hold
line voltage to within a relatively narrow range of +/- 10%.
However, such a device does not contain a backup battery and is not capable of
supporting the computer during deep or extended voltage sags or an outright
blackout.
Such devices were really developed to protect sensitive communications
equipment that used linear power supplies and where operating voltages had to
be maintained within a narrow band.
On the other hand, the modern switching-power supply used in today's
microcomputer is not only smaller and more efficient, but also it is tolerant
of a wide range of operating voltages, even providing some "ride-through
time" from its residual internal energy storage.
In reality, today's microcomputer can probably operate with as wide a tolerance
for voltage fluctuation as the line regulator itself!
About the most important real function performed by the line regulator is its
filtering ability (described later).
 
Two Other Power Disturbances
 
There are two remaining forms of power disturbance which are more subtle and
which may or may not cause immediate or obvious interruptions of computer
function, but both can still cause loss or alteration of data and outright
equipment damage:
 
- Spike (also Transient or Impulse ) --
Very short duration pulse in the range of 1/2 to 100 microseconds
(or millionth of a second) which ranges from hundreds up to thousands of volts.
Note that these spikes impact the computer far too rapidly to be detected and
prevented by the normal overload fuse or circuit breaker used to protect most
systems.
 
Cause:
The on/off switching of AC/induction motors (used in air conditioners,
elevator motors, air compressors, photocopiers, etc.),
a lightning strike some distance away, etc.
 
Occurrence:
Can be seen as sudden, unexplained computer rebooting or system lockup;
corrupted data in RAM or disk; and shortened time to equipment failure.
 
The antidote for these sharp/brief voltage spikes is the spike protector which
clamps the high-voltage spike back to within machine-tolerable levels.
Several types of clamping devices are available to the engineer, each with its
own positive and negative characteristics:
 
  (a)  The silicon avalanche diode or Transorb provides
  the fastest response time (in picoseconds, or trillionths of a second);
  responds to lower-level voltage spikes; and is relatively inexpensive.
  Unfortunately, it is also rather delicate and is easily destroyed by spikes
  with heavy current loads (above 500 or 600 amps).
  Due to this impractical weakness of the Transorb, it is not currently being
  employed in Radio Shack spike protectors.
 
  (b)  The Metal Oxide Varistor (MOV) is the most common and least expensive
  device used today and can carry current loads up to about 5000 amps.
  However, it is slower to react than the Transorb, reaction speeds being
  in the billionth of a second (nanosecond) range.
  And although it can usually survive several heavy spikes,
  it slowly fails under heavy abuse.
  For that reason, all Radio Shack spike protectors using this device have a
  green MOV status lamp which goes out if the MOV fails.
 
  In this failed condition, the spike protector will still usually pass
  electrical current through to the CPU,
  but that current will no longer be spike protected.
  RS spike protectors are rated according to their response time
  (how quickly the MOV can sense and respond to a voltage spike,
  measured in nanoseconds); their clamping level
  (the peak voltage at a specified amperage remaining after
  the MOV has sustained a 6000-volt spike);
  and a power rating (the maximum transient energy which the MOV
  can absorb repeatedly without failure, measured in joules).
 
  (c)  Less frequently seen is the gas discharge tube which, like the MOV, is
  capable of great current-carrying capacity.
  However, it is the slowest to respond and is the most expensive.
  It does not currently appear in any present RS computer protector.
 
  (d)  Hybrid designs employ various combinations of these three
  and other devices to complement the response characteristics involved.
 
Since there are three power "legs" to protect in any circuit, full spike
protection requires three MOVs ("three-way spike protection"):
 
  Line (hot)-to-neutral -- (called differential or normal mode)
  Ground-to-line -- (called common mode)
  Ground-to-neutral -- (also called common mode)
 
Cheaper spike protectors may offer only one MOV, to protect only the most
likely entry point for a voltage spike ("one-way spike protection").
It is also important to understand that when using a separate spike protector
in combination with a backup power supply, the spike protector goes
closest to the wall outlet, with the BPS "downstream" of the protector.
(If done in reverse order, the spike protector may attempt to
clamp the square wave output.)
 
- Line Noise --
Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) and
Electro-Magnetic Interference (EMI) signals
can enter the CPU on the incoming AC power wave.
This high frequency "contamination" does damage in a variety of subtle ways.
With the higher-density levels of chip integration now being achieved, the
circuit traces may now be separated by less than one micron (forty millionths
of an inch), so that very small stray voltages can flash over between traces.
High-frequency impulses as low as 1/2 volt can confuse digital chips, and five
to ten volts can cause thermal stress of these delicate chips and cumulative
deterioration of components.
 
Cause:
Running AC motors (i.e., an electric drill, refrigerator compressor, electric
fan, washing machine, or kitchen mixer), arc welders, and virtually any
unshielded electronic equipment can radiate RFI.
This line noise can even be transmitted into the computer through electrical
ground when the building's electrical distribution system improperly bonds
neutral to ground prior to reaching the main junction box.
It is also ironic to note that the electronic switching power supply used in
today's modern microcomputer operates at high frequencies and can both
generate and pass through this high-frequency noise.
 
Occurrence:
Seen as loss of memory; garbled programs or data; inaccurate calculations;
damaged disk drives or power supplies; or microprocessor failure.
 
Protection is achieved with filtration circuitry, commonly employing toroid
coils and incorporated into a backup power supply, line regulator,
or spike protector.
The microcomputer itself usually also has protective filtration circuitry.
Ratings are given in decibels (or "dB," the ratio of voltage-in to
voltage-out) and are usually specified at regular stairstep intervals over a
broad band of RFI frequencies, beginning about 50 or 100 kHz up and extending
to about 50 or 100 MHz.
Again, as with spike protection, filtration must be specified for each of the
three possible power lines -- line/neutral (differential or normal),
line/ground (common), and neutral/ground (common).
For example, it is possible to have MOVs for spike protection on all three
power legs but toroid coils for filtration on only one (so called "3 x 1").
 
One Final Note
 
A reference was made earlier about spike protection from a lightning strike
"some distance away."
Atmospheric lightning (spherics) induces power-line spikes
which can travel some distance through the power grid
to raise havoc with delicate electronic equipment.
However, such spikes, as potentially damaging as they may be,
are many orders of magnitude less in power than that of
a direct lightning strike in the actual vicinity of a business or residence.
 
Here, the speed and power of such a strike may be such as to destroy all
electronic equipment within the area by getting through some of the slower
protective devices (fuses and circuit breakers) before they have time to react
or even by arcing across those devices which have reacted.
Any device that the average business or consumer can afford is like an umbrella
used to protect electronic equipment from periodic rain showers.
Lightning, however, is then like the vengeful hurricane that no umbrella can
withstand.
 
Be careful how you sell these devices; they can't "stop lightning."
 
MOM-11-90
HARD DRIVE CARDS NOT SUPPORTED IN SOME CPUs
 
On Page 37 of RSC-22, the chart indicates it is correct to use either the
25-1032 20 MB or 25-4059 40 MB Hard Drive Card
in a Tandy  2500 XL and 4016 SX.
This is incorrect, due to mechanical considerations only.
The Hard Drive Card's weight cannot be properly supported in these CPUs,
as it causes excessive stress on the card connector.
This is also true for the 4020 SX computer.
For these computers, you should only use IDE or SCSI hard drives.
 
MOM-11-90
BUSINESS GRAPHS AND OUTLINER NOW AVAILABLE!!
 
Two new DeskMate Companions are now available in the warehouse.
DeskMate Companions are products that will require DeskMate .
There is no runtime included.
 
Business Graphs (25-1363) creates line, bar, pie or other charts from data
taken from the DeskMate Worksheet, Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate or original
data.
It displays in color and also prints in color on the DMP 240.
A terrific value at only $24.95.
 
The Outliner (25-1364) helps students or business people organize their
thoughts and create outlines for papers, speeches, or presentations.
At $19.95 it is a great add-on idea for customers buying
the Tandy  1000 TL/2 or the RL!!
 
Both of these products have a multi-windowing capability that allows you to
have up to six windows on the screen at any one time!
 
MOM-11-90
TANDY 1500 HD AT 220 VOLTS
 
Our testing has confirmed that the Tandy  1500 HD (25-3506)
may be operated or charged from a 220-volt source
using voltage converters supplied through our regular Radio Shack stores.
(It is recommended that the unit not be used while charging is taking place as
the charging time is significantly increased.)
 
Customers will need to purchase the 50-watt converter/transformer for
electronic equipment (273-1401) and the plug adapters (273-1405).
The customer should also be prompted to purchase an extra replacement battery
(26-3526) to make portable operation more efficient.
PRODUCT NEWS
 
01Z/COMPUTER CENTER
 
MOM-11-90
INTRODUCING SCO UNIX SYSTEM V/386 RELEASE 3.2 V2
 
We often speak of the Operating System as the "foundation"
of the computing platform.
Common sense dictates that a house or structure is only as good
as the foundation it is built upon,
and so it is with a computer platform and the operating system
that controls the function and operation of that platform.
 
With Release 3.2 Version 2, the SCO UNIX operating system
has reached the level of maturity and stability that must be present
in operating systems offered through the Radio Shack product line.
 
SCO UNIX System V/386 Release 3.2 is now available
under catalog number 903-1795 for $895.
Radio Shack has worked with The Santa Cruz Operation
since July of 1989 in testing and evaluating releases
of the SCO UNIX operating system.
Over 500 man-hours was invested in the final qualification
of the Version 2 product.
 
This release of the operating system will provide the base for the near future
implementation of SCO Open Desktop,
the long-awaited graphical environment for UNIX
and for future support of multi-processor technology on the 80486 platform.
 
Questions & Answers
 
Q:  What is the difference between SCO XENIX and SCO UNIX System V?
 
A:  Both SCO XENIX and SCO UNIX System V are based on source code
licensed from AT&T and Microsoft.
SCO adds value to the core technology provided by these two companies,
then releases it as a commercial product.
 
SCO UNIX System V can be viewed as the next major release
in the evolution of the SCO XENIX product.
It is called SCO UNIX because, with its latest licensing terms,
AT&T now licenses the UNIX trademark as well as the source code.
As with other major releases of product,
SCO UNIX offers additional functionality and performance enhancements;
SCO UNIX System V is a more full-featured system than SCO XENIX.
 
This is no way indicates the demise of the SCO XENIX operating system
as a viable and cost effective multiuser platform.
To the contrary, SCO XENIX will continue to satisfy the majority of the needs
of the small business customer.
Take a few moments to review the "New Features" section in this article,
and if your client has no immediate need for these new features,
then SCO XENIX remains the operating system of choice.
 
In fact SCO, realizing the large installed base of loyal and satisfied
XENIX customers and the maturity of the product,
will deliver a maintenance release of the SCO XENIX product
during the first quarter of 1991.
 
The bottom line is really quite simple.
The computing requirements of your client compared to the features and
functionality of the two operating systems will be the deciding factor
in selecting the correct operating system.
 
Q:  What hardware is required to run SCO UNIX System V?
 
A:  As in most cases, increased functionality and additional product features
require additional horsepower requirements from a hardware standpoint.
Radio Shack recommends a minimum system of:
80386 (ISA), 4 MB RAM, 80 MB Hard Drive.
 
Your proposal must take the future growth and expansion
of your client's business into consideration.
Plan for the immediate as well as the long term expansion of the system --
protect your client's investment in the platform.
 
SCO UNIX System V provides full "termcap" support for
the DT-110 Data Terminal and high performance driver support for
SCSI hard drives and tape drives.
This release does not provide support for Micro Channel Architecture.
 
Q:  Will existing SCO XENIX applications run on SCO UNIX System V?
 
A:  SCO applications will run under both XENIX and UNIX.
Check with the application vendor or Computer Customer Service
to verify other applications.
 
Q:  Will every application developed for other implementations of
UNIX System V/386 run on SCO UNIX System V?
 
A:  SCO UNIX System V provides binary compatibility with the binaries
created on UNIX Systems based on AT&T's UNIX System V/386 Release 3.1
and greater.
 
As a result, applications running on properly derived versions
of UNIX System V/386 should run on SCO UNIX System V.
Bear in mind that there are applications that make modifications
to the kernel device drivers or require UNIX System functionality
that may not be part of the SCO UNIX implementation.
 
A compatibility listing of application software is currently being developed.
For peace of mind, check with the application vendor to ascertain
if they support their product on SCO UNIX System V.
 
Q:  Which peripherals in the product line are NOT supported
under SCO UNIX System V? 
 
A:   25-4064   20 MB DCS
     25-1081   CD-ROM Drive
     90-2156   CD-ROM Drive
     25-4031   Tandy 4-Port Serial Adapter
 
Q:  Can DOS, OS/2 and SCO UNIX coexist on the same hard disk?
 
A:  Yes.
You may partition the hard disk to contain DOS (Version 3.30),
OS/2 and SCO UNIX partitions.
You may then boot any of these partitions.
It is possible to have up to four separate partitions.
 
Q:  What UNIX System Standards does SCO UNIX System V encompass?
 
A:  SCO UNIX System V conforms with all major
UNIX System industry standards as they exist today:
 
  AT&T's SVID (System V Interface Definition)
 
  The combined XENIX and UNIX System "Merged" Applications Compatibility
  Standard
 
  IEEE POSIX P1003.1 (Portable Operating System for Computer Environments)
  with the Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 151.1 Extensions
 
  X/Open CAE (Common Applications Environment) including 8-bit
  internationalization libraries
 
  ANSI X3J11 C Language Standard for 8-Bit internationalization
 
  NCS TCSEC to the C2 level
 
Standards compliance is a vital requirement in today's marketplace
and assures your client of compatibility in their technology investment.
 
Q:  What about upgrades from SCO XENIX to SCO UNIX System V?
 
A:  The Santa Cruz Operation has no immediate plan to market
an upgrade product at this time.
Due to the differences between the two products
and the continuation of SCO XENIX as a viable solution,
no special upgrade pricing exists.
 
Market pressure and demand will determine future upgrade pricing programs.
 
New Features
 
Disk I/O Performance Enhancements
 
Fast I/O between main memory and disk storage is the key to providing
high performance for most business applications
and for many scientific/engineering programs.
 
Beyond basic hardware support, SCO has implemented some advanced
disk-management techniques in the SCSI Driver.
This includes a 1-to-1 disk interleave factor,
which allows fast processors to absorb data coming from the disk
as fast as the controller can capture it.
With other interleaving factors, such as 3-to-1,
the data is actually spread out across more of the disk so that the processor
will have time to catch up on its side of the transfer,
while the disk spins ahead to the next portion of data. 
 
Version 2 is also optimized to support scatter-gather operations.
Working with the ACER Fast File System (AFS) in SCO UNIX System V,
the new scatter-gather driver can deliver disk I/O performance
for most applications.
 
C2 Trusted System Features
 
In addition to the standard UNIX System password and file protection security,
SCO UNIX System V is designed to meet the C2 level
of the Trusted Computer System Evaluation Criteria (TCSEC)
as specified by the National Computer Security Center (NCSC).
In addition, it implements the FIPS 112 Password Management Guidelines.
All of these features are maintained from a new, highly integrated,
system administration shell.
 
Korn Shell (ksh)
 
Designed as a successor to the traditional Bourne shell (sh),
and including the most popular features of the BSD C shell (csh),
the Korn shell is sure to find favor with experienced developers
and system administrators.
It features POSIX-compliant job control, command history and editing,
extended I/O capabilities, and better debugging than (sh).
 
Expanded System Administrator's Guide
 
This volume of comprehensive documentation now includes new information
on site planning, system troubleshooting and instructions
on configuring the MMDF II mail router.
It also contains details on security auditing and directions for using
the new C2 trusted system tools.
 
File System Switch (FSS)
 
FSS is an AT&T facility that allows you to use a variety of UNIX
and non-UNIX file systems, and can also be used to mount a DOS,
XENIX or CD-ROM file system and manipulate files directly
using SCO UNIX System V commands.
 
Multichannel Memorandum Facility, Version II
(MMDF II)
 
MMDF II is a very sophisticated mail routing facility
which conforms to all US Government "RFC" specifications
for Internet Mail Systems, and provides the same front end as
the mail router in previous releases of SCO XENIX.
It provides tremendous flexibility and includes support for
various delivery agents such as X.25, X.400, UUCP, SMTP, local, Micnet,
and more.
 
Acer File System (AFS)
 
AFS, developed by Acer Technologies and integrated into SCO UNIX System V
by SCO, is capable of handling larger sets of data in the same amount of time
as standard file systems.
Benchmarks have shown that using AFS improves throughput by
as much as 600 percent over standard UNIX file systems.
 
MOM-11-90
CHANGES IN XENIX/UNIX SERIAL PORT OPTIONS
 
4-Port Serial Boards
 
250-4031     Replaced by 900-2453
900-2185     Replaced by 900-2453
900-2453     Arnet 4-Port Serial Board
250-4025     "TWO" Dual Serial/Parallel adapters
 
8-Port Serial Boards
 
900-2186     Replaced by 900-2458
 
Serial Port Solutions
 
The Tandy 4-Port board (25-4031) was developed when most CPUs
did not include a serial port.
Currently, most CPUs come with at least one if not two,
so adding additional serial ports with minimum features can be done
inexpensively.
 
The 25-4025 Dual Serial/Parallel adapter provides
an additional two or four (if you put in two boards) ports.
The configuration for these adapters can be found in the latest Pulse
publication.
 
High speeds may not be achieved with a "non-intelligent" serial board.
 
25-4031 and 900-2185 are Replaced
 
The 25-4031 Tandy 4-Port serial board and the 900-2185 Arnet Smart 4-Port
boards have been replaced by the 900-2453 Arnet 4-Port serial board at $495.00.
This is the Arnet Multiport serial I/O board which provides connectivity
for up to 4 users in a XENIX or UNIX environment.
Like all Arnet products, they come with a lifetime warranty through Arnet.
 
Additional drivers are not needed to support this board.
Enabling each COM port is all that is required.
High speeds may not be achieved using a "non-intelligent" serial board.
 
Be sure to sell out or move out your remaining inventory of
25-4031 4-Port boards.
 
Arnet 8-Port Board is Replaced
 
The 900-2186 Arnet Smart 8-Port board has been replaced
with 900-2458 Arnet Octaport Intelligent board
featuring an external DB-25 box, a 10 MHz 80c186 processor,
64K of dual-ported RAM and 64K of private RAM, on-board surge protection
and a lifetime warranty.
The on-board processor reduces the CPU overhead allowing faster response time.
XENIX and UNIX drivers are included with the 8-Port serial board.
 
Evaluation is under way to consider carrying, in our 25-series,
a line of multiport products.
While this evaluation is progressing,
the above products offer solutions that you need to
continue making those  multiuser solution  sales.
 
MOM-11-90
XENIX QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
 
Q:  Will the DT-110 support SCO VP/ix (903-1745)?
 
A:  The DT-110 is a "character based terminal"
and will support "text based"
DOS applications running under SCO VP/ix.
Graphics based applications (ie. Harvard Graphics, MS Windows, etc.)
are supported on the console only.
 
A modified "SCO VP/ix Termcap for the DT-110" is available from your CSE,
providing full keyboard functionality on the DT-110.
 
Q:  When should I recommend The UnTerminal to my XENIX clients?
 
A:  The UnTerminal, available in both Monochrome and VGA versions,
connects inexpensive PC compatible monitors and keyboards
to an SCO XENIX server as fast text/graphics workstations.
 
XENIX applications are traditionally text based.
In many cases, a client may have a requirement for a graphics based application
that is not available under SCO XENIX
(such as presentation management software)
or they may have a significant investment in DOS application software.
 
In this situation, The UnTerminal provides access to existing
or new DOS applications and the ability to utilize the power of XENIX
for business management -- the best of both worlds.
 
MOM-11-90
150 MB INTERNAL TAPE BACKUP
 
The 25-4169 SCSI Internal Tape Backup is now out of stock at TSDC
and will be discontinued in the near future.
Although the new 25-4166 SCSI Cassette Tape Backup
will be available very shortly,
you may have some customers that still want the 25-4169 drive.
You have two solutions:
 
There are a few 25-4169s in 11s and 01Zs around the nation.
Your Regional Office can help you locate one. 
 
The 900-2466 150 MB External SCSI Tape Backup is identical
to the 25-4169 except that it comes in an enclosure.
It includes a cable that connects the drive to the external connector
of the 25-4161 SCSI Host Adapter.
Your customer can choose to use it externally as is,
or the drive can be removed from its case and installed internally
in a half-height device slot just as the 25-4169 would.
 
MOM-11-90
TANDY 4025 LX AND 4033 LX IN THE WAREHOUSE
 
The Tandy  4025 LX and 4033 LX computers are in the TSDC Warehouse
and available for sales.
The 4025 LX has an availability code of 17
which means 11s can stock it for demo purposes
and 01Zs can special order it with customer orders.
The 4033 LX remains code 19 for special ordering with customer sales.
 
These two systems provide excellent platforms for XENIX workgroups
and network file servers,
as well as high performance standalone workstations for desktop publishing,
large spreadsheet applications, Windows 3.0 (awesome workstation)
and other power computing required environments.
 
Utilize the Comparison Charts that are attached to this month's M.O.M.
Use them to YOUR advantage.
Price is not always the issue when you propose these types of systems.
The overall best solution is usually the winner.
Always include system configuration with your System Engineer.
Include their services in the proposal (ALWAYS!),
On-Site service plans to cover the unexpected and minimize down time,
training the new user to get the most out of the new system
in the shortest possible timeframe,
Leasing programs designed to meet your prospects demands and yours too.
 
These, combined with the right software and hardware,
offer your prospects the best possible solution.
Propose one, two, three or more today.
Sell one, two, three or more today and tomorrow!
 
MOM-11-90
CO-PROCESSOR FOR THE TANDY 4020 SX
 
The Intel 80387sx-20 co-processor for the 4020 SX is 900-2586.
The retail price is $550.00.
 
Adding a co-processor to your CPU sale offers the following:
 
1. Speeds your customer's graphic- and numeric-based applications up to
   five times faster.
 
2. While the math co-processor is working, the CPU can be either waiting for
   the result or processing other tasks.
 
3. Increases your customers' confidence in you because you have increased the
   performance of their system.
 
4. And last but not least, you've increased your sales and commission by
   helping your customer.
   That's the real bottom line.
 
Co-processors help you help your customers get the job done...today.
 
MOM-11-90
NETWORK COMPUTING -- ANALYZING THE MARKET AND ADAPTING
 
This article will focus on network product marketing
and outline changes that Radio Shack has implemented
in our continuing effort to remain competitive
in the small-medium business and education target markets.
 
Analyzing the Cost of Marketing Network Platforms
 
There are a number of associated costs and other factors
that must be considered when evaluating and selecting
a new network operating system for the product line
or in justifying the continuation of an existing product.
 
  Sales and technical training
  Demonstration software required
  Testing and evaluation resources
  Support resources
  Advertising and marketing funds
  Inventory
 
Quite simply, marketing and supporting a network operating system
is an expensive operation.
Analyzing the return on investment is equally straightforward;
sales volume of the network operating system,
associated hardware and peripherals must justify the investment.
 
In today's competitive marketplace,
marketing multiple operating system platforms
for the sole purpose of having a wide selection available
is no longer justified.
If the product does not produce a return on investment,
it is requiring resources that could be put to better use
on products that are producing an acceptable return on investment.
 
Network Operating Systems -- Market Share
 
Market share is an excellent barometer of the acceptance level of a product
in the end user community.
Significant market share creates forward momentum
and pull through sales of the product.
 
Radio Shack's prime mission in network computing is to satisfy
the needs and requirements of the customers in our target markets.
Our customers have told us that Novell NetWare
is their network operating system of choice.
 
NOS
Market Share
Unit Sales
[chart here]
Source: Salomon Brothers
 
You can see from the chart that Novell NetWare continues to dominate
the network operating system market for PCs.
As always, this market is constantly changing
and we will continue to adapt our network product line
to the demands of our target markets.
 
Changes to the Current Network Operating System Product Line
 
A critical review of the current product line has produced two changes:
 
  3Com 3+Share has all but disappeared as a product of interest
  in the network market.
  While we will continue to support our existing installed base,
  the product is no longer viable for new installations.
  Consequently, all field inventory and demonstration systems
  have been returned to TSDC.
  Upgrades for end users will continue to be available.
 
  3Com 3+Open, a value-added version of MS LAN Manager,
  requires a high level of training and support.
  OS/2 server platforms are now gaining recognition
  in the corporate/government sector.
  The sales of the 3+Open Entry System II and 3+Open Advanced no longer justify
  a continuing effort to market the product.
  All field inventories for these products have been returned to TSDC.
  While upgrades for these products will continue to be available,
  product requests for new installations must be made on a special order basis.
 
Resources previously committed to these two products
can now be applied to the Novell NetWare product line.
Renewed emphasis will be placed on the Novell NetWare product line
through additional training and marketing support efforts.
 
Adapter Price War Continues To Erode Profit Margins
 
While network adapter pricing remains volatile,
the 26-5505 Tandy Ethernet Adapter is uniquely positioned
to meet the aggressive pricing of our competitors
while maintaining high profit margins.
This is achieved without sacrificing quality or features in the product.
 
Still, many stores continue to bid and sell other adapters in the product line
with higher retail prices and lower profit margins.
3Com network adapters are maintained in the product line
for two very specific reasons:
to provide products for state and government contracts
which specify the brand name
and to accommodate existing customers requesting the 3Com adapter by name.
 
In either case, there is absolutely no reason
to stock these adapters in your store
(they should be ordered from TSDC only when you have a sale):
 
  26-5435 Etherlink (Available for Education Sales Only)
  26-5501 Etherlink II (Avail Code 19)
  26-5502 Etherlink Plus (Avail Code 19)
 
MOM-11-90
PROCEDURES FOR ORDERING NOVELL NETWARE
 
Novell NetWare may be sold only by stores and Computer Centers
that have fulfilled the Novell Authorization requirements.
This is a legal requirement under our distribution agreement with Novell.
More importantly, this policy is in place to insure
that the customer receives delivery and installation
from a team specifically trained on the Novell product line.
 
Computer Support Services in Fort Worth maintains a listing of
Novell Authorized locations and all orders for Novell products
must be placed in accordance with the guidelines listed below.
Following these guidelines will insure prompt shipment of your order
and avoid unnecessary delays.
 
1. Complete an ICST with the following information:
 
   Store Number
   Stock Number and Description
   Quantity
   Customer Name
 
2. Send the ICST via Facsimile to:
 
   Computer Support Services
   (817) 338-2303
   Attention: Peggy
 
3. Overnight or Express Shipping requests must be approved
   in advance by the Divisional Vice President.
   When requesting special shipping methods,
   you must note on the ICST from whom the authorization was obtained,
   the date and the time.
 
4. Computer Support Services will verify the Novell Authorization of the store
   or Computer Center placing the order and forward the order to TSDC
   for fulfillment.
 
Orders from stores or Computer Centers that are not Novell Authorized
will not be accepted.
 
MOM-11-90
YEAR END UPDATES FOR REALWORLD ACCOUNTING SOFTWARE
 
The IRS has made changes again in the W2 and 1099.
These changes require modifications for Accounts Payable
and Payroll which must be made before your customer files with the IRS.
To remain consistent and current,
your customer should purchase these year-end changes
for both Accounts Payable and Payroll,
even if they are processing 1099s through Payroll.
This applies to 4-IN-1 and Point-Of-Sale Plus customers as well.
 
Here's is a list of software that requires these updates:
 
  903-1444 Accounts Payable
  905-1444 Accounts Payable
  903-1664 Accounts Payable
  905-1664 Accounts Payable
  250-1462 Accounts Payable
  903-1443 Payroll
  905-1443 Payroll
  903-1665 Payroll
  905-1665 Payroll
  250-1463 Payroll
  250-1469 RW POS Plus
  250-1287 RW 4-IN-1
  905-3083 RW 4-IN-1
 
If your customers have any questions or special circumstances,
they can telephone RealWorld Corporation at (603) 224-2200
and identify themselves as Radio Shack customers.
 
Point-Of-Sale Plus and 4-IN-1 customers are to write a check,
payable to RealWorld, in the amount of $52.50.
Version 5.0 customers are to write a check, payable to RealWorld,
in the amount of $102.50 ($50.00 for each module).
The additional $2.50 is for shipping and handling charges.
Make sure the customer includes the following information:
 
1. Size of diskette (3 1/2" or 5 1/4")
 
2. Operating under DOS, Network, XENIX 286 or 386
 
3. Contact name, company name, address and phone number
 
The customer must send the check, along with above information to:
 
   RealWorld Corporation
   Radio Shack Year End Update
   P.O. Box 2051
   Concord, NH 03302
 
MOM-11-90
EDUCATION SALES UP FOR QUARTER
 
Sales results for the first quarter
show an increase of 15% over sales for the same period last year.
 
Much of this success is due to the combined efforts of the field sales staff
and Contract Marketing (see HOW TO WIN... article, next page).
 
Congratulations and continued success to all four regions!!
 
MOM-11-90
SCHOOLMATE TEACHER'S HELPER NOW AVAILABLE
 
Through the spring TAP promotion, Radio Shack Education Division gave more
than 6,000 complimentary copies of SchoolMate  Teacher's Helper to educators
across the nation.
 
To help you promote sales of this product, be aware that Teacher's Helper
is now available through TSDC (25-1244, $69.95).
A fact sheet (FC-639) is also available through TSDC.
We are advertising Teacher's Helper in leading teacher magazines, including
Learning, Teacher, Today's Catholic Teacher, and Teaching K-8.
 
Teacher's Helper combines four different programs -- ROSTER, GRADE
BOOK, EXAM MAKER and DRAW -- into an electronic assistant to
streamline teaching routines.
 
ROSTER is an information storage and retrieval system for adding,
maintaining, deleting and printing student records for each class.
New students can be added at any time from a Student Master List.
 
With GRADE BOOK, teachers can record, calculate and print numeric and
alphabetic grades or checkmarks in up to six different categories, including
homework and exams.
 
EXAM MAKER creates tailor-made exams using multiple choice, true/false,
matching, essay, or fill-in-the-blank formats.
Formats can be mixed or matched and, if desired, the order of questions for
each individual student's exam can be randomly chosen by the computer.
 
Answer Keys are generated automatically.
 
The DRAW application can be used to illustrate questions on an exam.
 
SchoolMate Teacher's Helper also features a utility for moving individual
files to the SchoolMate network.
 
Teacher's Helper is compatible with any Tandy or other PC-compatible with 512K
of memory.
A mouse and hard drive are recommended.
 
MOM-11-90
UPDATED COMPTON'S ENCYCLOPEDIA HARDWARE CONFIGURATION
 
Good news!
 
Due to changes in our hard drive product line for the 2500 XL, the retail
price for the Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia delivery system is lower.
 
The 52 MB drive brings more for less -- 12 MB more storage, $50.00 less
money.
 
Cat.#       Description     Retail Price
 
25-4074     2500 XL          $1,499.00
25-4041     VGM-200             499.95
25-1081     CD-ROM drive        895.00
25-4124     52 MB hard drive    599.00
25-1042     PS/2 mouse           49.95
 
Total Retail                 $3,542.90
 
Integration                      40.00
 
TOTAL SYSTEM                 $3,582.90
 
MOM-11-90
CCC IS FEATURED PARTNER IN EDUCATION THIS MONTH
 
Computer Curriculum Corporation (CCC) is a Value Added Reseller (VAR),
marketing Tandy Computers with their instructional software.
 
CCC is a leading publisher of integrated learning systems for education.
The product contains more than 2100 hours of instruction
for kindergartners through adults.
The courseware includes lessons in reading, math, language skills, and science.
The networked curriculum utilizes VGA graphics, speech, and engaging text to
create an interactive learning environment that is self-paced.
CCC also markets a stand-alone version of their curriculum, called SOLO,
which is on a CD-ROM, and runs on our Tandy  2500 XL.
 
CCC is an exciting partner of Tandy, and recently helped us close a nine-lab,
$455,000 sale in Milwaukee.
Regional Education Marketing Manager Dave Lowman
and Area Education Marketing Manager Ed Smith were instrumental
in helping to close the deal,
with assistance from Don Drake, Manager of 11-7426.
This sale alone doubled last year's total school sales in Wisconsin.
Congratulations to all involved for their hard work and resulting success.
 
If you need more information about CCC,
contact your Area Education Marketing Manager.
 
MOM-11-90
SCHOOLMATE NOVELL UPDATE
 
There are two situations in SchoolMate  Novell
that can cause frustration for users.
There are also fixes for these situations.
The situations are as follows:
 
1. When adding teacher accounts to a SchoolMate Novell server,
   the program sometimes locks up or won't allow you to add teachers' names.
 
2. If there are more than 1,000 students on a SchoolMate Novell server,
   grades will disappear in the GRADE BOOK but the averages will remain.
 
The fixes are patches available through
the SE Fixes and Files to Download area on PC-Link
and from Computer Customer Service.
The patches are automatically installed on all SchoolMate Novell servers
configured at TSI since October 15, 1990.
 
Patches are in the works for SchoolMate 3Com 25-1241.
 
MOM-11-90
HOW TO WIN BIG BUSINESS THROUGH CONTRACT MARKETING/NATIONAL BID
 
Here's a quick quiz for you:
 
Do You Know...
 
1. What Contract Marketing/National Bid does?
 
Do You Know...
 
2. The proper procedure for getting a response to a request for bid or
   proposal prepared by Contract Marketing/National Bid?
 
If you answered yes to both of these questions,
this article may be a review; but, if you answered no
to either one, this article is mandatory reading!
 
What Contract Marketing/National Bid Does
 
Contract Marketing/National Bid responds to government and education requests
for bids and proposals
on behalf of Radio Shack Computer Centers and Retail Stores.
Wherever and whenever possible,
the mission is simple -- get the business.
 
A Bid or Request for Bid is defined as a document requesting a response that
includes any one or more of the following:
 
- Response must be submitted in a sealed envelope by a specific date and time.
 
- Response requires the signature of a Corporate Officer.
 
- Response requires a Corporate Seal & Attestment.
 
- Response requires a Bid Bond to be included.
 
- Response requires a Performance Bond to be included.
 
- Response requires a statement of Equal Employment,
  Affirmative Action and Minority Business Enterprise/Women's
  Business Enterprise (MBE/ WBE) Compliance.
 
Request for a written proposal, or RFP, may also include any of the above
criteria.
 
All Requests for Bids or Requests for Proposals that have one or more of the
above criteria must be prepared by Contract Marketing/National Bid.
If all that is needed is an informal quote, and none of the criteria
listed above is included, then a Marketing Rep or Store Manager may respond
with standard discount pricing offered through state contract pricing (call
your DM or AEMM for state-by-state government and education pricing).
 
Proper Procedures
 
Contract Marketing/National Bid will prepare a response for you if you will
submit a completed Bid Registration Form in a timely fashion.
See the Store Operating Manual, Section V, Pages 19-21, and the Exhibits
Section, Pages V-1 through V-4, for complete details and a copy of the Bid
Registration Form.
 
It is up to you to obtain the information required and forward it to
Contract Marketing/National Bid in a timely fashion.
 
Be very detailed in your preparation of the Bid Registration Form.
Contract Marketing will not call your client for you.
Contract Marketing will work with you to help you win the business, and within
policy that will allow the sale to be written through your unit number.
The only exceptions to this policy are:
 
- Any sale with a discount greater than 30%,
 
and/or
 
- Any sale of $100,000.00 or more with a discount greater than 20%.
 
Business that meets either of these circumstances will be booked on the Central
Sales Unit in Fort Worth, and an 8% referral will be issued to your unit's
bottom line.
 
The address for Contract Marketing/National Bid is:
 
Radio Shack Contract Marketing
1400 One Tandy Center
Fort Worth, TX  76102
 
MOM-11-90
NEW SOFTWARE PRODUCT ALLOWS USERS TO FIND CAREER APTITUDES
 
The 1991 Radio Shack Educational Products Guide has a new category called
"Career Guidance" under the heading of Business Education Software
(Page 16).
Responding to the resurgent interest in "self-help"
among teens and adults alike,
the Products Guide has added the exciting new software program,
DISCOVER WHAT YOU'RE BEST AT.
 
The book on which the software is based is the No. 2 bestselling career book
in today's market by Simon & Schuster Publishers.
The software version should be a bestseller as well.
 
The software has six tests --
 
   Business
   Clerical
   Logical
   Mechanical
   Numerical
   Social
 
which measure aptitude to perform tasks associated with over 1,000 occupations.
Those occupations best suited to one's abilities are identified and described.
 
After finishing the tests, a personal report of strong and weak areas, and a
list of occupations to consider, is available on screen or in hard copy.
Through these tests, users can determine what they are best at,
not just what they are interested in,
as they attempt to make career decisions
in an increasingly complex work world.
 
Author Barry Gale says that the program appeals to three types of people:
high school juniors and seniors, college students
(whose parents buy it for them), and women reentering the work force.
Women who have been homemakers may find aptitude tests helpful
in seeing the reality of new fields.
(Interior design, for example, requires mechanical and numerical skills,
not just an eye for color.)
 
Product brochures for DISCOVER WHAT YOU'RE BEST AT are available to
stores through Area Education Marketing Managers.
They can be obtained directly by calling the software publisher,
Career Passports, at (800) 321-9381.
 
MOM-11-90
NEW PRODUCTS
 
NEW PRODUCT RELEASES NOT IN CATALOGS -- DESCRIPTIONS
 
 
BOOKS
 
25-1430  Using DOS! (Book)  $19.95
 
Reach maximum productivity on your PC with Using DOS!
This easy-to-follow introduction to DOS operations takes a unique,
hands-on approach to teaching the commands,
functions and syntax of DOS 3.X and 4.01.
 
Practical exercises and real-world analogies explain the basic components
of DOS in a conversational style that's easy to understand.
You learn simple variations of disk and drive setups,
then advance easily to more complex topics.
The text provides in-depth coverage of DOS devices, pipes, filters,
system configuration, and the EDLIN text editor;
plus, special sidebars highlight historical information, author cues,
and additional technical information for more advanced users.
 
 
WORKGROUP HARDWARE
 
900-2473 Thomas-Conrad ARC-CARD/AT  $385.00
 
The TC6145 ARC-CARD/AT is a high-performance ARCNET adapter
for 16-bit AT style computers.
The adapter uses the full 16-bit data bus, providing a significant increase
in network throughput.
To further enhance throughput, a true dual-port 2K data buffer
with zero wait states allows simultaneous access by both the computer
and LAN controller.
 
Select one of two modes of operation, compatible or enhanced:
In the compatible mode, the 16-bit ARC-CARD/AT will increase throughput
by up to 50% as a drop-in replacement for other 8-bit adapters.
A base memory address, an I/O address and an IRQ must be set.
 
In the enhanced mode, the ARC-CARD/AT lets you select
from several memory address and interrupt configurations.
In this mode the ARC-CARD/AT uses only 16K of address space.
This is 75% less than the space required by most network interface cards.
 
Network Driver Support:
NetWare 286 and NetWare 386 (Novell certified)
 
Recommendations:
The 16-bit adapter is highly recommended for use in network file servers
for enhanced performance.
 
 
900-2472  Thomas-Conrad ARCNET Smart Hub  $895.00
 
The TC6150 Smart Hub is an intelligent version of the
TC6050 Active Hub (900-2471), providing displays,
operator interfaces and on-board intelligence
which assist in the diagnosis of ARCNET networks.
 
Features:
 
  On-board diagnostic facilities
 
  Digital display of reconfiguration attempts by port
 
  Status and Activity LEDs for each port
 
  Four position keypad to control hub displays, enable and disable ports
 
 
UTILITIES
 
25-1429  The Norton Utilities Version 5.0  $149.95
 
The Norton Utilities Version 5.0 offer sophisticated tools
for protecting data and enhancing PC performance,
in a package that's simple enough for the novice to use.
With these tools installed, it's easy to keep a computer running
at peak efficiency, and even the most difficult disk problems aren't a problem.
If you depend on your computer, depend on Norton Utilities
to maximize your investment in hardware, software and data.
 
Features:
 
  Performance Enhancement (Calibrate, Norton Cache, and Speed Disk)
 
  Preventative Maintenance (Disk Monitor, File Save)
 
  Automatic Disk Repair (File Fix, Norton Disk Editor)
 
  Data Recovery (UnErase, UnFormat)
 
Additional Features:
 
  Disk Tools: useful disk accessories
 
  System Information: comprehensive reporting of
  system configuration and status
 
  Batch Enhancer: improved batch file control
 
  Norton Change Directory: directory management
 
  Norton Control Center: specification setting
 
  File Find: fast, powerful file searching
 
  Safe Format: fast and safe disk formatting
 
Minimum System Requirements:
PC Compatible, 384K RAM, Hard Disk (Recommended)
 
Note: Packaged with 3 1/2" (720K) media.
5 1/4" media available through TSA Warranty Exchange.
 
MOM-10-90
THE FRONT LINE
THE FRONT LINE is a monthly column dedicated to discussing
marketing, merchandising and customer care concepts.
 
'TIS THE SELLING SEASON UPON US!
 
The Christmas selling season will be upon us in no time.
Look at your inventory of accessories and software to
support this major advertising and selling season.
 
Leftover Software?
 
The numbers tell us that you've been doing a good job of moving out
your older software titles.
The coming season is an excellent time to continue to keep it going.
Keep in mind that each new computer owner needs software,
and titles old to you are brand new to them.
Remember:
 
1. DeskMate is great for productivity but your customers will want to
   play some games as well.
   Set a personal goal for yourself to sell at least
   two entertainment and/or education titles for each computer sold.
   If everyone in your store can achieve this goal,
   you will wonder where all of the software went!
 
2. Check your retail revaluation reports,
   and be sure to display the correct discontinued prices.
   These bargains properly marked should be the easiest to sell.
 
3. 2 plus 2 still equals 4 and farfetched has always been an adjective.
   Math and Reading programs are timeless.
   Sell any older education programs first.
 
4. It will become harder to sell the older titles the longer they sit
   on your shelves, so feature them and sell them first.
   The brand new titles you are getting will be around for the next year --
   sell those to the customers that ask specifically for the new titles.
 
New Titles
 
There are many new titles in all categories for you to stock.
 
Your Tandy 1000 customer usually buys at least 2 additional pieces of
software in a variety of categories including entertainment,
personal productivity and home education, so be sure to have a good selection
available for your customer to choose from.
 
The typical Color Computer customer will buy 3 or more titles
for stocking stuffers or additional presents especially
with our 1/3 off promotion on all Color Computer software titles.
Display your stock near the Color Computer so they'll be sure to see them.
 
Personal Software Products
 
You know about DeskMate and all its features.
DeskMate covers the basic applications your customers need.
So what else is there?
You know about home education software for the kids
and we've mentioned games.
But a whole other category of software you'll want to be familiar with is
Personal Software which covers topics like:
 
   Cooking and recipes
   Video/audio/CD logs
   Genealogy
   Health
   Bible study
   Check writing
   Stock portfolio management
 
You'll also want to show customers your home and
personal desktop publishing software.
One of the best uses for their computer is creating invitations
or "happy holidays" banners!
This year you have some extra holiday "Cheer" in the form of
holiday letterhead and tractor-feed address labels
(This also helps you sell a printer and paper!).
 
Most of these are inexpensive software titles that make terrific "add-ons."
They also help the computer become a useful tool
for all members of the family.
Check out pages 35 through 38 in the Radio Shack Software Buyer's Guide
for listings of personal software.
 
Remember Express Order
 
In this busy season, there is another solution you can offer your
customers in the way of obtaining software -- Express Order!
Literally hundreds of additional titles are available for you to offer your
customers and they're just a phone call away.
You can order for your customer and have them come back into your store
to pick it up.
 
EOS will UPS the merchandise to your store for pick up by the customer,
or if they've ordered direct, it will be UPS'd directly to their home!
 
No Software Drop-Ship, So You Order!
 
There will NOT be a DROP SHIPMENT of any software this year,
so be sure to order enough to see you through this busy season.
 
So Sell!
 
Sell those accessories!
Sell that software!
You've got quality merchandise, support and service matched by none,
AND the solution for your customer's need.
Don't let him/her walk out without CLOSING THE SALE!
 
MOM-10-90
THE DESKMATE DIFFERENCE
A series of articles on DeskMate.
 
SELLING DESKMATE UNDER "BATTLE CONDITIONS" -- Part 1
 
How can you sell DeskMate when your DSM's on hold on one line,
your spouse is on hold on the other, one customer wants a refund,
and there are twelve people Christmas shopping in your store?
 
This article gives you specific information and sales tips
you can use to sell DeskMate when you don't have a lot of time
for a demonstration.
 
We'll start with general info about DeskMate and move to the
DeskMate versions found on specific computers.
 
 
DeskMate: Unique Added Value
 
Only Tandy offers DeskMate.
 
No other PC manufacturer offers its own Graphical User Interface.
 
DeskMate includes ten useful productivity applications.
 
These programs are all you need to get started immediately in
productive computing.
 
DeskMate programs have a common interface.
 
That means they all have a similar look and feel.
Once you learn how to use one DeskMate program,
you'll know how to navigate around any other DeskMate program.
 
DeskMate gives you a menu for "launching" your programs.
 
You can launch both DeskMate and non-DeskMate programs.
 
Most DeskMate programs install automatically.
 
You don't need to figure out how to install them on your hard drive --
just choose the Install option from the menu.
 
DeskMate reduces the need to learn MS-DOS commands.
 
You can execute most common file and directory manipulations right from
the Desktop without using DOS commands.
 
DeskMate supports older Tandy printers.
Remember the DMP 105 which doesn't have IBM compatibility?
DeskMate supports it and others with bolding, underlining,
and graphic printing.
 
More than thirty DeskMate programs from other publishers
are now available.
 
These include higher-powered versions of DeskMate word processors,
database managers, and a Lotus spreadsheet.
They also include programs for music, outlining, personal finance,
home education,
and much more -- all using the familiar DeskMate interface.
 
 
Tandy 1000 RL with the Home Organizer
 
Focus on the Home Organizer menu.
 
This menu shows each of the Home Organizer applications and gives a
description of each one as it is highlighted.
 
DeskMate is preloaded onto the hard drive.
 
You can be productive immediately!
 
Hand the customer a Guaranteed Success Brochure (FC-0392).
 
If your presentation is interrupted by another customer,
ask the customer to review the brochure
and say that you'll be back in a moment.
And go back!
 
Use the demo disk.
 
Keep it running on the RL -- it even talks!
It will get customers interested and tell them what the Home Organizer
is all about.
If you've lost your disk, you can order it from the TSDC as FC-102.
If you're installing the demo onto a hard drive,
see the note at the end of this article.
 
Show the RL videotape.
 
Keep it running, or at least keep it handy.
This tape really gives potential customers a good look at how the RL
can be used in the home.
 
 
Tandy 1100 FD
 
Emphasize that all ten DeskMate programs are included.
 
DeskMate Text is built in.
 
You can launch the word processor and type in a document
without loading anything from disk!
This allows you to have data diskettes with all 720K available for documents.
 
 
Tandy 1500 HD
 
Emphasize that all ten DeskMate programs are included.
 
All the DeskMate programs are preloaded onto the hard drive.
This means instant productivity, right out of the box.
 
 
DeskMate Helps You Sell
 
DeskMate adds value to our Tandy computers.
Value is what sells, so use DeskMate to help you sell our computers.
You'll be glad you did!
 
 
Next Month: Part 2,
Deciding How Much Selling Time to Invest
in a Customer
 
MOM-10-90
RL Demo Installation Note
 
The Tandy 1000 RL Point of Purchase package includes
the Tandy 1000 RL/Home Organizer Demonstration Diskette (FC-0102)
and instructions.
The following additional step is required
in the hard drive installation instructions
to optimize the performance of the demo on the hard disk.
 
Between steps 1b and 1c at the bottom of the front page,
insert these steps:
 
  With the Desktop on the screen,
  press <F3> C <ENTER> to choose "Change directory."
 
  Press the down arrow twice so that "A:" is highlighted.
 
  Press <ENTER> to change to Drive A.
 
 
The non-DeskMate graphics for this article
came from First Publisher.
 
MOM-10-90
THE CREDIT LINE
Direct to you from Tandy credit departments -- Commercial Credit,
Tandy Computer Leasing, and RSVP.
 
RSVP
 
The Teacher Opportunity Program (TOP) is in effect through December 31st;
complete the package with RSVP credit.
And what an opportunity!
It includes  a "turnkey" advanced, state-of-the-art computer system
that is especially discounted for those very special people...our educators;
on the convenience of a budget pay pay plan -- RSVP.
The Product;  the Value;  the Financing...the total solution for your customers
in the teaching profession.
You can help them take advantage of this very special promotion
by suggesting the credit opportunity of an RSVP card.
 
From time to time, RSVP will offer a special promotion
as an incentive for new applicants to sign on or to spur activity
from current cardholders.
To date, two of the most popular RSVP promos have been the
"Deferred Payment" and the "Deferred Payment/0% Interest."
Alas, there is a great deal of confusion about the differences between them!
 
With both, the first monthly payment on qualifying purchases is not due
for an extended ("deferred") period of time.
It's a "loan" from RSVP that allows customers to take their purchases home
with them now but doesn't require them to start repaying the loan
until after the deferred time period ends!
 
From the date of purchase, monthly statements of the account's status
(including deferred purchases) are sent.
Payments on any or all of the applicable (deferred) balance can be paid
during that period.
After the deferred period,
minimum monthly payments are required; but,
additional amounts or total payoff can be made at any time.
 
The difference between them is:
 
DEFERRED PAYMENT
 
Interest and Charge Guard fee, if chosen,
are charged (accrued) from the purchase date.
No monies, though, need to be paid toward the purchase,
interest or other fees until the billing cycle after
the deferred payment period ends.
 
At that time, the total purchase amount plus interest and other fees
accrued from date of purchase would be used to calculate
the minimum payment due.
 
DEFERRED PAYMENT/0% INTEREST
 
There is NO interest charge accrued on the purchase amount
during the deferred period.
Your customers will, in effect, have had totally free use
of the products...and their money...for up to 3 months!
 
If the total purchase cost is paid in full within the grace period
of the first billing cycle after the deferred period ends,
there is no interest charge at all.
The applicable Charge Guard fee, if chosen, is assessed
from date of purchase.
 
One of the first steps in selling anything is knowledge of your product.
Always be prepared to answer all your customers questions,
and more importantly, remember to:
 
Make RSVP your customers' first choice...
not the salesperson's last resort!
 
 
Tandy Computer Leasing
 
The Wall Street Journal has been headlining severe credit policies
by major banks and the inability of businesses to get bank loans
to finance the purchase of new equipment.
Especially hard hit are the small- to medium-size businesses
applying for financing:  they're encountering near insurmountable obstacles.
 
We haven't turned our backs on the business community:
TCL, the flexible finance company, still has an approval rate of over 90%!
 
This tighter financial climate dictates that you also be more innovative
in order to meet the ongoing needs of your commercial clients...if they're
to remain your clients.
Make your products the solution to your customer's business needs
and TCL financing the means of acquiring those products.
 
Providing that solution will help meet your personal ongoing needs as well.
TCL SPiFFs mean EXTRA INCOME FOR YOU every time you generate
a standard TCL sale.
You earn 1.5% ... PLUS ... your manager earns 1% ... PLUS ... every SPiFF
you earn increases your DSM's chance to win the quarterly "pool."
Trust us...it can't hurt to make your manager and your DSM happier!
 
Congratulations to all the sales teams who did just that helping their DSMs
win their Divisions' SPiFF pools during FY '90.
Those who placed "in the money" for all 4 quarters were:
Tim Fritts, Houston Regional Sales Manager, whose former
Dallas District 0583 earned DSM SPiFFs totaling $5,554, and
Phil Oman, (currently Tandy Credit Marketing Manager)
who started Philadelphia District 0346 on its
winning spree, and Jim Quigley who kept the momentum going in the 4th quarter,
for total SPiFF earnings of $4,495 in FY '90.
 
It's a clean slate and anybody's game this year with the new focus
now on leasing any products you sell for commercial use.
What role will leasing play in determining your position in this year's
game plan?
 
NOBODY COMPARES ...Radio Shack -- Superior Products
at Fair Prices...PLUS, you're in the position to offer your commercial clients
the strategic financing advantages of:
 
A TCL Lease...
 
"The Closing Link To a Total Solution"
 
MOM-10-90
HOME OFFICE MARKETING
Who works in a home office and why is Radio Shack uniquely
qualified to serve these customers?
 
HOMING IN ON THE HOME OFFICE
 
We all sell products to home office users.
These people fall into at least one of four categories:
 
  people who have a full-time business at home
 
  people who have a part-time business at home in addition to
  their full-time job
 
  people who bring work home from the office
 
  people who take care of personal business (like paying bills) at home
 
Most of the working adult population in this country falls into
at least one of these categories.
 
Identifying the Home Office User
 
Home Office Computing magazine published a survey
of its home office readers in the September, 1990 issue.
The survey paints this portrait of the home office user:
 
Average age:        40
Gender:             62% male, 38% female
Marital status:     75% are married
Family:             70% have children
Education:          85% attended college
 
Of those who run a business from home, 75% operate service-based businesses.
Here are the top ten home-based businesses:
 
 1.   Consultancies
 2.   Business services
 3.   Computer services
 4.   Financial services
 5.   Writing
 6.   Graphic, visual, and fine arts
 7.   Independent sales
 8.   Medical services
 9.   Construction and repair services
10.   Marketing and advertising firms
 
Here are the types of equipment these users own and plan to buy:
 
Equipment           Own Plan to buy
 
Desktop Computer    84%  13%
Dot-Matrix Printer  74%   5%
Modem               46%  20%
Mouse/Trackball     42%  13%
Copier              30%  25%
Laser printer       23%  30%
FAX machine         15%  39%
Laptop computer     14%  20%
 
The top five software applications home office computer users plan to buy
in the next year are:
 
1.   Desktop publishing
2.   Accounting
3.   Database management
4.   Business graphics
5.   Personal finance
 
  36% plan to spend between $1,000.00 and $5,000.00
  in the next year on equipment.
 
  40% plan to spend up to $1,000.00 in the next year on equipment.
 
Radio Shack: The Home Office Experts
 
Think about the different companies that manufacture and sell
home office equipment.
How many of them meet these qualifications?
 
  One manufacturer produces all the equipment listed above
 
  One store carries all the equipment listed above
 
  The manufacturer and the store are part of the same company,
  assuring the customer of quality and satisfaction
 
  The store has approximately 7,000 locations nationwide
 
  Every store is a drop-off point for service
 
Only a few companies can meet even one of these qualifications.
Only Radio Shack meets them all.
 
What It Means to You
 
We have it all for the home office.
When you qualify a customer as a home office user,
speak up about the advantages of buying from Radio Shack.
Walk your customers around your store,
showing them each of the items you have that they need.
Be ready to spell out the features of each product
to show how competitive we are.
 
We are the home office experts.
Sell with pride because NOBODY COMPARES to Radio Shack
when the office comes home.
 
MOM-10-90
STOCK FILE CHANGES
A quick reference to product status changes -- pricing, availability, etc.
 
LATE DATES
 
Listed below are the new items that appear in the 1991 Catalogs
which have not yet arrived at the warehouses.
Also included are the dates the merchandise is expected to be available
at the warehouses.
 
The dates listed in this section are based on the latest available information,
and are updated monthly.
While they may not be 100% accurate, they are the best estimate we have
at this time.
 
The dates listed here should be your ONLY reference for availability of
cataloged items.
Ft. Worth Computer Support Services or Ft. Worth Computer Merchandising
will not have any dates other than the ones shown here.
 
Radio Shack Catalog #459
Radio Shack Software Buyer's Guide
Tandy Computer Catalog RSC-22
 
Cat. #       Description                        Date
 
250-1258     USA Today Sports Center          10/30/90
250-1334     filePro for DeskMate             10/30/90
250-1351     DeskMate                         10/15/90
250-1361     DeskMate  Macros Companion       10/30/90
250-1363     DeskMate  Graphs Companion       10/30/90
250-1364     DeskMate  Outliner Companion     10/30/90
250-1365     DeskMate  Thesaurus Companion    10/30/90
250-1268     WordPerfect 5.1                  11/15/90
     WordPerfect 5.0 is currently available
     as 250-1268
 
250-1376     Spell-a-saurus                   11/15/90
250-1377     Dinosaur Discovery Kit           11/15/90
250-1385     Light Speed                      11/30/90
250-1389     Quest for Glory (Hero's Quest 2) 11/30/90
250-1391     Drakkhen                         10/30/90
250-1392     Turbo Outrun                     11/15/90
250-1396     Greg Norman Golf                 11/15/90
250-1398     Silent Service 2                 11/30/90
250-1399     Spot!                            10/30/90
250-1425     Avagio                           11/15/90
250-3507     1 MB Upgr 1500 HD                10/30/90
250-3525     2400 bps modem 1500 HD           10/15/90
250-3526     Battery 1500 HD                  10/30/90
250-4117     WordPerfect XENIX                11/15/90
250-4166     160 MB SCSI Tape Backup          11/30/90
 
260-0129     160 MB Tape Cartridge            11/15/90
 
900-0954     Eye of Hourus                    10/30/90
900-0956     Algebra 1:  1st Sem.             10/30/90
900-0957     Algebra 1:  2nd Sem.             10/30/90
900-1014     Oil's Well                       10/30/90
900-1017     Joan of Arc                      CANC
900-1019     Wings of Fury                    CANC
900-1053     F-19 Stealth Fighter             10/15/90
900-1054     Chessmaster 2100                 10/15/90
900-1055     Red Storm Rising                 10/15/90
900-1060     Math Blaster Mystery             10/15/90
900-1071     Airwave Adventure                10/30/90
900-1078     Guiness Disc. 1990               10/30/90
900-1079     Drakkhen HB                      10/30/90
900-2436     Xircom ARCNET Adapter (UTP)      11/30/90
900-2490     APC PowerChute Software: UNIX    10/30/90
900-2874     CompuServe DOS Kit               11/30/90
900-2908     Sword of Samurai                 10/30/90
 
903-2931     Solomon A/R                      10/30/90
903-2932     Solomon A/P                      10/30/90
903-2933     Solomon Payroll                  10/30/90
903-2934     Solomon G/L                      10/30/90
903-2935     Solomon Order Entry/Inventory    10/30/90
903-2936     Solomon Inventory                10/30/90
903-2937     Solomon Purchasing               10/30/90
903-2938     Solomon Fixed Assets             10/30/90
903-2939     Solomon Sales Analysis           10/30/90
903-2940     Solomon Rpt. & Graph Desg.       10/30/90
903-2941     Solomon Job Cost.                10/30/90
903-2942     Solomon Ext. Sys. Interface      10/30/90
903-2943     Solomon Address & Mail List      10/30/90
903-2944     Solomon System Manager           10/30/90
 
903/5-0961     Shinobi                        10/30/90
903/5-0964     Railroad Empire                10/30/90
903/5-0966     Crime Wave                     10/30/90
903/5-0983     Once Upon a Time 3             11/30/90
903/5-0992     Command HQ                     11/30/90
903/5-0993     Knight of the Sky              11/30/90
903/5-1002     Chamber Sci-Mutan              11/30/90
903/5-1020     Sim City Ter. Ed.              10/30/90
903/5-1026     Altered Beast                  10/30/90
903/5-1029     Out Run                        10/30/90
903/5-1036     Spirit of Excaliber            11/30/90
903/5-1043     Metal Gear                     11/30/90
903/5-1064     Dragon's Lair                  10/30/90
903/5-1072     The Punisher                   10/30/90
903/5-1075     Space Harrier                  10/30/90
 
 
Radio Shack Educational
Products Guide
 
Cat. #         Description                Date
 
900-5743       PC LOGO SCM              11/30/90
900-5766       Trivial Pursuit FR       12/30/90
900-5767       Trivial Pursuit GER      12/30/90
900-5768       Trivial Pursuit SP       12/30/90
 
903-5795       RSDP 1-3 SCM             10/30/90
903-5796       RSDP 1-8 SCM             10/30/90
 
903/5-5654     Once Upon Time SCM       11/30/90
903/5-5658     Math Blast Plus SCM      12/30/90
903/5-5659     Word Attack Plus SCM     11/30/90
903/5-5660     Homeworker SCM           11/30/90
903/5-5673     Double Up SCM            11/30/90
903/5-5674     Mark-Up SCM              11/30/90
903/5-5675     Proteus SCM              11/30/90
903/5-5676     Rhubarb SCM              11/30/90
903/5-5677     Sequitur SCM             11/30/90
903/5-5686     Timeliner SCM            11/30/90
903/5-5742     Once Up Time II SCM      11/30/90
903/5-5758     Sim City School          10/30/90
903/5-5762     Lang Exam 1 French       12/30/90
903/5-5763     Lang Exam 1 German       12/30/90
903/5-5764     Lang Exam 1 Spanish      12/30/90
903/5-5765     French Scrabble          12/30/90
903/5-5779     Bodyworks Jr SCM         11/30/90
903/5-5780     Bodyworks Sr SCM         11/30/90
903/5-5782     Inter Inspirer SCM       11/30/90
903/5-5789     Spell It Plus SCM        11/30/90
903/5-5790     Algeblaster Pls SCM      11/30/90
903/5-5797     Nat'l Inspirer SCM       11/30/90
903/5-5798     Lang Exam 2 French       12/30/90
903/5-5799     Lang Exam 2 German       12/30/90
903/5-5800     Lang Exam 2 Spanish      12/30/90
903/5-5801     Lang Exam 3 French       12/30/90
903/5-5802     Lang Exam 3 German       12/30/90
903/5-5803     Lang Exam 3 Spanish      12/30/90
903/5-5804     Lang Exam 4 French       12/30/90
903/5-5805     Lang Exam 4 German       12/30/90
903/5-5806     Lang Exam 4 Spanish      12/30/90
 
 
CANCELED PRODUCTS
 
CAT. #     DESCRIPTION
 
900-1017   Joan of Arc
900-1019   Wings of Fury
 
MOM-10-90
25-5029 ZERO K MEMORY BOARD MOVED
 
The 25-5029 Zero K Memory Board for the Tandy 4000 is
moving to National Parts.
It is currently out of stock in the warehouse,
but there are quantities in the field.
If your customer needs one, contact your DSM to find another store with
stock on hand.
 
MOM-10-90
PRODUCT NEWS
ALL STORE
 
The "ALL STORE" section contains information of interest to all store types.
01Zs and Computer Centers will also be interested in the information
contained in the "01Z/COMPUTER CENTER" section.
 
 
THE TANDY 1000 RL REVIEWS CONTINUE
 
The Tandy 1000 RL and RL Hard Drive computers continue to enjoy
excellent press reviews.
These machines have excited the industry
as no other computer has in a long time,
and reestablished Tandy's role as the leader in home computers.
 
You've all worked with the DeskMate Home Organizer software,
and agree that is one of the primary reasons for the RL's success.
 
Here are some excerpts from articles on the Tandy 1000 RL Software:
 
Clearly, IBM and Tandy have different views of
who buys home machines and how they will use them.
 
Example: To balance a bank account on IBM's PS/1,
a user must first learn how to use the unit's spreadsheet program or
buy and load a personal finance program.
But the 1000 RL comes ready with a checkbook balancing program,
as well as grocery lists, electronic memo pads, recipes, travel planners,
a calendar, an address book, a stock portfolio manager and
other flotsam and jetsam of home life.
The Tandy machine is aimed squarely at people
who want to use computers to keep lists and manage the home.
 
FORBES (9/3/90)
 
And comparing the IBM PS/1 and the Tandy 1000 RL:
 
...IBM short-sheeted the software.
It went as far as it could with what it had --
it put DOS and a simple shell in ROM, bundled a complete set of applications,
and pre-installed its bundled software on models equipped with a hard disk.
But it didn't actually deliver an integrated environment.
Instead it bundled together existing software
with four drastically different user interfaces -- ....
The result is that, while any user can get to the point of having
an application on screen in less than 30 minutes,
they then face the problem of learning four different interfaces
in order to become a regular and productive user.
And, eventually they will have to understand the DOS file structure
to retrieve their documents, since Works doesn't shield the user from DOS.
 
...And all of Tandy's programs have been implemented thoughtfully,
with real attention to detail.
The most interesting of these applications is the Information Center,
which is a stand-alone bulletin board for family members
to leave each other notes and carry on asynchronous conversations
(i.e. when you always find yourself at home when everybody else is out) --
a kind of groupware for the family.
 
PC LETTER (8/20/90)
 
The very first person who ever asked me
if a computer could be used for anything specific
wanted to know if it could balance her checkbook.
My simple reply was yes,
and I told her I had written a small program myself in BASIC that could do it.
It has always interested me that
among the most consistently asked questions we receive
in the hundreds of letters a month at PCM are those from readers
who want programs to balance checkbooks, keep track of recipes,
inventory record collections and the like.
Small, perhaps mundane things --
but things for which people really want to use computers.
Home Organizer does all these tasks and a great many more.
 
...Based on my own mail and conversations with users
during a decade in this business, I believe it is right on target.
 
PCM (9/90)
 
And we agree.
The Tandy 1000 RL is a solid computer by itself,
but with DeskMate and the DeskMate Home Organizer software,
it is right on target for the home user.
NOBODY COMPARES!!!
 
 
TANDY 1000 RL HARD DRIVE COMPUTER AVAILABLE
 
The Tandy 1000 RL Hard Drive Computer (25-1451, $999.95)
is now available from your regional warehouse.
This is the newest member of the 1000 family of computers,
and is sure to be a big hit with your customers.
 
For the beginning computer user,
the Tandy 1000 RL Hard Drive Computer is perfect.
The RL HD features a formatted 20 MB SmartDrive, with MS-DOS,
DeskMate and DeskMate Home Organizer software already installed.
All your customer must do is plug in the computer and turn it on.
The RL HD also comes with a SmartWatch installed,
so the time and date are retained in the computer, even when it's off.
 
The RL HD also has a special feature called "Power Saver."
This feature allows the SmartDrive to spin down during periods of
inactivity on the computer, allowing the computer to be left on
continuously with none of the noise associated with a drive motor running.
Power Saver is activated whenever the Screen Saver option is selected,
and is an exclusive feature of the RL HD and the 25-1047 20 MB SmartDrive Kit.
 
While it is most important to emphasize the DeskMate
and DeskMate Home Organizer's 24 home-oriented applications
that come with every Tandy 1000 RL and RL HD,
assure your customer that the RL HD is a superior personal computer as well.
Informal tests between the IBM PS/1 hard drive computer
and the Tandy 1000 RL hard drive computer have shown the RL HD
to be a faster system than the PS/1 (Using Microsoft Works).
This is due to the fast access time on the RL's SmartDrive
and the faster Tandy Enhanced Color Graphics (vs. VGA).
For many people, the RL and RL HD have all the power they will ever need.
 
The Tandy 1000 RL Hard Drive computer --
Setting the Standard for ease of use in a home computer.
 
MOM-10-90
WHERE IN THE ... SERIES BACKORDERED FOR A FEW WEEKS
 
All of the 903/905 series Carmen Sandiego products are moving to
dual-media packed 900 series products.
Please be patient with us while we get the new version approved by
National Quality Assurance and stocked in the Express Order warehouse.
This process is likely to take several more weeks.
 
MOM-10-90
LETTER FROM GOOD HOUSEKEEPING
 
We've talked about Good Housekeeping in previous issues,
and we've mentioned the Good Housekeeping Seal.
 
This letter was received from Good Housekeeping
and we'd like to share it with you.
 
Mr. Howard Elias
V.P. Computer Merchandising
Radio Shack
1500 One Tandy Center
Ft. Worth, TX 76102
 
Dear Howard:
 
I can't tell you how proud I was to be in attendance
at the press conference in New York when you introduced
the Tandy 1000 RL.
Not only was the moment special for me,
but our publisher, Alan Waxenberg was bursting with pride
at the press conference.
 
GOOD HOUSEKEEPING is first and foremost pleased
to have the Seal affixed to the computer and used so prominently
in your collateral and advertising, and secondly,
to have our recipes utilized in the hard disc drive
of the 1000 RL.
 
Your copy of the September issue of GOOD HOUSEKEEPING
is enclosed.
Positioned opposite page 6 and the consumer policy statement,
it symbolizes for our readers
the partnership we have formed in the introduction
of this exciting new product.
 
As you went through the step-by-step capabilities
of the product,
you could sense from the audience that
Radio Shack had hit a "home run".
Our sincere congratulations to you and
the computer merchandising department for the
important role you played in the creation and launch
of this product.
 
It has been our pleasure to work with you.
We look forward to continuing our relationship in the future.
 
Best regards,
Jean M. Ingersoll
 
MOM-10-90
256K TANDY 1000 HX WITH SOFTWARE
 
The Tandy 1000 HX with CM-5 Monitor, on sale at $499.50,
is proving to be a hot computer buy.
You can't beat a good value,
and an MS-DOS PC compatible with color monitor
at this low price is absolutely an incredible value.
With its compact, all in one design,
the HX is the perfect computer for the first time user on a budget,
or for the kids as an educational and entertainment unit.
 
To help you keep these machines selling,
we have put together a list of all programs that will work with the 256K HX.
Most of the following are still available at our stores.
Most all 256K RAM software made for PC compatibles will run on the 1000 HX,
including many from our Express Order catalog.
 
25 series software that operates on the HX:
 
250-1125     F-15 Strike Eagle
250-1174     Varsity Scripsit
250-1183     Thexder
250-1188     Typing Tutor IV
250-1189     Lovejoy's SAT
250-1196     Chuck Yeager's Adv Ft Sim
250-1200     Math Blaster Plus
250-1215     Microsoft Flight Sim 3.0
250-1216     Reader Rabbit
250-1217     Writer Rabbit
250-1218     Math Rabbit
250-1219     Gunship
250-1226     PrintPower
250-1227     Awardware
250-1230     GFL Football
250-1231     King's Quest IV
250-1232     Speller Bee
250-1235     Future Magic
250-1239     TV Gameshows
250-1258     USA Today Sports Center
250-1304     Print Shop
250-1307     John Madden Football
250-1318     Where USA is Carmen Sandiego
250-1319     Math Blaster Mystery
250-1378     Sesame St Dx Elec Crayon
 
Software from Express Order:
 
903-0505     Silent Service
900-0521     Personal Lawyer
900-0522     FastPak Mail
903-0527     WillMaker "Personal" Law
903-0528     For the Record
900-0529     Bannermania
900-0955     Archipelagos
900-0956     Algebra 1: First Semester
900-0957     Algebra 1: Second Semester
903-0965     Car Builder
903-0995     Flight Simulator 4.0
900-1007     Dragon Wars
903-1045     Mah Jong Master
900-1060     Math Blaster Mystery
900-1210     Mixed-Up Mother Goose
903-1217     Pirates!
903-1218     Word Attack Plus
903-1247     Managing Your Money
900-1248     Financial Calculator
900-1254     Maniac Mansion
900-1258     Space Quest: Sarien Enc
903-1263     FormFiller
903-1266     Word Writer PC
903-1277     Deep Space: Oper Coper.
903-1300     Labels Unlimited
900-1326     Stock Portfolio
900-1327     Mailing and Phone List
900-1330     Home Inventory
903-1340     Complete Comp Recipe Sys
903-1358     Checkwrite Plus
903-1367     Star Wars
900-1410     Direct Access 5.0
903-1469     Kidwriter Golden Edition
900-1486     Video Tape Log
903-1490     The Scoop
903-2304     PrintChief
900-2507     Home Lawyer
903-2519     Definitions Plus
903-2540     Floor Plan
900-2712     Recipe Finder
903-2721     Mexican Cookdisk
903-2722     The Personal Cookdisk
900-2757     Sesame Street Print Kit
903-2769     Monsters and Make-Believe
900-2779     Garfield Trivia Game
900-2781     Manhunter: San Francisco
900-2801     My Mail List
900-2802     My Label Maker
900-2803     My Phonebook
900-2804     My Treasures
900-2815     Writer Rabbit
900-2820     Win, Lose or Draw
900-2822     Thexder
900-2823     Space Quest II: Vohaul's Rev
903-2825     F-15 Strike Eagle
903-2826     Gunship
903-2830     Homeworker
903-2836     Thunderchopper
900-2911     Speller Bee -- It Talks!
900-3071     PrintMaster Plus
900-3106     Speed Reader
903-3135     See the USA
900-3136     John Elway's Quarterback
900-3137     Manhunter: New York
900-3142     Star Trek II: Rebel Univer
903-3147     Spell It
900-3152     King's Quest II
900-3259     Ancient Art of War at Sea
903-3267     Form Tool
903-3284     Think Quick! Adventure Gm
900-3285     Solitaire Royale
900-3313     Jordan vs. Bird: One on One
900-3317     Tetris
900-3318     Mean 18
903-3353     Test Drive
900-3375     Learning Library I
903-5085     Math Maze
903-5300     Stickybear Math
903-5301     Stickybear Numbers
903-5302     Stickybear Reading
903-5510     Certificate Maker
903-5511     The Newsroom
903-5533     Stickybear Reading Comp
903-5546     Stickybear Typing
900-5580     Create With Garfield
 
Sell the $499.50 1000 HX with monitor and have confidence that there is
a super supply of software available for your customers.
 
MOM-10-90
EMPLOYEE SOFTWARE PURCHASE PROGRAM
 
Here's your opportunity to acquire DeskMate software
for your personal use to become more familiar
with our hottest titles.
Please read the rules carefully, before you order:
 
  These products may be purchased for your personal use
   or for use by a member of your immediate family
 
  One copy per employee
 
  They may not be given away or resold
 
  Product may only be shipped to your home; no shipments to a store
 
To order, simply call the 800 number shown
and be ready with your major credit card number.
In addition to your name and mailing address,
the vendor will need your social security and store/unit numbers.
 
This offer expires December 31, 1990.
 
Cat #     Description           Price    Telephone number
 
25-1246     Quicken              8.00     (800) 624-8742
25-1256     Prodigy             10.00     (800) 776-0836
25-1283     Lotus for DeskMate  39.95     (800) 345-1043
25-1299     Q&A Write           30.00     (800) 441-7234
                               Outside CA (800) 626-8847
25-1300     RightWriter         15.00     (800) 992-0245
25-1315     Backup Pro          20.00     (800) 223-8665
                               Outside CA (800) 223-8665
25-1375     Mavis Beacon        15.00     (800) 223-8665
            Teaches Typing     Outside CA (800) 223-8665
 
MOM-10-90
Quick Notes
 
M.O.M.'s Fast Bytes
 
Because DeskMate Companion products only work with 3.X versions
of DeskMate, be sure to ask the customer what version of DeskMate they have
before selling them a DeskMate Companion.
This will help avoid unnecessary returns.
 
There are two new products this year
that will run on a 256K Tandy 1000 HX:
the Sesame Street Deluxe Electric Crayon Bundle (25-1378)
and USA Today Sports Center (25-1258).
 
DeskMate data files for all programs that use a database
(i.e. Address, Calendar, Filer, and Recipe program for the RL)
cannot exceed 675K.
A disk full error message will appear and the file will not hold any more.
 
MOM-10-90
SMARTDRIVE INSTALLATION
 
When installing a 52 MB or 105 MB SmartDrive  into a system
such as the Tandy  2500 XL,
you must use the screws that come with the computer.
 
Some screws may be too long, and as you tighten them,
you risk the possibility of the screw cracking
the printed circuit board (PCB) on the drive.
The solution is to
use the shorter screws that come with the computer.
 
Also, it is important to secure the drive in all accessible screw places
to assure proper grounding of the drive.
 
The screws included with the computer
come in a small plastic bag usually taped to the User's Guide.
There are additional screws that come with the computer
to be used for installing additional devices inside the computer.
So, when there are still device slots open,
there should be extra screws remaining for additional upgrades in the future.
 
(NOTE: The 105 MB SmartDrive in a Novell file server requires
903/5-2861 Disk Manager Novell.)
 
MOM-10-90
WHAT'S NEW ON PC-LINK
 
In our continuing series of articles on PC-Link,
here are the latest enhancements to the service:
 
  MasterWord, which is based on the "Hangman" game, launched in July.
  Like Hangman, you can only see the number of letters
  in your opponents' word(s), until you guess them correctly.
  With each turn, you are allowed to guess one letter.
  Players receive points for words correctly guessed.
  MasterWord can be played with 2 to 8 players.
 
  RabbitJack's Casino now features Slots.
  This Casino program is the third in the series,
  following Poker and Blackjack, giving the user a graphic
  and interactive environment in which to enjoy casino games.
 
  The King James version of the Bible will now be available
  in PC-Link's Religion & Ethics forum in searchable database format.
  Members can scan through the book using search words such as biblical names,
  subject or type of passage.
 
  Members can enjoy solving weekly puzzles with "Puzzled Postings,"
  a new message board in the PC-Link People Connection Game Resort.
  The first person to solve a puzzle each week will win a free Plus hour.
 
  The Great Art Caper is an online mystery that involves members
  in a series of "whodunnit" happenings and events.
  During the course of the month-long promotion, members are asked
  to track suspects and follow clues, and ultimately to determine who "iced"
  a valuable collection of paintings (appraised at over 300,000 Plus Hours)
  from the Le Chez Art Gallery area in People Connection.
 
  The "Summer Bash Headquarters" is an area for members to get
  information and share anecdotes about off-line parties across the country.
  Members can submit photos from bashes
  to be digitized to the "America's Funniest Bash Photo Contest."
  The winner will receive 10 free Plus hours.
 
  The Directory of Services has been updated to include new services
  that have been launched over the past few months.
 
  "Tammy's Tips" is a helpful hints column that provides members with
  helpful suggestions for their everyday household problems.
  There will be a board for "Tammy" to share her favorite tips and
  to answer members' questions, and also a board for members to share
  their own tips.
 
MOM-10-90
PRODIGY 4TH QUARTER '90 PROMOTION
 
It is our pleasure to announce that we are participating in
Prodigy's Time/Warner promotion that runs during the 4th quarter of 1990.
 
  Ads will be appearing during October and November
  in People, Time, Sports Illustrated, and Money magazines.
 
  A four-page advertising insert will be appearing in these magazines
  designed to drive 10 million readers into our stores.
 
  A specifically designed and laser printed "Free-Gift" card
  will be addressed to each subscriber inviting them to come into
  a specific location (your store).
 
When you are presented with one of these cards, you are to give them
a demonstration of the Prodigy service and stamp their card
with your store stamp.
The customer must then mail in the card to Prodigy.
Prodigy will take care of the gift, and we'll take care of the sales.
 
You should have received information on this promotion
in your September 26 & 27 weekly DSM/Store Manager meeting.
 
MOM-10-90
PRODIGY...THE WRONG SOFTWARE
 
Due to a mixup at Prodigy, some of you may have received
some merchandise that will not run in your area.
The easiest way to determine this is if you have been selling Prodigy
for less than a month, and your Prodigy box doesn't have photos on it.
 
If this happened and/or you have a copy of the product
that is in an unsellable condition, Prodigy will exchange it for you.
Call (800) 776-0836 and ask for extension 997.
You will be asked to provide them with the ID number in the unsellable kit.
You are to destroy this number after giving it to them
as it will be deactivated.
 
Keep the unsellable product in the back room
until the replacement product arrives and then destroy the bad merchandise.
This process should only take about 7 days.
 
MOM-10-90
BEST OF THE ANNUAL MEETING QUESTIONS
 
Why did we lower the retail prices on the serial cables and connectors,
while the printer cables were kept at the same prices as last year?
 
On the serial cables and connectors,
we simply passed through some major new purchasing economies
while retaining the same gross margins for the stores.
We expect your competitors to be making these same reductions
in the months ahead.
 
In the case of printer cables, however,
we have for many years had our own unique Tandy versions,
reducing the direct competition and allowing us to more easily hold retails.
However, as we now shift to the use of IBM-standard printer cables,
the printer buyer will certainly be watching closely
for competitive pressures in printer cables as well.
 
Why aren't the 01Y stores force fed the High-Density Diskettes,
particularly the 3 1/2" (26-423 and -424) used on the Tandy 2500 XL?
We've been stocking the 2500 XL since July.
 
Inventory control is the name of the game and, at present,
we do not want to force feed these high dollar diskettes to all 01Ys.
An 01Y can order them as optional inventory,
but our sales numbers show that 01Ys now account
for only about 20% of the overall inventory and sales on these items,
not enough to justify forcing them to everyone.
 
Incidentally, many owners of high-density 3 1/2" drives use these drives
in standard density mode due to the relatively high cost premium
for high-density disks over standard double-sided.
The industry expects this cost premium to continue to narrow and hopes
that the percentage of HD disks used on HD drives therefore will increase,
but HD has not yet really caught on to the full extent
that the HD drive numbers would suggest.
 
Where can we order the "lazy susan" computer carousel
we saw in the Tandy 1000 RL training film?
 
Our accessory buyer is working now to come up with something similar
to the prop used in the film.
It's been a common request.
 
How do I get a PC-Link demo account?
 
For all PC-Link demo accounts (new or replacement)
contact your District Sales Manager.
They are the only ones authorized to request an account from Ft. Worth.
 
Will the Home Organizer Software be available
as a separately sold item?
 
We are in the process of looking at this possibility.
In the meantime, we've heard reports that some stores couldn't wait
and are copying their demo version onto customers machines.
This is a definite mistake.
Not only is that version of the software buggy
and will cause your customer nothing but problems,
but if you're caught, it will cause  you  nothing but problems.
Please tell them to wait for the software
so they can get the best possible version while you profit from the sale.
 
MOM-10-90
DEMOS, DEMOS, WHO'S GOT THE DEMOS?
 
As a reference, the following list contains all of the demos that have
either been sent or will be sent in the near future.
 
Any 25-series entertainment or educational products not listed here
either have no demo available, or we're still in the process of
getting one put together.
We will do our best to get the remaining demos to you in the flyer 463 POP kit.
 
                                 In POP
Cat. #           Title              #     Comments
 
250-1255     PC-Link                      Free demo account
250-1256     Prodigy                      Free demo account
250-1327     Algeblaster +         457
250-1342     Starflight 2          457
250-1375     Mavis Beacon Teaches  462
             Typing                DM
250-1376     Spell-a-saurus        462    On same disk as 25-1377
250-1377     Dinosaur Discovery    462    On same disk as 25-1376
             Kit 2.0
250-1378     Sesame Street Crayon  462
             Bundle
250-1379     Your Personal Trainer 457    On same disk as 25-1327
             for SAT
250-1380     The New Math Blaster  462
250-1381     S. Solvers: Midnight  462    Not for resale (NFR)
             Rescue                       Copy
250-1382     Railroad Tycoon       462    On same disk as 25-1398
250-1386     Battle Chess          457
250-1387     Conquest of Camelot   461
250-1390     Prince of Persia      462
250-1391     Drakkhen              463
250-1392     Turbo Outrun          462
250-1393     Risk (only)           462    NFR Copy
250-1394     AD&D: Silver Blades   462
250-1397     LHX Attack Chopper    461
250-1398     Silent Service II     462    On same disk as 25-1382
250-1399     SPOT!                 462    NFR Copy
 
  Contact your DM for an account
  Accounts will be sent in an upcoming all store mailing
 
MOM-10-90
HOME SWEET HOME COMPUTER
Part 4
 
Boo!
 
Are there lots of little witches "goblin" (or gobble, gobbling) up
your computers?
(Oooo, I can't believe I said that!)
 
But yes, it is the MAJOR Holiday Season Blitz
and what better things to do with your home computer than create
lots of really pretty holiday pictures for kids to color and put up
on the windows and refrigerator!
(There's room on the fridge now, because all of the little notes
that used to be stuck up there are in the Information Center, remember?)
 
We all mourn the end of summer,
but there's Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas coming up,
PLUS the kids are back in the swing of school and
all those associated activities --
football games, homework, dances, cold, rainy weekends
and that ever-present saga:
 
  "Mom, there's nothing to do around here!"
 
Mom, of course, sighs and looks around at the piles of laundry to be washed,
dried and put away, the dirty dishes that are lying in the sink,
the clean ones in the dishwasher,
the kids' rooms that need to be cleaned and disinfected and says:
 
A. "Of course there is, why don't you make that banner for this week's game
   and call your friends to come and help you color it and fix it up?" OR
 
B. "Sure there is, why don't you come in here and play in "The Playroom"
   or play with ZUG the Megasaur while I finish the dishes?" OR
 
C. "Well, I think with all this rain we need to brighten up the house!
   Why don't you and your sister make some Halloween decorations
   for us to put up?"
 
Ah, the resourceful parent.
Always ready with her trusty Tandy Computer on the kitchen counter,
ready for anything.
She's got the setup.
 
But sometimes, if she doesn't have lots of extra counter space,
she's got the 26-118 Mobile Work Center that not only keeps the computer
but also holds the printer and paper AND rolls on casters so it can sit out
of the major traffic areas when it's in low-use mode!
 
SO ... You need to take a look at the software you have available for
fall/holiday/rainy weekend activities.
 
As always, home education titles like:
 
The Playroom
for little kids, or
Carmen Sandiego
for the older kids,
 
help them learn while keeping them entertained.
 
Then there's:
 
The New Print Shop,
and the graphics libraries,
PrintPower,
PrintMaster Plus,
PC Paintbrush IV or
Paintbrush IV Plus,
Bannermania 
... (even DeskMate Draw!)
 
the list goes on.
 
Take a look at the "creativity" pages in the software guide.
These products all make pretty pictures
 
AND
 
what a tragedy if the customer doesn't yet have a printer...
You might have to sell them one!
Then, make sure that they have paper, fresh printer ribbons
and any other supplies they'll need to make this holiday season brighter!
 
MOM-10-90
COMMUNICATIONS WITH COMPUTER MERCHANDISING
 
We Appreciate Feedback
 
We got plenty of feedback and great ideas from the Annual Meetings.
But we do need comments and suggestions year 'round.
 
If your customers are asking for something new or
something to be offered slightly differently,
drop us a note.
Either a speed memo or Speed Mail message
generated from your POS will do.
 
We promise we'll acknowledge and consider every single one.
We've printed a detailed "who buys what" list on this page so
you'll know to whom to direct your communications.
 
Making Phone Calls to Computer Merchandising
 
By the way, a reminder is in order about telephone calls to Merchandising:
 
We just can't take them from stores or Centers.
 
Don't get upset if our receptionist refuses to put you through
or the buyer declines to accept your call.
 
If you have an issue that you feel requires our immediate attention,
contact your District or Regional Sales Manager.
It's their job to help you and they can call us.
 
Speed Mail Etiquette
 
Speaking of Speed Mail,
we're receiving a HUGE volume of speed mail that is misdirected.
 
Product ordering, availability and procedural questions
must be directed to your District Sales Manager,
Regional Marketing and Training Manager or your Regional Sales Manager.
 
Questions about product operation or reports of problems should be directed
to Computer Support Services.
 
So you'll know who to write to.....
 
WHO BUYS WHAT IN COMPUTER MERCHANDISING
 
      SOFTWARE PRODUCTS
 
Accounting Software                     Randy Lunz
Business Management Software            Randy Lunz
CAD Software                            Kate Titsworth
CD-ROM Software                         Gene Schenberg
Entertainment (CoCo & MS-DOS)           Gene Schenberg
Productivity (CoCo & MS-DOS)            Gene Schenberg
Communications Software                 Kate Titsworth
Database Management Software            Randy Lunz
DeskMate                                Gene Schenberg
Desktop Publishing Software             Kate Titsworth
Educational Software                    Maggie Sherrod
Environments                            Chris Imler
Forms Management Software               Kate Titsworth
Home Education (MS-DOS)                 Gene Schenberg
Integrated Software                     Randy Lunz
Online Services                         Gene Schenberg
Operating Systems                       Chris Imler
Paint & Graphics Software               Kate Titsworth
Personal Finance Software               Kate Titsworth
Personal Management Software            Kate Titsworth
Presentation Graphic Software           Kate Titsworth
Programming Languages                   Chris Imler
SchoolMate                              Maggie Sherrod
Spreadsheet Software                    Randy Lunz
Spreadsheet Add-ons                     Randy Lunz
Utility Software                        Chris Imler
Vertical Market Software                Randy Lunz
Word Processing Software                Kate Titsworth
 
      HARDWARE PRODUCTS
 
CD-ROM Drives                           Mark Clauder
Color Computer Hardware                 Mark Clauder
Computer Accessories                    Bob MacQuigg
Digitizers                              Colin Meyer
Diskettes/Media                         Bob MacQuigg
FAX Products                            Bob MacQuigg
Forms                                   Bob MacQuigg
Furniture                               Bob MacQuigg
Mice & Joysticks                        Bob MacQuigg
Model 4 & Peripherals                   Bob MacQuigg
Modems                                  Bob MacQuigg
MS-DOS Laptops                          Colin Meyer
Networking Products                     Chris Imler
Non-MS-DOS Laptops                      Bob MacQuigg
Paper/Labels/Supplies                   Bob MacQuigg
Pocket Computer                         Bob MacQuigg
Point-of-Sale Hardware                  Bob MacQuigg
Power Conditioning Equipment            Bob MacQuigg
Printers                                Colin Meyer
Printer Cables/Ribbons/Printwheels      Colin Meyer
Serial Cables/Connectors                Bob MacQuigg
Scanners                                Colin Meyer
Sound/Music Boards                      Mark Clauder
Tandy 1000 Hardware & Peripherals       Mark Clauder
Tandy 2500 Hardware & Peripherals       Jef Fike
Tandy 3000/4000 Hardware & Peripherals  Jef Fike
Tandy 5000 Hardware & Peripherals       Jef Fike
Tandy 6000 Hardware & Peripherals       Jef Fike
Wordprocessors                          Bob MacQuigg
 
  Maggie Sherrod is in the Education Marketing Department
 
MOM-10-90
SELLING THE BACKUP POWER SUPPLY
Part 3
 
In the July and August issues, we learned why the backup power supply
is important for the business computer system and how to determine the
type and capacity appropriate for your customer.
We continue with a brief review of the current offerings from the Radio Shack
product line to help you position them for various applications. 
 
"Operator Controlled" Power Supplies
 
These are the familiar external "battery boxes" that provide the user with
a reasonable grace period to perform an orderly manual shut down of the system
during a power failure.
As described last month, the standby or off-line designs have
been refined over the past five years to the point where they perform
well with microcomputers and offer good value at a reasonable price.
 
Radio Shack offers these in five basic sizes.
Additionally, the Taesung unit comes in the form of a power switching system
that fits nicely below the CPU or between the CPU and monitor.
 
The little 140 watt APC unit at under $200.00 is large enough for
Tandy 1000-series computers, while the 250 and 300 watt Tandy and Taesung
units are suitable for AT-Class machines and small servers.
The large 500 and 1200 watt units are for large servers and networks with
peripherals.
 
Capacity (watts)  140       250      300        500        1200
 
Model          UPS 200DL  BPS250   3160P  500   1200A
Vendor            APC     Tandy   Taesung Safe   Safe
Cat No         900-2396   26-250   900-2281    900-2150   900-2151
 
Price          $199.00   $329.95   $395.00     $675.00   $1,259.00
Cost per watt    $1.42     $1.32     $1.32       $1.35       $1.05
Outlets            2         3        5 (3         4           4
                                   protected)
 
Max Switch        3         <4         4          <2           <3
   Time (ms)
Time @ Max        5          7         8           7            5
   Load (min)
Wave Form      Stepped   Square    Stepped       Sine         Sine
Synchronized?   Yes       Yes        No          Yes          Yes
Max AMPS        1.7       2.2       2.5          4.4         10.0
Overvoltage     No        Yes        No          Yes          Yes
   Protect?
Spike Protect?  Yes       Yes       Yes          Yes          Yes
Filtration?     No        No        Yes          No           No
 
Warranty      2 yrs    90 day      1 yr         2 yrs        2 yrs
CS Phone #    (800)      RS        (404)        (800)       (800)
            443-4519             664-8944     325-5848    325-5848
 
Unattended Shutdown Units
 
The following two "intelligent" units have special software to permit
unattended shutdown.
The Dakota unit is particularly unusual in that it is an INTERNAL,
13"/full-length card requiring only one slot if used
next to a conventional half card.
It therefore supports only the CPU (and not the monitor also)
during automatic shutdown.
Unfortunately, at the present time, Dakota only provides software
for MS-DOS systems (3.0 or higher),
and the necessary cable for internal connection to the power supply
is available only for our Tandy  3000 and 4000-series computers.
The system must also have a hard drive.
It is therefore an elegant solution for your "power user" who operates
in a stand-alone mode.
Watch for future announcements of other software and connecting cables.
 
The APC model 520 ES, on the other hand, is currently your recommended
solution for network applications (replacing the Elgar line from last year).
It is not suitable for  unattended  stand-alone workstations
running under MS-DOS; there must be an operator present.
 
Based on your input from the Annual Meetings,
we are considering similar units in larger capacity.
 
Capacity (watts)      200            360
                               (equivalent 400)
 
Model            PowerSave 500       520 ES
Vendor        Dakota Microsystems     APC
Cat No             900-2394         900-2487
 
Price          $343.95 w/cable       $499.00
Cost per watt       $1.72              $1.39
Outlets        N/A (internal)            4
 
Max Switch           2                   3
   Time (ms)
Time @ Max      90 seconds             5 min
   Load
Wave Form       N/A (DC only)         Stepped
Synchronized?   N/A                     Yes
Max AMPS        N/A                     4.5
Overvoltage
   Protect?         Yes                  No
Spike Protect?      No                  Yes
Filtration?         No                  Yes
 
Warranty           2 yrs               2 yrs
              (1 yr battery)
CS Phone #        (800)                (800)
                 999-6288             443-4519
 
  Plus interface and software if used with Novell server or under XENIX/UNIX.
 
Next month, we will conclude our discussion of power conditioning
with a review of spike protectors, line filters and power regulators.
 
MOM-10-90
MAGAZINE ADVERTISING
 
Tandy computer products are frequently advertised
in leading national publications.
Magazine advertising reinforces the image of Tandy Computers as
a nationally recognized brand.
 
Tandy computer products will be featured in the following publications
over the next month:
 
Date      Magazine                      Computer
 
10/01     Business Women                Tandy 1000 RL
10/01     Delta Sky                     Low end PCs
10/01     Mgmt Network                  4025 LX / Solutions
10/01     Newsweek Business Ed.         Tandy 1000 RL
10/01     PC Resource                   Tandy 1000 RL
10/01     Smithsonian                   Tandy 2500 XL/Compton's
10/10     Better H & G                  Tandy 1000 RL
10/11     Business Week                 RSCC / Mfg Solutions
10/13     Black Enterprise              Tandy TL/2 / POS Solution
10/15     American Way                  Tandy 1000 RL
10/15     Byte                          Tandy 1500 HD
10/15     Newsweek Business Ed.         Tandy 1000 RL
10/16     Good Housekeeping             Tandy 1000 RL
10/16     Ladies Home Journal           Tandy 1000 RL
10/16     Parents                       Tandy 1000 RL
10/16     Popular Science               Tandy 1000 RL
10/18     PCM                           DeskMate Software
10/20     Compute                       Tandy 1100 FD
10/20     Natural History               Home/Office Solutions
10/21     Rainbow                       Asst'd CoCo sw and hw
10/22     PC World                      Tandy 2500 XL
10/22     Working Mother                Tandy 1000 RL
10/23     Home Mechanix                 Tandy 1000 RL
10/23     Home Office Comp.             Low end PCs
10/25     Changing Times                Tandy 1000 RL
10/25     Inc.                          Tandy 1500 HD
10/25     PC Computing                  Tandy 2500 XL
10/26     Business Week                 RSCC Acctng Ad
10/26     Wall St. Journal              Tandy 1000 RL, TL/2,
                                        1100 FD, DMP 134
10/27     Parenting                     Tandy 1000 RL
10/29     Barron's                      RSCC Mfg
10/29     Newsweek Business Ed.         Tandy 1000 RL
10/30     PC Magazine                   Tandy 1500 HD
10/31     Entrepreneur Solutions        Tandy 1000 TL/2 POS
 
MOM-10-90
COMPUTER LEARNING MONTH
 
Tandy/Radio Shack is again a major sponsor of Computer Learning Month,
an activity sponsored by the Computer Learning Foundation.
 
In honor of Computer Learning Month (which is this October),
we are offering Tandy 1000 TL/2s and a Realistic camcorder as
prizes in the multimedia computing contest.
We are also offering Tandy 2500 XLs with Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia
as prizes for the best school communications program.
 
Your company cares about education and young people,
and this sponsorship is one way we show it.
 
If you have teacher customers who want more information,
they may request it in two ways:
 
1. They may write to:
 
Computer Learning Foundation Materials
PO Box 60967
Palo Alto, CA  94306-0967
 
2. These materials are also available online from the Computer Learning
   Foundation bulletin board.
   Your teacher customers with a modem may call (415) 856-6719.
 
Don't be shy -- tell your customers that Radio Shack cares about schools
enough to make major donations to the Computer Learning Foundation!
PRODUCT NEWS
01Z/COMPUTER CENTER
 
MOM-10-90
POINT-OF-SALE MARKETING
 
Retail point-of-sale marketing has been a major boon to sales
for most of our Computer Centers.
Here is additional information to assist you in your POS solution sales:
 
Credit Card Authorizations
 
Your clients can get the credit card module
by buying RealWorld Point-of-Sale Plus
and the magnetic strip reader (900-2397).
Then they make a copy of their sales ticket.
Next, they'll have to complete their software registration card and
write a check made payable to RealWorld Corporation for $25.00.
Your client must then mail all three items:
 
  copy of sales ticket
  completed software registration card
  check for $25.00
 
to RealWorld Corporation.
(The address is on the software registration card in Point-of-Sale-Plus.)
RealWorld will mail the software directly to the customer
along with additional set-up information.
 
For information on card processing and check guarantee services
call Merchant Services at (800) 848-3213
(a third-party company, not associated with Tandy/Radio Shack),
and ask about the "Synchronics Connection."
 
The credit card option does require a Hayes-compatible modem
like our (900-2180) 2400 bps Smart One halfcard modem: $139.00.
 
Here's an example of the items needed in a 3-USER POS SYSTEM
(two sales workstations and a backroom workstation):
 
Catalog #    Description                Catalog #    Description
 
250-5125     Tandy 4025 LX              900-2397     Mag. Stripe Reader (2)
250-4130     105 MB Hard Drive          273-1651     AC/DC Adapter (2)
250-5033     2 MB Memory Kit (4)        900-2297     Ithaca Slip Printer (2)
250-4079     60 MB Tape Backup          260-2849     DMP 302 Printer (2)
250-4041     VGM-200 Monitor            260-0288     Printer Cable (2)
260-0288     Printer Cable              900-2180     Smart One Modem
260-2845     DMP 2130 Printer           250-5203     SCO XENIX 2.3
900-2575     VNA Expansion Adapter      250-1460     RealWorld System Kit
900-2577     Serial & Parallel Adapter  250-1461     RealWorld A/R
900-2576     VNA User Module            250-1462     RealWorld A/P
900-2579     50' Cable (2)              250-1463     RealWorld Payroll
250-3012     VM-5 Monitor (2)           250-1464     RealWorld G/L
250-4032     Enhanced Keyboard (2)      250-1465     Synchronics POS
900-2441     Adapter for PS/2 Kybd (2)  250-1466     Synchronics Retail Inv.
900-2424     MMF Cash Drawer (2)        903-2556     Synchronics Credit Card Opt.
900-2364     Bar Code Wand (2)
 
MOM-10-90
386sx SYSTEMS ARE HOT!
 
According to industry statistics,
76% of new systems being purchased in 1990 are 386sx and 386-based systems.
This breaks down to 39% 386sx and 37% 386.
The quick market acceptance of the 386sx processor is due to the fact
that users want the capability of 386 systems for software
and appreciate the affordability of the 386sx system.
 
Any user given the choice of a 386sx system or a 386 system,
at the same price, would invariably choose the 386;
that is to say, there are many benefits of a 386 over a 386sx --
there are no real benefits of a 386sx over a 386-based system.
 
What's true for the market is also true for Radio Shack in this case.
We've seen a huge increase in sales of the 386sx systems.
 
We will augment this enthusiasm with the availability of the 4020 SX.
So the surge of excitement that we are seeing will continue,
and we will continue growing our sales.
 
With the Windows 3.0 environment taking advantage of more memory,
the 4020 SX is positioned at 2 MB of memory...out of the box.
The IDE interface combined with the `BLAZING' 52 MB and 105 MB SmartDrives
simply offers your prospects an excellent hard drive platform.
Surveys show that over 80% of business class systems are sold with hard drives.
All you have to do is evaluate how much data they have,
allow for future growth, and close them.
 
With the increased graphics capability of 640 X 480 in 256 colors
with the upgrade of the video RAM from 256K to 512K,
picture quality clarity is yours to sell.
 
Challenge your fellow marketing reps to see who will sell
the most 386sx and 386-based systems.
The winners will gain more clients to provide additional sources for leads
and prospects to create more sales for the future.
 
Tandy Computers Will Get the Job Done...TODAY!
 
MOM-10-90
4020 SX VIDEO RAM UPGRADE TO 512K
 
The NEW 4020 SX video RAM can be increased from 256K to 512K
to enhance the graphics capability of the system.
The memory is stocked and is orderable from National Parts
under part number MX-3750.
 
In this package you will receive two 40-pin Zip modules
that are to be installed on the motherboard of the 4020 SX.
Refer to the User's Guide of the 4020 SX on Pages 32 and 33
for installation instructions.
 
MOM-10-90
THE SMARTDRIVE ADVANTAGE
 
Recently there have been questions regarding the differences between
IDE, SCSI, ESDI, and ST-506 type devices.
So where do SmartDrives  stack up with the others?
Read on and see.
 
As you know, we include the 16-bit IDE Interface
(Integrated Device Electronics) on all Tandy Business computers
starting with the Tandy 2500 XL through the 4033 LX.
In many cases, the performance of drives attached to an inexpensive
IDE interface can equal or surpass those of ESDI drives.
 
Although comparisons of IDE and ESDI performance have been made,
the concepts behind IDE are much more closely related to SCSI
than they are to ESDI.
 
IDE, like SCSI, has a logic-level interface.
Unlike ESDI and ST-506 controllers that deal in tracks and sectors
and control the internal read/write drive electronics on attached hard disks,
IDE and SCSI use a rich instruction set that talks to a controller
which is connected to the drive itself.
 
The controllers mounted on the IDE hard drives control
the actual performance of the hard drives.
Factors such as interleave, caching, and read or write buffering
are managed by the drive controller on the drive,
not by the IDE connection on the computer.
 
This integrated design allows you to offer a less expensive high-performance
hard drive upgrade to your prospects.
In a true DOS environment, SmartDrives perform as well as SCSI drives.
However, in a XENIX environment, SCSI outperforms the SmartDrive.
 
MOM-10-90
WORKGROUP SOLUTIONS GUIDE AVAILABLE
 
System configuration in the local area network and SCO XENIX environments
has become more complex,
placing greater demand and responsibility on the provider.
 
The Radio Shack computer catalog can no longer provide the detailed information
required to configure systems in these multiuser environments.
 
A Guide to Building Network Solutions was developed
to provide marketing and product-specific information for local area networks
and SCO XENIX configurations.
The guide is organized into logical sections pertaining to:
 
  Marketing Information
  Operating System Specific Product Information
  LAN Topologies and Related Products
  Technical Information & Specifications
  Glossary of Industry Terminology
 
Copies of this Guide were distributed at the Annual Meetings.
To obtain extra copies, contact your RMTM.
 
MOM-10-90
EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY
Radio Shack Education Marketing Newsletter
 
OLD FACES IN NEW PLACES
 
The July 1990 issue of this M.O.M. featured an organizational chart of the
newly expanded Education Division.
The revised chart above identifies two changes that occurred recently.
 
Jerry Proffitt is now your new Manager of Publisher Relations.
Jerry will work with various software publishing houses to help
Radio Shack continue to provide quality software solutions
to our education customers.
He will also strive to develop new partnerships that will keep Radio Shack
a leader not only in hardware solutions,
but in educational courseware solutions as well.
Jerry's phone number is (817) 390-3062.
 
And Sonny Compton is now the Manager of Sales & Marketing Support,
taking up where Jerry Proffitt just left off.
Sonny has eight years experience with the Radio Shack Education Division,
so he is not a totally "new kid on the block."
Sonny's charter is to coordinate the development of sales and
training materials that support the selling efforts of the
expanded field sales organization,
and to develop and implement a plan that will support and incorporate
third-party products into proactive and responsive proposals
in order to increase educational sales.
Sonny's phone number is (817) 390-3910.
 
 
What's In ETN This Month
 
Teacher Opportunity Program Prices Now
     Offered to Schools
Scantron Discontinued Products
Card of Appreciation
The Education Account NetWare Program
 
MOM-10-90
TEACHER OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM PRICES
NOW OFFERED TO SCHOOLS
 
In response to welcome demand, Radio Shack is offering
K-12 public, private, and parochial schools
the same system pricing being offered to individual educators
in our Fall teacher promotion.
 
This program offers any certified teacher, and now school,
the opportunity to purchase any one of three Tandy computer systems
at substantial savings.
These outstanding values are priced better than almost all state contracts.
That accounts for the interest being shown by schools to purchase
through this promotion.
 
To properly write sales of a Teacher Opportunity Program system to
schools :
 
1. At the Merchandise screen, select <F1> Options.
 
2. Select System Pricing.
 
3. On the System Pricing screen, enter all items that make up the system.
   Then enter the TOP System price in the System Price field.
   Exit System Pricing.
 
4. At the Merchandise Screen, additional items may be entered,
   discount by line.
   Use the school's individual discount percentage,
   or the state education discount percentage.
 
5. At the Payment Screen, choose <F1> Options.
 
6. Choose Ticket Discounts.
 
7. Choose Discount Type 7 -- Educational.
 
8. DO NOT ENTER A PERCENT DISCOUNT.
 
9. Enter Discount Control Number for the school.
   That number consists of the state abbreviation, followed by six digits
   (TX010000, for example).
   Your Area Education Marketing Manager has a list of these
   Discount Control Numbers.
 
All stores should have the promotional materials in POP kit #460
for the Teacher Opportunity Program.
Details of the program and how to write the individual teacher
personal sales can be found in the September issue of the
Radio Shack Computer Merchandising Memo of the Month, Page 22.
The August issue also has information on Page 25.
 
MOM-10-90
SCANTRON DISCONTINUED PRODUCTS
 
Effective September 1, 1990, Scantron will no longer accept orders for
the following Optical Mark Reader (OMR) products:
 
Model #
 
1100
5100
5200
6000
 
  The 5200s will still be produced.
 
If you know of any customers who had planned to purchase any of these models,
have them call Lorretta DiGangi,
Scantron's Manager of Strategic Alliances, at (800) 421-5066, Ext. 165
for assistance.
If you need help to convert a customer to another model, also call Lorretta.
 
MOM-10-90
CARD OF APPRECIATION
 
We received a nice note recently from Loretta Dixon,
then of the Boyd County Central Office in Ashland, Kentucky.
 
  This card
  is dedicated
  to all those people
  who make life
  difficult.
 
  Thanks for not being
  one of them!
 
Thanks so much for SchoolMate Teacher's Helper!
I am the proud owner of a Tandy 1000 TL, CM-11 monitor
and a DMP 132 printer.
Your products are an excellent value
and I appreciate your commitment to education.
 
Loretta Dixon
 
MOM-10-90
THE EDUCATION ACCOUNT NETWARE PROGRAM
 
The Education Account NetWare program provides a quantity purchase plan
for qualified education institutions
that permits the implementation of a large number of file servers
at relatively low cost.
 
This program has been available through Radio Shack since April 1990
and has been instrumental in sharpening our competitive edge
in large bid situations.
 
Why Is This Program Important?
 
  In large bid situations, your competitors are utilizing
  the benefits of this program to lower the price of NetWare.
 
  The cost of NetWare through this program is fixed by Novell
  and you are placed on a level playing field with your competition.
 
  A school that is planning immediate installation of
  a small number of servers, but plans to expand that number in the near term,
  should consider this option.
 
What Is Included With An Education Account NetWare License?
 
1. The education institution receives a set of master diskettes
   in a single media size of their choice and complete documentation.
   The schools are then licensed by Novell to copy the diskettes
   and documentation up to the number of licensed copies purchased.
 
2. Those selecting the Mixed 286/386 NetWare option
   will receive master diskettes for both NetWare 286 and NetWare 386,
   including both documentation sets.
 
3. All upgrades for the first year are provided at no charge by Novell.
 
4. Schools purchasing at least twenty (20) copies through this program
   are allowed to make one (1) additional copy as a bonus.
 
How To Place An Order For Education Account NetWare
 
1. This program is available to qualified education institutions only.
 
2. All orders must be placed with:
 
   Radio Shack Contract Marketing
   1400 One Tandy Center
   Ft. Worth, TX  76102
 
3. You may request the appropriate forms, to be completed by the school,
   from Contract Marketing.
   The following forms must accompany your order:
 
   Novell Software License Agreement
   General Information Form
   Reseller of Record Designation
 
How Are Commissions Paid On This Sale?
 
1. The store will receive an 8% commission.
   This commission will be issued by Contract Marketing in Fort Worth.
 
2. The salesmaker will receive a 4% SPiFF.
 
3. A store manager making the sale will receive a 3% SPiFF.
 
4. The Area Education Marketing Manager will receive
   the value of the 15% commission on the sale of Education Account NetWare
   as a revenue credit, which will be applied toward sales quotas.
 
Initial Royalty Calculation Worksheet
 
Important Note:  Total Initial Royalty must meet $25,000 minimum.
 
                                           MIXED
                                ADV NW     SFT NW     286/386
 
1.     Order Processing Fee     $3,000     $3,000     $3,000
 
2.     If Trading In NetWare        X           X           X
                                  $500        $850        $850
 
     # Copies        ______     ________    ________    ________
 
3.     If Trading In Other          X           X          X
       Vendor's NOS               $500       $1,350      $2,180
 
     # Copies        ______     ________    ________    ________
 
4.     If New License               X           X          X
                                  $1,500      $2,350     $3,150
 
     # Copies        ______     ________    ________    ________
 
TOTAL INITIAL
    ROYALTY                     ________    ________    ________
 
  Note: Must meet $25,000 minimum
TRAINING KINETICS
A forum for sales training topics.
 
MOM-10-90
WHEN A SNOWFALL BECOMES A STORM...
 
The middle of a snowstorm is not the time to figure out that you didn't pack
goggles and an extra blanket.
When the Christmas rush starts, will you be ready?
 
Training
 
Is everyone on your staff ready to handle the customers
that this season attracts?
Does everyone know DeskMate, both for the RL and for other computers?
Review the training materials you have for both of these products.
 
By and large, Christmas attracts more prospects into your location
who are looking for computers for personal or home use,
whether they are purchasing for themselves or as gifts.
You must be sure that your people are ready to talk on that level.
It does take an attitudinal adjustment to switch from qualifying a prospect
for a business computer to one for their home,
even if the home user plans to use it in conjunction with work.
 
Review everyone on the basics of selling to home users.
The key points are Qualifying, Demonstrating, Closing and Follow-up.
 
Qualifying
 
"Is this computer going to be a gift for someone
or a gift for yourself?"
 
Important to know who the qualifying questions are directed towards.
If the computer is for a child,
don't discount the buyer's perception of the child's needs.
 
"Have you (the gift-getter) ever used a computer before?"
 
This will determine the introduction of information on training classes.
It also establishes the prospect's basic understanding of computers and uses.
 
"What do you want to do with your computer?"
 
The most important question you must ask.
If there is more than one reason, make a list.
Then rank the uses.
If the prospect is uncertain of all the uses, suggest a few.
Suggest broad categories like personal finances or recordkeeping,
entertainment, education or work-related activities.
 
"Where else have you looked at computers
or are thinking about going?"
 
Ask them what features they like about the computers they have looked at
or have heard about.
This gives you a good idea of what things are important to the prospect.
 
Demonstrating
 
RULE # 1: Don't demo!
 
RULE # 2: Read Rule # 1.
 
During this busy season, you should only demonstrate if your prospect insists.
To successfully demo you must know:
 
1. Prospect's general interest level
 
2. One or two specific computer application interests
 
3. Ability and intention to purchase
 
4. Decision-making process
 
The demo must include:
 
1. Asking the prospect to use the keyboard.
   Be sensitive to computer fear.
   Share the keyboard at first to ease prospect into the demo.
   Help them to own the computer in their mind.
   If the child is present, let him or her interact with the computer.
 
2. Letting the prospect come up with the justifications and uses
   for the computer.
   They will sell themselves if you let them.
   Let the child sell the computer for you.
 
3. If selling to a couple, concentrate your questions and attention on
   the one most interested.
   That person will help you to sell their partner.
 
4. Only demonstrate those DeskMate applications that specifically relate to
   the interest of the prospect.
   Keep it short and to the point.
   You are not showing off your computer skills.
   You are empowering prospects to develop their own.
 
5. Show the prospect the ease-of-use, power and fun of computers.
   It will make the close much easier.
 
Closing
 
At any point in the demonstration,
if the prospect gives you a buying signal, stop and close.
Examples of buying signals include:
 
  Do you offer training for this computer?
 
  Do you have service contracts to cover repairs?
 
  Do you have a lay-away plan?
 
  What programs do you have to (any application)?
 
  Where would I take the computer if I had a service problem?
 
  How long is your warranty period?
 
  Do you have these in stock or would I have to wait to take it home?
 
  How long would I have to wait to get approval on your credit plan?
 
Ask closing questions like:
 
  Would you like to sign up for a class being given on Monday?
 
  Would you want to take it home today or have it delivered tomorrow?
 
  What type of programs would you like to have for your computer?
 
  Would you like to fill out an RSVP application?
 
  Where would you put a computer in your home?
 
And Don't Forget:
 
All cables, all supplies -- paper, diskettes, etc.
All accessories -- modem, printer, furniture, etc.
 
Follow-up
 
The follow-up is critical to keep a computer sale sold.
Especially if the customer is a computer novice.
Be sure that you:
 
1. Sell training classes!
   Your customer will receive hands-on training by an expert
   in teaching novices.
   Don't try to do it yourself.
   You'll have someone who will become a permanent part of your life.
 
2. Make a care call!
   Check back with your customer, by phone, at regular intervals
   to see how he or she is doing.
   Don't be afraid to find that all is not well.
   It's better to find out early when there is still time to fix the problem,
   than to find out the day your customer brings the system back.
 
3. Anticipate an upgrade!
   Keeping up with your customer means that you know when he or she is ready to
   upgrade to another computer or to another application package.
   Anticipating your customer's needs makes you a hero in your customer's eyes
   and will bring you referral sales.
   Happy customers always talk to their friends.
 
4. Provide a source for technical questions to be answered!
   Give your customer the phone number of Fort Worth Customer Service.
 
5. Don't try to support the sale yourself!
   Use your SE to help your customer.
   The SE is trained to do this and can provide more services than you can.
   Your time is selling time.
   As long as you are the source to get the help the customer needs,
   it doesn't have to be you who provides it.
   You are still the hero!
 
Selling Tools
 
Do you have the necessary tools at hand for the Christmas selling season?
Here is a list to consider:
 
FC-102  Tandy 1000 RL demo disk
FC-103  Tandy 1000 RL Video
FC-392  Success Guaranteed brochure
Extra catalogs
Comparison charts from M.O.M.
RSVP application forms
Supply of home computer user accessories:
  Mice
  Joysticks
  Game programs
 
And Last, but not Least...Don't Forget TIMING.
 
Every sale to a home user is a sales cycle in fast forward.
But it won't be a sale if any step is left out.
You just do it in a shorter length of time.
Gear all your role-playing to the home user.
Practice, practice, practice.
Do it now, not in front of the prospect.
 
A Word to the Wise...
 
To survive a heavy snowfall, the key is to learn to walk on top of the snow,
not be covered by it.
Preparation will provide the snowshoes you need.
 
MOM-09-90
THE FRONT LINE
THE FRONT LINE is a monthly column dedicated to discussing
marketing, merchandising and customer care concepts.
 
ADD PERSONAL $$$ WITH EVERY COMPUTER YOU SELL
 
If you're interested in increasing your income, read on.
Selling service plans is relatively new at Radio Shack,
so you may have overlooked one of the easiest ways
to increase your commissions and SPIFFs with every computer you sell.
 
What's In It For Me?
 
Let's take a typical Tandy  1000 TL/2 sale.
Sell a computer, monitor, printer, hard drive,
mouse and cable with a 3 year Carry-In TSP ,
and your sales ticket should look like this:
 
                                  Equipment     Carry-In
Cat.No.     Description             Price       TSP Price
25-1602     Tandy 1000 TL/2        $999.95      $119.00
25-1024     CM-11 Color Monitor     399.95        69.00
25-1045     20-Meg SmartDrive       399.95        40.00
25-1040     Tandy  Serial Mouse      49.95         4.00
26-2815     DMP 133 Printer         219.95        59.00
26-225     6' Printer Cable          34.95         N/A
                                 $2,104.70      $291.00
 
Salesmaker's commission (e.g. 7%)   147.33        20.37
Salesmaker's Carry-In TSP SPIFF 10%               29.10
                                                  49.47
 
The salesmaker's personal earnings then are $147.33 + 49.47 = $196.80.
TSP commissions and SPIFFs add up.
In this Tandy 1000 TL/2 sale, you've increased your income by over 34%!
 
And just as importantly, by selling this 3 year Carry-In TSP,
the Computer Center or store gains an additional income of 30% of the TSP price
(less salesperson's commission and SPIFF).
 
Reducing Your Repair Costs
 
Normally your store pays for repair costs of equipment returned for service
during the warranty period.
But when you sell TSP, Contract Services picks up the tab!
That's protection for the store of one full year!
 
Enhancing Customer Loyalty
 
We build Radio Shack business by satisfying customers and having them
return to us for additional purchases.
Anything we do to enhance customer loyalty increases our sales.
When your customer returns to you with a product for repair,
you have the unpleasant task of explaining repair charges.
However, if you had sold a TSP to this customer,
you can turn this situation around and make it into a demonstration of how
Radio Shack services its customers.
 
Two More Opportunities To Sell
 
When your customer brings a product in for servicing,
nothing gets in the way of making this a pleasant transaction
when your customer has a TSP contract.
This gives you an opportunity to tell him of special promotions for the month
and to ask him if he is looking for anything else.
Make it into a selling opportunity.
When he returns to pick up his equipment,
you have a second selling opportunity.
Without a TSP, you have to explain repair charges the first time,
and collect for repair charges the second time.
Not an ideal environment to give a sales presentation, is it?
 
Selling Tip #1 -- The Great Disappearing Act
 
The highest percentage of success in selling TSPs comes when your
customer purchases with an RSVP  credit card.
The reason is simple.
When purchasing on credit,
the monthly charges for adding a TSP are nominal.
The customer is able to keep the monthly cost
at the level he or she can afford.
In the example of the Tandy 1000 TL/2 purchase,
here's what happens when RSVP is used:
 
System Price: $64.00 per month 40+ months
              (depending on state)
 
System Price w/TSP: $73.00 per month 40+ months
                    (depending on state)
 
Okay, so it hasn't quite disappeared, but it sure has taken the sting away.
And now, your customer is protected for three full years!
 
Selling Tip #2 -- The Doubting Thomas
 
Customer: "Are you telling me that I need a service plan because your
quality is no good?"
 
You: Sir, one of the biggest misconceptions of a service plan program
is that it is an admission of low quality.
In fact, quite the opposite is true.
Only companies that believe in the quality of their product
offer service plans.
The service plan shifts the burden of repair expense from you to us.
In short, TSP is a service we offer to provide "buyer protection"
against unexpected repair expenses.
 
Selling Tip #3 -- Talk TSP Early
 
Everyone says "AFTO," but experienced salespersons know that they have
to prepare their customers before asking for the order.
Half-hearted attempts to sell TSP at closing are doomed to fail.
So, start talking TSP early in your sales presentation.
 
MOM-09-90
THE DESKMATE  DIFFERENCE
A series of articles on DeskMate.
 
LOOK WHAT'S NEW WITH DESKMATE!
 
This summer we have added more useful DeskMate programs to our product line
to help you and your customers discover the DeskMate difference.
Here's an overview of the new DeskMate products.
 
DeskMate 3
 
We have made our DeskMate integrated software package better than ever.
Though it remains compatible with all DeskMate applications,
it has these new features:
 
    LIM support for support of more than 640K of memory
    An improved Draw program with fonts
    Support for more printers
    More power and ease of use in the Desktop
 
Plus, it has all the great features you've come to expect:
 
    Ten productivity applications
    Built-in tutorials to get you started
    Online help available while you work
 
We keep making DeskMate better and better, so sell it with pride!
(25-1351, $99.95)
 
Note: The version of DeskMate described above is version 3.5,
the retail DeskMate product.
It has font support and LIM support.
It does NOT have the Home Organizer software.
Do not confuse this with version 3.4 which is bundled with
the Tandy  1000 RL.
That has the Home Organizer software but does not have fonts
or LIM support. 
 
filePro for DeskMate
 
You'll appreciate this new database manager because it's based on
two familiar products:  filePro and DeskMate.
From The Small Computer Company,
filePro for DeskMate features online help,
mail merge with DeskMate Text and Q&A Write, four levels of sorting,
math functions, copy and paste using DeskMate's Clipboard,
file compression to remove empty records,
unlimited number of records per file, and much more.
Check out this great new package:
you'll find it fits many customers' database needs
while maintaining DeskMate's ease of use!
(25-1334, $99.95)
(See Page 17 for more detailed information on this product.)
 
Your Personal Trainer for the SAT
 
Improve SAT scores with Davidson's Your Personal Trainer for the SAT.
This program will score, analyze, and assess performance on the SAT.
It will then devise a detailed, individualized training program.
You'll be able to graph progress,
comparing scores to the national average as well as to the average
for specific colleges.
The program includes test-taking strategies.
It's the only program on the market to use actual SAT questions!
(25-1379, $49.95)
 
KidsTime PC
 
An educational package which contains three programs for children.
Dot-to-Dot is a computer version of the paper activity.
As children solve puzzles, they can develop counting and alphabet skills.
As a puzzle is completed, a detailed picture appears.
New puzzles can be created using graphics from other programs.
 
KidsNotes helps children develop a love for music.
They can explore note names, note and rest durations,
and basic key and time signatures.
Children can listen to familiar melodies included in KidsNotes
or create their own.
 
ABKey helps children develop letter recognition,
beginning reading and keyboard skills.
As letters or pictures appear on the screen,
the child presses the correct letter on the keyboard.
ABKey includes many levels of challenge to make it appropriate
for pre-readers or beginning readers.
(3 1/2": 903-1046.  5 1/4": 905-1046.  $34.95)
 
DeskMate Companions:  Perfect Companions for DeskMate
 
DeskMate Companion products work with other DeskMate products,
and they require that the user own DeskMate.
These products add value to DeskMate by adding functionality.
Their low prices make them especially attractive to our customers.
The next four items are DeskMate Companions.
 
DeskMate Business Graphs Companion
 
This package lets you choose from seven types of graphs
that display on your screen and print on your printer.
You can key in the data or import it from DeskMate Worksheet or Lotus files.
The sizable windows let you display several graphs on the screen at once.
Business Graphs even includes a self-running demo to give your customers
a preview of its capabilities!
(25-1363, $24.95)
 
DeskMate Macros Companion
 
If you or your customers routinely perform the same DeskMate procedures
over and over on your computer, Macros' "accelerator keys"
can save you valuable time by automatically performing those functions for you.
Just record a series of keystrokes and/or mouse movements
on a designated macro key and let Macros "play them back" for you.
DeskMate Macros Companion supports all letter, number and function keys,
as well as embedded macros.
(25-1361, $19.95)
 
DeskMate Thesaurus Companion
 
If you use DeskMate Text and can't always think of the right word,
DeskMate Thesaurus Companion can help!
With a vocabulary of more than 220,000 words,
you'll always find just the right word.
DeskMate Thesaurus Companion works directly from the
Edit <F3> pull-down menu within DeskMate Text
so it's always there when you need it.
(25-1365, $19.95)
 
DeskMate Outliner Companion
 
This outline processor offers ten levels of outlines
to help you organize your thoughts for a paper or presentation
before you start writing.
You can display all levels or only some of them.
With sizable windows, you can see several outlines displayed at once!
(25-1364, $19.95)
 
What It Means to You
 
Having more DeskMate packages makes the DeskMate story even better.
Now you can offer more quality productivity and educational software
that has the DeskMate Graphical User Interface.
Once your customers learn to use one of these programs,
they essentially know how to use them all.
This increases your customers' success and reduces their frustration.
 
No other hardware vendor offers a line of products
under its own Graphical User Interface.
Sell with confidence!
Nobody Compares!
 
MOM-09-90
THE CREDIT LINE
Direct to you from Tandy credit departments --
Commercial Credit, Tandy Computer Leasing, and RSVP.
 
Commercial Credit
 
A recent study conducted by Commercial Credit found
a high degree of correlation between uncollectible accounts
and the inability to obtain a report from a Commercial Credit
Reporting Bureau such as Dun & Bradstreet.
 
Based on this study,
Commercial Credit is modifying certain internal procedures
in an attempt to lessen the potential for bad-debt write-offs.
If Commercial Credit is unable to obtain
a Dun & Bradstreet or a TRW Commercial Credit Report on a Company,
the applicant will be asked to furnish three (3) trade references,
bank information and the Owner's Social Security Number,
which will be utilized to request a Consumer Credit Report.
Commercial Credit will take the position that
if the owner handles his personal obligations satisfactorily,
then his business obligations will be handled in a like manner.
 
Additionally, there is a relationship between products purchased
and the potential for bad-debt write-off.
During the study mentioned above,
many of the accounts written off to bad debt had purchased personal-use items,
such as Radar Detectors, Camcorders, VCRs, etc.
Radio Shack stores can help reduce this type of loss by
calling Commercial Credit at (800) 442-2585,
if a business is suspected of making purchases strictly for personal use.
 
As always the Store should call the Credit Manager or
Assistant Credit Manager if the rejected sale or applicant
warrants further review,
or if the customer is reluctant to furnish the requested information.
 
Tandy Computer Leasing
 
Even before your commercial clients ask "How much?",
assume that most would prefer the advantages of a budget pay plan...
AND it's up to you to remind them of that fact!
Always quote the "monthly rental amount" first.
When you do,
you'll get fewer "too much" or "I'll need to think about it" responses.
What you want is a lot more of
"What would the payment be if I also add a _________ to the lease?"
Better for your customer: Better for you!!
 
Approaching your customers with that mindset can provide the
confidence level to:  Make the most successful presentation;
Ask for the order and close the sale.
After all, isn't that your goal?
To do this you must be prepared:
 
  Keep an adequate supply of lease document packets on hand.
  Using your store or Center's average number of lease sales per month,
  try to maintain a 3-month supply.
  If this is your first use of TCL,
  we suggest you start by ordering five leasing packets (FO-150).
 
  Have a TCL rate factor card with you at all times.
  Practice calculating "lease cost per month" using
  the easy-to-follow rate card factors.
  On (or beside) some typical "for commercial use" products or systems,
  place tent cards with the monthly payment amount marked,
  so it's easy to see.
 
  Prominently display TCL's customer handouts,
  "LEASING The Sensible Alternative" in their colorful easel-backed holder.
  Be familiar with the contents of the brochure so you too can appreciate
  the advantages of a budget pay plan for your business,
  education, government and non-profit prospects...and for you.
 
A TCL Lease...
 
"The Closing Link To a Total Solution"...
for your clients' business products needs
 
RSVP
 
Product knowledge is the starting point for every successful salesperson.
When a current, or prospective, RSVP cardholder asks,
"What will my monthly payments run and how long will it take to pay it off?"
be prepared to provide the answer
by memorizing the following payment formula
or by calling attention to the schedule which is printed in
the RSVP application (Section 6):
 
      Highest New       Minimum Monthly
      Balance Is:       Payment Will Be:
 
$   .01  to  $  15.00      Balance
  15.01  to    400.00      $15.00
 400.01  to    600.00       20.00
 600.01  to    800.00       25.00
 800.01  to  1,000.00       30.00
 
For any amount over $1,000.00,
the required minimum monthly payment will be 1/33rd of the balance,
rounded up to the next higher whole dollar amount.
 
The number of months required to pay off would be determined by
several factors: local interest rates, insurance costs, TSP total,
and the actual amount of each payment made.
As a rule of thumb,
if only the minimum payment amount is made each month,
it will take at least 45 months to pay off the balance.
 
Remember to always:
 
Make RSVP your customers' first choice...
not the salesperson's last resort!
 
MOM-09-90
STOCK FILE CHANGES
A quick reference to product status changes -- pricing, availability, etc.
 
LATE DATES
 
Listed below are the new items that appear in the 1991 Catalogs
which have not yet arrived at the warehouses.
Also included are the dates the merchandise is expected to be available
at the warehouses.
 
The dates listed in this section are based on the latest available information,
and are updated monthly.
While they may not be 100% accurate, they are the best estimate we have
at this time.
 
The dates listed here should be your ONLY reference for availability of
cataloged items.
Ft. Worth Computer Support Services or Ft. Worth Computer Merchandising
will not have any dates other than the ones shown here.
 
Radio Shack Catalog #459
Radio Shack Software Buyer's Guide
Tandy Computer Catalog RSC-22
 
Cat. #       Description                            Date
 
250-1258     USA Today Sports Center               9/30/90
250-1334     filePro for DeskMate                 10/30/90
250-1351     DeskMate                             10/15/90
250-1361     DeskMate  Macros Companion            9/15/90
250-1363     DeskMate  Graphs Companion           10/15/90
250-1364     DeskMate  Outliner Companion         10/15/90
250-1365     DeskMate  Thesaurus Companion         9/15/90
250-1268     WordPerfect 5.1                       9/30/90
     WordPerfect 5.0 is currently available
     as 250-1268
 
250-1376     Spell-a-saurus                        9/15/90
250-1377     Dinosaur Discovery Kit                9/15/90
250-1380     The New Math Blaster                  9/30/90
250-1385     Light Speed                           9/30/90
250-1389     Quest for Glory (Hero's Quest 2)     10/30/90
250-1391     Drakkhen                              9/30/90
250-1392     Turbo Outrun                          9/30/90
250-1396     Greg Norman Golf                      9/15/90
250-1398     Silent Service 2                      9/30/90
250-1399     Spot!                                 9/30/90
250-3506     Tandy  1500 HD                        9/30/90
250-3507     1 MB Upgr 1500 HD                     9/30/90
250-3525     Battery 1500 HD                       9/30/90
250-3526     2400 bps modem 1500 HD                9/30/90
250-4117     WordPerfect XENIX                     9/30/90
250-4166     160 MB SCSI Tape Backup              11/30/90
250-4167     440 MB SCSI HD Kit                    9/15/90
250-4902     Tandy  4020 SX                        9/30/90
 
260-0115     A/B Switch, DB25F                    10/31/90
260-0116     6' RS232 Cable, DB9M-DB9M             9/30/90
260-0117     6' RS232 Cable, DB9M-DB9F             9/30/90
260-0129     160 MB Tape Cartridge                11/15/90
 
900-0954     Eye of Hourus                         9/30/90
900-0956     Algebra 1:  1st Sem.                  9/30/90
900-0957     Algebra 1:  2nd Sem.                  9/30/90
900-0990     Rastan                                9/15/90
900-1012     Codename: Iceman                      9/15/90
900-1014     Oil's Well                            9/30/90
900-1017     Joan of Arc                           9/30/90
900-1019     Wings of Fury                         9/30/90
900-1053     F-19 Stealth Fighter                  9/15/90
900-1054     Chessmaster 2100                      9/15/90
900-1055     Red Storm Rising                      9/15/90
900-1060     Math Blaster Mystery                  9/15/90
900-1071     Airwave Adventure                     9/30/90
900-1078     Guiness Disc. 1990                    9/30/90
900-1079     Drakkhen HB                           9/30/90
900-2397     American Magnetics Mag Stripe Reader  9/30/90
900-2433     Xircom Ethernet Adapter (MAU)         9/30/90
900-2436     Xircom ARCNET Adapter (UTP)           9/30/90
900-2490     APC PowerChute Software: UNIX         9/30/90
900-2874     CompuServe DOS Kit                    9/30/90
900-2908     Sword of Samurai                      9/30/90
900-2909     Between H & H                         CANC
 
903-2931     Solomon A/R                           9/30/90
903-2932     Solomon A/P                           9/30/90
903-2933     Solomon Payroll                       9/30/90
903-2934     Solomon G/L                           9/30/90
903-2935     Solomon Order Entry/Inventory         9/30/90
903-2936     Solomon Inventory                     9/30/90
903-2937     Solomon Purchasing                    9/30/90
903-2938     Solomon Fixed Assets                  9/30/90
903-2939     Solomon Sales Analysis                9/30/90
903-2940     Solomon Rpt. & Graph Desg.            9/30/90
903-2941     Solomon Job Cost.                     9/30/90
903-2942     Solomon Ext. Sys. Interface           9/30/90
903-2943     Solomon Address & Mail List           9/30/90
903-2944     Solomon System Manager                9/30/90
 
903/5-0961     Shinobi                             9/30/90
903/5-0964     Railroad Empire                     9/30/90
903/5-0966     Crime Wave                          9/30/90
903/5-0970     Nicklaus Unlimited                  9/30/90
903/5-0983     Once Upon a Time 3                  9/30/90
903/5-0992     Command HQ                          9/30/90
903/5-0993     Knight of the Sky                   9/30/90
903/5-1002     Chamber Sci-Mutan                   9/30/90
903/5-1020     Sim City Ter. Ed.                   9/15/90
903/5-1026     Altered Beast                       9/30/90
903/5-1029     Out Run                             9/15/90
903/5-1036     Spirit of Excaliber                 9/30/90
903/5-1037     PGA Golf                            9/15/90
903/5-1041     Centurion                           9/15/90
903/5-1043     Metal Gear                          9/30/90
903/5-1044     Castlevania 905                     9/15/90
903/5-1064     Dragon's Lair                       9/30/90
903/5-1072     The Punisher                        9/30/90
903/5-1075     Space Harrier                       9/30/90
 
Radio Shack Educational Products Guide
 
Cat. #       Description                            Date
 
900-5743     PC LOGO SCM                          11/30/90
900-5766     Trivial Pursuit FR                   11/30/90
900-5767     Trivial Pursuit GER                  11/30/90
900-5768     Trivial Pursuit SP                   11/30/90
 
903-5591     Skillsbank Comp SCM                  10/30/90
903-5769     Schlwork Letter DM                    9/30/90
903-5770     Schlwork Teacher DM                   9/30/90
903-5795     RSDP 1-3 SCM                         10/15/90
903-5796     RSDP 1-8 SCM                         10/15/90
 
905-5757     New Print Shop SCH                    9/30/90
 
903/5-5654     Once Upon Time SCM                 10/30/90
903/5-5658     Math Blast Plus SCM                11/30/90
903/5-5659     Word Attack Pls SCM                10/15/90
903/5-5660     Homeworker SCM                     10/30/90
903/5-5673     Double Up SCM                      10/30/90
903/5-5674     Mark-Up SCM                        10/30/90
903/5-5675     Proteus SCM                        10/30/90
903/5-5676     Rhubarb SCM                        10/30/90
903/5-5677     Sequitur SCM                       10/30/90
903/5-5686     Timeliner SCM                      11/30/90
903/5-5742     Once Up Time II SCM                10/30/90
903/5-5758     Sim City School                     9/30/90
903/5-5762     Lang Exam 1 French                 11/30/90
903/5-5763     Lang Exam 1 German                 11/30/90
903/5-5764     Lang Exam 1 Spanish                11/30/90
903/5-5765     French Scrabble                    11/30/90
903/5-5779     Bodyworks Jr SCM                   11/30/90
903/5-5780     Bodyworks Sr SCM                   11/30/90
903/5-5782     Inter Inspirer SCM                 11/30/90
903/5-5789     Spell It Plus SCM                  10/30/90
903/5-5790     Algeblaster Pls SCM                10/15/90
903/5-5797     Nat'l Inspirer SCM                 11/30/90
903/5-5798     Lang Exam 2 French                 11/30/90
903/5-5799     Lang Exam 2 German                 11/30/90
903/5-5800     Lang Exam 2 Spanish                11/30/90
903/5-5801     Lang Exam 3 French                 11/30/90
903/5-5802     Lang Exam 3 German                 11/30/90
903/5-5803     Lang Exam 3 Spanish                11/30/90
903/5-5804     Lang Exam 4 French                 11/30/90
903/5-5805     Lang Exam 4 German                 11/30/90
903/5-5806     Lang Exam 4 Spanish                11/30/90
903/5-5811     Publish It Academic                10/30/90
 
 
CANCELED PRODUCT
 
CAT. #     DESCRIPTION
900-2909     Between H & H
 
MOM-09-90
PRODUCT NEWS
ALL STORE
The "ALL STORE" section contains information of interest to all store types.
01Zs and Computer Centers will also be interested in the information contained in the "01Z/COMPUTER CENTER" section.
 
THE TANDY 1000 RL HAS BEEN A HIT!
 
The Tandy  1000 RL is selling well nationwide
after its July 25th introduction in New York.
The press reviews have been favorable and we have been pleased
with the early response.
 
During the annual meetings,
concern was expressed about why we did not advertise the RL right
after the Wall Street Journal ad,
and we heard that because of the lack of advertising,
your Open Houses had not generated the response you expected.
 
There were reasons for us to proceed in this manner.
 
   First, we wanted to make sure that you were ready
   for the large number of customers that advertising brings in.
 
   Second, we wanted you to have a chance to demo and get familiar
   with the RL under less pressured conditions,
   before you had a crowd of people at an Open House.
 
   Third, we wanted to have the ads running at the same time
   the product reviews were being published in the trade magazines.
 
So we gave you a month to get ready
and have a few practice runs at Open Houses before the advertising started,
and for the reviews to print.
 
This month will mark the beginning of the big advertising push for the RL
and the DeskMate Home Organizer.
The September flyer has a 2 page spread (pages 2 and 3)
on the 1000 RL and 1000 RL HD.
You'll see ads on television and in newspapers.
Magazines such as Good Housekeeping, Ladies Home Journal, Delta Sky,
Working Mother, Changing Times, Time, Newsweek
and Sports Illustrated will also have full page ads
that are targeted at the RL's market.
The full product reviews will begin to show up in computer
and consumer publications.
 
You now have that valuable month of sales training under your belt,
and should be ready as advertising
and favorable reviews start bringing more customers in.
And that extra month also allowed us to get
the 25-1451 RL Hard Drive computers in the warehouse,
so you could present the full RL line in your Open House
with the assurance that you had product to deliver.
 
Press Coverage
 
The media coverage has been great!
Just read what has been printed in newspapers and magazines
around the country.
 
"Tandy's built-in software is quite imaginative.
It applies the processing power of the computer to tasks that many of us have
probably never considered automating, like making to-do lists, shopping lists,
and packing lists for trips."
 
"Anyone willing to learn to use a conventional spreadsheet or data base
program could eventually figure out how to keep track of
a baseball card collection or a stock portfolio, of course.
However, Tandy assumes, perhaps rightly so,
that the T1000 RL owners are likely to be less interested in computers
than in the possessions themselves.
Accordingly, it has automated the record-keeping process with what are
essentially fill-in-the-blank templates."
 
New York Times   7/31/90
 
"Many analysts believe that the 1000 RL will prove easier to use
than IBM's PS/1.
`It's very friendly,' said JoeAnn Stahel,
president of StoreBoard/Computer Intelligence,
a market-research firm specializing in computer retail sales.
She added that this is the type of computer she was looking for in 1982
when she began typing recipes and address lists into the primitive home
computers of that time."
 
Wall Street Journal   7/26/90
 
"Tandy Corp. unveiled a personal computer Wednesday that is so
tailored for use in the home that it could be plugged in right
next to the toaster and microwave oven...
Experts are split on whether there is a calling for a kitchen PC.
But one who is convinced is Stewart Alsop, editor of PC Letter,
who says the U.S. is a computer literate society ready and waiting
with checkbook in hand.
`Tandy,' he says, `is on the mark.' "
 
USA Today   7/26/90
 
"Move over Big Blue, those Techhies from Texas (a.k.a. Tandy Corp)
officially introduced an entry-level, low-cost home computer yesterday
that analysts said may be even easier to use and have better software
than IBM's recently announced PS/1."
 
New York Daily News   7/26/90
 
"Tandy makes computer friendlier for home users...JoeAnn Stahel,
president of market researcher StoreBoard, said, `If the (consumer)
acceptance is there, it's really a way to bring computing into the home.
If I were going to try and get everybody who had never touched a computer
into computing, this is what I'd advise.' she said."
 
Fort Worth Star Telegram   7/26/90
 
"Tandy PC features functions for families...Tandy hopes new home
computer will become popular machine for family use."
 
Baltimore Morning Sun   7/26/90
 
"Its two dozen or so programs cover everything from creating recipes
and shopping lists to planning travel, tracking collections,
and managing personal finances -- tasks long associated with
the home computer bust of 1982 and avoided by business product suppliers.
But a survey of 2500 homes by LINK Resources shows those
to be the applications of interest to 88 percent of prospective home
PC purchasers, a new class that Thomas Miller of LINK calls
`home information consumers.' "
 
PC World   September 1990
 
The media has created a lot of interest in the Tandy 1000 RL.
It has received good reviews from the analysts.
Our newspaper and broadcast advertising is guaranteed to stimulate
even more interest.
The stage is set.
The curtain is going up.
Now it's up to you to convert that interest into sales.
You have the product and the tools to make this
the most successful computer Tandy has ever produced.
Good Selling!
 
MOM-09-90
TANDY  1000 RL DEMO DISKS
 
When the RL demo is run from floppy disk,
it decompresses each screen from a large file on the disk to a new small file,
then loads in the screen from the small file, then deletes the small file.
It does this for each screen.
 
When you run the RL demo in the continuous mode,
the only way out of it is to reset the computer.
 
This combination means that there will often be an extra file
left on the diskette after you reset the computer.
Disk space is tight, so that single file can stop the demo from running,
since the program cannot decompress the next file it needs to the diskette.
 
Each time you run the RL Demo Diskette (FC-0102) from the floppy diskette,
you must first run a batch file that removes any temporary files
from the diskette.
This batch file appears as CLEAN.BAT on the demo diskette.
 
To run the batch file; from the Desktop,
insert the floppy diskette in the drive and type:
 
<F2>  R  <ENTER>  CLEAN  <ENTER>
 
This does not apply when you are running the demo from a hard disk.
 
MOM-09-90
RADIO SHACK INTRODUCES NEW PORTABLE COMPUTER
 
Industry's First Notebook PC Under Six Pounds
With Both Floppy and Hard Disk Drives
 
August 6, 1990 -- New York City -- Radio Shack introduced today
the new Tandy  1500 HD portable computer,
the industry's first under six-pound (including battery) notebook PC
equipped with both standard floppy and hard disk drives.
 
The system, which sells for $1,999, will be available in September
at more than 7,000 participating Radio Shack Computer Centers,
Radio Shack stores and dealers nationwide.
 
With its slim size, the Tandy 1500 HD fits comfortably in a briefcase,
on an airline tray table, or in a user's lap.
 
The 1500 HD has a NEC V-20 microprocessor, a clock speed of ten megahertz
and zero wait state memory.
A full 640 kilobytes (KB) of memory, expandable to 1.64 megabytes (MB),
provides enough power to run the most popular business
and personal productivity software.
A LIM 4.0 expanded memory driver is also supplied
to configure additional memory.
 
One 3 1/2-inch, 1.44 MB floppy disk drive and an internal 20 MB hard drive
(23 millisecond access speed) are standard.
The MS-DOS 3.3 operating system and Tandy's easy-to-use DeskMate
personal productivity software are installed on the hard drive for instant,
out-of-the-box computing.
[Note that the catalog overlooks the fact that the 1500 HD
has a 3 1/2" 1.44 MB floppy in addition to the 20 MB hard drive - Ed.]
 
The 1500 HD has a high-definition, blue-on-white liquid crystal display
with 640 x 200 CGA color resolution.
Backlit for improved contrast and readability,
the 1500 HD's screen measures 7.5 inches by 4.8 inches.
 
A rechargeable, removable nicad battery
gives more than three and one half hours of computing power.
To monitor the battery status, the new Tandy "Power View" LED system
is located on the top right case of the 1500 HD's case.
In this location, both the On/Off indicator and battery indicator
are clearly visible -- without lifting the display.
The Power switch is also located underneath the display
to prevent accidental battery drain.
 
The battery weighs three-quarters of one pound and recharges
in only four hours with the unit off (eight hours if the unit is on).
An 8-ounce AC adapter/charger is also included.
 
The 1500 HD's 84-key keyboard has a new, exclusive Tandy Key-Switch feature
that allows the user to interchange the <Control> key cap and function with
the <Caps Lock> key cap and function.
By switching these two keys, the 1500 HD's keyboard layout
resembles a standard typewriter.
 
The full-size keyboard also has 12 function keys
and an embedded numeric keypad with true 101-key emulation.
 
Other features are an internal modem slot, one 25-pin parallel printer port
and one 9-pin RS-232C serial communications port for attaching devices such
as a mouse or portable FAX.
 
Options for the Tandy 1500 HD include a 1 MB user-installable memory upgrade
($399.95); a 2,400 baud per second internal modem ($199.95);
a spare battery ($99.95); and, a choice of laptop carrying cases.
 
Tandy Corporation is a major manufacturer of consumer and PC-compatible
personal computer electronics.
Radio Shack is a Division of Tandy Corporation.
 
Tandy and DeskMate are registered trademarks of Tandy Corporation.
Radio Shack and Radio Shack Computer Center are registered service marks of
Tandy Corporation.
Key-Switch is a trademark of Tandy Corporation.
MS-DOS is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
 
MOM-09-90
THE "NEAT" FACTOR
 
As a consumer, what motivates you to buy a "nonessential" product?
You may argue that you "need" a CD player or you "need" a VCR,
but truthfully (be honest with yourself) you buy it because it's "neat."
 
The "neat" factor is a prime motivation
in owning any type of high-dollar product.
It's what makes a customer buy one product over another.
Look at cars.
You don't necessarily care about an overhead cam engine (???) or
rack & pinion steering when you make that final decision on which car to buy.
You look at the "extras;"
those "neat" little things that make all the difference --
like a place to store your cassettes or cup holders.
Maybe you want power windows and locks or
it has a really spectacular console.
Doesn't matter.
You buy the car with the "neatest" features.
 
You also buy "neat" stuff to get it first.
There's status in owning something "neat" before your friends.
You take pride in your new purchase and want to show it off.
 
Computers and software (and consumer electronics as a whole)
are exactly the same way.
And the RL is neat!
It's small --
it's quiet --
and it has the Home Organizer.
Neat stuff that will make the difference between
making a sale and not making a sale.
 
Neat New Software!
 
Which brings me to the new personal productivity software
we're adding this year.
There are many uses for a computer in the home
and our expanded sections on
personal finance and personal productivity software reflect that.
 
Sure there are some old favorites;
the Great Chef's Series and Micro Kitchen Companion
continue in the food and cooking arena,
with Nutri-Fit and the Diet Balancer
as "health and nutrition" applications.
But we've added the Mr. Boston Micro Bartender's Guide
and the Micro Wine Companion to enhance the kitchen applications,
and a Calorie Counter for those that want to keep track
(or at least pretend that they want to keep track!)
 
Outside the kitchen, there are several new "personal law" packages.
WillMaker does just what it says,
while Hyatt Legal Services Home Lawyer includes
the 16 most commonly used documents from the Hyatt Legal Services offices.
 
Genealogy is another "neat" hobby these days
and Family Tree Maker is one of the top software products
in that category.
Not only can you keep track of your family,
you can track medical histories and print out
some beautiful framing-quality trees or photo frames to add pictures.
 
Banner Blue Software, the company that publishes Family Tree Maker,
gets letters from customers that talk about
how the software has gotten them back in touch with family
they hadn't thought about in years.
One customer has printed out what she knows
and then mailed copies to all the other relatives to "fill in the blanks."
Two of the relatives decided to buy their own computer
so they could work on it themselves.
Neat, huh?
 
And there's more.
Floorplan software to plan your home or office,
software to help write resumes or keep track of a job search,
plus all of the Byte Size and the My Software like Video Tape Log and
Home Inventory or My Treasures,
that continue to be BIG sellers for us.
 
Remember -- The "Neat" Factor.
It's a great way to sell modems or that new computer cart or
a color printer or a camcorder or a car phone or a portable CD player or ....
 
MOM-09-90
WHAT'S NEW ON PC-LINK
 
In our continuing series of articles on PC-Link,
here are the latest enhancements to the service:
 
  Rabbit Jack's Casino now boasts Poker in addition to Black Jack.
  As is the case with the other games in the series,
  Poker is both graphic and interactive.
  The area also includes message boards, instructions, etc.
 
  MasterWord, an interactive online game based on "Hangman," debuted.
  Between two and eight members can play at once.
 
  NewBytes, an area dedicated to computer industry news,
  was revamped to include a keyword search function for the articles.
 
  Game Calls was established as a support area for late night game players.
 
  The Comedy Club was reorganized to include special areas
  for various types of humor to encourage greater member involvement.
 
  The Great Art Caper, debuted as an online mystery
  that allows members to track suspects, follow clues,
  and to ultimately determine who "iced" a valuable collection of paintings.
 
  The "Summer Bash Headquarters" is a new area for members
  to get information and share anecdotes about offline parties
  across the country.
 
This and much more can be found on PC-Link.
Be sure to take advantage of your free demo account to show off the service.
Contact your District Manager for details on obtaining an account
if you don't have one.
 
MOM-09-90
HOME SWEET HOME COMPUTER -- Part 3
 
The New Breed of Hermits
 
You know who they are.
They live in your neighborhood.
They're those wonderful people you meet or work with;
usually married with kids, both holding down jobs.
Nice people.
The kind of folks you invite to parties or picnics or dinner at your house.
They almost always accept; they just never quite seem to show up.
Parents Magazine calls them the new hermits.
 
Their lives are full.
They go pretty much non-stop for 12 to 18 hours a day.
They are committed to their kids.
That's why they never see other adults outside of work.
They want to be sure they spend enough time with their kids.
 
But there's a whole world out there and they never have to leave
their own kitchens.
It's online.
And it's growing.
And you give it away with every Tandy  1000, 2500,
DeskMate  package or even modem that you sell.
It's PC-Link.
 
Well, actually it's also Prodigy or CompuServe or USA Today Sports.
All of these online services offer access to the outside world
and people with similar interests.
From the privacy of their own kitchens they can "talk" to folks
all over the country, develop friendships or even play games online.
 
I know a lot about these people, basically because I am one.
Friendships or even acquaintances cost precious time and energy
that I simply don't have.
I log in to PC-Link after 10 or 10:30 when my kids are asleep,
the dishes are washed and I'm ready to relax.
I can check the headlines, check my stock, or just go on and chat.
 
It's fun.
And it's worth the investment in a modem.
Make sure your PC-Link demo account is active.
If you don't have one, contact your DM.
 
Do your customers a favor.
Give them a break from the hectic pace.
Get 'em online.
It's another "neat" reason to buy a computer!
 
MOM-09-90
Field Contribution
 
Last month, in the August 1990 issue of this publication (Page 17),
Dave Davis of Baton Rouge, LA submitted an article about how he
handled one particular sale of a Tandy  1100 FD
and a CT-301 cellular phone.
His article prompted this reaction from Millard Hixson,
a Radio Shack Marketing Representative from Boise, ID.
 
1100 FD Text Processor Tip
 
Although I feel Dave Davis did an excellent job
in steering his customer towards the 1100 FD laptop,
here is something he might have pointed out,
and is good to keep in mind for future sales prospects.
 
The Tandy  1100 FD DeskMate  text processor
saves text files as ASCII files,
requiring only minor editing when plugging them into a
word processor program.
I have demonstrated the 1100 FD to customers
who wanted to use the files in WordPerfect,
and they were pleasantly surprised with this benefit.
Most of them had no desire to sit at their desks
switching diskettes so they could operate the computer.
 
The 1100 FD has proven to be very easy to sell to
people who just want a text editor, not a full-blown word processor.
In the event a customer needs to run any other programs,
the 1100 FD will perform where
a dedicated word processor (such as the WP-2) cannot.
 
The point of this letter is:
don't forget the DeskMate text editor in the 1100 FD.
It is ROM resident, so it requires no diskettes to run, and it works!
 
MOM-09-90
SELLING THE BACKUP POWER SUPPLY
Part 2
 
In the August issue, we learned why the backup power supply is
important for the business computer system,
and we then learned to qualify the potential customer
on the basis of APPLICATION (stand-alone or network)
and CAPACITY (measured in watts or VA).
We continue with a review of the basic types and major features
of these important devices.
 
Two Basic Designs
 
The two major families of backup power supplies are (1) "on-line,"
also called the uninterrupted power supply (UPS) and (2) "off-line,"
also called the backup power supply (BPS) or standby power supply (SPS).
As the name implies, the on-line power system is constantly remanufacturing
the power from the wall outlet and providing it to the computer.
Specifically, it uses the AC wall power to feed a battery charger which,
in turn, feeds DC current to the battery to keep it fully charged.
The battery, in turn, feeds a DC-to-AC inverter,
and the resulting AC current now supplies the computer system.
If the wall current fails, the computer continues to draw power
from the battery although the battery itself is no longer being recharged.
 
The advantages of the on-line design are that:
 
1. There is zero switching time for supporting the computer
   from battery power once wall power fails,
   because the computer is already drawing its power from the battery.
 
2. The power is continuously remanufactured in the conversion
   from AC to DC and back to AC,
   thereby being "purified" of small spikes and line noise.
 
3. The final AC power output provided to the computer
   is in the form of a sine wave, similar to the original wall current.
 
The disadvantage of this somewhat complex process of constantly
rebuilding the wave form by continuously processing it through the battery
is that expensive and heavy-duty electrical components are required throughout.
Resultant prices to the customer therefore can run as high as $2 per watt
for small capacity systems.
 
In the effort to achieve a more economical approach
to supplying emergency power,
there has appeared over the last few years an off-line or standby design
resulting from the development of fast electronic switching circuitry.
What occurs in normal operation is that the computer derives its
power directly from the wall outlet, bypassing the backup battery.
When wall power drops below about 105 volts,
the standby power supply detects this failure
and rapidly switches the CPU to the battery and its coupled AC inverter.
This changeover should be accomplished in about 4 milliseconds
in order to insure that no disruption of computer function occurs.
The battery is later restored to full charge with a simple trickle charger,
similar to one used to recharge a boat or RV battery.
 
The primary advantage of this simpler,
off-line design is that the electrical components can be lighter and cheaper,
allowing for a cost that is perhaps 2/3 that of an on-line design
of comparable capacity.
 
Several potential disadvantages of this design have required further
engineering refinements to appear on the better units:
 
1. The detection and switching circuitry must be fast and reliable.
   In the early days of microcomputers
   (and particularly with the IBM model PC-XT with a Zenith power supply),
   some backup units were not able to make this transition quickly enough,
   giving all off-line units a questionable reputation.
 
2. The better units will detect and respond to overvoltage
   (about 135 volts or more) as well as
   the more common problem of undervoltage.
 
3. Because the standby unit is not in constant service,
   any major fault in the unit, such as a discharged battery,
   may go undetected until the unit is needed.
   Therefore, battery status lamps and other indicators are routinely provided.
 
4. The cheapest battery inverters provide a simple square wave output
   from the battery to the CPU.
   This can cause overheating in CPU power supplies
   and some other components after extended activity.
   Today, many larger off-line units intended for extended use
   generate a modified square wave, also called a "stepped square wave,"
   which more closely approximates the natural shape of an AC sine wave.
   Furthermore, some modern designs are able to monitor the wall current
   and synchronize the output of the backup power supply
   to match the phase of the sine wave being replaced,
   effectively reducing the switching time.
 
5. Since the line power to the computer is not constantly remanufactured,
   the backup power supply does not automatically serve as
   a spike protector or line filter.
   To overcome this much-publicized shortcoming,
   most manufacturers build auxiliary spike protection circuitry
   into their units.
   [More about spike protection and line filtration in a future column.]
 
As you can see, today's off-line designs have been refined to overcome
most of the shortcomings of the early models and provide good value as
well as strong performance when compared to the more expensive on-line units.
 
Intelligent Backup Power Card
 
Now, technology has recently produced a major new variety of
standby protection in the "intelligent backup power card,"
with the battery and all related switching electronics compressed onto
an internal 13" card.
When line power fails, this power card detects the interruption and,
if power is not restored in a few seconds,
it commences a preprogrammed shutdown routine by storing all data in RAM
to the hard drive before shutting down the system.
When stable power is restored, it returns the computer system
to its condition at the time of the power failure.
 
Advantages to this latest variation of off-line technology are many:
 
1. The ability to return to the middle of an application without
   repeating the entire boot sequence is so convenient
   that many owners of power cards simply shut down their computers at night
   and then allow the power card to bring them back to the same spot
   in the application after power up the next morning.
 
2. Low relative cost is easily achieved since only a small battery to
   support the CPU is required;
   the monitor and other peripherals are shut off immediately
   after loss of power.
 
3. No floor space for a bulky and heavy external box is required.
 
The current disadvantage of this new technology is that
many of the hardware manufacturers are struggling
to perfect the software required to properly perform
the save-and-restore sequence.
Today, separate stocking units are required for each major operating system.
Additionally, there are not any industry standards for connecting
the power card to the CPU's power supply,
so a unique umbilical cable is required for each family or brand of computer.
 
Other Major Features to Consider
 
In addition to understanding the major issues related to the basic
design approaches available, there are other elements common to all
designs which can be significant to the user:
 
1. Number of power outlets available.
   Two is the absolute minimum (for CPU and monitor),
   while three or four is more common.
 
2. General size and cosmetic appearance.
   Some units are in the form of a power director that fits
   between the CPU and monitor.
   These function as a power controller in addition
   to occasionally providing emergency power.
 
3. Helpful status indicators and power out alarms
   (both audible and visual) are common.
 
4. Fast battery recharge and recovery time.
 
5. On some models, supplemental batteries can be piggybacked
   to the primary battery to provide extended endurance
   for special applications.
 
6. Quiet operation, without excessive fan noise.
 
7. Safe product design, evidenced by U.L. recognition.
 
8. Good after-sale support: clear manuals, ease of setup,
   customer support telephone number,
   reliable warranty and out-of-warranty repair service.
 
In next month's conclusion, we will review the features of the current
Radio Shack product line and recap the key points used to qualify
potential customers for these various devices.
 
MOM-09-90
CORRECTIONS
 
AT-STYLE SMARTDRIVES -- REVISITED
 
On Page 19 of the August 1990 M.O.M,
the Special Note under the 25-4130 105 MB SmartDrive  said that this drive
with Novell NetWare would only format to 40 MB.
It should have said 80 MB.
(The Special Note under the 25-4124 52 MB SmartDrive was correct in saying
that the 52 MB would only format to 40 MB under Novell NetWare.)
 
 
DE-MYSTIFYING PRINTER CABLES -- REVISITED
 
On Page 20 of the August 1990 M.O.M.,
there was a slight mistake in the table at the end of the article.
Two stock numbers were shown incorrectly.
The corrected chart is shown here:
 
             CPU      Type of
Length    Connector    Port   Stock #
 
12 Foot   Card Edge   Tandy   26-0222
12 Foot   25 Pin      Tandy   26-0223
 6 Foot   Card Edge   Tandy   26-0225
 6 Foot   25 Pin      Tandy   26-0227
 
12 Foot   Card Edge   IBM     26-1259
12 Foot   25 Pin      IBM     26-1258
 6 Foot   Card Edge   IBM     26-0289
 6 Foot   25 Pin      IBM     26-0288
 
    was listed as 26-0259
    was listed as 26-0258
 
MOM-09-90
MAGAZINE ADVERTISING
 
Tandy computer products are frequently advertised
in leading national publications.
Magazine advertising reinforces the image of Tandy Computers as
a nationally recognized brand.
Tandy computer products will be featured in the following publications
over the next month:
 
Date     Magazine                  Computer
9/01     CompuServe                DMP 240 Printer
9/03     Newsweek                  1000 RL
9/11     Ladies Home Journal       1000 RL
9/11     Better Homes and Gardens  1000 RL
9/15     Byte                      2800 HD f/Desktop owners
9/15     Black Enterprise          1000 word processing
9/15     American Way              1000 RL
9/17     Working Mother            1000 RL
9/18     Parents                   1000 RL
9/18     PCM                       DM Software
9/18     Parents                   1000 RL
9/18     Parents Holiday Magic     1000 RL
9/20     Natural History           Low end PCs
9/20     Compute!                  1000 RL
9/24     PC World                  2800 HD Sale @2299.00
9/24     Newsweek                  1000 RL
9/25     Home Office Computing     DeskMate  Generic
9/25     Home Mechanix             1000 RL
9/25     PC Magazine               2800 HD f/Desktop owners
9/25     Inc. Magazine             RSCC story
9/25     Inc.                      TL/2/POS Solution
9/25     Changing Times            1000 RL
9/25     Home Office Computing     1000 RL
9/25     Working Woman             1000 RL
9/26     Sports Ill. Select        1000 RL
9/26     Personal Computing        2800 HD f/Desktop owners
9/27     Entrepreneur              Low end PCs
9/27     Business Week             RSCC/Mfg Solutions
 
MOM-09-90
A Reminder
 
THE SEVEN POINTS OF RADIO SHACK:
AMERICA'S TECHNOLOGY STORE
 
Creating New Standards
 
Proven Leadership:  Over 7,000 USA locations,
39,000 employees, seven R & D centers,
31 USA and overseas manufacturing plants -- Nobody Compares
 
Reliable Quality:  Over 1,500 engineers and technicians
develop, evaluate and test to our exacting standards --
Nobody Compares
 
Electronics Specialization:  From our latest,
highest technology computer to our newest long-life battery,
we are and have been America's electronics specialist since 1921 --
Nobody Compares
 
Experienced Sales Team:  Knowledgeable and friendly
to help you make the smartest buying decisions -- Nobody Compares
 
Prompt Service:  Over 7,000 drop-off points nationwide
insure dependable service to your satisfaction.
Over 1,000,000 spare parts stocked.
We service what we sell -- Nobody Compares
 
Product Exclusivity:  15,000 electronic products preselected
for ease of use, reliability and value -- Nobody Compares
 
Guaranteed Satisfaction:  Over 35,000,000 customers benefit
annually from our Satisfaction Guarantee.
Putting you first has made us #1 in consumer electronics --
Nobody Compares
PRODUCT NEWS
01Z/COMPUTER CENTER
 
MOM-09-90
FILEPRO FOR DESKMATE
 
By integrating the power and flexibility of filePro
with the ease of use of DeskMate ,
the Small Computer Company has created an exciting new product for you to sell.
With a retail price of $99.95 and
features usually found in products selling for much more,
you will not be able to keep enough in stock.
 
filePro for DeskMate (25-1334) is a powerful
yet simple-to-use data-management system.
Users create files simply by pointing their mouse, clicking and typing.
It's that simple.
And filePro will automatically create screens and reports.
Nothing on the market is easier or more powerful.
 
Designing screens, forms and reports is easy too!
Just point to the location on the screen
where you want to place the heading or field and type.
If you need to make a change,
point-click and drag the field to the new location -- filePro does the rest.
 
There are countless ways that filePro for DeskMate
could be used in the home or at the office.
Here are just a few:
 
Home
  Anniversary/Birthday/Gift list
  Home contents inventory
  Record/Tape/CD library
  Investment management
  Tax record management
  Auto maintenance records
  Checkbook management
  Home business management
 
Business
  Client/Prospect list
  Invoicing
  Mail lists and labels
  Business expense records
  Project time record keeping
  Mail merge
  Inventory management
  Price list management
  Sales tracking
  and more
 
For your customers interested in capacities and speed
here are some facts that will impress:
 
  Store one billion records per file
  Create an unlimited number of screens, forms and labels for each file
  Unlimited number of files
  250 fields per record
  999 characters per field
  8 levels of sorting
  4 system-maintained indexes, 10 user-defined
  4 subtotals and 1 grand total
 
Some of the other major features include:
 
  Online help
  Screen-Forms-Report Printer
  Datafile Views
  Extended Query Writer and Query by Form
  Instant browse
  Powerful processing functions
  Visual file import for ASCII, Lotus and dBase files
  and much more
 
Also filePro for DeskMate files are upward compatible
to filePro and filePro Plus.
 
MOM-09-90
THE WORDPERFECT "SCOOP"
 
The new catalogs are out and you'll discover that WordPerfect 5.1
is listed as 25-1268, the same catalog number as WordPerfect 5.0.
 
Our current version of WordPerfect is still 5.0.
We are probably 30-45 days out before we have inventory on version 5.1.
Don't confuse your customer.
Make sure they know what they are buying since upgrades for that product
are obtained directly from WordPerfect for $85.00 plus shipping and handling.
 
Customers can call WordPerfect at (801) 225-5000
for further information about the upgrade.
 
MOM-09-90
SCO XENIX 386 AND SCO UNIX SYSTEM V/386
What's the Difference?
 
The release of SCO UNIX System V/386 earlier this year
by the Santa Cruz Operation,
has created some confusion regarding the future of SCO XENIX
and a question as to what is the difference between SCO XENIX and SCO UNIX.
 
The future of SCO XENIX is sound.
The Santa Cruz Operation, recognizing the large installed base
currently in place and continuing demand for the product,
has committed to a maintenance release of the SCO XENIX 386 V2.3.2
operating system during the first quarter of 1991.
 
Within Radio Shack, SCO XENIX will continue as
the multiuser operating platform most suited for the small business,
point of sale, and manufacturing target markets.
 
The SCO UNIX System V product is currently under evaluation.
This product will be available through Radio Shack
after all open issues have been resolved
and appropriate peripheral UNIX driver support has been incorporated
into our current product line.
 
To assist you in answering questions regarding the differences
between SCO XENIX and SCO UNIX, several important factors are listed here:
 
Comparing SCO XENIX and SCO UNIX
 
System Hardware Requirements & Cost Factors
(Advantage -- XENIX)
 
Since SCO XENIX 386 is a smaller physical size,
it requires less disk space and less RAM to operate.
These factors tend to keep the cost of the system solution low
because fewer hardware resources are required.
 
Minimum System Requirements Comparison
            SCO XENIX        SCO UNIX
CPU         80386            80386
RAM         2 MB             6 MB
Hard Drive  40 MB            105 MB
 
Overall System Performance Factors
(Advantage -- XENIX)
 
Since the SCO XENIX 386 code is smaller,
it will probably yield the highest performance.
Coupled with a lower cost,
this combination offers the best price/performance in the market today.
 
A Mature Product Is Desired
(Advantage -- XENIX)
 
SCO XENIX has been on the market for several years,
with years of development invested and use realized.
The customer is assured of the same high quality product
that has been available from SCO for years,
with the majority of the features contained
in the SCO UNIX System V product release.
 
In addition, Radio Shack has years of experience in testing, configuring,
installing and supporting the SCO XENIX operating system.
Our satisfied installed base of thousands of small business customers
is testimony to the solid system solution offered by the SCO XENIX platform.
 
Standards Compliance
(Advantage -- UNIX)
 
SCO UNIX System V/386 offers 100% compliance with the major UNIX standards
including: X/OPEN, CAE, POSIX, and FIPS 151.1.
In addition, the Microsoft C compiler is ANSI C compliant.
This gives customers access to a broader range of applications
and assures a higher quality operating system product.
 
C2 Security Requirements
(Advantage -- UNIX)
 
SCO UNIX System V offers security features not available
in other microcomputer UNIX implementations.
The C2 standard for trusted computing provides improved monitoring
and administration facilities which can help control costs,
make system administration easier,
and provide overall piece of mind from a security standpoint.
 
Coexistence With Other UNIX Implementations
(Advantage -- UNIX)
 
SCO UNIX System V, combined with NFS,
is capable of seamless integration with UNIX implementations
from other vendors.
 
Improved SCO VP/ix Performance Is Desired
(Advantage -- UNIX)
 
The addition of a tunable scheduler allows VP/ix more time to execute,
improving the response to and productivity of the DOS applications users.
 
MOM-09-90
SEVEN GREAT REASONS FOR SELLING A TAPE BACKUP SYSTEM
 
1. The Human Eraser
 
Have you ever reformatted a hard disk when you meant to format a floppy?
Have you ever overwritten a file by mistake?
Most people can answer yes to at least one of these questions
(and some of us can say it more than once!).
They agree the fastest eraser known to man is the human finger
and a sleepy brain.
 
Tape backup systems can save your customer!
They turn hours, days or months of trying to reconstruct
valuable data into minutes.
It is your customer's data insurance policy and you can sell them.
 
2.  Hard Disk Failure
 
Fortunately, today's new hard drives seldom fail.
However, how about all those older drives rapidly approaching wear out?
Those drives are time bombs soon to go off.
The new drives, well they just have longer fuses...some day they'll fail too.
 
Tape backup systems give your customers immediate protection from old drives
and will save them when their new drive gives up.
Add this to your list when you make your orphan and customer call backs.
 
3.  Saves Next Hard Disk Purchase
 
Most hard drives have 10% important and active data and 90% dusty,
archival data.
When your customers begin to run out of disk space
they're forced to choose between throwing out data they may need some day
or buying a larger drive.
 
Fortunately, when they have a tape backup system
they already have a solution.
They simply save the dusty data on a tape and put it away
for the day when they need it.
Now they'll have plenty of room on their drive for expansion --
at almost no extra cost.
 
4.  Fire and Theft
 
Since the world isn't perfect, you have to anticipate the worst.
Fire, theft, and other catastrophes can and do happen.
When they do, recovering data becomes impossible.
Imagine how much of a loss your customers would have
if all their billing or customer information were destroyed.
 
Tape backup systems protect data against calamity.
Besides doing daily backups,
they should plan to do an extra backup weekly...plu$
you'll get to sell them more tapes!
Then they can take the extra tape cartridge home with them
or put it in a fireproof safe.
If their computer system goes, their data stays.
It may mean the difference between business as usual and bankruptcy.
Only if you $ell them.
 
5.  Data Portability
 
The power of the PC is growing and so are programs that make things happen.
Today, many programs are several megabytes and their data is even larger.
Now, imagine an accounting system with several megabytes
that needs to be sent to another site.
The typical data transfer choice is usually grim piles of floppy disks.
 
However, with a tape backup system your customer can conveniently send
a tape cartridge across country through the mail or across the office
in their shirtpocket.
Tape systems are often the easiest data transfer solution.
Only if you $ell them.
 
6.  Power Loss and Power Spikes
 
When the lights go out or lightning strikes the power lines,
the hard drive's recording heads can physically land in the middle of the data.
Or, the out-of-control disk heads can create unusual magnetic fields
to erase or overwrite the data.
Or, the drive may have no problems at all.
It's a roll of the dice.
They may first know about the problem days, weeks, months,
or even years later when they need the altered data.
 
Tape backup systems will save your customers data for as long as they like.
When they find the terrible results of a power problem,
they also have a solution if they have a tape backup system you sold them.
 
7.  The Faster Hard Disk
 
Over time, all hard drives slow down.
They're not wearing out, they just have more to do.
For example, if you write and save a letter today and another tomorrow,
the drive will retrieve either letter with original good speed.
However, if you later add to the first letter,
the drive will physically locate the letter addition after the second letter.
To retrieve the amended letter,
the drive must move its heads to two locations
instead of just one and the disk retrieval slows down.
 
The common slow-down problem is caused by file fragmentation
and it continually gets worse as your files grow.
In time, the fast access disk can slow down to half
or a third of its original speed.
 
Fortunately, the tape backup system again provides a solution.
If you do a full disk backup, then erase the disk,
and finally restore the data from tape to disk,
the files will automatically become defragmented.
The drive will now be returned to its original fast speed.
 
Summary
 
It is important to relate these examples to your customers and prospects
in their language so they can understand.
Would you drive your car without a spare tire?
Listen for their hot buttons,
so you can sell them a tape backup system today!
You can be the HERO!
They'll thank you and tell their friends too!
 
Here is a chart showing Tandy Computers and configurations
that are supported for the Internal 60 MB Tape Drive
and the NEW EXTERNAL FEATURE:
 
Tandy       Tape Drive        Tape Drive         Tape Drive
Computer    Internal With     Internal With      EXTERNAL With
            1 Floppy Drive    2 Floppy Drives    1 or 2 Floppies
 
2500 XL     250-4079          Not Supported      250-4079
4016 SX                                          900-2404
4020 SX                                          900-2406
 
3000 NL     250-4079          250-4079           250-4079
4000 SX                       900-2405           900-2404
4016 DX                       900-2406           900-2406
4020 LX
4025 LX
4033 LX
 
5000 MC     Not Supported     Not Supported      Not Supported
 
3000/HD     250-4079          250-4079           250-4079
3000 HL                       900-2405           900-2404
4000
4000 LX
 
1000        Not Supported     Not Supported      Not Supported
1000 EX
1000 HX
1000 TX
1000 SL
1000 TL
1000 SL/2
1000 TL/2
 
Replace floppy drive cable with the cable included in the 900-2406.
Connecting any other cable could DAMAGE THE COMPUTER!
 
Replace floppy drive cable with the cable included in the 25-4079.
 
The 900-2405 is an extra internal tape drive adapter board
which provides external tape backup capability with the 25-4079 tape drive
and 900-2404 external kit.
An additional 900-2405 adapter can be installed in a second CPU
to allow the external tape drive to be used with more than one CPU.
 
Also, in some instances as noted in the above chart,
this board is required when multiple floppies are installed with the
25-4079 tape drive (in addition to the 900-2406 cable kit).
 
It is also important to ensure that every computer has the most recent
ROM BIOS installed.
This part is available from National Parts warehouse referenced
under the computer's catalog number.
 
MOM-09-90
VERTICAL MARKET TRAINING TESTIMONIAL
 
When asked by VPs, RMs, RMTMs, etc.,
"Do you really believe that training our computer marketing representatives
in the fundamentals of accounting and VMT training
is going to help them to increase their computer system sales?",
our answer is always YES, a thousand times YES.
 
Thanks to David Waldrip from Synchronics Software,
we have the privilege of sharing this letter with everyone.
 
Dear David:
 
I'd like to express my appreciation for the opportunities I see before me
as a result of the VMT Training in Point of Sale applications which
I received July 9-16.
 
The immediate result of roughly 8 to 10 hours of cold calling
in my first week back to work was:
 
- 41 companies added to my tracking book as legitimate,
  qualified prospects.
 
- Locations among the 41 range from one to more than 30 locations,
  with a total location count of well over a 100.
 
- A wide range of retailing types are included.
 
- I find that store owners and managers have a great deal of respect
  for Radio Shack as a retailing company,
  and I use the phrase "fellow retailer" often and with excellent results.
 
- The VMT training coupled with my Radio Shack retailing experience
  enables me to talk knowledgeably and comfortably with owners and managers
  about Point of Sale, Inventory Control, and general accounting issues.
 
- While I was the top selling marketing rep in my district last fiscal year,
  my projected sales for this fiscal year are easily four times
  what I did last year and will be a direct result of the VMT Training.
 
I look forward to working with you in the future.
 
Sincerely Yours,
 
Shawn Cruz
 
We believe Shawn will reach his projected sales goal.
HOW ABOUT YOU?
 
MOM-09-90
NEW RESOURCE FOR SYSTEM ENGINEERS NOW AVAILABLE ON PC-LINK
 
In an effort to provide important support information and software fixes
in a timely manner, Computer Merchandising has opened a DOWNLOAD ONLY
bulletin board on PC-Link.
 
Items currently posted to this bulletin board include:
 
   3Com Drivers for Novell NetWare
 
   DT-110 Termcap for SCO VP/ix
 
   SCO XENIX Patch to correct printing problems encountered
   with the 26-2829 Serial to Parallel Converter
 
This bulletin board is located in:
 
   Tandy Headquarters >
      Tandy Computer Support Services >
         Radio Shack Training and Support >
            Fixes and Files to Download
 
Note that this area is ONLY accessible by Radio Shack System Engineers.
 
Important Points to Remember
 
1. This bulletin board is for the exclusive use of Radio Shack System Engineers.
2. The integrity of the information and software fixes
   on this bulletin board is maintained by:
 
       Verification of all submissions
       before making them available for distribution
 
       Providing download only capabilities
 
3. Use your PC-Link account resource wisely.
   Download files only as needed and save them to diskette for future use.
 
System Engineers are encouraged to submit items of interest to
SherOB online.
 
In Case You Didn't Know....
 
In the same area of Radio Shack Training and Support is a section called
Master Listings.
Here you'll find both complete and current product listings of 25/26, 700,
and 90X numbers.
The 90X listings have vendor names and support phone numbers,
among other information.
The current lists are updated monthly,
and the complete lists are updated twice a year.
 
If you haven't gotten online to check out this area, do it today!
 
MOM-09-90
5 1/4" DISKETTES FOR MS-DOS 4.01
 
The 25-4114 MS-DOS 4.01 package includes only 3 1/2" diskettes.
The 5 1/4" diskettes for this package will be available in mid-September.
If your customer needs the 5 1/4" diskettes, here's how to get them:
 
1. You must verify that the customer has purchased the 25-4114 package.
 
2. Contact Tandy Software Assembly at:
 
          Tandy Software Assembly
          205 NW 7th Street
          Fort Worth, TX  76106
          Phone (817) 336-3612
          FAX (817) 338-1917
 
and request Part Number 25-4114A.
 
3. The diskettes will be shipped to you at a cost of $7.08 for the set.
   This cost can be passed on to your customer.
EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY
Radio Shack Education Marketing Newsletter
 
MOM-09-90
A+ SAVINGS FOR EDUCATORS
 
This fall's Teacher Opportunity Program (TOP) is our most aggressive to date.
From September 1st to December 31st,
teachers can choose from three (3) special valued Tandy systems.
Store promotional materials will arrive in the  P.O.P. kit #460.
 
TOP System 1
 
The Tandy  2500 XL is a no-compromise system for advance applications
featuring detailed VGA graphics, a 52 MB hard drive,
1 MB memory and fast 286 processing.
The system includes a VGM-200 VGA color monitor,
mouse and the DMP 240 Printer, cable and color ribbon.
All for just $2,199.95.
 
Stock No.   Description            Retail    TOP Price   Savings
25-4074     2500 XL              1,499.00
25-1042     Mouse                   49.95
25-4041     VGM-200 Monitor        499.95
25-4124     52 MB Smart Drive      599.00
26-2839     DMP 240 Printer        549.95
26-2826     Color Printer Ribbon    29.95
26-0288     Printer Cable           34.95
            Total System Price  $3,262.75    $2,199.95    $1,062.80
 
TOP System 2
 
Like the 2500 XL, the Tandy  1000 TL/2
comes with DeskMate  applications
to help teachers plan lessons, average grades, design tests and more.
With the built-in 20 MB hard drive, CM-11 CGA color monitor,
mouse and the DMP 240 printer, cable and color ribbon, it's only $1,699.95.
 
Stock No.   Description           Retail   TOP Price     Savings
25-1602     1000 TL/2             999.95
25-1040     Mouse                  49.95
25-1024     CM-11 Monitor         399.95
25-1045     20 MB Hard Drive      399.95
26-2839     DMP-240 Printer       549.95
26-2826     Color Printer Ribbon   29.95
26-0289     Printer Cable          34.95
            Total System Price $2,464.65    $1,699.95     $764.70
 
TOP System 3
 
Or, teachers can choose the family computer so easy to use
it guarantees success: the new Tandy  1000 RL.
With built-in 20 MB hard drive,
this PC comes with 24 ready-to-run applications
to help teachers with finances, meal planning, etc.
Includes the CM-5 color monitor, mouse and DMP 134 dot matrix printer
and cable for just $1,299.95.
 
Stock No.   Description             Retail     TOP Price     Savings
25-1451     1000 RL/HD              999.95
25-1042     Mouse                    49.95
25-1043     CM-5 Monitor            299.95
26-2848     DMP-134 Printer         359.95
26-0288     Printer Cable            34.95
            Total System Price   $1,744.75     $1,299.95     $444.80
 
If the teacher wants to configure their own system,
they can get 20% off the regular catalog price of any other Tandy system,
or purchase the computer at the best price available
and get 20% off the regular price of any accessories.
(Sale prices and services are not discountable.)
 
The TOP campaign will be featured in the September and October issues
of leading educational magazines with the combined circulation of 2.9 million.
No coupon will appear in these ads.
Teachers must come into your store or Center to pick up the TOP brochure
and return it to you to place their order.
Contact your local teachers and tell them about these great offers!
 
Writing the Sale
 
To write the sale of a TOP System -- (Systems 1, 2 or 3):
 
1. At the Merchandise Screen select <F1> Options.
 
2. Select System Pricing.
 
3. On the System Pricing Screen, enter all items that make up the system.
   Then enter the TOP System price in the System Price field.
   Exit System Pricing.
 
4. At the Merchandise Screen, additional items may be entered,
   discount by line, items eligible for 20% discount.
 
5. At the Payment Screen, choose <F1> Options.
 
6. Choose Ticket Discounts.
 
7. Choose discount type 7 -- Educational.
 
8. DO NOT ENTER A PERCENT DISCOUNT.
 
9. Enter Discount Control Number -- TC030008.
 
To write the sale as a FULL TICKET Discount:
 
1. At the Payment Screen,  choose <F1> Option.
 
2. Choose Ticket Discounts.
 
3. Choose discount type 7 -- Educational.
 
4. Enter discount percentage -- 20%.
 
5. Enter Discount Control Number -- TC030008.
 
To write the sale as a LINE ITEM Discount
(when you do not want to discount a computer already on sale,
however, you do want to discount accessories):
 
1. At the Merchandise Screen -- Enter all items sold.
 
2. Discount, by line, items eligible for 20% discount.
 
3. Proceed to Payment Screen, choose <F1> Option.
 
4. Choose Ticket Discounts.
 
5. Choose discount type 7 -- Educational.
 
6. DO NOT ENTER PERCENT DISCOUNT.
 
7. Enter Discount Control Number -- TC030008.
 
Coupons
 
Completed TOP coupons must be sent to Education Marketing in Fort Worth.
Although no extra bonus will be sent to the educator at this time,
their names and addresses are important to us and will be used
in future mailings.
EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY
News Line -- Technical Support, 800 Line Questions, Services
 
MOM-09-90
EDUCATIONAL DESKMATE SITE LICENSE
 
Now you can offer your school customers site licensing for DeskMate .
This allows schools that have made an investment in Tandy  1000 computers
over the years to standardize, if they wish, on one version of DeskMate.
 
Requirements:
 
1. The school must purchase one computer with the version of DeskMate
   they wish to license.
 
2. The school must purchase the retail version of DeskMate
   they wish to license.
 
3. The school must sign and return the "Educational DeskMate Site License."
 
4. The school must provide Tandy, in writing,
   with the name and location of each school which is licensing the software.
   This must be returned with the Site License.
 
For example, if the school has Tandy 1000s, 1000 SXs, and 1000 TXs
and they want to license DeskMate version 03.03,
they would purchase a Tandy 1000 TL/2 and the retail version 25-1350.
 
This license is for Tandy computers which are bundled with DeskMate only.
The DeskMate site license is not available for other MS-DOS computers,
including the Tandy  3000, 4000 and 5000.
 
The DeskMate Site Licensing is available from Education Marketing.
Address all inquiries to:
 
Education Marketing
DeskMate Site Licensing
1600 One Tandy Center
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
 
MOM-09-90
SCHOOLMATE QUESTIONS
Common SchoolMate questions
 
How do I order SchoolMate?
 
Send a copy of the purchase order to:
Contract Administration,
1400 One Tandy Center,
Fort Worth, TX 76102.
Contract Administration will authorize shipment of the product to your store.
 
Does the new Tandy  1000 RL work with SchoolMate?
 
The Tandy 1000 RL can be used with SchoolMate 3Com (25-1241)
BUT only if all the stations are RLs.
When setting up the network, use the Tandy 1000 RL DeskMate .
 
To use the Tandy 1000 RL with SchoolMate Novell (25-1242),
install DeskMate 3.3 and copy DMDBBLD.RES from the RL DeskMate diskette #1
to the G:\00 directory on the SchoolMate server.
 
Can a school "upgrade" from SchoolMate 3Com to SchoolMate Novell?
 
To move from the 3Com version to the Novell version,
the school must purchase the Novell network operating system
(either Advanced NetWare 2.15 or SFT NetWare 2.15)
and pay just $299.95 for SchoolMate Novell.
This represents a savings of $500.00 off the suggested retail price of $799.95.
The SchoolMate "upgrade" sale must be booked through
Contract Administration.
 
The Student Master File can be exported from the 3Com version
and imported into the Novell version.
Exams can be copied from the 3Com version to the Novell version.
However, all teacher accounts, rosters, lessons,
and grade books will have to be recreated.
All instructional software will have to be reinstalled under
Courseware Installation.
 
When printing, a Print Banner is at the top of every page.
How do I turn this off?
 
3Com -- Reboot the server and choose Option #6-3INSTALL.
From that menu, choose Option #4-CONFIGURE PARAMETERS AND PERIPHERALS.
Select N USER SHARE and select CHANGE.
Select Option #2-CONFIGURE PRINTER.
It will show the printer port (most likely to be LPT1)
and then the options will display.
For "Print Banner" option, set it to "N" for NO.
Then choose option "K" for Keep to save at end.
Reboot the server to make the change.
 
Novell -- Exit the teacher desktop by pressing the ESCAPE key.
Change to the G:\programs directory.
Change to the appropriate program subdirectory
and edit the batch file which loads the program.
Add the line "CAPTURE NB TI=2" to the top of the batch file.
This procedure needs to be followed for each program which prints.
After making this change for all appropriate programs,
type H: to return to the home directory and type c:desk
to return to the desktop.
EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY
Product Line -- Promotions, Contests, Latest Products
 
MOM-09-90
ED DIVISION AWARD WINNERS
 
The Education division recognized its top producing sales people
at an Awards Banquet at the Lowe's Anatole in Dallas August 2.
The award for producing the highest revenue went to
Amy Goad, AEMM from Kentucky.
She received a watch and a plaque.
David Kobashigawa, AEMM from Hawaii,
received the award for highest percentage revenue gain over last year.
He also received a watch and a plaque.
 
The highest revenue award for REMM went to Paul Hoagland and his team
from the Southeast.
The highest percentage gain over last year went to
Marcia Bottfeld and her team in the West.
Each received a leather briefcase and a plaque.
 
Awards and recognition went to twelve AEMMs for producing over
$2,000,000 each in sales this past year.
They were Amy Goad, Kentucky, Kristy Wray, Central Florida, Paul Benenati,
Virginia, Janice Shepps, Southern Florida, Mary Ellen Furlong, New York City,
Wayne Aye, Chicago, Donn Duncan, North and South Carolina, Frank Spear,
South Texas, Mary Frances Smith, Florida, Tony Merritt, Georgia,
Barbara Reed, Washington, and Nancy Kimbel, Eastern Pennsylvania.
 
Tandy Computer Leasing  recognized several people for outstanding work
with leasing.
Jim Christy, REMM in the Northeast, and Buddy Mason, AEMM in Maryland,
received Top of the Tops awards.
Barbara Smith, AEMM in North Texas, Frank Spear, AEMM in South Texas,
and Rick Zuchelli, AEMM in Western Pennsylvania,
received Outstanding Achievement Awards.
 
Five people were recognized for length of service with Radio Shack.
Jamie Alexander, Maddie Lesnick, and Rick Zuchelli received
blue sapphire ten year pins while Marcia Bottfeld and Ed Smith
received ruby five year pins.
 
MOM-09-90
CONGRATULATIONS TO SNAP AND TANDY/RADIO SHACK
 
Snap Food Systems is a current Value Added Reseller
for Tandy/Radio Shack Education.
The Snap System is a fully integrated,
comprehensive package of applications addressing virtually
all areas of school food service operations.
Snap uses a Point-of-Sale terminal that interfaces with the Tandy hardware.
 
With the assistance of Barbara Smith,
Area Educational Manager, and Kevin Londrigan, Education Specialist.
Snap and Tandy/Radio Shack were awarded a bid
for over $900,000.00 in Ft. Worth, Texas.
The Tandy hardware, which consists of the 2500 XL and the 4000 line,
will be installed along with the Snap software in 107 schools
throughout the district in the next 9 months.
 
Congratulations to all!
 
MOM-09-90
EDUCATION BROCHURES & FACT SHEETS
 
New education brochures and fact sheets are now available from TSDC.
These promotional materials are part of our new theme and look for FY '91 --
Radio Shack, The Education Specialists .
 
FC-645  Radio Shack Education Story (10 Pack)
This 8-page, full color brochure emphasizes Radio Shack's commitment
to education, our more than 10 years experience selling to education,
and our ability to bring the complete solution to the education customer.
 
FC-639  SchoolMate Teacher's Helper (25 Pack)
This fact sheet introduces teachers to the productivity tools
included in Teacher's Helper -- ROSTER, GRADE BOOK, EXAM MAKER and DRAW.
 
FC-642  Education Computer Leasing (25 Pack)
This brochure gives your education customers complete information
on how Tandy Computer Leasing  can help schools use tomorrow's dollars
to acquire state-of-the-art equipment today.
 
Integrated Learning Systems (25 Pack)
These fact sheets emphasize how each of our ILS partners
has its own unique method of providing comprehensive curriculum
through computer-based instruction.
 
FC-644  New Century Education Corporation
FC-646  Computer Curriculum Corporation (CCC)
                  (Due in late September)
FC-647  Jostens Learning Corporation
FC-648  The Roach Organization (TRO)
FC-649  Wasatch Education Systems
FC-650  Wicat The Learning Improvement Company
 
FC-655  Education Presentation Folder (100 Pack)
We are also producing a new Education Specialists Folder.
The new folder is specially designed to showcase
the new education product literature,
and features "real kids" using Tandy Computers.
Folders will be available in late September from TSDC.
 
More materials will follow in the coming months.
Keep an eye on the M.O.M. for details.
 
MOM-09-90
SCHOOLMATE IN THE CLASSROOM
 
Educational Activities recently announced that it will support
its complete line of MS-DOS networkable software
on the SchoolMate Education Network.
The company, which has been in business since 1948,
provides software applications for K-Adult in all major curriculum areas,
and is recognized for its "at-risk" and adult basic skills solutions,
one of which is described in the final section of this article.
 
Other companies that provide SchoolMate compatible "at-risk"
and adult basic skills solutions are BLS Tutor Systems, Davidson, EDL, Hartley,
and Tapestry Learning,
in addition to Radio Shack's major Integrated Learning System (ILS) partners.
 
The "at-risk" and adult basic skills market segment is growing rapidly
with the federal government budgeting millions of dollars for programs
such as Head Start, Chapter I and JTPA.
 
Few would disagree that the school dropout problem and adult illiteracy
is among the most serious problems facing the nation today.
In September 1989 USA Today reported that in most inner cities
the high school dropout rate exceeded 50%.
Fortune Magazine, in the Spring of 1990,
estimated that each year U.S. schools graduate 700,000 youngsters
who cannot read their diplomas.
More recently, the Department of Education estimated that
more than 27 million Americans over the age of 17 are functionally illiterate.
 
While technology is not a panacea,
the evidence does suggest that when appropriately prescribed,
computer-assisted instruction is effective.
 
To understand the problem is to understand
the type of solutions that might interest educational purchasers.
Who are these "at-risk" youth and adult illiterates?
 
  They are younger children, the 3, 4, 5 year olds,
  who are members of households with income at, or below,
  poverty levels who have not made progress in mastering basic skills
  appropriate for their age.
 
  They are older children, the pre-teens and teens,
  who follow similar patterns as above,
  but add troubling new dimensions such as flagrant truancy,
  failure to progress in grade, low test scores,
  or such critical problems as teen pregnancy, alcoholism, drug abuse,
  and attempted suicide.
 
  Oftentimes, they are students of all ages for whom
  English is a Second Language.
  The predominant language spoken in the home is not English.
 
  They come from homes where their parent/parents are poorly educated
  or illiterate and are unable to provide adequate financial resources
  to meet the needs of the family.
  In this instance, the preceding generation was unable to move ahead
  and provide better opportunities for their offspring.
  As those examples indicate there is no magic age
  that separates the "at-risk" student from those who are not "at-risk".
  There is, however, an element that differentiates them.
  Although a generalization, the "at-risk" generally live
  on the edge of the income spectrum and have few, if any,
  opportunities while those not "at-risk" have more advantages.
  "At-risk" students are often bright and intelligent at birth
  and during the early years,
  but as they grow older they become defeated and give up.
  What is the answer?
  Many believe at least part of the answer lies in prevention not remediation.
  Tackle the problem early, during the preschool years,
  not later when failure has become a habit.
 
Who in the school system should you talk to about an "at-risk" solution?
Everyone!
The possibilities range from the early childhood administrator and teacher,
to those involved in Chapter I programs, to the middle, high school,
alternative school or adult education administrator and teacher,
to those involved at the vocational and community college levels.
Almost any educator in the school system could be a purchaser
of "at-risk" products, BUT the district or site administrator
with responsibility for Federal Programs is the more likely candidate.
 
Identify the opportunity within your territory
and then work with software publishers and ILS vendors
supporting SchoolMate to recommend the appropriate "at-risk" solution.
Listen to the educators with whom you are working
so you will know which product to recommend.
They will tell you what they want.
Perhaps not by brand name, but with careful questioning and active listening,
you can gather a lot of valuable information to help you win the sale.
Don't base your recommendation solely on price.
In this market that is rarely an important determinant!
 
This month's featured application is SOLUTIONS,
a product developed for Educational Activities by Dr. Johanna Pomeroy,
who has taught extensively at the elementary, junior high, community college,
and university levels in reading, language arts, communications,
research and management.
SOLUTIONS is comprised of a set of software applications, described below,
combined into an overall package to meet the needs of adult learners
with their varied skill levels and myriad responsibilities and problems.
SOLUTIONS is an "integrated" package of effective software programs
in reading, language arts, and math,
which enables the adult learner to achieve literacy.
It is appropriate for ABE, ESL, Literacy, and pre-GED students.
The programs and the diagnostic strategies insure placement
in appropriate levels and activities and provide the sequential development
of skills leading to full literacy in reading, language arts, and math.
A brief description of each software program follows:
 
CORE Reading and Vocabulary Development --
Combining reading, spelling, and writing into a sequential structure,
the learner reads the word list for the selection, reads the selection,
reads the selection by phrases, fills in missing letters from the text,
answers comprehension questions, spells words and phrases,
and writes sections of the reading.
The beginning disk complements the Laubach Skill Book 2.
 
Diascriptive Reading I and II --
These programs diagnose the reading skills of each learner,
prescribe what is needed for improvement,
and evaluate performance at each level
before directing the learner to the next program.
The learner who does well goes on to a higher level.
The learner who does poorly is automatically remediated.
Skill areas addressed are main idea, details, vocabulary,
sequence, fact/opinion, and inference.
 
Diascriptive Language Arts Development --
Using the Diascriptive model,
these programs diagnose the language arts skills of the learner,
prescribe what is needed for improvement,
and evaluate performance at each level before directing the learner
to a higher level.
Those who do poorly are automatically remediated using different activities.
Areas covered are Sentence Sense, Sentence Mechanics, Naming Words,
Action Words, Describing Words, and Pronouns.
 
Fundamentals of Reading --
Real-life humorous newspaper and magazine stories
help the learner build comprehension skills and vocabulary.
This program provides opportunities to apply reading skills.
 
Dilemma I --
Realistic stories with a choice of different endings, a built-in dictionary,
user-controlled reading rate, and color graphics promote comprehension
and vocabulary development.
Stories include subjects such as child abuse, quitting school,
drugs, gangs, etc.
 
How to Read for Everyday Living --
Survival and real-life reading and writing skills
are the focal points of these interactive, branching programs.
The learner works with want ads, job ads, labels, forms, applications,
and other items crucial to everyday life.
 
How to Write for Everyday Living --
Emphasizing reading, writing, communication,
and reference skills needed in real-life survival tasks,
this interactive, tutorial program teaches the learner how to complete forms,
and develop and improve basic writing skills.
 
FACS --
Fundamental Arithmetic Concepts and Skills -- FACS
develops and improves basic arithmetic concepts and skills
through the manipulation of graphic models.
This manipulation is particularly helpful for learners
who have difficulty visualizing concepts.
 
Basic Math Competency Skill Building --
These interactive, objective-based programs teach skills
at a learner-controlled pace with a choice of levels of difficulty.
Problems are randomly generated, so lessons may be repeated
using different problems.
 
Read and Solve Math Problems: #1, #2, #3, #4 --
These programs emphasize the importance of reading skills
in solving word problems.
They teach the important elements of word problems
and the conversion of written problems to number problems.
 
Math for Everyday Living --
This program teaches real-life math and business skills
with step-by-step instruction.
Learners are motivated by such topics as paying for a meal,
finding the net pay, sales tax, and earnings with overtime.
 
Diagnostic Programs include:
 
  Informal Reading Comprehension Placement Test
  The O'Brien Vocabulary Placement Test
  Diagnostic Test of Math Skills
 
In addition to the above applications and diagnostic programs,
four supporting programs provide development of skills
which complement and enhance the central skills.
These are:
 
LEA I -- Language Experience Approach -
This program develops writing skills using the whole language approach.
 
Using Phonics in Context --
Mastery of phonics is achieved through fusing word attack skills
and comprehension skills.
 
Word I.D. Syl-Lab-I-Ca-Tion --
This interactive program helps learners reach the goal
of recognizing and identifying words.
 
EA Mathematics Worksheet Generators --
This program creates individualized worksheets for addition,
subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers,
fractions, decimals, and mixed numbers.
 
SOLUTIONS retails for $10,000.00 per server.
For product literature and additional sales information,
contact Educational Activities at:
 
Educational Activities, Inc.
P. O. Box 392
Freeport, NY 11520
800/645-3739
(In New York: 516/223-4666)
 
The SchoolMate Curriculum Matrix provides a comprehensive listing
of SchoolMate software.
For a copy, contact your Area Education Marketing Manager
or call Education Marketing at 817/390-2967.
 
Don't Forget:
Many SchoolMate applications are available direct from Radio Shack
through Educational Express Order and are listed
in the 1991 Educational Products Guide.
OUTBOUND MARKETING IN SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER
A monthly column for the direct sales professional.
 
MOM-09-90
NO HIDDEN AGENDAS
 
During the annual meetings we attended, we received a few inquiries
about the Computer Center Sales and Marketing Program.
People asked about marketing to verticals such as the medical and CAD arenas.
Yet others wanted to know if we had ever investigated hiring
telephone marketing people to set appointments
for marketing reps and managers.
 
With these questions in mind, we feel it might be appropriate at this time
to overview our OUTBOUND sales strategy,
and communicate the philosophy behind its existence.
 
In 1984 we began a concerted effort to market to businesses
and other institutions in a "we'll come to you" manner.
This basic marketing philosophy is not unique
for a business equipment marketing company.
We determined that there were two "musts" to succeeding in this business;
one is the need to take our story to the customer --
the busy business person
(or present information to this business person in a seminar format).
Secondly, we determined that a majority of business people had
needs that could be addressed by Tandy business computers --
but they may not realize they had a need.
 
Now, with these two truths established,
we set out to examine which markets met the following criteria:
 
1. We were accepted in that market,
   and could prove it out by surveys and sales.
 
2. We had an "off the shelf" solution that would meet their needs.
 
3. We were competitive in the market.
 
4. We could ADD VALUE in the sales cycle.
 
5. We had the support expertise "in house."
 
6. The complete sale was of substantial size.
 
After commissioning a survey of over 4,290 Tandy computer business customers
that had purchased a business class CPU
 
  and
 
after extensive examination of what we sold these customers
and what our headquarters mainframe told us of overall product
and services sales
 
  and
 
after careful examination of the micro-computer marketplace;
we chose one specific direction to head our outbound sales program.
 
Clearly, multiuser accounting solutions came out on top.
That is why we began VMT,
bought multiuser accounting solutions and peripherals,
and changed our advertising program to sell various accounting solutions.
 
What's your agenda -- now that we've prepped you
with the company-wide strategy?
Everything we will be doing to market business solutions will center
around selling mutiuser accounting solutions to specific vertical markets.
We have chosen the retail point of sale, manufacturing,
and wholesale/distribution marketplaces to preliminarily attack.
We will add and train in a few others as time goes on.
 
"So," you say, "What's in it for me?"
"How do I take advantage of the program?" and,
"How do I make it make money for me?"
That's the first step, realize that this is where the action literally IS!
The vast majority of our advertising dollars for computers this year
will be supporting the multiuser accounting marketplace.
If you are out there trying to sell some other incomplete solution,
you've got too much working against you.
For starters, your advertising campaign is not supporting that message,
the buyers are not buying products for those type of markets,
and there is no company training available to help you.
 
How do you get with the program?
It's easy.
 
1. Believe in the system.
   We are investing millions of dollars every month to help you.
   If you are off on your own agenda,
   those dollars are going to be SPENT and not INVESTED!
 
2. Read the quarterly marketing programs thoroughly.
 
3. Put the marketing plans into motion.
 
4. Read and act on all SOS memos pertaining to the marketing program.
 
5. If you are a marketing person who has not yet attended VMT training
   in Fort Worth, get with your manager and RMTM
   and find out when you are scheduled to attend.
 
6. Live the program.
   If you are being asked to bring people into a seminar, do it.
   Some people feel better complaining than working.
   There is a theory about that, you know --
   they say that complaining is a lot easier than hard work --
   what do you think?
   Which do you think will get you further and
   allow you to earn more commission?
 
7. Telemarket and make sales calls to see those prospects
   that are in the verticals we are marketing and advertising to.
 
Put simply,
yes -- we've gone through a lot of changes over the last 18 months.
We have a program that has been carefully designed to give you
a high return on your investment.
Get with the program if you're not, and put a lot of hard work towards it.
The rewards will be tremendous!
 
Well, what are you waiting for -- get out there - - - and great selling!
TRAINING KINETICS
A forum for sales training topics.
 
MOM-09-90
PREPARING FOR A SEMINAR
 
A successful seminar depends on planning, preparation and performance.
Use the checklist below to help in all three of these areas.
 
Seminar Preparation Checklist
 
PRIOR TO SEMINAR:
 
1.  Invitations extended (mail or phone)
 
         Number
 
2.  First confirmations completed
 
         Yes           No
 
3.Second confirmations completed
 
         Yes           No
 
4.  Presentations prepared and practiced
 
5.  And practiced
 
6.  And practiced
 
7.  Seminar details posted near phone
 
SEMINAR DAY
 
1.  All equipment and demos are set up and tested
 
2.  All accessories and printers attached and functioning
 
3.  Appropriate materials displayed
 
4.  Appropriate brochures strategically placed
 
5.  Guest Registration system set up
 
6.  Remainder of Center neat and clean
 
7.  Restroom area and back room neat and clean
 
8.  Personnel floor assignments made as follows:
 
Sales floor duty
 
Telephone duty
 
Seminar Presentation
 
Sales assistants
 
Guest registration
 
Systems Engineer
 
SEMINAR HINTS & TIPS:
 
1.  Be sure that everyone who answers the phone is able to answer questions
    about your seminar.
    Post relevant details near the phone.
    And be sure to mention the seminar to everyone who calls.
 
2.  If you don't have a separate room to hold your seminar in,
    don't set it up in primary traffic lanes in the Center.
    Use a prominent corner which permits your invitees to focus their attention
    and be able to ask questions and hear the answers.
 
3.  Be conscious of the fact that seminars will attract more
    executive-level people than would normally visit your Center.
    Make your Center attractive and appealing to that segment of your market.
 
4.  Don't hand out brochures indiscriminately.
    Their value is subconsciously increased when handed out selectively,
    only to those prospects truly interested.
 
5.  Be sure to greet your guests and show them to your
    Guest Registration area.
    Discontinue registration once the Seminar is underway.
    Late arrivals can be signed up once the general Q & A has started.
 
6.  Don't let prospects escape with "I'll think about it."
    Ask if there was any particular benefit mentioned that peaked
    interest or seemed like something their business could profit from.
    If you don't come out with anything but an appointment,
    you have still succeeded.
 
7.  Most people are just looking until we make them customers.
    Use all the selling tools you have and you can sell more.
    Be sure to talk about leasing early and often.
    If you can sell your prospect on the benefits of leasing,
    the system is as good as sold.
 
8.  Don't continue your seminar beyond the time you have allocated.
    Spend a few minutes to summarize for late arrivals.
    Encourage them to come back to your next seminar,
    but don't let them go away with no information at all.
    Scheduled seminars serve to focus attention and instill excitement
    and a sense of urgency.
    It also permits the Center staff to focus their energy.
    This energy level translates into enthusiasm
    that is transferred to prospects.
 
9.  To properly run a seminar,
    schedule enough staff to cover the sales floor and telephones
    while the seminar is in progress.
    You might want to switch assignments around
    between seminars to maintain the enthusiasm level.
 
10. Be sure to confirm your attendees at least twice,
    the last time being the day before.
    Each stage of the invitation-confirmation process
    will reduce the total numbers by at least half.
    So it is critical to start with as many numbers as you can.
    For example, invite 100, expect 50 to confirm on the first pass,
    25 to confirm on the second pass and 12 or 13 to show up.
    And insist that your attendees bring a guest.
    That will improve the odds of their coming at all and help
    to increase your attendance numbers.
    And it's a fact, if you don't confirm at all, no one will show up.
 
MOM-08-90
THE FRONT LINE
THE FRONT LINE is a monthly column dedicated to discussing
marketing, merchandising and customer care concepts.
 
COMPETITION ON THE MOVE?
 
One of our competitors recently made a new product announcement.
You've already seen the product information, comparison charts and pricing.
It would appear that they've made some fundamental mistakes in the design of
the product.
But let's look at their marketing efforts for a moment.
 
If you've seen the same ads I have,
you may have picked up on the "hominess" of the content.
Lots of homes and families with kids and dogs.
Even at the announcement for the product, representatives of their company
disposed of their executive business suits in favor of casual attire.
The message they are trying to send is that they are indeed well-suited to
manufacturing a home computer.
The truth is, they probably could be.
The big problem is that they have no way to sell them
except through the dealer they designate.
 
There are two general kinds of places where you can buy this machine:
a computer store or a department store.
A recent survey done of both kinds of places yielded the following results:
 
Computer Stores:
There is nobody available to answer any telephoned inquiries
or assist walk-in prospects Monday through Friday
because all salespeople are out calling on businesses.
They are generally closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
 
Department Stores:  They deserve an "A" for effort.
Period.
Clerks are available for assistance.
However, they have only limited training in assisting a prospect
to make an intelligent decision.
They have no training in answering questions.
Regardless of the story being told in advertising,
all customers expect that if they have a problem with any purchase,
they can go back to the clerk that made the sale and get some assistance.
Not this time.
 
So what does all this mean?
Briefly, it means that we are in a position to win.
The difference between them and us is, in a word, YOU.
 
Charles Tandy was once asked,
"Why have we gone to all the trouble and expense of opening all these stores
when a few large stores strategically placed might have been more effective?"
His reply was simple.
Lots of smaller stores present a more friendly, personal atmosphere.
Our salesmakers and our customers live in the same community
and are frequently neighbors.
A customer can return to a store and talk with the salesperson
from whom they made their purchase.
 
Our Success Guaranteed button program was designed
to insure that the customer sees just how important you are
in their decision-making process.
A personal computer is an expensive investment for a family.
Our customers find comfort in knowing
that you can competently demonstrate the product and answer all questions.
But you have some responsibilities:
 
1. Know your product.
   Your prospect comes to you with a preconceived notion
   that computers are hard to learn to use.
   When you demonstrate that you are not familiar with the product,
   you reinforce that notion.
   Conversely, when you sit them down in front of a Tandy  1000 RL
   and give them some lessons in how to use the mouse,
   what a pull-down menu is and what a dialog box is,
   that notion leaves their mind, never to return.
 
2. Good salespeople memorize their presentation and then polish,
   polish, polish.
 
   Once you're familiar with the product,
   begin working on your presentation and commit it to memory.
   The way you explain how a mouse works and
   the answers to questions all sound 100% more professional
   when you aren't stumbling for the right words to express yourself.
 
3. Know how to qualify.
   The question asked most frequently by a customer who is
   considering the purchase of a personal computer is
   "What can I do with it?"
   That is their initial request to be qualified.
 
   All you need to do at that point is sit down next to them
   in front of a computer and say,
   "A lot... but let me show you some of the ways our other customers
   make use of our computers...."
   And then show them.
 
4. Never say "I don't know,"
   unless, that is, you finish by saying, "but I can find out for you."
   Then do it.
   Customers would like to think that you're an expert on every detail
   of your product and you should be.
   But occasionally,
   that question is asked that you just don't have the answer to.
   Your customer will be pleasantly surprised when you go to the time
   and trouble to get the answer for them.
   They typically won't get that kind of reception at a department store.
   Remember that classic line that we've all heard:
   "I'm sorry I don't know the answer to your question;
   this isn't really my department."
   We do not "pass the buck."
 
Remember -- You DO make the difference!
 
MOM-08-90
NEW PRODUCT -- TANDY 1000 RL
TANDY INTRODUCES NEW HOME COMPUTER
 
July 25, 1990
 
New York City -- Tandy Corporation today introduced the Tandy  1000 RL --
the first personal computer with unique home management programs so
practical and simple that it can become an essential part of family life.
The Tandy 1000 RL computer is a fully integrated system of hardware and
software developed with a specific focus on the home user.
 
"The Tandy 1000 RL is an entirely new generation of home computer --
one that helps manage everyday home tasks,
is easy to use and affordable," said John V. Roach,
chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Tandy Corporation.
 
The Tandy 1000 RL is sold at Tandy's more than 7,000 Radio Shack stores
nationwide.
The price of the ready-to-use systems range from $750 to $1,299.
 
"Computers have been accepted in the workplace for years,
but not in the home because they've been too hard to use and too expensive,"
Roach said.
"Finally, we've solved those problems."
 
"The Tandy 1000 RL is so easy to use that it guarantees success.
Even the novice user can be productive with the `RL' after just 15 minutes.
Should they need additional help,
we've established a comprehensive program to meet our customers' needs,"
he said.
 
In addition to the computer's built-in tutorial programs,
Radio Shack personnel have been specially trained to work individually
with customers who have a question.
A dedicated team of computer experts is set up at Tandy's Fort Worth, Texas,
headquarters for store representatives to contact for quick,
on-the-spot solutions.
Customers with a telephone modem can communicate
with the technicians themselves.
 
The Tandy 1000 RL is the result of Tandy Corporation's
more than a decade of experience as the leading maker and marketer
of personal computers.
`We designed the `RL' after years of research, program development,
and an extensive focused testing program with families in the home,"
Roach said.
 
"We learned it was not enough to deliver ease of use,
flexibility and bundled software programs,
if we wanted computers accepted in the home.
People told us they don't want to create a checkbook register
on a spreadsheet.
They want to enter a check, or balance the checkbook,
at the push of a button.
That's the kind of solutions the Tandy 1000 RL delivers," Roach stated.
 
The "RL" comes with 24 built-in programs developed
especially to make everyday home tasks easier.
Also, it is fully PC-compatible and will run other business
and personal software programs.
Its unique comprehensive approach to the home
and its ease of use has earned it the Good Housekeeping Seal.
 
The specially designed home applications in the Tandy 1000 RL include:
 
   Financial Programs to itemize expenses and calculate them
   on bar or pie charts; to maintain account information,
   record checks and balance a checkbook;
   to maintain and manage stock and investment portfolios.
 
   Personal Programs to catalog collections; to maintain a private,
   password-access diary; to keep an inventory of valuable home articles
   for insurance; to maintain an itemized list of possessions like jewelry;
   to plan trips with toll-free telephone numbers of airlines,
   hotels and rental cars.
 
   Kitchen Programs including a cookbook which adjusts recipes
   for the number of servings; a grocery list organizer; and, a meal planner.
   Sample recipes from The New Good Housekeeping Cookbook are included.
 
   Mathcard Programs to develop and calculate a personal savings plan,
   determine interest rates and payments, and plan retirement income;
   make 31 mathematical conversions;
   determine calculations like miles-per-gallon, discounts and percentages.
 
   Information Center which provides a calendar,
   a notepad for family messages, important telephone numbers
   and a message board for members of the family.
 
   DeskMate  which includes a word processor, an address book,
   a draw program, and an educational computer game
   along with other applications.
 
The Tandy 1000 RL comes with one drive for "floppy" (removable) diskettes
that automatically senses if the diskette is present,
or one floppy drive and an internal (non-removable) "hard disk" drive.
It includes the ability to record and playback speech or sound, color video,
a standard 101-key keyboard, a built-in expansion slot,
jacks for a microphone and headphone,
two sockets to add "joysticks" for playing games,
and a place to plug in a printer.
An optional telephone modem will connect the user to PC-Link, Prodigy,
CompuServe or any of the many information services available.
 
Another new feature enables the computer to go to "sleep."
When not in use, the "RL's" screen automatically turns off.
After a period of inactivity,
the Tandy 1000 RL hard drive computer will also turn itself off.
At the touch of any key, it is instantly ready to use,
and returns to the exact place the user left.
This allows the computer to remain turned-on 24 hours a day
with no noise (there is no fan) and using no more power
than a clock radio.
 
The Tandy 1000 RL is available in four systems:
 
Floppy Disk Drive with monochrome monitor $749.90
 
Floppy Disk Drive with color monitor $899.90
 
Hard Disk Drive with monochrome monitor $1,149.90
 
Hard Disk Drive with color monitor $1,299.90
 
A limited-time, introductory offer includes a free "mouse" ($49.95 value).
Prices are good at participating Radio Shack Computer Centers,
Radio Shack Stores and dealers nationwide.
 
PC-Link is a service mark of Quantum Computer Services, Inc.
Prodigy is a registered trademark of Prodigy Services Company.
CompuServe is a registered trademark of CompuServe, Inc.
The New Good Housekeeping Cookbook is a registered trademark of
The Good Housekeeping Institute.
 
 
AND RELATED COMMENTS....
 
At the announcement in New York, Tandy Chairman John Roach also said,
"The Tandy  1000 RL's unique home management programs are so practical
and easy to use that we believe the RL can become an essential part
of today's family life.
It's an entirely new personal computer for the home....
The RL is a product of Tandy's longtime position
as the leader and innovator in the personal computer industry....
The Tandy 1000 RL is the next generation in that rich heritage....
Finally, there's a home computer that delivers solutions
and functionality in a fully integrated way."
 
MOM-08-90
THE NEW TANDY  1000 RL
 
On July 25th, the new 25-1450 Tandy  1000 RL ($599.95)
and 25-1451 Tandy 1000 RL Hard Drive ($999.95) computers
were introduced in New York City.
These new units usher in a new type of computer --
a system with the home user in mind.
The NEW Tandy 1000 RL is a personal computer system for the home. 
 
DeskMate Home Organizer
 
For the RL, we have designed 15 new applications,
collectively known as the DeskMate Home Organizer.
These programs were developed after extensive market research
determined the common uses for a computer at home.
 
The programs are divided into three categories:
personal, kitchen and financial.
By category, these are the Home Organizer Applications:
 
Personal
 
Collections:  Helps keep collections organized,
such as coins, stamps, videos, records, etc.
 
Diary:  Keeps a password-protected diary on the computer
to express your thoughts daily.
 
Home Inventory:  Keeps an organized list of your
possessions in your home for insurance and other purposes.
 
Information Center:  A "bulletin board" for leaving messages,
plus a list of important phone numbers and a date book.
This replaces the refrigerator door as the family message center.
 
Itemized List:  Keep a detailed account of anything
in your home inventory or any other list.
 
Travel Planner:  Create an itinerary of your vacation
or business trip and schedule every day.
 
Kitchen
 
Cookbook:  Browse through recipes filed by category.
Make a selection and a "recipe card" displays both an
ingredient list and preparation instructions.
Includes 30 recipes from the New Good Housekeeping Cookbook.
 
Grocery List:  A real time saver,
created from a list of foods you normally buy.
Just check each item needed and print a list.
 
Meal Planner:  Put together a menu created from
recipes in your Cookbook.
 
Financial Organizer
 
Account Information:  A handy file of your checking,
savings, credit union and other accounts.
 
Checkbook Register:  Keeps track of the checks you've
written and keeps the current balance of your account.
 
Checkbook Balancer:  Helps reconcile your bank account
with the monthly statement, easily and quickly.
 
Expense Itemizer:  Using information from the Checkbook Register,
find out where your money went during the month.
Includes both a monthly Pie Chart and annual Bar Chart
for quick reference.
 
Financial Notebook:  Keeps information on stocks, bonds
and loans, right at your fingertips.
 
Mathcard:  Solve problems with commonly used formulas,
including loans, savings, unit conversions and more.
 
Nine Other DeskMate Applications Included
 
The RL also includes nine other DeskMate  programs:
Desktop, Text, Draw, PC-Link, Telecom, Hangman, Music, Sound
and Address Book.
This makes a total of twenty-four applications
included with the Tandy 1000 RL computer,
right out of the box.
Value added with a capital "V".
 
Screen Saver Feature
 
This DeskMate also features a new "screen saver" option
that causes the screen to go blank
after a period of keyboard and mouse inactivity,
thus allowing the monitor to stay powered on all the time
with no risk of screen burn-in.
On the hard drive version,
the screen saver option also controls a spin-down of the SmartDrive ,
where the SmartDrive is turned off,
after a period of keyboard and mouse inactivity, until needed.
These two features are designed
so the user can leave the computer powered on at all times,
making it a true home information center.
 
"Success Guaranteed"
 
"The Tandy 1000 RL is so easy to use, we Guarantee Success,"
is the slogan we are using to indicate how confident we are
that anyone can be successful using the RL.
 
First, there are the built-in tutorial programs
to step the customer through the applications,
as well as a new manual that covers both software and hardware.
 
Second, the friendly face of DeskMate allows you to learn
one interface and then use common features in all programs.
 
Third, there is context-sensitive help available anytime it is needed.
 
Fourth, we have special training for you,
our salesmakers, to help you become more proficient in running DeskMate
and the DeskMate Home Organizer,
including a special version of the Home Organizer program
for you to use on your computer at home.
 
Fifth, there is a special RL 800 number
for store personnel to get quick answers to those unusual customer questions.
 
Hardware Features
 
The new hardware features in this 1000-family computer include
a dedicated PS/2 style mouse port (uses 25-1042 PS/2 Style Mouse, $49.95)
and a standard 25-Pin parallel port,
just like the Tandy  2500, 3000 and 4000 computers
(remember that when you sell printer cables!).
Even the feet have been redesigned to reduce the tear-off
you may have seen on some earlier 1000s.
 
The PC-Compatible Tandy 1000 RLs both feature
an 8086 microprocessor running at 9.54 MHz clock speed.
(Note that this is faster than the Tandy 1000 SL and SL/2.)
The standard memory is 512K RAM,
with an available upgrade to 768K (25-1082, $59.95).
 
Included with both machines are two joystick ports,
a serial port, a parallel printer port, PS/2 mouse port,
one 720K 3 1/2" diskette drive, 101-key enhanced keyboard,
special 1000 sound circuitry with bidirectional DACs,
Tandy Enhanced Graphics and Hercules video support, volume control,
stereo headphone jack, microphone jack,
one ten-inch expansion board slot, MS-DOS and DeskMate  in ROM
and the all new DeskMate Home Organizer applications.
 
On the 25-1450 floppy RL, there is an additional storage device slot
for either a 25-1075 3 1/2" floppy diskette drive or
a 25-1047 20 Megabyte SmartDrive and a SmartWatch socket
for adding a real-time clock (25-1033, $39.95).
 
On the 25-1451 hard drive RL, the SmartWatch is included on the main board;
and a 20 Megabyte SmartDrive is already built in and formatted,
with MS-DOS and DeskMate pre-installed on the drive.
Your customer just powers up and goes!
 
Special Features
 
These features alone would make a solid computer for the home user,
but we've added special features that make this the perfect family system.
 
First, there's NO FAN in the RL.
It was designed to run cooler than most computers,
and all components were built with the special requirements
of a fanless environment in mind.
 
The floppy drive has a disk-change-detection circuit,
so when you change diskettes,
the DeskMate screen is updated automatically.
 
The RL has a durable, rugged metal enclosure
with a very compact footprint of 2 7/8" high, 14" wide and 15" deep.
 
If your customer chooses to add a SmartDrive to their floppy RL computer later,
you'll find the installation a very easy task.
The 25-1047 20 Megabyte SmartDrive features
a new initialization program that runs under DeskMate.
Four keystrokes and you're finished.
Even a labeled blank diskette is included!
The MS-DOS/GW-BASIC diskette installs to the SmartDrive under DeskMate as well.
Just start DeskMate, press <F7>, highlight INSTALL,
put your MS-DOS/GW-BASIC diskette in Drive A,
and MS-DOS is installed in its own directory.
It even creates or modifies the AUTOEXEC.BAT file and sets the ROM.
 
Comparing the Tandy 1000 RL to the IBM PS/1
 
You may be asked to compare the IBM  PS/1
to the Tandy 1000 RL by your customers.
For direct comparison, a chart is attached to this M.O.M.
Here are a few things you can point out to your customers:
 
The PS/1 software includes programs that require the learning
of five different interfaces
(PS/1 desktop, Prodigy, Promenade, Microsoft Works, and DOS 4.0 shell).
The DeskMate and DeskMate Home Organizer software requires the learning
of ONE common set of commands.
 
The PS/1 has a faster processor, VGA Graphics, DOS 4.0,
a PS/2 mouse and a built-in modem,
and all this comes at a price.
 
The RL has faster video (this causes it to appear to run faster than the PS/1),
an expansion slot, serial port,
two joystick ports and built-in digital sound standard.
It also has a superior keyboard to the IBM.
In fact, it's the same keyboard that we use with our most expensive computers.  If your customer wants a modem or VGA,
they are available for the RL.
But if they don't want a modem or to pay extra for VGA graphics,
they don't have to.
 
Since DOS 4.0's primary advantage is being able to have hard drive partitions
of 32 MB, and the PS/1 hard drive is only 30 MB,
it is no advantage to use DOS 4.0.
DOS 3.3 runs faster and takes up less memory as well.
 
And during the introductory sale,
your customer gets a PS/2 Style Mouse (25-1042) FREE
with the purchase of a Tandy 1000 RL and a monitor, a $49.95 value.
 
If the customer wants to bring work home,
such as preparing a speech or presentation,
or using Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate for forecasting,
the RL can do the job.
For more intensive programs and power users,
the Tandy 1000 TL/2 or 2500 XL may be better suited to their needs.
 
This is a HOME Computer
 
For the majority of home users, both new and experienced,
the Tandy 1000 RL has all the power and expandability
they will ever use or need.
To sell this computer,
you must forget about the needs of a business computer user.
Functionality, ease of use and early success will keep this computer busy
long after others have been relegated to the closet or that dusty,
unused corner of the garage.
 
Of course, we believe that the RL is THE Home Computer.
But we're not alone.
 
Good Housekeeping Seal
 
The Tandy 1000 RL has earned the Good Housekeeping Seal.
It is the first computer to have earned this distinguished symbol,
and we are very proud of it.
The Seal is one of the most widely respected in the world,
and surveys show that the Seal represents quality and reliability
to the customer.
Make sure your customer is aware that
the Tandy 1000 RL is the only computer ever to have earned it.
 
The Tandy 1000 RL proves, once again,
Tandy Computers -- there is STILL no better value!
 
MOM-08-90
TANDY 1000 RL AND THE GOOD HOUSEKEEPING SEAL
 
You're going to hear a lot about the Good Housekeeping Seal
over the next few months.
The Tandy  1000 RL is the first personal computer ever to receive the Seal.
What does it mean to have a computer with the Good Housekeeping Seal?
It means two things:
 
Credibility
 
Good Housekeeping has provided unique consumer education
and consumer protection since 1885.
Before Good Housekeeping will allow their Seal
to be associated with a product it must undergo
extensive testing by the Good Housekeeping Institute.
They also review any advertising that contains
the Seal to make sure that what the advertiser is saying
about their product is truthful and in keeping with the
philosophy of the Institute and Good Housekeeping magazine.
 
The statement made on the Seal is clear:
"Good Housekeeping promises replacement or refund if defective."
 
The match between Radio Shack and Good Housekeeping is a good one,
since we both have similar goals of customer satisfaction
and both organizations offer products that appeal to the mass market.
 
Naturally, over the years we have appreciated
the good reviews our products have received from
industry publications such as PC Week, Personal Computing and others.
But their credibility is valuable only to those people
who read those magazines --
typically not your average novice computer purchaser.
 
Good Housekeeping Magazine has a circulation of twenty-four
million monthly and is read by women and families with
children across the nation.
By their reviewing the Tandy 1000 RL,
you now have an independent authority that has found it to be a useful,
practical and valuable addition to the home and family.
 
Recognition
 
The second advantage is the recognition that the Seal brings.
 
In all likelihood, you already have products in your
home that display the Good Housekeeping Seal of approval.
There have been numerous studies commissioned to
determine the awareness of the Good Housekeeping Seal.
Here are some excerpts from one conducted last Fall
by Beta Research Corporation:
 
     The Good Housekeeping Seal is recognized by an
     impressive 73% of responses.
     The only logo/seal that was recognized more frequently
     was the USDA Choice logo used by the Federal Government.
     The Underwriters Lab seal came in third at 69%.
 
     When asked what the Good Housekeeping Seal meant when
     buying products, over 46% of the respondents said that
     they had more confidence in products with the
     Good Housekeeping Seal,
     55.9% of the respondents said that Good Housekeeping
     is willing to stand behind products with the Seal
     and 65.3% of the respondents said that products with the
     Seal are reliable and dependable.
 
The Tandy 1000 RL is truly a unique product that
represents some new "firsts" for the industry.
The Good Housekeeping Seal of approval is just another
reason why the Tandy 1000 RL will truly be a star player
for the "Home Team."
THE DESKMATE  DIFFERENCE
A series of articles on DeskMate.
 
MOM-08-90
THE HOME TEAM HITS A HOME RUN:
THE TANDY 1000 RL WITH HOME ORGANIZER
 
The home team has done it again:
we've designed the right product at the right price at the right time!
The Tandy  1000 RL is getting high marks
from the press (see Page 13) and it's available
in large quantities nationwide NOW!
 
Tandy enjoys the unique position in the computer market
as the only major manufacturer that owns thousands of retail stores.
Furthermore, millions of people that are potential first-time buyers
of personal computers for the home
walk through our stores each year.
These people don't know (or care) about megabytes or megahertz,
but they do respond to a product that meets their real needs.
The Tandy 1000 RL does just that.
 
The hardware specifications and features are described
in the article that starts on Page 7.
The article below focuses on the most visible and appealing aspect
of the Tandy 1000 RL:  the software that we have bundled with it.
 
DeskMate  and the Home Organizer
 
The Tandy 1000 RL comes with most of the original DeskMate applications
plus a whole new set of home applications:  The Home Organizer.
These new "solutions" offer the home user specific answers to specific needs.
For example, instead of a database manager
that requires you to set it up for keeping a home inventory program,
we have included a useable, attractive Home Inventory solution.
 
Home Organizer Menu
 
From the DeskMate Desktop,
choosing the Home Organizer brings up the Home Organizer menu.
This menu displays the names of
all the Home Organizer solutions
along with a brief description of each one.
As you move the cursor bar from solution to solution,
the description of each solution appears in the box at the bottom.
 
The menu organizes the solutions into three categories:
personal, kitchen, and financial.
 
Personal Solutions
 
The Collections solution lets you keep your collections organized.
It has several collections (books, videotapes, antiques, etc.) predefined.
It also allows you to define your own
by answering a few straightforward questions.
 
The Diary solution keeps personal diaries.
Each diary has a "page" of text on the screen associated with each day.
The diaries are password protected for privacy.
 
The Home Inventory solution lets you keep a record of your possessions.
This can be especially useful for insurance purposes --
be sure to keep a copy of the diskette or printout in your safe deposit box!
This solution requires no setup:
you just start typing in the information for each item in your home.
 
You will probably leave the Information Center on the screen
when you're not using the computer.
It shows the calendar for the month with today's date highlighted.
It has a "page" for each day
to let you keep track of each day's appointments and activities.
The emergency phone numbers are useful
for family members and for babysitters.
The corkboard area keeps notes that will remain from day to day
until they are erased.
The message center allows family members to leave messages
for one another in an organized way,
so you don't have to worry about whether the family members will see them!
 
The Itemized List lets you keep a detailed list of anything
in your Home Inventory.
For example, if you have a jewelry box in your inventory,
the itemized list can contain a list of all the jewelry in the box.
You can also keep itemized lists of other things
such as a "to do" list, home improvements and car maintenance records.
 
Travel Planner lets you create a daily itinerary for your trips
and helps you organize your packing lists.
It also contains toll-free phone numbers for
major airlines, hotels, bus and rail companies and car rental companies.
 
Kitchen Solutions
 
The Cookbook solution lets you browse through recipes stored by category.
It comes with dozens of recipes from The New Good Housekeeping Cookbook
and also lets you type in your own recipes.
One of its nicest features is,
as you change the number of servings in a recipe,
it will automatically recalculate the required amount of each ingredient!
 
The Grocery List solution lets you create a grocery list
by checking needed ingredients from a recipe,
by selecting items from categories or by typing them in.
When you print the shopping list,
the items will be grouped by category
to help you find them in the store.
 
The Meal Planner helps you plan entire meals by courses.
You can choose from meals you have already used or plan a new meal.
 
Financial Solutions
 
The Account Information solution lets you store basic information
about your checking and other accounts,
including the name, address, phone number and account number of each one.
You must create an account information card for each account
with a check register (see next item).
 
Checkbook Register lets you keep track of checks,
deposits and other transactions in your account.
Just enter the information in the register,
and it calculates the current balance.
You can place each check in an expense category
for budgeting purposes.
 
When you receive your bank statement,
you can use the Checkbook Balancer to reconcile your checkbook.
You simply mark each check and deposit that has cleared the bank,
type in any interest and fees,
then type in the balance from the statement.
The difference (which should be zero!) is displayed automatically,
freeing you from the tedious task of manually adding or subtracting each item.
 
The Expense Itemizer displays budget information
in several useful ways.
It lists all the items in one budget category
for the month with a total.
It displays a bar chart of a single budget category
across all the months of the year.
It also displays a pie chart showing the
amounts and percents for all budget categories within one month.
These graphs can be printed directly
or copied to the DeskMate Clipboard
for further manipulation and printing by other programs.
 
The Financial Notebook stores information on stocks,
other investments and loans.
This is an easy way to store information
from a variety of sources in one place.
The stock card calculates profit or loss from the stock quantity,
purchase price, selling price, and fees.
 
Mathcard performs a variety of commonly needed calculations and conversions.
It asks you plain English questions,
then performs the calculations instantly.
 
Other DeskMate Applications
 
Now let's take a look at the other DeskMate productivity programs
that come with the Tandy 1000 RL.
 
Text is our familiar word processor.
It lets you create and edit letters and other documents.
It even checks your spelling!
 
Address Book lets you keep track of names and addresses.
You can organize names and addresses into lists
and print the lists or personalize form letters with them.
 
Draw helps you create artwork, logos, letterheads and fun pictures.
You can print these by themselves or merge them into documents
in the word processor.
 
PC-Link is an online information and communications service
that you use over your telephone line.
It lets you get news, sports, an encyclopedia, free software,
and even answers to your computer questions directly from Tandy.
PC-Link requires a modem.
 
Telecom helps you communicate with other information services
such as CompuServe, as well as local bulletin boards.
It also requires a modem.
 
The Music program brings out the musician in you
while using the Tandy 1000 RL's unique sound capabilities.
You can play the songs that come with the program or enter them yourself.
 
The Sound program lets you record sounds, store them to a disk,
then play them back.
You can also cut, copy and paste within a sound for interesting effects.
 
Hangman is a computerized version of the familiar game.
It's fun and educational for both children and adults.
 
You can run any of these programs from the DeskMate Desktop.
The Desktop comes set up with the most popular programs on the screen,
and you can customize it to suit your preferences.
You can even add non-DeskMate programs to the Desktop.
It also allows you to work with files and directories
without learning complex file commands.
 
Tutorials and Help
 
Each application comes with its own help files and tutorials.
BEFORE running an application, you can go through the tutorial
to learn how to use it.
If you get stuck or have a question WHILE using the program,
pressing the <F1> key brings up easy-to-understand help.
 
And They're All DeskMate!
 
Since these applications all work in the DeskMate Graphical User Interface
they are very easy to learn.
And once you have learned how to navigate through one program,
you can easily use any of the others.
The same keystrokes and mouse movements are used
throughout all these programs
to make it especially easy to move from one program to another.
 
The Reviews
 
Lonnie Falk, publisher of PCM magazine, wrote the following
for an upcoming article:
"... Tandy with its new 1000 RL computer,
promises to sweep its opponents aside
as it roars off to new challenges
in this vastly underdeveloped, much sought-after area
[the home market for computers].
 
"Yet the concept behind the new Tandy 1000 RL is so simple,
so daring, that acknowledgement of the brilliance of the achievement
will probably take a year or so to sink in....
 
"This is a `home computer,' ladies and gentlemen.
In size.
In price.
In value.
In usability.
It was designed to be a home computer ...
and appears to have been done so well --
with that perfect mix of price, performance,
abilities and software that will make it something very special...."
 
"[The IBM] PS/1's keyboard does not have the same quality feel
as the 1000 RL, and it bends.
Yes, actually can be twisted in someone's hands.
You would expect better...."
 
"I suspect the PS/1 was `engineered down' from the IBM's PS/2 Model 25
while Tandy's 1000 RL is, essentially, a totally new machine.
But, unless you are willing to pay more and give up some important features
for three Big Blue letters,
the Tandy 1000 RL is by far the better choice."
 
(c) 1990 by PCM  -- The Premier Personal Computer Magazine
for Tandy  Computer Users,
P.O. Box 385, Prospect, KY  40059, (502) 228-4492.
 
How to Sell the Tandy 1000 RL
 
    Learn the applications.
    A set of Home Organizer programs for your use
    is included in the POP pack for the RL.
    Take them home and put them to work for you.
    They'll save you time while you're learning more and more about them.
 
    Ask questions -- and LISTEN!
    When you're demonstrating to a customer,
    listen carefully to the customer's responses.
    Let the customer's interests guide your presentation.
 
    Show the solutions, the tutorials and help.
    Be sure the customer knows how much information and help
    is available at his or her fingertips.
 
    Emphasize the value of PC-Link.
    Besides providing news, public domain software, and an encyclopedia,
    PC-Link offers direct communications with Tandy Headquarters
    for answers to questions.
 
    Use the demo disk that came in the POP kit.
    When you see a customer watching the demo,
    offer to answer any questions or to show the "live" software.
    (See the article on Page 22 for important info.)
 
The Tandy 1000 RL with the Home Organizer
represents Tandy's most important entry into
the "personal computer for the home" market to date.
Sell it with pride and confidence.
Once again we can truthfully say -- NOBODY COMPARES!
 
MOM-08-90
THE CREDIT LINE
Direct to you from Tandy credit departments --
Commercial Credit, Tandy Computer Leasing , and RSVP .
 
Commercial Credit
 
Let us bring you up to date...!
 
First and foremost,
Commercial Credit has started a "Lock Box" system for customer remittances.
Lock Boxes in Dallas, TX are now receiving payments
from our commercial charge customers
in Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, Colorado and Mississippi.
A letter has been sent to each customer
on record as of June 15, 1990,
requesting that all payments are to be forwarded to
P.O. Box 910685, Dallas, TX 75391-0685.
Future statements and POS invoices will be modified
to reflect this change.
 
However, customers with account problems should continue
to contact Commercial Credit through
P.O. Box 1052, Fort Worth, TX 76102 or by calling (817) 390-3356.
We will advise you as other states are added to the Lock Box system.
 
Secondly, we have modified the telephone equipment so
incoming calls to the Commercial Credit Department
can be answered by the next available Customer Service Representative.
Also, a message is provided when all lines are busy.
 
As a reminder, a Commercial Credit approval number
is good for only the calendar month in which it is given.
If the sale is not invoiced during that month,
the store must call Commercial Credit Approvals at
(800) 442-2585, for another approval.
Keep in mind that the customer should not be invoiced
until all merchandise has been delivered.
 
Tandy Computer Leasing
 
The newest and potentially most exciting program
with Tandy Computer Leasing
is that they will now lease any product in our line
to commercial clients for commercial use.
Now, that doctor looking for an office stereo system
or the small shop looking for a phone and intercom system
can also reap the benefits of leasing over ownership!
 
THIS REALLY MAKES TANDY COMPUTER LEASING AN
ALL-STORE-SALES TOOL....
Let's all be certain we're working at
improving the "leasing-literacy" rate in our stores
in order to maximize our sales and income opportunities
with an exciting new emphasis on our leasing program.
 
ALL STORES can now utilize leasing to increase sales.
Think of presenting Tandy Computer Leasing
as an installment plan for your business customers and
RSVP as an installment plan for your non-commercial customers.
These two powerful sales tools
make it easy for all your customers to
get their best electronic value at Radio Shack,
America's Technology Store.
 
RSVP
 
The RSVP credit card is a fantastic selling tool
for all salespeople!!!
A customer coming into your store may not know about
the Radio Shack credit card option.
After you have assisted your customers in making
their best investment decision,
ask them if they have an RSVP card.
 
The RSVP credit card has benefits for both you and your customer.
From your customers who carry the RSVP credit card in their wallets,
you are getting advertising every time a wallet is opened.
When our customers use their RSVP card,
they typically spend nearly two and one half times more
than they would on any other credit card.
Think what that can do for your paycheck
plus you also get your spiff for any customer who
signs up for the insurance coverage!
 
For customers who prefer to use a credit card for their purchases,
it is to their advantage to open a line of credit with Radio Shack.
There is no application fee or annual fee to carry an RSVP card.
It will also leave the credit line on their other cards available
in case there is an emergency.
Do your customers know that there is no interest charge
if their balance is paid in full on their first billing cycle?!
They have the benefit of a "30-days-same-as-cash" program all year!
In many states the RSVP card also offers a lower finance rate
compared to the major credit card carriers.
 
These are just a few examples of why it is good business to
convert your customers to RSVP.
 
Sales training has instilled in us many classic sales closing techniques.
One of the most commonly used assumptive closes is,
"Will this be cash or charge?"
Try this instead:
"Will this be on your account today?"
If the response is,
"I don't have an account," seize the moment and
introduce your buyer to the opportunity (and advantages)
of becoming an RSVP cardholder....
 
THE BENEFITS OF RSVP:  Another reason why Radio Shack truly is
"America's Technology Store."
 
REMEMBER:
 
MAKE RSVP YOUR CUSTOMERS' FIRST CHOICE...
NOT YOUR SALESPERSON'S LAST RESORT!
 
MOM-08-90
STOCK FILE CHANGES
A quick reference to product status changes - pricing, availability, etc.
 
LATE DATES
 
Listed below are the new items that appear in the 1991 Catalogs
which have not yet arrived at the warehouses.
Also included are the dates the merchandise is expected to be available
at the warehouses.
 
The dates listed in this section are based on the latest available information,
and are updated monthly.
While they may not be 100% accurate, they are the best estimate we have
at this time.
 
The dates listed here should be your ONLY reference for availability of
cataloged items.
Ft. Worth Computer Support Services or Ft. Worth Computer Merchandising
will not have any dates other than the ones shown here.
 
Cat. #     Description                            Date
 
250-1258     USA Today Sports Center              9/30/90
250-1334     FilePro for DeskMate                 8/31/90
250-1351     DeskMate                             8/31/90
250-1361     DeskMate Macros Companion            8/31/90
250-1365     DeskMate Thesaurus Companion         8/31/90
250-1376     Spell-a-saurus                       9/15/90
250-1377     Dinosaur Discovery Kit               9/15/90
250-1378     Sesame Street Electric Crayon        8/31/90
250-1379     Your Personal Trainer for SAT        8/31/90
250-1380     The New Math Blaster                 9/30/90
250-1381     SS:  Midnight                        8/31/90
250-1385     Light Speed                          9/30/90
250-1389     Hero's Quest 2                       9/30/90
250-1390     Prince of Persia                     8/31/90
250-1391     Drakkhen                             9/30/90
250-1392     Turbo Outrun                         9/30/90
250-1393     Clue/Risk Bundle                     8/31/90
250-1394     AD&D:  Silver Blade                  8/31/90
250-1396     Greg Norman Golf                     9/15/90
250-1398     Silent Service 2                     9/30/90
250-1399     Spot!                                9/30/90
250-3506     Tandy  1500 HD                       9/30/90
250-3507     1 MB Upgr 1500 HD                    9/30/90
250-3525     Battery 1500 HD                      9/30/90
250-3526     2400 bps modem 1500 HD               9/30/90
250-4117     WordPerfect XENIX                    9/30/90
250-4166     160 MB SCSI Tape Backup             11/30/90
250-4167     440 MB SCSI HD Kit                   8/15/90
250-4902     Tandy  4020 SX                       9/30/90
 
260-0115     A/B Switch, DB25F                   10/31/90
260-0116     6' RS232 Cable, DB9M-DB9M            9/30/90
260-0117     6' RS232 Cable, DB9M-DB9F            9/30/90
260-0129     160 MB Tape Cartridge               11/15/90
 
900-0954     Eye of Hours                         9/30/90
900-0956     Algebra 1:  1st Sem.                 9/30/90
900-0957     Algebra 1:  2nd Sem.                 9/30/90
900-0989     Puzznic                              9/15/90
900-0990     Rastan                               9/15/90
900-1012     Codename: Iceman                     9/15/90
900-1014     Dil's Well                           9/30/90
900-1017     Joan of Arc                          9/30/90
900-1019     Wings of Fury                        9/30/90
900-1049     Languages of World                   9/30/90
900-1053     F-19 Stealth Fighter                 9/15/90
900-1054     Chessmaster 2100                     9/15/90
900-1055     Red Storm Rising                     9/15/90
900-1060     Math Blaster Mystery                 9/15/90
900-1071     Airwave Adventure                    9/30/90
900-1074     Birds of America                     9/30/90
900-1078     Guiness Disc. 1990                   9/30/90
900-1079     Drakkhen HB                          9/30/90
900-2397     American Magnetics Mag Stripe Reader 9/30/90
900-2433     Xircom Ethernet Adapter (MAU)        9/30/90
900-2436     Xircom ARCNET Adapter (UTP)          9/30/90
900-2490     APC PowerChute Software: UNIX        9/30/90
900-2874     CompuServe DOS Kit                   9/30/90
900-2908     Sword of Samurai                     9/30/90
900-2909     Between H & H                        9/30/90
 
903-2931     Solomon A/R                          8/31/90
903-2932     Solomon A/P                          8/31/90
903-2933     Solomon Payroll                      8/31/90
903-2934     Solomon G/L                          8/31/90
903-2935     Solomon Order Entry/Inventory        8/31/90
903-2936     Solomon Inventory                    8/31/90
903-2937     Solomon Purchasing                   8/31/90
903-2938     Solomon Fixed Assets                 8/31/90
903-2939     Solomon Sales Analysis               8/31/90
903-2940     Solomon Rpt. & Graph Desg.           8/31/90
903-2941     Solomon Job Cost.                    8/31/90
903-2942     Solomon Ext. Sys. Interface          8/31/90
903-2943     Solomon Address & Mail List          8/31/90
903-2944     Solomon System Manager               8/31/90
 
903/5-0961     Shinobi                            9/30/90
903/5-0964     Railroad Empire                    9/30/90
903/5-0966     Crime Wave                         9/30/90
903/5-0970     Nicklaus Unlimited                 9/30/90
903/5-0983     Once Upon a Time 3                 9/30/90
903/5-0992     Command HQ                         9/30/90
903/5-0993     Knight of the Sky                  9/30/90
903/5-1002     Chamber Sci-Mutan                  9/30/90
903/5-1020     Sim City Ter. Ed.                  9/15/90
903/5-1026     Altered Beast                      9/30/90
903/5-1029     Out Run                            8/31/90
903/5-1036     Spirit of Excaliber                9/30/90
903/5-1037     PGA Golf                           9/15/90
903/5-1041     Centurion                          9/15/90
903/5-1043     Metal Gear                         9/30/90
903/5-1044     Castlevania 905                    9/15/90
903/5-1064     Dragon's Lair                      9/30/90
903/5-1072     The Punisher                       9/30/90
903/5-1075     Space Harrier                      9/30/90
903/5-2905     Clue                               8/31/90
 
MOM-08-90
PRODUCT NEWS
ALL STORE
The "ALL STORE" section contains information of interest to all store types.
01Zs and Computer Centers will also be interested in the information
contained in the "01Z/COMPUTER CENTER" section.
 
RADIO SHACK -- THE "HOME TEAM"
 
If you haven't heard the story already, you should.
In 1977, Radio Shack's introduction of the TRS-80 marked the first
time ever that a personal computer was available on a mass market basis,
fully assembled, tested and priced right.
It was an exciting time for us.
The biggest challenge we had was to sell the most expensive product
Radio Shack had ever tried to sell.
 
So what's happened since 1977?
We introduced a series of products,
each one more sophisticated than the last and
each one offering more utility out of the box than the last
to allow the customer to put it to work faster.
In 1984, we introduced the Tandy  1000,
the first IBM compatible that came with this thing called DeskMate .
DeskMate was a group of six applications designed to get the new user
up and running fast.
 
We've learned several things about our customers over these years:
 
  They want a product whose design clearly has some thought put into it.
 
  They appreciate the opportunity of doing business
  with a neighborhood location.
 
  They like the fact that they can go to one place
  for all their computer needs.
 
  They demand a salesperson that can and will help them
  both before and after the sale.
 
  It's important to them that in the unlikely event
  they need parts or service,
  it's as easy to get as it was to purchase the machine,
  even if their particular model is no longer being sold.
 
  They want to see evidence that we're interested
  in selling one computer at a time.
 
   THAT ALL OF THESE THINGS ARE AT LEAST
   EQUALLY AS IMPORTANT AS PRICE IS!
 
The result?
Radio Shack is the "Home Team."
It's one of the first places people think to go
when they're considering the purchase of a personal computer
for their home or small business.
 
A recent survey in PC WEEK Magazine 
referred to a category of home computer
user as the "Keeper of the Family Budget."
Applications typically included one integrated software program;
type of machine usually chosen is an 8088,
and with recent price declines, '286 PCs.
The single brand named most frequently?
You guessed it:  Tandy!
By the way, what do you suppose
that typical integrated software application was?
 
The introduction of the Tandy  1000 RL is not just an introduction
of a new computer.
It is the first personal computer that is truly designed
from a user's perspective from the ground up.
In this case, however, the "ground" includes the place you buy it from.
Radio Shack is indeed the right place for a consumer
to make their first computer purchase.
 
Source:  WorkGroup Technologies, Inc., Hampton, N.H.
 
MOM-08-90
DESKMATE OFFERED IN DEL MONTE PROMOTION
 
We found this tidbit in the July 16, 1990 issue of Business Week:
 
A DEL MONTE PROMOTION -- OF COMPUTER LITERACY
 
Hey kids!
By saving labels off Del Monte Snack Cups,
you can save your parents or teachers money on software.
This fall, Del Monte Foods Inc. will offer discounts on educational programs
for personal computers in exchange for labels from its
single-serving pudding, fruit, or yogurt snacks.
 
The Computer Learning Foundation,
a Palo Alto (Calif.) nonprofit group that promotes computer literacy,
has worked with Del Monte to select about 60 software packages
for a catalog that also includes
such educational aids as dictionaries and globes.
Students can buy any of these items -- at as much as 50% off
the retail price -- using proof-of-purchase seals.
Among the educational programs are tutorials in math, spelling,
geography, and science.
There are also popular games such as Where in Europe is Carmen Sandiego?
and Tetris.
Older kids and adults can get Microsoft Corp.'s Works package
and Tandy Corp.'s DeskMate.
Del Monte plans to run the promotion for six months.
 
 
Field Contribution
 
MOM-08-90
HOSPITAL CONSULTANT DISCOVERS TANDY PRODUCTS
 
    This article was submitted by Dave Davis, a senior salesmaker
    at store 01-9135 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
    He said that the customer mentioned is
    "a rather well-known expert in her field.
    She holds a Ph.D. in Biophysics from a university in Paris, France.
    She has been a professor of pharmacology at the University of Montreal
    and Harvard Medical School."
 
People who travel on airplanes a lot know they had better
plan on wasting a lot of time hanging around airports too...
especially in the winter when it seems that half the flights
are either late or canceled.
 
A lady came to my store several months back who spends much
of her time flying around the country doing hospital consulting work.
Last winter, while stuck again at Chicago O'Hare because of weather,
it dawned on her that a small computer could help her turn wasted
time into productive time.
 
Her business runs on letters, memos, reports, and proposals (and lots of them).
She has been using WordPerfect on an IBM PS/2 at her office in
Baton Rouge for quite a while, but that doesn't help her at all on the road.
What she wanted was to write her reports and such during slack
time while traveling.
Running WordPerfect was important because her secretary already
knew the program well and it would make transferring documents as
easy and painless as possible.
She had long since learned that light weight and reliability was
a key issue too.
 
After hearing all this, I immediately took her over
to our new Tandy  1100 FD.
I showed her how light and easy it was to use.
She liked the large screen and long battery life a lot,
but the clincher was when she found out she could run WordPerfect
on it as well.
With all those features, she bought it on the spot.
She walked out with the computer, the small carrying case, a spare battery,
some diskettes, and a conviction that she had found the solution
to her problem.
I made her promise to come back and let me know how it worked out.
 
About a month later she did come back.
She had already been on several trips with the 1100 FD and had
found that it did everything she wanted it to do and more.
Since she is a small woman she really appreciated the light
weight and practical carrying case.
Also its small size allows her to set it up just about anywhere.
She just saves her word processing files on diskettes and hands
them to her secretary to finish.
As she said, "That computer ended my frustration."
 
While talking about the 1100 FD she also mentioned that she
needed to stay in touch by phone better.
As it turns out, the CT-301 cellular phone fits neatly into
one of the side pockets on the computer carrying case.
She saw that the CT-301 is lightweight and useful,
so this time she added that to her collection of Tandy products.
 
I saw her again about two months later and asked her how things
were going.
She said that the computer now goes with her everywhere.
With the help of her 1100 FD she is now writing a book and opening
up a new business in addition to all of her other activities.
 
It's good that we were able to find Tandy products to fill a
customer's needs.
But the story doesn't end there because she also told me that people
are always interested in her computer and asking her questions
about it.
Whether she's using it on an airplane, at the airport, or wherever,
she's a walking advertisement for Tandy.
Sometimes I wonder just how many 1100 FDs she has sold for us
around the country merely by showing hers to people and telling
them what a great product it is.
 
    Thanks for the contribution, Dave! 
 
MOM-08-90
TANDY 1000 TL/2 -- VGA ADAPTER COMBINATION
 
With the new low prices of the Tandy  1000 TL/2
and the 25-4043 VGA Adapter,
the combination price of $1,199.90 is almost $100 less than
the price of the TL/2 alone in the 1990 catalog.
Combined with the 25-4041 VGM-200 Color Monitor,
the package price is $1,699.85.
 
Note that the DeskMate program will require the addition of
a VGA video driver to operate.
This driver is standard in the retail DeskMate product (25-1350)
on the video drivers diskette.
Make a copy of the video drivers diskette for the customer
at no charge for these sales.
 
If your customer requires VGA, this combination offers
a low-cost solution to their needs.
 
 
CORRECTION
 
MOM-08-90
POWER SWITCHING SYSTEM CONTINUING ITEM
 
On Page 4 of the July M.O.M.,
the 26-203 Power Switching System was incorrectly shown as being SOWG.
The item is CONTINUING and appears in the new catalogs
at its usual retail of $99.95.
The 26-1350 Workcenter Desk (listed immediately below the Power Switch)
is SOWG and remains on permanent markdown at $59.95.
 
MOM-08-90
HOME SWEET HOME COMPUTER -- Part 2
 
SURPRISE!
Isn't the RL great!
Talk about opportunities for your home customers.
Talk about the PERFECT computer for the kitchen!
 
One of the biggest problems with the home computer market is that
we, as an industry, have done a really LOUSY job of showing the
customer what a computer can do for them.
Everyone thinks they should have one, but nobody quite knows why.
Consequently, they don't buy one.
 
You've got to make them see that the computer is as essential to
their home as a microwave.
The new Tandy  1000 RL with The Home Organizer,
a special companion to DeskMate , can do that.
I'll show you how.
 
Number One
 
The Good Housekeeping Seal.
Understand the value of the Good Housekeeping Seal.
According to a recent survey, the Good Housekeeping Seal is the most widely
recognized and respected emblem a product can bear.
It was named more often by consumers as something they would consider a
PLUS when making a purchasing decision.
The Tandy 1000 RL is the first computer ever
to receive the Good Housekeeping Seal.
The PS/1 doesn't have it, the Amiga doesn't have it.
You do.
Use it!
You'll be seeing advertising in a new category of magazines
like Good Housekeeping, Parents, and Working Mother.
It will bring more women into your stores.
Keep them there by showing the advantages of the Home Organizer!
 
Making it Work at Home
 
In a busy family, everyone is going their own separate ways.
There are nights that kids have ball practice or piano lessons;
Mom or Dad is working late or have other meetings --
keeping track of everything is a mess!
Trying to communicate is even worse!
 
Information Center is the heart of the solution to this problem.
Not only can you know what's going on, you can leave someone a note
that won't go away until they've read it!
No more zillion messages stuck to the refrigerator!
 
We leave it up most of the time.
It helps us track who's where when.
We also use the notes CONSTANTLY.
I leave notes for my husband OR myself.
I'm terrible at writing things down, so now when I think of it,
I leave myself a note.
And since it's in my kitchen on the counter,
I have access to it where and when I need it.
 
Which brings us to the kitchen.
Some neat things here, too!
There are some good recipes and you can change the serving sizes easily.
The other neat thing is that you can print out the recipe so if it
gets stuff spilled on it, you haven't ruined a book, only a piece of paper!
(Hint:  Sell a printer, too!)
 
You have access to meal planning and to a grocery list
that you can update as you realize you need things.
I'm real bad about making a grocery list.
That's why I end up with five cans of peas and no other veggies.
Or I run out of cereal 'cause there were four boxes
on top of the fridge -- they just all happened to be 9/10ths empty!
 
And there's the travel planner.
It will be especially nice for people that are on the road a lot.
Travel planner goes day by day with where you're staying,
what to pack and activities!
I'm personally using them to plan for all the Annual Meeting
travelling going on in August!
This also gives my family a complete itinerary of my trips.
 
There's a home inventory application, a personal diary that's password
protected AND encrypted (no sneaky "hacker" brothers can get in!),
and in the financial organizer,
a NEAT program called Mathcard that has:
 
  formulas like figuring the circumference of a circle
  or amortizing a loan,
 
  a conversion routine that does things like teaspoons to tablespoons,
  feet to miles, etc., and
 
  a financial routine that tells you if you put away $50/month for 12 years
  at 8% you'll end up with X thousand dollars to retire to Tahiti!
 
I worried that the kids would discover this and find a great solution
to those boring word problems in algebra.
But what's neat is that each one has an explanation of how the answer
is being derived!
 
These are REAL benefits for the home.
Not just, yeah so I can write a letter in word processing or do a budget
(who REALLY uses a budget???) on the spreadsheet, big deal.
REAL THINGS to help make a busy life a little less hectic.
 
And there's even more .... Next month we'll talk about a new breed of hermits!
 
MOM-08-90
WHAT'S NEW ON PC-LINK
 
This is a regular series of articles
where we update you on what's happening with the only online service
written with the easy-to-use DeskMate  graphical user interface.
 
  The Bulls and Bears stock market game
  was overhauled in order to make it easier to play.
  This overhaul includes user interface changes in addition to help text.
 
  The Learning Center was redesigned
  to offer more comprehensive educational services and information.
  As before, the area will include the encyclopedia,
  the College Board guide, and online courses, etc.
 
  The MENU software database was updated.
  It now includes information on
  15,000 software packages for all platforms.
  This database is a nice complement to the Product Profiles
  we place online in the Tandy Headquarters section.
 
  The PCM Magazine reviews database
  was added to provide members with a searchable database
  with reviews on leading MS-DOS software packages.
 
PC-Link Customer Relations answered 10,758 calls in May.
The average hold time was 31 seconds, a decline of 70% since November 1989.
Way to go, PC-Link!
 
Watch here for more information on PC-Link,
and don't forget you can order 700-1355 for only a quarter
and give it away with any modem purchases.
It's a great and inexpensive way
to give the customer an added bonus
for buying their modem from you and Radio Shack.
 
MOM-08-90
YOU CAN REALLY HEAR THE DIFFERENCE!
 
There's been a lot of press lately on the IBM PS/1
and its ability to add a sound expansion adapter,
but what does it really mean?
It means that it costs about $250.00 dollars to add to the PS/1
something similar to what we already include in our Tandy  1000 RL,
Tandy  1000 SL/2 and Tandy  1000 TL/2
(and included in the 1000 SL, 1000 TL)
and even then, you won't be able to use all of the software
already available for our machine.
 
It's similar technology in that we both use a DAC;
however, PS/1 sound is located in a different place in memory
and all of the software that already uses our sound technology
must be rewritten to support the PS/1 hardware.
Today only a handful of titles exist that support the IBM PS/1 sound platform.
 
To give you an idea of how much software is out there
that supports our Tandy 1000 3-voice sound and
Tandy DAC (Digital to Analog Converter),
we've started a chart and will update it in upcoming issues of the M.O.M.
The chart lists the title of the product, the vendor or distributor,
the catalog number of the item if we carry it,
and whether it supports the 3-voice sound chip and/or the DAC.
This first interaction of the chart
can be found as an attachment to this issue of the M.O.M.
 
Hundreds of titles exist and more are being written every day!
When the chart is complete we'll be able give you some statistics,
but the preliminary numbers reveal
that over 50% of the software available today
supports one or both of the Tandy 1000 sound platforms.
 
MOM-08-90
NEW! AT-STYLE SMARTDRIVES
 
25-4124 52 MB SmartDrive
 
The NEW 25-4124 52 MB replaces the 25-4123
at the same selling price of $599.00!
The actual formatted capacity will be 50 MB.
Its 1" height allows you to install it in the
3 1/2" device area of the 2500 XL, 4016 SX and the NEW 4020 SX.
The 16 ms access time makes this SmartDrive a snap to use
and will allow your customers instant access to their important information.
This drive is stockable by all stores and Centers,
and orderable through your Regional Warehouse.
 
Special Note:  This drive with Novell NetWare will only format 40 MB.
Future releases will allow formatting to 50 MB.
 
25-4130 105 MB SmartDrive Replaces 25-4120 in Large Supply
 
This is for your customers that require a large storage capacity
for their programs and information.
Finally, with DOS 4.01 you can actually have a formatted capacity of 100 MB!
This drive has the same features as the 52 MB
and is stockable by 01Zs and Centers with special order for 01 Stores
through TSDC.
 
Special Note:  This drive with Novell NetWare will only format 40 MB.
Future releases will allow formatting to 100 MB.
When using with a Tandy  3000 NL, only 68 MB will format.
 
Both of these drives combined with our Tandy Business Computers
offer your customers and prospects an excellent value.
ALWAYS include a SmartDrive in your proposals.
This will give YOUR customers and prospects the best possible solution
at the best possible value.
 
Once again you're able to offer MMBFTB (More MegaBytes For The Buck!)
to make YOUR sales GROW!
 
MOM-08-90
DE-MYSTIFYING PRINTER CABLES
 
In determining which printer cable to use with which printer
and desktop CPU it is easy to become confused
IF you try to make it too difficult!
It is really not that difficult since
there are only three questions you need to answer.
 
1. How long a cable is required -- 6 foot or 12 foot?
 
2. What kind of connector is on the CPU -- 25 pin or Card Edge?
 
3. What kind of port is on the printer -- Tandy or IBM?
 
Answers to these questions are also very simple:
 
1. How long a cable?
   Easy -- just ask the customer.
 
2. What kind of connector on the CPU?
   You can either look at the connector on the CPU
   or use these general guidelines:
 
      All of the older Tandy  1000 computers used a
      card edge connector up to and including the Tandy  1000 TL/2.
      The list includes:
 
          Tandy 1000/1000A
          Tandy 1000 SL/1000 SL/2
          Tandy 1000 SX
          Tandy 1000 TL/1000 TL/2
          Tandy 1000 TX
          Model I, Model III, Model 4 (all Models)
 
      Most other MS-DOS based systems and the balance of our
      MS-DOS based systems (except for the Tandy  2000)
      use a 25 pin connector on the CPU:
 
          Most IBM Compatibles
          Tandy 1200
          Tandy 3000 (all models)
          Tandy 4000 (all models)
          Tandy 5000 (all models)
          Tandy 1400 (all models)
          Tandy 1500 HD
          Tandy 1100 FD
          Tandy 2800 HD
          Tandy 1000 RL
          WP-2
 
3. Now determine what type of printer port is on the printer.
   Once again it is very simple and straightforward.
 
      Most third party printers use a port that
      is similar to an IBM/EPSON type of port.
      Our newly introduced printers also use this type of port:
 
          DMP 134
          DMP 240
          DMP 302
          DMP 2103
          DMP 2130
          LP 950 Laser Printer
 
      Our older Tandy printers used a port that was
      developed by Tandy and was our standard for many years.
      Any printer not listed above has this Tandy port in it,
      including a couple of items in the current catalog.
 
          DMP 107
          DMP 442
 
With the answers to these three questions,
you can easily determine the type of cable by matching
first the CPU connector (Card Edge or 25 pin)
and the type of port on the printer (Tandy or IBM).
Then choose from the list below matching the CPU Connector
with the proper Printer Port.
 
              CPU      Type of
Length     Connector     Port     Stock #
12 Foot    Card Edge    Tandy     26-0222
12 Foot    25 Pin       Tandy     26-0223
 6 Foot    Card Edge    Tandy     26-0225
 6 Foot    25 Pin       Tandy     26-0227
 
12 Foot     Card Edge    IBM      26-1259
12 Foot     25 Pin       IBM      26-1258
 6 Foot     Card Edge    IBM      26-0259
 6 Foot     25 Pin       IBM      26-0258
 
MOM-08-90
SELLING THE BACKUP POWER SUPPLY -- Part 1
 
Who Needs It?
 
Any computer user with extensive data files that would be expensive,
or even impossible, to reconstruct should obviously establish a standard
routine for making and storing file backup copies.
However, in today's world of ever-expanding data bases, larger hard drives,
and dedicated file servers, the time and expense of reconstructing the work
lost from an unexpected power failure makes it smart business to invest
in a good backup power supply.
 
Additionally, maintaining an uninterrupted flow of power to your hard disk
can prevent the unrecoverable errors that might result from power loss
during a directory or file allocation update.
In addition to loss of data, power failures cause head crashes and other
equipment stress.
 
The marketplace has responded to this growing need
with a bewildering range of units,
covering the entire spectrum of possible features, capacities, and prices.
Properly matching your customer's actual need to
the appropriate power supply is essential for completing a sale
and having a satisfied, long-term customer.
 
Types of Power Disruption
 
There are several degrees of power disruption which can cause loss of
computer data.
The most common is the brownout or sag,
which is a dip in power line voltage below the 95-100 volt level
required to maintain the typical microcomputer
that lasts for a duration of more than several milliseconds.
 
In practical terms, the typical microcomputer can only survive without
adequate power for a maximum of about 1/2 of an AC power cycle (8 ms),
and most good backup power supplies will respond within the elapsed time
of 1/4 cycle (4 ms) or less.
An extensive study by the Bell Laboratories indicated sags to be the
most common form of power disturbance capable of causing data loss,
amounting to 87% of all power disturbances they recorded.
IEEE studies show such an event may occur at the average workstation as
often as 14 times per month.
Causes for such disturbances include peak-hour overloads on the utility grid,
resulting in both intentional or unintentional reductions
in line voltage by the power company,
and overloads within a particular building from heavy equipment,
such as air conditioners or furnaces.
 
The extreme form of voltage sag is the blackout
where a complete loss of power of significant duration
(again, more than a few milliseconds) is experienced.
This total loss of power accounted for nearly five percent
of the disturbances recorded by Bell and,
according to IEEE data, occurs at the average site once every two months.
Outright power loss can result from downed utility lines or
tripped circuit breakers.
 
In the other direction, there are occasional voltage surges where power
climbs for several milliseconds or more to above 135 volts.
While capable of causing actual equipment damage as well as data loss,
such occasions are relatively rare,
amounting to less than one percent for the Bell study.
The major cause is poor regulation by the power utility,
particularly when switching lines or generators.
 
Finally there is a specialized class of extreme but very short duration
overvoltages called spikes which can range from hundreds to thousands of
volts but which last for only fractions of a millisecond.
These are relatively common and were seen as causing over seven percent
of the data disturbances in the Bell Labs study.
Protection against these very quick spikes requires a different type of
equipment from the backup power supply being discussed here and,
along with line noise (another form of power contamination),
will be the general subject of a future article devoted to
spike protectors and line regulators.
 
How to Sell to a Customer
 
In selling the backup power supply,
begin by asking if your customer's CPU or server is always attended by an
operator, or whether the installation is allowed to operate unattended,
such as with a remote server or a CPU left on at night to receive incoming
messages via modem.
 
If operations will be partially or wholly unattended, it is desirable to
protect the workstation with a more elaborate "intelligent" power
supply that can communicate with the CPU or file server to let it know when
the workstation is being supported on emergency power.
This alert causes the unattended CPU or server to go into an automatic
shutdown routine, closing any open files before the batteries on the backup
power supply are exhausted.
The intelligent power supply can then reverse this process and automatically
reboot and reopen the system when normal power is restored.
 
The next criteria for selecting the backup power supply is to determine
the appropriate size or CAPACITY.
This can be more confusing than expected for two reasons:
 
1. Backup units are rated in either volt-amperes (VA) or WATTS.
   VA is calculated by multiplying the voltage delivered to the device
   times the amperage drawn.
   If the device draws power 100% of the time, such as with a light bulb,
   then VA rating is equivalent to watts.
 
   However, in a microcomputer with a switching power supply,
   power is consumed only around the peak of each cycle,
   and consequently power is being drawn only about 70% of the time.
   (The exact fraction for a specific piece of equipment is its POWER FACTOR.)
   Consequently, the actual watts consumed by a microcomputer are only about
   70% of its VA rating.
 
   Unfortunately, in the industry's game of specmanship,
   manufacturers tend to rate their units in VA,
   which is the larger number.
   To convert to watts, simply multiply the VA rating by 0.7.
 
2. The actual power in watts consumed by the device to be protected is
   always somewhat less than its rating labels would indicate.
   Furthermore, the power required to initially boot a "cold" system is
   substantially more than that required to maintain an operating system
   where the monitor is warm and the capacitors throughout the system
   are charged.
 
   We therefore have made power consumption measurements of actual warm
   and running systems in various configurations and published them
   in the M.O.M. to give you some concrete sense of the actual watts required.
   The August 1988 M.O.M. gave the following examples:
   Fully "loaded" Tandy  1000 TL system with monitor
   (totally populated with memory, VGA card, 40 MB hard card
   plus two extra floppy disk drives, and internal modem) pulled 53 watts.
   A "loaded" Tandy  4000  with multiple hard drives required 175 watts.
 
   Naturally, some margin of safety should be allowed, but, in reality,
   250 watts (or about 350 VA) should be sufficient to support most AT-class
   systems.
   This is why our BPS-250 (Cat. No. 26-250) was designed
    for 250 watts capacity.
 
Related to the question of capacity is the type and endurance
of the backup batteries involved.
Almost universally, these backup power supplies use a sealed "gel-cell,"
which is simply a variation of the lead-acid battery seen in the automobile.
One advantage is that, unlike the nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cad) rechargeable
batteries used in many portable devices, the lead-acid gel-cell does
not have a "memory" and therefore can be maintained at full charge without
reduction in capacity or life.
Life of such gel cells typically runs about 24 months, depending on actual
use and environmental conditions, and most backup supplies have some type
of status lamp to indicate the condition of the battery.
 
The typical backup device will provide power at its full-load rating for
between 5 and 10 minutes, easily long enough for the operator to close
files and make an orderly power shutdown once the visual and/or audible
alarm on the backup unit goes off to indicate that the computer system
is now being maintained on backup power.
Some backup units have provisions for stacking extra batteries
into the system to provide longer endurance,
but these are primarily intended for use with telephone switches,
point-of-sale registers, and other applications where emergency power
is to be maintained continuously rather than temporarily.
 
Summary
 
To this point, we have learned something about the importance of a backup
power source to the business user and the types and causes of various power
disturbances.
Following this, we have begun to qualify our potential customer on the basis
of (1) stand-alone or network application and (2) approximate capacity
(rated watts or VA).
 
In next month's article, we will continue with more about the basic types
and features of backup power supplies.
 
MOM-08-90
RL DEMO DISKETTE
 
Each time you run the RL Demo Diskette (FC-0102) from the floppy diskette,
you must first run a batch file that removes any temporary files
from the diskette.
This batch file appears as CLEAN.BAT on the demo diskette.
To run the batch file:
insert the floppy diskette in the drive,
and from the Desktop type, <F2> R <ENTER> CLEAN <ENTER>.
(This does not apply when you are running the demo from a hard disk.)
 
MOM-08-90
MAGAZINE ADVERTISING
 
Tandy computer products are frequently advertised
in leading national publications.
Magazine advertising reinforces the image of Tandy Computers as
a nationally recognized brand.
Tandy computer products will be featured in the following publications
over the next month:
 
Date     Magazine                  Computer
8/01     PC Resource               DMP 240
8/14     Better Homes & Gardens    Tandy  1000 RL
8/14     Good Housekeeping         Tandy  1000 RL
8/15     Byte                      Tandy  2500 XL / DAC
8/18     PCM                       DeskMate Software
8/18     PCM                       Tandy  1000 RL
8/25     Working Woman             Tandy  1000 RL
8/25     Changing Times            Tandy  1000 RL
8/21     Home-Office Computing     Tandy  2500 XL
8/27     Computer Reseller News    CLP
 
MOM-08-90
TANDY PRODUCT PROFILES UPDATE
 
The most recent quarterly update (FC-372, June 1990) to the
Tandy Product Profiles is being drop-shipped to 11s, 01Zs, DSMs,
RSMs, RMTMs, AEMMs and REMMs.
Remember that if you ordered FC-352 (the two-volume set)
separately from one that you received as a drop shipment,
you will need to order FC-372 to keep it up-to-date.
 
So far, all the numbers you need to know to keep your Tandy Product Profiles
and Tandy Educational Product Profiles current are:
 
STOCK #     DESCRIPTION             DATED
 
FC-352     Tandy Product Profiles   November 1987
           2nd Edition (2 vol. set)
FC-363     2nd Update to FC-352     May 1988
FC-364     3rd Update to FC-352     August 1988
FC-367     4th Update to FC-352     November 1988
FC-369     5th Update to FC-352     February 1989
FC-370     6th Update to FC-352     May 1989
FC-371     7th Update to FC-352     October 1989
FC-372     8th Update to FC-352     June 1990
 
Also avail:
FC-353     Tandy Educational Product
           Profiles 2nd Edition     April 1988
FC-368     1st Update to FC-353     November 1988
 
MOM-08-90
MICROSOFT WORD UPGRADE PROGRAM
 
Microsoft is upgrading users from any version of Microsoft Word to
Microsoft Word for Windows.
Upgrade cost is $150.00 and is direct through Microsoft.
 
This is a great opportunity,
especially for all of you with older copies of Word (25-1162).
The DISC price on this item is $201.25.
The additional $150.00 brings the total price up to only $351.20,
a $140.00 savings over the $495.00 retail price for Microsoft Word for Windows.
 
You can also use this upgrade program to move your current Word customers
into the Windows environment.
And with your "On the Move" marketing plan,
you'll be giving Windows away with the system!
 
MOM-08-90
TWO...TWO...TWO BOARDS IN ONE!
 
That's right, we've combined the popular 25-4039 Dual Serial
and 25-4034 Serial Parallel boards to give you an awesome product
to sell to your customers.
Even a great selling price of only $79.95.
25-4025 Dual Serial with Parallel is now available through TSDC.
 
The serial ports are 9-pin male
and will allow support for COM1:, 2:, 3:, or 4:
depending on the current configuration of the CPU.
 
The parallel port is the standard 25-pin female
and can be configured to LPT2: or 3: or disabled.
It cannot be enabled as LPT1:.
(This port is already available on all Tandy computers.)
The use of the parallel port does require the use of a second slot.
 
MOM-08-90
VMT MANUFACTURING SYSTEM FOR AUGUST/SEPTEMBER
 
We are adding 903-1787 RealWorld Inventory to the system
featured on Page 14 of the "On the Move" marketing plan mailed
to all Computer Centers and Z stores on June 29th of this year.
It's being added at no additional cost to the customer!
 
These "bottom line" figures change,
increasing the savings for your customer:
 
System Regular Price   $22,401.84
System Sale Price      $17,999.00
SAVE !                  $4,402.84
 
MOM-08-90
WINDOWS 3.0 PROMOTION
 
During the August 1st through September 30th time frame,
clients and prospects can bring in a disk from a PC compatible computer
(1.44 MB 3 1/2" or 1.2 MB 5 1/4")
for you to copy a "demo only" version of Windows on.
Use the Tandy  4016 SX to duplicate a copy of the master disk you received.
(You should add a 5 1/4" (1.2 MB) drive to
the 4016 SX to accommodate customers that use that size media).
 
Windows 3.0 is perfect for the "sometime" PC user as well as
the experienced veteran.
 
Inform your clients that the new icon-based Program Manager
in Windows makes it easy to work with all your programs --
including those included with the actual new Windows package.
 
You also want to point out the:
 
    color paint program
    executive word processor
    communications program
    calendar
    dual-mode calculator
    notepad
    clock
    cardfile
    macro recorder, and
    two games!
 
Remind your customers that Windows 3.0 requires a 286, 386,
or higher processor, 1 MB of RAM and MS-DOS version 3.1 or higher.
 
Take this opportunity to get the customer's name and address --
so you can use it for follow-up prospecting.
You'll also want to remind every customer when prospecting that Windows 3.0
is here today at Radio Shack Computer Centers
AND the Tandy 4016 SX is the perfect machine to run it on!
 
Last, but certainly not least -- visit with your customers
about the special 4016 SX promotional systems with free Windows 3.0.
Refer to Pages 9 to 11 of the "On the Move" marketing plan
dated June 29th, 1990 for more details and specific system promotions
(Tandy 4016 SX/Windows and 4016 SX/Windows/PageMaker).
EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY
Radio Shack Education Marketing Newsletter
 
MOM-08-90
SCHOOLMATE IN THE CLASSROOM
 
DLM Teaching Resources recently announced
support for the SchoolMate  Education Network
with four best-selling titles:
Alphabet Circus, Number Farm, Comparison Kitchen, and
Curious George Visits the Library for SchoolMate.
This announcement is timely since funding for
the early childhood education (ECE) market is increasing significantly.
 
ECE is high on everyone's agenda,
including the agenda of the President of the United States,
with approximately $252 million federal dollars allocated
for fiscal year 1990.
In praising the national Head Start organization
on the occasion of its 25th anniversary,
President George Bush pledged additional budgetary support.
He is joined by key governors and legislators at the national and state level
who support some form of early education intervention.
 
In this current environment,
with its marked concern over the state of education in this country,
it is reasonable to expect funding
for educational "preventative maintenance" to grow steadily.
Head Start and similarly constructed programs
will benefit from this attention and scrutiny
as teachers and administrators acquire technology
to be used to assist in the development of programs for young children.
 
A prime example of this trend is evidenced by
current activities in the state of Kentucky.
In adopting the Education Reform Act of 1990,
Kentucky has mandated that the overhaul of its educational system
will include the extensive use of technology
that will consist of both local-area and wide-area networking.
Among the many requirements school districts will face
is that they must also provide educational programs
for all eligible "at-risk" four-year-old children.
 
Be prepared to work with teachers and administrators in your territory
by helping them select the right solution
to meet their needs for a particular student population
and then make a proposal outlining the results of your research.
 
For example,
you could combine the solution provided by a publisher such as DLM
with that of one of our Integrated Instructional System (IIS) partners.
Although you cannot offer integrated instructional management,
you can use third party applications such as Alphabet Circus,
Number Farm, Comparison Kitchen
and Curious George Visits the Library
as ancillary materials with kindergarten and first graders
to extend the variety available on, for example,
Jostens Elementary Basic Learning System.
Use the product descriptions that follow
to help you present these products to teachers.
 
    Alphabet Circus (900-5577) contains all the color
    and excitement of the big top!
    Six interactive play-and-learn activities help teach
    letter recognition, alphabetical order, and text creation.
 
    Number Farm (900-5578) features six games and activities
    that help youngsters learn numerals, number words, numerical order,
    counting skills and beginning number concepts.
 
    Comparison Kitchen (900-5579) uses lively music and clever graphics
    to strengthen children's visual perception of sizes and amounts
    and strengthen their visual discrimination of objects
    by color, shape and size.
 
    Curious George Visits the Library (900-5753) finds
    that cute little monkey up to his usual mischief!
    In this program, George not only learns what fun libraries are,
    but he helps children practice position words and concepts --
    in/out, up/down, on/off, and so forth.
 
The retail price for each of the four software programs is $199.00 per server.
Contact DLM at:
 
DLM
One DLM Park
Allen, Texas  75002
(800) 527-4747
(In Texas: 800/442-4711)
 
for product literature and additional sales information.
 
For a comprehensive listing of SchoolMate software,
obtain a copy of the SchoolMate Curriculum Matrix
from your Area Education Marketing Manager or
call Education Marketing at (817) 390-2967.
 
Don't forget:  Many SchoolMate applications are available direct from
Radio Shack through Educational Express Order
and are described in the 1991 Educational Products Guide.
 
 
What's In ETN This Month
 
Product Line     Radio Shack Announces A+
                 Savings for Educators
EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY
Product Line -- Promotions, Contests, Latest Products
 
MOM-08-90
RADIO SHACK ANNOUNCES A+ SAVINGS FOR EDUCATORS
 
This fall's Teacher Opportunity Program (TOP)
will be our most aggressive to date.
 
From September 1 to December 31,
teachers can choose from any of three (3) Tandy systems.
Each system includes a hard drive, monitor, mouse, and printer.
 
Tandy 2500 XL
 
The Tandy  2500 XL is a no-compromise system for advanced applications,
featuring detailed VGA graphics, a built-in 52 MB hard drive,
1 MB memory and fast 286 processing.
The system includes a VGM-200 VGA color monitor
and the DMP 240 printer and color ribbon.
All for just $2,199.95.
 
                                            TOP
                               RETAIL       PRICE   SVGS
 
25-4074     2500 XL           $1,499.00
25-1042     Mouse                $49.95
25-4041     VGM-200 Monitor     $499.95
25-4124     52 MB SmartDrive    $599.00
26-2839     DMP 240             $549.95
26-2826     Color Ribbon         $29.95
26-0288     Printer Cable        $34.95
 
                               $3,262.75  $2,199.95  $1,062.80  33%
 
Tandy 1000 TL/2
 
Like the 2500 XL, the Tandy  1000 TL/2 comes
with DeskMate  applications
to help teachers plan lessons, average grades, design tests and more.
With the built-in 20 MB hard drive,
CM-11 CGA color monitor and the DMP 240 printer and color ribbon,
it's only $1,699.95.
 
                                          TOP
                               RETAIL     PRICE   SVGS
 
25-1602     1000 TL/2         $999.95
25-1040     Mouse              $49.95
25-1024     CM-11 Monitor     $399.95
25-1045     20 MB HD          $399.95
26-2839     DMP 240           $549.95
26-2826     Color Ribbon       $29.95
26-0289     Printer Cable      $34.95
 
                            $2,464.65  $1,699.95  $764.70  31%
 
Tandy 1000 RL
 
Or, teachers can choose the family computer so easy to use,
it guarantees success:
the new Tandy  1000 RL.
With built-in 20 MB hard drive,
this PC comes with 24 ready-to-run applications
to help teachers with finances, meal planning and more.
Includes the CM-5 color monitor and DMP 134 dot matrix printer
for just $1,299.95.
 
                                      TOP
                            RETAIL    PRICE     SVGS
 
25-1451     1000 RL HD     $999.95
25-1042     Mouse           $49.95
25-1043     CM-5 Monitor   $299.95
26-2848     DMP 134        $359.95
26-0288     Printer Cable   $34.95
 
                         $1,744.75  $1,299.95  $444.80  25%
 
Other Configurations
 
If the teacher wants to configure their own system
they can get 20% off the regular catalog price of any other Tandy system,
or purchase the computer at the best price available
and get 20% off the regular price of any accessories.
(Sale prices and services are not discountable.)
 
TOP Campaign
 
The TOP campaign will be featured
in the September and October issues
of leading educational magazines,
including Classroom Computer Learning,
Electronic Learning, Instructor, Learning, NEA Today,
Teacher, Teaching K-8, and Today's Catholic Teacher.
The combined circulation of these magazines is 2.9 million.
 
No coupon will appear in these ads.
Teachers must come into your store or center
to pickup the TOP brochure
and return it to you to place their order.
Contact your local teachers
and tell them about these great offers!
 
Posters and brochures will be included in your September POP kit
along with information on how to process these orders.
 
MOM-08-90
OUTBOUND MARKETING IN AUGUST/SEPTEMBER
A monthly column for the direct sales professional.
QUALIFYING
 
This month's Outbound Marketing deals with the process of qualifying prospects.
 
What is Qualifying?
 
Qualifying is the process by which a marketing professional
determines that spending their time and energy for a prospect
will result in a substantial sale!
 
Through your telemarketing,
you may determine that a given prospect may have needs
that your solutions can address.
However, the prospect may not be prepared
to fulfill the relationship you desire.
 
Three questions that you need to ask yourself are:
 
1. Will they buy?
 
2. Will they buy now?
 
3. Will they buy from you?
 
If you ascertain the answers to these questions,
they should tell you if the account you are about to start
wearing your shoe leather out on is going to be worth your time and energy.
 
The Qualifying Process
 
Clearly, your job as a sales professional is to "move" your client
towards the ultimate decision -- ownership of your computer solution.
The following steps will help you in that movement process.
 
1.  Verify the Prospect's Needs
 
    Probe the customer.
    Narrow the facts down and determine exactly what it is your prospect needs.
    This will help you determine if we can design a solution
    to fit their needs.
    This will also help you answer the question:  Will they buy?
 
2.  Prioritize Needs
 
    In the first step, you determined the prospect's needs.
    Now it's time to take that broad brush stroke
    and help the prospect paint a specific picture for you of
    what their HOT BUTTONS are --
    what problems can you solve that will motivate your prospect to buy?
    This will help you answer the question:  Will they buy now?
 
3.  Propose Solutions
 
    In the process of questioning the prospect to get specifics,
    you need to be putting together the pieces of the puzzle
    that will result in an affirmative response.
    Many times you will need to consult an expert,
    such as your SE, manager or RMTM.
    The end result should be that you can answer this question:
    Will they buy from me?
 
Let's examine some great qualifying questions:
 
Has your business been growing in the past years?
 
What type of information do you need to run your business
more effectively -- that you don't have available to you now?
 
Are your costs of doing business increasing rapidly?
What areas are rising the quickest?
 
Are your customers happy with the level of service you are able to offer?
 
Do you need extra help in meeting deadlines?
What type of deadlines?
 
Do you experience delays in deliveries?
 
What problems do those delays cause for your business?
 
Has funding been allocated to address some of these problems?
 
Do you have a specific timetable to resolve some of these problems?
 
Which problems would you prefer to address first?
 
Here are two ways of addressing your problems,
which one is more workable to you?
 
Is the solution you prefer in the investment range you imagined?
 
Shall we sketch-out a timetable for implementation?
 
Have some fun and determine which of the qualifying questions above
you would use in the Verify, Prioritize or Propose stages
of the qualifying process!
NEW PRODUCTS
 
MOM-08-90
THE TANDY 1500 HD -- TANDY'S SECRET WEAPON
 
Shrouded in secrecy,
Tandy has been quietly developing the first practical laptop computer
that contains everything a user would ever need,
in a size and format that will fit in a briefcase
without the user having to sacrifice anything.
The rest of the industry is busy trying to
make their units smaller and lighter,
and forgetting about what the user has to do to make them work.
 
Some manufacturers are making the keyboards smaller
by making some keys do double and even triple duty.
They simply leave off a complete row of keys --
boy, that sounds "user friendly."
Others are making the keys themselves smaller
and packing them tighter on the keyboard
making it hard for the user to change from a standard size
keyboard back to the small format of the laptop.
 
In other moves to make the units smaller,
manufacturers are removing essential parts from the units
and making them optional external accessories.
In some cases the floppy disk drive is removed from the unit,
which forces the user to carry an additional piece of equipment on the road.
Others have AC Adapters that look and feel like a brick --
giving the user even more items to carry around.
Some units produced today are so light that
they slide across the user's lap or table tray
as the user tries to type on them.
 
Batteries Included!
 
INTRODUCING the Tandy  1500 HD Notebook Size Laptop Computer!!!
This extremely compact unit offers all the advantages of being small,
yet sacrifices nothing in order to get there.
Its compact size of 12.2" X 10" X 1.7" fits easily into
a briefcase or small carrying case.
And its weight of  less than 6 pounds, including battery,
is the ideal weight.
 
The super slim 1.7" height makes it ideal to carry around
from place to place without being burdened by flimsy handles.
 
Keyboard
 
The keyboard is a full 84 keys
with a full 101-key emulation built right in.
The keys and the spacing are identical in size
to a full size PC keyboard and the cursor control keys are
logically laid out on the right side of the keyboard
for ease of use without having to press
multiple keys to get PGUP, PGDOWN, END, HOME, and other functions.
 
In addition, most of the power-saving modes
can be enabled/disabled by the user straight from the keyboard,
with two keys, without having to run a complicated setup program.
And for those times when the user needs the internal speaker to be quiet,
it can easily be turned off from the keyboard,
even right in the middle of a program.
 
An imbedded numerical keypad not only allows users to
enter keypad numbers, but also provides
ALL of the standard key functions of a full 101-key keypad.
This combination allows those software packages like
Microsoft Flight Simulator and others to run
without having to find a keyboard workaround for keypad functions.
 
Tandy Key Switch
 
And an exciting feature for users
that are switching from a standard typewriter,
the "TANDY KEY SWITCH" system (Patent Pending) allows users
to reverse the left side CONTROL key and the CAPS LOCK key positions.
The two key caps can be interchanged
and the user simply moves a dip switch to indicate the position change.
This feature will be invaluable
for people that find the PC-style keyboard hard to use
because of the location of the CAPS LOCK key.
 
LCD
 
The high definition Blue on White CGA LCD
has been enhanced with a low-power-draw fluorescent white backlight
to provide ample lighting under any condition.
It is controlled by a two position switch
that allows the user to switch to low or high intensity
depending on the conditions.
In most situations, the low intensity setting can be used,
which also provides the benefit of conserving even more battery power.
 
Battery Life
 
The High Capacity NI-CAD battery has been integrated
right into the case design of the Tandy 1500 HD.
It slips easily in and out of its compartment
without having to hook up tiny connectors.
Although it weighs only .75 pounds,
it can power the 1500 HD up to 3 hours and 45 minutes,
when using the LCD at low intensity
and the hard drive access is active 10% of the time.
(It should be noted that battery life will vary from user to user,
as each user will set up the power saving modes differently
and use the hard disk and floppy disk in various intensities.)
 
Replacement batteries (25-3526, $99.95) will also be available.
Batteries can be recharged on the 1500 HD in approximately 4 hours
with the unit turned off,
or 8 hours while the unit is in use.
 
The AC Adapter was designed to keep the total weight for the traveling user
at the absolute minimum.
It weighs a mere .5 pounds and is the same adapter as used with the 1100 FD.
So when the user goes traveling,
he carries only a total of 6.5 pounds,
all of which will fit in a single, small carrying case
or even a briefcase.
Try that with some of the competitors' models!
 
Tandy Power View
 
The "TANDY POWER VIEW" LED system is a set of two multi-color LEDs
that reside on the outside top of the case of the 1500 HD.
So even with the display LCD closed,
the user can tell the state of the battery and charging,
and, most importantly, can tell whether they have
left the unit on by mistake after closing the top.
 
The power button has been moved to the inside of the open LCD display
to keep it from accidentally being turned on
while it floats around in the carrying case or briefcase.
Inside the case, LEDs are provided
for CAPS LOCK, SCROLL LOCK, NUMERIC PAD, KEYPAD, and HARD DISK access.
The user never has to guess what is operating and what isn't.
 
The 1500 HD is equipped with
a lightning fast 10 MHz V20 processor and 640K of zero-wait state memory.
This combination, plus its fast response LCD,
provides the user with a low-cost laptop
that provides super speed for most portable applications.
 
Internal RAM
 
The internal 640K RAM is user-expandable to 1.64 MB
by simply installing a Memory Module (25-3507, $399.95)
underneath an access cover,
and the MS-DOS provided already includes
an Expanded Memory Manager for LIM 4.0 support.
 
An internal 2 1/2" hard disk provides 20 megabytes of storage
with a super fast 23 ms access speed.
And a 1.44 MB 3 1/2" floppy drive gives the user
the flexibility of using standard- or high-density 3 1/2" diskettes.
 
Smallest Modem in the Industry
 
And talking about small things,
the internal 2400 bps modem (25-3525, $199.95)
is one of the smallest modems in the laptop industry
and continues our proud tradition of
offering modems at a very competitive price.
It slips easily into a compartment on the 1500 HD
and is ready to use with the included PC-Link software.
 
Easy to Use
 
The 1500 HD ships complete with MS-DOS 3.3 and DeskMate  3
already installed for the user on the hard drive.
It's ready to turn on and use instantly, right out of the box.
There is no need for time-consuming hard disk preparation,
and hours of reading the manuals just to find out how to make it work.
The ease of use of the DeskMate interface
makes it easy to demonstrate, sell, and use.
 
The 1500 HD is priced at only $1,999.00 and will be available
by the end of September.
 
MOM-08-90
NEW TANDY 4020 SX
 
The New Tandy  4020 SX will be available in late September from TSDC.
This is an exciting new product featuring the 20 MHz version
of the 80386sx microprocessor.
 
The 4020 SX features the new low profile case design
with expansion for the SmartDrive  and a 5 1/4" drive
or a tape backup device inside.
One serial, one parallel and a PS/2-style mouse port are also standard.
Its catalog number is 25-4902 and it sells for $2,499.00.
 
The 4020 SX comes with TWO Megabytes of FAST 80 ns RAM
(enough to make Windows 3.0 do its stuff!).
The memory is expandable to five megabytes on the main logic board
(removing only 4 256K SIMMS)
and will support up to 16 megabytes using memory expansion boards
in two of the three available expansion slots.
When increasing the memory on the main logic board,
use 25-5031 and increase to 5 megabytes.
 
The 4020 SX features built-in IMPROVED graphics capability
with our current VGM-200 and VGM-300 monitors.
This resolution is:
 
    640 X 400 with 256 colors out of 256,000 colors
                        and
    640 X 480 with 16 colors out of 256,000 colors
 
With the Video RAM increased from 256K to 512K on the main logic board,
our VGM-200 and 300 monitors will display
 
    640 X 480 with 256 colors out of 256,000 colors!
 
The 4020 SX is positioned for the markets you are targeting.
 
    Windows 3.0 and related products
    Desktop Publishing environment
    School Administration offices
    Small business accounting
    Networking workstation
    Entry level CAD/CAM
 
AND MORE...YOU CAN SELL IT!
 
This is one more reason why there is no better value
for your customers and prospects!
 
MOM-08-90
PRINTERS, PRINTERS, EVERYWHERE!!
 
This year's line of printers continues the excitement from last year.
With only a few repeats,
this line promises to be one of the best lines in years.
All the new printers continue the trends
we started with the mid-year 1990 Computer Catalog.
Each of the new printers contains an industry standard parallel port
similar to the one used in the IBM/EPSON line of printers.
This means that these printers can be used in all types of applications
without having to worry about having a specific TANDY type printer cable.
They use the newer 26-288/289 6-foot cables
and the all new 26-1258/1259 12-foot versions.
The printers that now use these cables are the DMP 134, DMP 240,
DMP 302, DMP 2103, DMP 2130, and the new LP 950 Laser Printer,
as well as many of the third party printers currently on the market.
 
The only remaining printers that use the older Tandy port cables
(26-222/223/225/227) are the DMP 107 and the DMP 442,
and, of course, any of the other Tandy printers we have sold over the years.
 
Also, this new line of printers further strengthens our market position
by including IBM and EPSON emulations instead of the older Tandy emulation.
This should make it extremely easy for you to sell these printers
to anyone that has a TANDY or IBM compatible MS-DOS based computer system.
So don't forget to let your customers know that you can help them out,
regardless of their current computer system.
 
Now let's briefly look at each of the new printers:
 
26-2848 DMP 134
 
This is a sleek up-to-date version of our popular DMP 130 series
of 9-wire printers with a reduced price of $359.95.
Besides the major revisions stated above,
we have included manual paper parking,
changed the emulation to IBM Proprinter II only,
added high speed 192 cps 12 pitch draft
and 240 cps super speed 15 pitch draft mode.
 
In addition, there is now an optional 32K RAM module (26-2851) available
from Service Centers that will increase the print buffer size and add
RAM for downloadable IBM Proprinter type fonts.
With its push tractor, one inch paper tear, and economical price,
this printer is ideal for personal users.
 
The appearance of the DMP 134 is identical to the DMP 133
and continues the trend towards keeping our printers sleek and modern looking.
 
26-2849 DMP 302
 
If it ain't broke...don't fix it!!
The success of the DMP 300 printer has proven we have a continued winner.
Although we didn't fix what wasn't broken,
we did enhance the new version with some features
that should make the customer want more of these units.
 
We added four additional letter quality fonts bringing the total number to six.
Courier, Prestige, Roman, Gothic, Helvette, Orator,
and the built-in draft fonts are included,
combined with double height, double width,
italic, condensed, compressed, bold and various combinations of each type.
These features, along with 10, 12, 15, 17, 20 and proportional pitch,
literally give the user more fonts than anyone could ever use.
 
The new DMP 302 will continue to use the same ribbon (26-2819)
as the DMP 300 and will also use the CSF 300 Cut Sheet Feeder (26-2816)
for feeding single sheet paper automatically.
 
In addition to having a standard parallel port,
the unit now sports IBM Proprinter X24 and EPSON LQ 850 emulations
to cover all types of software applications.
 
All this and we even reduced the price to $599.00.
 
26-2850 DMP 2103
 
All the good things about the DMP 302 have been combined
into this wide carriage version,
making it a perfect printer for office environments that need
the features of a word processing printer combined with the requirements
that accounting applications place on a printer
(i.e., wide carriage high speed draft).
 
And to make it even more appealing,
we have reduced this year's version to only $899.00.
 
26-2845 DMP 2130
 
Our super high speed printer for data processing and accounting applications,
this printer was released a couple of months
ago and has been putting the rest of the so called high speed
third party printers to shame.
 
With its 480 cps super high speed print mode and its unique flat paper path,
the DMP 2130 is destined to be the printer of choice of the power users.
 
The unique 28-wire print head provides the speed
and yet reduces the wear and tear during use to make it not only fast,
but fast for a long time.
 
Priced at $1,199.00, you'll have a hard time finding anything in the market
that compares with this unit.
 
26-2838 LP 950
 
The right laser printer, at the right price, at the right time.
 
A small footprint, even loaded with all its options,
makes this the perfect printer for the small office where word processing
and high resolution graphics are required.
 
A full 512K of memory provides ample storage for normal use,
and it can be expanded by the user to a full 2 megabytes of memory
(26-2852 $599.95)
simply by sliding a memory cartridge into the side of the printer.
 
And for those who appreciate the convenience of Font Cards,
we have included two font card slots with six different cards
currently available through our Consumer Mail Center.
Cards available include HP emulations of the B, F, M, L, N, and P
cartridges (26-2854 through 2859 $249.95 each).
 
Also available from Consumer Mail are the optional Envelope Feeder
(26-2862 $349.95)
for up to 40 envelopes, and the Second Sheet Feed Unit (26-2861 $349.95).
(Note:  Requires one of the following paper cassettes.)
 
Also from Consumer Mail are Legal (26-2860 $69.95) and
Letter (26-2863 $69.95) size paper trays,
each of which will fit into either the Laser Printer itself
or the Second Sheet Feed Unit.
A letter size cassette tray is included with the printer.
 
Unlike some of our competitors, the toner (26-2841 $64.95)(3000 pages),
OPC drum (26-2842 $149.95)(50,000 pages),
and developer cartridges (26-2843 $149.95)
(25,000 pages) are included inside the box
when they purchase the laser printer.
And of course they are available as separate maintenance items as required.
 
Along with the standard parallel port,
we have included for the first time, a standard RS232C port
for those users that require it.
In addition, emulations included are HP LaserJet Series II, IBM Proprinter,
IBM Graphics Printer, EPSON FX-80, and Diablo 630.
Along with being extremely small in size,
the printer has been designed to minimize noise with special circuitry
that makes it almost silent when not printing.
 
Its price of only $1,599.00 for a full 6 page per minute printer
make it one of the most economical of the new breed of lasers
when you judge speed against price.
 
26-2844 Printer Selector 3
 
Also new this year is a replacement for the current print selector.
 
The new model looks almost identical to the
previous version except for a switch on the right hand side.
This switch enables the user to set up two printers,
so they can have uninterrupted printing if the first printer
should run out of paper or go off line due to a paper jam or fault
on the printer.
The Print Selector 3 will automatically switch to the backup printer in
case of one of these faults.
 
And in keeping with our move to standard printer ports,
the output connectors have been changed from the older 26-4401 cables
to the newer connectors found on the 26-227/26-288 cables.
 
Priced at $99.95, this switch will continue the success of its
predecessors.
 
MOM-08-90
POCKET LAN ADAPTERS FROM XIRCOM
 
Xircom LAN adapters let your laptop access a network wherever,
whenever and however you need it.
 
By connecting through the parallel port,
a Pocket LAN Adapter gives you the freedom to choose
whichever Tandy laptop fits your needs.
No more slot problems, no address or interrupt conflicts,
and no jumpers to configure.
 
Features:
 
  Convenient, compact design
  Connects to parallel printer port
  External, self-contained
  Compatible with existing installation
  Novell NetWare and 3Com driver support
 
Award Winning Products:
 
  1989 BYTE Award of Excellence
  Best of COMDEX -- Fall 1989
  LAN Product of the Year
 
900-2432  Xircom Pocket Ethernet Adapter  $595.00
 
Network Operating Systems Supported:  Novell NetWare 286, 3Com 3+Share
Tandy Computers Certified:  1100 FD, 1400 FD, 2800 HD
 
900-2435  Xircom Pocket ARCNET Adapter  $395.00
 
Network Operating Systems Supported:  Novell NetWare 286
Tandy Computers Certified:  1100 FD, 1400 FD, 2800 HD
 
MOM-08-90
THE UNTERMINAL FOR SCO XENIX
 
At last, a cost effective way to run DOS graphics applications
on an SCO XENIX multiuser system!
 
The UnTerminal is an affordable workgroup connectivity concept
which connects PC-compatible monitors and keyboards (not included)
to a powerful SCO XENIX 386 host computer as fast text/graphics workstations.
 
Your customers can now run DOS-based graphics applications
on an SCO XENIX 386 system using SCO VP/ix and the UnTerminal.
 
The UnTerminal -- Monochrome Version
 
Supports 720 X 350 alphanumeric text mode and 720 X 348 Hercules graphics mode.
 
900-2575  VNA Base Adapter  $649.00
 
Full size PC expansion adapter that supports the first terminal.
Also provides expansion ports for (3) three additional terminals.
Expansion is accomplished by adding one (1) 900-2576 VNA User Upgrade Module
for each additional terminal.
 
900-2576  VNA User Upgrade Module  $349.00
 
Add to the VNA Base Adapter to provide support for an additional terminal.
A maximum of three (3) modules may be added to the VNA Base Adapter.
 
900-2577  I/O Network Adapter  $399.00
 
Full size PC expansion adapter that provides Serial/Parallel capabilities
for four (4) terminals.
Provides four (4) IBM PC/AT COM port compatible interface
for serial communications.
Provides four (4) IBM PC LPT compatible interfaces for parallel ports.
 
The UnTerminal -- VGA Version
 
Supports 720 X 400 alphanumeric mode in both color and monochrome
and 640 X 480 and 800 X 600 color graphics modes.
 
900-2581  VGNA Base Adapter  $1,195.00
 
Full size PC expansion adapter that supports the first terminal
and provides expansion port for one (1) additional terminal.
Expansion is accomplished with the addition of
900-2582 VGNA User Upgrade Module.
Also provides two (2) IBM PC/AT COM port compatible interfaces
for serial communications.
 
900-2582 VGNA User Upgrade Module   $625.00
 
Add to the 900-2581 VGNA Base Adapter to provide one additional terminal.
 
UnTerminal Cabling (Required)
Length    Monochrome               VGA
25 ft     900-2578     $50.00     900-2583     $80.00
50 ft     900-2579     $75.00     900-2584     $125.00
100 ft    900-2580     $125.00      n/a          n/a
 
UnTerminal Specifications
     Hercules   VGA
     Version    Version
 
Host Video Adapter
Support
   Mono   NO   NO
   CGA    YES  NO
   EGA    YES  NO
   VGA    YES  YES (1)
 
Max Number of
UnTerminals     15 (2)     8 (2)
 
No. of Multitasking
Screens per UnTerminal    4       12
 
SCO XENIX Version       2.3.2    2.3.2
 
1. Requires color monitor at the console.
 
2. Maximums are based on the availability of expansion slots
   in the host computer.
 
MOM-07-90
THE FRONT LINE
THE FRONT LINE is a monthly column dedicated to discussing
marketing, merchandising and customer care concepts.
 
MANAGE YOUR INVENTORY!
 
Happy new year and welcome to fiscal 1991!
There are some extra special things happening
to get your year kicked off with a bang.
Among other things you'll find some brand new products,
a new one year warranty on computer products and a whole raft of new prices.
Next month, we're going to tell you about even more exciting new products.
But to help you start this new year off right, as the title implies,
we're going to talk about some ways to put money in your pocket.
 
If you haven't heard,
one major effort we need to make in 1991 is to manage our inventory better.
Any retailer worth their salt knows that inventory control
is probably the most important area to pay attention to
in running their business.
The reason is simple.
The more you have, the more work you have to do to keep track of it
and the more money you must spend to keep it safe, clean and sellable.
Here are some basic rules to live by:
 
1. Accept the fact that a prospect will always forgive you
   for not having a brand-new Tandy  4025 LX sitting in the
   stockroom waiting for a customer.
   They understand that it's just not possible to stock all the
   upper end products such as SCSI hard drives or high end CPUs.
 
2. Make it your business to be in stock on consumables and accessories.
   No, I'm not really contradicting the theme of this Front Line.
   The theme is not "reduce your inventory" but "manage your inventory."
   Your customer will never accept that you are out of printer ribbons
   or diskettes; generally they need those right now.
   Furthermore, these are high gross margin items that "sell themselves"
   if you have them in stock.
   They do a fine job of helping to boost your overall store gross margin
   and they go a long way towards helping to build a retail business.
 
3. Your showroom samples must be absolutely immaculate and fully functional.
   Assign, on a weekly rotation, someone in the Center/store
   the responsibility for verifying this on a daily basis.
   When a product does go down, it must be immediately removed
   from the floor and sent to repair.
   Don't take the chance of a prospect accidentally stumbling across
   a non-functioning product!
 
4. Don't be afraid to sell your floor samples.
   There is a hesitancy on the part of our salespeople
   to sell out of the showroom.
   Our competitors do it all the time for some very good reasons:
   It insures that only the very newest products are on the floor,
   it affords your customer the opportunity to receive a product
   that has been tested and it helps you to reduce the amount of inventory
   you have to keep on hand.
 
5. Merchandising determines what each of our various store types may stock.
   The decision is made based on anticipated demand for the product
   and how it fits in our product line.
 
   Play by the rules!
   Items that are defined as "special order" require a customer name
   in order to order them.
   Chapter VI, page 11 of the S.O.M. clearly states for these items,
   "The customer's name must be furnished with this type of order.
   A valid purchase order or a 10% deposit must be received from the
   customer before ordering."
 
   The operative word here is "customer," not "prospect."
   Your prospect was required to place a deposit
   before they received delivery of their copier,
   their telephone system and company car.
   You cannot afford to take the chance with your inventory
   that your prospect will not turn into a customer.
 
6. Take an active role in helping to resolve overstocks.
   Talk about them at sales meetings,
   put plans together to help sell them out
   and then make sure the plans are followed through.
   Send overstock lists to your district or regional offices
   for distribution to other stores.
 
7. Sell DISContinued merchandise promptly.
   It really doesn't get better as it gets older.
 
8. Stock sellables, not desirables.
   Carry what you can sell -- not what you think you may be able to sell.
 
Start the year off right.
 
What can this mean to you?
 
For starters, interest is calculated at 10% of the dollar amount you have
above your allowable inventory.
Since this 10% comes right off your bottom line,
it can nick your bonus severely.
Good managers pay little or no interest penalty.
 
Stocking only those items that sell well will result in a greater number
of inventory turns, reduce instances of obsolescence and devaluation --
and all that puts money in your pocket.
 
Good Luck and Good Managing!
 
MOM-07-90
SALE PRICES IN JULY
 
Items on Sale in July
 
FOR ALL STORES:
 
Tandy  1000 HX
 
Cat.No.     Description     Reg Price     Sale       Dates
25-1053     Tandy 1000 HX     699.00     299.00       Cont'd
25-1053     Tandy 1000 HX
25-1043     CM-5 Monitor
                   System     998.95     598.95       Cont'd
 
Tandy  1000 TL/2
 
Cat.No.     Description     Reg Price     Sale         Dates
25-1602     Tandy 1000 TL/2
25-1043     CM-5 Monitor
25-1331     Bonus Pack
25-1040     Serial Mouse
                 System     1,524.70     1,299.00     6/16-7/21
 
Cat.No.     Description         Reg Price     Sale     Dates
25-1602     Tandy 1000 TL/2     1,299.00     999.95     NLP
 
Tandy  1400 FD
 
Cat.No.     Description     Reg Price     Sale     Dates
25-3501     1400 FD         1,499.00     999.00     SOWG
 
Tandy  1400 HD
 
Cat.No.     Description     Reg Price     Sale     Dates
25-3505     1400 HD       2,499.00     1,599.00     5/19-Cont'd
 
WIAI = Where Is As Is
 
Modems/Printers/Accessories
 
Cat.No.     Description             Reg Price    Sale     Sale Dates
25-1017     300 bps Plus Modem        99.95     17.50      WIAI
25-1035     286 Express Card 1000    399.95     199.95     6/16-7/21
25-1039     Game Blaster Pkg          99.95     69.95      6/16-7/21
25-1065     3 " Drive HX             169.95     129.95     5/19-7/21
26-0203     Power Switching System    99.95     79.95      SOWG
26-1350     Workcenter Desk           99.95     59.95      5/19-7/21
26-1356     System Desk              119.95     59.95      WIAI
26-1357     Printer Stand             99.95     49.95      WIAI
26-1358     Desk Corner Section       39.95     19.95      WIAI
26-1359     System Desk Hutch         59.95     29.95      WIAI
26-1375     Modemfone 300             99.95     29.95      WIAI
26-1385     DCM 212 Smart Modem      129.95     79.95      WIAI
26-1397     3 Drawer Module          129.95     64.95      WIAI
26-2815     DMP 133 Printer          379.95     219.95     4/21-7/21
 
 
MS-DOS Software
 
Cat.No.     Description             Reg Price    Sale    Sale Dates
25-1125     F-15 Strike Eagle         16.95     14.85     WIAI
25-1161     HomeWord Plus             69.95     11.65     WIAI
25-1162     MS Word                  379.00    201.25     WIAI
25-1182     Earl Weaver Baseball      19.95     12.95     WIAI
25-1200     Math Blaster Plus         44.95     34.95     6/16-7/21
25-1215     Flight Simulator          44.95     34.95     WIAI
25-1216     Reader Rabbit             44.95     24.95     WIAI
25-1217     Writer Rabbit             24.95     19.95     WIAI
25-1222     File/Write Value Pak     100.00     22.90     WIAI
25-1226     Print Power               19.95     14.95     6/16-7/21
25-1227     AwardWare                 14.95      7.20     WIAI
25-1231     King's Quest IV           44.95     34.95     6/16-7/21
25-1232     Speller Bee               34.95     24.95     WIAI
25-1234     Music Studio              79.95     49.95     WIAI
25-1235     Future Magic              24.95     19.95     WIAI
25-1236     FUNdamentals SL           19.95      4.95     WIAI
25-1237     Children's Writing/Pub    54.95     49.95     WIAI
25-1252     DM Thesaurus              29.95     19.95     6/16-7/21
25-1255     PC-Link                   29.95     19.95     6/16-7/21
25-1257     CompuServe                29.95     19.95     WIAI
25-1272     Mathtalk                  34.95     29.95     WIAI
25-1279     First Pub DM             129.00     99.95     6/16-7/21
25-1295     DM Form Finisher          39.95     29.95     6/16-7/21
25-1304     The Print Shop            54.95     44.95     WIAI
25-1307     John Madden Football      49.95     34.95     WIAI
25-1309     Chuck Yeager 2.0          49.95     29.95     6/16-7/21
25-1324     Arkanoid II               34.95     19.95     WIAI
25-1326     CaveMan Ugh-Lympics       29.95     19.95     6/16-7/21
25-1330     Flight Sim 4.0            54.95     39.95     6/16-7/21
 
 
ADDITIONAL FOR 01Zs/COMPUTER CENTERS:
 
Tandy  3000 NL Solutions
 
The Tandy  1000 TL/2 promotion is so successful that we are going to
follow it up with a sale on the "ultimate instant office with VGA graphics!"
For this promotion, we'll feature two Tandy 3000 NL systems
through August 30th.
These systems represent complete solutions
for your "instant office" prospects.
 
Cat.No.     Description          Reg Price     Sale
25-4072     Tandy 3000 NL
25-4040     VGM-100 Monitor
25-4043     VGA Adapter
25-4119     40 MB SmartDrive 
25-4121     SmartDrive Adapter
25-1350     DeskMate  3
25-4109     MS-DOS 3.30
25-1333     TL/2 Bonus Pack
          (Q&A Write, Lotus, Mouse)
                     System     3,417.60     1,999.00
            Lease for          68/mo.
 
Substitute a VGM-200 (25-4041) and the system will sell for $2,299.00,
lease for $78/mo.
 
If your customer decides that the recommended system solution is not
for him/her, then remind them about this 3000 NL pricing action:
 
Cat.No.     Description     Reg Price     Sale
25-4072     Tandy 3000 NL     1,699.00     999.00
 
 
The following 386-based CPUs are SOWG.
The system prices shown reflect additional savings for your customers.
 
 
Tandy  4000 LX Computer
 
Cat.No.     Description                   Reg Price     Sale
25-5100     Tandy 4000 LX
25-4058     Hard Drive Controller
25-4062     20 MB Hard Drive
25-3049     Monochrome Graphics Adapter
25-3012     VM-5 Monochrome Monitor
                               System     5,117.85     3,767.90
 
Cat.No.     Description     Reg Price     Sale
25-5100     Tandy 4000 LX     3,999.00     2,999.00     SOWG
 
 
Tandy  4000 Computer
 
Cat.No.     Description                  Reg Price     Sale
25-5000     Tandy 4000
25-4058     Hard Drive Controller
25-4062     20 MB Hard Drive
25-3049     Monochrome Graphics Adapter
25-3012     VM-5 Monochrome Monitor
                              System     3,917.85     2,767.90
 
Cat.No.     Description     Reg Price     Sale
25-5000     Tandy 4000     2,799.00     1,999.00     SOWG
 
 
Tandy  4000 SX Floor Sample Sale
 
Cat.No.     Description     Reg Price     Sale
25-4900     Tandy 4000 SX     2,599.00     1,999.00     SOWG
 
 
Hard Drives on Sale
 
Additionally, the following hard drive/controller prices
should allow you to add a hard drive to every business computer sale:
 
Hard Drives
 
Cat.No.     Description         Reg Price     Sale
250-4062     20 MB HD             599.00     349.00
250-4057     40 MB (40 ms) HD     799.00     449.00
250-4067     70 MB HD           1,499.00     699.00
 
Hard Drives & Controllers
 
Cat.No.           Description             Reg Price     Sale
250-4062/4058     20 MB HD/Cntrlr            848.95     499.00
250-4057/4058     40 MB (40 ms) HD/Cntrlr  1,048.95     599.00
250-4067/4058     70 MB HD/Cntrlr          1,748.95     799.00
 
HARD DRIVE BONANZA!
 
Stock #     Description        Reg Price     Sale     Save!
25-4159     40 MB SCSI           699.00      Buy this drive and
                                             get the 25-4161 SCSI
                                             Host adapter FREE!!!
25-4160     80 MB SCSI           999.00      Buy this drive and
                                             get the 25-4161 SCSI
                                             Host adapter FREE!!!
25-4119     40 MB SmartDrive     649.00     499.00    150.00
25-4064     5 " Int. 20 MB Disk  799.00     399.00    400.00
            Cartridge System
 
For use in the Tandy  40XX series computers and the 3000 NL.
This unit is the "A" version that has a built-in
controller board and works great as a data back-up device or can be
booted as a drive!
Use 700-1502 for SCO XENIX 2.3 GT device drivers for this DCS.
An MS-DOS driver is packaged with the drive.
 
 
NEW and ON THE MOVE
 
The promotions listed below are valid July 1 through September 30,
and are featured in our "On The Move" marketing plan:
 
 
Tandy 2800 HD/CT-301 Cellular Promotion
 
Cat.No.     Description            RSC-21A Price  RSC-22 Price
25-3550     Tandy 2800 HD Laptop     $3,499.00     $2,999.00
17-1050     CT-301 Cellular Phone       999.00        799.00
                                      ________      ________
                                     $4,498.00     $3,798.00
 
               "System Price" 2800 HD w/CT-301     $2,999.00
                 Save ------------------------->     $799.00
 
 
Tandy 4016 SX / Windows
 
Cat.No.      Description        Reg Price     Sale     Save!
250-4901     Tandy 4016 SX     $1,999.00
250-4041     VGM-200 Monitor      499.95
250-4114     MS-DOS 4.01          139.95
250-1042     PS/2 Style Mouse      49.95
250-4123     40 MB SmartDrive     649.00
                                ________
                    System     $3,337.85     $2,699.00     $638.85
 
and 25-4200 Windows 3.0 is free!
 
36 month TCL Lease Price $90.96/mo.
 
Lease price does not include applicable taxes.
 
 
Tandy 4016 SX / Windows / PageMaker System
 
Cat.No.     Description             Reg Price     Sale     Save!
25-4901     Tandy 4016 SX         $1,999.00
25-4041     VGM-200 Monitor          499.95
25-4114     MS-DOS 4.01              139.95
25-1042     PS/2 Style Mouse          49.95
25-4123     40 MB SmartDrive         649.00
25-4112     PageMaker                835.00
26-2804     LP 1000 Printer        2,599.00  
26-0227     Printer Cable             34.95
25-5033     2 MB Memory Upgrade      499.95
                                    _______
                       System     $7,306.75     $5,899.00     $1,407.75
 
and 25-4200 Windows 3.0 is free!
 
36 month TCL Lease Price $191.72/mo.
 
Lease price does not include applicable taxes.
 
LP 1000 price does not reflect promotional pricing ($1,799.00),
however, the system price has taken this into account.
 
MOM-07-90
TWO PUBLISHERS' VIEWS OF DESKMATE
 
This month's DeskMate Difference focuses on two software publishers
and their views of DeskMate.
At our request, Al Blanchette of Lotus Development Corporation
and Scott Cook of Intuit wrote articles for The DeskMate Update,
a quarterly newsletter that Tandy publishes
for the software development community.
These articles are reprinted below in their entirety.
 
Introduction:  Lotus Development Corporation
 
As you probably know, Lotus Development Corporation released Lotus
Spreadsheet for DeskMate last year.
Since its introduction,
Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate has been one of our best selling
DeskMate applications.
Several magazines and newspapers
have done very positive reviews of this product,
largely because of the clean implementation
of the DeskMate Graphical User Interface.
Its functional equivalence with Lotus 1-2-3 version 2.01
and its file compatibility with other Lotus spreadsheets
are other attractive features.
 
Al Blanchette of Lotus oversaw the development
of the Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate.
His views largely reflect his technical expertise
as opposed to a marketing perspective on the DeskMate system.
 
Developing Under DeskMate
 
Al Blanchette, Senior Product Development Manager
Lotus Development Corporation
 
Lotus worked from January until October, 1989,
on the Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate.
During that time a team of Lotus programmers spoke,
ate and breathed DeskMate.
This experience has given us a unique perspective from which to comment:
we believe we have as much experience with DeskMate
as any other developer except Tandy.
 
Below I have listed some of the major reasons that we found DeskMate a
technically-attractive system.
It is for these reasons (as well as for obvious marketing reasons)
that we appreciate the DeskMate environment
and are considering additional DeskMate projects.
 
1. DeskMate's development utilities for building dialog boxes, menus,
   and icons greatly reduced our effort in creating the
   Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate user interface.
   We used these utilities for prototyping, editing, and/or
   finalizing the design of most of the program's components.
 
2. All of the DeskMate service routines have a consistent programming
   interface.
   This allowed our engineers to come "up-to-speed" using the services
   much more quickly than with some other user interface environments.
 
3. DeskMate provided us with a wealth of services with which to draw
   graphics to both the display and the printer.
   These made it easy to draw our graphs to the screen and to print them.
 
4. DeskMate provided us with all the display and printer device drivers;
   we didn't have to develop any of them from scratch.
   That was a great time saver!
 
5. The DeskMate installation utilities really simplified designing the
   installation for Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate.
 
The DeskMate Development System simplified our development efforts,
and the new 3.3 system looks even better.
I recommend that any software developer with productivity software
for the home, home office, small business and school markets
take a serious look at the DeskMate environment.
 
Introduction:  Intuit
 
Intuit publishes Quicken,
the best selling personal financial software package on the market.
Intuit recognized the value of the DeskMate Graphical User Interface
early and made Quicken one of the first third-party DeskMate products
on the market.
 
Widely recognized for his marketing savvy,
Intuit's president Scott Cook gives his views of DeskMate below.
 
Intuit's Views on DeskMate
 
Scott Cook, President
Intuit
 
Intuit strives to develop products with the user's needs in mind;
therefore, our products must be intuitive and easy to use.
That is what made Quicken the top selling financial software package
for individuals and small businesses,
and what attracted us to develop Quicken under DeskMate.
 
Our research shows that most often users base their purchasing
decisions on ease of use,
not feature set comparisons among competing products.
We have consistently based our product design around what is
already familiar to the user, like a checkbook and check register.
This allows users to perform financial tasks in a familiar manner while
greatly increasing their productivity.
DeskMate's consistent user interface
is a natural extension of this philosophy.
 
We believe that the DeskMate GUI enhances the simplicity of Quicken and
all software applications.
DeskMate provides a consistent user interface across applications.
It is this consistency that produces ease of use.
The user does not need to learn a new interface to use
any other DeskMate application.
This makes learning new programs simple, especially for the novice user.
 
DeskMate's second advantage is that it removes the complexity of using MS-DOS.
On Tandy computers where DeskMate is in ROM,
all the user needs to do is turn the PC on and the system is ready to use.
This removes a major barrier that prevents millions of people
from being comfortable with PCs.
 
Intuit was one of the first to develop under DeskMate.
We found that there were distinct advantages
to the DeskMate Development System.
Compared to developing a product from the ground up,
many engineering hours can be saved by using the routines DeskMate provides
for building the user interface, accessing various device drivers,
and other routine tasks.
At the same time,
by distributing a runtime version of DeskMate with our software,
we can sell a product that can run on almost any DOS machine.
 
We believe that there will be substantial growth in the volume end of
the PC market where DeskMate is focused.
As rapid price declines continue for CMOS chips and LCD screens,
we expect an explosion in demand for laptop and smaller LCD-based machines.
This is analogous to the huge growth in the calculator market when the
calculator's size and price shrank from desktop proportions to pocket sized.
DeskMate's small size and keyboard-friendly design makes it right
for smaller LCD-based machines.
Other operating environments just won't fit.
 
Another reason we chose DeskMate is the company behind it.
Tandy Corporation is the one CPU manufacturer focused
on the home and small business markets
and the one manufacturer with aggressive and concrete plans
to grow this market.
 
Intuit shares Tandy's commitment to this market by delivering the
benefits people want, with low price, wide distribution, and ease of use.
It is this focus and commitment that makes Tandy the right partner for us.
 
Selling DeskMate Applications With These Articles
 
These hearty endorsements of DeskMate by two industry leaders give you
tools to sell DeskMate.
Although these comments are directed toward software developers,
you can use them to convince potential customers
of the value of the DeskMate Graphical User Interface.
 
These additional facts may help you as well:
 
    Graphical User Interfaces are becoming more and more popular,
    and the DeskMate GUI is optimized for our home, home office,
    small business, and school users.
 
    Over 30 third-party DeskMate applications are now available.
 
    All DeskMate programs share the same commands, so once you learn
    to use one DeskMate program, you can easily move to another.
 
    DeskMate comes built in with our Tandy  1000's,
    Tandy  1100 FD, Tandy  2500 XL, and Tandy  2800 HD.
 
    DeskMate programs work fine on non-Tandy computers.
 
DeskMate represents a large part of our added value
to the PC-compatible computer.
Use DeskMate to sell computers!
 
MOM-07-90
THE CREDIT LINE
 
Direct to youfrom Tandy  credit departments --
Commercial Credit, Tandy Computer Leasing , and RSVP .
 
Commercial Credit
 
Due to recent changes in the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA),
Commercial Credit is now required to give written notice to
certain Small Business Credit Applicants of their right to a
written statement of reasons for a credit denial.
 
In order to comply with this requirement,
Commercial Credit has made the decision to send a letter
to all Commercial Credit Applicants that are denied a
Radio Shack Commercial Charge Account.
The letter not only advises of the rights,
but also provides the reasons for the denial.
Letters are only sent to those business applicants
that complete a Commercial Credit Application.
 
Commercial Credit applicants that receive the above referenced
letter should be directed to call Credit Approvals at (817) 390-2600
if there are any questions.
Please do not give applicants, or for that matter, customers,
the toll free Credit Approval telephone number.
 
Tandy Computer Leasing
 
PROCESSING A TCL LEASE IS EASIER THAN EVER BEFORE:
 
     FAXing lease applications is more efficient and accurate;
 
     The approval rate is higher;
 
     The credit response time is quicker . . . and
 
     With banks and cash flow getting tighter, you'll find that proposing
     TCL financing will boost your sales closings.
 
A Total Solution For Your Customer:  More Dollars For You!!
 
Consider that all hardware and software
(Radio Shack and 3rd party)
sold on a standard rate TCL lease adds a SPIFF to any
other bonus you earn for that sale.
How much more?
 
    1.0% (.01) more for the store/Center Manager
 
    1.5% (.0150) more for the salesmaker
 
    1/4% (.0025) of 01Z and Computer Center TCL sales to the RMM
 
    1/4% (.0025) for the DSM Pool
    (distributed quarterly to top 4 DSM's in each division)
 
The Store/Center receives a 2 1/2% TCL credit from which the
manager is to include the earned SPIFF in the next payroll.
KEEP TRACK OF YOUR TCL SALES:  WATCH YOUR PAYCHECK GROW WITH EACH ONE!!
 
Help us get your SPIFF to you ASAP:
Signed originals of all required documents
must be received by TCL before a lease can be booked.
How important is this?
Well . . . it isn't a sale until it's booked
and we can't pay your SPIFF until it's a sale.
 
One top DSM for the quarter ending March 31 paid his Federal
Income Taxes with his share of the pool:
 
No Doubt -- No Dependents -- No Mortgage!
 
 
RSVP
 
AVOID CHARGEBACKS AND TREAT YOURSELF TO HIGHER EARNINGS
Neat and complete is the key
 
Take a moment to check over a credit application before phoning
it in to New Accounts.
If you find any unanswered questions,
call them to the attention of the applicant.
If you notice illegible entries, you might:
 
1. Ask your customer to redo the form and print the answers . . . OR
 
2. Invite applicants to complete the form (with your assistance)
   on one of your word processing demo systems. 
   They may not want to leave your store without one!
 
The sections of the form most often skipped over are:
 
YOUR PERSONAL REFERENCE --
Extremely important to you and to us in tracking "lost" cardholders.
 
INSURANCE ELECTION OPTION --
"YES" or "NO" must be initialed.
That protects your store's P & L if a cardholder claims
to have not been made aware of that option, and protects the cardholder
(in the event of loss) if we're remiss in activating coverage.
 
CREDIT ACCOUNT AND SECURITY AGREEMENT --
As on any promissory note or personal check,
this section must be signed and dated to be effective.
 
How about focusing attention to those areas by using a
"highlighter" pen on them before handing them to your customer?
Couldn't hurt!
 
The RSVP credit application is, in effect,
a signed promise to pay for delivered goods and/or services,
at a future date -- treat it as you would a personal check.
Just as your checks must be deposited daily, develop the habit,
in your store, of mailing RSVP APPLICATIONS DAILY TO TANDY CREDIT.
You've been provided with special (red striped) RSVP return envelopes.
Diminish the chance of lost or misdirected applications
by mailing them daily in those envelopes when (and only when)
submitting RSVP applications.
 
MAKE RSVP YOUR CUSTOMERS' FIRST CHOICE
NOT YOUR SALESPERSONS' LAST RESORT!
 
MOM-07-90
STOCK FILE CHANGES
A quick reference to product status changes - pricing, availability, etc.
 
NEW PRICING
 
The new year brings new products and new prices.
By now you've received new pocket price books,
but here some highlights of significant new prices:
 
                                      1990       1991
Cat #       Description              Retail     Retail
25-1013     1200 BPS Modem            99.95     79.95
25-1018     1200 BPS Modem            99.95     79.95
25-1037     2400 BPS Modem           179.95     149.95
25-1046     40 MB Hard Drive         599.95     499.95
25-1075     720K Floppy Drive        169.95     139.95
25-1078     128K Memory Kit           69.95     39.95
25-1079     256K Memory Kit           99.95     59.95
25-1602     Tandy  1000 TL/2       1,299.00     999.95
25-3049     Mono Graphics Adapter    119.95     99.95
25-3530     Tandy  1100 FD           999.00     799.00
25-3550     Tandy  2800 HD         3,499.00     2,999.00
25-4028     512K Memory Kit          299.95     149.95
25-4032     101 Key Keyboard         119.95     99.95
25-4043     8 Bit VGA Adapter        299.95     199.95
25-4050     1.2 MB Floppy Drive      279.95     169.95
25-4053     1.44 MB Floppy Drive     279.95     169.95
25-4079     60 MB Tape Backup        499.95     399.95
25-4082     128K Memory Kit           79.95     59.95
25-4159     40 MB SCSI Hard Drive    799.00     699.00
25-4160     80 MB SCSI Hard Drive  1,299.00     999.00
25-5029     Tandy  4000 Memory Board 179.95     139.95
25-5031     1 MB Memory Kit          599.95     299.95
25-5033     2 MB Memory Kit        1,299.00     499.95
25-5125     Tandy  4025 LX         4,999.00     3,999.00
25-5130     Tandy  4033 LX         5,999.00     4,999.00
25-5131     2 MB Memory Kit        1,499.00     499.95
25-5132     4 MB Memory Kit        2,999.00     999.00
25-6000     Tandy  5000 MC         4,999.00     3,999.00
25-6002     5000 MC w/80 MB HD     6,999.00     5,499.00
26-0250     BPS-250 Backup PS        379.95     329.95
 
MOM-07-90
EXCESS INVENTORY
 
In reviewing store inventories we've noticed that on-hand store quantities
for some items are far in excess of what is required to support
sales of those items.
 
Managers, make sure that any of the items in this list that you
have on hand are available to be sold and/or transferred.
Should you need one of these items,
contact your regional office before you order one from the warehouse.
 
District and Regional Sales Managers should work to insure that we reduce
our store inventories on these items.
These items are to be transferred at unit cost plus 6.25% for
warehouse handling.
Prices shown are current unit and retail for ICST/sale purposes.
 
                                        Current   Current
Cat. #       Description                  Unit     Retail
250-1028     TRACKSTAR 128               46.71     77.85
250-3046     Mono Text Adapter           13.49     67.50
250-3048     EGA Video Adapter           98.12     249.95
250-4034     Serial/Parallel Adapter     55.22     149.95
250-4035     EGM-1 EGA Monitor          149.27     499.00
250-4039     Dual Port Serial Adapter    38.50     99.95
250-4043     VGA Adapter                115.50     199.95
250-4100     MS OS/2 V1.0               175.02     325.00
 
260-2813     DWP 230 Tractor Feed        40.76     99.95
260-3651     PC4/5/6 Cassette Interface  16.62     39.95
260-3652     PC4/5/6 Printer             43.80     99.95
260-3814     Portable Disk Drive 2       99.01     219.95
260-5435     EtherLink                  245.03     495.00
260-6504     Passive ARCNET Hub          26.90      69.95
 
Item is discontinued and no longer in stock in any warehouse.
PRODUCT NEWS
 
 
ALL STORE
 
The "ALL STORE" section contains information of interest to all store types.
01Zs and Computer Centers will also be interested in the
information contained in the "01Z/COMPUTER CENTER" section.
 
MOM-07-90
IBM'S PS/1 ANNOUNCEMENT
 
An attachment to this month's M.O.M. includes detailed information
about the PS/1 announcement of June 26, 1990,
a copy of the SOS memo that was sent out about that announcement,
some conclusions we've reached upon examination of the equipment itself,
and a point-for-point comparison between the two PS/1 systems
and our Tandy  1000 TL/2 in several configurations
and the Tandy  2500 XL.
 
To give you an overall conclusion -- we conclude that there is
STILL no better value than the products you have to offer.
See why in the attachment.
 
MOM-07-90
NEW ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON COMPUTER HARDWARE
 
Effective July first, all 25 and 26 series computer hardware
will carry a one year warranty.
This includes all CPUs, boards, printers, monitors and hard drives.
It specifically does not affect software, accessories
and consumables such as paper, cables and furniture,
nor does it affect 900 series hardware which is warranted by the manufacturer.
 
Since there are still substantial quantities of merchandise in our system
that contain the ninety day warranty,
you will find attached to this issue the new one year warranty.
You may photocopy this warranty and provide it
to everyone purchasing a qualifying piece of hardware.
 
Additionally, customers that purchased 25/26 series hardware on or after
April 1, 1990 will receive the same one year warranty.
Naturally, their one year warranty began on the date of purchase,
not July 1st.
As usual, their sales receipt will be their proof of purchase.
It is not necessary to notify your customer of this change.
(Also, this dramatically changes the TSP program and you'll want to review
those changes in the TSP Pricing attachment to this M.O.M.)
 
The one year warranty should become an integral part of
your sales presentation.
When your customer says they're considering Brand X,
suggest they ask just three questions of their dealer:
 
1. How long have they been in the computer business?
 
2. How long is the warranty?
 
3. Where must they go to obtain service?
 
Our ability to offer 7,000 drop-off points plus this new one year warranty
provides perhaps the most important reason why there is no better value
than a Tandy computer.
 
MOM-07-90
TANDY 2500 XL NOW STOCKABLE BY ALL STORES!
 
Yes, it's what you've been waiting for!
The Tandy  2500 XL is now available and stockable by all stores
and available through your regional warehouses.
 
We've positioned the 2500 XL just above the 1000 TL/2,
offering more built-in business and school features
that our customers have requested.
 
Let's take a closer look at these features:
 
  Built-in VGA graphics giving near picture-like quality
 
  80286 10 MHz with fast 10 MHz bus speed
 
  MS-DOS 3.3 and DeskMate  built into ROM
 
  3 16 Bit full size AT type expansion slots
 
  One 1.44 MB 3 1/2" Disk Drive, room for 1 3 1/2" & 1 5 1/4" device
 
  1 MB RAM increases to 4 MB on main logic board
  and 16 MB with expansion slots
 
  Standard parallel, serial and PS/2 style mouse ports
 
  Built-in 16 Bit SmartDrive  Interface for hard drive use
 
  Standard 101-key Enhanced style keyboard
 
  Built in safety and security features
 
  Creating a new standard in innovative case design
 
ALL OF THIS IN A NEW LOW PROFILE, SMALL FOOTPRINT DESIGN!
 
There are some important differences between the Tandy 2500 XL
and the Tandy  1000 TL/2.
The monitor type is a VGA monitor -- the 25-4041 VGM-200 --
which offers compatibility with VGA, EGA and CGA type graphics.
Seeing is believing!
The disk drive expansion allows for high density type drives
such as the 25-4050 5 1/4" 1.2 MB as well as the lower capacity disk drives.
The built-in SmartDrive  interface is a 16 Bit type,
which means the hard drives ARE DIFFERENT from the 1000 TL/2,
not just in capacity, but in the drive electronics,
so you offer the new 25-4124 52 Meg for hard drive expansion.
 
RAM memory increases are important for those customers
and prospects that use specific software that requires memory
to be larger than 640K.
 
With the Tandy 2500 XL, you can offer your customers and prospects
the ability to use the more advanced type of software
their needs may require.
It is important that you accurately assess what type of software
they are currently using and what type of software they will be using.
 
So for those customers and prospects from the small business,
the office at home, the farmer, the business executive, the teacher,
or the college student that needs a powerful desktop computer
to get their work done,
you can offer them the power and the built-in value of the Tandy 2500 XL TODAY!
So sell a bunch!
 
MOM-07-90
TANDY 1000 TL/2 SYSTEM ON SALE
 
This month, the Tandy  1000 TL/2 is on sale with the 25-1043 CM-5 Monitor,
the 25-1040 Serial Mouse and the 25-1331 SL/2 Bonus Software Package
at $1,299.00.
This is the same price as the TL/2 alone in the 1990 catalog
and is an excellent value for your customers.
 
The TL/2 offers '286 performance for the home, home office or small business.
 
Its standard 640K RAM allows it to run a wide variety of programs.
 
A built-in SmartDrive  connector allows hard drive expansion
without the added expense of a controller card.
 
And with the special sound circuitry and joystick ports,
it is the choice for children's entertainment and education programs.
 
Four expansion slots allow for a wide variety of upgrade options.
 
A real time clock with battery backup
adds to the convenience of the 1000 TL/2.
 
The 25-1331 software bundle includes Quicken, RightWriter and Instant Pages.
 
The Tandy Serial Mouse is the most popular mouse we sell,
and it plugs right in to the serial port of the TL/2
to add point and click convenience to these DeskMate  applications.
 
MOM-07-90
CORRECTION
 
THE GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE (GUI)
"A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS"
 
In the article of the same name printed on Pages 15-16 of the last issue
of the M.O.M. (June 1990), there was an editing error on Page 16.
 
Did you catch it?
 
In the section reprinted below, we identified the entry platform
for Tandy DeskMate  as an 80286,
and the CPU that MS Windows 3.0 was advertised as being functional
on as the 8088.
Well, these two numbers were obviously reversed.
 
Please go back and make the correction to the last issue so it will be
correct for future reference.
The corrected text is also printed here for your reference:
 
Positioning By Hardware Platform
 
While recognized as a secondary consideration, the GUI must
be positioned by hardware platform as well.
 
Radio Shack is working with all parties involved to insure
complete hardware compatibility on the recommended platforms.
 
1.  Tandy DeskMate
 
    DeskMate is by far the most versatile of all GUIs.
    With an entry platform of the 8088, the product can migrate
    upward through the entire CPU product line.
 
2.  MS Windows 3.0
 
    Now, more than ever, Windows 3.0 requires more horsepower
    to perform to the expectations of the end user.
    While the product is advertised as functional on the
    80286 and up, Radio Shack recommends a minimum system
    of the 80386sx.
    Do yourself and your customer a favor, stick with this recommendation.
 
3.  MS OS/2 PM
 
    Version 1.2 will operate on the 80286 and up.
    Due to performance issues, Radio Shack will recommend the 80386
    as a minimum platform.
 
4.  SCO Open Desktop
 
    ODT will require a graphics terminal capable of X Windows
    emulation or a PC compatible running a DOS based X Windows emulator.
 
MOM-07-90
286 EXPRESS BOARD (25-1035) DAUGHTERBOARD
 
The special daughterboard for the 286 Express Board (AXX-7130)
has been discontinued by National Parts.
This part was required only if the Express Board was being used
on an early Tandy  1000.
 
The 286 Express Board continues to be very popular option
with our customers who want to upgrade to the power of an 80286 processor
without investing in a new computer.
Letters of satisfaction continue to be received regarding this product.
Even without the special daughterboard,
there are thousands of customers that can still benefit from it.
 
Remember, if your customer has a Tandy  1000 Version A,
Tandy  1000 HD or a Tandy  1000 SX,
you may continue to sell the 286 Express Board with confidence.
 
If you're not sure which 1000 the customer has,
look at the serial number label on back of the computer.
The stock number will read "25-1000A."
 If it reads "25-1000" without the "A," don't sell the Express Board.
 
MOM-07-90
TANDY 1400 HD SELLING!
 
The 25-3505 Tandy  1400 HD Laptop Computer is the best value
in the marketplace for an MS-DOS based laptop with a hard drive.
With a high definition backlit screen and connections for a printer,
mouse, 5 1/4" floppy drive, external keyboard, and RGB monitor,
the Tandy 1400 HD is the perfect system for the customer
who needs a combination desktop and portable computer.
PC compatibility and a full 768K of system RAM
means the customer can be assured that the entire PC/XT library
of MS-DOS software will be available for their computing needs.
 
Apparently our customers have realized the tremendous value
this laptop computer represents,
as the initial sales of this unit have drained the store inventory
to extremely low levels.
So our customers will not be disappointed
when they go to a store to purchase a unit,
(and so you will not lose the sale when they do)
we have shipped one Tandy 1400 HD to each 01Y store.
This unit was shipped with interest protection
for the months of July and August.
 
Take advantage of the advertising that is drawing customers
into your store and SHOW them that you have the 1400 HD in stock
and ready to sell.
And when you sell one,
replace it immediately from the warehouse to be ready for the next customer.
This promotion is getting heavy advertising in the June,
July and August flyers, inserts and R.O.P. ads.
 
Remember -- professional sales personnel + advertising +
tremendous pricing + guaranteed service and satisfaction =
guaranteed sales.
NOBODY COMPARES!
 
MOM-07-90
DEMO SOFTWARE WILL BE ARRIVING SHORTLY
 
To help you maximize sales and reduce product spoilage,
we are implementing a software demo program.
The purpose of this program is to allow you to be able to:
 
  Demonstrate software without having to open packages.
 
  Have a constant variety of self-running demos to keep
  your computer screens active.
 
  Sell and take orders for software during times you might be
  temporarily out of stock.
 
You will begin to receive demo software in POP sign kits
beginning with Flyer #458's kit.
This software will be 3 1/4" only,
designed to run on the Tandy  1000 family of computers.
To simplify things,
we have tried to make every demo begin by typing,
"DEMO" and allowing the "ESC" key be the key to press
to get out of the demo.
In almost every case this will be true unless:
 
   It is a demo of a DeskMate  application
   (in which case it must be run from DeskMate)
 
   -- or --
 
   It is specifically labeled otherwise
 
Our goal is to have a demo for every entertainment
and education software title that appears in the 1991 consumer catalog
to you in time for the holiday selling season.
It is a good idea to label and set aside a diskette box
to keep a backup copy of your demos in.
You will only receive one copy of each demo.
 
Since your POP kit will arrive before the 1991 catalog,
you will want to use discretion in demonstrating those products
that may not be available yet.
 
MOM-07-90
THE HOME COMPUTER -- Part 1
 
We like computers at our house.
We have three,
not counting an old TI 99-4A my kids use and the TRACKSTAR board in the TX.
There's a Tandy  4000 in the office,
a Tandy  1000 TX we've loaned to my mother-in-law,
and my Tandy  1000 TL/2 system.
 
We, like many of your customers, lead a pretty "hectic" life.
Both of us are working, my husband is an engineer, I'm a software buyer,
our two kids are both in daycare.
 
On a typical evening we get home about 6:30 after which the kids
need to be fed, bathed, played with and put to bed.
Then I probably also need to feed my husband, spend some "quality time"
with him and take care of the household chores.
You know -- simple things like laundry, dishes, cleaning, etc.
 
So what does that have to do with a home computer?
With that kind of schedule, when do you even have time to turn it on?
 
Good question.
No, it doesn't do the work for me, and I don't run my house off it.
But I do have access to it when and where I need it.
 
I put it in my kitchen.
 
Face it.
85% of a family's time is spent in the kitchen.
Where is most homework (kid's or parent's) done?
Where do most people pay their bills and worry over finances?
Look at the parties you attend.
Sooner or later most everybody ends up in the kitchen.
It's the natural home base in the house.
Why not put the computer there?
 
I load up my Lotus worksheets and work on them while I'm making dinner.
I write letters.
I play an occasional game.
My kids play games or play learning.
And because we're all in the same room, there's a feeling of closeness,
a feeling of "quality time."
When something neat happens in "The Playroom,"
I can see right away.
If Leonardo or Michelangelo gets zapped before reaching the magic pizza,
I'm there to commiserate.
 
All the while, other things are going on in the background.
Maybe I'm loading the dishwasher while the kids play "Turtles."
Or maybe I'm writing a letter while the clothes are washing.
 
Don't underestimate this value to your customers.
In an age where TIME is the most elusive resource,
YOU can show your customers a way to share what precious time
they DO have and utilize free time as effectively as possible.
 
And pay special attention to the Mothers.
A working mom's biggest concerns are for her family,
namely spending enough time with her kids.
The computer in the kitchen offers a way to "be around,"
and still be getting things done.
 
Ponder it for a while.
It works for me and it can work for your customers, too.
We'll talk again next month.
 
MOM-07-90
MAGAZINE ADVERTISING
 
Tandy computer products are frequently advertised
in leading national publications.
 
Magazine advertising reinforces the image of Tandy Computers as
a nationally recognized brand.
Tandy computer products will be featured in the following publications
over the next month:
 
Date     Magazine               Computer
7/15     Black Enterprise       Tandy  1000 DB
7/15     Byte                   Tandy  2500 XL
7/18     PCM                    DMP 240
7/20     CompuServe             Home Computing
7/23     Forbes                 Tandy  2500 XL
7/24     PC Magazine            Tandy  2500 XL
7/26     Personal Computing     DMP 240
7/31     Home Office Computing  Tandy  2500 XL
 
MOM-07-90
"C" CLASS Q & A
 
When C Classes meet in Ft. Worth, there is a session for open discussion
with Computer Merchandising buyers and personnel.
We always get some good questions,
and we decided that you all could use this information.
 
Customers ask how they can print out of Address in DeskMate .
Will we be adding that feature? 
 
What we're planning to do is build a DeskMate product line where
DeskMate itself provides basic functionality,
and then "step-up" products are available in various levels which
add features.
If your customers want to print the Address file,
they probably also want to be able to print mailing labels of various kinds,
and to sort these addresses.
We don't envision having these features available in DeskMate itself,
but we plan to have add-on products which do have them.
 
There's an additional opening (besides where you put the modem)
on the back of the Tandy  1400 HD.
What's it for? 
 
This is the system bus.
It's there in case third-party developers want to access it
for specific applications.
The specifications for the system bus are in the service manual.
 
Do we have a FAX board that will fit into any of our laptops?
 
FaxMate won't fit in a laptop,
but there's a product in Special Order that will work --
it's the Complete FAX/Portable (903-2413 $499.00).
 
A couple of vendors who have developed programs under DeskMate 
have customer service departments that are telling our customers
that they aren't happy with the program they finally came up with
under DeskMate because of some constraints DeskMate placed on them.
How do we handle this?
 
First, please get the name of the person in that customer service area
who said that to a customer.
Then pass that information on to the appropriate buyer in a speed memo.
We'll discuss it with our vendors.
This is probably no more than those customer service departments not being
fully educated about the product.
 
In general, if you get poor support from any of our vendors,
please let us know via speed memo.
 
I get a "not authorized" message when I try to order Prodigy.
Why?
 
You receive that message when we believe that the service is not available
in your area (see the November 1989 issue of the M.O.M.).
If you feel this is a mistake, have your DM collect the zip codes in his/her
area that you feel should be able to carry the product,
and then pass them on to the buyer in a speed memo.
We'll check it out with Prodigy and make whatever changes are appropriate.
 
In our Deluxe System Desk (26-228), the keyboard drawer isn't big enough
for it to close without hitting some of the keys.
 
The fit on these was just fine with all the keyboards that existed at the time
this desk was put into the product line.
Now some keyboards are larger.
You can put washers as spacers under the sliders to get a little more space.
This item is SOWG.
 
Why did my store receive so much of the new fanfold paper from Force Feed?
What can be done for the customer to make the perforations easier to detach?
Finally, what is the purpose of 26-130,
which is more "dingy looking" than our previous line of paper?
 
The Force Feed quantities originally established were the same
or lower than the corresponding quantities on the items they replaced.
We have heard, nonetheless, that it's quite an imposing quantity,
especially for the larger stores which were factored up
from the model quantity.
We have already cut the Force Feed quantities by half or better
on all items since the original drop.
After you have sold down on current inventory,
you will NOT be restocked by the Force Feed system
to anywhere near the initial level.
Also, as we acquire POS sales history, we will further refine these quantities.
(You will recall we put all of the old paper on a half-price sale
as the new paper appeared;
that old paper should be continued on half price clearance.)
 
The ease of detachment of the perforations
can be "tuned" to our specification,
but the best starting point is to have the sheet too "tight"
(hard to detach) rather than too loose.
This prevents it from coming apart too soon
as it feeds through a small printer with a convoluted paper path,
resulting in a paper misfeed and possible damage to the printhead.
 
Since we offer three different paper weights,
we must know BY STOCK NUMBER which paper you feel is too tight
before we can retest and make any changes.
If you have persistent problems with perforations
that are too tight or too loose,
simply drop a speed memo to the buyer (Bob MacQuigg),
specifying the catalog number.
Also, if you encounter obvious quality control problems
(such as no pinfeed holes, for example!),
please enclose a small sample of the problem paper with the speed memo.
 
The marketing objective of the "low end papers" (26-130 and -131)
with a paper "brightness" index of only 65 and a weight of 15 pounds
is to give you the most economical sheet possible for the customer
who isn't using it for correspondence,
but rather who is satisfied with a budget-grade paper
for printing data or computer programs.
You will find that the next level up, 72 brightness and 18 pounds
(26-132 and -133), corresponds to what was previously our low end sheet.
This is still an economical sheet,
but it's certainly acceptable for many business uses,
including "internal" memos and correspondence.
(Your FO-88 SOS printer paper from the Forms Warehouse
is at this 72 brightness level/15 pounds).
Finally, for the person who needs true "letter quality,"
we offer the standard 80 brightness/20 pounds as Cat. Nos. 26-134 and -135.
The 01Y store, incidentally, stocks the 1000 sheet mini-pack
from each of the three price/quality levels:
26-130 (good), 26-132 (better), 26-134 (best).
 
MOM-07-90
WHAT'S NEW ON PC-LINK
 
This is a regular series of articles.
You can expect to look here just about every month
to find out what is new on PC-Link.
Recent additions to the service include:
 
  Business news was expanded with continuously updated areas
  featuring corporate activities (mergers, public offerings,
  executive changes, etc.), ten categories of industry news,
  and general economic news.
 
  The AutoVantage section debuted, giving members a one-stop source
  of information for buying, maintaining, and selling a car.
  Members are able to take advantage of discounts on new cars and service work,
  and get appraisals for their used car.
 
  The Computerized Meal Planning Service came online
  allowing members to obtain weekly healthy meal plans and shopping lists
  for the family based upon age, sex, size, activity level,
  specific health needs, etc.
 
  The Lifestyles and Hobbies department menu was changed
  to better organize the expanding list of clubs and interest areas.
  The new menu items are:  Arts and Entertainment, Career Interests,
  Family Development, Hobbies and Electronics,
  Special Interests, and SportLink.
 
  The People Connection area now includes suggestion boxes
  allowing members to maintain direct contact with producers regarding ideas
  for new events, etc.
 
  Members and PC staff can now post software files
  with solutions to MS-DOS and Nintendo games on the
  "Game Walkthrough" software board.
 
PC-Link is a constantly growing and expanding service.
There is truly something for everyone.
Be sure to take advantage of your free PC-Link demo account
to demonstrate and sell modems, computers, and DeskMate  with PC-Link.
 
If you have never signed on before and need an account number,
contact your District Sales Manager.
If you have signed on before and for some reason
your PC-Link files have become corrupt or lost,
you may contact Quantum Computer Services at (800) 458-8532 for assistance.
 
MOM-07-90
TANDY SERVICE PLANS -- INCREASE
YOUR EARNINGS WITH 3 AND 5-YEAR TSPs
 
You've been doing great selling 3-year TSP s.
So, effective July 1, 1990,
you will be able to offer 3-year and 5-year Carry-In
Tandy Service Plan programs for all computer products.
Until now, with the exception of recent promotionally priced TSPs,
only 1-year plans were available.
On-Site TSPs will continue to be a 1-year program.
 
Three Carry-In Computer TSP Plans for FY '91
 
1-Year Plan:  Covers the equipment for 1 year.
This plan is available ONLY on out-of-warranty equipment.
Use it to sell TSP renewals.
 
3-Year Plan:  Extends the 1-year warranty of the equipment by 2 years
for a total coverage of 3 years.
This plan is available ONLY while the equipment
is in its initial warranty period.
 
5-Year Plan:  Extends the 1-year warranty of the equipment by 4 years
for a total coverage of 5 years.
This plan is available ONLY while the equipment
is in its initial warranty period.
 
The 3 and 5-year prices have been set very aggressively
to encourage your customers to take advantage of our 3 and 5-Year Plans.
These new prices should be on your POS system from July 2, 1990.
 
Why Sell TSPs?
 
1. The salesmaker SPIFF and commission is on the entire period
   of the contract -- not just the first year.
   This also means the store's revenue is for the entire contract period.
 
2. TSP reduces your in-warranty repair expense.
   The change to 1-year warranties on computer equipment provides you
   with a great sales tool, but it also means your store's in-warranty
   repair expense exposure just went from 90 days to one year.
   Eliminate this exposure by selling TSPs with EVERY computer you sell.
 
3. The customer now has protection for a full 3 or 5 years,
   at prices far below the cost of covering one year at a time
   for the equivalent period.
 
Five Steps to Selling TSPs
 
1. Mention It Early and Often
 
2. Sell Its Benefits
 
3. Ask For The Order
 
4. Respond to Customer Concerns
 
5. Ask for the Order Again
PRODUCT NEWS
 
 
01Z / COMPUTER CENTER
 
MOM-07-90
TANDY 4033 LX SHIPPING WITH P.O.s
 
Surprise...Surprise...Surprise!
 
The Tandy  4033 LX was shipping again last month
(ahead of schedule...'cause Santa worked overtime!).
Those Centers and Z stores that worked with us
by communicating with their RMTM and sending purchase orders to us
were able to close valuable business before the end of the fiscal year.
Great work!
 
We expect the demand to continue to be very high
for this racehorse of a computer.
However, with the industry-wide shortage of the 33 MHz processor,
supply will be limited.
That's why we need you to
only place orders that you have purchase orders or advance deposits for.
 
This will remain a special order item and is not stockable
by any Center or store.
 
Keep selling and make Santa work even harder for you!
 
MOM-07-90
TANDY 4025 LX -- POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVE TO 4033 LX
 
The Tandy  4025 LX continues to be a leader among the high powered
SCO XENIX users, desktop publishing environment,
the new Windows 3.0 users, and the Network file server requirements we have.
The 4025 LX continues to be a special order item.
 
Let's make sure our prospects consider this as an alternative to the 4033 LX
while the 4033 LXs are in limited supply.
SWAT...Sell What's Available Today!
 
MOM-07-90
SERIAL/PARALLEL BOARD AND DUAL PORT SERIAL BOARD DISCONTINUED
 
The 25-4034 Serial/Parallel Board and 25-4039 Dual Serial Port Board
have been DISContinued and are being replaced by
the 25-4025 Dual-Serial/Parallel Board ($79.95).
It is important to sell out of your inventory of the 25-4034 and 25-4039s
to make room for the replacement,
so be sure to work with other stores and Centers
if they need these products for sales.
 
MOM-07-90
25-4123 40 MB SMARTDRIVE INSTEAD OF THE 25-4119
 
25-4119 is DISContinued
and is replaced by the 25-4123 40 MB 1" SmartDrive .
The main difference between the two is the physical size.
When you install the 25-4123 drive in a computer that has only
a 5 1/4" device slot open, you will need to obtain
Part Number AXX-7004 from National Parts (customer cost $23.85).
Also, if the computer does not have an IDE Controller built in,
you will need the 25-4121 SmartDrive adapter.
 
Be sure to sell all of your inventory of the 25-4119
or transfer it to another location in need of this drive
in order to keep your inventory fresh.
 
MOM-07-90
REPLACEMENT FOR ELGAR POWER BACKUP
 
The Elgar "intelligent" backup power products have been replaced by
similar items from American Power Conversion:
 
1. 900-2487 Model 520 ES, rated 360 watts/520 va for 5 minutes
   (large enough for file servers); modified sine wave output;
   3ms maximum switching time; with special RS232 connector for
   use with automatic/unattended shutdown options (#2 and #3 below).
   $599.00
 
2. 900-2488 Interface Board that goes into Novell File Server.    $89.00
 
3. 900-2489 "Power-Chute" Software for SCO XENIX.    $99.00
 
MOM-07-90
REALWORLD 90X PRODUCTS NOW 250 SERIES
 
The following RealWorld products were 900 series and are NOW 250 series:
 
25-1460  System Kit (SCO XENIX)
25-1461  Accounts Receivable (SCO XENIX)
25-1462  Accounts Payable  (SCO XENIX)
25-1463  Payroll (SCO XENIX)
25-1464  General Ledger (SCO XENIX)
 
MOM-07-90
NEW!  REALWORLD POINT OF SALE PLUS
 
You have been asking for it and your customers have been demanding it.
HURRAH!
NOW YOU HAVE IT!
25-1469 RealWorld Point of Sale Plus (Sug Retail $495.00).
Yes, a COMPLETE point of sale program that was developed
through the joint efforts of RealWorld Corporation and Synchronics.
 
When I said complete I mean complete.
RealWorld Point of Sale Plus contains:
 
  point of sale
 
  cash register functions
 
  inventory management
 
  accounts receivable
 
  accounts payable
 
  check reconciliation
 
  calculating payroll
 
  custom financial statements
 
  purchasing reports
 
  general ledger
 
  loan amortization and repayment schedules
 
  mailing labels
 
  online help, and
 
  password protection
 
You can operate two printers;
for example, a 900-2297 40-Column Journal and Receipt Printer,
and a 26-2818 DMP 300.
You can also use a cash drawer (900-2424 $399.00)
and a bar code wand (900-2364 $289.00).
 
Watch your deck for stock numbers,
and tell those store owners next door that you have been talking to
on a regular basis.
 
Ding!
Is that your cash drawer bell I hear ringing?
 
MOM-07-90
MARKETING POINT OF SALE SOLUTIONS
 
At a glance, point of sale appears to be an easy solution to market.
After all, there are millions of retailers that can be potential prospects.
Let's look at how you can approach the marketplace productively.
 
We have good news and bad news.
The bad news is that very large retailers --
i.e. K-Mart and other "large to medium" sized chains --
won't buy your solution.
Their needs are too complex for the system.
 
The good news is that the rest of the market is wide open --
that 90% that's left is OURS -- small retailers.
The first part of your game plan needs to be acquisition of leads.
 
Select a small territory for starters.
There are many retailers concentrated in shopping centers and near malls.
Get the zip codes and request Dun's leads in the DeskMate Filer format.
These SIC codes are recommended:
 
SIC     Retail Industry
52     Retail Bldg Materials / Garden Supplies
53     General Merchandise Stores
54     Food Stores
55     Automotive Dealers / Service Stations
56     Apparel and Accessory Stores
57     Furniture and Home Furnishing Stores
58     Eating and Drinking Places
 
59     Miscellaneous Retail
 
5912     Drug Stores
5921     Liquor Stores
5932     Used Merchandise Stores
5941     Sporting Goods / Bike Shops
5942     Book Stores
5943     Stationery Stores
5944     Jewelry Stores
5945     Hobby / Toy
5946     Camera / Photo
5947     Gift / Novelty / Souvenir
5948     Luggage / Leather Goods
5949     Sewing / Piece Goods
5961     Catalog and Mail Order
5962     Vending Machine Operators
5963     Direct Selling Establishments
5983     Fuel Oil Dealers
5984     Bottled Gas Dealers
5989     Fuel Dealers
5992     Florists
5993     Tobacco Stores / Stands
5994     News Dealers / Stands
5995     Optical Goods Stores
5999     Misc. Retail Stores
 
Choose a few SICs that you feel are predominant in your area,
or ones that you have some knowledge in.
 
Your CSE just returned from Fort Worth and will be arranging training
(with your RMTM) on Point of Sale Plus from RealWorld.
 
Upon receiving your leads,
begin your telemarketing to these prospects on Mondays.
Be persistent and ask to speak with the owner or manager.
Arrange for an appointment with the retailer --
be sure you ask them what time their business is slow during the day --
so they have time to speak with you.
 
If the first appointment goes well, arrange for a demonstration in your Center!
 
Make some good luck for yourself, and as always -- Great Selling!
EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY
Radio Shack Education Marketing Newsletter
 
MOM-07-90
EDUCATION DIVISION EXPANDS
 
Radio Shack's Educational Sales and Marketing Organization
has been strengthened to reflect growing opportunities.
Supporting the Vice President is Maddie Lesnick,
Director of Education Marketing and Jim Christy,
our newly appointed Director of Education Sales.
 
Education Marketing is charged with coordinating
all third party hardware vendor
and software publisher activities, articulating an advertising program,
supporting the field organization
and reporting on developing trends and competitive issues in the industry.
Jerry Proffitt has joined Education Marketing as Manager of Sales and
Marketing Support.
 
Education Sales, expanded by seven additional AEMMs,
is responsible for generating sales in the marketplace.
They will do so by developing team selling activities with
Radio Shack personnel in Computer Centers and stores.
Our vision is that the coordination of the AEMM,
the Computer Center/store manager,
the Education Specialist and the System Engineer
will present a unified "Technology Team for the 90s" that will
place Radio Shack in a pre-emptive position in the marketplace.
 
MOM-07-90
RADIO SHACK EDUCATION SHINES AT NECC
 
The 1990 National Education Computing Conference,
held at Opryland Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee,
was the site for the largest exhibit that Radio Shack Education Division
has ever undertaken.
The exhibit included two 20' X 50' booths
plus a 20 station hands-on SchoolMate  lab.
 
Due to the extensive size of the booth,
staffing consisted of 20 employees of Radio Shack Education Division,
both from the field and Fort Worth, plus two System Engineers.
The staff arrived in Nashville on Friday, June 22.
Booth setup began Saturday and continued through Sunday.
 
The National Exhibits Department Director, Don Stanfield,
shipped in over 120 computers for the conference.
More than 30 of these computers were provided to software publishers
for use in their booths.
Everywhere you looked there were educators using Tandy computers.
 
A Little Extra Magic --
Peter Studebaker, the magician,
was on hand to draw attendees into our exhibit area.
As with other conferences this year,
Peter was a big hit with the attendees and publishers.
 
SchoolMate Lab --
Nine software publishers participated in the hands-on lab,
each giving a 45-minute overview of their SchoolMate products.
They were Compu-Teach, American Educational Computing, Gamco Industries,
Davidson & Associates, True BASIC, Franklin Beedle & Associates,
Scholastic Software, Research Design Associates, and Broderbund Software.
 
The Schoolhouse --
The SchoolMate network and a display of laptop computers
were featured in the Schoolhouse.
In addition, four of our Integrated Learning System partners,
Computer Curriculum Corporation, Jostens Learning Systems,
The Roach Organization, and Wicat, were inside the Schoolhouse,
each with a two-station network.
Outside the Schoolhouse we displayed Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia,
DeskMate , SchoolMate Teacher's Helper and Word Map I.
 
Teacher Productivity Center --
Five software centers were set up in the Teacher Productivity Center.
These centers featured software solutions from leading
educational software publishers, including Broderbund Software,
Compu-Teach, Davidson & Associates, DLM Teaching Resources,
Encyclopedia Britannica, FirstByte, Great Wave Software,
The Learning Company, and Tom Snyder Productions.
 
    Resource Center on CD-ROM -- Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia,
    Shakespeare on Disc, U.S. Civics, and the World Fact Book.
 
    Publishing Center -- Publish It!, Express Publisher, Avagio,
    PFS:First Choice, The New Print Shop, Once Upon a Time,
    Family Tree Maker, BannerMania, Create with Garfield, Q&A Write,
    and Childrens' Writing and Publishing Center.
 
    DeskMate Discovery Center -- Q&A Write, Lotus DeskMate,
    Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing, Alge-Blaster Plus, The Outliner,
    RightWriter, Form Finisher, and KidsTime PC.
 
    Computing for Kids -- Jack & the Beanstalk, Milliken Storyteller,
    The Playroom, Joshua's Reading Machine, Math & Me,
    Where in Time is Carmen Sandiego?, SuperSolvers: Outnumbered,
    Monsters and Make-Believe, PC Globe+, See the USA, Car Builder,
    Weatherflight, Sim City, Reading and Me, The Dinosaur Discovery Kit,
    and StudyMate.
 
    SchoolMate Teacher's Helper -- ROSTER, GRADE BOOK, EXAM MAKER and DRAW.
 
Special Thanks
 
This exhibit could not have been a success without the cooperation
of the entire Education Division.
A special thanks to Michelle McNinch, Coordinator, National Exhibits,
for the extra hours of planning she put into this show
and to Maggie Sherrod, Manager, Education Merchandising,
who worked on the "Teacher Productivity Center"
making sure we had all the right software in the right places.
 
MOM-07-90
RADIO SHACK EDUCATION DIVISION -- THE EDUCATION SPECIALISTS
 
The Radio Shack Education Division is launching a brand new theme
and look for FY '91.
Our new theme -- The Education Specialists --
will be emphasized in all our education product literature,
including brochures on SchoolMate ,
Education Computer Leasing, and Tandy Laptops in Education;
white papers on At Risk Populations, Restructuring, and Teacher Empowerment;
and fact sheets on SchoolMate Teacher's Helper,
our Integrated Learning System Partners
(CCC, Jostens, New Century, TRO, Wasatch, and Wicat),
Administrative Solutions, and SchoolMate Curriculum Solutions.
 
We are also producing a new Education Specialists Folder and 8-page
Education Booklet.
The new folder is especially designed to showcase
the new education product literature,
and features "real kids" using Tandy Computers.
The 8-page, full color booklet emphasizes Radio Shack's commitment to
education, our more than 10 years experience selling to education,
and our ability to bring the complete solution to the education customer.
 
These new materials will be available through TSDC beginning in August.
EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY
News Line -- Technical Support,  Line Questions, Services
 
MOM-07-90
GRANTS WINNERS FY '90
 
The Tandy Educational Grants Program has just awarded 22 grants
of Tandy computer hardware and software to schools and educators.
The awards were divided equally between the two cycles
that were offered this school year.
The first cycle was "Using Computers to Enhance Language Skills"
and the winners were:
 
Writer's Alley CCAT (Computer/Child Author Teams)
Bonnie Bollie, Kathy Peterson and Becky Hill
Adena Elementary School, West Chester, OH
 
Ready, Set, Read!
Sharon Hayes
Marion Center Jr./Sr. High School, Marion Center, PA
 
The Tandy Man
Grace Hom
Corona Avenue School, Bell, CA
 
Using Computers to Enhance Language Skills
John Van Goethem
Sinte Gleska College, Rosebud, SD
 
Enhancing Language Skills Through Desktop Publishing
James Postle
Dyer Street Elementary School, Sylmar, CA
 
WRITING A COMMUNITY AFFAIR --
    The Language Arts Center, A School Based Community Writing Center
Pam Atchison
Alberton Public School, Alberton, MT
 
Using Computers in Social Studies Classes to Improve Language Skills
Catherine Mathis
Pacoima Junior High School, Pacoima, CA
 
A Comparison: Language Arts Achievement and Computer Assisted Instruction
Janet Luttrell, Ph.D.
Lewisville I.S.D.,  Lewisville, TX
 
Using Computers to Enhance Language Skills
Kathy Biggs and Gloria Muzzall
Henry Elementary School, Henry, TN
 
Teaching Spelling Irregularities with Phonemically Organized Keyboards
Edmund Coleman
University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX
 
Production of a Guide to Local Resources for Women,
    Completely Researched, Written and Published by Learners
    in a Community-based Adult Literacy and Life Skills Project
Peggy McGuire
Germantown Women's Educational Project
Calvary Church, Germantown, Philadelphia, PA
 
The second cycle was "Computer Uses with Special Populations
(including Handicapped, Special Education, Gifted and At-Risk):"
 
Computer Kids
Karen Marcum and Debbie Weidert
Westwood Elementary School, New Castle, IN
 
Computer Usage with Trainable Mentally Handicapped and At-Risk Students
Andrea Kelman Yussman
Thomas Jefferson Middle School, Louisville, KY
 
Augmentative Communication Systems using Tandy 102 and
    PC-6 Pocket Computers
Judith S. Marquette
Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit, Lewisburg, PA
 
At-Risk Entrepreneurs
Gary L. Jones
Warner High School, Alturas, CA
 
Using Portable Computers with Learning Disabled Middle School Students
Theresa Buczkowski
Timberview Middle School, Colorado Springs, CO
 
MathHelp   A Computer-Based Homework Assistance Project
Richard T. Driver
Topeka Public Schools, Topeka, KS
 
Substance Abuse Education for At-Risk Students
John A. McFadden
Worcester Futures
Worcester Public Schools, Worcester, MA
 
Writing and Computers Program
Kim Gerould
The Care Center, Holyoke, MA
 
LEP Leap
Nancy A. Gray
Long Beach Unified School District, Long Beach, CA
 
Hey, Can I Do My English in Art?
Bill Buchanan
Pocomoke High School, Pocomoke City, MD
 
The Dandy Tandy: Microcomputer Use With A Very Special
    Population (the Elderly)
Edith G. De Angelis, Ed. D.
University of Massachusetts at Boston, Boston, MA
 
Topics and deadline dates for the 1990-1991 school year will
be announced in early July.
Interested educators should write on
their letterhead requesting information:
 
Tandy Educational Grants Program
1600 One Tandy Center
Fort Worth, TX  76102
EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY
Product Line -- Promotions, Contests, Latest Products
Product Update
 
MOM-07-90
SCHOOLMATE IN THE CLASSROOM
 
Why should schools buy SchoolMate ?
What efficiencies does SchoolMate bring to the teaching and learning setting?
To the administrative office?
These are the questions you should answer when presenting SchoolMate
to teachers and administrators.
 
Only Management Information System (MIS) personnel
will want to know about bits and bytes.
Reserve your technical expertise for discussions with technical personnel.
Individuals whose job it is to educate students will not be impressed.
When meeting with these people demonstrate your understanding of the
mission of the school and how SchoolMate supports that mission.
Don't leave unanswered questions on the table regarding SchoolMate's
value to them.
The danger is that if you do, your competition might follow,
answer all questions regarding the school's needs
in terms of the competition's solution,
and take the advantage away from you.
 
This does not mean that
you should not be expected to return with detailed information
regarding a specific solution or courseware package.
It is, however,
a suggestion that you should be prepared well enough during that
first sales call to answer all basic questions.
Your second and subsequent sales calls
should be for the purpose of moving you further along in the sales
cycle.
 
Talk about SchoolMate in simple and persuasive terms.
Begin your presentation by explaining that SchoolMate
is a software delivery system that gives teachers
and students access to software resources stored on a computer filing system,
commonly referred to as a file server.
Attached to this file server are workstation computers,
located in the same and/or different rooms of a school building.
Be sure to stress that location is unimportant and access is key.
Attached to the network will be printers and other devices
that teachers and students can also use.
 
Once they can visualize a network,
the technology behind it can be explained as followed:
an adapter card installed in each computer workstation
is attached by cable to one another and controlled by software,
such as Novell or 3Com,
that lets each computer workstation talk to each other or to the file server.
With those preliminary explanations out of the way,
you can get down to business and discuss the benefits of SchoolMate
and how it supports teaching and learning,
and why they should seriously consider it for their school or district.
 
To teachers and administrators, the real benefit of SchoolMate
is in how it supports their work.
A teacher will want to know how it will assist with the primary job
of teaching students.
An administrator will want to know how it will help keep track
of the learning that is going on in the school.
Remember, SchoolMate does not track student progress activity;
instead, it helps teachers manage the learning environment more efficiently.
Administrators need to understand how SchoolMate can
help teachers manage the learning environment better.
Teachers need to understand that,
in addition to the software resources on the system
to be used with their students,
tools are also available that will help them
increase their professional productivity.
 
Prior to your demonstration of SchoolMate's functionality,
increase your chances of success by emphasizing the following ideas:
 
    SchoolMate  is a Tandy-developed graphical user interface
    application that makes using a local area network simple and easy.
    It is the "friendly face"
    that stands between the user and the more complicated
    commands and menuing system of the network operating system.
 
    SchoolMate is a software and courseware applications manager that
    lets teachers control student access to their electronic assignments.
    It also gives teachers and students access to other system resources
    such as printers and plotters.
 
    SchoolMate is a set of teacher productivity tools that assist teachers
    in keeping track of students on the system.
    Further, Grade Book and Exam Maker are teacher productivity
    tools that help with classroom management tasks.
 
Assist teachers and administrators in seeing SchoolMate as an
"Electronic Resource Center" whose open delivery platform is capable of
working with multiple courseware selection options.
Within the SchoolMate "center"
all compatible networkable electronic applications may reside.
The system is capable of delivering the courseware of the
major Integrated Instructional System (IIS) companies
such as Computer Curriculum Corporation, Jostens Learning Corporation,
New Century, TRO's PLATO Courseware, Wasatch Education System and Wicat.
It also serves the courseware of major third party publishers
whose courseware is SchoolMate compatible.
This article features the products of one
software publisher whose products run on the SchoolMate network.
 
Research Design Associates (RDA) has developed a set of affordable,
multi-cultural, computer-assisted language learning (CALL) SchoolMate
Curriculum Solutions.
The network price for each of these products is $139.95 per server.
Contact the publisher at 10 Boulevard Avenue,
Greenlawn, New York 11740, (800) 654-8715
for product literature and additional sales information.
 
These five (5) versatile applications provide reinforcement for ESL,
reading, special education, adult literacy and foreign languages.
 
  Proteus -- The Idea Processor
  Rhubarb
  Double Up
  Mark Up
  Sequitur
 
Each of the above applications supports the following features which
enhance their usefulness to teachers and learners:
 
Authoring:  RDA Language Learning programs allow teachers to customize
the content to suit the needs of their learners.
With RDA Language Learning programs,
today's lesson can be reinforced tomorrow with the computer
as simply as using a word processor.
Schools can quickly build libraries of data
which can serve students across the curriculum.
 
Ease of Use:  RDA programs are "manual free"
with almost no learning curve.
Teachers and students, regardless of computer expertise,
can begin using the programs immediately.
The programs also have highly interactive game formats
which entertain and foster cooperative learning as well as teach.
 
Flexibility:  RDA programs are designed so users can be
as young as third grade or they can be adults.
There are no features which can embarrass mature basic learners.
 
Management System:  RDA programs allow teachers to record the progress of
individual students to allow for future instruction.
 
PROTEUS deserves special mention as a student writing aide.
It supports writing instruction and is an excellent "prewriting"
application that helps writers discover, explore,
and expand ideas before moving to a draft.
 
Research Design Associates, Inc. is one of 33 software publishers who
currently support the SchoolMate Education Network.
These publishers provide 230 software titles for K-12 education
that range from applications for business education, computer applications,
reading, language arts, mathematics, science, social studies
and adult literacy.
 
While many of these applications are available direct from Radio Shack
through Educational Express Order  and are described in the 1990
Educational Products Guide,
others must be ordered directly from the publisher.
 
For a comprehensive listing of SchoolMate software,
obtain a copy of the SchoolMate Curriculum Matrix
from your Area Education Marketing Manager
or call Education Marketing at (817) 390-2967.
 
MOM-07-90
UPGRADING JOSTEN'S LABS
 
With the large number of Josten's/Tandy labs that are installed,
more and more schools are looking at upgrading their existing equipment
with new technology.
At the present time there are three different configurations installed.
 
1.  AST labs
 
2.  3Com
 
3.  Novell
 
The AST labs were the original labs that were installed.
These labs may or may not be upgraded to be compatible with Novell
depending on the hardware that is being used.
Most of the time it is more cost effective to replace the lab
in its entirety, because of the number of card slots available
in the older computers.
 
The 3Com labs may be upgraded to Novell.
Please remember when upgrading the Tandy  1000 SX or TX family,
you must use the 26-5435 EtherLink board.
The 26-5505 EtherLink Plus and the 26-5501 EtherLink II
are not supported by Jostens in a mixed hardware environment.
 
When adding SL/2s or TL/2s in a pre-existing lab with SXs,
you must add a 26-5425 Votrax board to the new units.
This unit also needs to have a 274-378 and a 42-2365.
 
This computer would not be able to run Compton's.
If a school would like to add Compton's to the network a VGA board
and a VGM monitor are needed for the SL/2.
The Votrax board and other components are not needed
when setting up for Compton's.
The school has the option of running either the Compton's
or the BASIC learning.
It is not possible to run both Compton's and the Jostens software
from the same station.
The maximum number of student stations that can run Compton's
off a network with mixed systems is 12 units.
 
The host station for Novell must be a Tandy  4000 with a minimum
of 8 MB of memory and a 170 meg hard drive.
The school would also need to purchase the Novell software.
Please refer to the April 1990 Issue
of the Computer Merchandising Memo of the Month for configurations.
(The 4000 has now been upgraded to the 4016 DX.)
 
If you have any questions regarding this information
please call Mindy Lynn (817) 390-2163.
OUTBOUND MARKETING IN JULY/AUGUST
A monthly column for the direct sales professional.
 
MOM-07-90
ACCOUNTING SOLUTIONS
SELLING THE SIZZLE
 
Accounting can be a lot easier to market when you know
the types of hot buttons that encourage a client to choose your solution.
Let's examine some of these buttons on our most popular software, RealWorld:
 
RealWorld accounting produces accurate and timely reports by:
 
1. Making it easier to make informed business decisions.
 
2. Those decisions lead to increased profits, sales and expense control.
 
RealWorld Accounts Receivable can help manage cash flow by:
 
1. Tracking and managing accounts receivable, which allows
   faster collection of monies owed to a business.
 
2. Reducing unpaid invoices, so cash flow is increased.
 
3. Reducing or eliminating borrowing to meet expenses.
 
RealWorld Accounts Payable can help control pay-outs by:
 
1. Closely tracking accounts payable.
   A business can take advantage of discounts their vendors might offer.
 
2. Facilitating on time payments which = good credit ratings.
 
RealWorld Inventory Control can help make smart product decisions by:
 
1. Tracking the cost of products better.
   A company will know which items have higher profit margins.
   They will then be able to develop a strategy to
   focus promotions accordingly.
 
2. Knowing what's selling and what is not.
   Dead inventory can be sold out to allow money for hot items.
 
RealWorld Payroll can increase profits by:
 
1. Monitoring costs.
   A business can monitor wages as well as federal and state taxes.
 
2. Quickly preparing payroll registers,
   printing checks and updating each employee's earnings record.
 
3. Having timely summaries of expenses.
   This allows the business person to stop unnecessary expenditures.
 
RealWorld General Ledger affords the luxury of managing a business
with accurate financial reports by:
 
1. Producing profit and loss statements and balance sheets.
   This allows examining of financial history immediately,
   for comparison purposes.
 
With tools like these at the disposal of a smart business person --
profits, cash flow and sales will increase and expenses will decrease.
 
Examine FC-490, the Small Business Accounting Brochure,
and RealWorld's Sales and Marketing publications available from RealWorld
at (800) 678-6336 for additional information!
 
MOM-07-90
DUN'S UPDATE
 
Dun's has expanded its offerings with the addition of two services:
"Company Look-up" and "Hot List."
 
"Company Look-up" allows the user to request Dun's information about
a specific company.
This can be a valuable marketing tool to use in sales campaigns
that target specific companies.
 
"Hot List" searches for businesses that are new
or that have recently moved.
Now that's what we call HOT!
Imagine all of the opportunity this type of smart marketing permits!
 
Set your game plan in motion,
and request the appropriate leads to complement your plan.
 
 
Marketing Quote
 
Inventors look for new ways of re-using concepts that are
already in operation to discover new possibilities.
 
Stephen Schoonover
TRAINING KINETICS
A forum for sales training topics.
 
MOM-07-90
TO SELL THE SIZZLE...
START IN THE KITCHEN!
 
Every good cook knows that the secret to cooking a good steak
is what happens before you ever put it on the grill.
It's the same with selling accounting solutions.
You can configure the best accounting solution in the world,
but if it isn't what the prospect wants or needs, you've wasted your time.
 
Qualifying For An Accounting Solution
 
Let's first take a look at the Customer Profile/Survey (FC-1970).
The Accounting and Business Operations questions are the
starting point for qualifying your accounting prospects.
These questions are the ones you ask as soon as you determine that
you have an accounting solution prospect.
 
QUESTION 1:  Which of the following accounting
or business operation applications are you currently using,
or would you like to use?
 
The basic four applications, General Ledger, Accounts Receivable,
Accounts Payable and Payroll,
are the ones every business must have to conduct business.
You need to find out how your prospect is currently handling
the functions performed by these four applications.
They may have a manual system, an in-house computerized system,
a external accounting service or a combination of all three.
 
The accounting applications beyond these four will be dependent
on the business specialization.
Add applications to the list you have on the Profile,
if they are relevant to the business prospect.
 
Keep in mind that even if you think that the prospect needs to
computerize certain applications, the prospect may not see that need.
If that is true,
it is up to you to generate a sense of need in your prospect.
But first start with those applications
the prospect feels need to be computerized.
 
It's very important that you find out how many people
are presently involved in the tasks required to do that job.
It's also important that you find out how much the prospect is spending
for any outside accounting services.
These two pieces of information form the core of any cost justification
you will be presenting.
 
QUESTION 2:  What are the strengths of your present system?
 
It's important that this question, and the others,
are asked of the right person.
In many cases, the owner of the business is not that person.
Without putting this person on the spot, preface your questions with,
"In order to do the best job for you,
I need to ask some basic questions about your current accounting system.
Besides yourself, is there anyone else in your company
I need to talk to find out more about the day-to-day operations
of your accounting department?"
This gives your prospect the ability to gracefully bow out
and refer you to the person who can best answer your questions.
It also impresses prospects with your professional concern
for their best interests.
 
By asking about the strengths of the current operations first,
you are not inferring that the present system is bad.
Besides, this question gives you the opportunity to find out
what is important to the prospect and a measure of how a new system
will be evaluated.
 
QUESTION 3:  What would you like to change in your present system?
 
Don't mistakenly phrase this question,
"What is wrong with your present system?"
That puts the prospect on the defensive. 
And keep in mind that not everything your prospect will want to change
is possible.
Be aware that the less computer literate your prospect is,
the higher the expectation level will be for rapid conversion time,
little cost beyond hardware and software,
and immediate productivity level results for all personnel involved.
 
Listen for clues that lead you to potential benefits that will help
you close the sale.
Remind your prospect of these "wish lists"
during your solutions presentation.
If someone other than the decision-maker has provided this information,
be ready to identify your source.
 
QUESTION 4:  What are your most important requirements
in a new system? Now? Future?
 
Every prospect has a laundry list of things he or she may want
in a computerized accounting system.
It's critical that you find out the two or three most important objectives
that your prospect has in mind.
This question might also be asked,
"If there were only three things you could accomplish with a new system,
what would those things be?"
 
And don't forget future needs.
Design a system that is not limited to present conditions.
As the company grows, it must have an accounting system that can grow with it.
It also gives you reasons to call back at a later date
to grow your client account.
 
These primary objectives contain the crucial information you
need to close your sale.
Present the solution in a NEEDS/SOLUTION/BENEFITS format.
Restate the NEEDS that you have been made aware of
(confirming the accuracy of your information, rather than assuming anything),
outline the SOLUTION that you have concluded will best meet those needs,
and then describe the BENEFITS that will be realized from your solution.
 
As much as you can, put those benefits into quantitative terms,
such as, "You can save $$$$.$$ each month (or year)..."
or "The increased productivity will result in $$$$.$$
more to your bottom line..."
or "With the additional tasks that these three people can complete,
you will save the cost of that additional person you were going to hire,
and that amounts to $$$$$$.$$ per year..."
 
When Do I Bring in the Cavalry?
 
It's always prudent to ask yourself the question,
"Do I need the help of a Systems Engineer?"
The time for this assistance is:
 
     when a multi-user system is required
 
     when technical answers, you're unsure of, are required
 
     when configuring your solution
 
     whenever the answer to that question is "I don't know."
 
Better to be safe than sorry.
 
Finally... 
 
Don't forget the answers to these questions:
 
"I don't want to tie up my resources.
Do you offer a leasing program?"
 
Answer:  We offer true leases on computer systems with a variety of pay plans.
Software, installation, training, taxes and some other costs
that are normally "non-financeable" can be included.
 
"How can I be certain that my system will be properly configured
and installed?"
 
Answer:  Radio Shack Systems Engineers are located in most Computer Centers
to help you configure, install and support your system,
even at your site if you want it.
 
"Who will answer any questions I may have after my system is installed?"
 
Answer:  Our nationwide team of experts can provide a comprehensive range
of support services in the industry.
You can depend on us.
 
"Is training really necessary?"
 
Answer:  Training is the key to achieving the maximum benefit
in the shortest possible time.
We offer classroom training as well as on-site instruction
to meet your specific needs.
Don't cheat yourself by not taking advantage of this opportunity
to make the most of your investment as effectively as possible.
 
"What if my system should need servicing?"
 
Answer:  Our Radio Shack technicians offer timely,
professional and affordable service at your location
or at one of our 5000 Radio Shack stores or Computer Centers.
This assures you that your system is "up and running" as soon as possible.
 
"How can I better manage my service costs?"
 
Answer:  Investing in a Tandy Service Plan is protection against
unexpected repair costs.
Pick a truly versatile service program to meet your specific needs,
either carry-in or on-site contracts at a minimal cost.
 
If your prospect doesn't ask these questions, you ask and answer them.
Be sure that your prospect knows that investing in a Tandy
accounting solution is more than investing in a computer,
it's investing in Radio Shack and all of its resources.
 
NOBODY COMPARES!!! 
 
MOM-06-90
CLOSING OUT THE FISCAL YEAR
THE FRONT LINE
 
June means a lot of different things to us.
It's the last month of the
fiscal year and a great opportunity to wrap up some last big sales and
put the "icing on the cake."
It's also a great time to clean up and move
out discontinued products to make room for new products you
know are coming.
There are plenty of Tandy  1000 TXs, Tandy  3000 NLs,
Tandy  4000s and printers.
Here are some tips to help you sell
your clearance items.
 
Merchandising
 
Set aside an area in your store or Center for clearance items.
Make this area in the vicinity of your current systems.
You're counting
on your prospects that are in the market for a new system having a look at
these clearance items.
Don't hide them in the back and
don't be embarrassed about showing them.
Our own salespeople need to be reminded that these items are available, too.
 
Get clearance merchandise out and priced.
Your customers EXPECT to see
bargains... and they should be attractively displayed.
Display a discontinued CPU with a monitor, printer, hard drive, etc.
just as you would a current computer.
Price systems, but be prepared to
provide prices on individual components.
 
Be sensible about accessories and peripherals.
Displaying "non-impulse" items like memory and networking
components is not a
good use of space and contributes to a cluttered appearance that makes
us all so hesitant about displaying discontinued products in our
showrooms.
Have a single table or gondola set up which contains
clearance-priced accessories that are impulse items -- like printer
platforms and supplies.
 
It is critical that every salesperson in your Center has a
list of all discontinued items in the Center, their selling price and
SPIFF amount.
If you have access to a copier that reduces, provide
everyone with a "pocket sized" copy of the Discontinued Merchandise
list.
Make a ritual out of reviewing the list at each weekly
meeting.
Review additions and deletions to the list so each salesperson has
current information and, more importantly, is thinking about it.
 
Perhaps the most important thing you can do is to make sure the
equipment is clean and operating.
That means CPUs with monitors
powered up and running software, and printers loaded with paper.
You want to make it crystal clear to your prospects that these items
work well and that they are simply last year's models being offered at
terrific savings.
 
Software in particular seems to gather dust.
Wipe the boxes off.
Make sure that each package is clearly marked with the price and
merchandised away from your regular line so a customer can see
all of your bargains at once.
 
Selling
 
There are two kinds of customers.
One insists on having the "latest and greatest."
This is the same type that trades their car in every year.
They pay retail and frequently brag about it.
You know the type and we certainly have a full line of products to take
care of this customer's needs.
 
But the other kind is the bargain hunter.
They get excited at the opportunity to save a buck.
They dream of acquiring at less than list price.
A Tandy 3000 NL with a $700 savings will really
attract this type of customer.
 
There is definitely a knack to selling discontinued merchandise.
Here are some pointers:
 
Learn the differences between last year's models and this year's.
In the case of software, know what the difference is between the
versions and what it takes to upgrade.
Frequently, your customer can save a bundle
by buying last year's version and then upgrading to the current
version... if they need it.
Many times the newer version offers features that the customer
doesn't need or requires hardware (especially memory!) that the
customer would prefer not having to invest in.
 
Learn the language and then get into the habit of using it.
Those Tandy
1000 TXs and 3000 NLs are referred to as "1990 models" as contrasted
with the Tandy  2500 XL, for example, which is a "1991 model."
Units that are
displayed are not "demos" they are "samples" or "floor models."
The difference is subtle, but important.
Remind your prospect that these units include our standard new-unit
warranty and for an extra measure of confidence, TSP  is available.
 
Don't be bashful about proposing that 1990 model.
The savings are very impressive, there's a certain sense of urgency
created when you present
your customer a proposal reflecting a multi-thousand dollar savings...
and you caution him or her that the quantity is limited.
 
Lastly, don't
forget that SPIFF that's paid to a salesmaker over and above their
regular commission for selling discontinued products.
 
Good Luck and Good Selling!
 
MOM-06-90
SALE PRICES IN JUNE
Items on Sale in June
 
FOR ALL STORES:
 
Tandy  1000 HX
 
Cat.No.  Description     Reg Price     Sale    Dates
25-1053  Tandy 1000 HX    699.00       299.00  Cont'd
 
25-1053  Tandy 1000 HX
25-1043  CM-5 Monitor
           System         998.95       598.95  Cont'd
 
 
Tandy  1000 SL/2
 
Cat.No. Description     Reg Price       Sale    Dates
25-1402 Tandy 1000 SL/2
25-1043 CM-5 Monitor
25-1331 Bonus Pack
          System        1,473.80        999.00  5/19-6/16
 
 
Tandy  1400 FD
 
Cat.No. Description     Reg Price       Sale    Dates
25-3501 1400 FD         1,499.00       999.00  5/19-Cont'd
 
 
Tandy  1400 HD
 
Cat.No. Description     Reg Price       Sale     Dates
25-3505 1400 HD         2,499.00      1,599.00  5/19-Cont'd
 
 
MS-DOS Software
 
Cat.No. Description             Reg Price       Sale    Sale Dates
25-1247 MemoryMate                69.95   49.95   4/21-Cont'd
25-1283 Lotus SS for DeskMate    219.95  179.95  4/21-6/16
25-1292 Space Quest III           49.95   34.95   SOWG
25-1294 Silpheed                  34.95   24.95   5/19-6/16
25-1299 DeskMate Q&A Write       149.95  119.95  4/21-6/16
25-1300 DeskMate RightWriter      79.95   69.95   4/21-6/16
25-1319 Math Blaster Mystery      44.95   39.95   4/21-6/16
25-1325 Sierra Value Pack         69.95   59.95   SOWG
25-1327 AlgeBlaster Plus          44.95   New     n/a
25-1328 M1-Tank Platoon           59.95   New     n/a
25-1350 DeskMate 3                99.95   69.95   5/19-6/16
 
 
CoCo 3/Tandy  102/WP-100
 
Cat.No. Description           Reg Price       Sale    Dates
26-3334 Color Computer 3        199.95       129.95   4/21-6/16
26-3803 Tandy 102               599.00       399.00   4/21-6/16
 
 
Color Computer -- Other Items
 
Cat.No. Description           Reg Price       Sale    Sale Dates
26-2228 DC Modem Pack           89.95         9.95    4/21-6/16
26-3125 2 Button Color Mouse    49.95        24.95    4/21-6/16
26-3133 FD-502 Disk Drive      299.95       179.95    4/21-6/16
26-3215 CM-8 Color Monitor     299.95       199.95    4/21-6/16
 
 
Modems/Printers/Accessories
 
Cat.No. Description              Reg Price   Sale     Sale Dates
25-1013 1200 Half Card Modem      99.95      79.95    5/19-Cont'd
25-1032 20 MB Hard Drive Card    499.95     349.95    4/21-6/16
25-1060 Ext. 5 1/4" Drive EX/HX  249.95      99.95    5/19-6/16
25-1061 Ext. 3 1/2" Drive EX/HX  279.95      99.95    5/19-6/16
25-1065 3 1/2" Drive HX          169.95     129.95    5/19-6/16
25-4059 40 MB Hard Drive Card    699.95     599.95    5/19-6/16
26-1350 Workcenter Desk           99.95      59.95    5/19-Cont'd
26-1365 Power Center-4 outlet     39.95      24.95    5/19-6/16
26-1375 Modemfone 300             99.95      29.95    5/19-6/16
26-2812 DWP 230                  459.95     199.95    3/17-Cont'd
26-2815 DMP 133 Printer          379.95     219.95    4/21-Cont'd
26-3008 Pair of Joysticks         19.95       9.95    3/17-6/16
 
 
ADDITIONAL FOR 01Zs/COMPUTER CENTERS:
 
 
Tandy  3000 NL Solutions
 
The Tandy  1000 TL/2 promotion is so successful that we are going to
follow it up with a sale on the "ultimate instant office with VGA graphics!"
For this promotion, we'll feature two Tandy 3000 NL systems
for the period May 19th through June 30th.
These systems represent complete solutions
for your "instant office" prospects.
 
Cat.No. Description         Reg Price       Sale
25-4072 Tandy 3000 NL
25-4040 VGM-100 Monitor
25-4043 VGA Adapter
25-4119 40 MB SmartDrive
25-4121 SmartDrive Adapter
25-1350 DeskMate 3
25-4109 MS-DOS 3.30
25-1333 TL/2 Bonus Pack
             (Q&A Write, Lotus, Mouse)
        System            3,537.60        1,999.00
        Lease for               68/mo.
 
Substitute a VGM-200 (25-4041) and the system will sell for $2,299.00,
lease for $78/mo.
 
 
TSP  Bonus Offer
 
With the purchase of the 3000 NL systems (exactly as configured) above,
your clients may purchase a three-year TSP at a substantial savings
(remember, these prices are only valid when the system is configured
just this way):
 
                           3-Yr Promo 3 Years at
Cat.No  Description        System TSP Normal Price   SVGS
25-4072 Tandy 3000 NL        199.00   298.00
25-4040 VGM-100 Monitor       29.00    55.00
25-4043 VGA Adapter           35.00    70.00
25-4119 40 MB SmartDrive      70.00   128.00
25-4121 SmartDrive Adapter     6.00    10.00
25-1350 DeskMate 3              N/A      N/A
25-4109 MS-DOS 3.30             N/A      N/A
25-1333 TL/2 Bonus Pack         N/A      N/A
                                  _        _
                             339.00   561.00           40%
 
Optional in place of 25-4040:
25-4041 VGM-200               69.00   137.50           48%
 
If your customer decides that the recommended system solution is not
for him/her, then remind them about this 3000 NL pricing action:
 
Cat.No. Description     Reg Price       Sale
25-4072 Tandy 3000 NL   1,699.00        999.00
 
In addition to the solutions in the Grand Slam plan,
you have some special pricing on small 386-based CPU systems:
 
 
Tandy  4000 LX Computer
 
Cat.No. Description     Reg Price       Sale
25-5100 Tandy 4000 LX
25-4058 Hard Drive Controller
25-4062 20 MB Hard Drive
25-3049 Monochrome Graphics Adapter
25-3012 VM-5 Monochrome Monitor
           System       5,117.85        3,767.90
 
Cat.No. Description     Reg Price       Sale
25-5100 Tandy 4000 LX   3,999.00        2,999.00
 
 
Tandy  4000 Computer
 
Cat.No. Description     Reg Price       Sale
25-5000 Tandy 4000
25-4058 Hard Drive Controller
25-4062 20 MB Hard Drive
25-3049 Monochrome Graphics Adapter
25-3012 VM-5 Monochrome Monitor
           System       3,917.85        2,767.90
 
Cat.No. Description     Reg Price       Sale
25-5000 Tandy 4000      2,799.00        1,999.00
 
 
Tandy  4000 SX Floor Sample Sale
 
The Tandy 4000 SX (25-4900) now carries a special SOWG price of $1,999.00.
This is a $600 savings off its regular price.
This price includes all store inventory, including floor samples.
 
Cat.No. Description     Reg Price       Sale
25-4900 Tandy 4000 SX   2,599.00        1,999.00
 
Don't forget that all 386-based systems with a hard drive, monitor,
and operating system qualify for the Grand Slam trade-in.
And a free three-year TSP  (when leased).
 
 
Hard Drives on Sale
 
Additionally, the following hard drive/controller prices
should allow you to add a hard disk drive to every business computer sale:
 
Hard Drives
 
Cat.No.    Description             Reg Price  Sale
250-1032   20 MB Hard Drive Card   499.95     349.95
250-4059   40 MB Hard Drive Card   699.95     599.95
250-4062   20 MB HD                599.00     349.00
250-4057   40 MB (40 ms) HD        799.00     449.00
250-4067   70 MB HD              1,499.00     699.00
 
Sale ends 6/16
 
Hard Drives & Controllers
 
Cat.No.         Description              Reg Price        Sale
250-4062/4058   20 MB HD/Cntrlr            848.95        499.00
250-4057/4058   40 MB (40 ms) HD/Cntrlr  1,048.95        599.00
250-4067/4058   70 MB HD/Cntrlr          1,748.95        799.00
 
 
SUPER PRICING ACTION!!
 
Many of you have requested some additional system pricing for the
Grand Slam program.
So, instead of configuring many possible
platforms, we've put the individual components on sale so you can
custom configure a great system at a super value for your clients.
Remember to involve your System Engineer in any system recommendations.
 
All of the prices below are only valid when configured with a complete
system including a CPU, monitor, hard drive and operating system.
Here's the line-up:
 
DEEP CUTS ON MEMORY!
 
Stock # Description     Regular Price   Sale Price      Save!
25-5031 1 MB SIMM KIT   349.95           299.95        50.00
25-5033 2 MB SIMM KIT   599.95           499.95       100.00
25-5131 2 MB SIMM KIT   1,499.00         799.00       700.00
25-5132 4 MB SIMM KIT   2,999.00       1,800.00     1,800.00
25-4082 128K MEM KIT    69.95             59.95        10.00
25-4028 512K MEM KIT    199.95           149.95        50.00
 
HARD DRIVE BONANZA!
 
Stock # Description         Regular Price       Sale Price Save!
25-4159 40 MB SCSI          799.00  Buy this drive and
                            get the 25-4161 SCSI
                            Host adapter FREE!!!
25-4160 80 MB SCSI          1,299.00        Buy this drive and
                            get the 25-4161 SCSI
                            Host adapter FREE!!!
25-4119 40 MB SmartDrive    649.00                499.00  150.00
25-4064 5 " Int. 20 MB Disk 799.00                399.00  400.00
            Cartridge System
 
For use in the Tandy  40XX series computers and the 3000 NL.
This unit is the "A" version that has a built-in
controller board and works great as a data back-up device or can be
booted as a drive!
Use 700-1502 for SCO XENIX 2.3 GT device drivers for this DCS.
An MS-DOS driver is packaged with the drive.
 
MOM-06-90
THE DESKMATE  DIFFERENCE
A series of articles on DeskMate.
 
INSTANT PAGES:
Forms and Newsletters under the DeskMate Interface
 
Instant Pages (25-1262) makes it easy to create forms and newsletters with
your personal computer.
Unlike word processors which have little or no
box-drawing or line-drawing capabilities, Instant Pages uses boxes and
lines as integral parts of the document.
These components can use either single or double lines
for a distinctive, professional look.
 
Features of the Program
 
Instant Pages has several features which make it stand out as a
form-generating program:
 
Use of the DeskMate  Graphical User Interface.
 
Instant Pages uses the same keyboard commands and
mouse controls that other DeskMate programs use.
As an example, its File <F2> menu has these familiar options:  New,
Open, Save, Save As, Print, and Exit.
This consistency makes it
especially easy for users of other DeskMate programs to work with
Instant Pages.
 
Use of the DeskMate Clipboard.
 
Text can be copied from another DeskMate
program directly into Instant Pages, without saving the text to a file.
That means Instant Pages can paste text directly from these DeskMate
Programs:  Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate, DeskMate Q&A Write, Quicken,
MemoryMate, Venture, Text, Filer, and other DeskMate programs that use
the Clipboard.
 
Use of Text from Other Programs.
 
Instant Pages can "flow" text files
that were generated by other programs into its boxes.
This is especially useful when you have text that you don't
want to type in again, like numbers from a spreadsheet.
If the text you're importing
fills the box with some left over, you can create another box and
continue to "flow" the text into that box.
(If you prefer, you can have Instant Pages enlarge the box so
the text will fit.)
This lets you create columns and boxes full of information for a
visually-appealing document or newsletter.
 
Use of Large Fonts.
 
You can create double-wide and double-high
characters with Instant pages.
These characters also add to the appeal
and readability of your forms and documents.
Instant Pages can print
these characters using printers with IBM Graphics Printer or ProPrinter
emulation (that includes our LP 1000 laser printer).
 
Numerous Sample Forms Included.
 
More than 100 sample forms are already included with Instant Pages,
including all the forms shown later in this article.
To many businesses, these editable forms alone are worth the $44.95 cost!
 
On-Disk Tutorials.
 
Instant Pages includes a dozen tutorials on the disk.
Using the "live" program, these tutorials take you through all
the steps of creating, editing, and printing forms and newsletters.
You use the program to learn about the program, making this instruction
very effective.
 
Sample Print-Outs
 
While the on-screen program is impressive,
what matters in a forms program is the printed output.
Here are some examples of the sample forms included with Instant Pages:
[pictures here]
 
How to Use Instant Pages
 
Instant Pages has two main modes:  Layout and Text.
You use the Layout Mode to draw boxes and key in static text.
The Text Mode lets you work with the program as a word processor within a box.
 
When you first run Instant Pages, it comes up in the Layout Mode.
To draw a box, use the mouse to place the cursor in the
upper left corner of the desired box location.
Double-click the mouse to "set" the corner.
Then move the mouse to the lower right and double-click there.
The box will appear highlighted on the screen.
Next, pull down the Draw <F4> menu and select the Draw option.
An outlined box will appear on the screen.
 
You can now enter text into the box.
In the Layout Mode, you can enter static text for headlines, captions, etc.
To get the word processing capabilities,
choose the Text <F6> menu and select the Text Mode.
In this mode you can take advantage of word wrap, right and left
justification, and other word processing-type features.
 
Before moving to another box, you must choose Text <F6> and select the
Layout Mode again.
 
The process for drawing lines is identical to drawing boxes except you
align the two endpoints horizontally or vertically.
 
To use text that was typed in or generated by another program,
first place the cursor in the upper left corner of a box.
Choose the File <F2> menu and select Import.
After you type in the name of the text file you
want to bring in, the text will flow into the box.
If there is too much text for the box, you may choose to extend the box.
Alternatively, you can create another box and choose the
File <F2> Import option again to continue the text flow from the point
where the text in the first box ended.
 
Printing is as easy as choosing the File <F2> Print option.
That's all there is to it!
 
Printouts of the sample documents appear in the back of the Instant
Pages manual.
You will probably want to load in some of these sample documents from
the diskette to see how these nice effects were accomplished.
 
How to Sell Instant Pages
 
Since Instant Pages' printed forms are so impressive, you should go
ahead and print samples of several of the forms.
It is possible that home office and small business customers
will purchase the program after seeing those forms,
without even seeing a demonstration of the program.
All the forms are shown in the back of the manual, so you
don't have to print them all to show the variety of forms and
newsletters available.
 
Nonetheless, it's a good idea to run Instant Pages enough to feel
comfortable with it, in case a customer asks you to demo it.
You should go through the tutorial lessons on the disk
for a quick orientation to the program.
Then practice going through the simple procedure above
(under "How to Use Instant Pages").
You can use these same procedures in your demo.
 
If you have a printer connected, print a document for the customer.
Since this program uses mostly text characters (not graphics)
for the printout, it prints very quickly.
 
Point out to the customer that Instant Pages works on almost all printers,
not just a laser printer or more expensive dot matrix printers.
 
Instant Pages is a useful program at a reasonable price ($44.95) under our
DeskMate Interface, so it will fit the needs of lots of your customers.
Don't be shy -- sell it with pride!
 
NOTE:
 
When using the LP 1000 printer with Instant Pages, the LP 1000 must be
set up in the ProPrinter emulation mode.
An addendum in the Instant
Pages package gives the complete setting information.
This addendum specifies Letter Gothic 10 as the font,
but we have achieved better results using the Courier 10 font.
 
MOM-06-90
THE CREDIT LINE
Direct to you from Tandy  credit departments --
Commercial Credit, Tandy Computer Leasing , and RSVP .
 
Commercial Credit
 
Chargebacks
 
If there is a problem or dispute regarding an invoice,
and the Credit Department determines that either the
customer or Commercial Credit procedures were not followed,
the store will receive notice by phone and a written "Chargeback
Notice," indicating the reason the customer has not paid.
A copy of the written notice is also sent to the District Sales Manager.
This is only a notification and the store is provided a minimum
of two (2) weeks (10 working days) to contact Commercial Credit
with the correct information, or meet with the customer to
resolve any dispute.
If more time is required, the store should
contact the Credit Department and provide the status and
approximate time required to resolve the problem/dispute.
It is very important that the store contact the Credit Department
within the time frame indicated on the "Notification."
If there is no response from the store,
the Credit Department can only assume a chargeback is appropriate,
and the invoice in question
will be charged to the store's 5101 account as a bad debt expense.
 
Toll Free Credit Approval Number
 
Commercial Credit is still
receiving complaints from other businesses with 800 numbers
concerning calls being received for Radio Shack  Sales Approvals.
The correct number to call for a Commercial Account Approval is
(800) 442-2585.
 
While on this subject, do not give the 800 number to customers.
Recently there has been an increase in customer calls to the toll
free lines.
These lines were established for the store's use and
only when calling for a sales approval.
Customers with questions should be given the Customer Service number,
which is (817) 390-3356.
 
Customer Change of Name/Address
 
When a Commercial Credit customer advises you of a change in the
company's name or the company's address, please ask the customer
to provide the change in writing on company letterhead.
Either the store or the
customer can forward this change to Radio Shack Commercial
Credit, P.O. Box 1052, Fort Worth, TX 76101.
Obvious mistakes and/or typographical errors can be called into
Customer Service for correction.
 
 
Tandy Computer Leasing
 
 
More About the Grand Slam Marketing Program
 
We've stressed before (many times before!) that TSP  is not part
of the lease and should never be included in the contract.
That's a fact except for leases containing products eligible for
the TCL super TSP offer under the "GRAND SLAM" program.
Since there will be no charge to the customer for 36 months of
carry-in service on qualifying Tandy hardware,
that fact is stated in that particular lease.
 
When you FAX (or phone) in your customers' credit applications,
indicate if they are GRAND SLAM system leases
and on the face of the lease note:  "Three years free
carry-in service on all (system included) Tandy Computer Hardware."
 
In the event that the lessee opts to pay the cost difference of
converting the carry-in to on-site coverage, please transmit the
on-site contract directly to Contract Services in the usual manner.
That department will arrange a monthly billing plan for
the lessee's payment portion of the TSP.
 
 
A REVISION...to March M.O.M. directive about "Third Party Waivers."
Completed third party waiver forms are needed for
all Outside Vendor hardware and software (including Express
Order  90 series), EXCEPT:  NOVELL, 3COM, SCO, REALWORLD.
 
 
RSVP
 
 
Tips for a Successful RSVP Program At Your Store...
 
1.  Make sure the application is complete, the security
    agreement and insurance sections are signed and that your
    customer receives a copy of the security agreement.
 
2.  Check the identification of all new account applicants for RSVP.
    If you have any doubts about an applicant, you should inform the new
    accounts representative that it is a "code 10" application.
 
3.  Know what insurance coverage pertains to your state, so when the
    customer has questions you can give informed answers.
 
4.  Problems such as double billings, credit for merchandise
    returned to your store, or an incorrect charge to the
    customer's account, should be handled at your store.
    Our Cardholder Services will direct the customer back to you,
    so doing this will prevent a charge back to your store.
 
5.  If a customer has not received a billing statement, give
    him/her the Customer Service number, (800) 767-4556, to find out why.
    Also, when the customer gives you an address change, notify
    Customer Service so they can correct the address for future billings.
 
6.  Before calling in a new application, be sure you have the
    amount of sale, including taxes and TSP, so you can ask for
    the appropriate credit limit.
    Increases in credit limit can be given only after the account
    has been opened for 1 year.
 
MOM-06-90
STOCK FILE CHANGES
A quick reference to product status changes - pricing, availability, etc.
 
PRODUCTS CHANGING WAREHOUSES
 
The following items are moving from where they were previously available.
To order the items listed call the locations at the numbers shown below:
 
National Parts  (817) 870-5600:
 
CAT. #      DESCRIPTION             PRICE   NAT'L PART #
250-1019    Network 4 Plus board    299.95  AX2501019
250-4065    5 1/4" DCS Slave        999.00  AX2504065
260-1447    DW II Tractor           219.95  AX2601447
260-3591    PC3/8 Cass Interface     29.95  AX2603591
260-4156    15 MB Secondary HD      899.00  AX2604156
 
Tandy Consumer Parts  (817) 284-8691:
 
CAT. #      DESCRIPTION              PRICE   PART #
260-1382    5 1/4" DCS Cleaning kit  79.95   TE-26-1382
260-1390    5 1/4" DCS refill        39.95   TE-26-1390
 
Consumer Mail  (800) 433-2024:
 
CAT. #      DESCRIPTION                                PRICE
250-1147    Dow Jones Mkt Analyzer                     249.95
250-1155    SCRIPSIT  1000/2000                        249.95
250-1240    Talking Text Writer                        249.95
250-4213    SCRIPSIT 286                               499.00
 
260-1290    Pica-10 PWDW2/410                           39.95
260-1292    Ocra PW DWJJ/410                            39.95
260-1293    Elite 12 DWII/410                           39.95
260-1294    Scan 10 PW DWII/4                           39.95
260-1295    Scan 12 PW DWII/4                           39.95
260-1425    Cubic PS Wheel                              39.95
260-1426    Italic Print WH                             39.95
260-1433    Cubic PS PW/410                             29.95
260-1434    T.Italic PW/410                             29.95
260-1435    OCRB PW/410                                 39.95
260-1438    Cubic 15 PW/410                             39.95
260-1439    Bold PS PW/410                              39.95
260-1486    Scientific PW/DWII                          39.95
260-1535    Bar Code Rmote M4                           49.95
260-1539    W2 Writer 3/4D                              49.95
260-1540    General Ledger 3/4D                        199.95
260-1542    Accts Payable 3/4D                         199.95
260-1543    Payroll 3/4D                               199.95
260-1544    Invoice Writer 4D                           49.95
260-1545    Inventory Ctrl 4D                          199.95
260-1588    Videotex Plus I/3D                          49.95
260-1715    K-8 Math                                   199.00
260-2150    CES1 Int to Basic                          199.95
260-2151    Part I Student Manual                        1.99
260-2155    Part 3 Student Manual                        1.99
260-2593    PCA PTII Student Manual                      1.99
260-2655    Bus Ed Student Manual                        5.99
260-2666    Chem 1 Student Manual                        1.99
260-2675    Pascal Student Manual                        1.99
260-2698    Courseware Dev Student Manual                1.99
260-2759    Careers Student Manual                        .49
260-3031    OS-9 Level II CC3                           79.95
260-3104    Spectaculator                                9.95
260-3148    Math Tutor                                  24.95
260-3155    Type Mate                                   24.95
260-3160    A Mazing World Malcom                       29.95
260-3163    Tetris                                      29.95
260-3259    CoCo DeskMate                               59.95
260-3273    Home Publisher                              39.95
260-3286    Zone Runner                                 29.95
260-3881    Text Power 200                              39.95
260-3883    Time Minder T200                            39.95
260-3895    Bar Code Generate                           34.95
260-3896    Bar Code Read 200                           19.95
260-3897    Tandy  Code 200                             24.95
 
700-2005    III Ver 26-1505                              3.95
700-2019    M4 SS Up Ver 1.02                           15.95
700-2044    MBSI O/E Upgrade to 1.1                     19.95
700-2088    26-4508 V 2.01 Up                           10.95
700-2076    26-6203 Ver 3.2                              6.95
700-2092    26-4620 Ver 1.02                            10.95
700-2095    26-4515 V 1.02 Upgrade                       7.95
700-2125    Inv Control (26-1545) Upgrade to 1.4         9.95
700-2150    W2 Writer (26-1539) Upgrade                  9.95
700-2151    W2 Writer (26-1539) Upgrade                  9.95
700-2152    Inv Writer (26-1544) Upgrade to 2.1          9.95
700-2153    Inv Writer (26-1544) Upgrade to 1.2          9.95
700-2224    SScripsit 1590 MOD III 1.3 Upgrade           9.95
700-2227    ICS (26-1553) HD                            14.95
700-2238    M3 Disks G/L (26-1540)                      10.95
700-2240    M3 Disks A/R (26-1541)                      10.95
700-2241    A/P Model III (26-1542)                     14.95
700-2242    Payroll Model III (26-1543)                   .29
700-2245    Model 100 I/O Documentation                  4.95
700-2246    TRSDOS 06.01.02                              1.35
700-2284    G/L (26-1540) Upgrade to 2.1                10.00
700-2285    A/R (26-1541) Upgrade to 2.2                10.00
700-2286    A/P (26-1542) Upgrade to 2.2                13.00
700-2287    Payroll (26-1543) Upgrade to 2.1            13.00
700-2290    G/L Upgrade for (700-2238)                  10.00
700-2291    A/R Upgrade (same as 700-2240)              10.00
700-2292    A/P (26-1542) Model III Upgrade to 1.2      10.00
700-2293    Payroll (26-1543) Upgrade for (700-2242)    13.00
700-2294    SSCRIPSIT Printer Drivers                   10.95
700-2616    Mouse Drivers                                2.99
700-2297    TRSDOS Upgrade to LSDOS                     39.95
700-2401    Bar Code Reader                             10.00
700-2402    Disk Video Interface Disk                    6.95
700-2701    T2000 DOS/BAS Upgrade to 211.03              9.95
700-3037    XENIX Sys V Upgrade                         10.95
700-3038    XENIX Sys Config. Kit                        9.95
700-3211    SCRIPSIT (1563) Diskette                    24.95
700-3214    Multiplan (1580) Upgrade                    24.95
700-3215    SSCRIPSIT (1591) to (1600)                  24.95
700-3401    Remote Disk (26-3839, MOD 4)                19.95
700-3403    Remote Disk (26-3839, MOD 2000)             19.95
700-3404    Remote Disk (26-3839, MOD I)                19.95
700-3405    Remote Disk (26-3839, COCO)                 19.95
700-3406    Remote Disk (26-3839, MOD III)              19.95
700-6007    Upgrade 4601 to 6201                       199.95
700-6010    Upgrade 4604 to 6204                       199.95
700-6011    Upgrade 4605 to 6205                       199.95
700-6012    Upgrade 4607 to 6207                       199.95
700-6013    Upgrade 4608 to 6208                       199.95
700-6206    GL Source Code 40                          199.95
700-6212    Graphics Upgrade 4D                         34.95
 
EXCESS INVENTORY
 
In reviewing store inventories we've noticed that on-hand store quantities
for some items are far in excess of what is required to support
sales of those items.
 
Managers, make sure that any of the items in this list that you
have on hand are available to be sold and/or transferred.
Should you need one of these items,
contact your regional office before you order one from the warehouse.
 
District and Regional Sales Managers should work to insure that we reduce
our store inventories on these items.
These items are to be transferred at unit cost plus 6.25% for
warehouse handling.
Prices shown are current unit and retail for ICST/sale purposes.
 
= item Added this month
 
                                        Current Current
Cat. #      Description                  Unit    Retail
250-1028    Trackstar 128                46.71   77.85
250-3046    Mono Text Adapter            20.25   67.50
250-3048    EGA Video Adapter            98.12   249.95
250-4034    Serial/Parallel Adapter      55.22   149.95
250-4035    EGM-1 EGA Monitor           224.00  499.00
250-4039    Dual Port Serial Adapter     38.50   99.95
250-4043    VGA Adapter                 115.50  299.95
250-4100    MS OS/2 V1.0                175.02  325.00
250-4162    170 MB Hard Drive           852.50  1,999.00
 
260-2813    DWP 230 Tractor Feed         40.76   99.95
260-3651    PC4/5/6 Cassette Interface   16.57   39.95
260-3652    PC4/5/6 Printer              43.80   99.95
260-3814    Portable Disk Drive 2        99.01   219.95
260-5435    EtherLink                   245.03  495.00
260-6504    Passive ARCNET Hub           26.90   69.95
 
Item is discontinued and no longer in stock in any warehouse.
 
MOM-06-90
CLEAR OUT THE OLD STUFF!!!!!
PRODUCT NEWS
ALL STORE
 
We're moving it out!
This is the time of year to clear out your older
titles and make room for the newer ones that will be arriving soon.
Your goal should be to have only new titles to sell this Christmas season.
With an entire new line of products, your software sales
potential will be dramatically increased.
Here is a list of titles that
are in at least 20% of the stores, along with some selling tips.
 
Educational titles, 2+2 still equals 4
 
Educational titles are
timeless, and as long as the packages aren't damaged you should be
promoting these titles heavily.
We know that the main reason parents
are buying computers today is to benefit their child's education.
Use this fact to your advantage and move these titles.
 
                                                Last
                                              Catalog Current
Stock # Description                             Sell    Sell
25-1200 Math Blaster Plus                       44.95   44.95
25-1232 Speller Bee                             34.95   34.95
25-1234 Music Studio 3.0                        79.95   79.95
25-1237 Children's Writing/Publishing Ctr       54.95   54.95
25-1318 Where USA is Carmen San Diego           39.95   39.95
25-1319 Math Blaster Mystery                    44.95   44.95
25-1320 Learning DOS                            44.95   39.95
 
DeskMate software
 
Need we say more?
These products are already moving for you,
but don't miss the opportunity to sell the add on products.
The Thesaurus Companion is ideal for use with Text,
and should go hand in hand with every hardware sale.
The book and video are great starter add-ons at the right price.
Don't forget to mention the discount coupon
that is included with the video tape.
 
                                                Last
                                              Catalog Current
Stock # Description                             Sell    Sell
25-1250 DeskMate  3.0                           99.95   44.95
25-1252 DeskMate  Thesaurus Companion           29.95   29.95
25-1253 Using DeskMate  3 VHS video             14.95   14.95
25-1254 Getting the Most Out of DeskMate  3     21.95   21.95
25-1255 PC-Link                                 29.95   29.95
 
Buy one Indy III game and get the movie for only $10, buy 2
and the movie is free promotion
 
Use the coupons that came in the Mid-April all
store mailing for this offer.
Tape them to the copies of the game you
have left and be sure to suggest this game to your customers.
 
                                               Last
                                              Catalog Current
Stock # Description                             Sell    Sell
25-1321 Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade      n/a     44.95
 
Hey!  Check out the Competition
 
These products are currently
stocked in many of the major software-only stores.
Take a walk down the mall or drive down the street and price compare.
We will be lower in most cases.
That's a plus for you.
Take advantage of the opportunity to sell these great values.
 
                                         Last
                                       Catalog Current
Stock # Description                      Sell    Sell
25-1188 Typing Tutor IV                 44.95   23.35
25-1182 Earl Weaver Baseball            35.95   19.95
25-1183 Thexder                         29.95   10.25
25-1196 Advanced Flight Simulator       35.95   17.45
25-1216 Reader Rabbit                   44.95   24.95
25-1217 Writer Rabbit                   44.95   24.95
25-1218 Math Rabbit                     34.95   13.85
25-1230 GFL Football                    34.95   15.45
 
Microprose Buy 2 Get 1 Free promotion
 
Use the tent card that comes in
the Flyer #457 POP sign kit to move this software out.
All of the Microprose titles you have stocked in your stores
are eligible for this promotion.
The offer is filled through a mail-in coupon to make it easy for you.
Some Express Order titles also qualify.
 
                                 Last
                               Catalog Current
Stock # Description              Sell    Sell
25-1125 F-15 Strike Eagle       34.95   14.85
25-1219 Gunship                 44.95   24.95
25-1290 F-19 Stealth Fighter    54.95   54.95
25-1293 Red Storm Rising        49.95   44.95
25-1328 M1-Tank Platoon         n/a     59.95
 
Bundles and Value Packs are the Best Values
 
Each of the five packages
listed below offers your customer unprecedented values.
Compare the single prices of these products with your competitors
and you'll be impressed.
The Entertainment and Education value packs represent great values
and make great add-on sales to the first time computer buyer.
(Remember that 5 1/4" disks are NOT included in 25-1340 & 1341)
 
                                        Last
                                      Catalog Current
Stock # Description                     Sell    Sell
25-1322 Scrabble/Monopoly Bundle        n/a     44.95
25-1323 TV Gameshows 4 pack             n/a     34.95
25-1325 Sierra Value Pack               n/a     59.95
25-1340 Entertainment Value Pack        n/a     69.95
25-1341 Education Value Pack            n/a     69.95
 
Don't forget these special purchases.
They are great values too!
 
                                Last
                              Catalog Current
Stock # Description             Sell    Sell
25-1324 Arkanoid II             n/a     19.95
25-1326 Caveman Ugh-lympics     n/a     29.95
 
New Low prices on FUNdamentals
 
Use this opportunity to move these titles out.
Keep in mind that FUNdamentals TL will work on both the TL/2 and SL/2.
 
                                 Last
                               Catalog Current
Stock # Description              Sell    Sell
25-1166 FUNdamentals SX         29.95   4.95
25-1186 FUNdamentals HX/TX      24.95   9.95
25-1233 FUNdamentals TL         19.95   4.95
25-1236 FUNdamentals SL         19.95   4.95
 
Adventures, Sports, and Simulators
 
The top three categories.
These titles should also be recommended with each hardware purchase.
These particular titles show off the capabilities of the machine.
They typically have great sound and great graphics and/or animation.
 
                                 Last
                               Catalog Current
Stock # Description              Sell    Sell
25-1215 Flight Simulator 3.0    44.95   34.95
25-1231 King's Quest 4          44.95   44.95
25-1235 Future Magic            44.95   24.95
25-1292 Space Quest III         49.95   34.95
25-1309 Chuck Yeager 2.0        49.95   49.95
25-1317 Outrun                  34.95   34.95
25-1330 Flight Sim 4.0          n/a     54.95
25-1307 John Madden Football    49.95   39.95
25-1308 Pete Rose Baseball      34.95   34.95
 
MOM-06-90
TANDY  1000 SL/2 ON SALE
 
If history is an indication, bet the house on this one!
 
The Tandy 1000 SL/2 is on sale in June in a package with the popular
CM-5 Color Monitor (25-1043) and the SL/2 Bonus Pack (25-1331).
This is the package we sold in January and February at $1,098.95,
but this month it's on sale at $999.00, a savings of $474.80!
 
As a reminder, let's review the SL/2 Bonus Pack.
These three DeskMate  applications are a $174.85 value you can give
to your customer at no extra charge with the sale of every
Tandy 1000 SL/2 and CM-5 monitor system.
 
You're already familiar with Quicken, one of the best-selling
DeskMate applications we've ever had.
Quicken manages finances and helps balance the checkbook,
at home or in the small business office.
 
RightWriter for DeskMate brings the popular grammar and style
checking program to the DeskMate environment.
Your customer can customize RightWriter to critique works such as
fiction, business letters or technical publications.
RightWriter evaluates the document to point out grammatical errors
or suggest ways to make the writing clearer and more concise.
 
Instant Pages includes over 100 ready-to-use forms and newsletters.
Customers can create a format for their form or newsletter and then
enter the text.
It allows multiple linetypes for single or double borders,
or allows the choice of a character as the border.
(See the DeskMate Difference section on page 6.)
 
Remember, the SL/2 uses our 25-1032 20 MB and 25-4059 40 MB Hard
Drive Cards to upgrade to hard drive power.
Both are on sale in June, so don't miss the opportunity
to mention these terrific add-ons to your customer.
And don't forget the SmartWatch (25-1033).
Surveys indicate the customer is more than willing to spend a little
extra to add a real time clock to their computer, and doing so at the
initial sale is the best time for you to sell it.
 
The SL/2, CM-5 and the Bonus Pack offers a terrific value to your customers.
And at the special price of $999.00, it's sure to be a
sales winner for you.
 
MOM-06-90
TANDY  1000 HX CONTINUES ON SALE
 
The Tandy 1000 HX continues to be the lowest priced nationally
advertised PC-compatible computer at the super price of $299.00!
Let's take a look at the features of the HX and remind ourselves
why this computer is selling so well.
 
Features:
 
  256K RAM
  3 1/2" 720K floppy drive
  Printer port
  Two joystick ports
  Tandy 90-key keyboard
  Earphone jack with volume control
  Tandy Color Graphics
  Personal DeskMate II
  MS-DOS in ROM
 
ALL STANDARD!
 
This month, we also have the 25-1065 3 1/2" 720K floppy drive on sale
at $129.95.
This allows your customer to upgrade the computer to two
diskette drives, for easy backup of valuable information and the
ability to have separate data and program disks.
 
Some customers are looking for a low-priced entry into the computer market.
The HX is perfect for them.
Other customers may already have one computer at home,
but are unwilling to let the kids have access to it.
The HX becomes an affordable solution.
 
Don't forget to keep your demonstration unit clean and neat.
If it's beginning to look a little shopworn, get out a new unit.
The HX demo is a good choice for your display.
 
Remember to mention this super value to all of your customers!
 
MOM-06-90
DESKMATE  3 ON SALE AND I'M OUT!
 
If you find yourself out of stock on DeskMate 3 (25-1350) which is on sale
for $69.95, be sure to recommend DeskMate (25-1250) for only $44.95.
It is an adequate replacement at a better price.
 
There are sufficient quantities
of the combined catalog numbers in the field to cover the sale demand.
Check with your District Manager or a
nearby store for the quantities you need.
 
MOM-06-90
EXCHANGE PROGRAM
 
The results of an S.O.S. quick count taken a few weeks ago indicate
that there are modest quantities of the following defective hard drives
in our stores:
 
Stock # Description
25-1032 20 MB Hard Drive Card
25-4059 40 MB Hard Drive Card
25-1045 20 MB SmartDrive
25-1046 40 MB SmartDrive
 
In order to minimize store exposure to possible repair costs, a
one-time exchange program is now in place.
It will permit stores to return defective drives that are in your
inventory to a Regional Distribution Center for checkout and
replacement at no cost to your store.
 
In order to receive a replacement, drives must be shipped via UPS ground
only to the Regional Distribution Center in Garden Grove, California.
The address is:
 
Hard Drive Replacement Dept.
Radio Shack Distribution Center
12821 Knott Street
Garden Grove, CA  92610
 
    Drives must be received by the Garden Grove Regional Distribution
    Center by June 30, 1990.
 
    Do not send drives to any other address.
 
    Drives received after June 30th or received via any other carrier will
    be retained by the Regional Distribution Center and no replacements
    will be issued.
 
Each returned drive should be in its original carton, but if it is not
available, the drive must be properly packaged to prevent additional damage.
 
Complete an ICST for each box of drives you return.
Retain the pink copy for your records and place the
remaining copies in the box with the drive(s).
Separate ICSTs must be
written for each carton you send to the Garden Grove Warehouse.
 
Write your store number on at least two sides of the carton in large print.
 
Important Note!
If your store is scheduled to take a physical inventory while the
drives are outside of your store, don't forget to line list them as
merchandise in transit.
 
Replacement drives will be shipped back to you after July 1.
 
MOM-06-90
NEW!  SOUNDBLASTER CARD IN SPECIAL ORDER
 
The SoundBlaster Card (90-2407) is now available in Special Order Hardware.
The suggested retail price is $239.95.
 
The SoundBlaster features 24 voices, a bi-directional digital to audio
converter (DAC), a built-in amplifier, a microphone jack, an IBM-standard
joystick port and a MIDI compatible port.
It is compatible with all Adlib and GameBlaster sound drivers.
The card also comes with
Intelligent Organ, Voice Kit and Talking Parrot software.
 
Other software that is supported on the SoundBlaster includes:
 
EDUCATION:
 
First Byte
   MathTalk
   KidTalk
   Speller Bee
   First Shapes
   The Dinosaur Discovery Kit
   The Rhyming Notebook
   MathTalk Fractions
   SmoothTalker
   Computer MAD LIBS
   First Letters and Words
   The Puzzle Storybook
 
MUSIC:
 
Creative Labs
   Intelligent Organ + Songs
   Pop-Up Music + Songs
   Sing-Along II
   C/MS Music Composer
   C/MS Presenter
   C/MS Music Teacher
   Folk Album
   Christmas Album
 
Magnetic Media
   Prism
 
Twelve Tone Systems
   Cake Walk
 
GAMES:
 
Accolade
   Conspiracy
   Don't Go Alone
   The Third Courier
 
Activision (Mediagenics)
   DeathTrack
   Mech Warrior
   The Manhole PC
   Tongue of the Fatman
 
Broderbund
   Where USA Is Carmen
   Where World Is Carmen
 
Capcom
   Pocket Rockets
 
Cosmi
   Chomp
   Navy Seals
 
Data East USA Inc
   Monday Night Football
 
Dynamix
   A-10 Cohen Tank Killer
   David Wolf: Secret Agent
 
Epyx
   Omnicron Conspiracy
 
Electronic Arts
   Budokan
   Cartooners
   Keef The Thief
   Kings Of The Beach
   Lakers vs. Celtics
   688 Attack Sub
   Indianapolis 500
   Populous
 
Gamestar
   Take Down
   Ghost Busters II
   Faceoff
 
Konami/Ultra
   Castlevania
   Teenage Ninja Turtles
 
Kyodai
   Psychic Wars
   Hydlide
   Murder Club
 
Lucasfilm
   Battle Of Britain
   Indiana Jones/LastCrusade
   Indy: The Graphic Adventure
   Loom
 
Mastertronics/Virgi
   Ray Trace vs. Aliens
   Excaliber
   Robin Hood
 
Michtron
   Air Ball
 
MicroProse
   Red Storm Rising
   The Sword Of The Samurai
   F-15 Strike Eagle 2
   F-19 Stealth Fighter V3.0
   M1 Tank Platoon
 
MindScape
   Clubhouse Sports
   The Road to Sturgis
   Fiendish Freddy's Big Top O'Fun
   Star Trek V:  The Final Frontier
 
Omnitrend
   Breach 2
   Universe III
 
Origin Systems
   Times of Lore
 
Sierra Online
   Code Name Iceman
   The Colonel's Bequest
   The Conquest Of Camelot
   Hero's Quest
   Hoyle's Book Of Games
   King's Quest IV
   Leisure Suit Larry II, III
   Police Quest 2
   Silpheed
   Sorcerian
   Space Quest III
 
Software Toolworks
   Beyond Black Hole
   Bruce Lee Lives
 
Spectrum Holobyte
   Falcon 3.0
   A-10
   Stunt Driver
   Tank
 
Strategic Simulations
   Champions Of Krynn
 
Sublogic Corp.
   Flightsim ATP
 
Taito
   Ark. II:  Revenge of Doh
   Bubble Bobble
   Operation Wolf
   Q1X
   Rastan
   Renegade
   Sky Shark
   Rambo III
   Alcon
 
Velocity
   Jet Fighter
 
AND MANY MORE GAMES COMING SOON ...
 
This is one of the hottest products in the PC Sound market today.
Be sure to let all of your customers know about SoundBlaster!
 
MOM-06-90
THE GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE (GUI)
 
"A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS"
 
Radio Shack  is committed to the continued development and
promotion of the Graphical User Interface.
With the recent release of Windows 3.0, we market
two very popular and powerful Graphical User Interfaces:
 
   Tandy DeskMate
   MS Windows 3.0
 
During the latter part of this year, two additional Graphical User
Interfaces will be available through the Radio Shack product line:
 
   MS OS/2 Presentation Manager 1.2
   SCO Open Desktop
 
The Benefits of the Graphical User Interface
 
Let us first examine the common benefits of the GUI from the
end user point of view.
 
1.  Insulates the end user from the system command line interface.
 
    The system prompt is counter-productive and a source of
    mystery to novice users.
    The GUI provides a starting point that has associative value
    to all end users, regardless of their level of expertise.
 
2.  Provides consistency between applications utilizing the same GUI.
 
    As the number of applications being used increases, so
    does the problem of recalling which keystrokes and
    commands to use in each application.
    Software written to a specific GUI utilizes common keystrokes
    for common functions such as: exit, save, get file, etc.
 
3.  Increases functionality by allowing the user to move data
    from one application to another.
 
    An example is the "cut and paste" function in word
    processing and spreadsheet applications.
 
4.  Provides convenient access to commonly used system
    commands such as: copy, format, etc.
 
    Not important?
    Do  you  remember the command line syntax to
    format a 720K floppy diskette in a 1.44 MB drive?
 
5.  Enhanced file and disk management capabilities.
 
    With ever increasing hard drive capacity and larger hard drive
    partitions under MS-DOS 4.01, disk management becomes more difficult.
    In addition, users tend to fill the drives to their capacity.
 
Positioning of the GUI
 
While there is widespread agreement on the value of the
Graphical User Interface, there is some confusion as to the
positioning of the different products.
 
Although the primary consideration is the target market,
the hardware platform is a secondary and very important
consideration when recommending a GUI.
 
Positioning By Target Market
 
1.  Tandy DeskMate
 
    This GUI is targeted to the Home, Home Office, and Small
    Business markets through the bundling of DeskMate
    with the Tandy  1000 SL/2, 1000 TL/2 and 2500 XL computers.
 
    A review of the application software available under the
    DeskMate GUI supports these intended target markets.
 
    The SchoolMate  product, designed on the DeskMate GUI,
    enjoys a unique position in the K through 12 education market.
 
2.  MS Windows 3.0
 
    A simple review of the applications available under
    Windows will help shed some light on the intended
    customer -- the medium-size business and corporate account:
 
    Desktop Publishing
    High End Word Processing
    High End Spreadsheets
    CAD
    Business Graphics
 
3.  MS OS/2 Presentation Manager
 
    Without a doubt, the positioning of this product remains
    in the corporate and government sector.
    Development delays and a lack of application support leave delayed
    widespread acceptance.
 
4.  SCO Open Desktop
 
    A new concept in an otherwise unglamorous environment,
    the ODT interface will have a sweeping and very positive
    effect on the UNIX market.
    Removing the mystery and unfounded assumption that UNIX
    is for technical and engineering types, ODT will provide
    an interface that will open up new inroads in the
    small-and medium-size business markets.
 
MOM-06-90
A GUI COMPARISON CHART
 
GUI                  Tandy DeskMate  MS Windows 3.0  OS/2 PM    SCO ODT
Operating System     MS-DOS          MS-DOS          OS/2       UNIX
Minimum CPU          8088            80386sx         80386      80386sx
RAM Recommended      640K            2 MB            3 MB       2 MB
Multitasking         NO              YES             YES        YES
Consistency Across
Applications         Very Good       Good            Good       Good
Graphics Performance Good            Good            Good       Slow
Software Base        Moderate        Moderate        Small      N/A
Target Markets       Home/Office     Medium Busi.
                     Small Business  Corporate       Corporate  Corporate
                     Education K-12                  Government Government
                                                     Higher Ed. Higher Ed.
Target Platforms     1000 SL/2       4016 SX                    4016 SX
                     1000 TL/2       4016 DX         4016 DX    4016 DX
                     2500 XL         4020 LX         4020 LX
                                     4025 LX         4025 LX
                                     4033 LX         4033 LX
 
In a PC compatible workstation running an XWindows emulator
 
Positioning By Hardware Platform
 
While recognized as a secondary consideration,
the GUI must be positioned by hardware platform as well.
 
Radio Shack is working with all parties involved to insure
complete hardware compatibility on the recommended platforms.
 
1.  Tandy DeskMate
 
    DeskMate is by far the most versatile of all GUIs.
    With an entry platform of the 8088, the product can migrate
    upward through the entire CPU product line.
 
2.  MS Windows 3.0
 
    Now, more than ever, Windows 3.0 requires more horsepower
    to perform to the expectations of the end user.
    While the product is advertised as functional on the 80286 and up,
    Radio Shack recommends a minimum system of the 80386sx.
    Do yourself and your customer a favor, stick with this recommendation.
 
3.  MS OS/2 PM
 
    Version 1.2 will operate on the 80286 and up.
    Due to performance issues, Radio Shack will recommend
    the 80386 as a minimum platform.
 
4.  SCO Open Desktop
 
    ODT will require a graphics terminal capable of XWindows emulation
    or a PC compatible running a DOS based XWindows emulator.
 
MOM-06-90
COMPUTER GRAPHICS -- THE WHOLE PICTURE
 
Graphics is playing an ever increasing role in computers.
From the early days of a tap dancing demon (Dancing Demons) on a
Model I computer to the excitement of Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia
running on a Tandy  2500 XL, there have been more
than just changes -- it's been more like a revolution!
By far, the largest interest group in computers revolves
around graphics, either displayed or printed.
Have we gone GRAPHICS CRAZY??? -- You bet!
 
Humankind is fascinated with the graphic display of information.
It's extremely rare to find a computer that is not being used in
some graphics mode.
From the elegant design of the easy-to-use DeskMate interface
to the ever increasing complexity of computer assisted drafting
programs, graphics are dominating the computer user's interests.
 
But if we think for a minute, is this a new phenomenon?
Hardly!
Caves of early man depicted their interpretations in graphic form.
Early Egyptian temples were adorned with pictures that told a story.
So how can you capitalize on our desire for graphics?
It's easy -- just show customers how they can use graphics
on their personal computer.
 
Get them Interested
 
How do you get a customer interested?
Show them the different graphics options you have in your store:
 
  DeskMate  interface up and running with something graphical
  on the screen.
 
  Demo programs to show the kinds of graphics available.
 
  Educational/entertainment programs.
  Most all of them make excellent use of the graphics
  in our Tandy  1000 line.
 
Remember, if the customer has shopped around, they've seen
graphics programs running on the other machines they have looked at.
 
Our Tandy Solutions
 
Sure the user enjoys looking at the graphics on the screen,
but they also want to create, manipulate, store and print them!
We offer a wide selection of products available both in our stores
and through the Express Order /Special Order system.
 
Most people have an inner "artistic" desire to create and then
show off graphics.
These are actions that really get the user's interest.
And guess what?
Not only can you provide them with this capability, you can do it in color!
 
Think about it for a second.
If you put a bag of gold in a closet in your store and shut the door,
how many people do you think would ask you to go get it?
Now if you moved this bag of gold out to the sales floor
and put it on a shelf in the back of the store,
you might find a person or two that would accidently discover it.
But if you told EVERY customer that walked in the
door that you had a bag of gold, I'm sure you would find you had
many more customers that would want to know more about it!
 
The same applies to all these excellent programs and devices that
relate to the graphics world of computing.
Just because the person doesn't yet own a personal computer
doesn't mean that they aren't interested in graphics.
Most beginning computer users think it takes a
multi-thousand dollar computer to produce animation because
that's what they saw on the TV science show last night.
And to print in color -- "oh, no way I can afford that!"
They don't know that they can do this with an inexpensive
personal computer UNTIL YOU TELL THEM!
 
Printing in Color
 
Printing in color is one of the newest attractions for the
computer user.
With our DMP 240 (26-2839) and a color ribbon
(26-2826) Radio Shack has made it easy and inexpensive.
 
Highlight the DMP 240's color printing ability by having samples
of color printouts available for the customer to look at.
The New Print Shop (25-1298) is an excellent program and includes
some sample color graphics you can print.
 
Dramatize color printing.
Print the same graphics page out in color and also in black and white.
Then show both to the customer and point out the ability of this printer
to print standard graphics like most other 24-wire printers,
but also its ability to print them in color.
 
Don't be afraid to push the color ability of this printer.
By using the EPSON LQ Color Emulation in this printer, we have
virtually insured that all programs that print in color will be
able to drive this printer in color mode.
 
When you send the customer out the door with the printer, make
sure to include a color ribbon, a copy of the DeskMate  color
printer driver (FC-399) and some software like The New Print Shop
so they can start printing in color right away.
 
One extra note:  Don't demonstrate the printer printing in color mode
while the customer is there.
Graphics, whether color or black and white,
take an extremely long time to print.
If the customer wishes to see some actual color printing,
use the "PRNT OUT DEMO" menu selection from the DMP 240.
It's a nice text oriented color demo using some text based graphics.
 
Lots of Neat Options
 
Okay, how about the customer that wants to put pictures of his family
members onto the computer screen?
The customer purchased a camcorder from you while they were on sale
and is having great fun filming all the things around the house,
including the dog and cat.
Get this customer interested in using his camcorder to
input the picture right into his personal computer!
 
Using a standard Tandy  1000 and CGA monitor, coupled with his
camcorder or VCR, and a device called a `video capture board,'
that customer can transfer the video picture to a format they can
display on the monitor.
And not only can they capture it, they can print it, save it,
combine it with other programs, and even use a graphics paint program
to add a moustache to `good ole mom.'
 
Radio Shack carries a video capture board in Special Order Hardware.
The black and white version that works on CGA screens is called
COMPUTER EYES -- BLACK AND WHITE (905-2352) and sells for only $249.99.
For the customer who has an EGA or VGA monitor, the
COMPUTER EYES -- COLOR (905-2353) is only $349.99, and will
capture those video images in full living color.
 
Now, how about the customer that publishes the local church newsletter,
or the person that just wants to be able to take pictures from magazines?
Once again you have something to offer that allows them to `scan' any
type of picture, drawing, or text, from most any source.
This `scanned' image can then be printed or used with other software
programs to produce just about anything the user wants.
 
Radio Shack sells three different kinds of scanners in Special Order.
The Complete PC Half Page Scanner/400 (90-2383 $299.00) is a
hand scanner that can be used to scan pictures up to 4 1/4" wide.
The Complete PC Full Page Scanner (90-2384 $899.00) is a desktop
scanner that can scan documents/pictures up to a full 8 1/2" x 11"
and is used primarily in business applications.
And the AVR MegaScan II Scanner System (905-2210 $2,565.00) is a
very high speed professional desktop scanning system that includes
desktop publishing software.
 
Slide Shows, Presentations & More!
 
Now, how about that business user who needs to create slides and
transparencies for business meetings?
In addition to using the items listed above, Radio Shack offers the
Polaroid EGA Palette Plus Color Film Recorder System (905-2409 $2,995.00).
This amazing system allows the user to create color 35mm slides and
overhead transparencies from any personal computer equipped with
an EGA display.
 
The system includes a 35mm camera and special mount and a 35mm
slide processing chamber so slides can be created right on site.
No more sending them off for processing!
In addition, a complete Polaroid Instant Camera system is included
to allow the user to create photos or transparencies of color material
displayed on the screen.
 
Many software packages like Harvard Graphics (900-3297) include
drivers to support the Palette Plus for making slides or
transparencies of the graphs created.
 
How about the business user that uses a database and would like
to include screen pictures of the items in the database?
Once again Radio Shack offers them the software to accomplish the task.
Picture Power (903-2362 $1,995.00) is a complete database
program that allows the display of a captured image (color or
black and white) along with the text information about the item.
 
Using the standalone database program or by using the supplied
instructions for blending with a DBASE III file system makes
graphics databases easy and simple for every application.
 
So is Radio Shack ready for the graphics revolution?
You bet we are!
From the home user to the professional business person
you can offer solutions that fit every budget and every requirement.
All you have to do is just LET THE CUSTOMER KNOW!!!
 
MOM-06-90
WHAT IS A COMPUTER FAX?
 
Now that Tandy FaxMate  is shipping in quantity, let's take a minute to
understand how important this market is.
 
The facsimile market (FAX) has been growing rapidly during the past
few years.
It has reached the point where it has become economically
possible to add FAX capabilities to a user's PC, and more important,
the software to accomplish this task has become much easier to use
thanks to Tandy FaxMate.
 
Let's look at a typical situation where someone who also uses a PC
wants to send a letter across the country by using a standard FAX machine.
The steps required would be:
 
1. Create the letter using a PC and favorite word processing software.
 
2. Print the letter to a printer in letter quality mode.
 
3. Take the letter across the office to the stand alone FAX machine.
 
4. Manually fill out a FAX Transmittal Sheet with pen/pencil to
   describe the FAX.
 
5. Manually dial the phone number.
 
6. Put the letter into the FAX machine.
 
7. Wait to see if the other FAX machine answers.
 
   Now if the other FAX machine is busy, the user must wait a minute
   or so and repeat steps 5, 6 and 7 until the FAX machine answers.
 
8. Wait at the FAX machine until the complete letter has been
   sent to the other FAX machine, which could be a few minutes if the
   FAX contains multiple pages.
 
9. Pick up the letter and return to the office.
 
Now let's look at the same scene when using the Tandy FaxMate product:
 
1. Invoke the Tandy FaxMate software and tell it who to send
   the FAX to, phone number, and what time to send it.
 
2. Create (or load) the letter using a PC
   and your favorite word processing software.
 
3. Add graphs, graphics, scanned sheets, or other items to the
   FAX and then tell Tandy FaxMate to SEND.
 
That's all there is to it!
Tandy FaxMate will then take care of creating the FAX Transmittal Sheet,
dialing the phone at the correct time, automatically feed the pages
one at time to the answering FAX machine, and hang up the phone.
And even better, if the answering FAX machine is busy or doesn't
answer, Tandy FaxMate will retry the operation at a later time --
all without the user even having to touch the keyboard.
 
In addition, using the advanced MS-DOS mode, Tandy FaxMate will keep
a log of the events, send the same FAX to multiple addresses
automatically, poll the answering system for return FAXs, and
receive and print incoming FAXs all at the same time.
 
And better yet, all these actions can take place in
background mode allowing the user to continue using the PC for other
tasks while FAXs are being transmitted and received.
 
The time savings alone for the user could be many minutes, not to
mention the savings in sanity when the other FAX machine is busy
most of the time.
 
In addition, Tandy FaxMate can be used to receive incoming FAXs
straight to a PC and for review right on the screen using the
Advanced MS-DOS features of Tandy FaxMate.
 
FAX capability in a PC is not for everyone.
It is designed to make it much easier for a single user to have
the capability of FAXing a document without having to do
everything required when using a stand alone FAX machine.
 
Is it time for PC FAXing?
You bet!
And the right package is Tandy FaxMate (25-3063  $349.95).
 
MOM-06-90
RIGHTWRITER WITH THE TANDY  1000 SL/2
 
We are still hearing complaints about running RightWriter on an SL/2,
so we are reprinting this article from the February 1990 issue of the M.O.M.
 
RightWriter will work with one 3 1/2" disk drive, but several
steps must be taken to make this possible.
Items needed:  DOS disk, RightWriter original disk,
two new (empty) 3 1/2" disks.
 
1. The user should boot their system using the DOS disk,
   then make a backup of the RightWriter disk using the
   DOS DISKCOPY command.
   Type:  DISKCOPY A: A:.
   The system will prompt the user to
   place the source disk in Drive A and press any key.
   Follow the prompts to complete the DISKCOPY command.
 
2. Once a backup of the original RightWriter disk is made,
   the user must make a working copy of RightWriter for day-to-day use.
 
   RightWriter can be used with the DeskMate Desktop
   or as a stand-alone program.
   If the user wants to use RightWriter on the DeskMate Desktop,
   they should follow the steps in the RightWriter manual for installing
   it on a diskette system (see RightWriter Manual Pages 2-3).
   Then a working copy of RightWriter must be created.
 
3. Follow the directions in Step 1 (above) to create a second backup
   RightWriter disk.
   This will be used to create the working RightWriter disk.
   Using the second backup disk, delete all files except for:  RIGHT.PDM,
   RWCONFIG.DCT, RWWORDS.DCT, and  RWRULES.DCT.
   These four files are the only ones needed to run RightWriter
    with the DeskMate Desktop.
 
    If using RightWriter as a stand-alone program,
    delete all files except  RIGHT.EXE, RIGHT.PDM, RWCONFIG.DCT,
    RWWORDS.DCT, RWRULES.DCT, DMCSR.R89, DMGUF.R89, PRGUF.RES
    and the .RES file that corresponds to your monitor type.
    This step will create a working disk with enough space for
    several documents and space for the marked-up copies of the
    documents once they have been analyzed by RightWriter.
 
    The user is now ready to use the RightWriter backup disk as a storage
    disk for the documents they want to analyze with RightWriter.
 
MOM-06-90
"C" CLASS Q & A
 
When C Classes meet in Ft. Worth, there is a session for open discussion
with Computer Merchandising buyers and personnel.
We always get some good questions,
and we decided that you all could use this information.
 
What is the purpose of the 25-1078 memory kit in a TL/2?
 
In May's M.O.M. on page 14, this question was answered poorly.
The answer implied that the 128K of RAM between 640K and 768K could
be used for RAM disk, print spoolers and other utilities.
This is incorrect.
The 128K is used strictly for video, and frees up space in the
lower 640K of memory, which then could be used for those purposes.
We apologize for any confusion.
 
Can we have more entertainment products to sell?
 
Yes, eventually.
You should use this time to clear out all of your older products.
Your goal should be to have nothing but brand new titles
to sell this coming holiday season.
 
Do we have a source for a hard drive for the 1100 FD?
 
Watch the third party market for a couple of hard disk drives that
work through the serial port of any PC including laptops.
Radio Shack is currently evaluating such devices
and will try to offer one through Special Order in the near future.
 
Do we have a way to exploit the capabilities of the DMP 240 with DeskMate ?
 
Yes.
By the time you read this you should have received FC-399 in the
May POP sign kit.
This kit contains the color driver and instructions on how to use it.
 
Is there a way to print to a serial printer
using the serial port of the WP-2?
 
The WP-2 offers only the standard Centronics/parallel printer port
for printer access.
While it also includes a RS-232/serial port and the
complementary software both for serial communications to a modem or
another computer and for file transfer to an "outside" disk drive,
the WP-2 has not been provided with the software needed
to configure this port for use with a serial printer.
(However, a file could be uploaded to a desktop computer,
then printed on the serial printer from the desktop.)
 
The Inventory.fil file was on SL/2 DeskMate  but missing from
TL/2 DeskMate, although the manual references to it were still there.
 
The Inventory.fil file is created when the Filer tutorial is run.
We will be putting it back in the product this year.
 
Can you explain just where the SL/2 and TL/2 fit in the market,
and with each other?
 
The Tandy  1000 SL/2 is probably the most direct descendant of the
original Tandy  1000.
It was designed as an entry level machine, with the ability to be
upgraded to a computer that could be used in a home office or small
business situation.
Its price point is such that it is also our most popular machine
for educational sales.
 
The Tandy  1000 TL/2 was designed as a home office/small business machine.
Its 80286 processor gives it the power of an AT class machine, while it
retains the XT bus architecture for lower priced peripherals.
It comes with more memory standard and can be upgraded further than the SL/2.
It also comes with the IDE SmartDrive  connector on the motherboard,
as the majority of TL/2 customers end up with a hard drive in their computer.
 
How do they fit the market in relation to each other?
They have different price points and different features.
As discussed, their target market is also different.
A TL/2 is a step up from an SL/2.
 
Is there any interactive software available or coming (like that for the
1000s) to take advantage of the great sound capabilities of the 2500 XL?
 
The 2500 XL's sound port is different than that of the 1000's.
As developers write new software they will address this difference.
It takes some time for the software publishers to adapt their development
after we come out with a new machine.
 
Can we carry some low-memory requirement games in the stores for
256K and 384K machines -- not EOS product?
 
We will have a few in the product line, but software publishers just
aren't writing software for the low memory machines.
Customers are demanding a more enriching entertainment experience
requiring higher quality graphics and better sound support
as well as more involved game play.
This causes the developers to eat more memory and require more
disk space.
This is a trend that will not stop soon.
You should encourage your customers to upgrade to 512K or more
so they can benefit from the games being made available today.
 
MOM-06-90
THE ONE MINUTE MERCHANDISER
 
The June 1990 issue of the Merchandising Newsletter contains
an extremely relevant One Minute Merchandiser column.
We're reprinting it here for anyone who may not have seen it
in that other publication.
 
The One Minute Merchandiser is written by:
 
Chuck Sizer
Merchandise Manager
1500 One Tandy Center
Fort Worth, TX  76102
 
What's On Sale?
 
Quick!
In addition to everything in the Flyer, what's on sale today?
Are those Unadvertised Specials still good, or did they end the other day?
Does the 4-Day Sale start today or tomorrow?
Is the Love Boat or the Row Boat contest in effect?
Hey, do we get double spiffs all week, or was that only until Wednesday?
 
Boy ... life is getting complicated!
We've been throwing an awful lot of information your way recently,
and it seems that some of us are getting confused
(including some of us in Fort Worth).
Well, it's no wonder -- we are doing whatever it takes to keep
the sales ball rolling up a very steep hill.
 
Papa OMM would love to give you all a big collective hug
and tell you not to worry and that everything is going to get back
to the way it used to be, but that's not the case.
The days of expecting the flyer to carry the month by itself are over.
We are moving toward a weekly, rather than a monthly, cycle for promotions.
 
It's going to take organization at your store to keep special events,
unadvertised sales, insert only and 3 or 4-day sale pricing,
as well as special spiff and commission arrangements straight.
We're trying to do our part by sending clear,
concise memos as close to the action dates as possible.
You should now be used to seeing the SOS message called
This Week at America's Technology Store
which ties it all together for you, one week at a time.
 
Keep it all together by following the instructions Mr. Nichols passed along
for the use and care of This Week at America's Technology Store.
It also makes sense to keep memos containing the details of
special promotions, contests and pay schemes all together,
so you can refer to them as needed to put a lid on store panic during
the heat of the battle for the buck.
 
It's a tough, competitive world out there and we intend to win.
We've got the best products, sales team, and management,
and we're going to do whatever it takes to reach our goal.
So stay tuned, stay alert, and stay informed by keeping all your information
organized and in one central location.
 
There will be many changes in the way we do business
over the next few years, and change can be difficult.
There is little growth in this world that comes without some difficulty,
but on the other side of difficulty endured there is success.
Let's all keep working together and that success will be ours.
 
MOM-06-90
MAGAZINE ADVERTISING
 
Tandy computer products are frequently advertised
in leading national publications.
 
Magazine advertising reinforces the image of Tandy Computers as
a nationally recognized brand.
Tandy computer products will be featured in the following publications
over the next month:
 
Date    Magazine                     Computer
5/28    Forbes  Business Products    Accounting
5/29    Personal Computing           DeskMate  Generic
6/1     INC                          Tandy 1000 Spreadsheet
6/1     Online Today                 DMP 240
6/15    Byte                         DMP 240
6/18    PCM                          DMP 240
 
MOM-06-90
LOTUS SPREADSHEET FOR DESKMATE
 
Who needs a spreadsheet and what for?
Attached to the back of this month's M.O.M is a list of spreadsheet
needs relating to six vertical applications along with a
Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate (25-1283) comparison chart.
 
MOM-06-90
HIGH SPEED PRINTING -- THE DMP 2130
PRODUCT NEWS
 
You say you're tired of listening to requests from customers who want
high speed printing? ... you say you're tired of not being able to
provide a printer that can print through an original plus FIVE copies? ...
you say you're tired of turning down business because you can't provide
the TOTAL solution on printing needs? ...
 
Well cheer up!
Tandy's Technology Team has come up with a pure winner in its
DMP 2130 Super High Speed Dot Matrix Printer (26-2845).
From its unique high speed (480 cps) 28 wire print head
to its flat paper printing path,
the DMP 2130 is the business user's dream come true.
Built for speed and ease of use, this printer is ideal for the user
that prints lots of data and multi-part forms, requires super high speed
printouts, prints on heavy stock single part paper, prints an
occasional letter quality document, and doesn't want to pay the super
high price usually associated with high speed printers.
 
Unique Printhead
 
The DMP 2130 has a unique 28 wire printhead design.
Although the printer has 28 wires, it uses them in 9 wire emulation mode
for draft and 18 wire emulation mode for letter quality.
The print wires are arranged in two rows of 9 pins and one row of ten pins.
In draft mode the rows of pins are fired alternately to produce
the super high speed required in business printing.
And since all 28 pins are not used for each character,
the life on the printhead is increased considerably,
giving the customer a printer they can rely upon for many years to come.
 
Flat Paper Path
 
One of the most dominant features about this printer is its unique
outside cosmetic appearance.
It doesn't look like your ordinary conventional printer.
In most printers the printhead fires the pins in a horizontal position
and prints on the paper as it faces you.
In the DMP 2130 the printhead fires the pins straight down in a
vertical motion.
There is no round platen like you find in most all other printers.
The paper path is flat ... the paper flows from back to front
(or front to back for single sheet) without ever turning a corner.
This unique paper path causes the printer case to look completely
different from the rest of the printer line.
 
You might ask why we designed the flat paper path on the DMP 2130.
Since this printer is targeted at the business user,
printing multiple part forms will be a common requirement.
As a multiple part form is fed through a normal printer
with a round platen,
the top form and each form underneath starts slipping.
Let's think about this for a moment.
If a form has to go around a curved surface,
the form closest to the platen has the shortest distance to go,
and the form furthest away from the platen has the longest distance to go.
Since each part of the form in multiple part paper is exactly the same
size, something has to give when the form is twisted around the platen.
 
In the case of forms and PC printers, this results in the top form
not being in exactly the same place as the bottom form in a
four or five part set.
If the form has lines drawn on it, those lines no longer
match up from the top sheet of paper to the bottom sheet
of paper...this is called "mis-registration."
So when the user prints in boxes and lines up the print head
to print correctly on the top paper, after printing several forms
the print is still correct on the top sheet,
but the bottom sheet printing is out of place.
 
With the DMP 2130 this is no longer a problem!
Because the paper feeds straight through the printer without turning
any corners, registration stays perfect.
The user ends up with more professional results when sending things
like invoices, W2 forms, and statements to their customers.
And since the platen has fewer moving parts,
the customer can expect longer printer life.
 
Other Features
 
The DMP 2130 has built-in paper park to allow the user to
retract the fanfold paper to the back without totally removing it when
single sheet printing is required.
It will automatically load and position the paper for printing,
and when using the "1 inch top margin feature" the printer will
advance the paper to a tear off position for easy removal and move
it back ready for printing when the next character is received.
The DMP 2130 incorporates the now standard "IBM" type parallel port
and uses the 26-288 six foot printer cable,
or the upcoming 26-1258 twelve foot cable.
It is shipped with the IBM Proprinter XL emulation mode as the default,
and also contains an Epson FX286e emulation.
 
The front mounted control panel includes an easy-to-read
LCD display that gives the user a visual indication of the mode
being selected as well as the status of the printer.
Using the front panel controls, the user can enter a SETUP mode
that controls all of the printer's many different configuration options.
The DMP 2130 also contains a 32K built-in print buffer
for maximum printing speed.
 
The Right Price
 
The DMP 2130 is priced at $1,199.00.
Your competition in this super high speed market is very limited.
There are only a few printers that can match the performance and
engineering levels of your offering.
The competition you do find will be priced above $1,500.00 at retail
(and even the street prices of
these units will only begin to match your price).
This is definitely one product where NOBODY COMPARES.
 
MOM-06-90
MICROSOFT ANNOUNCES WINDOWS 3.0
 
In a nationwide media event on May 22nd, Microsoft announced
the release and shipment of the long awaited Windows 3.0.
The media event was held in seven cities nationwide,
featuring demonstrations of a variety of new and existing
Windows software applications.
 
New Features of Windows 3.0
 
   Icon based interface that is very similar to the OS/2
   Presentation Manager
 
   Dual 80286/80386 processor support in the same package
 
   Three operating modes:  Standard Mode, 386 Enhanced Mode and Real Mode
 
   Improved installation routine that identifies the peripherals in
   your computer and sets system defaults automatically
 
   Network workstation support
 
   Works with 640K to 16 MB of memory: conventional, extended
   and expanded memory
 
Radio Shack  Product Availability
 
We expect this product to be in the warehouse available for order
by July 1.
 
Recommended Minimum System
 
Tandy  4016SX, 2 MB RAM, hard drive and mouse.
 
See the listing of Windows 3.0 certified computers below.
 
MOM-06-90
MICROSOFT WINDOWS 3.0 CERTIFIED HARDWARE LIST
 
The following computers have been certified by Microsoft for
use with Microsoft Windows 3.0:
 
        Tandy  2500 XL  Tandy  4016 DX
 
        Tandy  2800 HD  Tandy  4016 SX
 
        Tandy  3000 NL  Tandy  4020 LX
 
        Tandy  4000     Tandy  4025 LX
 
        Tandy  4000 LX  Tandy  4033 LX
 
        Tandy  4000 SX  Tandy  5000 MC
 
MOM-06-90
MS-DOS 4.01 NOW AVAILABLE
 
Tandy MS-DOS 4.01 (25-4114) is now available for the Tandy  3000,
4000 and 5000 families of computers.
 
The key feature of MS-DOS 4.01 is the support for hard disk
partitions in excess of 32 MB and the MS-DOS Shell interface.
 
The Tandy enhanced version includes:
 
   MS-DOS 4.01 and GW BASIC
 
   MS-DOS User's Guide and User's Reference
 
   MS-DOS Shell User's Guide
 
   DeskMate  Desktop and User's Guide
 
   DOS HELP Utility Software
 
   Tandy Enhancements Guide
 
   DeskMate Desktop -- a graphical user interface, with full mouse
   support, provided as an alternative to the MS-DOS command line and
   MS-DOS Shell interfaces.
 
   MS-DOS HELP Utility Software -- an MS-DOS user reference at
   your fingertips.
   Provides complete information on MS-DOS 4.01 commands and syntax.
 
Minimum System Requirements: 256K RAM, one floppy drive and
optional mouse.
Not recommended in a network workstation environment.
Retail price $139.95.
 
MOM-06-90
3COM ETHERLINK ADAPTER
 
All stores are strongly encouraged to sell through any
existing inventory of the 3Com Etherlink Adapter (26-5435) and
order only as needed to fulfill actual customer orders.
 
In the past, the primary purpose of this adapter was Ethernet
support for Novell NetWare ELS I 2.0a.
The recent release of Novell NetWare ELS I 2.12 provides
support for ALL Ethernet adapters (26-5501 and 26-5505) in the current
Radio Shack  product line.
 
MOM-06-90
CORRECTION
 
On page 25 of the May M.O.M. the information for Arnet Smartport
16 (90-2403) was incorrect.
The current driver for this adapter limits support to
two (2) Smartport 16 boards and 32 users.
 
MOM-06-90
TANDY  4033 LX
 
The Tandy 4033 LX (25-5130) is now shipping to RSCCs and 01Zs.
Unfortunately, due to an industrywide component shortage of 33 MHz
components, the 4033 LX will be in extremely short supply until mid-July.
 
Therefore it is critical that all stores follow these instructions:
 
1. The 4033 LX is only available on special order following receipt
    of a bona fide order from a customer.
    It is not stockable in any store.
    If you order one and then later discover that your customer doesn't
    need or want it, call TSDC at (817) 624-4632 and cancel the order.
 
2. Should a Tandy 4033 LX be received by mistake, or returned by a
   customer, notify your divisional VP.
   He will arrange to have the unit transferred to another store.
 
3. No try-and-buys will be permitted.
   The machine is cosmetically identical to Tandy 4020 LX which is
   stockable in Centers.
   Furthermore, benchmarks, comparative and competitive information have
   been printed in February 1990 and April 1990 issues of the Computer
   Merchandising Memo of the Month.
 
   Politely explain to your prospect that we will be able to offer
   try-and-buys at some future date, but that for now, customer demand
   has outstripped supply and we must take care of
   customers desiring to purchase first.
   Chances are your try-and-buy will turn into a sale in short order.
 
MOM-06-90
FCC CERTIFICATION FOR THE 4033 LX
 
The Tandy  4033 LX computers (25-5130) that were just released from the
warehouse are FCC CLASS A verified AND NOT Class B certified.
 
This is contrary to what the catalog and brochures say -- so it is VERY
IMPORTANT that it is clear to the customer that you will be delivering
a CLASS A computer -- NOT FOR USE IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA.
 
All Tandy 4033 LX computers that we will be shipping from the
warehouse have a sticker on the box and on the computer stating that
it is a Class A business computer.
 
Future production of Tandy 4033 LX computers will be Class B certified,
and you will be notified when they are available.
We expect this to be several months from now.
Until then, make sure all customers and prospects know that the
current product is FCC Class A verified.
 
MOM-06-90
SELLING THE COMPTON'S SYSTEM TO HOME CONSUMERS
 
Our educational marketing representatives are actively selling
Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia to schools.
Are you selling it to the consumers that enter your store?
This product will be featured on American Airlines flights through June
and is in one issue of the American Way magazine that month.
This is aimed at getting customers into our 01Z stores
and Computer Centers to view the Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia.
You must be ready to demonstrate and sell this product effectively
to capitalize on this advertising!
 
The Logistics of the Sale
 
The procedures for processing the paperwork for the
Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia are laid out in an attachment to the
April 1990 Issue of the Computer Merchandising Memo of the Month.
Please refer to that attachment for those details.
 
Who Would Buy Compton's?
 
Naturally, parents of school aged children are the most likely prospects
for this encyclopedia.
You should focus your selling efforts on them.
 
Customer Motivation
 
For all parents, their children's education gets high priority.
They will often seriously consider any purchase that will enhance
their children's success in school and in later life.
 
Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia definitely offers students
a chance to broaden and deepen his or her understanding of a wide variety
of topics.
Thus it enhances the likelyhood of school success.
 
Here are other unique features to mention to parents:
 
   The Idea Search finds articles that answers questions that students
   type in.
 
   The Topic Tree lets students start with a broad topic
   (like government) and narrow the focus until he or she finds
   a specific article of interest.
 
   The U.S. History Timeline lets students see where on the
   timeline historical events fit while giving them access
   to articles, photos, and recordings related to the events.
 
   The World Atlas allows students to rotate the globe
   to find locations of interest.
   Students may view articles, charts,
   and photos associated with the places on the globe.
 
   The Science Feature Articles segment contains information
   in twenty science areas.
   These articles have enhanced text (with an audio glossary),
   more photos, charts, sounds, and even animation.
 
How to Sell the Encyclopedia
 
Be sure the Compton's system (on the Tandy  2500 XL)
is prominently displayed in the store.
You may want to leave the main menu on the display,
or you may want to leave one of the digitized photos on the display
to attract attention.
 
Know how to run the Encyclopedia.
If you have not done so, take the time to walk through
the sample customer presentation that came with the system.
 
If you are in a mall store, get permission to set up the encyclopedia
in one of the main walkways in the mall on Saturdays and Sundays.
Be sure the system is always attended by someone who can
answer questions and take those orders!
 
Make sure your customers know that this is THE STATE OF THE ART
in multimedia technology.
We in Fort Worth have reviewed many multimedia products lately,
and nothing on the market compares with the
Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia on the Tandy 2500 XL.
It's true:  NOBODY COMPARES -- nobody's even in the ballpark!
 
MOM-06-90
Q & A ON COMPTON'S MULTIMEDIA ENCYCLOPEDIA
 
1.  Can the store sell and write the total sale for the Compton's system?
 
    No, the store may only write the hardware portion.
    If the purchase order has been issued to Radio Shack and does
    include the software, the store should write the hardware portion and
    send a copy of the purchase order to Contract Marketing.
    Contract Marketing will assist in getting the software from Britannica.
    No credit will be given to the store for the software sale.
    You must explain to the customer that they will
    receive two separate invoices.
 
2.  Can the RSVP card be used for the Compton's product?
 
    Only hardware only may be put on the RSVP credit card.
    Remember all software sales are handled by Britannica.
    You may call (800) 533-0130 and give all the
    information to the Britannica representative.
    It is up to the
    customer to send a check or give credit card info to Britannica.
    If you call in the referral from your store, you will receive a
    commission on the software sale to consumers.
 
3.  Can Radio Shack stores configure the systems themselves?
 
    Due to the special modules that need to be loaded,
    TSDC will configure all systems.
    Remember to collect the $40.00 from your customer for integration.
 
4.  Is the software loaded on the system prior to shipping?
 
    All Compton's systems configured at TSDC have JMI files
    loaded on the hard drive.
    These drivers are used in conjunction with the CD-ROM Disc.
    The systems are ready to run Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia
    as soon as the CD-ROM Disc is inserted in the drive.
    All orders for the Compton's CD-ROM Disc are filled directly by
    Britannica.
 
5.  How long will it take for the software to ship from Britannica?
 
    The time frame for shipment is dependent on the type of payment
    that is used by the customer.
    If a customer pays for the software by personal check,
    Britannica will wait until the check clears.
    If the customer chooses to pay by credit card or certified check
    the software will ship immediately.
 
6.  How is warranty handled on the Compton's system?
 
    If unit has been sold by your store, the selling
    unit will be responsible.
    If the unit was sold by EBEC/Britannica the warranty will be
    covered by Ft. Worth.
    To verify warranty on computers,
    contact Tammy Morrison for approval at (817) 390-3137.
 
7.  Does Compton's run under DeskMate ?
 
    Yes.
    It requires RSM-003 which 11s and Zs received in their May 22nd
    all store mailing.
 
8.  Who do I call if I have problems with my Compton's
    floor model system?
 
    If Installation/Setup is the problem contact Customer Service.
    If the 2500 XL is the problem contact your Tandy Service Department.
    If there is a problem with the CD-ROM drive contact your BPSC.
    If there are other Software problems contact your
    Compton's Representative.
 
MOM-06-90
INSTALLING THE SMARTDRIVE
 
The 40 MB AT SmartDrive (25-4123) is now in stock in good quantities.
As you sell and install these drives, it is important that you use the
mounting screws included with the drive.
Their length, in particular, is critical.
 
In the unlikely event your drive has no screws or
you've misplaced the ones included with the drive,
the correct screw to use is 6-32 thread, 3/16" long.
Anything longer does irreparable damage to the drive.
 
MOM-06-90
WICAT JOINS RADIO SHACK PARTNERS IN EDUCATION PROGRAM
EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY
 
Fort Worth, TX -- Wicat, a leading provider of integrated learning
programs and education services for the K-12 market, has joined Radio
Shack's Partners In Education (P.I.E.) program.
 
Radio Shack  will support the marketing efforts of Wicat to deliver to
schools a total hardware/software solution on Tandy MS-DOS compatible
personal computers.
 
Wicat's products and services target Chapter 1, English As A Second
Language/Limited English Proficiency (ESL/LEP), At-Risk and Achievement
Improvement programs.
In each of these four products areas, Wicat's Integrated Learning
Programs assess each student's needs with a comprehensive testing
program that recommends a specific instructional prescription.
Wicat's instructional curriculum provides more than 2,500 hours of learning
materials that address both basic and higher order thinking skills.
 
The entire assessment and instructional process is assisted by an
easy-to-use Learning Management System for teachers.
This allows teachers to integrate their own classroom structure and style
with computer-managed instruction.
 
"Wicat's products and services offer solid learning solutions that
support the individual program needs of many schools.
Radio Shack welcomes the opportunity to offer these schools a
Tandy/Wicat solution," said Jim McGrody, vice president of
Sales and Marketing for Radio Shack's Education Division.
 
MOM-06-90
TAP CONTINUES
 
The Teacher Appreciation Program continues until June 30th.
The response has been OUTSTANDING!
Teachers want to buy computers and SchoolMate Teacher's Helper
is the productivity product they have been asking for.
So go ahead and ask for the sale!
There has never been a better time at Radio Shack to buy a computer.
 
Writing the Sale
 
Do I write the sale as a TAP Sale when the teacher wants to buy a
computer that's already on sale?
 
Yes, because they can buy the computer at the sale price and the
accessories at the 20% discount.
Here's HOW:
 
1. At the Merchandise Screen -- Enter all items sold including sale
   merchandise.
 
2. Then discount, by line, items eligible for 20% discount -- (all
   NON-SALE items).
 
3. Proceed to Payment Screen.
 
4. Choose <F1> Option.
 
5. Choose Ticket Discounts.
 
6. Choose Number 7 - Educational.
 
7. DO NOT ENTER PERCENT DISCOUNT.
 
8. Enter Discount Control Number -- TC030109.
 
How do teachers get the free SchoolMate Teacher's Helper software?
 
Teachers must complete the Teacher Appreciation Coupon in the TAP Brochure.
This requires a signature by the supervisor or principal.
They then return the coupon to your store and you send it to:
 
Radio Shack Education Marketing
1600 One Tandy Center
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
 
Why do teachers have to have their supervisor sign the form, why
can't I just check their school identification?
 
By requiring a supervisor signature, we are passing on information
about Radio Shack's commitment to education to the decision makers who
make school purchases.
Also it requires the teacher to visit your store two (2) times,
once to get the coupon, once to return it,
giving you twice the opportunity to sell Tandy Technology.
 
MOM-06-90
LAPTOPS, TOOLS FOR CHANGE
 
In the 19th century the idea that each child should have their own
textbook seemed to be an impossible dream.
Today most would say the same about electronic notebooks that each child
would tuck under their arms and take to school.
And yet, these tools exist today and carry
perhaps a blueprint for a new order in the structure of learning.
 
Educators' ideas of how this technology can be used are marvelously
insightful and creative.
They envision students working cooperatively inside and outside school,
visiting libraries, government agencies, museums, and other
community resources, recording notes on their laptops to be shared.
They see students from different communities working together on all
kinds of projects, from newspapers to weather information exchanges,
with much of their communications being transmitted over phone lines.
Most importantly, teachers see students opening up to writing and
communicating among themselves in new and exciting ways.
 
MOM-06-90
CONGRATULATIONS TO INTECHNICA LEARNING SYSTEMS
 
Intechnica Learning Systems, one of our Partners in Education,
was recently honored by Phillips and Dupont Optical and received
an international award for creativity.
 
I SPEAK ENGLISH, a multimedia CD-ROM based language program was
honored with the award in San Francisco.
I SPEAK ENGLISH is one of several language products published
by Intechnica International, Inc.
The programs are based upon Intechnica's proprietary process of the
integration of reading, writing, listening and speaking.
 
I SPEAK ENGLISH is for grades zero through eight curriculum for
bilingually teaching English to Spanish speakers.
The native language is used to tutor the student in the use of the
system and in examples of what is to be done in each exercise.
There are approximately 4,800
exercises in three levels in this program, plus reviews.
 
Intechnica has recently published their interactive Spanish language
entitled I SPEAK SPANISH.
Field tests have shown the program to produce significant improvements
in student progress over standard language labs.
There are approximately 4,250 exercises in two levels, plus reviews.
 
I CAN READ is a zero based curriculum for teaching literacy to adults.
It can also be used to sharpen the skills of foreign language speakers
who have limited English capability and require practice to become more
confident or proficient.
There are approximately 5,000 exercises in
three levels, plus a comprehensive phonics section.
 
All of the programs are published on Compact Disk and run on a product
called VOXBOX, a device used for distributing CD material to eight work
stations.
 
For more information
call Intechnica International at (405) 732-0138 or call
Radio Shack Educational Marketing at (817) 390-2163.
 
MOM-06-90
COMPUTER FOR THE MASSES:  THE TANDY WP-2
 
Attached to this version of the ETN is an article written by
Dr. Donald Thomas, Brookline High School, Brookline, MA.
 
This article describes how the Model 100 TRS-80 Portable Computer
marked the beginning of laptop computing,
was surpassed on its own ground by Cambridge Computer's Z88 Laptop,
and how the new WP-2 regains that ground.
 
MOM-06-90
SEVENTH ICTE BIG SUCCESS
 
The Education Division's co-sponsorship of the Seventh International
Conference on Technology and Education held in Brussels, Belgium in
late March was very successful.
Over 800 delegates and authors from 33 nations convened to share
research and practical information on using technology in education.
 
Keynote speakers from the Soviet Union, People's Republic of China,
Belgium, France, England, Scotland and even the U.S. Congress,
provided delegates with a stimulating variety of viewpoints.
Presentations were in the form of lectures, panel sessions,
keynotes, poster sessions and hands-on workshops.
 
The hands-on workshops were held in a lab of 20 Tandy  1000 TL/2
computers, networked through the Novell operating system and
utilizing the SchoolMate interface.
 
Maggie Sherrod and Bernice Stafford of the Education Division
conducted daily sessions on SchoolMate and the various
applications available under SchoolMate.
Microsoft, another co-sponsor,
conducted daily sessions on using Microsoft Works in the classroom.
 
The delegates enjoyed having the conference in Brussels, the home of
NATO and the European Economic Community.
In 1992, Brussels will, in essence, become the capital of Europe.
There is a real sense of excitement in the air in Brussels
over this rapidly approaching event.
Social events connected with the conference included tours in and
around Brussels, a reception sponsored by Tandy and InterTAN,
a reception sponsored by the Minister of Education of Belgium,
and a conference dinner held in a castle.
 
The 8th International Conference will be held in Toronto, Canada
May 3-10, 1991.
The ICTE is joining conferences with ECOO, the Educational
Computing Organization of Ontario.
ECOO holds an annual conference that attracts 1500-2000
computer-using educators from Ontario and other provinces of Canada.
The "Call for Participation" is now out and if you
know of anyone who would be interested in presenting their project or
research at the 1991 conference, please contact us at (817) 390-3832.
We will be happy to mail them (or you) copies of the "Call for
Participation."
 
We find that educators that attend this conference leave with a
better idea of Tandy's involvement and commitment to education.
The conference is a credible academic event that brings
quite a bit of prestige to Tandy through our association.
Please talk it up.
 
MOM-06-90
EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY
Field Line -- Tips and Success Stories
 
Ms. Madelyn Lesnick
Director, Education Marketing
 
Dear Ms. Lesnick:
 
I am enclosing a copy of my paper which was presented recently at the
national meeting of the Association of Teacher Educators.
The response was excellent and several of the participants
were interested in applying for a grant this year.
 
I would like to thank you for the opportunity to prove the value of
computer use with young learning disabled children.
The copies of their work show the vast improvements that were made.
The handwritten copies were done at the pre-testing in September
and the computer written copies were done in May at the post-testing.
The numbers in the upper right corners correlate with the
individual students so number 6 is the
same student's work before the use of the computer and after.
 
T.J. Ferran, who was the manager of our computer center last year,
and Dana Braatz, who is the manager now,
have both been very helpful and supportive.
Thank you again for the great opportunities that evolved as
a result of receiving the grant from you.
Our school district is looking at the possibility of equipping
all disabled students who could benefit from the use of the
portable computer which would be a major achievement!
We are hoping that this will be achieved next school year.
 
Sincerely,
 
Louise Sherman, M.A.
Special Education Resource Teacher
Explorer Elementary School
Colorado Springs, CO
 
 
Barbara Reed, Education Marketing Manager
Radio Shack Education Division
 
Dear Barbara,
 
Thank you for joining us for lunch today.
It is always a pleasure to visit with others who share my interest
in computers and their importance in education today.
 
As you requested, I have enclosed a photocopy of the WP-2 User Booklet
I created for Everett School District.
You will find my approach quite simple;
however, based upon several years of experience with educators
and computers in the classroom, I believe this is the "only way."
 
Immediate productivity is the key, enhancement of processing skills
will come as the need arises providing the documentation is logically
organized and precise.
Also, illustrations are helpful in those areas
that seem a bit more intimidating, i.e., communications.
 
The first nine pages of the enclosed document were originated on the
WP-2 and uploaded to the Macintosh environment by means of Microsoft
Works Communications Module.
Once in the Macintosh environment, formatting options are unlimited.
Files can also be downloaded to WP-2 just as easily as uploaded
from the WP-2 again, I used the Microsoft Works Communication Module.
 
In my opinion, the WP-2 is an enhancement to high end technology.
It is an affordable intermediary tool which can be utilized
in all areas of education; K-12 classroom application, special programs,
higher education, and administrative uses.
 
My thanks to you and the Everett School District for the opportunity to
research this project.
 
Sincerely,
 
Sharon L. Gaffney
Everett, Washington
 
MOM-06-90
WHAT'S IN A CALL?
OUTBOUND MARKETING IN JUNE/JULY
 
"O.K., O.K., O.K.
I know the medicine might not be easy to
swallow, but if you don't take it now -- you'll be sorry!"
 
Or maybe you heard it this way, "If you want to amount to
anything in life -- you have to master the things you dislike the most."
 
Or perhaps this delivery, "Nothing worthwhile comes easy."
 
No matter what the delivery was, I'm sure all of you have
heard a little anecdote of this type.
And I guess what really never changes as we grow wiser and more
sophisticated is the truism associated with these type of sayings.
Every day we are introduced to more and more technology.
Some of it (especially in our business) is designed to make our lives
more efficient, and does.
 
At the same time, there are some basic things we still have
to do for ourselves.
Cold Calls is high on the priority list.
I spoke with a Radio Shack Computer Center  Manager this afternoon
regarding cold calls.
Her name is Evelyn Merecki in Dearborn, Michigan.
Evelyn is pretty well known in her
region as a manager who understands the value of cold calling.
If she gets enough time, she'll relate a great story to you about
how she made a cold call and got a $500,000.00 sale!
 
"I was tongue tied on the first ten cold calls that day," says Evelyn.
"But I continued to make the calls, and they
continued to get smoother," Evelyn continues.
"I started at 8:00 that morning and was striking-out
on every call I made.
I was getting frustrated and discouraged, but I had challenged myself
not to stop until I called all of my D&B leads that day.
 
"Continuing to make the calls, I called a manufacturing company --
got tossed around on the phone to several departments --
before getting to the right people," says Evelyn.
"They were working on a tentative idea that would
require computers for all of their salespeople.
I could not believe my ears to hear I had gotten a customer
at this stage of consideration!  ...and in retrospect, I pondered --
what if I hadn't made that call -- I wouldn't have a good appointment.
Little did I know at the time, that sales call
was going to result in a 1/2 million dollar sale!"
 
Evelyn didn't stop there, she made a sale this week -- off of
a cold call -- for a $22,000 network on a TCL Lease!
AND...  ... EVELYN HATES COLD CALLING TO THIS DAY!
She simply has accepted the reality that successful marketers
have to have the discipline to make cold calls!
 
In this issue of the MOM, the Training Kinetics article
examines some specifics on how to make cold calls and
prospect with greater results.
While you are reading that article, don't forget the "D" word.
With "D"iscipline in your Monday cold calling,
you will be very successful and
your sales will increase by leaps and bounds.
Imagine how much money Evelyn would not have made if
she hadn't made one more call!
I guess she would have never known -- do you know how much money
and success is waiting for you on your next cold call?
As Carl Sagan says ...."billions and billions..."
 
MOM-06-90
DUN'S REVISTED
 
In February of this year we gave your RMTMs the equipment necessary
to provide Dun and Bradstreet vertical market leads to you.
 
This is an outstanding program that allows marketing representatives
and managers the ability to select leads for a given sales territory
based on the following sortable criteria:
 
1.  DUNS Number
 
2.  Company Name
 
3.  Street Address
 
4.  Mailing Address
 
5.  City
 
6.  State
 
7.  Zip Code
 
8.  Telephone Area Code
 
9.  Telephone Number
 
10. State Code
 
11. SMSA Code
 
12. County Code
 
13. City Code
 
14. Chief Executive
 
15. Line of Business
 
16. 2nd Trade Name
 
17. SIC CODE #1
 
18. SIC CODE #2
 
19. SIC CODE #3
 
20. SIC CODE #4
 
21. SIC CODE #5
 
22. SIC CODE #6
 
23. Year Started
 
24. Sales Volume
 
25. Employees Here
 
26. Total Employment
 
27. Headqtrs City
 
28. Headqtrs State
 
29. Mfg Code
 
30. Other Key Codes
 
As you can see, this is very useful information for you
to use in your Monday cold calling plan.
Imagine how much better your cold calling will go with all this power
at your disposal!
 
Start today by strategizing with your RMTM on what markets and other
sort criteria would be best for you and your sales team, then complete
the Dun's order form and send it to your RMTM to get the leads.
 
The leads are returned to you in a few days on a Lotus Spreadsheet for
DeskMate diskette to view or print the leads for cold call sessions.
Take advantage of this powerful program and make it a routine
part of the marketing plan in your Center!
 
MOM-06-90
Marketing Quote
 
If You Are Selling Chairs, Invite the Prospect to Sit Down!
 
Nido Qubein
 
MOM-06-90
TRAINING KINETICS
A forum for sales training topics.
 
THE TROUBLE WITH SELLING IS PROSPECTING...
BUT I REALLY HATE TELEPHONE COLD CALLS!
 
Chances are that telephone calls are not your favorite activity.
However, they are an important selling tool.
 
TELEPHONE PROSPECTING...A SHORT COURSE
 
Before we start, let's focus on the OBJECTIVE of the telephone
cold call...SETTING AN APPOINTMENT.
Keep that firmly in your mind and you are more likely to
complete a successful phone call.
Set your goal any higher and you are expecting too much.
 
RULE 1:  Start with the easier prospects.
 
Your best source of prospects is an existing client.
 
WHY?
 
    You already know their business.
 
    They already know you and Radio Shack.
 
    They have an investment to protect.
 
    New technology, new applications.
 
HOW?
 
    Call on every client at least once a month.
 
    Explain your consultant role.
 
    Find out how they are using your products.
 
    Ask what else they would like to do with computers.
 
    Get to know the end-user.
 
    Suggest ways to upgrade, increase usage, improve operations.
 
    Find out what supplies they need and deliver when you return.
 
    Review your client list when promotions are announced.
 
    Build a "wish list" for each client.
 
    Invite them to seminars or "new product" announcements.
 
The next easist prospect is a referral.
Referrals can come from:
 
    Existing clients
 
    Prospects
 
    Friends/peers
 
    Consumer Radio Shack Stores
 
    Consultants
 
    Professional organization contacts
 
How do you get a referral?
ASK FOR IT!!!!
 
RULE 2:  To succeed, you must have an action plan!
 
Pre-call organization:
 
1.  Develop a prospect list.
 
2.  Establish a reason for the call.
    Be specific!
 
3.  Decide on available appointment times.
 
4.  Prepare an opening statement.
 
5.  Prepare a sales message.
 
6.  Anticipate road blocks.
 
When making the call:
 
1.  Give an opening statement.
 
2.  Establish rapport.
 
3.  Deliver the sales message.
 
4.  Ask for the appointment.
 
5.  Overcome any objections.
 
6.  Express thanks and hang up!
 
TELEPHONE TIPS:
 
    SMILE while talking.
 
    Speak clearly and with enthusiasm.
 
    Keep good records.
 
    Think positive and expect positive results.
 
    NEVER have prospects call you back, you call back.
 
    Practice, practice, practice.
 
    When asking questions, LISTEN to the answers.
 
    Don't assume anything.
 
RULE 3:  Anticipate objections and be prepared to respond to them!
 
What are your answers to the following standard objections?
 
    We already have computers.
 
    We already own software for our computers.
 
    I'm too busy.
 
    I'm satisfied with business as it is.
 
    We use an outside service.
 
    My business is too small.
 
    I don't like computers-or-We don't need a computer.
 
    I have an accountant.
 
    I'm not interested.
 
    I don't own a computer.
 
    It's too expensive.
 
    Business is too slow.
 
Got your list?
Got your plan?
Now we're just down to READY?...SET?...GO!
 
Sometimes it's best to do the least pleasant jobs first.
When you close that next sale which resulted from a telephone cold
call, you'll be glad you did!
 
MOM-05-90
THE FRONT LINE is a monthly column dedicated to discussing
marketing, merchandising and customer care concepts.
 
STORE APPEARANCE AND DISPLAYS
 
Improving the appearance of your in-store displays of computer products
will increase your sales.
 
General Housekeeping and Concepts
 
In addition to the rules you should be following throughout your store
(such as making sure floors are clean, ashtrays emptied and the like)
here are some additional hints.
 
The things you are most interested in selling need to be the easiest for your
customers to look at and handle.
We do want to guard our pilferable merchandise,
but weigh carefully the security benefits of displaying merchandise
behind glass doors vs. the selling benefits of putting larger items out
where your customers can touch and try them.
 
Surveys have shown that merchandise at waist to eye level sell
best and that sales drop off the lower and higher they are away from
that waist to eye level span.
 
Computer Systems
 
Your customer should be able to look at a system and have no reservations about
having that same system in their home or office.
A single computer should be matched with a single printer and placed
on a table or desk.
Your customer would probably not have extra monitors or unrelated
accessories placed next to their computers and you shouldn't show them
that way.
 
Systems must be turned on and have something on each and every screen
at all times.
The DeskMate  rotating demo is the preferred choice because
when a prospect sees some aspect of DeskMate on every screen,
they're going to want to know just what is so special about that program.
Naturally, you'll be prepared to tell them!
 
Defective equipment must be removed from display immediately and
temporarily replaced with something else.
Printers are to be loaded with paper and ready to demonstrate.
The paper should be either a neatly placed loose stack or
in a 26-1423 type carton whose top has been neatly cut off with a knife.
Large, half-filled cartons of paper are unsightly and should be avoided.
 
Cables should be neatly bundled behind each system,
but rather than using nylon wire ties, use rubber bands -- they're
more convenient to remove.
 
Add logical accessories to the systems such as a mouse,
one or two software packages, and monitor and printer platforms.
For the finishing touch,
add some items that complement the display such as a telephone,
some books and/or a house plant.
 
Showcases
 
For starters, keep in mind that the lower you place an item in the showcase,
the fewer of that item you will sell.
Pocket computers need to be on top shelves for easy viewing,
with accessories on lower ones.
The floor is a great place for additional stock of showcased items,
for attractive-looking, empty gift boxes from the merchandise
being displayed on the shelves of the showcase,
or for extra copies of software.
 
By the way, showcases are no place for things like laptop computers.
Put those where people can touch and try them.
 
Software
 
As we all know, software is at the heart of the computer sale,
so make it easy for the customer to find the right software.
 
The principles for doing this are simple.
First, you might not buy software by its cover,
but a good cover will make you look a long time.
Therefore, you need to show the customer the cover;
i.e., always put the product's fancy cover facing out from the shelf.
 
The second principle is -- don't make customers sift through
twenty packages to find the three word processors they need to consider
before making a purchase.
Organize your software by categories -- entertainment and
DeskMate applications on your rotating software display
and the other titles organized by categories on a shelf.
 
The  final  principle to remember is -- make it easy for a customer
to pick up the software and read the back of the package.
Put the product within reach; and don't stack it so the software
teeters when touched.
 
Accessories
 
The best place to feature accessories is "in their working environment,"
such as monitor platforms under monitors or the printer switch being used
to connect two printers to one CPU.
Where this isn't possible, make sure that like accessories are
grouped together logically.
For example, place diskette head cleaning products near blank diskettes.
 
Even if you're an "old-hand" at merchandising and selling,
it never hurts to brush up and perhaps learn something new.
Take advantage of these ideas and watch your sales climb!
 
If you have any comments or suggestions about what you'd like to see
in future Front Line columns, write to:
 
The Front Line
1500 One Tandy Center
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
 
MOM-05-90
SALE PRICES IN MAY
Items on Sale in May
 
FOR ALL STORES:
 
 
Tandy  1000 HX
 
Cat.No.     Description     Reg Price     Sale     Dates
25-1053     Tandy 1000 HX     699.00     299.00     Cont'd
25-1053     Tandy 1000 HX
25-1043     CM-5 Monitor
                   System     998.95     598.95     Cont'd
 
 
Tandy  1000 TL/2
 
Cat.No.     Description     Reg Price     Sale     Dates
25-1602     Tandy 1000 TL/2
25-1043     CM-5 Monitor
25-1045     20 MB SmartDrive 
25-1333     Bonus Pack  
                 System     2,418.75     1,599.00     3/17-5/19
 
BONUS PACK NOT TO BE SOLD SEPARATELY!
Substitute a 40 MB SmartDrive (25-1046) for an additional $100.00.
Substitute a CM-11 (25-1024) for an additional $100.00.
 
 
Tandy  1400 FD
 
Cat.No.     Description     Reg Price     Sale     Dates
25-3501     1400 FD         1,499.00     1,199.00     SOWG
 
 
MS-DOS Software
 
Cat.No.     Description            Reg Price   Sale     Sale Dates
25-1186     FUNdamentals HX/TX       24.95      9.95     SOWG
25-1247     MemoryMate               69.95     49.95     4/21-Cont'd
25-1249     Venture                 349.00    199.00     4/21-5/19
25-1253     Using DeskMate 3 Video   14.95      9.95     4/21-5/19
25-1283     Lotus SS for DeskMate   219.95    179.95     4/21-Cont'd
25-1287     RealWorld 4-In-1        249.95    199.95     4/21-5/19
25-1299     DeskMate Q&A Write      149.95    119.95     4/21-Cont'd
25-1300     DeskMate RightWriter     79.95     69.95     4/21-Cont'd
25-1308     Pete Rose Pennant Fever  34.95     24.95     4/21-5/19
25-1309     Adv Flight Simulator     49.95     34.95     4/21-5/19
25-1315     Backup Pro               69.95     49.95     4/21-5/19
25-1319     Math Blaster Mystery     44.95     39.95     4/21-Cont'd
25-1320     MS Learning DOS          44.95     39.95     SOWG
25-1324     Arkanoid II              34.95     19.95     4/21-5/19
25-1326     Caveman UghLympics       29.95     21.95     4/21-5/19
25-1330     Flight Sim 4.0           54.95     44.95     4/21-5/19
25-4111     MS Windows 286           99.00     47.95     SOWG
25-5111     MS Windows 386          195.00     97.50     SOWG
 
 
CoCo 3/Tandy  102/WP-100
 
Cat.No.     Description           Reg Price     Sale     Dates
26-3334     Color Computer 3       199.95     129.95     4/21-Cont'd
26-3803     Tandy 102              599.00     399.00     4/21-Cont'd
26-3950     WP-100 Wordprocessor   599.95     499.95     4/21-5/19
 
 
Color Computer Software
 
Cat.No.     Description            Reg Price    Sale     Sale Dates
26-3043     Arkanoid                 34.95     19.95     4/21-5/19
26-3072     Thexder                  24.95     14.95     SOWG
26-3084     Shanghai                 24.95      9.95     4/21-5/19
26-3093     Dungeons of Daggorath    29.95     14.95     4/21-5/19
26-3095     Baseball                 19.95      9.95     4/21-5/19
26-3100     Mind Roll                34.95     19.95     4/21-5/19
26-3104     Spectaculator            29.95      9.95     SOWG
26-3106     Personal Finance I       29.95      9.95     4/21-5/19
26-3110     Color File II            24.95     14.95     SOWG
26-3161     Soko-Ban                 29.95     14.95     4/21-5/19
26-3162     RAD Warrior              29.95     19.95     SOWG
26-3164     Robocop                  34.95     19.95     4/21-5/19
26-3165     Predator                 34.95     19.95     4/21-5/19
26-3172     GFL Football             29.95     19.95     SOWG
26-3174     Rampage                  34.95     19.95     4/21-5/19
26-3243     Where/World Carmen       34.95     17.95     4/21-5/19
26-3244     Winnie The Pooh          14.95      9.95     4/21-5/19
26-3245     Donald Duck's Playground 14.95      9.95     4/21-5/19
26-3247     Micky's Space Adventure  24.95      9.95     4/21-5/19
26-3259     CoCo DeskMate            59.95     29.95     4/21-5/19
26-3271     Micro Mission            29.95     19.95     SOWG
26-3272     Sub Battle               29.95     19.95     SOWG
26-3277     CoCo Artist              29.95     19.95     SOWG
26-3285     King's Quest III         34.95     19.95     SOWG
26-3293     Ghana Bwana              11.95      4.95     4/21-5/19
26-3296     Interbank Incident       29.95     19.95     SOWG
 
 
Color Computer -- Other Items
 
Cat.No.     Description            Reg Price     Sale     Sale Dates
26-2228     DC Modem Pack            89.95       9.95     4/21-Cont'd
26-3125     2 Button Color Mouse     49.95      24.95     4/21-Cont'd
26-3133     FD-502 Disk Drive       299.95     179.95     4/21-Cont'd
26-3215     CM-8 Color Monitor      299.95     199.95     4/21-Cont'd
 
 
Modems/Printers/Accessories
 
Cat.No.     Description            Reg Price      Sale     Sale Dates
25-1032     20 MB Hard Disk Card     499.95     349.95     4/21-Cont'd
26-1384     CCR-83 Cassette Rec       59.95      39.95     4/21-5/19
26-1393     DCM-6 Modem               59.95      19.95     4/21-5/19
26-2804     LP 1000                2,599.00   1,799.00     3/17-Cont'd
26-2808     DMP 440                  699.00     399.00     SOWG
26-2811     DMP 2120 Printer       1,599.00     999.00     SOWG
26-2812     DWP 230                  459.95     199.95     3/17-Cont'd
26-2815     DMP 133 Printer          379.95     219.95     4/21-Cont'd
26-2817     DMP 2102                 999.00     699.00     3/17-Cont'd
26-2818     DMP 300 Printer          649.00     499.00     SOWG
26-3008     Pair of Joysticks         19.95       9.95     3/17-Cont'd
 
 
Special Purchase -- Computer Workcenter
 
Cat.No.     Description           Reg Price     Dates
26-0300     Computer Workcenter     99.95     4/21-Cont'd
 
MOM-05-90
Tandy  3000 NL Solutions
 
The Tandy  1000 TL/2 promotion is so successful that we are going to
follow it up with a sale on the "ultimate instant office with VGA graphics!"
For this promotion, we'll feature two Tandy 3000 NL systems
for the period April 23rd through May 31st.
These systems represent complete solutions
for your "instant office" prospects.
 
Cat.No.     Description     Reg Price     Sale
25-4072     Tandy 3000 NL
25-4040     VGM-100 Monitor
25-4043     VGA Adapter
25-4119     40 MB SmartDrive 
25-4121     SmartDrive Adapter
25-1350     DeskMate 3
25-4109     MS-DOS 3.30
25-1333     TL/2 Bonus Pack
          (Q&A Write, Lotus, Mouse)
                 System     3,537.60     1,999.00
     Lease for          68/mo.
 
Substitute a VGM-200 (25-4041) and the system will sell for $2,299.00,
lease for $78/mo.
 
MOM-05-90
TSP  Bonus Offer
 
With the purchase of the 3000 NL systems (exactly as configured) above,
your clients may purchase a three-year TSP at a substantial savings
(remember, these prices are only valid when the system is configured
just this way):
7
                                3-Yr Promo   3 Years at
Cat.No      Description         System TSP   Normal Price  SVGS
25-4072     Tandy 3000 NL         199.00     298.00
25-4040     VGM-100 Monitor        29.00      55.00
25-4043     VGA Adapter            35.00      70.00
25-4119     40 MB SmartDrive       70.00     128.00
25-4121     SmartDrive Adapter      6.00      10.00
25-1350     DeskMate 3               N/A        N/A
25-4109     MS-DOS 3.30              N/A        N/A
25-1333     TL/2 Bonus Pack          N/A        N/A
                                       _          _
                                  339.00     561.00         40%
 
Optional in place of 25-4040:
25-4041     VGM-200     69.00     137.50     48%
 
If your customer decides that the recommended system solution is not
for him/her, then recommend these 3000 NL pricing actions:
 
Cat.No.     Description     Reg Price     Sale
25-4072     Tandy 3000 NL     1,699.00     999.00
 
Here's a complete package:
 
Cat.No.     Description     Reg Price     Sale
25-4072     Tandy 3000 NL
25-4058     Hard drive controller
25-4062     20 MB Hard disk drive
25-3049     Monochrome graphics adapter
25-3012     VM-5 Monochrome monitor
                System     2,817.85     1,767.90
 
In addition to the solutions in the Grand Slam plan,
you have some special pricing on small 386-based CPU systems:
 
 
Tandy  4000 LX Computer
 
Cat.No.     Description     Reg Price     Sale
25-5100     Tandy 4000 LX
25-4058     Hard Drive Controller
25-4062     20 MB Hard Disk Drive
25-3049     Monochrome Graphics Adapter
25-3012     VM-5 Monochrome Monitor
                 System     5,117.85     3,767.90
 
Cat.No.     Description     Reg Price     Sale
25-5100     Tandy 4000 LX     3,999.00     2,999.00
 
 
Tandy  4000 Computer
 
Cat.No.     Description     Reg Price     Sale
25-5000     Tandy 4000
25-4058     Hard Drive Controller
25-4062     20 MB Hard Disk Drive
25-3049     Monochrome Graphics Adapter
25-3012     VM-5 Monochrome Monitor
                 System     3,917.85     2,767.90
 
Cat.No.     Description     Reg Price     Sale
25-5000     Tandy 4000     2,799.00     1,999.00
 
 
Tandy  4000 SX Floor Sample Sale
 
The Tandy 4000 SX (25-4900) now carries a special SOWG price of $1,999.00.
This is a $600 savings off its regular price.
This price includes all store inventory, including floor samples.
 
Cat.No.     Description     Reg Price     Sale
25-4900     Tandy 4000 SX     2,599.00     1,999.00
 
Don't forget that all 386-based systems with a hard drive, monitor,
and operating system qualify for the Grand Slam trade-in.
And a free three-year TSP (when leased).
 
MOM-05-90
Hard Drives on Sale
 
Additionally, the following hard drive/controller prices
should allow you to add a hard disk drive to every business computer sale:
 
Hard Drives
 
Cat.No.      Description             Reg Price     Sale
250-1032     20 MB Hard Disk Card     499.95     349.95
250-4062     20 MB HD                 599.00     349.00
250-4057     40 MB (40 ms) HD         799.00     449.00
250-4067     70 MB HD               1,499.00     699.00
 
Hard Drives & Controllers
 
Cat.No.           Description                Reg Price     Sale
250-4062/4058     20 MB HD/Cntrlr               848.95     499.00
250-4057/4058     40 MB (40 ms) HD/Cntrlr     1,048.95     599.00
250-4067/4058     70 MB HD/Cntrlr             1,748.95     799.00
 
MOM-05-90
THE DESKMATE  DIFFERENCE
A series of articles on DeskMate.
 
SUMMER FUN WITH AN EDUCATIONAL
BONUS FOR TEENS:  ALGE-BLASTER PLUS
 
OK.
Summer's coming.
Many families with students in junior or senior high school
face these challenges:
 
1. What is my teen doing this summer?
 
2. How can I encourage my teen to learn something new this summer?
 
3. If my teen is graduating this year, what will I get him or her
   for a graduation gift?
 
Alge-Blaster Plus provides a solution to all these challenges.
 
Alge-Blaster Plus teaches and reinforces both first and second semester
algebra skills.
The DeskMate Graphical User Interface helps to make the program
easy to learn and to use.
The built-in "shoot-'em-up" game makes it fun.
 
How Does Alge-Blaster Plus Teach Algebra Skills?
 
Alge-Blaster Plus uses five activities to teach and reinforce
nineteen specific skills.
Here's a brief description of each activity.
 
Activity 1 -- Learn
 
Learn presents a step-by-step approach to solving algebra problems.
It shows the student the steps involved in solving certain types of problems,
then helps the student practice solving the problems.
 
Activity 2 -- Solve
 
Solve gives students a chance to apply the skills gained in Learn.
It presents a problem which the student solves on paper.
The student then enters the answer.
 
Solve gives hints as needed, starting with a prompt such as
"Combine like terms" and progressing to a demonstration with a similar
problem.
 
Activity 3 -- Translate
 
Translate helps prepare students for solving algebraic word problems.
Students learn to translate an algebraic expression into words or words
into an algebraic expression.
For example, the expression:
60 / (75 + x)
can be appropriately translated as "60 divided by the total of 75 and a
number."
Translate presents problems with one operator, two operators,
and an operator on each side of an equal sign.
 
Activity 4 -- Graph
 
Graph familiarizes students with the x,y coordinate system
and with slopes of lines.
Students learn to locate points on the graph and to calculate the slopes
of lines.
 
Activity 5 -- Alge-Blaster Plus Game
 
This challenging game requires the student to use the graphing skills
learned in Activity 4 to protect a space station.
 
The students using Alge-Blaster Plus are old enough to realize that
they are using algebra skills to protect the space ship.
This only adds to the fun, since it provides extra motivation to learn
the needed skills!
 
Other Features of Alge-Blaster Plus:
 
   -- Easy Installation using DeskMate's automatic installation
 
   -- Level Selection automatically advances the student
 
   -- Student Aid contains activity instructions,
      definitions of math terms, and hints
 
   -- Sound and Graphics may be turned on or off
 
   -- Certificate Printing will print "Certificates of Excellence"
 
   -- Record Keeping tracks student progress
 
   -- Editor allows the creation of additional algebra problems
 
How to Demonstrate Alge-Blaster Plus
 
To successfully demonstrate a product, it must be handy
and you must be familiar with it.
To keep Alge-Blaster Plus handy, you may want to install a copy of it
onto the hard drive in one of your demonstration Tandy  1000's.
(It also runs just fine from a floppy disk,
in case you don't have a hard drive installed.)
 
There's no other way to learn a program but to invest time in it.
Invest the time to learn Alge-Blaster Plus
and you should earn a good return on your investment.
 
If you're using a hard drive, leave Alge-Blaster Plus on the Desktop
so that it is readily available to show.
If you're using a floppy disk, "ALGEBRA" will appear in the AUTOCONFIG box
on the Desktop when you put the disk in the drive and press <CTRL>-<U>
to update the Desktop.
 
Parents may be especially interested in the Learn activity
since it gives direct instruction in algebraic concepts.
If time permits, you should also show the Graph and Game
since they show off the program's graphics.
 
If the teenager is there for the presentation,
be sure the game is part of your demonstration!
 
How to Sell Alge-Blaster Plus
 
As with any software sale, you have two kinds of potential customers:
those with computers and those without.
Those with computers will be more likely to buy the product,
but the potential sale is far greater for those without computers
(since the sale includes a computer!)
 
You must also remember that education is VERY important to parents.
You can use this concern for their children's education
in a computer sales presentation if you offer programs
that will really help the child learn.
Alge-Blaster Plus gives you this opportunity.
 
So, one of your first tasks is identifying and qualifying your customer.
If a parent with a teenager walks in, the parent
is a potential customer of Alge-Blaster Plus.
If a person in his/her 40's or 50's that looks like he/she
might be a parent comes in, you may be able to learn
if he/she has children of the right age.
If either of these cases,
ask "Would you like to see something that would help your youngster
get ahead in algebra?"
 
Older people often have teenaged grandchildren,
and they are often more willing (and able) to invest in computer
and technology solutions that will help the grandchild learn.
 
Another good customer for Alge-Blaster Plus is the parent, grandparent,
or other interested person looking for a graduation present
for a junior- or senior-high graduate.
The tie-in with learning can be a strong selling point.
If you are selling both the computer and the software,
Alge-Blaster Plus might make the difference between making
and not making that sale.
 
In your presentation, remember to mention that Alge-Blaster Plus
uses the same keystrokes and mouse movements for operations
as the DeskMate productivity software that comes with the computer.
This makes it easy for all users to go from one program to another.
 
In your sales presentation you might also mention that
Davidson and Associates (the company that produces Alge-Blaster Plus)
was founded by Dr. Jan Davidson,
a respected authority in the uses of computers in education.
Her background, training, and primary interest is using computers
to improve the education of young people.
Dr. Davidson's focus on education gives added credibility
to Alge-Blaster Plus.
 
You can sell Alge-Blaster Plus with pride.
This valuable learning program uses the DeskMate interface,
and this combination of Tandy software technology
with Davidson's education expertise adds extra value to Tandy computers!
 
MOM-05-90
THE CREDIT LINE
 
Direct to you from Tandy  credit departments --
Commercial Credit, Tandy Computer Leasing , and RSVP .
 
Commercial Credit
 
From time to time, the Commercial Credit Department will ask the
store to issue credit toward a customer's invoice.
The most common situations are:
 
1. The incorrect customer has been invoiced.
   Credit is to be issued to the customer invoiced and the invoice
   is then re-billed to the correct customer.
 
2. The customer has been invoiced, but all or some of the
   items have not been delivered/received.
   Credit the original invoice for items not delivered/received and
   re-bill the customer when these items are delivered.
 
3. The customer returned merchandise to the store.
   Issue credit for all merchandise returned referencing
   the original invoice.
   Do not use the credit toward a new purchase.
 
4. The customer is invoiced twice for the same merchandise
   (duplicate billing).
   Issue credit toward one (1) of the original invoices.
 
5. The invoice amount exceeds the customer's purchase order.
   Issue credit for the amount by which the purchase order was exceeded.
 
6. The customer is entitled to a discount which was not given.
   Based on the customer's request,
   either issue credit for the original invoice and
   re-bill the correct amount,
   or issue credit only for the amount in question.
 
Commercial Credit usually learns of the above through direct
contact with the customer.
In some cases the customer is
refusing to pay until credit is issued.
Because of this, the issuance of credit must be timely.
 
 
Tandy Computer Leasing
 
Exciting News.....TCL's upgrade and super TSP offer
in the Grand Slam Marketing Program
 
You still have time to make your FY '90 mark with these
splendiferous incentive power tools:
A new, or upgraded to, TCL commercial lease for a 386-based
computer system, and a FREE three year TSP  carry-in contract!
That's right.....TCL will pick up the tab to extend the one-year
or 90-day manufacturer's warranty, for a full 3 years of carry-in
coverage of all Tandy hardware included in the system's configuration!
 
A lessee can convert the coverage to an on-site contract by
arranging to pay the cost difference of that service.
Call the TSP department directly at (817) 390-3801 for details.
 
A bonus "Open Sesame" for our active TCL lessees
who can benefit from upgrading now with
easy to manage financial terms
 
For current TCL lessees...a chance to take advantage of TCL's
SUPER TSP OFFER and step up to today's technology without the
possible cash drain if there is a lease balance due on the
returned items.
The entire amount can be rolled over
into the new equipment lease payments.
 
For that same lessee AND for the new lease prospect,
this is an offer that's virtually irresistible.
 
 
RSVP
 
Customer satisfaction is the key to successful business.
It makes you, the salesperson, feel good to know you have helped a
customer.
The confidence you have in the information you give will be apparent to
your customer who will leave your store feeling good about Radio Shack.
 
To help you promote customer satisfaction, we have listed some
frequently asked questions about the RSVP program and ways you
can handle each situation.
 
Any time a customer comes in with an address change, a problem or question,
it is important that the customer be given the phone number
and address of the Operations Center:
Radio Shack,
P.O. Box 8367,
Gray, TN  37615,
Attn: Customer Service,
(800) 767-4556.
 
In most situations, your customer will need to contact the
Operations Center personally, so please pass on this information.
(Each time you inquire about a customer's
account Tandy is charged $1.46 to handle the call!)
 
 
If the customer (or you) needs...     You should...
account balance                       See if the customer has the
                                      monthly statement.  It lists what
                                      the current balance is.
to make any changes to the account    Advise that requests should be made
(such as address, phone number,       in writing, or the customer should
name, or to close the account.)       call the operations center.
payment due date                      Have the customer check the
                                      monthly statement.  The information
                                      can be found there.
address to send payments              Give your customer this address...
                                      Radio Shack
                                      P.O. Box 182357
                                      Columbus, OH  43218
 
As we all know, a large part of our business comes from repeat customers.
By passing on this information and working with the Operations
Center, you can prevent customer aggravation and help
promote customer satisfaction.
 
MOM-05-90
LATE DATES
 
Listed below are items that appear in the 1990 Educational Catalog
which have not yet arrived at the warehouses.
This list is being printed one last time to let you know which products
have been canceled.
Those not already shipping or canceled are now considered UNSCHEDULED,
and we will let you know in these pages when they are available.
 
1990 Educational Products Guide RSC-21E
 
Cat. #       Description                     Date
900-5613     First Choice School LAN         CANC
900-5614     First Pub Art Pack School       CANC
900-5646     Weather Flight                  UNSCHED
900-5653     Joshua's Reading Machine        UNSCHED
900-5654     Once Upon a Time                UNSCHED
900-5655     Stepping Stones I               UNSCHED
900-5656     Stepping Stones II              UNSCHED
900-5657     See the U.S.A.                  UNSCHED
900-5661     DLM Early Childhood Series      UNSCHED
900-5684     Scenario Workstation SCM        UNSCHED
900-5685     Scenario Toolbox SCM            UNSCHED
900-5700     Prof Plan School                CANC
900-5726     Number Farm                     UNSCHED
900-5727     Alphabet Circus                 UNSCHED
900-5728     Comparison Kitchen              UNSCHED
900-5742     Once Upon a Time II             UNSCHED
900-5743     PC LOGO                         UNSCHED
903-5621     Child Count Reporter            CANC
903-5622     Referral Manager                CANC
903-5623     IEP/Objective Mgr               CANC
903-5624     Student DB Mgmt                 CANC
903-5658     Math Blaster Plus               UNSCHED
903-5659     Word Attack Plus                UNSCHED
903-5660     Homeworker                      UNSCHED
903-5673     Double Up                       UNSCHED
903-5674     Mark-Up                         UNSCHED
903-5675     Proteus                         UNSCHED
903-5676     Rhubarb                         UNSCHED
903-5677     Sequitur                        UNSCHED
903-5678     Text Tangler                    UNSCHED
903-5686     Timeliner                       UNSCHED
903-5711     Testlab 2000                    CANC
905-5658     Math Blaster Plus               UNSCHED
905-5659     Word Attack Plus                UNSCHED
905-5660     Homeworker                      UNSCHED
905-5673     Double Up                       UNSCHED
905-5674     Mark-Up                         UNSCHED
905-5675     Proteus                         UNSCHED
905-5676     Rhubarb                         UNSCHED
905-5677     Sequitur                        UNSCHED
905-5678     Text Tangler                    UNSCHED
905-5686     Timeliner                       UNSCHED
905-5711     Testlab 2000                    CANC
 
MOM-05-90
PRICE CHANGES
 
CAT. #       DESCRIPTION               PRICE     PRICE
260-5555     3Com 3S/402 Server    14,995.00   10,495.00
900-1678     WD EtherCard Plus MC     499.00      399.00
900-2150     Safe 500 Watt Backup     795.00      675.00
900-2151     Safe 1200 Watt Backup  1,395.00    1,259.00
900-2285     Innova Monitor Arm        49.95       39.95
 
The price of the 3Com 3S/402 Server has been significantly
reduced to competitively position the product against the new
3Com 3S/511 server.
Unit cost was adjusted to reflect the
same gross margin to the store prior to the price reduction.
 
MOM-05-90
PRODUCTS CANCELED, DISCONTINUED
AND REPLACED
 
CAT. #         DESCRIPTION
 
DISCONTINUED
250-4100       MS OS/2 Version 1.0
250-5200       SCO XENIX 2.2.4
903/905-1351   Mace hTest/hFormat
 
CANCELED
900-5613     First Choice School LAN     CANC
900-5614     First Pub Art Pack School   CANC
900-5700     Prof Plan School            CANC
903-5621     Child Count Reporter        CANC
903-5622     Referral Manager            CANC
903-5623     IEP/Objective Mgr           CANC
903-5624     Student DB Mgmt             CANC
903/5-5711     Testlab 2000              CANC
 
MOM-05-90
EXCESS INVENTORY
 
In reviewing store inventories we've noticed that on-hand store quantities
for some items are far in excess of what is required to support
sales of those items.
 
Managers, make sure that any of the items in this list that you
have on hand are available to be sold and/or transferred.
Should you need one of these items,
contact your regional office before you order one from the warehouse.
 
District and Regional Sales Managers should work to insure that we reduce
our store inventories on these items.
 
These items are to be transferred at unit cost plus 6.25% for
warehouse handling.
Prices shown are current unit and retail for ICST/sale purposes.
 
Cat. #      Description              Current Unit Current Retail
25-1028     Trackstar 128                 46.71     77.85
25-3046     Monochrome Text Adapter       40.50     67.50
25-3048     EGA Video Adapter             98.12     249.95
25-4034     Serial/Parallel Adapter       55.22     149.95
25-4035     EGM-1 EGA Monitor            298.53     499.00
25-4039     Dual Port Serial Adapter      38.50     99.95
25-4043     VGA Adapter                  115.50     299.95
25-4100     MS OS/2 V1.0                 175.02     325.00
26-2813     DWP 230 Tractor Feed          40.76     99.95
26-3651     PC4/5/6 Cassette Interface    16.57     39.95
26-3652     PC4/5/6 Printer               43.80     99.95
26-3814     Portable Disk Drive 2         99.01     219.95
26-5435     EtherLink                    245.03     495.00
26-6504     Passive ARCNET Hub            26.90     69.95
 
Item is discontinued and no longer in stock in any warehouse.
 
MOM-05-90
SOFTWARE VALUE PACK PRICES
 
There are quantities of the following value packs/bundle
still available in some stores.
These sell prices should help you move them out.
 
                                       RETAIL    CURRENT
CAT. #       DESCRIPTION                PRICE     SELL
250-1222     File/Write Value Pack     398.00     22.90
250-1281     Q&A Bundle                 99.95     79.95
260-1338     TL Value Pack             317.90     99.95
 
MOM-05-90
MEMORY BOARD FOR TANDY 4000 SX
 
The 25-4930 memory board for the Tandy  4000 SX (25-4900)
has been discontinued.
If you have a customer that wants to purchase this item,
have your District or Regional Sales Manager
help you find one in another store.
There are plenty around.
The product will also be available from National Parts in the very near future.
 
MOM-05-90
"UPGRADE PRODUCTS" LISTING
MAILED WITH THIS M.O.M.
 
But, you already knew that, didn't you?
You opened up the mail and grabbed that booklet and probably looked
all through it before you started reading these pages.
 
Well, we don't blame you.
As we were putting it together here,
we got a good appreciation of how difficult it has been for you to pull
all this information together in the field.
 
Now this first edition is done, and we're looking to the future.
There's a Comment Sheet attached to that catalog
(are you getting the impression that we like to hear from you?)
which we want you to return and let us know if we missed anything you need,
and if (oh no!) any corrections are needed.
 
MOM-05-90
3 THREE AND A HALFS AND A TL/2
 
Got a phone call from a very unhappy customer in N.Y...
 
Seems he purchased a 1000 TL/2 / 20 MB SmartDrive  promo
that we're offering.
Then, he also purchased a second 3 1/2" floppy drive.
Since the SmartDrive is normally installed in the left 3 1/2" device slot,
there was nowhere to put the other 3 1/2" drive.
Or was there?
 
The solution is to install the SmartDrive in the left 3 1/2" device
slot and then use a 25-1076 3 1/2" to 5 1/4" adapter to mount the second
floppy in the 5 1/4" device slot.
 
MOM-05-90
REMEMBER THE SMARTWATCH
 
Recently, we conducted studies to determine what customers were
looking for in computers.
 
We also asked what they disliked,
and one of the most frequent responses was that they hated to
reset the date every time they turned on the computer.
The groups indicated that $39.95 was a small price to pay
to have the computer keep the time and date.
 
And this leads us to believe that a 25-1033 SmartWatch
would be a natural add-on sale to every Tandy  1000 HX, TX, SL and SL/2
that goes through your door.
 
Sales in February 1990 does not show that this is happening, however.
 
In the case of computers sold that could use a SmartWatch,
only 1.2% of them were sold one as an add-on item.
In fact, over 93% of the SmartWatches sold were sold without a CPU
on the ticket.
How many more could be sold if we were explaining the benefits
of the SmartWatch at the time of the system sale,
when a $39.95 additional cost is small compared to the cost of the CPU?
 
The SmartWatch is one of those items
that can be easily explained and demonstrated.
It requires no technical knowledge on the customer's or salesmaker's part.
 
Don't overlook this item at sale time!
 
MOM-05-90
WHAT'S NEW ON PC-LINK!
 
PC-Link (the online service from Quantum Computer Services) is
expanding and adding new services on a weekly basis.
Here is an example of some of the most recent additions:
 
  -- An area for HAM radio and electronics hobbyists was opened with
     message boards, a forum host and a schedule of future events.
 
  -- The Basic (free) area will now feature a file to download that will
     be changed periodically.
     This gives members a chance to see how easy it
     is to download a file from PC-Link.
 
  -- The Microsoft Knowledge Base was added to the computer support area.
     This is a searchable database, updated weekly with over 18,000 entries
     with trouble-shooting articles, hints,
     and tips for all Microsoft products.
     This is the same database that Microsoft customer support
     reps use as a primary source of information.
 
     There is no additional surcharge to use the MS Knowledge Base,
     which means PC-Link
     is substantially lower than the competition.
     Use of the service costs $5 more on GEnie, and $6.50 more on CompuServe.
 
  -- An online FAX and mailing system debuted.
     Members will be able to send a text file anywhere in the contiguous
     48 states as a FAX for $1 or paper mail for $2.
 
  -- An updated version of the College Handbook went online.
     This handbook is a College Board sponsored directory listing over
     3,100 colleges and universities.
 
  -- Programs are continually added to the Software Libraries at a rate of
     about 200 per week.
     There are over 8,000 files now available for download.
 
As you can see, there is something for everyone on PC-Link.
Be sure and take advantage of the 15-hour a month free demo account
that allows you to demonstrate PC-Link to help sell computers and modems.
Contact your District Manager for details on obtaining this account.
 
MOM-05-90
HAPPY MOTHER'S/FATHER'S/GRADUATION DAY!
 
The spring holidays represent a great opportunity to sell some
software for Mother's day, Father's day or graduation.
As you continue selling the Tandy  1000 TL/2 and Bonus Pack, think about
other applications that you could "add on" to the sale!
 
What comes to mind?
Well, ask a few questions:
 
Who will be using the computer?
(A great insight into what software you will be suggesting as add-ons)
 
Where will it be in the house?
(Do they need furniture?
This may also help you suggest software add-ons,
e.g. if it's in the den, maybe personal finance software;
in the kid's room, home education and games.)
 
Is it a gift, or are they purchasing for themselves?
(Especially if it's a gift, are they interested in a "theme"
holiday where others in the family might want to buy something to go with it?)
 
Most everybody has a checkbook, and Quicken is the industry's
leading software package to manage home finances.
It runs under DeskMate  so the installation is easy,
and they'll already be familiar with the way it works.
If they are looking for something a little more sophisticated
to help with money management,
they can step up to Andrew Tobias' Managing your Money.
 
What else?
 
How about printing signs or banners for the holiday?
The New Print Shop is a natural (especially if you show them how
well it prints on the DMP 240 in color!).
Or there's  Bannermania,
another product that really shows off the DMP 240 in color.
 
And, if they purchased the TL/2 and Bonus Pack,
they've got  DeskMate Q & A Write --
why not help them improve their writing skills
with a copy of DeskMate RightWriter?
 
Other "personal management" areas might include:
 
   -- Cooking or recipes
      (Great Chefs, Micro Kitchen Companion, Personal Cookdisk)
 
   -- Health and nutrition
      (Family Care, Take Control of Cholesterol, or Nutri-Fit)
 
   -- Home inventory
      (Byte Size Home Inventory, My Treasures)
 
   -- or even Bible study
      (PC Study Bible).
 
And we haven't even talked about games!
 
Surveys show that a computer is probably the third most expensive
purchase someone makes for themselves (only a house and a car are more).
If you make that purchase useful and fun,
you'll have happy customers that do two things:
 
First, they'll come back and buy more stuff.
 
Second, they'll recommend you and Radio Shack to their friends
as a great place to buy a computer!
 
How can you lose?
 
MOM-05-90
DESKMATE FORM FINISHER -- GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS
 
There's good news and bad news about DeskMate Form Finisher.
 
The Bad News is:
Power Up! Software has discovered a bug in Form Finisher.
 
The Good News is:
It should affect less than 2% of your Form Finisher customers.
 
Here's the situation.
If the user has a form with more than 127
fields and they do a calculation with a field that is LESS THAN
127 (for example, field 97 X 25%) and they put the answer in a
field GREATER THAN 127 (e.g., field 135) the program miscalculates.
 
Most forms created on DeskMate Form Finisher will have, at most,
50 fields in the entire form, so this problem will not come up
often with your customers.
 
Power Up! has already fixed the problem.
We will have new warranty replacement disks in about
three weeks for customers that need them.
 
MOM-05-90
COCO 3 AND ARKANOID -- PADDLE PROBLEM
 
We've recently received several comments regarding a paddle problem
while playing Arkanoid (26-3043).
The left joystick port on the Color Computer 3 is not allowing the
paddle to go all of the way to the left on this game.
 
If the right joystick port is selected the problem doesn't occur.
For a two player game select the right port for
both players.
 
MOM-05-90
COMPTON'S MULTIMEDIA ENCYCLOPEDIA WINS BIG AT SPA EVENT
 
Once a year the Software Publishers Association holds its Spring Symposium.
The 1000+ software professionals in attendance discuss issues
and view presentations related to their industry.
(As both a software publisher and a hardware manufacturer,
Tandy/Radio Shack has been a member of the SPA for several years.)
 
One of the more popular events at the Spring Symposium
is the awarding of prizes for the best software products in certain categories.
These include Best Business Application, Best Entertainment Program,
Best Curricular Program, etc.
 
This year our showcase product won big.
Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia won TWO awards:
 
   -- Best School Productivity Software Product
 
   -- Best New Use of a Computer
 
This shows that the software publishers
(who are often their own toughest critics) agree with the press
and our customers that the Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia
and our Tandy  2500 XL are truly state of the art technology!
 
Use These Awards to Help You Sell
 
The two major markets to which we are selling the Compton's product
are schools and home users.
These SPA awards fit perfectly with our marketing efforts.
 
For school customers,
the Best School Productivity Software award
adds credibility to Compton's as a product that fits the needs of students.
In selling, focus on the added learning that will take place
when students use Compton's -- and learning is the kind of productivity
that interests schools!
 
The Best New Use of a Computer award
will help you market to ALL customers.
Think of all the uses of a computer -- there must be ten new ones every day.
Of all the new uses, Compton's was chosen as THE BEST for the year!
That's a powerful endorsement by the SPA, and it gives you selling power.
 
Use these awards to help you sell the Compton's Multimedia Encyclopedia
and the Tandy 2500 XL.
It's true --
 
NOBODY COMPARES!
 
MOM-05-90
MAGAZINE ADVERTISING
 
Tandy computer products are frequently advertised
in leading national publications.
 
Magazine advertising reinforces the image of Tandy Computers as
a nationally recognized brand.
Tandy computer products will be featured in the following publications
over the next month:
 
Date     Magazine                   Computer
4/23     PC Week                    Tandy  3000/4000 Acctg.
4/24     PC Magazine                1100 FD
4/27     Wall St. Journal           TL/2 Bonus
4/30     Forbes                     Tandy  3000/4000 Acctg.
4/30     Newsweek-Business          TL/2 Bonus
5/4      Wall St. Journal           TL/2 Bonus
5/7      Barron's                   TL/2 Bonus
5/15     Game Player's Guide        Express Order Software
5/21     PC Week                    TL/2 Bonus
5/22     Savvy                      Tandy  1000 Spreadsheet
5/22     Home Office Computing      Tandy  1000 Word Processing
5/22     Rainbow                    CoCo and Accessories
5/24     Computer Reseller News     Consultant Liaison
5/29     Mother Earth News          Tandy  1000 Word Processing
 
MOM-05-90
GLAD TO HEAR YOU LIKE THE INDEXES!
 
Wow!
It seems like the last M.O.M. just hit the mailbox and we started getting
the INDEX Comment Sheets back!
 
The Indexes appear to be a hit, so far,
but we're still waiting for more responses from those of you who are
reserving judgement until you have had a chance to use them
more thoroughly.
 
One race still to be decided is the six months vs. once a year
how-often-to-index one.
It's almost neck and neck, but one side is edging out the other.
Let us know what YOU think.
 
So, send those Comment Sheets back -- we're waiting to hear from you.
 
MOM-05-90
"C" CLASS Q & A
 
When C Classes meet in Ft. Worth, there is a session for open discussion
with Computer Merchandising buyers and personnel.
We always get some good questions,
and we decided that you all could use this information.
 
How do you load First Publisher onto the Desktop?
 
Complete instructions were published in the July 1989 M.O.M. -- Page 12.
 
How can I link two TL/2 computers?
 
Use DeskMate Workgroup Companion  software with either Tandylink boards
or an RS-232 connection.
Unlike the Tandy  1000 TL (which can load Workgroup from ROM),
with a Tandy  1000 TL/2 you must load Workgroup from disk.
 
What is the status of DOS 4.01?
 
The product has been approved and is in production.
It will be available by June 1, 1990.
 
We want a cheaper laser printer.
 
The LP 1000 is still one of the least expensive printers on the market
at its sale price of $1,799.00 if you consider the features and advantages
of the printer.
It has a full 1.5 meg of internal RAM,
comes with both the "B" and "F" cartridge soft fonts,
and prints out a true 6 pages per minute.
 
In comparison, the newer HP Model is 4 pages per minute, only 512K of memory,
and does not have the "B" and "F" soft fonts.
 
As for when we'll have a `cheaper' laser printer -- "NEVER."
But you can be assured we will have a `LESS EXPENSIVE' printer
to keep you competitive in the marketplace when the time is right.
 
First Publisher on 768K TL/2 won't run.
 
We haven't heard of this.
You need to Contact Computer Support Services here in Ft. Worth
for assistance.
 
We want a cheaper DMP 132 type printer.
 
It's already in the line!
The DMP 107 is a good alternative for those users
who are willing to sacrifice a few features for a lower price.
And even better, during MAY you get to sell the DMP 133 printer
for the mere pittance of $219.95 -- an exceptional price
for this full-featured 9 wire printer.
 
The printer port is poorly located on DMP 133.
 
We keep trying to find the optimum placement for the printer port
on our printers.
Our newer printers have tried various placements --
and unfortunately it is hard to please all users.
 
But we have not given up on finding that elusive `proper placement'
and we are continuing to research various methods.
(See the next question....)
 
How about a right angle printer cable?
 
A right angle printer cable is an idea that we have been working on
for the past few months.
But which way would be correct to have the angle --
up or down or left or right?
 
And then considering we have over 10 printer cables currently in the line,
it would mean carrying a minimum of 20 more different cables,
configured in the various angles.
 
So instead we are looking at ways to make the connector reversible
as well as a few more ideas.
Bear with us while we find the right solution....coming soon
to a Radio Shack store near you!!
 
We'd like a "membrane" keyboard cover like on our POSs. 
 
Expect to see it in the new catalog as a regular product.
 
What is the purpose of the 25-1078 128K Memory Kit in a TL/2?
 
The 1000 TL/2, TL and TX computers came with 640K RAM.
This is the maximum amount of base memory that MS-DOS computers can access.
However, in these computers, part of this 640K is used for video memory,
which reduces total available memory for programs to use.
 
When you install the 128K memory kit,
the computer uses that memory between 640K and 768K for the video memory,
which frees up more room for the programs.
It can also be used for RAM disk, print spoolers, and other utilities.
 
We want a less expensive printer selector.
 
IT'S ALREADY HERE!!!
The 26-2828, Four Way Printer Selector, retails for $59.95
and will handle up to four computers and one printer.
 
Printer Selector locks up when using dot matrix printer (non-Tandy)
on one side and Tandy Daisy Wheel on the other port.
 
It's probably a cabling issue as the Daisy Wheel requires a Tandy Port type
printer cable and the non-Tandy printer requires an IBM Port cable.
The printer cable coming from the computer to the Printer Selector
must also be a Tandy Port printer cable.
Since this selector was designed before we changed our printer ports
to `standard IBM ports' they can be a troublesome item to hook up
if you don't match cables to printer port types.
 
How about an upgrade for old Tandy  1000 owners to '286?
 
We carry an option board that will put 80286 processing power in a
Tandy  1000A or 1000 SX.
It's the 286 Express Board (25-1035).
 
When will 640 X 200 X 16 color support be on the 1000 TL/2?
 
Now!
This is the mode DeskMate  runs in.
It's called Tandy CGA mode, or TCGA.
Many entertainment programs also use this mode,
which is comparable to EGA.
 
We want a portable printer.
 
SO DO WE!!!
Radio Shack continues to research this area of the market
and we are looking at some possible technologies that would allow us
to market a portable printer at the right pricing.
It's a tough market to crack because the technology that allows printers
to work in a portable atmosphere is extremely expensive
and is currently controlled by one or two manufacturers.
We will continue to look at this area and bring a product to market
when all of the pieces to the puzzle fit properly.
 
Need uniform policy and pricing for the installation of hard drives
by store personnel.
 
We've been examining this issue for the past few years.
Most of the upgrades we sell are customer installable.
There shouldn't be a need for one of our service departments
to be doing the installation, but in the unlikely event they do,
company policy calls for the charge to be paid by the customer.
If a store person installs the item in pursuit of good customer relations,
it cannot be a chargeable item.
 
What do we do with old bonus packs?
 
In response to your requests, pricing for past bonus packs appeared
in last month's M.O.M.
Note that if no price is shown, the bonus pack is not to be sold separately.
 
There aren't enough software titles with drivers to support
the GameBlaster (25-1039).
 
We published a list in the March M.O.M. of programs that currently work
with the GameBlaster.
Future releases of software from these companies and others
will likely include the same support for this sound system.
 
Some SL/2s have arrived in stores without manuals and diskettes.
 
We did some checking and did not find this to be a serious problem.
Unfortunately, mistakes happen once in a while.
Radio Shack policy has always been that the stores can cover for these
infrequent "bugs" by virtue of the high gross margins passed to you.
However, when you observe what appears to be an epidemic problem
with a product, describe it in a speed memo and mail to National QC,
1100 One Tandy Center, Fort Worth, Texas 76102.
 
We would like to see the DeskMate reference manual
put back in the product.
 
Good comment.
We had hoped that the new context-sensitive help and new tutorials
would eliminate the need for the reference manual, but were incorrect.
You will see an abbreviated reference manual return to supplement
the context-sensitive help and tutorials.
 
We have trouble locating Model 4 Owner's Manuals.
 
These are available in National Parts.
 
Do you have a Merchandising-type question about our computer products?
Drop us a Speed Memo:
 
Radio Shack Computer Merchandising
1500 One Tandy Center
Ft. Worth, TX 76102
 
MOM-05-90
WHAT PROSLOT IS AND WHAT IT ISN'T
 
There have been a number of reports of our sales people not clearly
representing to our customers what advantages ProSlot  really offers.
 
Briefly, it is a manufacturing advantage that provides a savings which
is then passed on to customers.
Our 25 MHz and 33 MHz machine are highly competitively priced
and will remain so due in part to ProSlot Technology.
It allows our factory to build large quantities of a
standard machine that we can then have outfitted with the processor
board desired.
 
It is true that some day processor boards will be somewhat
interchangeable between the LXs.
But consider that the cost of the
processor board installed in the machine represents roughly 1/3 to 1/2
the total cost of the entire unit.
The customer upgrading will, in effect,
get a new computer AT A NEW COMPUTER PRICE and get a board
back that is now unusable and that is, in essence, worth almost as much
as the PC.
 
Although we could represent the product as allowing the customer easy
upgrade to faster, more powerful machines, we'd have to explain the
additional cost.
We'd look pretty foolish.
 
This is the reason we've talked about ProSlot as a manufacturing
advantage but have never talked about it as an upgrade feature.
 
We're selling to a customer of sufficient intelligence that they'll
understand and appreciate ProSlot for what it is.
 
Don't oversell it!
 
MOM-05-90
3COM SERVERS -- SUPPORT FOR NOVELL NETWARE
 
Due to publicity in the computer trade press,
several inquiries have been received concerning the 3Com announcement
to support Novell NetWare on the 3Com server platform.
 
3Com and Novell are currently involved in a joint effort to
ensure compatibility of the 3Com 3S/500 series servers
running Novell NetWare 286 and 386.
 
The latest information from 3Com indicates availability
during the fourth quarter of 1990.
 
MOM-05-90
SCO XENIX UPGRADES FROM 2.2.4 TO 2.3.2
 
The following SCO XENIX upgrade kits are now available:
 
All upgrade kits contain a complete set of version 2.3.2
diskettes and three hole drilled documentation.
 
    700-5200 SCO XENIX 386 - Upgrade V2.2.4 to V2.3.2
 
    This is a no charge upgrade for:
 
        Customers who purchased (25-5200) SCO XENIX 2.2.4 ON OR
        AFTER August 1, 1989.
 
        To upgrade and permit sell-through of existing store
        inventory of (25-5200) SCO XENIX 2.2.4.
 
NOTE: It is your responsibility to distribute this no charge
upgrade to qualified customers only.
SCO has provided a sufficient quantity to upgrade qualified end users and
existing store inventory.
 
Note to Stores With 25-5200 SCO XENIX 2.2.4 Inventory
 
    1. Order 700-5200 on a one-for-one basis and sell through your existing
       inventory of this package.
       The diskettes and manuals in the upgrade kit will replace the
       components in the 25-5200 package.
 
    2. DO NOT order additional copies of 25-5203 SCO XENIX 2.3.2 until all
       copies of 25-5200 have been sold.
 
    700-5203 SCO XENIX 386 Upgrade V2.2.4 to V2.3.2
 
    This upgrade has a retail price of $225.00 and is intended for:
 
        Customers who purchased (25-5200) SCO XENIX 2.2.4 BEFORE
        August 1, 1989.
 
For additional information see the February 1990 M.O.M. (Page 15).
 
MOM-05-90
NOVELL NETWARE PRODUCT REVISIONS
 
There appears to be some confusion surrounding
the Revision Levels of Novell NetWare.
 
Much of the confusion stems from the procedure Novell uses in
labeling their master cartons and diskette labels.
The revision letters indicated on these labels most often reflect
changes in the packaging and parts included in the product,
they do not necessarily have any bearing on the revision level of the software.
Novell is aware of the confusion this creates and will address this problem
in future builds of the products.
 
Novell NetWare Revision Levels
 
Stock #     Description           Original  Current
260-5563     ELS Level II 2.15     Rev A     Rev C
901-1756     ELS Level II 2.15     Rev A     Rev C
901-1757     Advanced 2.15         Rev A     Rev C
901-1758     Advanced 2.15         Rev A     Rev C
901-1761     SFT 2.15              Rev A     Rev C
901-1762     SFT 2.15              Rev A     Rev C
 
How To Identify The Novell Software Revision Level
 
The Revision Level (i.e. REV A or REV C)
printed on the disk labels indicated below accurately reflect
the software revision level:
 
Stock #     Description       Disk      Part No.
260-5563    ELS II 3  inch    EDOBJ-1   127-011265-001
                              ODOBJ-2   127-011266-001
 
901-1756    ELS II 5  inch    EDOBJ-1   127-011265-001
                              ODOBJ-2   127-011266-001
 
901-1757    Advanced 3  inch  ADOBJ     127-011059-001
                              ANDOBJ    127-011060-001
 
901-1758    Advanced 5  inch  ADOBJ     127-011055-001
                              ANDOBJ    127-011056-001
 
901-1761    SFT 3  inch       SFTOBJ    127-010888-001
                              SFTOBJ    127-010889-001
 
901-1762    SFT 5  inch       SFTOBJ    127-010852-001
                              OSOBJ     127-010851-001
 
How To Upgrade Your Customer From Novell Rev A to Rev C
 
Novell offers a "no charge" upgrade from Revision A to Revision C
for the products listed in the table above.
 
Novell requires the following items to qualify for the "no charge upgrade:"
 
1. Radio Shack sales receipt for the product
 
2. Media size required (i.e. 3 1/2 inch or 5 1/4 inch)
 
Requests for upgrades may be mailed or FAX'd to:
 
Novell Order Administration
122 East 1700 South
Provo, Utah 84601
 
Voice: (800) 873-2831
FAX: (801) 429-5373
 
MOM-05-90
TAPE CARTRIDGE SYSTEM IS TOPS
 
The 60 MB Tape Cartridge System (25-4079)
is a 5 1/4" half-height tape cartridge
system which uses the 1/4" 60 MB tape, catalog number 26-246.
 
One exciting feature of the 60 MB Tape Cartridge System is that its name
is actually misleading.
Indeed this system can back up more than 60 MB of
data with its unique data compression algorithm that senses patterns in
the backup data and assigns abbreviations.
The more repetitive the information the more it can be compressed -- up to
120 MB!
 
The 60 MB Tape Cartridge System works off the floppy controller and
therefore does not require any additional hardware to work in
Tandy  3000 and 4000 series systems.
 
And it is fast -- below are the results of the manufacturer's benchmarks
comparing the time to back up 40 MB of data on a 33 MHz 80386 computer
across several tape backup systems:
 
     25-4079     Archive     Mountain     Alloy      Irwin
                 Model XL    TD4440       Model 40   2040
Compression on   11:17
Compression off  18:33     19:20     19:26     21:32     21:15
 
The best feature of the product is that it is compatible with XENIX,
3Com, and Novell as well as MS-DOS.
In the case of 3Com and Novell networks,
the 60 MB Tape Cartridge System provides the flexibility to do tape
operations while the network server is being accessed by users.
Under XENIX, backups can be performed as a background task or unattended
backups can be scheduled during off-peak usage.
 
This drive received very high marks in a recent "PC-Week" review
of tape backups.
The article cited the reliability of a tape cartridge drive as
the pivotal consideration in determining buyer's satisfaction.
 
The 60 MB Tape Cartridge System retails for $499.95 and is available
from TSDC.
 
MOM-05-90
DISCOUNTS/FREE SOFTWARE FOR EDUCATORS
 
As part of its Teacher Appreciation Program,
Radio Shack is offering educators 20 percent off the regular catalog price
of any Tandy MS-DOS compatible computer system through June 30, 1990.
As a special bonus, teachers will receive a free copy
of the new SchoolMate  Teacher's Helper software program
for use at home or at school.
SchoolMate Teacher's Helper has a retail value of $49.95.
No purchase is necessary, but a Teacher Appreciation Coupon,
available at any Radio Shack store or participating dealer, must be completed.
 
SchoolMate Teacher's Helper is a combination of Tandy's Roster,
Grade Book, Exam Maker and Draw software applications.
It runs on any PC-Compatible computer with at least 512 kilobytes (Kb)
of memory.
This stand-alone package is designed to streamline teaching routines.
Based on Tandy's popular DeskMate  interface,
Teacher's Helper features pull-down menus and help functions
to guide a teacher through each application with ease.
 
With Teacher's Helper, up-to-date class rosters can be maintained,
numeric and alphabetic grades and averages calculated and recorded,
and exams tailored to specific classroom needs.
A simple utility allows teachers to move their individual files
to a SchoolMate network.
 
To take advantage of Radio Shack's special computer pricing
or receive a free copy of SchoolMate Teacher's Helper,
educators must complete a Teacher Appreciation Coupon.
Coupons are available at more than 7,000 Radio Shack Computer Centers,
Radio Shack stores and participating dealers nationwide.
 
This bonus requires that YOU, the store manager,
or AEMM send the signed Teacher Appreciation Coupons to Education Marketing,
1600 One Tandy Center, Fort Worth, Texas 76102 during the promotional period.
We will arrange for your customer to receive the bonus.
Don't disappoint your customers by failing to send the coupons to Fort Worth.
Good business is founded on trust and confidence
in the products and services offered at Radio Shack.
 
MOM-05-90
1990 EDUCATIONAL PUBLISHER'S WORKSHOP
 
RADIO SHACK EDUCATION DIVISION TO HOST 1990
EDUCATIONAL PUBLISHER'S WORKSHOP AND
TANDY DEVELOPER'S CONFERENCE
 
Leading educational courseware publishers and software developers
are invited to attend the 1990 Educational Publisher's Workshop and
Tandy Developer's Conference, May 20-24,
at the Worthington Hotel in Fort Worth.
The conference and workshop will be hosted by the Radio Shack
Education Division of Tandy Corporation and Tandy Electronics.
The Educational Publisher's Workshop is held annually to brief courseware
publishers and software developers on Tandy's hardware platform and software
marketing strategies for the coming year.
 
This year's workshop will begin with an Educational Symposium moderated by
Peter West, editorial writer for EDUCATION WEEK.
Leading educators and industry executives will discuss
traditional technology delivery systems and their effectiveness
as well as emerging alternative systems such as take home programs,
distance learning and telecommunications.
 
The workshop agenda also includes a keynote speech by Bernard S. Appel,
president of Radio Shack,
and a Technology Editor's Forum at which educational magazine editors
will "Look To The Future."
 
Technical sessions will be held to promote a better understanding of developing
for Tandy's DeskMate  interface, the SchoolMate operating environment, CD-ROM
and the various graphics modes supported on Tandy computers.
 
In addition to marketing and technical sessions,
workshop attendees will visit a SchoolMate site,
the Tandy Systems Integration facility and one of Tandy's
state-of-the-art manufacturing plants.
There is no charge for the Educational Symposium and Publisher's Workshop.
 
Immediately following the Educational Publisher's Workshop on May 23-24,
Tandy Electronics will sponsor the DeskMate Development Seminar.
The first day of the seminar will be devoted to technical information
with advanced topics being covered on the second day.
 
The cost of the DeskMate Development Seminar is $125 for one day only,
or $200 for both days.
To help defray the cost of sending one technical person to the seminar,
limited scholarship funds are available on a first come,
first serve basis to eligible educational publishers.
For registration information,
agendas and DeskMate Development Seminar materials,
interested participants may call (817) 390-2967.
 
MOM-05-90
RADIO SHACK SPONSORS HOME LEARNING PROGRAM
 
Radio Shack and Jostens Learning Corporation are working on a
nationwide program that allows students to continue their education at
home.
The Home Learning Program allows students the opportunity to do
remedial work in subjects that are needed and move forward in subjects
in which they excel.
The program also allows parents to be involved and
work on the system to improve their English or to become more acquainted
with keyboarding.
 
The Home Learning System is a sophisticated but easy-to-use learning
tool that extends the classroom into the home.
The Tandy  1000 SL/2 used with an internal CD-ROM allows the students to have
access to over 1800 lessons.
 
Tandy/Radio Shack has put in two pilot sites for the Home Learning
System.
One pilot site is in Lewisville, Texas and the
other site is in Lexington, Kentucky.
Both sites are current Tandy/Jostens users.
These two school districts are very excited to be chosen
as pilots for this new product.
 
During the 90-day pilot program, teachers will assign specific subjects for the
students to work on at home.
The teachers will monitor the work and
assign them a new starting point based on their performance.
The students have started taking the computers home in both
districts and are very enthusiastic about the learning program.
 
This program is used in conjunction with the Jostens Learning Software.
For additional information please contact your local Jostens marketing
representative.
 
MOM-05-90
PARTNER IN EDUCATION CONFIGURATIONS
 
The hardware configurations which we have included for this M.O.M. are aimed
at two of the ILS Partners with which we work
(this is the continuation of April's article).
These labs are built and tested at Tandy Systems Distribution
prior to shipping.
 
If you are working with a school that has an interest in
any of these Partners solutions, please contact your local AEMM or REMM.
 
No substitutions of products should be made unless approval is given
 
by the Education Marketing Department in Fort Worth.
If you have questions, please call Mindy Lynn, (817) 390-2163.
We appreciate your continued support in selling education solutions.
 
 
TRO/TANDY CONFIGURATION
 
HOST STATION
 
CAT. #       DESCRIPTION                 RETAIL
250-5120     Tandy  4020 LX             3,999.00
250-4161     SCSI Adapter                 349.95
905-1750     SCSI Driver SW                99.95
250-6030     Memory Board                  99.95
250-5031     1 MB Memory Kit-(3ea.)       349.95(x3)
250-4040     VGM-100 Monitor              199.95
250-4109     MS-DOS                       119.95
250-4163     344 SCSI Drive             2,999.00
260-5505     Tandy Ethernet Board         349.95
260-5531     Ethernet Cable 50ft-(2)       24.95(x2)
260-5534     Terminator Kit                29.95
901-1757     Advanced NetWare           3,295.00
900-1684     Elgar IPS-1100             1,295.00
                                       _________
                           TOTALS     $13,937.40
 
STUDENT STATION
 
CAT. #       DESCRIPTION          RETAIL
250-1402     Tandy  1000 SL/2     999.00
250-4041     VGM-200 Monitor      499.95
250-4043     VGA Adapter Board    299.95
250-1078     128K Memory Kit       59.95
260-5505     Ethernet Board       349.95
TSDC         8 ft  Cable           10.95
                                  _______
                     TOTALS     $2,219.75
 
NETWORK PRINTER
 
CAT. #       DESCRIPTION          RETAIL
260-2822     DMP 442 Printer      699.00
260-0227     6 ft Printer Cable   34.95
 
COMPONENTS PROVIDED BY TRO
 
PLATO Quick Reference Guide
Routing Activities Guide
Users Guide
Using DOS Applications
Admin. Workstation PLATO network disk
Lab Posters Kit
PLATO keyboard templates
 
 
WASATCH/TANDY CONFIGURATION
 
HOST STATION
 
CAT. #      DESCRIPTION                   RETAIL
25-5000     Tandy  4000                  2,799.00
25-5029     Memory Expansion               139.95
25-5031     1 MB  Memory Kit -(3)          349.95(x3)
25-3048     EGA Adapter                    249.95
26-1396     Auto Power Controller           69.95
25-3012     VM-5 Monitor                   149.95
26-223      12' Printer Cable               39.95
25-1013     1200 BPS Modem                  99.95
25-4109     MS-DOS 3.3 & Basic             119.95
26-6505     ARCNET LAN Card  *             249.95
26-6508     ARCNET Hub - Active            695.00
26-6504     ARCNET Passive Hub              69.95
26-6513     ARCNET Bulk Cable (500ft)      110.00
            (retail .22 ft., cost .08 ft.)
25-4161     SCSI Controller                349.95
905-1750    SCSI VADD Driver                99.95
25-4163     344 MB SCSI HD Kit           2,999.00
TSDC        10ft. Cables                    12.95
TSDC        Connectors                       6.95
                                         ________
                             TOTALS     $9,312.20
 
WORKSTATION
 
CAT. #      DESCRIPTION          RETAIL
25-1402     Tandy  1000 SL/2     999.00
25-1078     128K Memory Kit       59.95
25-1024     CM-11 Monitor        399.95
26-6505     ARCNET LAN Card      249.95
                                _______
                   TOTALS     $1,708.85
 
* If the lab has fewer than fifty stations,
then use one LAN card per station plus one in the file server.
If the lab has more than fifty stations,
please call the Wasatch sales office for additional information.
 
One Active hub for every eighteen student stations.
 
One Passive hub for every three student stations within the same classroom.
 
Last Update 2/16/90
 
MOM-05-90
COMPUTER TECHNICAL TRAINING
 
Radio Shack Computer Technical Services offers technical training,
in Fort Worth, to government agencies,
school districts and other large account customers
who maintain their own computer equipment.
Our lectures and hands-on labs teach the technician
to perform all alignments and to isolate malfunctions
to either the subassembly or component level.
 
Courses consist of lectures and labs.
During the lectures the student will learn
what assemblies are in the computer, what these subassemblies do,
the theory behind how they do it,
and finally how all these parts combine to make the whole computer.
Schematic diagrams and chip data play a major role.
Our instructors discuss theory behind any alignments
as well as proper procedures.
 
Lab sessions teach any alignments that may be pertinent to the system
and demonstrate proper troubleshooting techniques.
During this portion of the course,
students solve problems injected into the computers
by the instructional staff.
This allows the student to practice and reinforce
what has been learned in the lecture sessions.
 
When the technician completes this course,
he/she will not only understand the theory
behind how the computer system functions, but how, effectively,
to troubleshoot it.
 
1990 Customer Technical Training Schedule
 
Course Number         System           Dates
90-C02B1     Customer Tandy  1000     June 4 - 8
90-C02B3     Customer Tandy  3000     June 18 - 22
90-C02B4     Customer Tandy  4000     July 9 - 13
 
If you have a school with an interested technician,
please contact Renee' Garrett at (817) 390-3969 for more information.
 
MOM-05-90
IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT COMPTON'S ENCYCLOPEDIA ATLAS
 
When using the ATLAS in Compton's on the Tandy  2500 XL,
do not click on any area while the computer is drawing the screen.
Clicking anywhere while the map is being drawn will generate an error.
 
This will be corrected in future versions
of Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia.
 
Please stress the importance of sending in the registration card
to insure receipt of updates.
EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY
Product Line -- Promotions, Contests, Latest Products
 
 
Product Update
 
MOM-05-90
INTRODUCING SCHOOLMATE NOVELL
 
The Novell version of SchoolMate  is now available from TSDC.
SchoolMate Novell must be ordered through Contract Administration
using the following procedure:
 
  -- Salesperson sends the purchase order to Contract Administration
 
  -- Contract Administration sends a copy of the purchase order to
     Education Marketing
 
  -- Contract Administration authorizes shipment
 
This new SchoolMate includes the same easy-to-use classroom management
tools of the original SchoolMate   ROSTER, GRADE BOOK, LESSON SCHEDULER,
EXAM MAKER, COURSEWARE INSTALLATION and UTILITIES -- plus a few new
enhancements.
 
SchoolMate Novell has been qualified with up to 99 stations as compared
to the 60 station limit with SchoolMate 3Com.
The maximum data and program storage is 256 megabytes as compared to
32 megabytes for SchoolMate 3Com.
A new user-defined login screen can be created with
SchoolMate Novell.
A new teacher supervisor level is also included.
 
                                SchoolMate     SchoolMate
                                   3Com          Novell
                                 (25-1241)     (25-1242)
Maximum # of Workstations           60            99
Maximum Data/Program Storage        32 MB         256 MB
User-defined Login Screen           No            Yes
Add'l Teacher Supervisor Class      No            Yes
Network Operating System Incl       Yes           No
Minimum Ver of DeskMate Req         3.0           3.3
Suggested Retail Price              995.00        795.00
 
Servers
 
All Tandy  4000's are supported as servers for SchoolMate Novell.
A minimum of two megabytes of RAM is required but four megabytes of RAM
is recommended.
 
SchoolMate Novell supports both Novell Advanced NetWare
2.15 or Novell SFT NetWare 2.15 operating systems.
The network operating system must be purchased separately.
Below you will find three recommended server configurations for
SchoolMate Novell.
 
Administrative Station
 
We recommend adding a tape backup system to SchoolMate networks.
In larger networks (over 20 stations) we suggest that a separate
administrative station
be added to the network for the tape backup system.
This administrative station can also be used to easily make changes
to the Novell workstation and server configurations.
 
250-4074     Tandy  2500 XL               1
250-4040     VGM-100 Monitor              1
260-5505     Tandy Ethernet Adapter       1
260-5529     6 Ft Ethernet Cable          1
250-4079     60 MB Tape Backup            1
260-0246     1/4" Tape Cartridge          6-9
250-4123     40 MB SmartDrive  (optional) 1
 
Stations
 
All Tandy  1000's and the new Tandy  2500 XL have been qualified as
stations for SchoolMate Novell.
Each station must have 640K of RAM.
We recommend the Tandy Ethernet Adapter because of its relatively low cost
and excellent performance on the SchoolMate network.
As with SchoolMate 3Com, SchoolMate Novell supports the use of a mouse
or keyboard.
 
NOTE: A hardware modification to the 25-1602 Tandy  1000 TL/2 is required
in all network installations.
Any TL/2 shipped from Tandy Systems Integration as a network workstation
has already been modified.
If the TL/2 is going into a network installation and it has NOT been
configured through TSI,
contact your service center (Re: Tech Bulletin 1000:50).
 
Network Adapters
 
Novell supports up to four network adapters in the server.
Depending on the configuration, by adding additional network
adapters you may improve the performance of your network.
The following adapters are supported under SchoolMate Novell:
 
                                   w/# Stations
26-5505   Tandy Ethernet Adapter   99
26-5502   EtherLink II Adapter     99
26-6505   Tandy ARCNET             50
 
RECOMMENDED SERVER CONFIGURATIONS
 
UP TO 20 STUDENT STATIONS
 
             Server           Non-Dedicated
250-5120     Tandy  4020 LX         1
250-4040     VGM-100 Monitor        1
250-4120     80 MB SmartDrive       1
250-6030     Memory Exp Adapter     1
250-5031     1 MB Memory Kit        3
260-5534     Terminator Kit         1
260-6505     Tandy ARCNET           1
260-5530     20 Ft Ethernet Cable   1
250-4079     60 MB Tape Backup      1
260-0246      " Tape Cartridge      6
900-1683     Elgar 400 + 600 BPS    1
250-1242     SchoolMate Novell      1
901-1757     Advanced NetWare 2.15  1
250-4109     MS-DOS                 1
 
If plans include expanding to more than 20 student stations,
we recommend using the 260-5505 Ethernet Adapter in this beginning
configuration.
 
UP TO 40 STUDENT STATIONS
 
             Server                  Dedicated
250-5125     Tandy  4025 LX              1
250-4040     VGM-100 Monitor             1
250-4120     80 MB SmartDrive            1     *
250-6030     Memory Exp Adapter          1
250-5031     1 MB Memory Kit             2
260-5534     Terminator Kit              1
260-5505     Tandy Ethernet Adapter      1
260-5530     20 Ft Ethernet Cable        1
900-1683     Elgar 400 + 600 BPS         1
250-1242     SchoolMate Novell           1
901-1757     Advanced NetWare 2.15       1
 
If your customer requires more storage, replace the 80 MB SmartDrive
(25-4119) with a 170 MB SCSI Hard Drive (25-4162), SCSI Host Adapter
(25-4161), and SCSI VADD (903-1750).
 
41-99 STUDENT STATIONS
 
             Server                Dedicated
250-5130     Tandy  4033 LX            1
250-4040     VGM-100 Monitor           1
250-4162     170 MB SCSI Hard Drive    1
250-4161     SCSI Host Adapter         1
250-5033     2 MB Memory Kit           4
260-5534     Terminator Kit            2
260-5505     Tandy Ethernet Adapter    2
260-5530     20 Ft Ethernet Cable      2
900-1683     Elgar 400 + 600 BPS       1
250-1242     SchoolMate Novell         1
901-1757     Advanced NetWare 2.15     1
903-1750     SCSI VADD                 1
 
IMPORTANT NOTE:
These recommended server configurations are only RECOMMENDATIONS.
Individual situations vary, and your System Engineer should be involved
to configure systems to individual circumstances.
 
MOM-05-90
EDUCATION ACCOUNT PURCHASE PROGRAM FOR NOVELL NETWARE
 
Radio Shack and Novell have implemented the Education Account
NetWare program, a quantity purchase plan for education
institutions, providing for the implementation of a large
number of servers at a low cost.
 
Since this product is sold directly by Novell, there is no
bidding competition to cut profit margins on the Novell
NetWare portion of an educational bid or RFP.
 
This program will be instrumental in sharpening our
competitive edge when participating in large bids in the
education market.
 
What Is Included With An Education Account NetWare License?
 
1. The education institution receives a master diskette in a single media
   format (e.g. 3 1/2 inch or 5 1/4 inch) and complete documentation.
   The schools then copy the diskette and documentation as needed, up to
   the number of licensed copies purchased.
 
2. Purchasers of NetWare 386 receive master diskettes and documentation
   for both NetWare 386 and their choice of SFT or Advanced NetWare.
 
3. The purchaser also receives all upgrades for the first year of
   participation in the program.
 
4. Schools purchasing a license for at least twenty (20) copies of NetWare
   may make one (1) additional copy at no charge.
 
Why Is This Program Important?
 
1. In large bid situations involving NetWare as the operating system of
   choice, your competition will utilize the benefits of this program
   in their proposals.
 
2. The costs involved in this program are fixed by Novell.
   You are placed on a level field with your competitors and cannot be
   undercut on the Novell portion of the bid.
 
3. The savings to the school is obvious as indicated in the comparison
   chart below.
 
4. A school that is planning immediate installation of a small number of
   servers, but plans to expand that number in the near term, should be
   advised of the benefits of this program.
   A simple calculation will expedite the decision process.
 
Eligible Products
 
   Advanced NetWare 2.15
   SFT NetWare 2.15
   NetWare 386 plus a choice of Advanced or SFT
 
New License -- Pricing
 
Minimum Initial Royalty -- $25,000
Order Processing Fee -- $3,000
 
                                   Qty Required to
                Cost Per Server    Qualify Minimum
Advanced NetWare    $1,500               15
SFT NetWare         $2,350               10
Mixed 286/386       $3,180                7
 
Example of Royalty Calculation Versus Regular Pricing
 
                                        Regular Retail
                     Education Account     NetWare
Order Processing Fee      $3,000             N/A
10 copies SFT            $23,500          $49,950
Total                    $26,500          $49,950
 
How To Order
 
1. This program is available to qualified education institutions only.
 
2. All orders for this program must be placed through Radio Shack
   Contract Marketing.
 
3. The store should request the following forms, to be completed by
   the school, from Contract Marketing:
        Novell Software License Agreement
        General Information Form
        Reseller of Record Designation
 
4. The forms listed in item 3 above must be returned to Contract Marketing
    when the order is placed.
 
MOM-05-90
WORKING HAND IN HAND
 
Dear Ms. Cayton:
 
I am writing to thank you for arranging the loan of a Tandy Computer
for me for use at the Kentucky Educational Technology Conference last month.
One of the owners of this company, Mr. Ken East, had given me your name.
I used the computer in my booth at the conference
as well as for my presentation of our Instructional Management system, TABS.
I had given you short notice, but you still managed to accommodate me.
Thanks very much.
 
Because I used to work for Radio Shack,
I wanted the opportunity to show DeskMate as the excellent
graphical user interface it is, and your Mr. David Keith,
from the Computer Center in Lexington,
was most helpful in making that possible for me.
He came by me booth several times during the conference
to make sure that everything was going well.
So, whenever I demonstrated TABS at my booth,
I begin with a few words about the ease and convenience of DeskMate.
Needless, to say I began my "concurrent session" in the same way.
 
Another Radio Shack person I would like to commend
is Sharon Reynolds of the Computer Center in Louisville.
It was Ms. Reynolds who actually facilitated the loan,
and she was most friendly and helpful.
Once again, many thanks!
 
Yours Truly,
Educators' Computer Software
Harry A. Boyle
National Sales Manager
 
MOM-05-90
TANDY EDUCATION IN ACTION
 
Taken from "interface", Montgomery County Microcomputer News.
Published by MCIU 23 IMS Users/Trainers Group, Vol 6, No 7, April 1990.
 
The March Users/Trainers featured Tandy's laptop computer products
and the recently released Tandy 2500 XL
configured with Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia
installed on the internal CD-ROM drive.
 
Nancy Kimbel and Larry Hicks were on hand to demonstrate
Tandy's line of portable computers.
The Tandy 2800 HD and the 1400 HD come installed with DeskMate 3
and MS-DOS on the internal hard drive.
Both machines feature a "Supertwist" LCD display,
but the 2800 has a 286 microprocessor and 1 MB of RAM.
 
The "show stopper" was the demonstration of the Tandy 2500 XL
configured with Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia (CMME)
installed on the internal CD-ROM drive.
CMME contains not only the complete text
of the 26-volume print version of Compton's Encyclopedia,
but also 15,000 pictures, animated sequences, 60 minutes of sound segments,
and an innovative search and retrieval system
all on a single 5-inch CD-ROM disk.
The disk also includes the complete Webster's Intermediate Dictionary
from Merriam-Webster, Inc.
 
A big thank you to Nancy and Larry for taking the time to come out
and demonstrate Tandy products.
 
MOM-05-90
SOFTWARE RELEASED SINCE RSC-21/RSC-21A/21S/21E CATALOGS PRINTED
 
These items are in alphabetical order within categories,
and are MS-DOS  unless otherwise specified.
 
CATEGORY    CAT #         TITLE            SHORT DESCRIPTION            PRICE   REFER TO:
 
Accounting  903/905-2924  Star Ntwk Acctg, Single-user Integrated Acctg 750.00  May 90 MOM
Accounting  903/905-2925  Star Ntwk Acctg, Multi-user Integrated Acctg 1,595.00 May 90 MOM
 
Books       900-2808      The Computer Glossary All about computers    26.95    May 90 MOM
 
CAD         903-2862      Drafix CAD QWK Start Easy, powerful CAD      129.00   Feb 90 MOM
 
Databases   903-1934      FilePro 16 Plus   XENIX database             1,995.00   Feb 90 MOM
Databases   903-2962      FilePro 16 Plus/Network Like 903-1934 for Ntwk 1,495.00   Feb 90 MOM
 
Entertainment 903/5-2858  F-15 Strike Eagle II   Flight simulator       54.95   Dec 89 MOM
Entertainment 900-2755    M1-Tank Platoon   Simulation of land combat   64.95   Dec 89 MOM
Entertainment 903/5-2863  Micro Bridge Companion  Bridge                59.95   Dec 89 MOM
Entertainment 900-2852    Operation Wolf          Arcade game           37.95   Dec 89 MOM
Entertainment 900-2846    SimCity     Design and build a city           49.95   Dec 89 MOM
Entertainment 900-2867    The Playroom   Child-sized world              44.95   Dec 89 MOM
 
Graphics/Design 900-0529  Bannermania   Prints banners                  34.95   May 90 MOM
 
Personal Management 903/5-0523   PC Study Bible   Bible Reference     139.95   Dec 89 MOM
Personal Management 903/5-0527   WillMaker   Create wills             59.95   May 90 MOM
Personal Management 903/5-2710   FamilyCare Software Evaluate medical prob   59.95   May 90 MOM
 
Multi-User Hardware   900-2403   Arnet Smartport 16   16 port board   2,095.00   May 90 MOM
 
Workgroup/Network   260-5540   Tandy TokenRing Adapter   Workstation adapter   499.00   May 90 MOM
Workgroup/Network   900-1731   3+Open Internet   Remote capabil. on phone lines   1,500.00   May 90 MOM
Workgroup/Network   900-2471   Thomas-Conrad ARCNET Active Hub   ARCNET Hub   695.00   May 90 MOM
 
MOM-05-90
NEW PRODUCT RELEASES NOT IN CATALOGS -- DESCRIPTIONS
(Items are in stock number order within categories.)
 
ACCOUNTING
 
903/905-2924 Star Network Acctg $750.00
 
(Single-User) Star Network Accounting is a complete integrated accounting
system which includes: general ledger, accounts receivable,
accounts payable, payroll, inventory, order entry, point of
sale, return authorization, and check reconciliation.
 
The system will support 36 companies, 99 departments, 10 divisions,
and 999 warehouses.
The program has 5 levels of user security,
supports multiple printers and provides a custom report writing
facility.
 
903/905-2925 Star Network Acctg $1,595.00
 
(Multi-User) This program has all the features of 903/905-2924
with the additional capability of running under a Novell
or 3Com Network Operating System.
 
 
BOOKS
 
900-2808 The Computer Glossary $26.95
 
The Computer Glossary is an award winning book that covers
the computer industry from micro to mainframe.
 
It contains over 3,500 terms and over 400 illustrations, covering the
latest terms in personal computing, local area networking and
desktop publishing.
 
MOM-05-90
GRAPHICS/DESIGN
 
900-0529 Bannermania $34.95
 
Bannermania lets you produce spectacular, professional looking
banners with special styles and effects.
Following simple on-screen instructions banner lovers can produce
banners either in black & white or full color on the DMP 240.
 
Bannermania features:
 
   -- 34 special effects like shadows, perspective, 3-D, etc.
   -- 27 Different Shapes -- Arch, Pennant, Ribbon, Etc.
   -- 19 New Fonts -- each with some special characters
   -- 50 ready-to-use designs
   -- 68 Colors on Color Printers
 
Plus, you can easily resize a banner to fit on a bumper sticker.
Bannermania is terrific for home, school, business, anywhere you
want some eye-catching signs or posters.
 
MOM-05-90
PERSONAL MANAGEMENT
 
903/905-0527 WillMaker $59.95
 
Create and update your own will --
one that is valid in all states (except Louisiana) without a lawyer.
Using question and answer format, WillMaker builds your will, with
adjustments for your state of residence.
You can provide for a spouse, children or other relatives and friends.
WillMaker allows you to leave specific property and cash bequests, name a
guardian or alternate guardians for your children or set up a trust.
 
70% of Americans have no will.
WillMaker is a Top 10 seller
because it fills an important need for your customers.
This is not just another software sale, it's giving your customer security.
 
903/905-2710 FamilyCare Software $59.95
 
Designed by pediatricians, FamilyCare models the diagnostic
process used by physicians.
It helps parents evaluate and treat
medical problems for children from birth to 15 years.
Choose from 46 medical areas, like fever or eye problems, or choose from
an index of 650 items.
FamilyCare interactively asks questions
of the parent about the child's symptoms giving recommendations
for home treatment, over-the-counter medications, special diets
or it may recommend getting the child to a physician within a
specified period of time.
 
MOM-05-90
MULTI-USER HARDWARE
 
900-2403 Arnet Smartport 16 $2,095.00
 
The newest addition to our Arnet family of Smartport boards is the 16-port
version that is perfect for the big system user.
This gives you twice the power of the Smartport-8 and still only uses one
slot.
Just like its little brothers, the Smartport-4 and Smartport-8, it will allow
DT-110 terminals the opportunity to run at 38.4 KB for optimum performance.
 
Using a Tandy  4033 LX and assuming that one of the six 16-bit slots will
be used for a SCSI hard drive controller, you can install five Smartport
16 boards to accommodate a total of 80 DT-110 terminals!
The Smartport 16 is now in stock in TSDC and ready for shipping.
 
MOM-05-90
WORKGROUP NETWORK
 
26-5540 Tandy TokenRing Adapter (Wkstn) $499.00
 
A high performance 8-bit adapter for use in a TokenRing workstation.
Provides convenient direct connection to industry
standard 4 megabit-per-second baseband token passing local
area networks.
 
Note: This adapter is supported in a workstation configuration only.
 
Specifications:
 
  -- 8-bit adapter
  -- 9-pin connector for IBM cabling (plenum data, two twisted
     pairs, 26AWG solid or stranded)
  -- RJ11 port for Type 3 cabling (non-plenum, four solid copper
     twisted pair, 24AWG)
  -- IEEE 802.5 TokenRing and 802.2 LLC compliant
  -- NOS Support: Novell NetWare 286 
  -- CPU Supported: 1000, 2500 XL, 4016 SX/DX,
     4020 LX and 4025 LX (configured as network workstations)
 
900-1731 3+Open Internet $1,500.00
 
Provides internetworking capabilities between geographically
remote networks on phone lines at speeds up to 19.2 Kbps.
 
  -- Use modems and phone lines or RS-232 connections
  -- 3+Remote PC and mail transfer between 3+Open and 3+Share
     systems using 3+Open Mail or 3+Mail
  -- Enhanced internetworking security, flexible modem
     configuration and dynamic communications port management
 
900-2471 Thomas-Conrad ARCNET Act Hub $695.00
 
The TC6050 Active Hub digitally conditions, amplifies and
relays signals between stations on an ARCNET local area
network. When connected together, the TC6050s can support the
maximum network span of 20,000 feet (6000 meters).
 
MOM-05-90
LET'S TAKE INVENTORY -- OF YOU!
 
This month's article concerns itself with asking a lot of
questions of you -- the direct sales professional.
Take a moment and read through them -- answering each one.
 
1.  I feel that the needs of my clients is an absolute priority.
 
    True     False
 
2.  I keep up with the changes in our industry and the technology
    by subscribing to publications at home.
 
    True     False
 
3.  I know what the competitors near my Computer Center are
    selling -- brand names, lines and prices.
 
    True    False
 
4.  I have a selling or business background.
 
    True    False
 
5.  I take an active role in training that is presented to me.
 
    True    False
 
6.  I strive to have the best scores on training tests.
 
    True    False
 
7.  I ask my manager, RSM, RMTM and DSM questions about my company,
    in order to better understand a bigger picture.
 
    True    False
 
8.  I enlist the help of senior salespeople in the region.
 
    True    False
 
9.  I strive to establish personal and business relationships with the
    WINNERS in my region.
 
    True    False
 
10.  I gravitate away from people with a negative outlook
     on their career or my company.
 
     True    False
 
11.  I have taken every computer class that the SEs offer.
 
     True    False
 
12.  I regularly converse with people in my industry, and
     have established relationships with local vendor representatives.
 
     True    False
 
13.  I have a great reputation as a winner in my region.
 
     True    False
 
14.  I have a great reputation as a winner with our vendor
     representatives in my area.
 
     True    False
 
15.  I work regularly with CLP members in my territory.
 
     True    False
 
16.  I have recruited CLPs to work with me.
 
     True    False
 
17.  I do things every day that cause people to boost my ego.
 
     True    False
 
18.  I have developed discipline in my prospecting program.
 
     True    False
 
19.  I have written down and posted, at work and at home, my
     goals for the next six months and one year (both business and personal).
 
     True    False
 
20.  I consider myself to be an aggressive competitor that hates --
     ABSOLUTELY HATES -- to come in second,
     and can not stand to lose at anything.
 
     True    False
 
21.  I am capable of establishing my own work priorities.
 
     True    False
 
22.  I consider myself to be a good communicator.
 
     True    False
 
23.  I have done something in the last three months to enhance my
     business acumen.
 
     True    False
 
24.  I am consistently in the top 5% of sales performance rankings
     in my region.
 
     True    False
 
25.  I manage my time well, by scheduling events and appointments in a
     calendar that I keep with me at all times.
 
     True    False
 
Now it's time to evaluate your inventory as a direct sales professional.
Count each YES or TRUE as 4 points then look at the guide below.
Remember this is only a guide.
Examine each NO and FALSE answer you made to help determine what you
can do to be better at your career.
 
Number of True answers ______ X 4 =  ____________
 
Scoring:
 
100   to   96   You are a super achiever
 
92   to   84   You are on your way to the top
 
80   to   72   You need to evaluate key career areas
 
68   to   56   Do a complete evaluation on how you
               can improve your career position
 
Want to Know More?
 
Suggested reading to help on some of the areas addressed in
the inventory questions above are:
 
"In Search of Excellence" by Thomas Peters and Robert Waterman --
"Illustrations and anecdotes about the people running some of Americas best
known companies."
 
"The Complete Professional Salesman" by Robert & Herbert Shook --
"A comprehensive collection of proven selling techniques."
 
"The Chemistry of Persuasion" by C.W. Armstrong --
"A short book about mastering specific skills and techniques that make a
salesperson successful."
 
"Top Performance" by Zig Ziglar --
"Developing key work attitudes, principles, healthy self-esteem, goal
setting and unlocking top performance within yourself."
 
MOM-05-90
DUNS AND YOU
or -- How Do I Get Some Leads?
 
On February 8, 1989 we placed the Dun and Bradstreet program
in the hands of your RMTM for marketing and expediency
purposes.
Your RMTM is "on line" with D&B in their office.
 
So... how do you get some leads, you say?
It's easy!
In your Center there is a D&B lead request form, which you
complete and mail to your RMTM.
The leads are returned to you on a Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate diskette.
 
These leads are very powerful.
Did you know that you can custom order these leads?
Well, you can.
 
For example:
You could order all the wholesalers in your area that fit the
following criteria:
 
    in zip code 48124
 
    and in area code 313 -- with prefix 274
 
    and only those with less than 75 employees
 
    and only those with less than 100 million in sales
 
    and those that have only 1 location
 
That's targeting in on a market!
 
But let's say that you have
a great idea to go after one specific account that could give
you a big XENIX sale, the XZY123 Company -- well -- you can get
lots of specifics on that one company from your RMTM also.
Your RMTM can "pull" all the data Dun's Direct Access has on
that company to help your direct marketing efforts.
 
We hope you are using this valuable resource.
If you are, add four bonus points to your professional inventory!
 
 
When fate hands us a lemon, let's try to make a lemonade.
 
The most important thing in life is not to capitalize on your gains.
Any fool can do that.
The really important thing is to profit from your losses.
That requires intelligence;
and it makes the difference between a man of sense and a fool.
 
So, to cultivate a mental attitude that will bring us peace and happiness,
let's do something about it.
 
Dale Carnegie
 
MOM-05-90
F A S T  TRAINING CHECKLIST
 
Managers, all of the new training programs coming up require that the
participants have completed the FAST and BEST programs.
Does that include your people?
 
The FAST program for 01Z stores and Computer Centers has been in place
since August of '89.
Have you implemented it?
 
Be sure you get your people in line for all this exciting training
that will help them become more successful.
 
If you haven't implemented FAST,
here is a checklist to help get started:
 
____   Order the Trainee's Guides (FC-1803) from your RMTM.
 
____   Order Training Checklists (FC-1892) from your RMTM.
 
____   Order MASTERS Program awards brochures (FC-1890) from your RMTM
 
Check your tape library.
You will need the following:
 
____   "Personal Computer Products" (FC-323)
 
____   "Printers/Desktop Publishing" (FC-325)
 
____   "Personal Computers" 8/88
 
____   "Business CPUs" 9/89
 
____   DeskMate  videos 9/89
 
____   TSP segment, 12/88 Flyer tape (FO-343)
 
____   "Leasing:The Sensible Alternative"
 
____   "The Total Solution"
 
____   "Selling the TANDYFAX  1000"
 
____   "Sell Cellular II"
 
____   "Telemarketing:Selling the Appointment" (st-1850)
 
____   "Prospecting:The Heartbeat of Selling" audio tape
 
If you need a copy of any of these tapes, call Sales Training in Ft. Worth
before trying to order any of them from a warehouse.
 
Consult page iv of the FAST Manager's Guide for other materials
you will need.
 
____   Check with your DSM to find out when Orientation
       training (Segments 1 and 2) will be conducted for
       your new employees
 
____   Check with your RMTM to find out when training
       sessions on Marketing Resources and Selling Concepts
       (Segments 5 and 6) will be conducted
 
____   Schedule time for each of your new employees
       to complete the Product Segments 3, 6, and 7
 
____   Schedule yourself and/or your senior marketing reps
       to complete the Selling Exercises (Segment 8) with
       each new employee
 
____   Make sure the Training Checklist is completed within
       the timeframe indicated for each program
 
____   Make all new employees track their sales to achieve
       the $5000 goal for BEST enrollment
 
____   When FAST is completed and $5000 goal is achieved,
       contact your RMTM to schedule the BEST class
 
____   Make sure that copies of the completed Training
       Checklist are sent to the RMTM and to Computer
       Sales Training in Fort Worth
 
____   Make sure that your new employees keep up with
       their training credits for the MASTERS Program
        awards, using the Training Scorecard (FC-1891)
 
If you have any questions, call Gwen Marlin, Manager, Computer Sales Training,
at (817) 390-2138.
 
Computer Sales Training in Fort Worth will be tracking the completed training
of all of the marketing staff in Radio Shack Computer Centers  and of the
computer marketing staff in "Z" Stores.
This will help us improve training materials and delivery methods.
 
The overall benefit to everyone is to provide the tools which help you
become:
 
SUCCESSFUL SALES PROFESSIONALS!
 
MOM-04-90
THE SEVEN POINTS OF RADIO SHACK:  
AMERICA'S TECHNOLOGY STORE  --  Creating New Standards
 
Proven Leadership:  Over 7,000 USA locations,
39,000 employees, seven R & D centers,
31 USA and overseas manufacturing plants -- Nobody Compares
 
Reliable Quality:  Over 1,500 engineers and technicians
develop, evaluate and test to our exacting standards -- Nobody Compares
 
Electronics Specialization:  From our latest,
highest technology computer to our newest long-life battery,
we are and have been America's electronics specialist since 1921 --
Nobody Compares
 
Experienced Sales Team:  Knowledgeable and friendly
to help you make the smartest buying decisions -- Nobody Compares
 
Prompt Service:  Over 7,000 drop-off points nationwide
insure dependable service to your satisfaction.
Over 1,000,000 spare parts stocked.
We service what we sell -- Nobody Compares
 
Product Exclusivity:  15,000 electronic products preselected
for ease of use, reliability and value -- Nobody Compares
 
Guaranteed Satisfaction:  Over 35,000,000 customers benefit
annually from our Satisfaction Guarantee.
Putting you first has made us #1 in consumer electronics --
Nobody Compares
 
MOM-04-90
THE FRONT LINE
 
RADIO SHACK -- AMERICA'S TECHNOLOGY STORE
 
By now you've all seen the America's Technology Store  program.
The seven points that are a part of this program truly differentiate us
from other retailers.
This month,
we're going to take a look at just how these points
relate to our computer business.
 
Proven Leadership means that customers
get a unique opportunity when they purchase a computer from Radio Shack.
They get the opportunity and all of the benefits of doing business
with the manufacturer and designer of the computer.
 
Radio Shack has been in business since 1921
and in the computer business since 1977.
As the first company to mass-market a personal computer,
we have always taken a leadership role in the computer market.
We're not a clone company.
Our customers deserve more.
 
Right now, Radio Shack is a leader in the industry,
manufacturing and selling more PC-compatible computers than anyone else.
That's the trait of a leader, not a follower.
And customers will always prefer to deal with a leader.
 
Reliable Quality means that customers get a
Tandy Computer that probably will never need service, only routine maintenance.
Who else can make that claim?
 
Did you know that Tandy computers have the lowest failure rate in the industry?
In testing, on average, our computers run for 33,000 hours between failures.
To you, that means that you could use a Tandy computer, continuously,
eight hours a day, five days a week,
for almost 16 years without experiencing down time!
At a time when `planned obsolescence' seems to be the rule
rather than the exception, your customers will find this a refreshing change.
 
Electronics Specialization means that our customers
are making their computer investment from a company
that has been in the consumer electronics business
for almost 70 years, and in the computer business for 13 years.
In the 1970's, department store chains nationwide were selling
Citizen's Band radios.
Today, those same department stores fancy themselves as being
in the computer business.
Tomorrow, well...there's
just no telling what they'll be selling.
 
We're in the business to stay.
You can't do that unless you offer quality products year after year.
And you don't last without constantly improving on that quality.
Customers determine which companies stay in business
and which ones become extinct.
Radio Shack customers reinforce their confidence in our electronic products
by coming back, time after time, year after year.
 
Experienced Sales Team is you, of course.
To provide the best solution for your customers,
you must know as much about your products and customers as possible.
And you are only one part of the team.
To provide technical expertise, every Computer Center
has an experienced Systems Engineer on the team.
And the team includes everyone from your manager
to the president of Radio Shack.
This means that the customer can have confidence that they will receive
everything necessary to solve any problem, even before it becomes a problem.
 
Remember, when your customers buy Tandy products,
they are buying the Radio Shack team.
Take pride in your team and show that pride to your customers.
 
Prompt Service offers customers the assurance
that in the unlikely event their product purchase does need service,
that service can be accomplished by dropping off the product at one of
over 7,000 locations in the United States.
Just what, exactly, would the owner of an Amstrad, Vendex or Leading Edge
computer have to do to get service for their computer?
Encourage your customers to ask that question of any potential vendor who
comes to call.
Nobody compares!
 
Product Exclusivity insures that each and every
product your customer might wish to purchase has been carefully evaluated
before it is included in our product line.
Radio Shack sells over 15,000 electronic products that are preselected
for ease of use, reliability and value.
And most of those products are manufactured exclusively for or by
Radio Shack.
Our quality-control standards are the highest in the industry.
We won't settle for less!
 
And what does Guaranteed Satisfaction mean?
It means that we're committed to taking care of our customers...for
the long term.
Every year, over 35 million customers benefit from our guarantee of
satisfaction.
Point out that every manager at every Radio Shack location has the authority
to solve any customer problem on the spot.
How many of our competitors are equipped to make this claim and deliver?
 
Putting the customer first has made us number 1 in the computer and consumer
electronics industry.
NOBODY COMPARES!
 
The bottom line?
There is no single other company that can make these claims.
Don't forget it and don't forget to remind your customers
that there's more to a computer (or consumer electronics)
purchase than laying your money on the counter
and taking home a cardboard box.
 
MOM-04-90
SALE PRICES IN APRIL  Items on Sale in April
FOR ALL STORES:
 
 
Tandy  1000 HX
 
Cat.No. Description     Reg Price       Sale    Dates
25-1053 Tandy 1000 HX   699.00  299.00  Cont'd
25-1053 Tandy 1000 HX
25-1043 CM-5 Monitor
          System        998.95  598.95  Cont'd
 
 
Tandy  1000 TL/2
 
Cat.No. Description     Reg Price       Sale          Dates
25-1602 Tandy 1000 TL
25-1043 CM-5 Monitor
25-1045 20 MB SmartDrive 
25-1333 Bonus Pack  
          System        2,418.75        1,599.00    3/17-Cont'd
BONUS PACK NOT TO BE SOLD SEPARATELY!
Substitute a 40 MB SmartDrive (25-1046) for an additional $100.00.
Substitute a CM-11 (25-1024) for an additional $100.00.
 
 
Tandy  1400 FD
 
Cat.No. Description     Reg Price       Sale           Dates
25-3501 1400 FD        1,499.00        1,199.00        SOWG
 
 
MS-DOS Software
 
Cat.No. Description           Reg Price       Sale    Sale Dates
25-1186 FUNdamentals HX/TX      24.95        16.95     SOWG
25-1187 Paradox 2.0            495.00       295.00    3/17-4/21
25-4111 MS Windows 286          99.00        47.95     SOWG
25-5111 MS Windows 386         195.00        97.50     SOWG
 
 
Printers/Accessories
 
Cat.No. Description               Reg Price    Sale    Sale Dates
25-1039 Game Blaster Music Board   99.95      69.95    3/17-4/21
26-0253 3 " Drive Cleaning Kit      7.95       3.95    3/17-4/21
26-0408 5 " Drive Cleaning Kit      7.95       3.95    3/17-4/21
26-1396 Deluxe Power Center        69.95      49.95    3/17-4/21
26-2800 DWP 520 Printer           995.00     398.00    2/17-4/21
26-2804 LP 1000                 2,599.00   1,799.00    3/17-Cont'd
26-2808 DMP 440                   699.00     399.00    SOWG
26-2811 DMP 2120 Printer        1,599.00     999.00    SOWG
26-2812 DWP 230                   459.95     199.95    3/17-Cont'd
26-2817 DMP 2102                  999.00     699.00    3/17-Cont'd
26-2818 DMP 300 Printer           649.00     499.00    SOWG
26-3008 Pair of Joysticks          19.95       9.95    3/17-Cont'd
26-3012 Deluxe Joystick            22.95      14.95    3/17-4/21
 
 
Where-Is-As-Is Software Clearance
 
The Where-Is-As-Is section of the April flyer (in-home date of March 21)
lists 12 titles that are meant to be examples of
the outstanding software values for MS-DOS,
the Color Computer and even the Tandy  102 at Radio Shack.
All of these titles are SOWG or DISC.
 
Here are the ones shown in the flyer:
 
Cat.No. Description                   Reg Price   Sale
25-1151 Where In The World is Carmen?   34.95    11.90
25-1222 PFS File/Write Value Pack      100.00    22.90
25-1182 Earl Weaver:Baseball            35.95    19.95
25-1196 Adv Flight Simulator            35.95    17.45
25-1137 Star Flight                     49.95     8.70
25-1227 Awardware                       14.95     7.20
25-1184 MS-Works                       139.00    79.95
26-3829 Multiplan ROM                  149.95    21.70
26-3894 Multi-Solutions                 79.95    21.80
26-3284 Robot Odyssey                   34.95     4.35
26-3242 Flight Simulator II             34.95    10.25
 
However, the flyer lineup includes additional titles (also SOWG or DISC)
which are in stock in many of our stores and are clearance-priced.
Make sure you clean out your back rooms and show your computer customers
that we truly have some outstanding software values.
 
Here are the additional ones:
 
Cat.No. Description                   Reg Price  Sale
25-1125 F-15 Strike Eagle               34.95   14.85
25-1166 FUNdamentals SX                 29.95   12.95
25-1183 Thexder                         29.95   10.25
25-1186 FUNdamentals HX/TX              24.95   16.95
25-1188 Typing Tutor IV                 44.95   23.35
25-1216 Reader Rabbit                   44.95   27.50
25-1217 Writer Rabbit                   44.95   24.95
25-1218 Math Rabbit                     34.95   13.85
25-1219 Gunship                         44.95   24.95
25-1220 Space Quest II                  39.95   15.10
25-1229 Police Quest                    39.95   15.10
25-1230 GFL Football                    34.95   15.45
25-1233 FUNdamentals TL                 19.95   14.95
25-1235 Future Magic                    44.95   24.95
25-1236 FUNdamentals SL                 19.95   14.95
25-1250 DeskMate  3                     99.95   44.95
25-1270 Pirates                         29.95    6.85
25-1509 Guide to Personal DeskMate  2   19.95    2.75
26-3054 Silpheed                        29.95   19.95
26-3104 Spectaculator                   29.95   14.95
26-3106 Personal Fin. II                29.95    9.95
26-3160 A Mazing World M. Mortar        29.95   14.95
26-3162 Rad Warrior                     29.95   19.95
26-3171 Super Pitfall                   29.95   19.95
26-3172 GFL Football                    29.95   19.95
26-3189 BASIC-O9 Tour Guide             14.95    9.95
26-3243 Where In The World Is Carmen?   34.95   17.95
26-3247 Mickey's Space Adventure        24.95   19.95
26-3259 DeskMate  CoCo                  59.95   39.95
26-3271 Micro-Mission                   29.95   19.95
26-3273 Home Publisher                  39.95   19.95
26-3275 Dynacalc                        99.95   39.95
26-3276 Phantomgraph                    39.95   19.95
26-3277 Color Computer Artist           29.95   19.95
26-3286 Zone Runner                     29.95   14.95
26-3293 Ghana Bwana                     29.95   11.95
26-3296 The Interbank Incident          29.95   19.95
26-3297 Rogue                           29.95   14.95
26-3298 Koronis Rift                    29.95   14.95
26-3299 Rescue On Fractalus             29.95   14.95
 
 
ADDITIONAL FOR 01Zs/COMPUTER CENTERS:
 
 
Tandy  3000 NL Computer
 
Cat.No. Description     Reg Price       Sale
25-4072 Tandy 3000 NL   1,699.00        999.00
 
Here's a complete package:
 
Cat.No. Description     Reg Price       Sale
25-4072 Tandy 3000 NL
25-4058 Hard drive controller
25-4062 20 MB Hard disk drive
25-3049 Monochrome graphics adapter
25-3012 VM-5 Monochrome monitor
           System       2,817.85        1,767.90
 
This system is perfect as a stand-alone workstation
for accounting and productivity applications.
It is featured in the April flyer.
 
And, our new advertising campaign features the system below
at under $110 per month (on a TCL lease):
 
25-4072 Tandy  3000 NL
25-3012 VM-5 Monochrome Monitor
25-3049 Display Adapter
25-4062 20 MB Hard Drive
25-4058 Hard Drive Controller
        System  1,767.90
 
26-2818 DMP 300 Printer                         499.00
26-0227 Printer Cable                            34.95
MS-DOS   Classroom Training                     129.95
On-Site Installation/Delivery (50 miles)        350.00
25-1287 Real World 4-in-1 Accounting            249.95
25-4109 MS-DOS                                  119.95
        Total Business Solution Price         3,151.70
            (plus applicable tax)
        Lease for 36 mo. with TCL for           106.22
 
 
Tandy  4000 Computer
 
Cat.No. Description     Reg Price       Sale
25-5000 Tandy 4000      2,799.00        1,999.00
 
Here's a complete package:
 
Cat.No. Description     Reg Price       Sale
25-5000 Tandy 4000
25-4058 Hard Drive Controller
25-4062 20 MB Hard Disk Drive
25-3049 Monochrome Graphics Adapter
25-3012 VM-5 Monochrome Monitor
           System       3,917.85        2,767.90
 
 
Tandy  4000 LX Computer
 
Cat.No. Description     Reg Price       Sale
25-5100 Tandy 4000 LX   3,999.00        2,999.00
 
Here's a complete package:
 
Cat.No. Description     Reg Price       Sale
25-5100 Tandy 4000 LX
25-4058 Hard Drive Controller
25-4062 20 MB Hard Disk Drive
25-3049 Monochrome Graphics Adapter
25-3012 VM-5 Monochrome Monitor
           System       5,117.85        3,767.90
 
Put your "best foot forward" by making sure your floor samples
are attractive and functional.
A 25-4079 tape backup,
along with the SCO XENIX Demo should be installed on your 4000 LX.
The Tandy 4000 and 4000 LX both make super XENIX systems.
 
 
Tandy  4000 SX Floor Sample Sale
 
The Tandy 4000 SX (25-4900) now carries a special SOWG price of $1,999.00.
This $600 savings off its regular price of $2,599.00 will go a long way towards
helping you move out the 4000 SX to make room for the new products.
 
Cat.No. Description     Reg Price       Sale
25-4900 Tandy 4000 SX   2,599.00        1,999.00
 
This price includes all store inventory, including floor samples.
The warehouse is out of stock on the 4000 SX,
so make sure that each and every customer interested in a '386 sx machine
is offered this outstanding limited time value.
 
 
Hard Drives on Sale
 
Additionally, the following hard drive/controller prices
should allow you to add a hard disk drive to every business computer sale:
 
Hard Drives
 
Cat.No.      Description        Reg Price    Sale
250-4062     20 MB HD            599.00     349.00
250-4057     40 MB (40 ms) HD    799.00     449.00
250-4067     70 MB HD          1,499.00     699.00
 
Hard Drives & Controllers
 
Cat.No.         Description                  Reg Price       Sale
250-4062/4058   20 MB HD/Cntrlr               848.95        499.00
250-4057/4058   40 MB (40 ms) HD/Cntrlr     1,048.95        599.00
250-4067/4058   70 MB HD/Cntrlr             1,748.95        799.00
 
MOM-04-90
DESKMATE AS ADDED VALUE: NOBODY COMPARES!
 
People Like You Need to Know!
 
To maintain our competitive edge in the computer market, Radio Shack --
America's Technology Store -- sells Tandy computers
with unique features.
We have pioneered several features that have now become common in the
industry.
These include built-in hardware features (enhanced graphics
capability, printer port, joystick ports, serial port), MS-DOS built
into our computers, and several applications programs bundled with the
computers.
The quality of our products, our wide distribution, and our
excellent service and support are also features which add value to our
computers.
 
Since our computers are often not the lowest-priced computers
available, you need to know about these added values when selling our
Tandy computers.
Our customers who use these computers in homes, home
offices, small businesses, and schools appreciate the added
features -- but you need to point them out to potential customers!
 
Where DeskMate Fits In
 
DeskMate software is a major portion of this added value of our Tandy
computers.
What your customers need to understand about DeskMate is
that DeskMate is Tandy's way of making computers easier to use.
YOU need to know that the name "DeskMate" actually applies to several
related items as described below.
 
The DeskMate Desktop
 
The most visible part of DeskMate is the Desktop.
This program provides
a convenient "launching pad" from which your customers can start any of
these programs.
The user doesn't need to remember complex commands for
this but rather chooses from the programs displayed on the screen.
This Desktop also lets the customer perform some common disk and file
commands without learning MS-DOS.
 
Part of DeskMate is built into the computer hardware (the "ROM"), so
DeskMate comes up on the screen immediately when the computer is turned
on.
No other computer manufacturer has the Desktop built into its
computers -- NOBODY COMPARES!
 
A Set of Integrated Applications
 
The DeskMate that is bundled with our computers consists of twelve
applications programs:
 
Text          A word processor
Worksheet     A spreadsheet
Filer         A database manager
Form Setup    A program to set up database forms
Telecom       A communications package
Calendar      An appointment calendar
Address       An address book
PC-Link       An on-line information and
              communications service
Music         A music composition and playback program
Sound         A sound recording and playback program
Draw          A graphics program
Hangman       A game
 
These programs provide enough power for your customers to begin using
their computers productively right out of the box.
As your customers' needs grow, they can purchase additional software
with additional capability.
 
No other computer manufacturer includes all these
easy-to-use programs with its computers -- NOBODY COMPARES!
 
A Consistent Graphical User Interface
 
All of these programs share common characteristics, the most obvious of
which is their similar look and feel.
The elements which make up this
look and feel include the familiar menubar, pull-down menus, dialog
boxes, accessories, a help system, and others.
 
These elements bring your customers an obvious benefit: consistency.
Your customer uses the same commands in all these programs to open
files, print, edit, etc.
After the user has learned one DeskMate
program, he or she can easily learn others.
 
For example, in any DeskMate application that opens files, the user can
open a file by using the File <F2> menu and choosing the Open option.
The program will then greet the user with a dialog box for opening
files -- and these "Open File" dialog boxes all work the same way.
No other PC manufacturer includes a Graphical User Interface with
their computers -- NOBODY COMPARES!
 
Other Publishers and DeskMate
 
About two years ago, we started providing the tools we use to develop
these consistent programs, to other software companies for their
development use.
This has resulted in dozens of third-party DeskMate applications.
Some better known titles include the Lotus Spreadsheet
for DeskMate, Symantec's DeskMate Q&A Write, Quicken, and First
Publisher.
These programs and others provide additional functionality
for your customers while maintaining DeskMate's ease of use.
 
No other PC manufacturer has dozens of programs under its own
Graphical User Interface -- NOBODY COMPARES!
 
Your Part of the DeskMate Difference
 
One of the seven focal points of Radio Shack: America's Technology
Store is YOU:
 
EXPERIENCED SALES TEAM -- Knowledgeable and friendly to help you make
the smartest buying decisions -- NOBODY COMPARES!
 
You know that your customers want real value for their money.
But unless you show them the advantages that DeskMate adds to our computers,
your customers may overlook this important advantage.
 
Here's what you can do to prepare for that next computer customer:
 
1.  Learn as much about DeskMate as you can.
    The more you know about a product,
    and the more comfortable you are with it, the more effective
    you will be in explaining and demonstrating its benefits.
 
2.  Use DeskMate for your own work.
    Not only does this help you learn the product,
    but it also sends a message of confidence to your
    potential customers and your fellow workers.
 
3.  Practice selling DeskMate.
    Practice on your customers and even your coworkers.
 
Learn to sell with DeskMate.
If you do, the next time your manager reads your sales numbers,
he or she may say, "NOBODY COMPARES!"
 
MOM-04-90
THE CREDIT LINE
Direct to you from Tandy  credit departments -- Commercial Credit, Tandy Computer Leasing , and RSVP . 
 
Commercial Credit
 
In last month's issue (March 1990), we followed the Commercial
Charge Application from its completion by the customer,
through its return to the Store.
This month's article discusses the important sections
of the Commercial Charge Application.
 
First and most important is the list of persons
authorized to make purchases on the account.
Selling to an individual who is not authorized
could create a chargeback situation for your Store.
If in doubt, call the customer directly and determine
that the employee is authorized,
then add that name to your list of authorized purchasers.
It is extremely important to know who is authorized
to make purchases on the account,
especially if the customer does not use or require purchase orders.
 
Secondly, determine whether or not the company requires purchase orders.
Both the store copy of the application and the Detail List
of Charge Account customers will provide you with this information.
Customers that were approved prior to May 1988 will
have a blank in the Purchase Order Required field.
 
If you know that your customer requires purchase orders,
but it is not indicated on the Detail List,
please inform Commercial Credit so the list can be updated.
 
Finally, if the customer is tax exempt,
this should be indicated on the application, and the customer
should provide you with a copy of the Tax Exempt Certificate
issued by the state.
This should be attached to your copy of the application.
 
It is important that the store not charge sales tax to this type of customer.
Each month we have tax exempt customers call or write,
after receiving a statement or invoice,
to complain about being charged sales tax.
Commercial Credit pulls the file,
verifies the tax exempt status, and credits the customer's account.
Sometimes a tax exempt account will become a collection account
due to non-payment of sales tax,
and the store will be required, unnecessarily, to call for a purchase approval
on every sale due to the X (Delinquency) rating.
 
This does not make for good customer relations because the purchase
will be delayed at the point of sale, and the customer will receive Collection
contact for money that is not really owed.
 
In closing, it is important that the store know its Commercial Credit
customer's policies and procedures regarding purchases,
and make every attempt to abide by them.
 
Tandy Computer Leasing
 
In the first week of February, all RSCC and Z stores received
"The New Product Announcement Kit" from TSDC.
The packet included the following TCL sales material to display along with
your Plan-O-Gram computer configurations:
 
2       complete lease document folders
1       TCL Rate Factor Card
1       "LEASING: The Sensible Alternative" 8   X 11 easel
        backed card listing several lease versus buy advantages
1       "TAKE ONE" 8   X 11 easel backed holder for our blue
        customer handouts (5 included)
5       Reusable laminated tent cards for writing in cost per month
        to lease the products they're placed on or next to
 
The accompanying letter detailed how, why and where to use the
"help selling" POP information sent to you.
If utilized as intended,
it WILL make your job (selling) easier.
 
Why are we bringing this up now?
Because we're getting reports from representatives visiting your stores
that in many RSCC and Z stores,
there is no visible trace of our material with the Plan-O-Gram display.
Our POP cards and brochures let your
prospects know they can afford the system they want -- the rest is
up to you.
A TCL Lease can be the sale clincher!!!
 
RSVP 
 
Here are some tips on how the applications processing system can
be expedited in a more professional, efficient manner.
 
1. Ensure that the application is complete and the security
   agreement and insurance section is signed.
 
2. Ensure that all applications are properly identified by
   using positive photo identification.
   Remember, any suspicious or questionable applicants should be referred to
   the New Accounts representative as a `Code 10' application.
 
3. Ensure that a major credit card has been verified
   (if your store requires it).
 
4. When you have completed the application,
   call New Accounts to be considered for immediate credit approval.
 
5. Call New Accounts when you are accepting a counter offer
   previously made.
 
6. Call Voice Authorization for add-on sales or credit line
   increase information.
 
7. Cardholders must call Cardholder Services for any questions
   they have about their existing RSVP account.
 
MOM-04-90
STOCK FILE CHANGES
A quick reference to product status changes - pricing, availability, etc.
 
LATE DATES
 
Listed below are the new items that appear in the 1990 Catalogs
which have not yet arrived at the warehouses.
Also included are the dates the merchandise is expected to be available
at the warehouses.
 
The dates listed in this section are based on the latest available information,
and are updated monthly.
While they may not be 100% accurate, they are the best estimate we have
at this time.
 
The dates listed here should be your ONLY reference for availability of
cataloged items.
Ft. Worth Computer Support Services or Ft. Worth Computer Merchandising
will not have any dates other than the ones shown here.
 
1990 Tandy Computer Catalog - RSC-21A
 
Cat. #          Description             Date
250-1266        HomeWord II             UNSCHED
250-1314        DacEasy Accounting DM   UNSCHED
250-1316        Paint Show Plus         UNSCHED
903-1578        SCO Image Builder (386) CANC
 
Express Order  Software Buyer's Guide RSC-21S
 
Cat. #          Description             Date
250-1266        HomeWord II             UNSCHED
250-1314        Dac Easy Accounting DM  UNSCHED
250-1316        Paint Show Plus         UNSCHED
900-2750        PC Paintbrush 4 Plus    4/30/90
903-1224        CO/Session              4/30/90
903-1324        OSAS Retail POS         4/30/90
903-1578        SCO Image Builder (386) CANC
903-1480        CO/Session Application  4/30/90
903-1481        CO/Session Support      4/30/90
903-1594        Samna + IV              CANC
903-2834        UFO                     CANC
903-2835        Instant Locator         CANC
903-2838        Scenery Disk - Hawaii   CANC
905-1295        OSAS Purc Order         4/15/90
905-1309        OSAS Res Mgr OS/2       4/30/90
905-1313        OSAS Payroll - DOS      4/30/90
905-1324        OSAS Retail POS         4/30/90
905-1388        Session XL              4/30/90
905-1480        CO/Session Application  4/30/90
905-1481        CO/Session Support      4/30/90
905-2834        UFO                     CANC
905-2835        Instant Locator         CANC
905-2838        Scenery Disk - Hawaii   CANC
 
Due to technical issues,
we're changing 25-1266 HomeWord II and 25-1314 Paintshow Plus to UNSCHED.
Both are exciting new DeskMate  applications.
Rather than continue to "late date" these products,
we'll take the guesswork away
and just advise you when the product is available.
 
MOM-04-90
PRODUCTS CANCELED, DISCONTINUED AND REPLACED
 
CAT. #          DESCRIPTION
DISCONTINUED
900-1660        3Com 3S/200 Server
900-1662        3Com 3S/202 Server
903-1570        SCO XENIX 2.3 MC
        (replaced by 25-5203 SCO XENIX 2.3.2 GT/MC)
CANCELED
903-1578        SCO Image Builder (386)
903-1594        Samna + IV              CANC
903/5-2834      UFO                     CANC
903/5-2835      Instant Locator         CANC
903/5-2838      Scenery Disk - Hawaii   CANC
 
MOM-04-90
PRODUCTS CURRENTLY IN SHORT SUPPLY
 
The following items are temporarily in very short supply.
There may be some in the field, and District/Regional
Sales Managers should assist in satisfying customers.
 
                                      Back in
Cat. #  Description                  Stock in
                                    Quantity by:
25-3049 Monochrome Graphics Adapter     4/15
25-4123 40 MB SmartDrive                5/1
25-5125 Tandy  4025 LX                  5/1
26-3930 WP-2 Wordprocessor              5/5
 
All backorders placed with TSDC for Radio Shack stores
and Computer Centers with no customer name,
the phrase "store stock" or any variation of that phrase,
or the phrase "ad order" have been canceled.
 
All backorders with proper customer names
will be filled as product becomes available.
Please do not reorder for store stock until May.
 
There are quantities of the 25-3049 adapter in the field
as well as its predecessor, the 25-3046.
The 25-3046C may be used interchangeably with the 25-3049.
This is an excellent opportunity for you to sell out this discontinued product.
 
MOM-04-90
SOFTWARE VALUE PACK PRICES
 
There are quantities of the following value packs/bundle
still available in some stores.
These sell prices should help you move them out.
 
                                        RETAIL  CURRENT
CAT. #          DESCRIPTION              PRICE   SELL
250-1222        File/Write Value Pack   398.00   22.90
250-1281        Q&A Bundle               99.95   79.95
250-1333        TL Value Pack           317.90   99.95 ******
  ***** [NOTE - 250-1333 is incorrect, correct info going out in SOS memo]
 
MOM-04-90
EXCESS INVENTORY
 
In reviewing store inventories we've noticed that on-hand store quantities
for some items are far in excess of what is required to support
sales of those items.
 
Managers, make sure that any of the items in this list that you
have on hand are available to be sold and/or transferred.
Should you need one of these items,
contact your regional office before you order one from the warehouse.
 
District and Regional Sales Managers should work to insure that we reduce
our store inventories on these items.
 
These items are to be transferred at unit cost plus 6.25% for
warehouse handling.
Prices shown are current unit and retail for ICST/sale purposes.
 
  = items added this month
 
Cat. #  Description               Current Unit Current Retail
25-1028 Trackstar 128                 46.71     77.85
25-3046 Monochrome Text Adapter       40.50     67.50
25-3048 EGA Video Adapter             98.12    249.95
25-4034 Serial/Parallel Adapter       55.22    149.95
25-4035 EGM-1 EGA Monitor            298.53    499.00
25-4039 Dual Port Serial Adapter      38.50     99.95
25-4043 VGA Adapter                  115.50    299.95
25-4100 MS OS/2 V1.1                 175.02    325.00
26-2813 DWP 230 Tractor Feed          40.76     99.95
26-3651 PC4/5/6 Cassette Interface    16.57     39.95
26-3652 PC4/5/6 Printer               43.80     99.95
26-3814 Portable Disk Drive 2         99.01     219.95
26-5435 EtherLink                    245.03     495.00
26-6504 Passive Arcnet Hub            26.90      69.95
 
Item is discontinued and no longer in stock in any warehouse.
 
MOM-04-90
TANDY 1000 TL/2 INSTANT HOME OFFICE
 
The INSTANT HOME OFFICE (just add people) is ready to go at Radio Shack!
The Tandy  1000 TL/2 with 20 MB SmartDrive , CM-5 Color Monitor,
Serial Mouse, Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate and DeskMate Q&A Write
is available at $1,599.00 for the April and May flyer periods.
 
Along with the flyers, this promotion will be supported by television,
radio and magazine advertising highlighting both the package
and the new Radio Shack -- America's Technology Store  theme.
Customers will be ready to buy.
Make sure you're ready to sell.
 
You've seen memos, SOS memos and have been working with the
products in the Bonus Pack
(Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate and DeskMate Q & A Write)
since before Christmas.
You should be familiar with the "bells and whistles" of these products
so you can demonstrate and show them off.
 
The key to a successful sale is not the amount of advertising
or the money that can be saved:
the key is an effective and persuasive demonstration.
 
We believe that the best way to show off the features
of the INSTANT HOME OFFICE is to use demonstration programs
on a configured system.
That way, you have a full system to show the customer the benefits
of hard drives, color monitors and mice,
as well as demonstrations of Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate and
DeskMate Q&A Write.
 
Make sure your hard drive is initialized,
DeskMate  is installed and the mouse is connected and enabled.
 
Use the Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate for a self-running demo.
Remove only the mouse from the Bonus Pack!
Don't install the actual Lotus, as it becomes unsaleable at that point!
 
MOM-04-90
Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate
 
Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate is a powerful analytical software program
uniting the three most useful business functions
into one fully-integrated package.
These useful functions are spreadsheet, database and graphics.
 
With these functions one can tackle complex tasks such as
financial statements, cash budgeting, business plans, loan analysis and more.
 
The database function allows you to do things such as
store and update information,
sort data by primary and secondary categories
and in ascending or descending order.
Changing graph types is easy; all you do is go to the select graph
output option and chose the one you desire.
Accelerator key options allow the user to jump from one function
to another quickly.
 
Last, but very important to all users,
it prints the worksheet, database report and graph you created.
 
MOM-04-90
DeskMate Q & A Write
 
DeskMate Q & A Write is a powerful yet easy-to-use word processor
running under the DeskMate Interface.
It has all the power of Q & A Write, with the ease of use of DeskMate .
 
The demo disk contains a runtime version of the program.
As you demonstrate the product, you'll want to highlight these key benefits:
 
Card File -- Q & A Write lets you enter names and addresses
into card files then generate form letters or mailing labels.
 
Spell Checking and Thesaurus -- DeskMate Q & A Write features
a 100,000 word spell checker you use inside your document.
The thesaurus offers help with alternate words to use in a document.
 
Page Preview -- Page preview allows you to look at the page
before it prints out.
You can check spacing on the page, margins, and any bolding or underline used.
 
Determine which features are important to your prospect
and then show customers what DeskMate Q & A Write can do!
 
Stress the fact that the Lotus for DeskMate and DeskMate Q&A
work well together and can share data between the programs.
 
Your demonstration depends on your skills with these programs,
so don't go exploring during the demo -- just go where you know!
 
The Tandy 1000 TL/2 Bonus Pack represents a $419.95 value to your customer,
PLUS easy-to-learn and easy-to-use software and a mouse.
 
MOM-04-90
But there's more to the story!
 
What else should you talk about?
Tell them the Radio Shack story!
The Tandy 1000 TL/2 system is a great example of how
Radio Shack IS America's Technology Store.
 
Proven Leadership:
The Tandy 1000 TL/2 is the latest in our Tandy 1000 family --
the Best Selling PC-compatible computers in the country.
And the software in the Bonus Pack
are award-winning packages that are easier to learn and use
because of the DeskMate interface.
 
Reliable Quality:
Before the computer and Bonus Pack ever leave our warehouses,
they have been thoroughly tested to assure that your customer gets
a working product, not a problem.
 
Electronics Specialization:
DeskMate and MS-DOS in ROM;
current, popular software adapted to make it easier to learn and use;
providing our customer with a full,
useable system they can turn on and run right away.
 
Experienced Sales Team:
You Make the Difference.
When you know how to demonstrate the Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate
and DeskMate Q&A Write smoothly and without hesitation,
you give your customer confidence -- both in you and in the products.
 
Prompt Service:
Nobody can service a computer faster on a consistent basis.
Each one of our 7,000 locations is a drop-off point for a customer.
Each of our service centers stocks the most commonly needed parts,
with all other parts available as quickly as next day from our parts facility.
The $1,000.00 - $2,000.00 market segment is littered with no-name clones.
The Tandy 1000 TL/2 is the clear choice.
 
Product Exclusivity:
Some of your competitors are providing a "start-up" kit
or something similar.
Their idea of a start-up is what we were doing five years ago
with the original DeskMate!
Your TL/2 Bonus Pack represents
purchasing power unmatched by any of your competitors.
That means you can provide "real, uncrippled" software
and a mouse for no extra charge and still be the best value around.
 
Guaranteed Satisfaction:
We think the 1000 TL/2 represents an outstanding value,
but your customer needn't take our word for it.
They can purchase it, take it home and see for themselves.
If it's not everything it's cracked up to be --
if they're not delighted in every way,
they can return it for a full refund.
No questions asked.
 
Make sure you know the demos and how to operate the mouse inside and out,
and sales will be your reward.
Good Selling!
 
MOM-04-90
CUSTOMER APPRECIATES TANDY QUALITY
 
We saw a wonderful letter in the March 20, 1990 issue of Personal
Computing that you may also have seen.
We contacted Mr. Cline and asked him if we could reprint the article
because we wanted to be SURE you did see it.
 
Mr. Cline wrote to comment on a previous letter written by a recent
purchaser of a Dell Computer.
Mr. Cline's letter pats Tandy on the back for producing quality product
but you need to be sure to read the whole letter to see that.
 
This letter is reprinted with the author's permission.
 
I'm a very careful reader of your letters columns
because it is there that I find the common ground that I share with those
who stumble around in the dark as I do.
So I was amused and bemused by the letter from Alan Yatvin
("Dell Service And Support") in the January issue.
 
Yatvin wrote a glowing and obviously appreciative testimonial to
the support service that he received from Dell Computers.
The service was tested by four incidents of malfunction,
from monitor jiggle to system seizure.
 
In each instance the response of Dell and its service providers
was indeed phenomenal.
As an attorney, Yatvin must be quite familiar with the fallibility
of both technical and human systems and his appreciation
is therefore quite understandable.
 
The report left me with a sense of dissatisfaction with my own situation.
Here I have been pedaling along for nearly four years on my early
model Tandy 1000, exposing its delicate electronics to all the hazards
my ignorance can conceive, and to what end?
Nothing has happened but what I directed and Ohm's Law predicted.
 
So, how do I know if I'm backed up as securely as Yatvin?
Occasionally I have a perverse yearning for something awful to happen
so that I might test Tandy's support service verses Dell.
Living dangerously is not my usual lifestyle,
but perhaps a resounding crash of my hard disk or a chip output of gibberish
that I didn't generate might enliven my day.
 
It appears that I am, in a sense, a victim of Tandy quality.
By making their product right in the first place
they have denied me the privilege of writing commendatory letters
praising their support and service policies.
So, I'll never know.
Thanks a lot, Tandy.
 
E. A. Cline
La Crosse, WI
 
Proving once again:
Tandy Computers -- there is STILL no better value!
 
MOM-04-90
SETTING THE STANDARD -- THE TANDY  1000
 
In 1984, Tandy introduced the Tandy 1000 PC-compatible computer
to the world, and since that time it and its successors have
become the nation's #1 selling PC-compatible computers.
 
Other companies produced PC-compatibles as well,
directly competing against the 1000's.
Surely you remember Columbia, Osborne, the Adam, and
other illustrious names of the past.
But the Tandy 1000 remains the leader.
 
Why?
 
The Tandy 1000 set standards in many respects.
First, it was one of the most widely available PC-compatible computers in the
marketplace, being available at over 7,000 locations nationwide.
 
It had the merchandising, engineering, manufacturing, quality control,
service and support organizations of Tandy Corporation behind it.
 
It had an in-house advertising department dedicated to getting
the message out that Radio Shack was THE place for MS-DOS computers.
 
Features included in the first 1000 were firsts in the industry --
two joystick ports, reset buttons, three voice sound,
user-installable options, printer and video ports on the motherboard --
these were rare or unknown features in 1984.
 
DeskMate 01.00.00, the great-granddaddy of our current DeskMate ,
was included along with MS-DOS and GW-BASIC at no extra charge --
also setting new standards.
Although we didn't say so until later,
there was "no better value" than the original Tandy 1000.
 
Since then, we've continued to add new features to the 1000 line,
items that make it an even greater value to our customers and stay
ahead of the competition.
 
DeskMate has taken on a life of its own
and is recognized as an industry standard in graphical user interfaces.
Serial ports, microphone and headphone jacks and volume controls are
standard, not options.
Our inclusion of MS-DOS in ROM is just now being adopted by some of our
competition.
Nobody compares with our bi-directional DAC sound,
or our inclusion of Tandy Video Graphics, which gives the
customer EGA quality graphics without the expense of an EGA monitor.
 
The future?
The 1000 line will continue to evolve, to add new features,
and to set new standards, as time goes by.
More importantly, Radio Shack will be here for the future needs of
your customers.
(Try finding a service center for your Columbia PC!).
 
We won't stand still and rest on our laurels.
The competition is getting better.
We must continue to improve to keep leading the parade.
And we will.
We owe it to you, to the customers, and to the original Tandy 1000.
 
The Tandy 1000 Family of Computers -- NOBODY COMPARES!
 
MOM-04-90
UPDATE -- TANDY 1000 HX
 
The Tandy  1000 HX at $299.00 has set the standard
for low-priced MS-DOS computers.
HX sales are at an all time high.
And the price will continue.
 
To assure a solid ticket, be sure to sell a monitor
with every HX ticket you write.
While it's true you have alternate display options with the HX,
the best choice remains the CM-5 or CM-11 color monitor.
 
Many of these units will be going into homes
with small children as educational computers.
Be sure to remind your customer that children react best to color.
Almost all educational software publishers use colorful graphics
to enhance the appeal of their programs and the learning experience.
 
And the CM-5 and CM-11 have been designed with our computers in mind,
to provide the best in color and graphics that the HX has to offer.
 
RF modulators with televisions are poor choices as monitors.
Monochrome monitors are less satisfactory in the home and school environment,
where the HX was designed to be.
 
Make sure that you give your customer the best option,
by helping him or her make the right choice --
a color monitor from Radio Shack!
 
Good Selling!
 
MOM-04-90
INTERNAL CD-ROM DRIVE MOVED
 
The Internal CD-ROM Drive (900-2375) has been moved to the regular line,
as 250-1081.
The retail price remains $895.00.
 
The addition of a CD-ROM drive as a 25-series product signals the
tremendous commitment that Tandy is making to the CD-ROM drive market.
We believe that CD-ROM is the wave of the future, and encourage you
to read and become more knowledgeable about this emerging technology.
 
MOM-04-90
COMPTON'S MULTIMEDIA ENCYCLOPEDIA ON THE TANDY 2500 XL
                    NOBODY COMPARES!
 
All Computer Centers and 01Zs should now have a Tandy  2500 XL set up
to demonstrate the Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia.
You now know what we mean when we say that this product
is an exciting experience in information, graphics,
animation and sound delivered on a CD-ROM.
 
This encyclopedia features photographs, maps and charts, animated sequences,
voice and other audio, an audio glossary, Webster's Intermediate Dictionary,
the complete text of Compton's Encyclopedia and more -- all on one CD-ROM!
 
MOM-04-90
The Tandy 2500 XL as Multimedia Platform
 
Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia is a perfect match for the Tandy 2500 XL.
The 2500 XL has the unique combination of a 10 MHz 80286 processor,
built-in VGA graphics, an 8-bit DAC sound system, a front 5 " drive bay
for the optional internal CD-ROM drive, MS-DOS and DeskMate  in ROM,
and one megabyte of memory.
These features make this computer a nearly perfect multimedia platform,
and this multimedia application takes full advantage of each of these features.
 
No other computer on the market has all these features -- NOBODY COMPARES!
 
MOM-04-90
What About the Competition?
 
One competitor in this area is Headstart with their LX-CD.
Let's look at some differences between it and the Tandy 2500 XL with
Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia.
 
The LX-CD is an 8088-based system with a built-in CD-ROM drive.
The Tandy 2500 XL is based on a 10 MHz 80286 with zero wait states.
Since CD-ROM drives are relatively slow devices, having a slow processor
like an 8088 to drive it can seriously impair the system's performance.
 
Both computers come bundled with applications.
The Tandy 2500 XL is bundled with DeskMate,
a set of applications based on our DeskMate Graphical User Interface.
The optional Encyclopedia uses a proprietary VGA-based graphical interface
and features speech, music, high-resolution graphics, animation,
and an intuitive navigation system.
 
Most of the applications that come with the LX-CD are text-based,
which makes them a generation or two behind our graphics-based applications.
 
Some people use the word "shovelware" to refer to programs that were
designed for standalone use and just shoveled on to a CD-ROM
without any changes to take advantage of the new hardware.
Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia was designed specificially for
the CD-ROM system.
As far as we can tell, Headstart's applications were not.
 
The consistency of the DeskMate applications is another major advantage of the
Tandy 2500 XL over the LX-CD's collection of programs from various publishers.
Once your customers learn one DeskMate application,
they essentially know how to use all of them.
That's certainly not the case with the programs bundled with the LX-CD.
 
For service, our local Headstart dealer told us that a customer can
bring an LX-CD into that dealership for repair during the first 30 days.
After that, they'd either have to take it to a separate local
independent shop or return it by mail to Headstart in Great Neck, New York.
BY MAIL.  TO NEW YORK.
 
Of course, with the Tandy 2500 XL, your customer can drop his or her
computer off at any of approximately 7,000 Radio Shack locations for service.
NOBODY COMPARES!
 
The Tandy 2500 XL has MS-DOS and DeskMate in ROM.
The LX-CD has neither in ROM.
 
The Tandy 2500 XL is a superior state-of-the-art computer.
The Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia is THE state-of-the-art
multimedia application.
Show it and sell it proudly because NOBODY COMPARES!
 
MOM-04-90
More About Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia
 
In designing the MultiMedia Encyclopedia, Compton's threw out many
traditional concepts of what an encyclopedia is.
They looked at the encyclopedia as a pool of rich information
and realized that a student should be able to pull up that information
in a variety of ways:
 
  by subject area,
  by an index,
  by curriculum area, or
  by learning style
 
That is why the Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia has eight ways for
students to find the encyclopedia information they want.
 
1. The Idea Search entry path helps you find information about any
   topic you want to explore.
   In this path, you can type words to ask a question or describe a topic,
   and the computer will search for articles related to your search request.
 
   This search method has some artificial intelligence built into it.
   For example, if a student types "Why are leaves green?"
   into the Idea Search,
   the system parses out the important words "leaves" and "green,"
   then finds articles related to them.
   It even changes the plural "leaves" to "leaf" before doing the search!
   The result of this search will be articles related to these two words,
   which means articles that will answer the question.
 
2. The Title Finder entry path gives you an alphabetical list of all of
   the articles in the encyclopedia.
   You can choose the title of an article you want to see from the list,
   or you can type a title you would like to find.
 
3. The Topic Tree entry path divides all of the articles in the
   encyclopedia into lists of topics and subtopics.
   You can browse through these lists until you find an article
   you would like to see.
 
   All the articles have been categorized into nineteen broad topics.
   When you select one topic, the subcategories under that topic are displayed.
   You can navigate up and down through the topics until you find the
   article or articles of interest.
   Have you ever been able to navigate in an organized topical way
   through ALL the information in an encyclopedia before?
   Now you can!
 
4. The Picture Explorer entry path lets you view pictures that are in
   the encyclopedia.
   You can browse through the pictures,
   see a list of captions that take you to their corresponding pictures,
   or type a description of a picture you would like to see.
 
   One of the best ways to demonstrate the power of the graphics in the
   Encyclopedia is to select the Picture Explorer then the Picture Tour.
   This feature allows you to browse through some of the best digitized
   photos in the system.
   When you see one you like, you can ask for a caption describing the photo.
   If you want to learn more, you can go to an article related to the photo.
   Picture Tour provides an interesting way for visually oriented people
   (like children) to find new topics of interest and learn more about them!
 
5. The U.S. History Timeline entry path lets you browse along a
   timeline that contains references to important people and events in
   American history since 1490.
   Choosing any of the events along the timeline takes you to a summary
   of the event and then to a related article in the encyclopedia.
 
   Besides articles and photos related to the historical events,
   the Timeline has twenty minutes of spoken audio.
   This includes both live recordings of recent historical figures
   and renditions of earlier people's voices.
   You can hear a recording of Neil Armstong's first words
   when stepping onto the moon and a rendition of Abraham Lincoln
   reading the Emancipation Proclamation.
   Imagine how that brings history to life!
 
6. The World Atlas entry path begins by drawing maps of the Earth.
   You can also use the Place Finder to choose a place you want to see
   from an alphabetical list or to type the name of the place you want to see.
   The computer will draw a map of the place you have chosen.
   Clicking any place label on a map takes you to the corresponding article
   in the encyclopedia.
 
   The World Atlas has seven zoom levels which allow you to view any point
   on the globe at any of seven "distances."
   A student can browse the globe by finding places of interest,
   looking at its location from different perspectives,
   then reading the related article for more information, photos,
   and even topographical maps.
 
7. The Science Feature Articles entry path gives you a menu of twenty
   science articles that have been enhanced with sound, illustrations,
   animations, and additional text.
   Clicking one of the article titles in this entry path takes you directly
   to the article.
 
   Compton's went to educators across the country and asked them what the
   most widely read science articles are.
   They divided these articles into four categories:
   Living Things, Going Places,
   Inner and Outer Space, and The Human Body.
   The Comptons people added greater multimedia features to the articles,
   including animation.
   You can view animated sequences of a volcano, wrist and elbow joints,
   a sidewinder snake "winding" along, a whale swimming, and many more.
   This is true multimedia -- text, graphics, sound AND animation!
 
8. The Researcher's Assistant entry path contains a set of research
   assignments dealing with 100 different topics.
   Within each topic,
   assignments are classified according to the level of difficulty.
   You can choose any of the 300 assignments and go to the encyclopedia
   to do your research.
 
   While reading an article on the screen, you can bring up the definition
   of any word by simply pointing to the word and clicking with the mouse.
   Try that with a paper encyclopedia!
 
Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia represents the best technology in its class,
and it's being sold exclusively with the Tandy 2500 XL computer!
 
For the best value in multimedia applications of computers --
NOBODY COMPARES!
 
MOM-04-90
TANDY 2500 XL WARRANTY PERIOD NOW ONE YEAR
 
Effective immediately,
the warranty duration and terms for the 25-4074 Tandy  2500 XL,
have been changed to align with the Tandy  3000/4000/5000 product line.
 
The warranty length is now one year.
This change also affects the warranty length of items installed
inside the 2500 XL.
Refer to section VII of the Store Operating Manual for details.
 
Customers who have purchased Tandy 2500 XLs prior to this change
are entitled to a one year warranty from date of purchase as well.
You may inform those customers of this fact.
 
A copy of the revised 2500 XL warranty has been mailed to all 01Zs and 11s.
You may photocopy and provide it to all purchasers of the 2500 XL
who receive a machine that includes a ninety day warranty statement.
 
Future shipments of the 2500 XL from the warehouse will contain the
one year warranty certificate.
 
The following TSP rates will apply:
 
    Carry in TSP after expiration of warranty:  $89.00
    Conversion of warranty to on-site in first year:    $89.50
    On site maintenance after expiration of warranty:   $179.00
 
MOM-04-90
PRINTER PRIMER II VIDEO TAPE TRAINING PACKAGE
 
The all new FC-1882 Printer Primer Video II and training material has
been shipped to your store.
 
You will find this material very exciting and helpful in making presentations
to customers to help them decide which printer is right for their application.
 
The material also explains new technology that Radio Shack is working with
to make our printers stand out in the market.
 
One of these technologies is shown to you utilizing a printer
named the DMP 2130.
Since we wanted to extend the useful life of this training material,
the information on the DMP 2130 was included for your preview.
You should remember that this printer and any information on
it has not been released to the general public.
Therefore you should not talk to customers about this unit until
it is available in your store, which may be many months away.
 
There are no brochures or any other information about the DMP 2130
available to you or your District Managers.
Computer Merchandising will make this information available to the
stores as soon as it is ready and the printer is ready to ship.
 
Use the information in the video wisely.
Learn the concepts and theories of the selling points shown and apply
them to the printers that are currently being sold in your store.
Our printer line is fast becoming one of the very broadest offerings in the
industry, and with the information presented you have the tools to sell
a total solution to your customers.
 
Remember --  SWAT! Sell What's Available Today!
 
MOM-04-90
COMPUTER SYSTEM ADD-ON POLICY
 
The discount for an add-on printer sale to a computer system
consisting of at least:
 
   a CPU
   a monitor
 
is 10% off the regular catalog price of the printer.
The printer must be purchased at the same time as the computer system.
 
This means that whenever a customer buys a CPU and a monitor -- not
necessarily an advertised system -- the salesmaker should offer
a 10% discount off any regularly priced printer.
 
MOM-04-90
SPECIAL TSP PRICES
 
You asked for it!
Special TSP prices to go with special product promotions.
 
Your April flyer announces super system prices on the Tandy  1000 HX
and Tandy  1000 TL/2.
Now, offer them a way to keep their investment in great working condition
clear into 1993 with special three-year TSP prices.
At the same time you protect your customers,
you earn commissions and SPIFFs on ALL THREE YEARS.
 
You increase sales, profits and eliminate warranty repair expense.
The salesmaker earns increased commissions and SPIFFs.
The customer is protected against the cost of unexpected repairs.
Everyone wins with TSP.
 
                            3 Years at      3-Yr Promo
Cat. #  Description          Normal Price    System TSP      SVGS!
System #1
25-1053 Tandy 1000 HX         $107.25         $59.00
25-1043 CM-5 Color Monitor      82.50          40.00
                              $187.75         $99.00           47%
 
System #2
25-1602 Tandy 1000 TL/2       $211.75         $99.00
25-1043 CM-5 Color Monitor      82.50          40.00
25-1045 20 MB SmartDrive        66.00          40.00
                              $360.25        $179.00           50%
 
Optional for the Tandy 1000 TL/2 system
25-1024 CM-11 Monitor         $123.75         $50.00           60%
25-1046 40 MB SmartDrive       $99.00         $50.00           49%
 
Establish the VALUE of TSP
 
The customer expects to know the VALUE of any product before making a
purchase decision.
It's up to you to establish the VALUE.
For example, you might say,
"The Tandy 1000 is built to the highest level of quality,
but even Rolls Royce has a service department.
If service is necessary, TSP protection means TSP pays
for the repair of components like the floppy disk drive,
which could cost over $135.00 in parts and labor,
or about $290.00 for a hard drive, or about $180.00 for a monitor.
And, there is no limit to the number of times TSP will pay for the service,
as long as it's covered."
 
Make TSP a FEATURE of the product
 
When you're talking about the features of the computer system,
be sure to make TSP a FEATURE too.
For example, "There's no other personal computer that compares
to the ease of use of the Tandy 1000 TL/2.
It has the DOS operating system and DeskMate  software built-in,
and a Tandy Service Plan is available to keep your system running in top
condition."
 
RECORDING the special TSP price
 
When you've sold the special TSP, go into your POS TSP screen.
The first screen will be the special three-year TSP price
(the screen will show 36 months of coverage).
If the customer prefers to have the standard one-year coverage,
depress the <F2> key, and the one-year coverage price will appear.
These special prices are ONLY for these specified systems.
They are not to be offered individually
or in any other system configuration.
 
This special TSP pricing ends 5/19/90.
 
MOM-04-90
WHY REALWORLD 4-IN-1 ACCOUNTING?
 
There are many established and new small businesses looking for an
accounting solution that will not only help them in their current needs
but also grow with them as their business grows.
 
RealWorld 4-in-1's (25-1287) basic features
fill those basic needs of most small business.
 
  accounts receivable     accounts payable
  payroll         check reconciliation
  loan amortization       general ledger
 
Plus it provides the desirables found in more expensive software, such as
 
  custom designed financial statements
  recurring receivables and payables, and
  the ability to handle either the Cash or Accrual Method of Accounting
 
Your customer says, "This is great for now, but what do I do when my
company grows and we need software to handle multiple work stations?"
That's when you explain to your customer 903/905-1586 RealWorld
4-in-1 Data Conversion to RealWorld's SCO 386 accounting series and
903/905-1332 RealWorld 4-in-1 Data Conversion to RealWorld's DOS/LAN
accounting series.
 
Not having to learn entirely different accounting software and not
having to reenter all of one's accumulated accounting data are
important issues to your customer.
 
Let RealWorld 4-in-1 Accounting help you to establish a business
relationship with that small business customer and enable you to keep
that customer as his accounting needs grow.
 
MOM-04-90
25-1340 & 41 VALUE PACKS REQUIRE A 3 " DRIVE!
 
There seems to be some misunderstanding regarding this statement.
 
The March issue of both this M.O.M. and the consumer
Merchandising Newsletter -- as well as the backs
of the actual value packs themselves --
state that a 3 " drive is required.
 
However, the front of e "Hero's Quest" package in the 25-1340 bundle,
in fine print, says that both disks are included.
 
This shows on the box because we are using their standard packaging.
If you take a black magic marker and cover the 5 ",
you will eliminate any possible customer confusion.
 
MOM-04-90
IBM FOLLOWING TANDY INTO THE SCSI WORLD
 
In September of 1987,
Tandy announced the Small Computer System Interface (SCSI)
for flexible expansion capability in the Tandy business computer line.
On March 21, 1990, IBM virtually acknowledged that Tandy made
the right decision.
They did this by introducing their own version of SCSI to
be sold with their new PS/2-a business machines.
 
We welcome IBM's entrance into the SCSI world!
As the largest manufacturer of computers in the industry,
IBM's decision to introduce a SCSI product strengthens
the viability of SCSI in the business computer market.
 
And because Tandy offered SCSI technology into that market over two years ago,
our leadership role in the industry is once again affirmed.
 
This fact should not be kept secret from our customers.
If the IBM announcement comes up in conversation,
you can, with pride, point out that we've been there since 1987.
Remember that the highest form of flattery is imitation.
 
It's not the first time and it won't be the last time -- NOBODY COMPARES!
 
MOM-04-90
MAGAZINE ADVERTISING
 
Tandy computer products are frequently advertised
in leading national publications.
Magazine advertising reinforces the image of Tandy Computers as
a nationally recognized brand.
Tandy computer products will be featured in the following publications
over the next month:
 
Date    Magazine                Computer
3/28    Sports Illustrated      TL/2 Bonus Offer
3/30    Wall Street Journal     TL/2 Bonus Offer
4/1     Delta Sky               TL/2 Bonus Offer
4/1     Governing               TL/2 Bonus Offer
4/1     INC.                    TL/2 Bonus Offer
4/1     Portable 100            WP-2 Wordprocessor
4/1     Smithsonian             TL/2 Bonus Offer
4/2     Newsweek                TL/2 Bonus Offer
4/6     Delta Sky               TL/2 Bonus Offer
4/9     Time                    TL/2 Bonus Offer
4/15    PC Magazine             Business - Workgroups
4/16    PC Week Tandy           1100 FD
4/20    USA Today               TL/2 Bonus Offer
4/20    Compute!                TL/2 Bonus Offer
4/22    Home/Office Computing   Word Processing
4/23    PC Week                 Business Administrative
4/24    Home/Office Computing   TL/2 Bonus Offer
4/24    Money                   TL/2 Bonus Offer
4/24    PC Magazine             Tandy  1100 FD
4/27    Wall Street Journal     TL/2 Bonus Offer
4/30    Forbes                  Business - Accounting
4/30    Newsweek                TL/2 Bonus Offer
5/1     INC.                    Home/Office
5/1     PC Magazine             DeskMate
 
MOM-04-90
286 EXPRESS BOARD WARRANTY INFORMATION
 
PC-Technologies, the manufacturer of the 25-1035 286 Express Board,
has gone out of business.
This does not affect our support or continuing sales of the product.
However, PC-Technologies included in the package
a two year manufacturer's warranty for the board.
Since the company is out of business, this warranty is no longer valid.
 
The standard Radio Shack warranty of 90 days from date of purchase
remains in effect on this product,
as it has since the product's introduction.
And Radio Shack continues to offer service and customer support on the product.
But make sure that your customer is aware of the warranty
on this product when you sell it.
 
MOM-04-90
NOVELL REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO NETWARE 286 PRODUCTS
 
There is a great deal of hoopla in the trade press regarding
Novell NetWare 386.
 
Contrary to some opinions, NetWare 386 is not for everyone.
Considering the increased cost, minimum system requirements,
technical considerations and the sometimes questionable
stability of the original release of NetWare 386, the NetWare
286 product line will continue to provide the optimal
networking solution for Radio Shack's target markets.
 
Novell's recent announcement of enhanced printing and backup
services for v2.15 SFT NetWare and Advanced NetWare is yet
another example of the old adage, "Actions speak louder than
words."
Novell has stated that it will continue to enhance
its 286-based NetWare products to meet end-user demand, and
this latest development is one more effort to make good on
that promise.
 
Print Server and Backup Enhancements
 
Beginning in late March, Novell will include the NetWare
Print Server v1.1 and the NetWare Backup VAP v1.0 with SFT
and Advanced NetWare v2.15 products.
Even though the value of
the products has increased substantially with this new
upgrade, the price remains the same.
 
The NetWare Print Server greatly expands the flexibility
users have in locating printers on the network.
NetWare previously allowed five (5) network printers to be attached
to the file server.
With these new print server enhancements, up to sixteen (16)
printers -- located anywhere on the network --
can be supported simultaneously.
 
And there's more.
Local printers attached to a DOS node on the network
can now be configured as shared network printers.
The NetWare Print Server allows these enhanced
printing services to be installed in one of three ways:
 
  As a VAP on an SFT or Advanced NetWare server
  As a VAP in a bridge (router)
  As a dedicated process on a DOS-based workstation
 
New alert notifications of the print server notify users when
the print job is completed or when the printer needs
attention (e.g. paper out, paper jam, etc.).
 
The NetWare Backup VAP v1.0 -- running either in the file
server or in a router -- uses a single routine to backup DOS,
OS/2, and Apple Macintosh files.
A simple command-line interface allows a supervisor to select volume,
directory, subdirectory, or file to be backed up.
Using the new time delay feature of the Backup VAP, the supervisor
can initiate automatic, unattended, late-night backups.
 
MOM-04-90
TANDY  4033 LX SHIPPING!!!
 
This newest member of the Tandy 80386 family will be shipping
by the time you receive this edition of the M.O.M.!
 
But look before you leap out there to order this `screaming machine',
since the Tandy 4033 LX is not stockable by any Center or store.
Be sure you have the right system for your client.
 
The Tandy 4033 LX has a definite market niche.
It's ideal for business environments that demand a
high-performance system.
That includes data-intensive file servers, CAD/CAM applications,
software developers and the future Open Desktop from SCO.
 
With six 16-bit expansion slots, four full 12" and two half-size 16-bit,
and two 32-bit memory expansion slots, SmartDrive  connector,
PS/2 style mouse ports and two 3 " plus two 5 " device slots, and more,
it's hard to believe it all fits into a chassis the size and look
as the 5000 MC.
 
And best of all, the 4033 LX runs 20% faster than the Tandy  4025 LX
and nearly 3 times faster than the 4016 DX!
 
Take note that the 4033 LX has been verified for Class A NOT Class B
as shown in RSC-21A and the product brochure.
That means it cannot be sold for use in homes or home businesses.
 
The 4033 LX is shipping only on Special Order,
so be sure it's sold before you place the order.
 
By the way, a Tandy 4033 LX with 80 MB SmartDrive retails for $6,898.00.
Compaq's 386/33 comparably equipped system retails for $10,499;
AST's retails for $8,495.00.
For more details about the 4033 LX, see the February 1990 issue of the M.O.M.
Now that the 4033 LX is available,
open the flood gates for your prospects who will benefit the most
from its heavy-duty, high-speed performance features!
 
MOM-04-90
XENIX 386 2.3.2 GT -- STRAIGHT ANSWERS TO IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
 
Q:  Is the Tandy release of SCO XENIX different than what
    is being sold by SCO to other accounts?
 
A: The Tandy release of the SCO product is the same product sold by SCO
   to all other accounts and customers with three enhancements to
   the product that are not available in the original SCO release:
 
       Support for both AT and MC architectures in the same package.
 
       Full DT-110 termcap support for SCO and selected
       third party application software packages.
 
       A software fix to correct a `slow parallel printer' problem.
 
Q:  My customer has asked me to explain the differences
    between XENIX and UNIX?
 
A: SCO XENIX is an implementation of AT&T UNIX System V,
   offering the full capabilities of UNIX System V plus
   value-added enhancements for the 80386 platform.
 
   These enhancements include: AT&T UNIX System V/386
   Release 3.1 compatibility, workstation features,
   additions in utilities, system administration and
   supported peripherals, high-performance configurations
   and international versions.
 
   SCO leads all vendors offering the UNIX System on the PC
   platform with over 60% market share.
 
Q: Which Tandy computer models are recommended as SCO XENIX
   386 Servers? 
 
A: The minimum system recommended as a multi-user server
   platform is the Tandy  4016 DX.
 
   The Tandy  4020 LX, 4025 LX, 4033 LX, and 5000 MC have also
   been certified and are recommended as SCO XENIX 386 servers.
 
   The Tandy  4016 SX is supported as a single-user platform
   only for SCO XENIX 386. Due to performance issues under
   multi-user load, it is not recommended as a multi-user
   SCO XENIX 386 server.
 
Q:  How much memory do I need to install SCO XENIX 386?
 
A: The absolute minimum amount of RAM is 2 MB.
   In most cases, 4 MB of RAM is recommended and will provide
   adequate to excellent performance.
 
   While there is no general "rule of thumb" for memory
   requirements as the number of users increases, SCO XENIX
   does provide a utility that will help in determining when
   additional RAM is required.
 
   The vmstat command will display the system statistics, which includes
   the number of processes swapped in and out of memory from disk.
   As these numbers increase, system performance is affected due to the
   amount of time required to swap processes.
   Your System Engineer will assist you and your customer in evaluating
   these system statistics to maintain peak performance.
 
Q: Should I recommend a math co-processor?
 
A: It depends on the applications being used.
   Application software does not automatically take advantage of an
   installed math co-processor.
   Support for this must be included in the application coding.
   Most packages that can utilize a math co-processor will advertise this
   capability.
 
   Most routine XENIX processes use integer math and do not
   require or utilize a math co-processor.
   However, SCO XENIX will automatically recognize and use an installed
   math co-processor when floating-point calculation is required.
 
   Spreadsheets, graphical based applications (such as SCO VP/ix and SCO
   Integra) and math intensive applications do take advantage of the
   math co-processor.
 
Q: Which hard drives and tape drives are supported under SCO XENIX 386?
 
A: Version 2.3.2 GT provides full support for the SmartDrive
   IDE AT hard drives,
   SCSI hard drives and ESDI hard drives listed on page 15 of catalog RSC-21A.
   This version also supports various combinations of hard drives.
 
   Be sure to consult your local System Engineer or Computer Support
   Services to verify supported combinations.
 
   These products have also been certified under SCO XENIX 386:
 
      Tape Drives (Backup)
         25-4079        5 " 60 MB Internal
         90-2060        Archive 60 MB Internal
         90-2059        Archive 60 MB External
         25-4169        Internal 150 MB SCSI
 
      Disk Cartridge (Backup & File System)
         25-4064        20 MB Internal Disk Cartridge
 
Q: What video modes are supported under SCO XENIX?
 
A: Version 2.3.2 supports all industry-standard display adapters,
   including monochrome, Hercules, CGA, EGA and VGA.
 
Q: What about UPS and Backup Power Supplies?
 
A: As always, it is your responsibility to recommend power
   protection devices in mission critical installations.
 
   The 903-1681 Elgar Unisafe Cable for SCO XENIX provides an interface
   between SCO XENIX and the Elgar Intelligent Power System for an
   unattended shutdown in the event of power failure.
 
Q: How many users are supported under SCO XENIX 386 on Tandy
   computers?
 
A: The number of users supported is a physical limitation of the number
   of multi-port devices that can be installed in the server.
   There is no limitation in the operating system, although desired
   performance levels would certainly determine a
   maximum on a case-by-case basis.
 
   The extreme example in this case yields 34 users:
 
       4 X 900-2186 Arnet Smartport-8 boards   =  32
       Console                                 =   1
       Serial port                             =   1
                                             -------
                                               =  34
 
   Other multi-port adapters are currently being evaluated
   that would increase the maximum number of users.
 
Q: What about installation and setup of the system, what do
   you recommend?
 
A: Your customer's first impression is a lasting impression.
 
   Your local System Engineer should be involved early in the sales cycle
   and most definitely during the configuration and proposal stage.
   Proposing a solution is more than just writing up the sale, it is our
   responsibility to insure that the proposal provides a
   more than adequate solution to the customer's problem.
 
   Installation of the hardware peripherals and the operating system must
   be performed by TSDC System Integration and/or your local System Engineer.
 
   A properly installed XENIX system is a true workhorse and requires
   little maintenance, other than daily backups, on the part of your customer.
   Installation of the system requires the installer to answer a host of
   questions regarding the environment that the system will operate in.
   Answering these questions correctly will insure optimum performance and
   utilization of the hardware and software resources.
 
   A system not installed correctly may require a complete reinstallation,
   resulting in costly down time for your customer.
 
Q: I am having difficulty in configuring a system for my
   small business customer, any recommendations?
 
A: System configuration is arguably the most important step in the sales
   cycle.
   A properly configured system will provide optimum performance for your
   customer and insure the ability to support immediate expansion needs along
   with a contingency plan for long term growth and system
   upgrades to meet increasing demand.
 
   The following platforms are presented for informational purposes.
   They should provide a base from which to work.
   As each customer has unique needs, these configurations
   should be modified to provide the optimum solution for your customer.
 
      Entry Level Platform --
      A low-cost platform for the small business requiring multi-user
      capabilities and the ability to add additional users at a reasonable cost.
          Base System
             Tandy 4016 DX
             4 MB RAM
             40 MB SmartDrive IDE (Root File System)
 
          Provides two-user support (console and one serial port)
 
          Options
             40 MB SmartDrive IDE (Optional Secondary Drive)
             60 MB Internal TCS (Optional Backup Device)
             Dual-Port Serial Adapter (Provides two additional
                  users on COM2 and COM3)
             Multiport Adapters listed on Page 22 of catalog RSC-21A
 
      Mid-Range Platform --
      An excellent system for small and medium business, providing performance
      and expandability required by a growing business.
 
          Base System
             Tandy 4025 LX
             4 MB RAM
             80 MB SmartDrive IDE
             60 MB Internal Tape Cartridge System
             Arnet Smartport-8 or Tandy  4-Port Serial Adapter
 
          Options
             Elgar IPS 1100 and Elgar Unisafe Cable for SCO XENIX
             SCSI or ESDI hard drive options
 
      High-End Platform --
      A high performance system providing peak performance under heavy user
      load and a wide range of expansion options.
 
         Base System
            Tandy 4033 LX
            8 MB RAM
            40 MB SmartDrive IDE (Root file system)
            SCSI hard drive options (User file system)
            Arnet Smartport-8 or Tandy 4-Port Serial Adapter
 
         Options
            150 MB SCSI Tape Cartridge System
            Elgar IPS 1100 and Elgar Unisafe Cable for SCO XENIX
 
Q: What applications are currently available and are they
   supported on the DT-110 terminal?
 
A: A variety of small and medium business solutions are
   available for the SCO XENIX 386 platform.
   Full DT-110 termcap support is included with this release of SCO XENIX 386.
 
      Accounting        Database Management
      RealWorld Accounting      filepro Plus 3.0
      Open Systems Accounting   SCO Integra
        SCO Foxbase
 
      Spreadsheets      Word Processing
      Multiplan 286     SCRIPSIT 386
      SCO Professional  386 SCO Lyrix
 
Q: What is 903-1745 SCO VP/ix?
 
A: SCO VP/ix allows users to run multiple MS-DOS applications concurrently
   with conventional XENIX processes and applications.
 
   This application offers two key advantages to your customer:
 
      Protects the customers current investment in MS-DOS applications
      and data.
 
      Provides a host of additional applications that may not be
      available under SCO XENIX.
 
   There are two important points to consider when proposing this package: 
 
      SCO VP/ix supports MS-DOS character-mode operations on terminals
      (including the DT-100 and DT-110) as well as the system console.
 
      SCO VP/ix supports MS-DOS graphics applications on the system
      console only.
 
Q: What is 903-1582 SCO MultiView?
 
A: MultiView is a combined multitasking windowing
   environment and user-friendly interface for SCO XENIX.
 
   Installed on the server, it provides all users with convenient desktop
   tools such as phone, address and card files.
   The windowing facility can display (on your console
   or remote terminal screen) multiple concurrent windows,
   each running a separate task or application simultaneously.
 
   Of particular benefit to the customer is the ability to insulate end
   users from the sometimes harsh environment of the XENIX command line
   interface.
   The MultiView interface consists of a series of pull-down, on-screen menus.
   These menus can be configured for each individual user on the system.
 
   The software provides full support for character based terminals such as the
   DT-110.
 
Q: What is 903-1592 SCO-uniPATH SNA-3270?
 
A: This product, in conjunction with the 900-1593 SCO-uniPATH SNA-3270
   Board, provides multiuser, multitasking, micro-to-mainframe communication.
 
   It allows computers running SCO XENIX to operate on IBM SNA networks by
   emulating a remote 3274 communications controller
   with attached 3278 terminals.
 
   Supports one user with up to five sessions.
 
MOM-04-90
NEW CENTURY EDUCATION JOINS RADIO SHACK'S PARTNERS 
IN EDUCATION PROGRAM
 
FORT WORTH, TX -- New Century Education Corporation, a
leading provider of computer-assisted instructional systems, has
joined Radio Shack's Partners In Education (PIE) program to deliver
a total hardware/software instructional solution for the K-12 market.
 
Radio Shack will support New Century's marketing of THE NEW CENTURY
METHOD integrated learning system on Tandy MS-DOS compatible personal
computers.
 
THE NEW CENTURY METHOD provides teachers with an instructional and
management tool that is teacher controlled, learner centered, and
highly flexible.
It combines hundreds of hours of
reasoning, mathematics and reading/language arts curricula with an
extensive array of classroom management tools for the teacher.
 
THE NEW CENTURY METHOD has a wide range of enhancements, including
photographic quality graphics that can display 256 colors
simultaneously; extensive human voice audio; Student Choice Options
that put the student in control of his or her learning course; audio
and text-based Error Feedback and Help features to guide students
through challenging learning situations; Multiple Response Modes to
provide sophisticated answer judging capability; and, Intelligent
Branching to allow students to work within their own capability
parameters.
 
"New Century Education offers products that respond to the growing
demand for accountability in today's school systems.
Radio Shack welcomes an exciting partnership with New Century Education,"
said Jim McGrody, vice president of Sales and Marketing for Radio Shack's
Education Division.
 
New Century Education currently supports an installed base
of approximately 250 Integrated Learning Facilities across the United
States.
Corporate headquarters are in Piscataway, New Jersey.
 
MOM-04-90
COMPETITIVENESS IN THE CLASSROOM
by John Roach, CEO
Tandy Corporation
 
We're hearing a great deal these days about the abysmal state of the
education system in this country.
President Bush and Speaker of the House Foley took note of the crisis
in our classrooms in the president's State of the Union address
and in the speaker's rebuttal remarks,
with both calling for a massive national effort to upgrade the
quality of education we are providing our young people.
 
We've been told by the head of one of Japan's largest corporations that
we will never become truly competitive in the world economy until we
become competitive in the classroom, as well as on the assembly line.
The typical Japanese student, we are told, goes to school 240 days a
year, while the average American high school student is in the
classroom only 180 days and faces a far less demanding curriculum.
The sad truth, if we can believe leading educators,
is that many high school graduates are not prepared
for real college-level work.
 
As parents and as concerned citizens, we must demand from our elected
officials that they address themselves to the problem with more than
rhetoric and lip service,
and we must lend our support to programs such as the `no pass, no play' rule
and other provisions recently enacted in Texas.
This is not a panacea, but it is a start.
 
Tandy Corporation is making its contribution to the furtherance of
educational quality through its sponsorship of the Tandy Technology
Scholars program, which is designed to provide incentives and
recognition to outstanding high school math, science and computer
science students and teachers who are willing to make the sacrifices to
make America more competitive.
The program recognizes the top 2% of
students, plus an outstanding student and outstanding teacher from
thousands of participating high schools across the nation.
 
On April 4, in Washington, D.C., the first students selected for
special recognition and cash awards will be announced.
They have been selected by a national panel of education experts
under the guidance of Texas Christian University in Fort Worth.
 
I hope each of you will be with me in spirit at the award ceremonies,
sharing this commitment by our company to the advancement of academic
excellence.
 
MOM-04-90
VAR Update
 
 
PARTNER IN EDUCATION CONFIGURATIONS
 
The hardware configurations which we have included for this M.O.M. are aimed
at two of the ILS Partners with which we work
(more will be published next month).
These labs are built and tested at Tandy Systems Distributions
prior to shipping.
 
If you are working with a school that has an interest in
any of these Partners solutions, please contact your local AEMM or REMM.
 
No substitutions of products should be made unless approval is given
by the Education Marketing Department in Fort Worth.
If you have questions, please call Mindy Lynn, (817) 390-2163.
We appreciate your continued support in selling education solutions.
 
COMPUTER CURRICULUM/TANDY CONFIGURATION
 
HOST STATION
CAT. #          DESCRIPTION             RETAIL
250-5120        Tandy  4020 LX         3,999.00
250-4161        SCSI Adapter             349.95
905-1750        SCSI Driver SW            99.95
250-6030        Memory Board              99.95
250-5031        1 MB Memory Kit-(3 ea.)  349.95(x3)
250-4040        VGM-100 Monitor          199.95
250-4109        MSDOS                    119.95
250-4163        344 SCSI Drive         2,999.00
260-5502        EtherLink Plus Board     895.00
260-5530        EtherNet Cable 20 ft      15.95
260-5534        Terminator Kit            29.95
901-1757        Advanced NetWare 2.15   3,295.00
                              TOTALS  $13,153.50
 
The 344 SCSI may be used with the CCC software,
however when the ESL software is needed, a larger storage device is required.
Please contact your local CCC sales rep for information.
 
WORKSTATION
CAT. #          DESCRIPTION             RETAIL
250-4074        Tandy  2500 XL         1,499.00
250-4041        VGM-200 Monitor          499.95
250-1040        Serial Mouse              49.95
260-5505        EtherNet Board           349.95
260-5529        6 ft EtherNet Cable       10.95
                              TOTALS  $2,409.80
 
NETWORK PRINTER
CAT. #          DESCRIPTION             RETAIL
260-2808        DMP 440 Printer        499.00
260-0227        6 ft Printer Cable      34.95
 
OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
(These products are needed if the run is over 1000 ft.)
CAT. #          DESCRIPTION             RETAIL
900-1651        Multiconnector        1,295.00
900-1652        Thin EtherNet Module    295.00
 
CABLES
(Cable lengths may vary depending on layout of room.)
CAT. #          DESCRIPTION                    RETAIL
260-5531        Thin EtherNet Cable (50')      24.95
260-5532        Thin EtherNet Cable (100')     39.95
 
COMPONENTS PROVIDED BY CCC
Mountain Tape Drive
Audio Cards (If needed)
Headsets
Table (30 inch)
Power Distribution
 
JOSTENS/TANDY CONFIGURATION
 
HOST STATION
CAT. #          DESCRIPTION               RETAIL
250-5000        Tandy  4000 16 MHz      2,799.00
250-4162        170 MB SCSI HD Kit      1,999.00
250-4161        SCSI 16-bit Controller    349.95
250-4041        VGM-200 Monitor           499.95
250-4043        VGA Graphics Adapter      299.95
250-5033        2 MB SIMM Kit (4 qty)     599.95
260-5505        Tandy  EtherNet Board     349.95
260-5534        Terminator Kit             29.95
900-2156        CD-ROM                    995.00
900-2150        Backup Power Supply       795.00
260-2808        DMP 440 Printer           499.00
260-0223        12' Printer Cable          39.95
260-0130        Printer Paper              13.95
260-2809        Printer Ribbon             34.95
250-4109        MS-DOS 3.3                119.95
260-0424        3 1/2" Diskettes (10)      59.95
260-5530        20' Thin EtherNet Cable    15.95
905-1750        SCSI Network Driver        99.95
901-1757        Novell 2.15             3,295.00
                              TOTALS  $12,896.35
 
WORKSTATION
CAT. #  DESCRIPTION             RETAIL
25-1402 Tandy  1000 SL/2        999.00
25-1078 128K Memory Kit          59.95
25-1024 CM-11 Monitor           399.95
25-1040 Serial Mouse             49.95
26-5505 Tandy  EtherNet Board   349.95
26-5529 6' EtherLink Cable       10.95
        Workstation Boot Disk     2.50
                     TOTALS  $1,872.25
 
(Last Updated 2/16/90)
 
MOM-04-90
SCHOOLMATE  TEACHER'S HELPER
 
This spring's teacher appreciation program will feature the new
SchoolMate Teacher's Helper.
SchoolMate Teacher's Helper combines our popular ROSTER, GRADE BOOK,
EXAM MAKER and DRAW software programs in one convenient stand-alone package.
 
Designed to streamline teaching routines,
Teacher's Helper makes it easy to maintain up-to-the-minute class rosters,
record and calculate both numeric and alphabetic grades and averages,
and create exams tailored to specific classroom needs.
 
Teacher's Helper runs on any 512K PC-compatible, so teachers can use it
at home or school.
 
We have received many requests for a demo disk of Teacher's Helper.
You can use the SchoolMate demo (FC-631) to demonstrate the ROSTER,
GRADE BOOK, and EXAM MAKER included in SchoolMate Teacher's Helper.
An illustration from DeskMate's DRAW application is included
in the sample exam included with the demo.
 
You can order the SchoolMate demo (FC-631) from TSDC.
 
MOM-04-90
INSTRUCTIONAL MEDIA
 
Texas has changed its textbook adoption policy.
 
Last March the Texas State Board Of Education approved Proclamation 66,
an historic decision which allows schools to purchase
`electronic instructional media systems' with state textbook funds.
 
The ability to critically evaluate visual information will be essential
to the development of a society of inquiring, involved thinkers.
Dr.  Jeffery Fletcher, Director of Educational Technology
at the Texas Education Agency in Austin, Texas,
sees the future of this type of program as a step into the future.
 
MOM-04-90
SUBSTANCE ABUSE POSTERS AND SOFTWARE AVAILABLE
 
Radio Shack is Concerned
 
Today's youth faces many challenges,
the greatest of which is Saying No! to illegal drugs and alcohol.
 
Radio Shack's Advertising Department has created several provocative posters
which alert young people to the harm and effects of substance abuse.
 
Schools greatly appreciate any assistance that is available.
We recently received the following letter from the School Board of Polk County.
 
Dear Sir:
 
Thank you for the poster sets concerning substance abuse.
They are in the process of being sent out to our one hundred two (102)
schools and the comments from various school personnel have all been positive.
 
We enjoyed the visit from Mark Gaudio and Mary Frances Smith and
their offer to work with us in the Prevention Programs and Services Department.
We appreciate Tandy (Radio Shack).
 
Thank you.
 
Sincerely,
Henrie I. Sparkman
Substance Abuse Supervisor
 
When assisting schools don't forget to tell them about the
Substance Abuse Education software that's available from Radio Shack.
 
    Cocaine Education               903/905-5691    $39.95
    Drinking & Not Drinking:
         The Choice is Yours        903/905-5535    $39.95
    Keep Off the Grass - Marijuana  903/905-5536    $39.95
    Tobacco Education               903/905-5690    $39.95
 
The programs contain up-to-date information on drugs,
their effects, reasons for abstaining and alternatives to substance abuse.
 
Each program includes a self-test, a drill and practice lesson,
and a graphical tutorial in color.
 
MOM-04-90
CONSULTANT LIAISON PROGRAM
 
We get many calls in Fort Worth regarding the Consultant Liaison Program (CLP).
This month's Outbound Marketing addresses some of the most common questions,
and is designed to help you increase your personal sales.
 
What is the CLP program?
 
The CLP program is a program that enables our computer marketing team
to take full advantage of the expertise that vertically oriented consultants
possess to help them close sales.
 
What types of consultants qualify for the program?
 
Any consultant that markets software or services to small- and
medium-sized businesses can make application to join the CLP program.
 
What are the benefits of working with a CLP?
 
   The salesperson gets his/her normal (per your pay plan) commission!
 
   Increased sales (without added overhead)
 
   Penetration of specialized vertical markets
 
   Development of consultant support
 
What are the benefits to the consultant?
 
   Hot line access for business or technical support
 
   Use of the Computer Center for consultant-sponsored
   seminars or demonstrations
 
   One-time discount purchase offer for the CLP (20%)
 
   CLP quarterly newsletter
 
   Consultants are listed in CLP guidebook,
   and receive a list of RMTMs and other support vehicles
 
   Referrals
 
   Finder's Fee Agreement
 
How does the consultant's finder's fee work?
 
To qualify for a finder's fee, sales must be a minimum of $1,000
-or- include a CPU.
The finder's fee percentages are:
 
   Five percent (5%) on hardware and SE or TSP sales
 
   Ten percent (10%) on software
 
   Two percent (2%) on qualifying sales for a twenty percent (20%)
   or greater price reduction
 
The CLP finder's fee is paid approximately 45 days after the sale,
as per the CLP agreement.
 
How does a consultant join the CLP program?
 
The prospective consultant fills out an application form supplied by you
or the CLP department in Ft. Worth,
and submits it to the CLP administration department in Fort Worth.
 
Where do I get information and application forms for the program?
 
They are obtained by calling (817) 390-2900, or by writing to the
CLP Administration Office, 1500 One Tandy Center, Fort Worth, TX  76102.
 
Does it cost anything for the consultant to become a member of our
CLP program?
 
Yes.
There is a one-time membership fee of $100.00 payable,
upon application approval, to the program.
 
Are Radio Shack Employees eligible to join the CLP program?
 
No.
The program is limited to non-employees.
 
How does the typical sales process work with a CLP member?
 
In many cases, the CLP works on their own to market their software/services
to businesses.
When they find a prospect that is interested,
and our computers fit the prospect's needs,
the CLP may call a marketing representative at the Center and ask for
their involvement in the sale.
 
A joint sales call may be planned and executed at that time.
When the sale is made, you write up all of the Tandy hardware and software.
The CLP makes revenue by selling software and services to the customer,
and, of course, their finder's fee.
 
Some CLPs work on their own,
and hand you the sale when they are ready to deliver.
 
Either way -- you win!
 
What do I do next?
 
Recruit consultants and increase your sales!
 
It's like having a few extra "helpers" in your territory
to assist you in closing sales.
 
MOM-04-90
SEVEN POINTS AND THE CAPABILITIES PRESENTATION
 
One of the hardest things to do as a marketing rep is to look at
a product or service from a client's perspective.
Only then can you appreciate why NOBODY COMPARES!
It's critical to your success that you are able to help
your prospects and clients understand the same thing.
 
Most clients have only seen or been told about one
or two levels of our total capability as a company.
And for many,
it has been years since they first bought from Radio Shack.
Just as technology has improved our computer products exponentially,
the product, support and services you can offer clients
has improved and matured.
 
ESTABLISHING --
Use the Capabilities Presentation to explain the NOBODY COMPARES concept.
At the same time that you are establishing credibility for Radio Shack,
you are giving the client time to become comfortable with you.
 
Use the seven points of the America's Technology Store  program as
an outline for your entire Capabilities Presentation.
Create seven pages, one for each point,
on a flipchart, an overhead or on regular-sized paper,
using a desktop publishing program.
You can expand on these points in a hard copy that you leave behind,
but keep your presentation material as clean and simple as possible.
 
Don't read the script.
It must be familiar enough that you could give it without notes.
 
The Script
 
Proven Leadership -- Radio Shack has been in business since
1921 and in the computer business since 1977.
Did you realize that Radio Shack was the first company
to mass-market a personal computer?
And we have always taken a leadership role in the computer market.
We're not willing to simply be a clone company.
Our customers deserve more.
Right now, Radio Shack is a leader in the industry,
manufacturing and selling more PC-compatible computers than anyone else.
That's the trait of a leader not a follower.
 
Reliable Quality -- All of our desktop computers
are manufactured here in the United States, under the strictest standards.
Did you know that Tandy computers have the lowest failure rate in the industry?
In testing, on average, our computers run for 33,000 hours between failures.
To you, that means that you could use a Tandy computer, continuously,
eight hours a day, five days a week,
for almost 16 years without experiencing down time!
This testing data is based on industry measuring standards so this is
not just a claim, it is a fact.
How many products can you buy today that can match that quality standard?
 
Electronics Specialization -- Radio Shack has been in the
consumer electronics business for almost 70 years,
and in the computer business for 13 years.
And, unlike other companies who have tried to specialize in one or two
product lines for short periods of time,
we're in the business to stay.
You can't do that unless you offer quality products year after year.
 
And you don't last without constantly improving on that quality.
You, as a customer,
determine which companies stay in business and which ones become extinct.
Radio Shack customers reinforce their confidence in our electronic products
by coming back, time after time, year after year.
 
Experienced Sales Team -- To provide the best solution
for my customers, I am required to know as much about my products
and my customers as possible.
And I am only one part of that team.
To provide technical expertise,
every Computer Center has an experienced Systems Engineer on the team.
And that team includes everyone from my manager to the president of
Radio Shack.
 
This means that you, the customer,
can have confidence that you will receive everything
you need to solve any problem --
most of the time, before it becomes a problem.
 
Remember, when you buy Tandy products, you are buying the
Radio Shack team.
 
Prompt Service -- Radio Shack has over 7,000 locations in the
United States where you can drop off any Radio Shack product for service.
Ask anyone who owns an Amstrad, Vendex or Leading Edge computer
where they would have to take their computer for service.
Ask that of any potential vendor who comes to call.
Nobody compares.
 
Product Exclusivity -- Radio Shack sells over 15,000
electronic products that are preselected for ease of use,
reliability and value.
And most of those products are manufactured exclusively for or by Radio Shack.
Our quality-control standards are the highest in the industry.
We won't settle for less!
 
Guaranteed Satisfaction -- Every year,
over 35 million customers benefit from our guarantee of satisfaction.
Every manager at every Radio Shack location has the authority to solve
customer problems on the spot.
Putting you first has made us Number 1 in
the computer and consumer electronics industry.
NOBODY COMPARES!
 
Once you have completed your Capabilities Presentation,
you are then ready to qualify your client's needs and close on the best
solution possible.
It's just that easy.
 
MOM-03-90
THE FRONT LINE   TENDING YOUR CUSTOMER GARDEN
 
Here's a thought-provoking question for you.
How are customers like flowers?
Well...
 
    they brighten your day
 
    they are positive to your environment, and
 
    they make coming to work worthwhile
 
Poetic baloney, huh?
Well, stick with me on this.
There are two basic varieties of flowers; annuals and perennials.
Annuals live for only one year; perennials come back year after year.
Doesn't this also describe your customers?
 
But what relevance does this horticultural discussion have for you?
After all, you don't have the control over your customers that you
have over your garden or window box -- or do you?
 
The key is care and attention.
If you take care of them properly,
you can have the most loyal customers on the block.
 
All you need to do is take the time to sell properly,
follow up and provide the necessary service,
and you will grow the most loyal, repeat customer possible.
 
You say you've heard this before?
You certainly have.
But there's more.
To have a beautiful garden or an ever-growing, ever-loyal customer,
it's critical not to undo what has been accomplished before.
Sadly, the plain truth is that you may be doing this every day,
without meaning to.
 
Every time a customer comes in to buy a part, a piece of software,
or an accessory for an older model computer and you say,
"I'm sorry, we don't know anything about that older model,"
or, "Gee, we haven't supported that model for years,"
you have dug up and tossed a customer onto the compost pile.
 
You must understand that we continue to support all
Tandy  manufactured
computers -- from the 1977 Model I all
the way through to the 1990 Tandy  4033 LX.
 
For example,
you still have a wide range of game programs to offer for the original
Color Computer, and you still sell external drives for the Model II.
Parts for all previously manufactured computers are available
through National Parts.
 
There are three benefits for you when you take the time
to help these customers.
 
1. You prove that you are the resource for all their computer needs.
 
2. You prove that Radio Shack stands behind its products and its customers.
 
3. You provide an opportunity to upgrade the customer to a
   newer computer system.
 
What can you do to prepare for that customer?
 
Take the time to review both the computer catalog and the software catalog
to familiarize yourself with the products for older model computers.
 
You'll soon be receiving a complete list of past Radio Shack computers and
their upgrade paths.
This list is something many of you have asked for.
Use it!
 
Don't assume that you "can't get it," or "we don't fix it."
Ask first before you say no.
Your customer always appreciates that extra effort, that service attitude.
Here's a partial list of resources available to you:
 
    Computer Support Services
    your Service Center
    Consumer Mail @ (800) 433-2024
    National Parts @ (800) 433-5543
 
With a service attitude, you prove that
"Radio Shack...there is no better value!"
is more than just a catchy slogan.
It's our way of acquiring a green thumb.
Maybe we should change it to "Radio Shack...there is no better garden!"
 
 
If you have any comments or suggestions about what you'd like to see
in future Front Line columns, write to:
 
    The Front Line
    1500 One Tandy Center
    Fort Worth, TX  76102
 
MOM-03-90
SALE PRICES IN MARCH
Items on Sale in March
 
FOR ALL STORES:
 
DeskMate  First Publisher/Art Gallery  Free!
 
Your customers have only until March 30th to take advantage of the
First Publisher/Art Gallery package.
Get them featured prominently.
 
Tandy  1000 HX
 
Cat.No. Description     Reg Price       Sale    Dates
25-1053 Tandy 1000 HX   699.00  299.00  Cont'd
 
 
MS-DOS Software/Books
 
Cat.No. Description            Reg Price    Sale    Sale Dates
25-1174 Varsity SCRIPSIT        89.95       69.95   2/17-3/17
25-1186 FUNdamentals HX/TX      24.95       16.95   2/17-Cont'd
25-1239 TV Game Shows           29.95       24.95   1/21-3/17
25-1261 Professional Write 2.0 199.00      159.00   2/17-3/17
25-1262 Instant Pages           44.95       34.95   2/17-3/17
25-1284 Resume Kit              34.95       29.95   1/21-3/17
25-1285 Checkfree               39.95       29.95   2/17-3/17
25-1298 The New Print Shop      54.95       49.95   1/21-3/17
25-1500 Learning BASIC          19.95       12.95   2/17-3/17
25-1508 MS-DOS/GWBASIC Ref      29.95       17.95   2/17-3/17
25-1512 Graphic/Sound book       7.95        4.95   2/17-3/17
25-4111 MS Windows 286          99.00       47.95   2/17-SOWG
25-5111 MS Windows 386         195.00       97.50   2/17-SOWG
 
 
Printers/Accessories
 
Cat.No. Description             Reg Price    Sale    Sale Dates
26-0228 Deluxe System Desk       199.95    133.29    2/17-3/17
26-0229 CPU Tower                 69.95     46.59    2/17-3/17
26-0230 Keyboard Drawer           69.95     46.59    2/17-3/17
26-0231 Diskette Drawer           39.95     26.59    2/17-3/17
26-0232 Printer Stand            149.95     99.95    2/17-3/17
26-0233 Monitor Platform          59.95     39.95    2/17-3/17
26-0235 Acoustic Cover            69.95     39.95    2/17-3/17
26-0236 Printer Supports           8.95      5.95    2/17-3/17
26-1319 Caster Set                 9.95      6.59    2/17-3/17
26-1392 Printer Stand w/tray      14.95      9.95    2/17-3/17
26-2800 DWP 520 Printer          995.00    398.00    2/17-3/17
26-2804 LP 1000 Laser Printer  2,599.00  1,799.00    1/21-3/17
26-2811 DMP 2120 Printer       1,599.00    999.00    2/17-Cont'd
26-2818 DMP 300 Printer          649.00    499.00    2/17-Cont'd
 
 
Diskettes on Sale!
 
Cat.No. Description                 Reg Price   Sale    Sale Dates
26-0409 5 1/4" Disk DS/720K Pk3       7.95      5.29    2/17-3/17
26-0410 5 1/4" Disk DS/720K Pk10     19.95     13.29    2/17-3/17
26-0411 5 1/4" Disk DS/360K Pk3       4.59      2.99    2/17-3/17
26-0412 5 1/4" Disk DS/360K Pk10     11.95      7.95    2/17-3/17
26-0417 3 1/2" Disk DS/720K Pk3       6.79      4.49    2/17-3/17
26-0418 3 1/2" Disk DS/720K Pk10     18.95     12.59    2/17-3/17
26-0421 5 1/4" Disk HD/1.2 MB Pk3     6.95      4.59    2/17-3/17
26-0422 5 1/4" Disk HD/1.2 MB Pk10   19.95     13.29    2/17-3/17
26-0423 3 1/2" Disk HD/1.44 MB Pk3   19.95     13.29    2/17-3/17
26-0424 3 1/2" Disk HD/1.44 MB Pk10  59.95     39.95    2/17-3/17
26-4906 8" Disk SS/608K Pk10         37.95     25.29    2/17-3/17
26-4960 8" Disk DS/1.2 MB Pk10       39.95     26.59    2/17-3/17
 
 
Where-Is-As-Is Software Clearance
 
The Where-Is-As-Is section of the April flyer (in-home date of March 21)
lists 12 titles that are meant to be examples of
the outstanding software values for MS-DOS,
the Color Computer and even the Tandy  102 at Radio Shack.
All of these titles are SOWG.
 
Here are the ones shown in the flyer:
 
Cat.No. Description                     Reg Price       Sale
25-1151 Where In The World is Carmen?     34.95        11.90
25-1222 PFS File/Write Value Pack        100.00        22.90
25-1182 Earl Weaver:Baseball              35.95        19.95
25-1196 Adv Flight Simulator              35.95        17.45
25-1137 Star Flight                       49.95         8.70
25-1227 Awardware                         14.95         7.20
25-1184 MS-Works                         139.00        79.95
26-3829 Multiplan ROM                    149.95        21.70
26-3894 Multi-Solutions                   79.95        21.80
26-3284 Robot Odyssey                     34.95         4.35
26-3242 Flight Simulator II               34.95        10.25
 
However, the flyer lineup includes additional titles (also SOWG)
which are in stock in many of our stores and are clearance priced.
Make sure you clean out your back rooms and show your computer customers
that we truly have some outstanding software values.
 
Here are the additional ones:
 
Cat.No. Description                 Reg Price    Sale
25-1125 F-15 Strike Eagle               34.95   14.85
25-1166 FUNdamentals SX                 29.95   12.95
25-1183 Thexder                         29.95   10.25
25-1186 FUNdamentals HX/TX              24.95   16.95
25-1188 Typing Tutor IV                 44.95   23.35
25-1216 Reader Rabbit                   44.95   27.50
25-1217 Writer Rabbit                   44.95   24.95
25-1218 Math Rabbit                     34.95   13.85
25-1219 Gunship                         44.95   24.95
25-1220 Space Quest II                  39.95   15.10
25-1229 Police Quest                    39.95   15.10
25-1230 GFL Football                    34.95   15.45
25-1233 FUNdamentals TL                 19.95   14.95
25-1235 Future Magic                    44.95   24.95
25-1236 FUNdamentals SL                 19.95   14.95
25-1250 DeskMate  3                     99.95   44.95
25-1270 Pirates                         29.95    6.85
25-1509 Guide to Personal DeskMate  2   19.95    2.75
26-3054 Silpheed                        29.95   19.95
26-3104 Spectaculator                   29.95   14.95
26-3106 Personal Fin. II                29.95    9.95
26-3160 A Mazing World M. Mortar        29.95   14.95
26-3162 Rad Warrior                     29.95   19.95
26-3171 Super Pitfall                   29.95   19.95
26-3172 GFL Football                    29.95   19.95
26-3189 BASIC-O9 Tour Guide             14.95    9.95
26-3243 Where In The World Is Carmen?   34.95   17.95
26-3247 Mickey's Space Adventure        24.95   19.95
26-3259 DeskMate  CoCo                  59.95   39.95
26-3271 Micro-Mission                   29.95   19.95
26-3273 Home Publisher                  39.95   19.95
26-3275 Dynacalc                        99.95   39.95
26-3276 Phantomgraph                    39.95   19.95
26-3277 Color Computer Artist           29.95   19.95
26-3286 Zone Runner                     29.95   14.95
26-3293 Ghana Bwana                     29.95   11.95
26-3296 The Interbank Incident          29.95   19.95
26-3297 Rogue                           29.95   14.95
26-3298 Koronis Rift                    29.95   14.95
26-3299 Rescue On Fractalus             29.95   14.95
        
 
ADDITIONAL FOR 01Zs/COMPUTER CENTERS:
 
Tandy  3000 NL Computer
 
Cat.No. Description     Reg Price       Sale
25-4072 Tandy 3000 NL   1,699.00        999.00
 
Here's a complete package:
 
Cat.No. Description     Reg Price       Sale
25-4072 Tandy 3000 NL
25-4058 Hard drive controller
25-4062 20 MB Hard disk drive
25-3049 Monochrome graphics adapter
25-3012 VM-5 Monochrome monitor
           System       2,817.85        1,767.90
 
This system is perfect as a stand-alone workstation
for accounting and productivity applications.
It will be featured in the March flyer.
 
And, our new advertising campaign features the system below
at under $110 per month (on a TCL lease):
 
25-4072 Tandy  3000 NL
25-3012 VM-5 Monochrome Monitor
25-3049 Display Adapter
25-4062 20 MB Hard Drive
25-4058 Hard Drive Controller
 
        System  1,767.90
 
26-2818 DMP 300 Printer                      499.00
26-0227 Printer Cable                         34.95
MS-DOS  Classroom Training                   129.95
On-Site Installation/Delivery (50 miles)     350.00
25-1287 Real World 4-in-1 Accounting         249.95
25-4109 MS-DOS                               119.95
 
        Total Business Solution Price   3,151.70
            (plus applicable tax)
        Lease for 36 mo. with TCL for   106.22
 
 
Tandy  4000 Computer
 
Cat.No. Description     Reg Price       Sale
25-5000 Tandy 4000      2,799.00        1,999.00
 
Here's a complete package:
 
Cat.No. Description     Reg Price       Sale
25-5000 Tandy 4000
25-4058 Hard Drive Controller
25-4062 20 MB Hard Disk Drive
25-3049 Monochrome Graphics Adapter
25-3012 VM-5 Monochrome Monitor
           System       3,917.85        2,767.90
 
 
Tandy  4000 LX Computer
 
Cat.No. Description     Reg Price       Sale
25-5100 Tandy 4000 LX   3,999.00        2,999.00
 
Here's a complete package:
 
Cat.No. Description     Reg Price       Sale
25-5100 Tandy 4000 LX
25-4058 Hard Drive Controller
25-4062 20 MB Hard Disk Drive
25-3049 Monochrome Graphics Adapter
25-3012 VM-5 Monochrome Monitor
           System       5,117.85        3,767.90
 
Put your "best foot forward" by making sure your floor samples
are attractive and functional.
A 25-4079 tape backup,
along with the SCO XENIX Demo should be installed on your 4000 LX.
The Tandy 4000 and 4000 LX both make super XENIX systems.
 
 
Tandy  4000 SX Floor Sample Sale
 
The Tandy 4000 SX (25-4900) now carries a special SOWG price of $1,999.00.
This $600 savings off its regular price of $2,599.00 will go a long way towards
helping you move out the 4000 SX to make room for the new products.
 
Cat.No. Description     Reg Price       Sale
25-4900 Tandy 4000 SX   2,599.00        1,999.00
 
This price includes all store inventory, including floor samples.
The warehouse is out of stock on the 4000 SX,
so make sure that each and every customer interested in a '386 sx machine
is offered this outstanding limited time value.
 
 
Hard Drives on Sale
 
Additionally, the following hard drive/controller prices
should allow you to add a hard disk drive to every business computer sale:
 
Hard Drives
Cat.No.         Description     Reg Price       Sale
250-4062        20 MB HD          599.00       349.00
250-4057        40 MB (40ms) HD   799.00       449.00
250-4067        70 MB HD        1,499.00       699.00
 
Hard Drives & Controllers
Cat.No.         Description             Reg Price       Sale
250-4062/4058   20 MB HD/Cntrlr           848.95        499.00
250-4057/4058   40 MB (40ms) HD/Cntrlr  1,048.95        599.00
250-4067/4058   70 MB HD/Cntrlr         1,748.95        799.00
 
MOM-03-90
DESKMATE FORM FINISHER:
The Finishing Touch for Printed Forms
 
DeskMate Form Finisher (25-1295) from Power Up!
Software automates a task that office workers face every day:
typing information into preprinted forms.
Its features make this task quick and easy, because you can type
the information directly into the form or pull the information from
existing data files.
 
Installation
 
DeskMate Form Finisher takes full advantage of DeskMate's powerful
installation features.
It will be displayed in the `transparent'
AUTOCONFIG box on the DeskMate Desktop on a floppy system.
It will also
install itself to a hard disk automatically when the Desktop's Install
<F7> menu option is chosen.
This easy installation makes the initial
experience with DeskMate Form Finisher a very positive one.
 
Running the Program
 
There are three main steps involved in running DeskMate Form Finisher:
setting up the form, filling in the data, and printing out the form.
You need to set up each form only once because it is stored for later use.
 
Setting Up the Form
 
The first step in setting up the form is selecting its size.
A standard Federal Express form, for example, is 8 inches by 5    inches.
To describe this form, you would start by typing in these dimensions.
 
Next you print the DeskMate Form Finisher grid onto the form.
The printed grid lets you determine the location of each field on the form.
(These field locations are specified by the number of columns
right and the number of rows down from the upper left corner of the form.)
 
Then you define the form by typing in the name, type, location, and
width of each field.
After defining all the fields into which you will be printing data,
you place a blank form in the printer to run a test print.
Then make any adjustments to the form.
Finally, save the form using the
Save option under the File <F2> menu.
 
Once this form is defined and saved, it is always available.
Any time you want to print information onto this particular form,
simply pull up the form, fill in the information, and print it!
 
Filling in the Form
 
The real time saving comes when you fill out the form.
DeskMate Form Finisher gives you several ways of getting information
into the form -- and only one involves keying the information in!
 
But that is the first way.
You can simply use the TAB key to move from
field to field, typing in the data for each field as you go.
 
You can also define boilerplate data that will be used in every printed
copy of certain forms.
Looking at the Federal Express example again, you would define
your account number and return address as boilerplate data.
When you pull up the form, your account number and return address will
appear automatically in the appropriate fields when you press <CTRL>-<C>.
Are you starting to see the time savings?
 
The next kind of field is the calculated field.
This will contain data that is calculated from numbers
you have entered in other fields.
For example, if you are filling out an invoice form, you can have the
subtotals and totals calculated from the quantities and unit costs.
This helps you maintain accuracy while speeding the invoicing process!
 
The fourth way to fill in a form is to retrieve information from a
database management program.
DeskMate Form Finisher allows you to pull
data directly from DeskMate's Address Book, DeskMate's Filer, and dBase
III Plus and dBase IV files.
 
The process of assigning a field in a database file to a field in the
form is quite simple.
First you give the filename of the database file to be used.
Then you select a `key' field which the program will use for
searching information.
(For example, if you are using DeskMate's Address Book,
you might select the addressee's last name or company name as the
unique field on which to search.)
 
Next you tell DeskMate Form Finisher which database fields to associate
with which fields in the form.
A single screen allows you to identify the file and to match these fields.
 
To retrieve information from the data file, simply type the information
in the key field.
For example, you might type "Cox Oil Company" in the
company name field.
DeskMate Form Finisher then automatically goes to
the data file and pulls in the address, city, state, and zip of that
company.
This database file retrieval can be a real timesaver when the
information you need is already stored in a data file!
 
Printing on the Form
 
Once you have designed the form and filled in the data, printing is a
breeze.
Simply place the blank form in your printer and choose the
`Print record' option under the File <F2> menu.
The appropriate information will be printed in each field on the form.
It's that easy!
 
The Target Customer for DeskMate Form Finisher
 
DeskMate Form Finisher is appropriate for anyone who needs to fill out
forms, especially when the same forms are used over and over.
This would include many home offices and other small businesses that are
partially but not fully computerized.
These may include doctors' and
dentists' offices, veterinarians, insurance agencies, real estate
offices, and other similar small businesses.
 
Many of these businesses will have data files containing client
information, product information, or inventory, but they also rely on
certain paper forms as a routine part of their business.
DeskMate Form
Finisher helps these small business people more fully automate their
business using the information they already have in their data files.
 
For home offices and small businesses that do not have their data
computerized, DeskMate Form Finisher offers a convenient way to
"boilerplate" some of their forms.
 
Another market for DeskMate Form Finisher is the department manager in a
large organization who can buy software on an expense account.
This person will often buy software for use in his department.
Since most large companies have data stored in data files, the file
extraction features of DeskMate Form Finisher may be especially
appealing to this customer.
 
Marketing Considerations
 
You can market DeskMate Form Finisher as a program that will save your
customer time and thereby save money.
Any customer who uses preprinted forms can benefit.
Your customers will no longer have to type information into complex
forms -- no more constantly readjusting
the form in the typewriter to line up the printing.
 
Leslie Larson, Director of Marketing for Power Up! Software says,
"DeskMate Form Finisher makes filling in pre-printed
business forms a breeze.
You'll never fuss with a typewriter and correcting fluid again.
What's more, the forms you use to run your business every day will look
as finished and professional as possible."
 
The customer benefits are especially pronounced if the forms require
repeated entry of identical data or if the data is already in dBase III
Plus, dBase IV, DeskMate Address Book, or DeskMate Filer data files.
The time and dollar savings can be immense.
 
At $39.95, DeskMate Form Finisher's price is right!
Sell it without reservations -- your customers will thank you for improving
their efficiency.
Besides making a sale, you'll make a friend that will
probably be back for more!
 
MOM-03-90
THE CREDIT LINE
Direct to you from Tandy  credit
departments -- Commercial Credit, Tandy Computer Leasing , and RSVP .
 
 
Commercial Credit
 
The Radio Shack Commercial Credit application currently in use is
Form Number F-66, which was last revised in October 1987.
The application is in three (3) parts:  A white copy (Credit department copy),
a yellow copy (store disposition copy), and a pink copy (suspense copy).
The white and yellow copies should be forwarded to the
Commercial Credit Department, P.O. Box 1052, Ft. Worth, TX  76101.
The pink copy should be retained by the originating store
and used for follow-up if necessary.
 
Upon receipt of an application from a potential Commercial Charge Customer,
the store should review the application to insure that all blanks
have been completed and the application has been signed.
Be sure to place your store number in the appropriate section
and forward the application per the above instructions.
 
When the application is received by the Credit department,
both copies are date stamped.
Average processing time is ten (10) to fifteen (15) working days
after receipt of the application by the Credit department
and is dependent on the size of the company and the availability of
credit history.
We utilize Dun and Bradstreet,
TRW Commercial Credit and various consumer credit bureaus in our analysis.
Sometimes it may be necessary to call the store or customer
to obtain additional trade and bank references to assist us with our analysis.
 
Once a credit decision has been reached, the yellow copy of the
application is returned to the originating store.
In addition to account number, name, address and line of credit,
the application contains important information for your store
and should be filed for ready reference when selling to a
Commercial Charge customer.
 
more on this subject next month.....
 
 
Tandy Computer Leasing
 
It's a question asked by most prospective leasees:
"When the lease expires, can I buy the equipment if I want to?"
YOU BET...!
 
There's still some confusion though, over the formula to
determine the leasee's cost to assume ownership at that time.
A stated percentage of original equipment cost (OEC) is locked
in at the lease start by completing a purchase option form (FO-141).
Here's how it works:
 
LEASE TERM      END OF LEASE BUYOUT
24 mos. 15%
36 mos. 12%
48 mos. 8%
 
IT'S AN EASY BUYOUT since, as with the lease itself,
it generally does not require `DEEP POCKETS',
e.g.: equipment totaling $3,500 is leased for 36 mos.
The security deposit is about $240.
At expiration,
the leasee can opt to purchase the equipment for 12% of $3,500, or $420.
The security deposit credit of $240 is applied to that amount
for a balance due of just $180!
 
FORM FACT -- A Third Party Waiver form,
required for all outside vendor products included in a TCL lease,
is now mandatory for Express Order  (90 series) software, as well.
This form is now included in Complete Document Packets (FO-150)
and can also be ordered separately.
It is identified by the `TCL-2 REV. 2/90' appearing
on the bottom right side of the document.
When submitting a lease credit application which includes Express Order
and/or Third Party Vendor products, be sure to note that fact.
 
 
RSVP
 
The key to the success of any retail business is customer satisfaction.
What better way to promote success than to make sure your customer
leaves the store with correct information about RSVP benefits!
 
It is important that you, `the salesmaker,'
educate yourself with the rules and state regulations.
 
INSURANCE -- RSVP offers an excellent insurance package to customers.
Different benefits are offered for each state; for example,
Disability and Unemployment Benefits.
In some states, if you become disabled or involuntarily unemployed,
Charge Gard will make your customer's scheduled minimum payment,
but not in every state.
You need to know if this is true in your state.
 
INTEREST RATES -- BE SURE to quote the correct interest rate to the customer.
Again, be particularly observant of the state in which the customer
resides,
as this is the determining factor of which interest rate to utilize:
not the state where the sale is being made.
 
These benefits are summarized on the Security Agreement.
Familiarize yourself with the regulations in your state by
reading the appropriate section -- it will outline exactly what is covered,
as well as its limitations.
 
Being aware of this basic information, you will feel more
confident in your knowledge
(which will reflect in your presentation of the RSVP benefits),
and help to promote customer satisfaction!
 
NOTICE TO STORES IN OKLAHOMA -- It is stated on the new credit
applications that property claims are no longer covered in your state.
NOTICE TO STORES IN TEXAS -- The maximum age of coverage for life
benefits is 65 years of age.
 
MOM-03-90
STOCK FILE CHANGES   LATE DATES
 
Listed below are the new items that appear in the 1990 Catalogs
which have not yet arrived at the warehouses.
Also included are the dates the merchandise is expected to be available
at the warehouses.
 
The dates listed in this section are based on the latest available information,
and are updated monthly.
While they may not be 100% accurate, they are the best estimate we have
at this time.
 
The dates listed here should be your ONLY reference for availability of
cataloged items.
Ft. Worth Computer Support Services or Ft. Worth Computer Merchandising
will not have any dates other than the ones shown here.
 
 
1990 Tandy Computer Catalog - RSC-21A
 
Cat. #          Description                      Date
250-1042        2-Button Mouse (PS/2 version)   3/15/90
250-1266        HomeWord II                     3/30/90
250-1314        DacEasy Accounting DM           UNSCHED
250-1316        Paint Show Plus                 3/30/90
250-3063        Tandy FaxMate                   3/30/90
250-3555        2400 bps modem/2800 HD          3/30/90
250-5110        4020/4025 LX Tech Reference     CANC
                (will be carried in National Parts
                as MT2505110)
250-5130        Tandy  4033 LX                  3/30/90
 
260-0132        9  " x 11" Blank 18#, pk 1000   3/15/90
260-0133        9  " x 11" Blank 18#, pk 2600   3/15/90
260-0136        14-7/8 x 11 Bluebar 15#,pk1000  3/15/90
260-0553        Dust Cover DMP 240              3/15/90
 
900-2456        Arnet Multiport/2               CANC
 
903-1578        SCO Image Builder (386)         3/30/90
 
 
Express Order  Software Buyer's Guide RSC-21S
 
Cat. #          Description              Date
250-1266        HomeWord II             3/30/90
250-1314        Dac Easy Accounting DM  UNSCHED
250-1316        Paint Show Plus         3/30/90
 
900-2750        PC Paintbrush 4 Plus    3/30/90
900-3269        Prof Plan               3/15/90
 
903-1224        CO/Session              3/15/90
903-1324        OSAS Retail POS         4/30/90
903-1578        SCO Image Builder (386) 3/15/90
903-1480        CO/Session Application  3/15/90
903-1481        CO/Session Support      3/15/90
903-1589        Off Portfolio Manager   3/30/90
903-1594        Samna + IV              4/30/90
903-1599        Off Portfolio Suite     3/30/90
903-2834        UFO                     3/30/90
903-2835        Instant Locator         3/30/90
903-2838        Scenery Disk - Hawaii   3/30/90
 
905-1295        OSAS Purc Order         3/30/90
905-1309        OSAS Res Mgr OS/2       3/30/90
905-1313        OSAS Payroll - DOS      4/30/90
905-1320        OSAS Mtls Mgmt - DOS    CANC
905-1321        OSAS Mfg Job - DOS      CANC
905-1322        OSAS Proj Est - DOS     CANC
905-1323        OSAS Time Bill - DOS    CANC
905-1324        OSAS Retail POS         3/30/90
905-1388        Session XL              3/15/90
905-1480        CO/Session Application  3/15/90
905-1481        CO/Session Support      3/15/90
905-2834        UFO                     3/30/90
905-2835        Instant Locator         3/30/90
905-2838        Scenery Disk - Hawaii   3/30/90
 
 
1990 Educational Products Guide RSC-21E
 
Cat. #          Description                   Date
900-5613        First Choice School LAN      3/30/90
900-5614        First Pub Art Pack School    3/30/90
900-5646        Weather Flight               3/30/90
900-5653        Joshua's Reading Machine     3/30/90
900-5654        Once Upon a Time             3/30/90
900-5655        Stepping Stones I            3/30/90
900-5656        Stepping Stones II           3/30/90
900-5657        See the U.S.A.               3/30/90
900-5661        DLM Early Childhood Series   3/30/90
900-5684        Scenario Workstation SCM     3/30/90
900-5685        Scenario Toolbox SCM         3/30/90
900-5700        Prof Plan School             3/30/90
900-5726        Number Farm                  3/30/90
900-5727        Alphabet Circus              3/30/90
900-5728        Comparison Kitchen           3/30/90
900-5742        Once Upon a Time II          3/30/90
900-5743        PC LOGO                      3/15/90
 
903-5621        Child Count Reporter         3/15/90
903-5622        Referral Manager             3/15/90
903-5623        IEP/Objective Mgr            3/15/90
903-5624        Student DB Mgmt              3/15/90
903-5635        Weather Flight               3/15/90
903-5637        Concept Mapping              CANC
903-5638        Vee Diagramming              CANC
903-5639        Statistics Tutor             CANC
903-5640        Population Genetics Simlator CANC
903-5658        Math Blaster Plus            3/30/90
903-5659        Word Attack Plus             4/30/90
903-5660        Homeworker                   3/30/90
903-5673        Double Up                    3/30/90
903-5674        Mark-Up                      3/30/90
903-5675        Proteus                      3/30/90
903-5676        Rhubarb                      3/30/90
903-5677        Sequitur                     3/30/90
903-5678        Text Tangler                 3/30/90
903-5686        Timeliner                    3/15/90
903-5710        SchoolWorks: States & Presidents 3/15/90
903-5711        Testlab 2000                 3/30/90
 
905-5635        Weather Flight               3/15/90
905-5637        Concept Mapping              CANC
905-5638        Vee Diagramming              CANC
905-5639        Statistics Tutor             CANC
905-5640        Population Genetics Simulatr CANC
905-5658        Math Blaster Plus            3/30/90
905-5659        Word Attack Plus             4/30/90
905-5660        Homeworker                   3/30/90
905-5673        Double Up                    3/30/90
905-5674        Mark-Up                      3/30/90
905-5675        Proteus                      3/30/90
905-5676        Rhubarb                      3/30/90
905-5677        Sequitur                     3/30/90
905-5678        Text Tangler                 3/30/90
905-5686        Timeliner                    3/15/90
905-5710        SchoolWorks: States & Presidents 3/15/90
905-5711        Testlab 2000                 3/30/90
 
MOM-03-90
PRICE CHANGES
 
These price changes have become effective since the new RSC-21A
catalog was finalized:
 
                                                         OLD     NEW
CAT. #          DESCRIPTION                             PRICE   PRICE
900-1331        LapLink III                            139.95  149.95
900-2285        Innova "Swinger" Monitor Platform       49.95   39.95
 
MOM-03-90
PRODUCTS CANCELED, DISCONTINUED
AND REPLACED
 
CAT. #  DESCRIPTION
 
DISCONTINUED
250-4100        MS OS/2 Version 1.0
250-5200        SCO XENIX 2.2.4
903-1351        Mace hTest/hFormat
905-1351        Mace hTest/hFormat
 
CANCELED
900-2456        Arnet Multiport/2               CANC
905-1320        OSAS Mtls Mgmt - DOS            CANC
905-1321        OSAS Mfg Job - DOS              CANC
905-1322        OSAS Proj Est - DOS             CANC
905-1323        OSAS Time Bill - DOS            CANC
903/5-5637      Concept Mapping                 CANC
903/5-5638      Vee Diagramming                 CANC
903/5-5639      Statistics Tutor                CANC
903/5-5640      Population Genetics Simulator   CANC
 
MOM-03-90
MS OS/2 V1.0 SUFFICIENT QUANTITIES
STILL AVAILABLE
 
Several inquiries for MS OS/2 V1.0 (25-4100) were received after it
was discontinued at TSDC.
Sufficient quantities of the product are readily available in Computer
Center inventories to meet customer demand, pending the release of MS OS/2
version 1.2.
Contact your district manager if you are unable to locate
this product to fill customer orders.
 
You may assure your MS OS/2 customers that their investment
in the product is protected by an upgrade policy that will
provide a low cost upgrade from version 1.0 to version 1.2
when available.
 
Radio Shack is currently waiting on final release of the MS
OS/2 version 1.2 product by Microsoft Corp.
This version is not available through any channel at the present time.
 
MOM-03-90
3COM 3S/402 SERVER -- NEW PRICE
 
The price of the 3Com 3S/402 Server (26-5555) has been significantly reduced to
competitively position the product against the new 3Com 3S/511 server.
Unit cost was adjusted to reflect the
same gross margin to the store prior to the price reduction.
 
PREVIOUS SELLING PRICE: $14,995
NEW SELLING PRICE: $10,495
 
3Com Servers
Features                  3S/402  3S/511
Processor                 80386   80386
Hard Drive                320 MB  320 MB
RAM                       2 MB    2 MB
Tape Drive                150 MB  250 MB
Bundled Software          None    3+Share
Price                    $10,495 $14,495
 
900-1679 3+Share for 3S/402 ($2,995)
 
MOM-03-90
EXCESS INVENTORY
 
In reviewing store inventories we've noticed that on-hand store quantities
for some items are far in excess of what is required to support
sales of those items.
 
Managers, make sure that any of the items in this list that you
have on hand are available to be sold and/or transferred.
Should you need one of these items,
contact your regional office before you order one from the warehouse.
 
District and Regional Sales Managers should work to insure that we reduce
our store inventories on these items.
 
These items are to be transferred at unit cost plus 6.25% for
warehouse handling.
Prices shown are current unit and retail for ICST/sale purposes.
 
Cat. #  Description                  Current Unit Current Retail
25-1028 Trackstar 128                   46.71      77.85
25-3046 Monochrome Text Adapter         40.50      67.50
25-3048 EGA Video Adapter               98.12     249.95
25-4034 Serial/Parallel Adapter         55.22     149.95
25-4035 EGM-1 EGA Monitor              298.53     499.00
25-4039 Dual Port Serial Adapter        38.50      99.95
25-4043 VGA Adapter                    115.50     299.95
25-4100 MS OS/2 V1.1                   175.02     325.00
26-2813 DWP 230 Tractor Feed            40.76      99.95
26-3651 PC4/5/6 Cassette Interface      16.57      39.95
26-3652 PC4/5/6 Printer                 43.80      99.95
26-5435 EtherLink                      245.03     495.00
26-6504 Passive Arcnet Hub              26.90      69.95
 
Item is discontinued and no longer in stock in any warehouse.
 
MOM-03-90
TANDY COMPUTERS...BECAUSE THERE IS STILL NO BETTER VALUE
 
This is not just a slogan, but a fact.
 
We have been telling this story loud and clear
in all of our computer advertising.
We used it to introduce the latest 1990 Tandy computers.
And even though the Christmas selling season wasn't all
that we hoped it would be,
it was still MUCH BETTER than the rest of the industry!
 
In fact, for the fourth quarter,
Tandy Computers garnered 21% of the market for personal computers
sold at retail in the U.S. (number 1 market share!),
and for the entire year,
Tandy Computers represented 15% -- up from 14% last year.
 
While we are still not satisfied with our performance
(and you must agree,
since we are already off to a great start this year in improving
our computer business even more), don't get frustrated.
 
There is still no better value
than a Tandy Computer -- and you continue
to demonstrate this each year.
Let's make 1990 the best year ever!
 
Attached to this issue of the M.O.M. are several charts
showing market share
in the computer industry -- reprinted with permission from InfoCorp.
 
MOM-03-90
TWO GREAT VALUE PACKS...SAME LOW PRICE!
 
Here is your opportunity to make a software sale to almost
every computer owner that walks in the door.
We have put together two HOT value packs for you to sell
in March and April.
Both require 512K and a 3 " disk drive, so these packages are
ideal for anyone who bought a computer from you this past holiday season.
BIG flyer and insert support will guarantee that customers will be beating
a path to your door.
 
The catalog number for the Entertainment pack is 25-1340
(representing a total manufacturer's suggested retail price of $129.85), and
the catalog number for the Education pack is 25-1341
(representing $114.85 worth of software at MSRP).
The Education package is perfect for children ages 3-8.
 
Now, here's the exciting part -- both packages are
special purchases and are to be sold at only $69.95 each.
At this low price we are going head to head against our competition.
 
The Entertainment value pack contains:
 
    Bubble Bobble -- one of the top Nintendo hits,
    now available for the PC.
    We will be one of the first retailers to offer this product.
    Manufacturer's suggested retail $34.95
 
    Hero's Quest -- Sierra On-line's latest adventure and
    one of the top selling games in our competitor's hit lists.
    This game is the anchor product in this Value Pack
    with a suggested retail of $59.95.
    Loyal Sierra fans will scoop this up!
 
    Welltris -- is the hot new sequel to
    the extremely popular TETRIS.
    It's Tetris times four with its two dimensional playing field.
    Manufacturer's suggested retail $34.95.
 
The Education value pack contains:
 
    The Playroom -- the newest title from Broderbund which
    is already topping the sales charts.
    It's great fun that teaches the child without their even knowing it!
    Manufacturer's suggested retail $44.95.
 
    Math & Me -- is a great math game and teaching tool
    from one of the leaders in educational software.
    Davidson & Associates prides itself on proven studies that show
    their products actually help students get better grades.
    Manufacturer's suggested retail $29.95.
 
    Reading & Me -- is also from Davidson & Associates.
    It teaches the reading skills crucial for a good education.
    Manufacturer's suggested retail $39.95
 
We have included a great description and even some reviewer's
quotes on the back of the boxes, so the packages don't need to be opened.
DO YOURSELVES A FAVOR, and do not open them!
Save yourself from having to make an opened package a manager's special
in six months.
No one wants to buy a package that looks like it has been used.
 
While we had some initial shipping problems, they are now cleared up.
You can order both Value Packs from your Regional Warehouses.
 
MOM-03-90
Press Release  
RADIO SHACK, COMPTON'S OFFER TOTAL
HARDWARE, SOFTWARE FOR ELECTRONIC
MULTIMEDIA ENCYCLOPEDIA
 
February 26, 1990
 
FORT WORTH, TX -- Radio Shack , a division of Tandy Corporation,
is pleased to announce that Britannica Software, Inc. has chosen
Tandy  computers, because of their unique suitability,
as the exclusive hardware platform on which to market
its interactive Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia  (CMME)
to the education and library markets.
 
Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia contains the complete text
of the 26-volume print version of Compton's Encyclopedia.
CMME also features 15,000 photographs, many in full color,
animated sequences; 60 minutes of sound; 5,800 maps, charts and graphs;
an audio glossary with 1,500 words;
an innovative search and retrieval system; mouse-driven commands;
and, the complete Webster's Intermediate Dictionary
from Merriam-Webster, Inc. -- all on a single, five-inch CD-ROM disk.
 
By the end of March, this exciting product will be on display in,
and available for sale through,
more than 700 Radio Shack Computer Centers,
Radio Shack Plus Computer Centers  and participating dealers nationwide.
 
Radio Shack's educational sales force will also actively support
the marketing efforts of Encyclopaedia Britannica Educational Corporation.
 
The recently announced Tandy  2500 XL personal computer
has been chosen as the exclusive hardware platform
on which Britannica will market the stand-alone version of CMME.
The 2500 XL's features include an 80286 microprocessor,
one megabyte of internal memory, 16-bit VGA graphics, mouse port,
and built-in advanced high-fidelity sound capabilities.
The 2500 XL also accepts a 5 -inch, internal CD-ROM drive,
making it ideal to run an interactive,
multimedia product like CMME without the need for external hardware options.
 
The Tandy 2500 XL computer features the MS-DOS  3.3 operating system
and Tandy's DeskMate  interface in permanent Read Only Memory (ROM),
making it one of the easiest to use computers.
Britannica Software and Tandy officials stressed that the 2500 XL displays
an organized `desktop,' displaying all of the user's available
software programs -- including CMME -- for simple
`point-and-click' selection.
 
"The 2500 XL's unique attributes complement the multimedia features
of CMME," said Dr. Stanley D. Frank, president of Britannica Software, Inc.
"Because the 2500 XL is extremely easy to use,
little or no prior computer knowledge is needed."
 
Howard Elias, vice president of Radio Shack Computer Merchandising,
said, "Those who see Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia
for the first time are amazed by its exceptional capabilities.
The 2500 XL is one of the only personal computers available today
that can exploit CMME's unique features.
The two products are an exciting combination.
This is the first widely available PC-based multimedia application,
and it's delivered on a Tandy computer through Radio Shack Computer Centers."
 
Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia is published by Britannica Software, Inc.,
a subsidiary of Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
 
Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia is a trademark of the
Compton's Learning Co., a division of Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
MS-DOS is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
 
MOM-03-90
CMME TO BE FEATURED IN 11S AND ZS
Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia is to be featured in
Radio Shack Computer Centers and Computer Departments
 
On February 27, at the 5th Annual CD-ROM Conference in San Francisco,
Encyclopedia Britannica presented an agreement with Radio Shack
for joint marketing of Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia (CMME)
with Tandy computers.
 
What is Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia?
 
You may remember Compton's Encyclopedia
from the shelves of your school library.
It has now been made into an experience in information,
graphics and sound delivered on a CD-ROM.
(CD-ROM is a computer medium that looks identical to audio compact disks.
Each CD-ROM can store 550 megabytes of read-only information.
This information can be accessed by a computer when a CD-ROM drive
has been attached to or installed in the computer.)
 
As the preceding press release states, this encyclopedia features photographs,
maps and charts, animated sequences, voice and other audio, an audio glossary,
Webster's Intermediate Dictionary,
and the complete text of Compton's Encyclopedia -- all on one CD-ROM!
 
Running the Software
 
From the MAIN MENU screen for Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia
you can gain access to articles, pictures,
and illustrations from the encyclopedia, view animations,
and hear recordings of spoken text, music, and other sounds.
 
Four areas along each side of the screen represent
the eight unique Entry Paths.
The area along the bottom of the MAIN MENU screen is called the Prompt Line.
It contains clickspots that let you take notes, ask for help, or exit.
 
The IDEA SEARCH entry path helps you find information about any
topic you want to explore.
In this path, you can ask a question or describe a topic,
and the computer will search for articles related to your search request.
 
The TITLE FINDER entry path gives you an alphabetical list
of all of the articles in the encyclopedia.
You can choose the title of an article from the list,
or type in a title you would like to find.
 
The TOPIC TREE entry path divides the articles in the
encyclopedia into topics and subtopics.
You can browse these lists until you find an article you would like to see.
 
The PICTURE EXPLORER entry path lets you view pictures that are
in the encyclopedia.
 
The U.S. HISTORY TIMELINE entry path lets you browse along a
timeline that contains references to important people and events
in American history since 1492.
 
The WORLD ATLAS entry path begins by drawing maps of the Earth.
You can also use the Place Finder to choose a place you want to
see from an alphabetical list or to type the name of the place
you want to see.
 
The SCIENCE FEATURE ARTICLES entry path gives you a menu of 20
science articles that have been enhanced with sound,
illustrations, animations, and additional text.
 
The RESEARCHER'S ASSISTANT entry path contains
a set of research assignments dealing with 100 different topics.
 
Why Run It on the Tandy  2500 XL?
 
This system is a perfect match for the Tandy 2500 XL.
The 2500 XL has the unique combination of built-in 16-bit VGA graphics,
an 8-bit DAC sound system, a front 5 " drive bay
for the internal CD-ROM drive, and one megabyte of memory.
And don't forget that it has DOS and DeskMate  in ROM which means
instant-on performance and ease of use.
These features make this computer a nearly perfect multimedia platform,
and this multimedia application takes full advantage of each of these features.
 
The Hardware and Software Configuration
 
This is the equipment needed to set up this software:
 
Description              Cat. #  Catalog Price
Tandy  2500 XL          25-4074 1,499.00
Internal CD-ROM drive   25-1081   895.00
VGM-200 monitor         25-4041   499.95
40 meg hard drive       25-4123   649.00
PS/2 style mouse        25-1042    49.95
 
Hardware System Price           3,592.90
If configured by TSI               40.00
TSP on this configuration
    (1st year carry-in)           223.50
 
Total investment               $3,856.40
 
CMME software (CD-ROM disk,
    sold thru EBEC)               895.00
Complete solution              $4,751.40
 
Who Gets the Demo Systems
 
Complete demonstration systems have been shipped to selected
Computer Centers in the top 12 markets.
Other Computer Centers will receive their systems by the end of March.
 
01Zs will receive a CD-ROM drive and the Compton's software
by the end of March as well.
You will need to use a Tandy 2500 XL and a hard disk from your inventory.
 
What Is Our Agreement with Britannica?
 
The Encyclopedia Britannica sales force is now a VAR
which is selling the hardware/software combination to the K-12 school market,
featuring exclusively Tandy hardware.
Also, Radio Shack will demonstrate this exciting product
in all Computer Centers and in Radio Shack stores with computer departments.
If a system is sold through a Radio Shack outlet,
Radio Shack gets the hardware sale and the software sale is `passed through'
to Encyclopedia Britannica.
(There will be additional detailed information provided to you on how
to order and write sales.)
 
The Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia is the most exciting
and innovative application we have seen in years.
The quality of this product, along with the way it takes full advantage
of the features of our Tandy 2500 XL computer,
will result in many computer sales if YOU use it to its fullest advantage!
 
MOM-03-90
WHAT IS A COMPUTER FAX?
 
The facsimile market (FAX) has been growing rapidly during the past
few years.
It has now reached the point where it has become economically
possible to add FAX capabilities to a user's PC, and more important,
the software to accomplish this task has become much easier to use
thanks to Tandy FaxMate .
 
Let's look at a typical situation where someone who also uses a PC
wants to send a letter across the country by using a standard FAX machine.
The steps required would be:
 
1. Create the letter using a PC and favorite word processing software.
 
2. Print the letter to a printer in letter quality mode.
 
3. Take the letter across the office to the stand alone FAX machine.
 
4. Manually fill out a FAX Transmittal Sheet with pen/pencil to
   describe the FAX.
 
5. Manually dial the phone number.
 
6. Put the letter into the FAX machine.
 
7. Wait to see if the other FAX machine answers.
 
   Now if the other FAX machine is busy, the user must wait a minute
   or so and repeat steps 4, 5 and 6 until the FAX machine answers.
 
8. Wait at the FAX machine until the complete letter has been
   sent to the other FAX machine, which could be a few minutes if the
   FAX contains multiple pages.
 
9. Pick up the letter and return to the office.
 
Now let's look at the same scene when using the Tandy FaxMate product:
 
1. Invoke the Tandy FaxMate software and tell it who to send
   the FAX to, phone number, and what time to send it.
 
2. Create (or load) the letter using a PC
   and your favorite word processing software.
 
3. Add graphs, graphics, scanned sheets, or other items to the
   FAX and then tell Tandy FaxMate to SEND.
 
That's all there is to it!
Tandy FaxMate will then take care of
creating the FAX Transmittal Sheet, dialing the phone at the correct time,
automatically feed the pages one at time to the answering FAX machine,
and hang up the phone.
And even better, if the answering FAX machine is busy or doesn't
answer,
Tandy FaxMate will retry the operation at a later time -- all without
the user even having to touch the keyboard.
 
In addition, using the advanced MS-DOS mode, Tandy FaxMate will keep
a log of the events, send the same FAX to multiple addresses
automatically, poll the answering system for return FAXs, and
receive and print incoming FAXs all at the same time.
 
And better yet, all these actions can take place in
background mode allowing the user to continue using the PC for other
tasks while FAXs are being transmitted and received.
 
The time savings alone for the user could be many minutes, not to
mention the savings in sanity when the other FAX machine is busy
most of the time.
 
In addition, Tandy FaxMate can be used to receive incoming FAXs
straight to a PC and for review right on the screen using the
Advanced MS-DOS features of Tandy FaxMate.
 
FAX capability in a PC is not for everyone.
It is designed to make it much easier for a single user to have
the capability of FAXing a document without having to do
everything required when using a stand alone FAX machine.
 
Is it time for PC FAXing?
You bet!
And the right package is Tandy FaxMate.
(25-3063  $349.95  Available 3/30/90)
 
MOM-03-90
IS A MODEM SALE WORTH 25 CENTS TO YOU?
 
Invest a quarter and watch your modems sales increase.
 
25 cents is all it costs for the special modem bundling version of
PC-Link (700-1355).
The product is a fantastic way to show off the usefulness
of a computer and a modem.
You should give one away with every modem sold.
It also makes a nice give-away to your special customers.
 
The bundle is available from TSDC in large quantities.
 
MOM-03-90
AN UPDATE - PUBLIC CONCERN OVER VDT/CRT SCREENS
 
Although there has been no new, concrete evidence presented in recent
studies, IBM announced in November a plan to "Reduce Radiation from
Future VDT Models."
An earlier piece in Newsweek (July 10, 1989) dealt
with a new book by Paul Brodeur, "Currents of Death: Power Lines,
Computer Terminals and the Attempt to Cover Up Their Threat to Your
Health.'
 
Addressing the last issue first, the apparent conclusion drawn by the
Newsweek writer was twofold...  First, many leading scientists are
admitting that they don't know all the answers about constant exposure
to power lines, and that further study is justified.
Second, that many
of the accusations of the author (referred to as `The New Yorker's
veteran public-health watchdog') are probably considerably overblown.
 
In a published report dated March 4, 1988, Environmental Research
Information, Inc. looked at more than a dozen research studies
performed in the 80's, addressing exposure to low-level, low-frequency
radiation.
 
Seven of these were done on chicken embryos.
"...five of these investigations
have reported that exposure to magnetic fields
produces increased malformations....  Nevertheless, it should be noted
that at least in (Dr. Jose) Delgado's laboratory (where three of the
seven were performed), most experiments conducted over a period of a
year show no effect, or a protective effect of magnetic field exposure
[reduced malformations], rather than an adverse effect [increased
malformations]."
 
The report goes on to explain that the relationship to
VDTs or to humans is highly tenuous.
 
The report also outlines a study at Karolinska Institute in Sweden, where
mice were exposed to the type of pulsed fields, and the frequencies of
radiation, normally found in VDTs.
At a level of 15 microtesla exposure
during the first 14 days of pregnancy, they found a "small but
statistically significant increase in the increase of external fetal
malformations in the exposed group, versus a control (non-exposed)
group."
 
The same experiment with a field intensity of 1 microtesla
showed no difference between the exposed and non-exposed groups.
The strength of the magnetic field in front of a VDT rarely exceeds 0.3
microtesla!
 
A follow-up study at the same facility produced different
results, while a subsequent study by the Swedish National Institute of
Radiation protection exposed mice to 20 KHz fields at 15 microtesla
intensity through 19 days of pregnancy, and found no statistically
significant difference in the control and exposed groups.
 
While all of this detail may be of little value to most of you, it does
illustrate the variety and character of the data at the root of this
issue.
It's highly inconclusive and variable.
 
Back to IBM's announcement...  Author Paul Brodeur told the Wall Street
Journal, "This move of IBM's is partial at best, and I think is a
public relations stunt at worst."
 
The New York Times' Peter Lewis reported in a December 10 article that
IBM's new units will be both less expensive and sharper than previous
models.
So, this technology may have presented IBM with other
production or marketing advantages.
Lewis also said the new monitors
will be available in the U.S., "only for mainframe and midrange
computer systems."
 
Our position hasn't changed.
Our merchandising and engineering people
continue to carefully monitor the issues and to be sensitive to
solutions.
We still don't see any evidence that indicates specific or
immediate action would produce any measurable benefit.
 
MOM-03-90
WHERE HAS ALL THE COCO SOFTWARE GONE?  TRY (800) 433-2024
 
    Do you have customers who purchased a Color Computer recently,
    or have owned one for a few years?
 
    Have you had a customer come in lately looking for software to run
    on his/her Color Computer?
 
    Have you looked at Pages 75-83 of the
    Express Order  Software Buyer's Guide,
    then tried to order the software through your POS
    and found it NOT THERE?
 
If you answered YES to any of these queries,
then the following information is good for your business.
 
Software for the Color Computers is alive
and AVAILABLE from Consumer Mail!
CoCo software that cannot be ordered over the POS can be ordered
by calling (800) 433-2024.
That's the CMC `hotline,' the same place where you order crystals, tubes,
hard-to-find batteries, and the police call guide for your area.
 
Once ordered, if the customer changes their mind or doesn't come in
to pick up the software,
simply return the unopened package within 30 days for full credit.
 
You'll find a listing of prices and stock numbers of available titles
in the red Consumer Mail binder, section E (the brown tab),
after printer ribbons, plotter pens, and replacement daisy wheels.
Remember, the phone call is `free,'
the order is returnable, and the software IS AVAILABLE.
So call (800) 433-2024 and satisfy your Color Computer customer while
adding SALES to your bottom line.
 
MOM-03-90
GAME TITLES AVAILABLE FOR GAMEBLASTER
 
We've had requests to publish a total list of the programs that take
advantage of the superior sound offered by the GameBlaster Sound Board
(25-1039).
 
This list includes titles not available at Radio
Shack as well, for your customers may be under the impression that if
they buy this board at Radio Shack, they can only buy software for it at
Radio Shack.
 
While we'd love our customers to believe Radio Shack is
the best place to buy software, some will stray and buy software from
another retailer.
It's to our advantage to know the number of companies
supporting the GameBlaster in order to sell it.
 
        Accolade                 Mictron
         Conspiracy               Air Ball
 
        Capcom                   Omnitrend
         Pocket Rockets           Breach 2
 
        Cosmi                    Origin
         Chomp                    Times of Lore
         Navy Seals
                                 Sierra On-Line
        Data East                 Code Name Iceman
         Monday Night Footbal     The Colonel's Request
                                  The Conquest of Camelot
        Electronic Arts           Hero's Quest
         Cartooner (Dec)          Hoyle's Book of Games
         Lakers vs. Celtics       King's Quest IV
         Budokan                  Leisure Suit Larry 2 
         Keef the Thief           Leisure Suit Larry 3
                                  Silpheed
        Lucasfilm                 Sorcerian
         Indiana Jones            Space Quest III    
         - Last Crusade 
         Battle Hawk
         Indy: The Graphic       Taito
         Loom (Jan)                Revenge of Dor
                                   Operation Wolf
        Mastertronics/Virgin
         Ray Trace vs Mega Death Aliens
         Excaliber
         Robin Hood
 
Thanks to Ed Stone, District Manager 01-0518 for initially suggesting
this article.
 
MOM-03-90
TANDY 1000 HX FLYING HIGH AT $299.00
 
The Tandy 1000 HX, on sale at $299.00,
is proving to be the hot computer for 1990.
Since the $299.00 price was announced, daily sales have quadrupled!
This is the price you asked for,
and we're going to continue promoting it in the flyers and in our other
advertising programs.
It is the HOT computer!
 
You can't beat a good value,
and an MS-DOS PC compatible at this low price
is making the competition sing the blues.
We want them to sing in unison,
so here are some ideas to keep the pressure on and the sales going.
 
First, look at your HX display.
How does it look?
Is it appealing to you?
If it's an old, obviously used unit, replace it with a fresh one.
Is the monitor hooked up and turned on?
Sure is easier to demo when it's ready to go.
And how about a demonstration program?
The HX demo is designed to show off the best features of the 1000 HX
and assist you in selling it.
Don't assume that it's running -- check on it every once in a while
to make sure a customer hasn't hit the HOLD button
and frozen it -- the next customer won't know
how to restart it and may assume equipment failure!
 
Make sure you know all the add-on accessories for the HX.
Items such as the 25-1062 Memory Adapter,
the 25-1060 5 " External Disk Drive and the 25-1018 bps Plus Modem.
Also remember the 26-1329 Monitor Platform
for those using the HX on a regular desktop.
 
As for signs, make sure the $299.00 sign is prominent on your display
(on top of the monitor) to attract the customer.
Also have the $598.95 HX/CM-5 sign to the right or left of the HX
on the bottom shelf of the workcenter desk.
 
And don't worry about selling too many -- we'll ship more!
 
MOM-03-90
GREAT AMERICAN SOFTWARE PHONE NUMBER CORRECTION
 
Great American Software, the vendor for the `One Write' accounting packages
has had an incorrect number printed in the Tandy Product Profiles
(and, for the SEs, on the master listing files on PC-Link).
 
The correct number to use for customer support of these packages is:
 
(800) 388-8000.
 
The packages currently shipping that are affected are:
 
903/5-2723 One Write Payroll
903/5-2724 One Write Plus Bundle
903/5-2725 One Write Plus
 
 
DISKETTES...Just the facts, ma'am.
 
How do Radio Shack diskettes compare in price and quality to other brands?
 
It's a matter of statistics.
Every diskette manufacturer intends to make every disk (both sides)
the highest quality possible.
But in reality,
a certain percentage of the disks will be manufactured to
industry standards (ANSI), a percentage below those standards
and a percentage above those standards.
All manufacturers exist to make a profit and do not like waste product
or product that has to be sold as non-premium.
There is more to the story...
 
Radio Shack insists that the diskettes we sell test to storage
and transportation temperatures of 140 degrees F;
ANSI storage temperature is 125 degrees F.
 
The ANSI clip level is 40; Radio Shack insists on clip level of 55.
This level will retain a higher percentage of the signal strength
recorded on the disk.
This means strong clear data signals that are well above
any background noise, without `missing bits.'
Customers who use Radio Shack diskettes don't encounter as many unsuccessful
computer read attempts, requiring multiple re-read passes.
The effect of multiple passes is that the computer may seem to bog down when
the real culprit is marginal magnetic media.
 
Additionally, quality diskettes result in fewer format error messages
of bad sectors which are not available for use.
Ultimately, the benefit is cost savings in reducing the number of
diskettes required to do the job.
 
How does Radio Shack know that a manufacturer is shipping low quality disks?
We (Radio Shack) double certify ALL diskettes.
A buying process works like this.
We receive a small quantity of disks and test them at the lab.
Assuming we receive a good lot and feel assured that the manufacturer
can deliver a quality product, a purchase order is issued.
When the order is received we do a quality control check and accept
or reject the lot.
The first lot is used internally for MS-DOS and DeskMate  duplication,
getting a 100% quality control check.
If we find a certain percent lower quality than our standard,
the whole lot goes back.
 
More importantly, the vendor now realizes that we have the equipment,
personnel, and commitment for quality control.
 
Manufacturers fall into two groups.
Group one is incapable of consistent quality.
This group is weeded out immediately.
Group two knows exactly what they are shipping and now have to
decide which customers get which grades.
This knowledgeable group soon realizes that we also know the difference.
When this happens and they realize we will accept only the `sirloin cut of
the beef,' the price sometimes goes up a penny or two.
Now that we know they can control their quality
and they know we will catch them if they do not,
we can depend on a steady supply of high quality disks from this manufacturer.
 
In addition to 55 clip level and our double certification of disks,
Radio Shack packages its diskettes in plastic boxes.
This assures that they arrive at the store lint-free and not bent
and that the customer has a safe storage box for recorded data.
 
Now, of course we only want to accent the positives when selling our products,
and we don't want to negative sell any of our competitors,
but there is an interesting question -- where do all the diskettes
that we won't accept go?
 
At Radio Shack, with this guaranteed quality and the current LOWERED prices,
you can truly say --
 
"Because there is STILL
no better value!"
 
MOM-03-90
IS IT DATA OR IS IT MUSIC?
 
Why should I sell a customer a CCR-83 Computer Cassette Recorder (26-1384)
rather than any of the standard 14-series audio recorders?
They would seem to provide the same functionality.
Besides, the computer recorder does not have a built-in microphone
and it costs more?
 
It's true, the computer recorder has the same recording mechanism,
and practically the same case.
But that is where the similarities end.
The differences include:
 
1.  The specialized computer recorder has been optimized
    for digital data.
    The response curve is in a narrower range,
    so the computer recorder is not giving you the high, highs and low,
    lows of an audio recorder,
    but a narrow range where the digital data is recorded,
    dropping off the rumbles created by the highs
    and lows of a standard recorder range.
 
    Audio recorders pick up the 60 and 120 hertz harmonics
    as a by-product of full-range music recording.
    For digital recording, the low rumble AC noise which may be picked up by
    an audio recorder would impede a clear, complete digital recording.
 
    Ironically, the computer data recorder is excellent for dictation recording
    since the human speaking voice has a narrow range.
 
2.  The playback volume is adjusted to omit the high-volume range.
    One of the problems with getting reliable cassette recorded
    digital data transfer is the variation in
    volume adjustment between recorders.
    The computer recorder narrows the range of potential volume.
    Technically speaking,
    the B taper on the playback volume has been
    modified to expand the mid-range
    on the volume control.
    This means the user does not have to be as exact when selecting a
    recording volume level.
 
3. Additionally, in the interest of cost-savings, the built-in microphone,
   not necessary for digital data recording, has been removed.
 
On the surface, it would seem that the product has been detuned,
but in fact it is fully featured for this specialized use.
The features which make an audio recorder superior for musical
recording are negative characteristics for computer data recording.
 
For those people in science and other specialized vocations,
like oil-field service logging,
the 14-series audio recorder is just not reliable enough.
And the fact that these customers wouldn't be satisfied
with the results when taping their favorite music
doesn't prevent them from selecting the computer cassette recorder
over the audio recorder.
Their needs are not personal but specifically business-related.
 
Sell them the recorder that will give them the best performance
for their needs;
not the recorder that has features that provide no real benefits.
For digital computer recording, that's the CCR-83.
Sell customers what they need, not what you think they want.
 
MOM-03-90
MARCH #*&%@)#*$ QUESTIONS
 
Q-90-09 When will Tandy sell a laser printer that is compatible with the HP
Laser Jet?
 
A-90-09 Look in your catalog.
The Tandy  LP 1000 Laser Printer is fully
HP Laser Jet Plus compatible and includes a full 1.5 meg of memory and "B"
and "F" soft fonts. 
 
Q-90-10 Where can I order missing or replacement parts
for the O'Sullivan  furniture?
My customer has lost the assembly instruction sheet.
 
A-90-10 These can be ordered directly from O'Sullivan,
even for the 26-series products:  Customer Service (800) 526-3056
 
MOM-03-90
MAGAZINE ADVERTISING
 
You should know by now that Tandy Computers are
frequently advertised in leading national publications.
 
Magazine advertising reinforces the image of Tandy Computers as
a nationally recognized brand.
Most ads are in full color and feature either a specific product
or a market-oriented theme.
Watch future issues of INTERCOM magazine for actual samples
of our advertisements.
 
Tandy Computers will be featured in the following publications
in March (and the first week of April):
 
Date    Magazine                   Computer
 
3/1     McGraw-Hill Network        Business - Workgroups
3/1     CFO                        Business - Workgroups
3/1     Portable 100               Tandy  1100 FD
3/1     Business Women             WP-2 Word Processor
3/12    American Way               WP-2 Word Processor
3/12    Time                       Tandy  1000 - Home/Office
3/13    PC Magazine                DeskMate  generic
3/16    Directory of Classes       Tandy  1100 FD Laptop
3/18    Byte                       Business - Workgroups
3/19    Barron's                   Business - Workgroups
3/19    Scientific American        TL/2 Bonus Offer
3/20    Natural History            TL/2 Bonus Offer
3/20    Home/Office Computing      DeskMate  generic
3/20    Home/Office Computing      TL/2 Bonus Offer
3/20    Savvy                      TL/2 Bonus Offer
3/20    Success                    TL/2 Bonus Offer
3/23    PCM                        DeskMate  Generic
3/23    USA Today                  TL/2 Bonus Offer
3/25    Working Woman              TL/2 Bonus Offer
3/27    Mother Earth News          TL/2 Bonus Offer
3/27    Entrepreneur               TL/2 Bonus Offer
3/28    Sports Illustrated         TL/2 Bonus Offer
4/1     Smithsonian                TL/2 Bonus Offer
4/1     PC Resource                DeskMate  Generic
4/1     Online Today               Tandy 1100 FD
4/1     McGraw Hill Network        TL/2 Bonus Offer
4/1     Inc.                       TL/2 Bonus Offer
4/1     Governing                  TL/2 Bonus Offer
4/1     Delta Sky                  TL/2 Bonus Offer
4/2     Newsweek (Bus addition)    TL/2 Bonus Offer
 
MOM-03-90
THE BENEFITS OF MULTI-USER PLATFORMS
 
The computer industry continues to pit the XENIX/UNIX
platforms against LANs in a `winner take all' struggle for
market share.
Take a step back from all the hype and advertising and
consider the fact that these platforms are different
solutions for different problems.
It is impossible to endorse
one platform over the other in one broad positioning
statement due to the number of factors that must be
considered.
 
It is our responsibility, as a solution provider, to propose
the platform that best serves individual customer requirements.
Consider the following information when proposing a platform
to your customer, always keeping in mind that a successful
implementation and a satisfied customer are our best form of
advertising.
 
    Reduced computer expense
    Lower peripheral expenses
    Reduced software expenses
    Improved communications
    Increased staff productivity
    Faster access to information
 
XENIX versus LAN
Different Solutions for Different Problems
 
WHEN XENIX WORKS BEST   WHEN LANs WORK BEST
 
  Users share data        Users share data
        simultaneously          at different times
 
  Common set of applications      Users require widely
                        different tools
 
  Incremental growth in the       Rapid growth in the
        number of users         number of users
 
  Need for peak performance       Need for peak performance
        in back end (databases          in front end (graphics)
        and accounting data)
 
  Customer has little or no       Customer has a significant
        investment in PC compatibles            investment in PC compatibles
        and peripherals.                and peripherals.
 
        XENIX systems offer lower               Networking existing PCs and
        cost per user than LANs,                peripherals protects the
        reflecting economies in main            customer's investment and
        memory, storage devices and             is usually less expensive
        terminals versus networking             than replacing the system
        PC compatibles.         with a XENIX installation.
 
MOM-03-90
REALWORLD XENIX ACCOUNTING SERIES SOFTWARE
 
The new version 5.01 of RealWorld XENIX Accounting Software is now
shipping from the EXO warehouse.
The major difference in this new version is that a single dedicated
forms printer is no longer required.
 
MOM-03-90
ETHERNET ADAPTERS -- SOME COMMON SENSE ADVICE
 
3Com EtherLink Adapter   $495.00
 
The 3Com EtherLink Adapter (26-5435) adapter should only be sold
for the support of EtherNet configurations under (901-1754) Novell
ELS Level I.
 
All stores are encouraged to sell through any existing inventory of
this product.
The recent announcement by Novell of a new release of ELS Level I, with
enhanced adapter support, will obsolete this product within the next
six months.
 
Tandy EtherNet Adapter   $349.95
 
Tandy EtherNet Adapter (26-5505) is the PRODUCT OF CHOICE for
ALL EtherNet configurations under Novell and 3Com.
 
This product  has been rated 30% faster than any other 8-bit adapter.
Even compared with most of the other 16-bit adapters, the Tandy EtherNet
Adapter has a decidely higher throughput.
 
Remote boot capability under Novell is provided with the (900-1760)
Novell Boot PROM.
A 3Com Boot PROM is currently under evaluation.
 
If performance is not enough, consider the fact that your
gross margin is a minimum of 10% greater on this product
over similar products in the current catalog.
 
3Com EtherLink II   $345.00
 
3Com EtherLink II (26-5501) should be sold only to those customers
specifically requesting a 3Com labeled adapter, in addition to customers
requiring 3Com remote boot capabilities.
 
MOM-03-90
NOVELL AUTHORIZATION LEVELS -- A BRIEF EXPLANATION
 
Novell offers two types of authorization to sell NetWare:
 
    Authorized Reseller Program
    Gold Authorized Reseller Program
 
Radio Shack is an AUTHORIZED RESELLER of Novell NetWare.
Each Computer Center, plus Computer Center, or franchise dealer
fulfilling the requirements listed below is designated as an
AUTHORIZED RESELLER:
 
    Completion of the Novell Reseller Authorization Course (RAC Training).
 
    Maintaining an installed Novell NetWare demonstration system at
    the store location.
 
MOM-03-90
ON-TRACK SCSI VADD VERSION 2.0
 
On-Track SCSI VADD (903/905-1750) Version 2.0 has been
evaluated and is now available.
This version supports SCSI hard drives under Novell NetWare
Advanced and SFT V 2.15.
The following configurations were used in the evaluation:
 
    Advanced NetWare (Non-dedicated)
    Tandy  4020 LX, AHA-1540, 170 MB CDC SCSI
    Tandy  4025 LX, AHA-1542A, 344 MB CDC SCSI
 
    Advanced NetWare (Dedicated)
    Tandy 4020 LX, AHA-1540, 170 MB CDC SCSI
    Tandy 4025 LX, AHA-1542A, 344 MB SCSI
 
    SFT NetWare (Mirrored - 1 Host Adapter, 2 Drives)
    Tandy 4020 LX, AHA-1540, 344 MB HD, 80 MB HD
    Tandy 4025 LX, AHA-1542A, 344 MB HD, 80 MB HD
 
    SFT NetWare (Duplexed - 2 Host Adapters, 2 Drives)
    Tandy 4020 LX, AHA-1540, 344 MB HD, 80 MB HD
    Tandy 4025 LX, AHA-1542A, 344 MB HD, 80 MB HD
 
All testing was performed with the server system cache set to `Option 10'
and the CPU speed set to `Fast.'
 
MOM-03-90
TANDY  5000 MC CERTIFIED BY NOVELL WITH NETWARE 386
 
Although Radio Shack does not currently market the NetWare 386 product,
you should be aware of the certification of the Tandy 5000 MC, by Novell,
under NetWare 386.
Bulletin #: S231
 
    Fileserver: PASSED (no limitations)
    Workstation: PASSED (no limitations)
 
MOM-03-90
HAVE A GOOD SALES/CUSTOMER STORY?
 
Our Marketing Information department has many opportunities to place
user stories with national publications.
They don't need unusual applications or unusual stories,
just real users in real circumstances,
realizing real benefit from one or more PCs.
It could be an individual, a small or big business.
 
And we'd like to publish some "success" stories in the M.O.M., too.
We know you swap stories out there, and we'd like to help you do that
in these pages.
Everyone benefits when sales experiences are shared:
you get a `pat on the back' and get to see your name in print,
and others get ideas from seeing what worked.
And the next time, you have the opportunity to get a good idea from
someone else's story.
 
So write to M.O.M. and tell us what you're customers are doing
and what you've been up to!
If the information is to be appropriate for publication outside of
the M.O.M., we must have the customer's approval, so send their
name and phone number so the Marketing Information department can contact them.
 
If each Center/store sent in just one story per year,
we would have more than enough.
So let us hear from you!
Send your stories to:
 
    M.O.M. Contributions
    Radio Shack Computer Merchandising
    1500 One Tandy Center
    Ft. Worth, TX  76102
 
Be sure to include your name, store number, and store phone number with
each story.
 
MOM-03-90
WORKSTATION / SERVER NETWORK ADAPTERS CHART
 
The following chart shows which network operating systems support which
network adapters in both servers and workstations.
Use this resource when configuring systems for proposals,
as well as for a quick reference tool.
In the future, we will endeavor to further provide information about
which combination is best to offer for certain feature/performance reasons.
In the meantime, be assured that all of these combinations
have been tested by engineering and QC, and found to be acceptable.
 
                Operating Systems Supported
                     3Com   Novell
Adapter Environment           3+Open  3+Share SFT     ADV     ELS II  ELS I
 
26-5505         Server        No      Yes     Yes     Yes     Yes     No
Tandy
EtherNet        Workstation   No      Yes     Yes     Yes     Yes     No
 
26-5540         Server        No      No      Yes     Yes     Yes     No
Tandy
Token Ring      Workstation   No      No      Yes     Yes     Yes     No
 
26-6505         Server        No      Yes*    Yes     Yes     Yes     Yes
Tandy
Arcnet          Workstation   No      Yes*    Yes     Yes     Yes     Yes
 
26-5435         Server        No      Yes     Yes     Yes     Yes     Yes
3Com
EtherLink I     Workstation   Yes     Yes     Yes     Yes     Yes     Yes
 
26-5501         Server        Yes     Yes     Yes     Yes     Yes     No
3Com
EtherLink II    Workstation   Yes      Yes    Yes     Yes     Yes     No
 
26-5502         Server        No      Yes     Yes     Yes     Yes     No
3Com
EtherLink +     Workstation   Yes     Yes     Yes     Yes     Yes     No
 
90-1620         Server        Yes     Yes     No      No      No      No
3Com
TokenLink       Workstation   Yes     Yes     Yes     Yes     Yes     No
 
90-1614         Server        Yes     Yes     No      No      No      No
3Com
TokenLink +     Workstation   Yes     Yes     No      No      No      No
 
90-1670         Server        Yes     Yes     Yes     Yes     Yes     No
3Com
EtherLink MC    Workstation   Yes     Yes     Yes     Yes     Yes     No
 
90-1676         Server        No      No      Yes     Yes     Yes     No
PS-110
MC Arcnet       Workstation   No      No      Yes     Yes     Yes     No
 
90-1678         Server        No      Yes     Yes     Yes     Yes     No
WD EtherNet
MC              Workstation   No      Yes     Yes     Yes     Yes     No
 
        * Requires 700-3044 Arc.sys Driver
 
MOM-03-90
ENCYCLOPAEDIA BRITANNICA, INC. -- EXCLUSIVE TANDY VAR
 
Tandy Corporation and Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. (EBI)
have entered into an exclusive arrangement to market and sell the
Compton's MultiMedia Encyclopedia (CMME).
This two-year exclusive arrangement will allow both of us to preempt
the market (especially IBM) and position both companies as leaders
in the emerging multi-media market for schools, libraries and homes.
 
It is important to understand that EBI will be marketing this
bundled solution through its education sales division,
Encyclopaedia Britannica Education Corporation (EBEC).
EBEC will be responsible for sales to the K-12 market through its field sales
organization of 70 plus sales representatives.
In most cases EBEC will make the sale direct,
and our education sales representatives are encouraged to forward
all education sales leads to the appropriate EBEC sales representative
(contact your AEMM for the name of your EBEC representative).
 
There will be times, however, when the education customer will want
to do business directly with a Tandy representative for the hardware
portion of the sale.
When this happens, you should get in touch with Ft. Worth (Mindy Lynn)
to orchestrate the required systems integration of software and hardware.
 
As with other Education VAR arrangements, Education Specialists
and other Tandy K-12 outbound marketing representatives should refer
all sales of CMME to the local EBEC sales representative.
 
In order to issue credit to a store unit, a referral form must be submitted.
This form should be submitted when the ES or marketing representative
initially recommends the CMME solution to a school.
The form should be signed by the REMM before it is submitted to Ft. Worth.
(If a sale is closed, a commission of 8% will be issued to the store involved.
A 4% commission should be paid to the ES or marketing representative
that was involved.
If a store manager is acting as the marketing representative,
he/she would receive 3% commission.)
 
MOM-03-90
SCHOOLLINK PROJECT
 
SchoolLink , the international telecommunications cultural exchange,
co-sponsored by Radio Shack Education Division and GTE Education
Services, Inc. has 50 schools worldwide signed up to participate
through June 15th.
Beginning in 1987, the project now known as SchoolLink began as WorldLink.
Entering its third year, the project has evolved from an
international `pen pal' exchange to a `global classroom.'
 
Peter Hutcher, an experienced classroom teacher with the
Oakland, California school system is Lead Moderator.
In that position he will utilize his considerable skills and resources as
an experienced telecommunicator to keep the project on task, and
to help teachers make the most of the experience with their students.
 
In remarks welcoming participants to SchoolLink,
Peter set the stage for what to expect: "You and your students can have `real'
interactions with other students and educators in the United States
and a number of other international locations.
You will be able to work together in the atmosphere of a `global classroom'
on a number of fascinating science and social studies projects,
communicate directly with guest experts, create an international student
newspaper of high quality and share your world outlook informally."
 
Those words from Peter really communicate the essence of SchoolLink.
It is an unpretentious project designed to use the new
technology of telecommunications creatively as students explore world
geography and conduct topical science experiments.
 
Three content specialists are designing SchoolLink activities for
teachers to use with their students.
The science coordinator is Dr. Jim Zuhm, Professor, Texas A & M University.
Dr. Robert (Bob) Summerville, Social Studies Coordinator
for the state of Alabama,
and Christine Drew, Educational Consultant are serving as
the social studies coordinators.
 
Shortly after the project went online, a teacher in Alabama signed
on to the Teacher Inservice Forum and requested help with a
stock market simulation that involves fourth grade students throughout the
state.
This inservice activity has been designed to encourage
participating teachers to share activities and ideas with each other,
and/or to seek assistance from one of the content specialists.
 
SchoolLink will be supported by an impressive list of Distinguished Speakers.
These individuals will support the project by sharing a little
about themselves and their professional activities.
As each online speaker is scheduled,
that person's biography will appear as a part of the forum and serve as an
introduction to SchoolLink participants.
 
At the end of a two week `speaking engagement,' speakers will
accept two questions from each class and will post their answers
to these questions in a timely manner.
 
One such speaker is from the Netherlands.
Mr. Fred Piepers, carpenter, teacher, musician and choir master will share
his special knowledge about the history and architecture of windmills.
Mr. Dwayne Jose of the United States, recently
retired from Bell Helicopter/Textron, now an International
Consultant to an Aviation Cargo Company and working on a joint
venture with the civil air authority of the Soviet Union is
another example of a Distinguished Speaker Forum participant.
 
The SchoolLink experiment is challenging and exciting.
It supports the real work of the classroom...teaching and learning
in two critical areas.
It is helping break down barriers between the peoples of the
world by giving students and their teachers a chance to get to know
one another and share each others' world view.
 
Contact your Education Marketing Manager to see if there is a
SchoolLink site nearby.
Visit with the class and share in their activities.
It might be possible to upgrade their modem or sell them a new computer.
 
SchoolLink gives Radio Shack a leadership position in this area
and demonstrates in a very public way Tandy Corporation/Radio
Shack's commitment to education.
 
MOM-03-90
SCHOOLMATE TEACHER'S HELPER
 
In addition to a 20% discount to educators,
this spring's teacher appreciation program will feature
the new SchoolMate Teacher's Helper.
 
SchoolMate Teacher's Helper combines our popular ROSTER, GRADE BOOK,
EXAM MAKER and DRAW software programs in one convenient stand-alone package.
Designed to streamline teaching routines,
Teacher's Helper makes it easy to maintain up-to-the-minute class rosters,
record and calculate both numeric and alphabetic grades and averages,
and create exams tailored to specific classroom needs.
Teacher's Helper runs on any 512K PC compatible,
so teachers can use it at home or at school.
 
Roster
 
The ROSTER application is an information storage and retrieval system
for student records.
Teachers can add, maintain, delete and print student records for each class.
Once entered, student names can be taken from the Student Master List
to create new, up-to-the-minute class rosters.
 
Grade Book
 
With GRADE BOOK, teachers can record numeric,
alphabetic and checkmark grades in up to six different categories,
including homework and exams.
Teachers can use semester, trimester and quarter grading periods,
automatically calculate student and class averages,
and print individual or class grade reports.
 
Exam Maker and Draw
 
With EXAM MAKER teachers can create exams using multiple choice,
true/false, matching, essay, fill-in-the-blank or multiple answer formats.
Questions may include illustrations from DeskMate's DRAW.
Exams may be printed as entered or in random order.
An Answer Key is automatically generated with each exam.
 
Moving to the SchoolMate Network
 
SchoolMate Teacher's Helper also features a utility
for moving the teacher's individual files to the SchoolMate network.
 
Just by completing the Teacher Appreciation Coupon,
teachers can receive a free copy of SchoolMate Teacher's Helper.
This software is available through Radio Shack Education Marketing
for this promotion.
It is very important that all Teacher Appreciation Coupons
are filled out completely and returned to Education Marketing
by June 30, 1990.
 
Teacher Appreciation Coupons will be mailed to stores in the March POP.
The promotion runs from April 1 through June 30, 1990.
 
MOM-03-90
VAR Update
 
NEW PLATFORMS FOR PARTNERS
 
Tandy/Radio Shack currently has cooperative marketing agreements with
Jostens, Wasatch, Plato (The Roach Organization), CCC, Wicat, Snap, and
Evans Newton, to name just a few.
Each of these partners is unique in what they have to offer the
educational community.
The relationships we have with these companies vary from
a Value Added Reseller to a Cooperative Marketing Agreement.
 
With the announcement of the new products on February 8, 1990 in New York,
there have been some changes in these partner's hardware configurations.
Many have now moved to a `complete' Tandy platform
while others still require third party components.
Please review this ETN section of next month's M.O.M.
for updated configurations on each partner.
 
If you have any questions related to any partner, please call
Educational Marketing at (817) 390-2163.
 
 
MOM-03-90
"PRICING ACTION" -- MARKETING PLAN
 
During the months of March and April we are continuing with our
pricing actions on the Tandy  4000, 4000 LX and 3000 NL.
Our marketing plan will be centered around promoting these products as
the heart of some great computer systems.
The addition of the floor sample sale on the Tandy  4000 SX
(25-4900 @ $1,999.00)
will provide some additional opportunity in the '386 marketplace
for closing sales.
 
During the months of March and April,
our goal is to deplete our supply of 4000s, 4000 LXs, 4000 SXs and 3000 NLs.
Each manager and marketing person should sell three of these systems
(total) during this period.
 
 
"PRICING ACTION" -- PROSPECTING PLAN
 
Installed base leads have been provided from headquarters
for prospecting during these months.
On the following dates, The Center manager and marketing representatives
will use these leads to inform customers of the pricing action by
completing warm calls to the list.
Please note that the dates are all Mondays.
Managers and reps will spend the following days prospecting
(on the phone) for appointments to market these CPUs:
 
    March 5, 12, 19, 26
    April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
 
The following systems will be set-up in the correct Plan-O-Gram locations
on the showroom floor, with POP signs where provided:
 
Station #10  (printer changes to 25-2808 DMP 440 in April)
 
25-4072 Tandy  3000 NL
25-3012 VM-5 Monochrome Monitor
25-3049 Display Adapter
25-4062 20 MB Hard Drive
25-4058 Hard Drive Controller
 
        System  $1,767.90
 
26-2818 DMP 300 Printer                        499.00
26-0227 Printer Cable                           34.95
MS-DOS  Classroom Training                     129.95
On-Site Installation/Delivery (50 miles)       350.00
25-1287 Real World 4-in-1 Accounting           249.95
25-4109 MS-DOS                                 119.95
 
        Total Business Solution Price       $3,151.70
            (plus applicable tax)
        Lease for 36 mo. with TCL for         $106.22
 
Station #15
 
25-5000 Tandy  4000
25-3012 VM-5 Monitor
25-3049 Graphics Adapter
25-4058/4062    20 MEG HD w/Controller
 
        System Price    $2,767.90
 
Station #13
 
25-5100 Tandy  4000 LX
25-3012 VM-5 Monitor
25-3049 Monochrome Graphics Adapter
25-4058/62      20 MEG HD w/Controller
 
        System Price    $3,767.90
 
 
"PRICING ACTION" -- PROPOSALS
 
During this time frame, Center Managers, Marketing Representatives,
SEs and 01Z salespeople (with help from the RMTM where needed)
will review all outstanding proposals to determine where it would be
practical to issue revised proposals (based on pricing).
Revised proposals will be delivered to customers
during the first week of March.
 
Marketing Program Reporting Dates:
 
    March 12th  for the period  2/24 thru 3/11
    March 26th  for the period  3/12 thru 3/25
    April 9th   for the period  3/26 thru 4/8
    April 23rd  for the period  4/9 thru 4/22
    May 7th     for the period  4/22 thru 5/6
 
Your RMTM will collect CPUs sold (delivered sales transactions)
during the above time frames.
The CPUs tracked will be the Tandy   3000 NL, 4000, 4000 SX and 4000 LX.
Your RMTM will need a count of each type of CPU sold during each period.
Please be prompt in meeting the deadline your RMTM gives you, as your RMTM
has to report these numbers to headquarters by 2:00 pm Central Time
on the above dates.
 
A consolidation of this information by Center/01Z will be
provided to your RSM and DSMs on these same dates by your RMTM.
 
MOM-03-90
VISITING OUR BUSINESS PLAN
 
Outlined below are the basic building blocks of our new pro-active
Direct Marketing Business Plan.
Follow these to the letter, and success will come your way!
 
Monday Morning Meetings
 
In RSCCs, there will be a weekly Monday morning group meeting at 8 a.m.
(in the manager's office or classroom).
The meeting will last 20-30 minutes.
If an 01Z has an outside salesperson,
the 01Z manager will conduct a meeting each Monday morning
for 20-30 minutes prior to the store opening.
 
These agenda items will be covered in the meetings:
 
1.  MTD sales for each person
2.  Manager review of weekly activity reports
3.  Manager review of any pricing actions
4.  Manager review of operational issues
5.  Manager recognition of outstanding sales results
6.  Review of proposals and sales opportunities
 
Monday Telephone Prospecting
 
Monday is telephone prospecting day in RSCCs and 01Zs.
Every marketing rep and manager is to telephone prospect on Monday
until they have 10 outside sales calls scheduled and approved by the manager.
01Z computer salespeople are expected to prospect until
they have 5 outside sales calls,
if the RSM/RMTM have designated the 01Z to be an `outside marketing' store.
 
The Center Manager and the 01Z Manager will provide the environment
and the discipline to insure telephone prospecting is completed.
In most Centers, the System Engineer will sell on the showroom floor on Monday
while the manager and reps are prospecting in the back.
If an SE is not available on a given Monday,
then the Center Manager will assign someone to sell on the showroom floor
while others prospect,
alternating the showroom salesperson.
 
The Center Manager and the reps will telephone prospect on Monday
until they have 10 outside sales calls each (5 for 01Zs) scheduled
and approved by the manager.
 
If they complete this task early, they can go about the rest of
their weekly activities.
But, all of Monday is dedicated to telemarketing.
If it takes all day to get 10 outside appointments (5 for 01Zs),
then that's the plan.
 
Appointments that were pre-arranged last week for this week are
considered bonus or extras and do not count towards the new ten.
 
A photocopy of each person's Weekly Activity Report will be mailed
to the RMTM on Monday evenings.
Any exceptions to our Monday prospecting plan must be approved ahead of time
on a case by case basis by your RMTM and your Divisional Vice President.
 
Direct Sales Activities
 
Each member of the Direct Sales Team will use Tuesday through
Friday for direct sales activities.
These activities are limited to:
 
1.  Going out on pre-arranged sales calls.
    You may do bracketing to two nearby businesses after your appointment,
    and then proceed to your next appointment or return to the Center.
    Canvassing for appointments is not a part of our direct sales plan.
 
2.  Sales appointments/demonstrations in the Center.
 
3.  Preparation for or participation in marketing
    activities such as seminars or shows.
 
4.  Attending training classes and executing training on hardware/software
    (as prescribed by manager/RMTM).
 
5.  Preparing proposals for customers.
 
6.  Strategizing on sales opportunities with your Manager, RMTM and SE.
 
7.  Other activities to assist in the operation of the
    Computer Center -- per management.
 
8.  Education Specialists will use an allocated percentage of their time
    (based on their job description) to market to K-12 education.
    Education Specialists have the same marketing and prospecting activities
    as those outlined in this plan.
 
Tracking Manual
 
Every Center manager, RSCC marketing person and 01Z computer salesperson
will maintain a Tracking Manual with corresponding inserts.
The Tracking Manual will be updated on a daily basis as the prospect/customer
is moved through the selling cycle.
Center Managers will use the Tracking Manual as a `status' indicator
for accounts during Round-Up meetings (see below) and other reviews.
 
Daily Round-Up Meetings
 
The Center manager and the 01Z manager will meet with marketing
people on a daily basis before they go home for 5-10 minutes to
ascertain results for that day and go over the plan for the next day.
A Round-Up Report will be updated and placed in the rep's
file in the manager's desk drawer.
Sales, product needs, tomorrow's activities
and the SE's involvement will be discussed at these meetings.
 
The Tracking Manual will be used to determine the status of each account,
meaning the marketing person will need to update the appropriate accounts
prior to each Daily Round-Up.
 
When out on sales calls, managers and reps will call in from the
field at the following times (daily) to pick-up / leave messages:
Mornings @ 10:00 a.m., and Afternoons @ 2:00 p.m.
 
All salespeople will return to the Center or store prior to going
home for the day.
 
See James Nichols memo dated Feb 16, 1990 for the complete, detailed plan.
Use discipline and good time management in your approach to this plan.
You are driving the train -- keep it on the right track and you'll
arrive on time and in the right place!
TRAINING KINETICS
A forum for sales training topics.
 
MOM-03-90
PLAN YOUR WORK/WORK YOUR PLAN -- REVISITED
 
Now that you have your Pro-Active Direct Marketing Business Plan,
it's a good time to evaluate yourself in the area of time management.
It may have been some time since you have reviewed some of the time
management techniques you learned in BEST training.
Let's review them now.
 
PLAN YOUR WORK
 
Sales success is a result of planning, it doesn't just happen.
Planning requires identifying key productive activities
which can be broken down into four classifications:
 
1.  Primary sales activities -- prospecting, qualifying,
    proposing, closing
 
2.  Preparation activities -- acquiring information and skills
    to perform primary sales activities
 
3.  Proximity activities -- activities scheduled around
    a primary sales activity
 
4.  Follow-up activities -- tying up the loose ends
    related to primary sales activities
 
WORK YOUR PLAN
 
When organizing activities, consider these:
 
    Congregate principle -- Combine similar activities (phone calls, paperwork)
 
    Objective principle -- Question the objective
    of the activity (Is it worthwhile, necessary, productive?)
 
    Energy principle -- Consider your highest energy time
    and plan top-priority activities accordingly
 
Below are factors you can use to help control your use of time and activities.
 
    CONTROL -- Control your business and personal life
    by making and keeping to your planned schedule.
    Make frequent references to your watch and calendar.
 
    TRAVEL -- Make travel time as efficient as possible.
    Get the most out of your calls by clustering appointments in
    the same part of the city.
    Use extra time by finding a phone booth and making some telephone
    cold calls.
    Bracket two businesses near your appointment.
    Avoid `star' marketing.
 
    TELEPHONE -- Control your telephone time and take good,
    but brief, notes.
    Be sure to record them in your permanent records.
 
    PAPER/LAPTOP COMPUTER -- Record your thoughts, ideas, plans.
    They may turn into useful stimuli for later actions.
 
    JUSTIFICATION -- Constantly question the use of your time.
    Is this efficient?
    How will this contribute to result-producing activities?
    Is this the best thing for me to be doing right now?
 
    REVIEW THE WEEK'S RESULTS -- When a week is over,
    it is gone.
    You can't recover lost time, but you can avoid repeating past mistakes.
    At the end of each week, review your activities and
    results and get on track for the next week.
 
How Do You Waste Time?
 
Here is a self-evaluation exercise taken from a recent time management seminar
(attended by your RMTM and DSM)
that you can use to measure how you waste time.
 
Honestly rank each item on the list in relation to your own habits.
No one will see your responses.
Think about each item and ask yourself,
"Do I let this situation manage me or do I manage it?"
 
Time Wasters    Self-Ranking #
 
Putting out fires/resolving crises      ____
Decision-making ____
Telephone interruptions ____
Meetings        ____
Unclear goals/priorities/deadlines      ____
Procrastination ____
Inability to say "No"   ____
Other people interrupting       ____
Office procedures       ____
Doing too much myself   ____
Clutter/personal disorganization        ____
Unclear instruction/information ____
Other(s)        ____
 
MOM-02-90
THE FRONT LINE
 
THE FRONT LINE is a monthly column dedicated to discussing
marketing, merchandising and customer care concepts.
 
 
PROSPECTING IS A LEARNED DISCIPLINE
One critical key to success in any outside sales program is prospecting.
To be successful in the outside selling arena,
you have to develop good prospecting habits.
 
Telephone prospecting is by far the most efficient way to prospect.
When you look at the large number of prospects and clients you can reach
in a day of telephone prospecting,
you can see that it is an invaluable tool
for the successful marketing professional.
 
In order to get a good return on investment with telephone prospecting,
you have to ``stick with it''.
Telephone prospecting is very rewarding if done persistently
and consistently.
Let's look at some of the good habits one must develop
to reap the financial rewards telephone prospecting offers:
 
 1. Keep Mondays as your primary telephone prospecting day.
    Most business people are in their offices on Monday   they're reachable.
 
 2. Start early.
    Many clients and potential clients are in their offices by 8:00 am
    or earlier.  This becomes prime prospecting time for you because
    secretaries aren't there to screen calls.  You get to speak directly
    to the decision maker.
 
 3. Have a reason for the call.
    It could be as simple as ``we have reduced the price of our top-of-the-line
    printer, are you ready to upgrade?''
    It could be to invite someone to a seminar or show,
    or it could be a care call to see how a customer is getting along
    with their system.
 
 4. Let the customer know the reason you are calling.
    Get to the point quickly.
    Business people are busy   just like you.
    Use a script to help focus the intent of the call.
 
 5. Know what benefits a business person has in taking advantage
    of your offer.
    A sale-priced printer saves a customer money and improves productivity.
    A seminar is informative and might give the attendee good ideas
    on how to improve cash flow or help service customers better.
 
 6. Remember what you are trying to sell when you call.
    Not a computer, not a solution,
    not our company, but an appointment.
    You are selling a seat in a seminar,
    a browse through a show or a sales appointment.
    Once you have your ``foot in the door'' you are on your way to
    closing a sale and helping a new client.
 
 7. Keep good records and follow up.
    Get the names of the people you speak with,
    especially secretaries and decision makers.
    It makes getting through on the next call much easier.
 
 8. Take regular breaks every hour to regain your focus.
    BUT DON'T give up and walk away.
    Compete with your manager or another rep
    to see who can get the most appointments in a day.
    Add some excitement to your work!
 
 9. Some sales professionals like to hang a small mirror in front of them
    while they telephone prospect.
    This reminds them to SMILE!
    Customers can hear a smile in your voice.
    Nobody likes to do business with an unhappy or monotone-sounding person.
    Have you ever noticed that top salespeople always seem happy?!
 
10. There are parts of every job that you enjoy more than others.
    There are parts of every job that must be mastered in order to succeed.
    Winners know that success comes to those who master the things they
    least like to do.
    Winners realize that succeeding in outside sales is dependent upon
    self discipline.
 
Prospect on Mondays and turn those telephone calls into commission dollars!
 
Remember, people like to purchase from professionals who have taken the time
to learn their trade.
Prospecting is learned through practice and repetition.
Start this Monday and make telephone prospecting an
ever-improving part of your skill set.
 
You have an excellent opportunity to apply these techniques in the
Prospecting Section of the Outbound Marketing Plan for February and March.
See Page 31 of this M.O.M. for complete details.
 
If you have any comments or suggestions about what you'd like to see
in future Front Line columns, write to:
 
The Front Line
1500 One Tandy Center
Fort Worth, TX  76102
 
MOM-02-90
SALE PRICES IN FEBRUARY
 
Items on Sale in February
 
FOR ALL STORES:
 
DeskMate  First Publisher/Art Gallery Free!
 
With the coupon now on the 25-1279 First Publisher package, customers
receive Art Gallery at no additional cost (a $129.00 value).
Remember, customers receive Art Gallery directly from Software Publishing.
Coupons must be received by Software Publishing by March 30, 1990.
 
 
Tandy  1000 SL/2
 
Cat.No. Description     Reg Price       Sale            Sale Dates
25-1402 Tandy 1000 SL/2
25-1043 CM-5 Color Monitor
25-1331 Software Bonus Pak
           System       1,473.80        1,098.95        12/26-2/17
 
 
Tandy  1400 FD/HD
 
Cat.No. Description     Reg Price     Sale    Sale Dates
25-3501 Tandy 1400 FD   1499.00     1199.00   1/21-2/17
25-3505 Tandy 1400 HD   2499.00     2199.00   1/21-2/17
 
 
Tandy  1000 SL
 
Cat.No. Description     Reg Price       Sale    Dates
25-1401 Tandy 1000 SL   899.00         599.00    SOWG
25-1401 Tandy 1000 SL
25-1043 CM-5 Monitor
           System       1,198.95       898.95   CPU SOWG
 
 
Tandy  1000 TX
 
Cat.No. Description     Reg Price       Sale    Dates
25-1600 Tandy 1000 TX   1,199.00        799.00  Cont'd
 
25-1600 Tandy 1000 TX
25-1043 CM-5 Monitor
           System               1,098.95        Cont'd
 
 
Color Computer Software
 
Cat.No. Description     Reg Price       Sale    Sale Dates
26-3110 Color File  II  24.95           14.95   SOWG
26-3148 Math Tutor      24.95           19.95   1/21-2/17
26-3155 Type Mate       24.95           19.95   1/21-2/17
 
 
Color Computer Game Software
 
Cat.No. Description            Reg Price Sale    Sale Dates
26-3043 Arkanoid                 34.95   24.95   1/21-2/17
26-3046 Downland                 19.95   14.95   1/21-2/17
26-3054 Silpheed                 29.95   19.95   1/21-2/17
26-3072 Thexder                  24.95   14.95   SOWG
26-3084 Shanghai                 24.95   15.95   SOWG
26-3093 Dungeons of Daggorath    29.95   14.95   1/21-2/17
26-3095 Baseball                 19.95   14.95   1/21-2/17
26-3159 Castle Tharrogad         29.95   15.95   SOWG
26-3161 SoKo-Ban                 29.95   19.95   1/21-2/17
26-3163 Tetris                   29.95   19.95   1/21-2/17
26-3164 Robocop                  34.95   29.95   1/21-2/17
26-3165 Predator                 34.95   29.95   1/21-2/17
26-3174 Rampage                  34.95   29.95   1/21-2/17
 
 
MS-DOS Software
 
Cat.No. Description           Reg Price Sale    Sale
25-1200 Math Blaster Plus       44.95   29.95   12/26-2/17
25-1232 Speller Bee             34.95   29.95   1/21-2/17
25-1252 DM Thesaurus            29.95   19.95   1/21-2/17
25-1284 Resume Kit              34.95   29.95   1/21-2/17
25-1298 The New Print Shop      54.95   49.95   1/21-2/17
25-1318 Where USA Carmen S.     39.95   34.95   1/21-2/17
25-1319 Math Blaster Mystery    44.95   39.95   1/21-2/17
25-1320 Learning DOS            44.95   39.95   1/21-2/17
 
 
MS-DOS Game Software
 
Cat.No. Description           Reg Price Sale    Sale Dates
25-1215 Flight Simulator        44.95   39.95   12/26-2/17
25-1231 King's Quest IV         44.95   39.95   1/21-2/17
25-1239 TV Game Shows           29.95   24.95   1/21-2/17
25-1291 Chessmaster 2100        44.95   39.95   1/21-2/17
25-1292 Space Quest III         49.95   39.95   1/21-2/17
25-1307 John Madden Football    49.95   39.95   1/21-2/17
25-1309 C.Yeager Flight Sim 2.0 49.95   39.95   1/21-2/17
25-1321 Ind. Jones Last Crusade 44.95   39.95   12/26-2/17
25-1324 Arkanoid II             34.95   29.95   1/21-2/17
 
 
Printers/Accessories
 
Cat.No. Description                  Reg Price  Sale    Sale Dates
25-1032 20 Meg Hard Card               499.95  399.95   12/26-2/17
26-0267 Elevated Monitor Pedestal       49.95   29.95   1/21-2/17
26-1336 Keyboard Cover                   7.95    5.95   1/21-2/17
26-1369 Univ. Monitor Pedestal          16.95   12.95   1/21-2/17
26-1395 2-outlet Spike Protector        18.95   13.95   1/21-2/17
26-2804 LP 1000 Laser Printer         2599.00 1799.00   1/21-2/17
26-2808 DMP 440 Printer                699.00  399.00   1/21-2/17
26-3012 Deluxe Joystick                 22.95   15.95   1/21-2/17
26-3025 One Button Mouse                29.95   19.95   12/26-2/17
 
MOM-02-90
ADDITIONAL FOR 01Zs/COMPUTER CENTERS:
 
 
Tandy Business Systems ON SALE!
You thought it was good before, now it's even better!
These terrific sale prices are effective now
and will continue through the month of February.
 
We've proven successful at selling business systems
and now we're going to be even more successful with some amazing
new pricing actions.
 
 
Tandy  3000 NL Computer
 
Cat.No. Description     Reg Price       Sale
25-4072 Tandy 3000 NL   1,699.00        999.00
 
Here's a complete package:
 
Cat.No. Description     Reg Price       Sale
25-4072 Tandy 3000 NL
25-4058 Hard drive controller
25-4062 20 MB Hard disk drive
25-3049 Monochrome graphics adapter
25-3012 VM-5 Monochrome monitor
           System       2,817.85        1,767.90
 
This system is perfect as a stand-alone workstation
for accounting and productivity applications.
The 3000 NL with a VM-5 monochrome monitor should be set up
as System #10 in your Plan-O-Gram.
For additional exposure, it will be featured in the March flyer.
 
 
Tandy  4000 Computer
 
Cat.No. Description     Reg Price       Sale
25-5000 Tandy 4000      2,999.00        1,999.00
 
Here's a complete package:
 
Cat.No. Description     Reg Price       Sale
25-5000 Tandy 4000
25-4058 Hard drive controller
25-4062 20 MB Hard disk drive
25-3049 Monochrome graphics adapter
25-3012 VM-5 Monochrome monitor
           System       4,117.85        2,767.90
 
 
Tandy  4000 LX Computer
 
Cat.No. Description     Reg Price       Sale
25-5100 Tandy 4000 LX   3,999.00        2,999.00
 
Here's a complete package:
 
Cat.No. Description     Reg Price       Sale
25-5000 Tandy 4000 LX
25-4058 Hard drive controller
25-4062 20 MB Hard disk drive
25-3049 Monochrome graphics adapter
25-3012 VM-5 Monochrome monitor
           System       5,117.85        3,767.90
 
You'll want to put your ``best foot forward'' by making sure your floor samples
are attractive and functional.
A 25-4079 tape backup, along with the SCO XENIX Demo (described on Page 16
of this M.O.M.) should be installed on your 4000 LX.
 
The Tandy 4000 and 4000 LX both make super XENIX systems.
 
 
Hard Drives on Sale
 
Additionally, the following hard drive/controller prices
should allow you to add a hard disk drive to every business computer sale:
 
Hard Drives & Controllers
 
Cat.No.         Description              Reg Price       Sale
250-4062/4058   20 MB HD/Cntrlr           848.95        499.00
250-4057/4058   40 MB (40ms) HD/Cntrlr  1,048.95        599.00
250-4067/4058   70 MB HD/Cntrlr         1,748.95        799.00
 
MOM-02-90
THE DESKMATE  DIFFERENCE
A series of articles on DeskMate.
 
DESKMATE RIGHTWRITER
Grammar and Style Checking Under DeskMate
 
Computers are good at doing a lot of work fast,
but they're not really very smart.
Once in a while, though, a computer program appears that seems to give
computers a degree of intelligence.
RightWriter is such a program.
 
Now RightSoft, Inc. has released DeskMate RightWriter,
the intelligent grammar, style, usage and punctuation checker.
Based on the DOS version of RightWriter version 3.1,
this product adds a new dimension to writing on a PC.
 
DeskMate RightWriter uses over 4,500 rules to evaluate your writing.
The default settings are set for standard business writing.
If you prefer, you may change the settings which customize RightWriter
for these parameters:
 
  Grammar rules used
  Style rules used
  Usage rules used
  Punctuation rules used
  Type of writing
  Readers' education level
  Style of writing
  Writing's strengths and weaknesses
  Word processor used
  Computer's directory structure
 
When you tell RightWriter to analyze a document,
it applies the rules and creates a new file with two parts:
the body of your document into which comments have been inserted,
and a summary of the analysis.
You can then view this new file with your word processor.
 
MOM-02-90
Installing DeskMate RightWriter
DeskMate RightWriter takes full advantage of DeskMate's installation features.
That means it will appear in the Autoconfig box on a floppy-based system,
and that you can install it onto a hard disk using the Desktop's
<F7> Install option.
This makes it very easy to get up and running with RightWriter.
 
Using DeskMate RightWriter
You may run DeskMate RightWriter from the Desktop in either of two ways:
 
1. Highlight a data file in the RightWriter box on the Desktop.
   Then press <ENTER> or double click with the mouse.
 
   When selected this way, DeskMate RightWriter will immediately
   analyze the file selected and create an output file.
   No further user interaction is required.
 
   After the analysis is complete, you simply press <ENTER>
   or click on the [OK] box to return to the Desktop.
   DeskMate RightWriter uses the current settings for rules and summaries
   when selected this way.
 
2. Highlight ``RIGHT'' at the top of the RightWriter box on the Desktop,
   then press ENTER or double click with the mouse.
 
   When you run DeskMate RightWriter this way,
   you will see the RightWriter menubar with all options available.
   These options allow you to set the rules, summaries and other parameters.
 
   As an example of the variety of rules implemented,
   the following screen shows the dialog box of grammar rules:
 
             [there was a picture here]
 
Using this menu and the others, you can control all the parameters
listed in the first column on the previous page.
Once the parameters are set, go to the <F2> File menu and
choose ``Analyze document'' to begin the analysis.
After the analysis is complete, use your word processor
to view the output file that DeskMate RightWriter creates.
 
MOM-02-90
RightWriter Sample Document Analysis
In the sample below, the original text appears with comments inserted as
needed beneath the lines.
The selected summaries follow the comments.
 
There is a problem of a severe nature in widget production.
          <<* U12. WORDY. REPLACE BY severe problem *>>
It is clear that our current system will not cut the mustard.
                 <<* S14. CONSIDER OMITTING: It is clear that *>>
                        <<* S16. CLICHE: cut the mustard *>>
We may possibly need to move on this reasonably quickly.  To
       <<* U13. REDUNDANT. REPLACE may possibly BY may *>>
                  <<* S17. WEAK: reasonably quickly *>>
start, it would be advantageous to see if a new design is doable.
  <<* S13. REPLACE advantageous BY SIMPLER helpful or good? *>>
          <<* U16. NOT A WORD. REPLACE doable BY can be done *>>
(This should be looked into at once.
 <<* P11. IS THIS PARENTHESIS CLOSED? *>>
                       <<* S1. PASSIVE VOICE: be looked *>>
 
                     <<** SUMMARY **>>
 
READABILITY INDEX:  5.23
 
    4th        6th       8th       10th      12th      14th
      |****|*   |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |
    SIMPLE      | ------ GOOD ----- |               COMPLEX
    Readers need a 5th grade level of education.
 
        Total Number of Words in Document:   54
        Total Number of Words within Sentences:   54
        Total Number of Sentences:    5
        Percentage of words that are Prepositions:14.815
 
STRENGTH INDEX:  0.00
 
    0.0                      0.5                      1.0
      |*   |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |
    WEAK                                           STRONG
    The writing can be made more direct by using:
                       - the active voice
                       - fewer weak phrases
                       - fewer cliches
                       - more positive wording
 
DESCRIPTIVE INDEX:  0.50
 
    0.1                 0.5                 0.9       1.1
      |****|****|****|****|    |    |    |    |    |    |
    TERSE  | ------------ NORMAL ------------ |     WORDY
    The use of adjectives and adverbs is normal.
 
JARGON INDEX:  0.00
 
SENTENCE STRUCTURE RECOMMENDATIONS:
     2. Few compound sentences or subordinate
        clauses are being used.
     7. Most sentences begin with pronouns.
        Try using other sentence start conditions.
 
                    << WORDS TO REVIEW >>
Review this list for negative words (N), jargon (J),
colloquial words (C), misused words (M), misspellings (?),
or words which your reader may not understand (?).
   advantageous(M)  1                   doable(J)  1
            not(N)  1                   severe(N)  1
         widget(?)  1
              << END OF WORDS TO REVIEW LIST >>
                   <<** END OF SUMMARY **>>
 
MOM-02-90
Press comments
RightWriter has received excellent reviews from the press.
Here are sample press comments:
 
``...a must buy for the businessman who writes memos all day.
Highly recommended.''
(John Dvorak, San Francisco Examiner)
 
``Do I recommend the program?
The answer is a big yes!...
Few programs if any are likely to have a bigger impact on me.''
(The Lawyer's PC)
 
``CBG&H's editors loved RightWriter....
It's a great guide for the business person, freelance writer,
and students alike.
Highly recommended.''
(Computer Buyer's Guide)
 
Why Should You Sell DeskMate RightWriter?
First, you can sell DeskMate RightWriter with every word processor
that goes out the door.
It is an easy add-on sale.
Most people realize they have problems with their writing
and are intrigued by a product that will help.
 
Second, RightWriter gives you an excellent reason to recontact
previous customers.
(``Hey, I've found this great new product
that will help you get more value from your word processor!'')
 
Third, your customers will love it.
DeskMate RightWriter users voted it the best word processing utility
in the PC World Class awards for 1989.
 
Fourth, once you've learned the principles above,
you will sell lots of RightWriter.
Over a quarter million copies have been sold.
Also, RightWriter has recently been listed as one of the top ten
business products in the country.
 
Finally, DeskMate RightWriter is part of the Tandy  1000 SL/2 Bonus Pak.
Thus your familiarity with this program will help you sell computers
as well as this software!
 
Who Needs DeskMate RightWriter?
Anyone who uses a word processor can use DeskMate RightWriter.
It's that simple.
Since word processing is the number one application on personal computer,
practically every one of your customers is a potential RightWriter user.
 
Good writing is good business,
and DeskMate RightWriter can mean extra business for you!
 
MOM-02-90
THE CREDIT LINE
Direct to you from Tandy  credit departments   Commercial Credit,
Tandy Computer Leasing , and RSVP .
 
Commercial Credit
During collection, we sometimes encounter a
customer who will not pay until we furnish ``Proof of Delivery''.
Following these procedures can prevent a charge-back to your Store
for this reason.
 
1.  Shipment By United Parcel Service:
    Use the Acknowledgement of Delivery (AOD) Program.
    Write on the AOD our invoice number, their
    purchase order number, our stock number, description
    and quantity contained in each carton.
    Complete an AOD for each carton.  Take an envelope and
    print in large letters ``INVOICE ENCLOSED''.
    Put the invoice inside this envelope and tape it to one of
    the cartons.
    When UPS makes the delivery, the driver will have each AOD
    signed and returned to you.
    This is your absolute proof of delivery.
    Note:  A copy of the UPS Log is not considered ``Proof of Delivery''.
 
2.  Shipment By Other Carriers:
    If you use a local delivery service be sure that a complete packing
    slip is attached to the bill of lading.
    You may use your ``extra copy'' of the invoice as a packing slip.
    Be sure our invoice number, their purchase order number, our stock number,
    description and quantity is on the packing list and
    on each carton in the shipment.
    Number the boxes as stated above.
    Take an envelope and print in large letters ``INVOICE ENCLOSED''.
    Put the invoice inside of this envelope and tape it to one of the cartons.
    This way, when the delivery service delivers the product,
    the packing slip can be signed for at time of delivery.
    Make arrangements with the delivery service to have a
    copy of the bill of lading and packing list returned to you. 
 
3.  Delivery By Store Personnel:
    If you hand deliver product to the customer, follow
    their receiving procedures to insure you get signed
    documentation for your proof of delivery.
    Proceed to the shipping and receiving department.
    Take both the original and yellow copy of the invoice.
    Use the invoice as your bill of lading.
    Have the receiving clerk sign the invoice.
    Leave the customer copy for payment and retain the store copy.
    The Center copy will be your proof of delivery. 
 
Failure to follow these procedures can be very costly to our
company and to your Store's profitability.
No sale is complete until payment is received.
 
MOM-02-90
TCL
All TCL documents must be submitted on the current forms.
Please destroy all pre-1989 forms.
Check for these identifying features of the current and only acceptable forms:
 
        Form #  Date    Paper   Print
Application for Lease/Credit    FO-126  1/89    white   blue
Lease Agreement (cover blue/white print)        FO-138  3/89    white   blue
Individual Personal Guaranty    FO-125  5/89    white   blue
Purchase Option FO-141  5/89    white   blue
 
Also, keep these other sales promoting and processing forms on
hand:
 
LEASING The sensible alternative        FO-174  blue cover
        (customer handout brochure)
Customer Proposal Folder        FO-178  blue/white
Return Checklist Envelope       FO-139  manila
Rate Factor Cards       Effective November 1,1989       blue/black
 
LEASE vs BUY....Suggest to your commercial customers that before
``buying'' new business systems, they consider the tax and business
angles carefully with special attention to:
 
1. Balancing the costs of leasing as opposed to buying.
   If they can't take rapid depreciation, leasing is likely to be a
   better choice.
 
2. If they do lease, caution them to be sure it is a true lease
   (which a TCL lease is) and not a conditional sales agreement
   where lease payment deductions might be disallowed by the IRS.
 
3. Look at after-tax costs:
   most often, leasing winds up costing less;
   when it doesn't appear to...look again!
   By conserving availability of working capital,
   a business can take advantage of:
   making bargain purchases of inventory;
   discounting early bill payments and conducting sales campaigns to
   pull in more cash.
 
4. Equipment, especially high-tech equipment, becomes obsolete.
   It's generally more favorable to upgrade leased products
   than to ``write off'' purchased products that become outmoded.
 
MOM-02-90
RSVP
If a customer was declined for RSVP credit and wants to know why,
explain that a letter that lists the reasons
should be received within 10 days of denial.
DON'T call RSVP to ask why the representatives
can't tell you why.
And DON'T tell the customer to call to find out why he/she was declined.
The information obtained by our New Accounts reps
cannot be disclosed to anyone, not even the customer.
This is required by law.
When your customer receives the letter,
he/she will be given the opportunity to discuss options
with a representative in the Gray Operations Center.
 
When an application is called in, our representatives look at
that information and a Credit Bureau Report.
Therefore, the application may look perfect,
but the decision is based on ALL the information.
So remember that there is more to the story than just what you see.
 
MOM-02-90
STOCK FILE CHANGES
 
A quick reference  to product status changes - pricing, availability, etc.
(see following cards for additional lists related to this card)
 
LATE DATES
Listed below are the new items that appear in the 1990 Catalogs
which have not yet arrived at the warehouses.
Also included are the dates the merchandise is expected to be available
at the warehouses.
 
The dates listed in this section are based on the latest available information,
and are updated monthly.
While they may not be 100% accurate, they are the best estimate we have
at this time.
 
The dates listed here should be your ONLY reference for availability of
cataloged items.
Ft. Worth Computer Support Services or Ft. Worth Computer Merchandising
will not have any dates other than the ones shown here.
 
1990 Tandy Computer Catalog - RSC-21A
 
Cat. #  Description     Date
250-1042        2-Button Mouse (PS/2 version)   3/15/90
250-1266        HomeWord II     3/30/90
250-1288        Utilities! DM   3/15/90
250-1314        DacEasy Accounting DM   UNSCHED
250-1316        Paint Show Plus 3/30/90
250-3555        2400 bps modem/2800 HD  3/30/90
250-4123        40 MB SmartDrive        2/15/90
250-4910        4000 SX Technical Reference     CANC
        (will be carried in National Parts
        as MT2504910 available mid-December)
250-5110        4020/4025 LX Tech Reference     CANC
        (will be carried in National Parts
        as MT2505110 available end Feb 90)
250-5130        Tandy 4033 LX   3/15/90
260-0130        9  " x 11" Blank 15#, pk 1000   2/28/90
260-0131        9  " x 11" Bluebar 15#, pk 1000 2/28/90
260-0132        9  " x 11" Blank 18#, pk 1000   2/28/90
260-0133        9  " x 11" Blank 18#, pk 2600   2/28/90
260-0134        9  " x 11" Blank 20#, pk 1000   2/28/90
260-0135        9  " x 11" Blank 20#, pk 2500   2/28/90
260-0136        14-7/8 x 11 Bluebar 15#, pk 1000        2/28/90
260-0553        Dust Cover DMP 240      2/28/90
700-3044        ARCNET Driver for 3Com  4/15/90
900-2456        Arnet Multiport/2       2/28/90
903-1578        SCO Image Builder (386) 3/30/90
 
MOM-02-90
Express Order  Software Buyer's Guide RSC-21S
 
Cat. #  Description     Date
250-1266        HomeWord II     3/30/90
250-1288        Utilities! (DM) 3/15/90
250-1314        Dac Easy Accounting DM  UNSCHED
250-1316        Paint Show Plus 3/30/90
900-2750        PC Paintbrush 4 Plus    3/30/90
900-2770        Robocop 2/28/90
900-2771        Super Hang-On   2/28/90
900-3269        Prof Plan       2/15/90
903-1224        CO/Session      3/15/90
903-1324        OSAS Retail POS 4/30/90
903-1578        SCO Image Builder (386) 3/15/90
903-1480        CO/Session Application  3/15/90
903-1481        CO/Session Support      3/15/90
903-1589        Off Portfolio Manager   3/30/90
903-1594        Samna + IV      2/28/90
903-1599        Off Portfolio Suite     3/30/90
903-2834        UFO     3/30/90
903-2835        Instant Locator 3/30/90
903-2838        Scenery Disk - Hawaii   3/30/90
905-1295        OSAS Purc Order 3/30/90
905-1309        OSAS Res Mgr OS/2       3/30/90
905-1313        OSAS Payroll - DOS      4/30/90
905-1320        OSAS Mtls Mgmt - DOS    3/30/90
905-1321        OSAS Mfg Job - DOS      3/30/90
905-1322        OSAS Proj Est - DOS     3/30/90
905-1323        OSAS Time Bill - DOS    3/30/90
905-1324        OSAS Retail POS 3/30/90
905-1388        Session XL      2/15/90
905-1480        CO/Session Application  2/15/90
905-1481        CO/Session Support      2/15/90
905-2834        UFO     3/30/90
905-2835        Instant Locator 3/30/90
905-2838        Scenery Disk - Hawaii   3/30/90
 
MOM-02-90
1990 Educational Products Guide RSC-21E
 
Cat. #  Description     Date
900-5613        First Choice School LAN 2/28/90
900-5614        First Pub Art Pack School       2/15/90
900-5646        Weather Flight  3/30/90
900-5653        Joshua's Reading Machine        3/30/90
900-5654        Once Upon a Time        3/30/90
900-5655        Stepping Stones I       3/30/90
900-5656        Stepping Stones II      3/30/90
900-5657        See the U.S.A.  3/30/90
900-5661        DLM Early Childhood Series      2/28/90
900-5679        Cocaine Education       2/15/90
900-5680        Drinking the Choice is Yours    2/15/90
900-5681        Keep Off the Grass: Marijuana   2/15/90
900-5682        Tobacco Education       2/15/90
900-5683        Understanding AIDS      2/15/90
900-5684        Scenario Workstation SCM        3/30/90
900-5685        Scenario Toolbox SCM    3/30/90
900-5700        Prof Plan School        2/28/90
900-5726        Number Farm     2/28/90
900-5727        Alphabet Circus 2/28/90
900-5728        Comparison Kitchen      2/28/90
900-5742        Once Upon a Time II     3/30/90
900-5743        PC LOGO 3/15/90
903-5596        Seed Dispersal  2/28/90
903-5598        Uses of Plants  2/28/90
903-5621        Child Count Reporter    2/28/90
903-5622        Referral Manager        2/28/90
903-5623        IEP/Objective Mgr       2/28/90
903-5624        Student DB Mgmt 2/28/90
903-5634        Living Non-Living       2/28/90
903-5635        Weather Flight  3/15/90
903-5637        Concept Mapping 3/15/90
903-5638        Vee Diagramming 2/28/90
903-5639        Statistics Tutor        2/28/90
903-5640        Population Genetics Simulator   3/15/90
903-5658        Math Blaster Plus       2/28/90
903-5659        Word Attack Plus        4/30/90
903-5660        Homeworker      3/30/90
903-5673        Double Up       3/30/90
903-5674        Mark-Up 3/30/90
903-5675        Proteus 3/30/90
903-5676        Rhubarb 3/30/90
903-5677        Sequitur        3/30/90
903-5678        Text Tangler    3/30/90
903-5686        Timeliner       3/15/90
903-5709        SchoolWorks: Social Studies     2/28/90
903-5710        SchoolWorks: States & Presidents        2/28/90
903-5711        Testlab 2000    3/30/90
905-5634        Living Non-Living       2/28/90
905-5635        Weather Flight  3/15/90
905-5637        Concept Mapping 3/15/90
905-5638        Vee Diagramming 2/28/90
905-5639        Statistics Tutor        2/28/90
905-5640        Population Genetics Simulator   3/15/90
905-5658        Math Blaster Plus       2/28/90
905-5659        Word Attack Plus        4/30/90
905-5660        Homeworker      3/30/90
905-5673        Double Up       3/30/90
905-5674        Mark-Up 3/30/90
905-5675        Proteus 3/30/90
905-5676        Rhubarb 3/30/90
905-5677        Sequitur        3/30/90
905-5678        Text Tangler    3/30/90
905-5686        Timeliner       3/15/90
905-5709        SchoolWorks: Social Studies     2/28/90
905-5710        SchoolWorks: States & Presidents        2/28/90
905-5711        Testlab 2000    3/30/90
 
MOM-02-90
PRICE CHANGES
These price changes have become effective since the new RSC-21A
catalog was finalized:
 
                OLD     NEW
CAT. #  DESCRIPTION     PRICE   PRICE
905-2210        AVR MegaScan    3,290.00        2,565.00
905-2218        PageStyler Kit 4.5      2,690.00        1,500.00
905-2311        PageStyler Kit 2.5      1,890.00        1,100.00
905-2353        Computer Eyes Color     399.99  349.99
 
MOM-02-90
PRODUCTS CANCELED, DISCONTINUED
AND REPLACED
 
CAT. #  DESCRIPTION
DISCONTINUED
260-5700        IRMA 2
260-5710        IRMALAN SDLC Gateway
260-5711        IRMALAN DFT Kit
CANCELED
900-2812        Typing Tutor IV
900-5628        Facts on File
900-5648        Measurements
900-5649        Concept Mapping
900-5650        Vee-Diagramming
900-5651        Statistics-Tutor
900-5652        Population Genetics Simulator
900-5662        Alien Addition
900-5663        Minus Mission
900-5716        Meteor Multiplication
900-5717        Demolition Division
900-5718        Alligator Mix
900-5719        Dragon Mix
900-5721        Word Man
900-5722        Word Invasion
900-5723        Spelling Wiz
900-5724        Word Radar
900-5725        Word Master
903-5636        Measurements
905-5636        Measurements
 
MOM-02-90
PRODUCTS CURRENTLY OUT OF STOCK
 
The following items are temporarily out of stock.
There may be a quantity in the field, and District/Regional
Sales Managers should assist in satisfying customers.
(Do NOT place on backorder anything for which you do not actually
have a customer waiting.)
 
                Back
Cat. #  Description     in Stock
700-1506        DT-110 Support SCO      3/30
900-1731        3+ Open Internet        2/28
900-2456        Arnet MultiPort 2/8 for MC      2/28
903-3140        4 X 4 Off Road  2/28
903-3219        Sub Battle Simulator    2/28
 
MOM-02-90
PRODUCT NEWS - ALL STORE
 
The ``ALL STORE'' section contains information of interest to all store types.
01Zs and Computer Centers will also be interested in the information contained
in the ``01Z/COMPUTER CENTER'' section.
 
MOM-02-90
TANDY  1000 SL/2 BONUS PACK - MISSING SOFTWARE??
 
(Overheard in a Radio Shack store, Anywhere, USA)
 
``Sure, just another one of those SNAFUs from Computer Merchandising.
They give us this really neat Bonus Pack to give away
with the SL/2 and a CM-5.
Then, when we get them in the store, there's this HUGE gaping hole
where Instant Pages is supposed to be.
So what am I supposed to do now,
give away a package out of my inventory to fill up the hole?''
 
Wwwaaaaaiiiiiittttt!
Before you start giving away products,
check out the situation!
In some of the early Bonus Packs (25-1331) for the Tandy 1000 SL/2
promotion,
Instant Pages has slipped behind the other two software packages.
It really is there, and not missing.
 
We've fixed the problem, but you'll want to be sure and check each
package before offering a substitution.
 
MOM-02-90
HOW OLD IS THAT HX IN THE WINDOW?
 
In the course of business, we sometimes overlook things that are obvious
to our customers, such as the appearance of our display merchandise.
 
Take a look through your customer's eyes at your Tandy  1000 HX sales
display.
How does the computer look?
Is it clean, bright and white, or yellowed with age and scruffy on the edges?
Is it appealing to you?
 
Put the old HX in the back and bring out a fresh, new one to start a
strong sales month with the best value in MS-DOS computers   the 1000 HX!
 
MOM-02-90
40 MEGABYTE IDE SMARTDRIVES
FOR THE 1000 TL/2
 
WARNING!  WARNING!!
Warehouses have been reporting sightings of the
25-1046 40 MB SmartDrives .
They are swarming and have been seen in great
numbers in regional locations nationwide.
Be on the lookout if you have
ordered one, because it will be making a beeline to your store!
 
(In other words, they're in stock!)
 
MOM-02-90
RIGHTWRITER WITH THE TANDY  1000 SL/2
 
RightWriter will work with one 3  " disk drive, but several
steps must be taken to make this possible.
Items needed: DOS disk, RightWriter original disk, two new (empty) 3  "
disks.
 
1. The user should boot their system using the DOS disk,
   then make a backup of the RightWriter disk using the
   DOS DISKCOPY command.
   Type:  DISKCOPY A: A:.
   The system will prompt the user to
   place the source disk in Drive A and press any key.
   Follow the prompts to complete the DISKCOPY command.
 
2. Once a backup of the original RightWriter disk is made,
   the user must make a working copy of RightWriter for day-to-day use.
 
   RightWriter can be used with the DeskMate Desktop
   or as a stand-alone program.
   If the user wants to use RightWriter on the DeskMate Desktop,
   they should follow the steps in the RightWriter manual for installing
   it on a diskette system (See RightWriter Manual Pages 2-3).
   Then a working copy of RightWriter must be created.
 
3. Follow the directions in Step 1 (above) to create a  second  backup
   RightWriter disk.
   This will be used to create the working RightWriter disk.
   Using the second backup disk, delete all files except for:  RIGHT.PDM,
   RWCONFIG.DCT, RWWORDS.DCT, and  RWRULES.DCT.
   These four files are the only ones needed to run RightWriter
   with the DeskMate Desktop.
 
   If using RightWriter as a stand-alone program,
   delete all files except  RIGHT.EXE, RIGHT.PDM, RWCONFIG.DCT,
   RWWORDS.DCT, RWRULES.DCT, DMCSR.R89, DMGUF.R89, PRGUF.RES
   and the .RES file that corresponds to your monitor type.
   This step will create a working disk with enough space for several documents
   and space for the marked-up copies of the documents
   once they have been analyzed by RightWriter.
 
The user is now ready to use the RightWriter backup disk as a storage
disk for the documents they want to analyze with RightWriter.
 
MOM-02-90
ADDITIONS TO CUSTOM FORMS PROGRAM
 
REALWORLD 4-IN-1 (25-1287)
 
Description     No. Plies       Quantity        Cat. No.        Sell Price
Accts Payable Check     1       500     72-1960 $41.00
                1000    72-1961 77.00
                2000    72-1962 153.00
                3000    72-1963 218.00
                5000    72-1965 327.00
 
        3       500     72-1970 97.00
                1000    72-1971 184.00
                2000    72-1972 349.00
                3000    72-1973 497.00
                5000    72-1975 748.00
 
Statement of Account    2       500     72-1980 83.00
(Custom Imprinted)              1000    72-1981 158.00
                2000    72-1982 299.00
                3000    72-1983 426.00
                5000    72-1985 641.00
 
Statement of Account    2       1000    72-2981 60.00
(Blank)         2000    72-2982 114.00
                3000    72-2983 163.00
                5000    72-2985 244.00
 
Invoice 3       500     72-1990 117.00
(Custom Imprinted)              1000    72-1991 222.00
                2000    72-1992 421.00
                3000    72-1993 600.00
                5000    72-1995 903.00
 
Invoice 3       1000    72-2991 105.00
(Blank)         2000    72-2992 198.00
                3000    72-2993 282.00
                5000    72-2995 424.00
 
 
QUICKEN (25-1246/900-3103)
 
Description     No. Plies       Quantity        Cat. No.        Sell Price
Multi-Purpose Check     1       500     72-1860 35.00
                1000    72-1861 65.00
                2000    72-1862 124.00
                3000    72-1863 176.00
                5000    72-1865 265.00
 
        2       500     72-1870 51.00
                1000    72-1871 97.00
                2000    72-1872 183.00
                3000    72-1873 261.00
                5000    72-1875 392.00
 
By store request, we are also enlarging our coverage of REALWORLD
4.0 with the following 3 items (see the FC-3034 Forms Brochure for the
remainder of the forms coverage for 4.0):
 
Description     No. Plies       Quantity        Cat. No.        Sell Price
Accts Payable Check     2       500     72-1400 81.00
                1000    72-1401 153.00
                2000    72-1402 290.00
                3000    72-1403 413.00
                5000    72-1405 621.00
 
Statement of Account    1       500     72-1800 45.00
(Custom Imprinted)              1000    72-1801 84.00
                2000    72-1802 160.00
                3000    72-1803 228.00
                5000    72-1805 342.00
 
Statement of Account    1       1000    72-2801 26.00
(Unimprinted)           2000    72-2802 49.00
                3000    72-2803 70.00
                5000    72-2805 110.00
 
 
REALWORLD 5.0:
 
Description     No. Plies       Quantity        Cat. No.        Sell Price
Accts Payable Check     2       500     72-1000 81.00
                1000    72-1001 153.00
                2000    72-1002 290.00
                3000    72-1003 413.00
                5000    72-1005 621.00
 
Statement of Account    1       500     72-1330 45.00
(Custom Imprinted)              1000    72-1331 84.00
                2000    72-1332 160.00
                3000    72-1333 228.00
                5000    72-1335 342.00
 
Statement of Account    1       1000    72-2331 26.00
(Unimprinted)           2000    72-2332 49.00
                3000    72-2333 70.00
                5000    72-2335 110.00
 
Once again, your forms company is:
 
ALL-STATES BUSINESS PRODUCTS
1 Forms Drive
Carrollton, Texas 75006
National: (800) 527-0625
TX only: (800) 492-5232
 
MOM-02-90
MAGAZINE ADVERTISING
 
You may already have noticed that Tandy Computers are
frequently advertised in leading national publications.
Beginning with this month's Computer Merchandising Memo of the Month
we will be listing the publications in which you will find
our products featured.
 
Magazine advertising reinforces the image of Tandy Computers as
a nationally recognized brand.
Most ads are in full color and feature either a specific product
or a market-oriented theme.
Watch future issues of INTERCOM magazine for actual samples
of our advertisements.
 
Tandy Computers will be featured in the following publications
in the month of February:
 
Date    Magazine        Computer
2/1     Governing       Tandy 1000 - Spreadsheets
2/1     Delta Sky       Tandy 1100 FD
2/1     INC     Tandy 1100 FD
2/1     Online Today    Tandy 1100 FD
2/1     PC Resource     Tandy 1000 Home/Office
2/1     Portable 100    WP-2 Portable Word Processor
2/1     Smithsonian     Tandy 1000 - Word Processing
2/1     United Vis a Vis        Tandy 1100 FD
2/5     Forbes  Business - Accounting
2/6     PC      Business - Management
2/9     Wall Street Journal     New Product Introduction
2/12    New Yorker      Tandy 1100 FD
2/12    PC Week Tandy 1100 FD
2/12    Time    Tandy 1100 FD
2/15    Black Enterprise        WP-2 Portable Word Processor
2/18    Byte    Business - Management
2/19    Barron's        Tandy 1100 FD
2/19    Forbes  Business - Management
2/20    Compute!        Tandy 1000 Word Processing
2/20    Home Office Computing   WP-2 Portable Word Processor
2/20    PC Magazine     Tandy 1000 - Home/Office
2/20    PC World        Business - Management
2/25    Changing Times  Tandy 1100 FD
2/26    American Way    WP-2 Portable Word Processor
2/26    PC Week Business - Connectivity
2/26    Scientific American     WP-2 Portable Word Processor
2/26    Time    Tandy 1100 FD
2/27    Entrepreneur    WP-2 Portable Word Processor
2/27    Money   Tandy 1100 FD
2/27    Personal Computing      DeskMate 
2/28    Sports Illustrated      Tandy 1100 FD
 
MOM-02-90
NEW CD-ROM DRIVES IN SPECIAL ORDER
 
It's truly amazing how much software has been developed for CD-ROM.
In case you're not familiar, a CD-ROM looks just like a Compact Audio Disk.
A CD-ROM has the same benefits as a compact audio disk,
such as no wear and sturdy construction.
And it cannot be erased.
It holds an astounding amount of data   over 550 megabytes on each disk.
Entire encyclopedias, atlases, phone directories, zip code guides,
works of Shakespeare, one week of memos from Radio Shack   on one disk!
And the ability to combine pictures,
words and audio for a very effective experience.
 
New software on CD-ROM will amaze you.
CD-ROM is the wave of the future not only for educational computers,
but for ALL computers.
 
For the last year and a half, we've had one CD-ROM drive in our line,
the 900-2156 External Hitachi unit.
It has been very reliable and a solid seller for us.
But schools and other customers have been asking for  internal
CD-ROM drives.
Our business users with the Tandy  5000 MC have been shut out
due to the Micro Channel architecture.
 
Now, here are two new CD-ROM drives we are adding to the line.
 
Internal CD-ROM Drive
For the first time, we have an internal CD-ROM drive.
It is also from Hitachi.
This is our stock number 900-2375 and it has a suggested retail price
of $895.00.
It has a volume control and stereo headphone jack directly
on front of the unit.
 
This drive is for computers with rails and XT or AT bus slots.
Our computers with rails are the Tandy 1000 SL, TL, SL/2, TL/2, 2500 XL,
3000 NL, 4000 SX, 4016 DX/SX, 4020, 4025 and 4033 LXs.
It is  not  for the Tandy 4000 or Tandy 5000.
(You should use the 900-2156 external drive for the 4000 and for the older
computers without rails,
and the 900-2374 for the 5000, as mentioned below.)
 
Micro Channel External CD-ROM Drive
For the Micro Channel computer user, we have an external Micro Channel
CD-ROM Drive from Hitachi.
It is our stock number 900-2374 and has a suggested retail price of $1,095.00.
This drive can be used on the Tandy 5000 MC
or any other Micro Channel computer on the market.
 
All CD-ROM Drives
All the CD-ROM drives come with the hardware and software necessary to
run them.
The computer should have 640K RAM and an open bus slot.
For the internal unit,
you will also need an open 5  " device slot in the drive tower.
 
When you sell the CD-ROM drives, be sure to mention the excellent
titles we have on CD-ROM.
Applications such as:
 
    900-5501    Microsoft Bookshelf
    900-5503    Grolier's Electronic Encyclopedia
    905-5506    GEOdisc U.S. Atlas
    900-5513    The Bible Helper
    900-2890    The World Fact Book
and many more!
 
We are very excited about these two new drives being added to the line
and think you should be, too.
They are in the warehouse NOW!
Good selling!!
 
MOM-02-90
LOTUS PERSONAL COPY OFFER CORRECTION
 
The January issue of Computer Merchandising Memo of the
Month includes an offer for our employees to purchase a copy
of Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate  (25-1283) at a reduced price.
 
The story on page 18 indicates the price is $39.95
and the order form included with the Memo of the Month
indicates that it is $49.95.
 
The correct price is $39.95
including shipping and handling but not including sales
taxes where applicable.
 
MOM-02-90
TSP PRICING ON NEW PRODUCTS
 
Here are the Tandy Service Plan costs for new hardware products:
 
                        Carry-In        On-Site
                        _       _       _       _
                        During  After   During  After
Item    Description     Retail  Warranty        Warranty        Warranty        Warranty
25-1402 Tandy 1000 SL/2 999.00  44.25   59.00   89.25   119.00
25-3530 Tandy 1100 FD   999.00  44.25   59.00   89.25   119.00
25-3538 1100 FD Modem   199.95  9.00    12.00   18.00   24.00
25-3550 Tandy 2800 HD   3,499.00        156.75  209.00  209.50  419.00
25-3554 1 MB Mem Bd 2800 HD     399.95  18.00   24.00   24.00   48.00
25-3555 2400 bps Modem/2800 HD  199.95  14.25   19.00   19.50   39.00
25-4074 Tandy 2500 XL   1,499.00        66.75   89.00   89.50   179.00
25-4901 Tandy 4016 SX   1,999.00        N/A     119.00  119.50  239.00
25-5001 Tandy 4016 DX   2,999.00        N/A     179.00  179.50  359.00
26-2839 DMP 240 Printer 549.95  41.25   55.00   81.75   109.00
 
MOM-02-90
FEBRUARY #*&%@)#*$ QUESTIONS
 
Q-90-06 Are we discontinuing the 9000 UX? When will the new NuCo be out?
 
A-90-06 We cannot answer questions about the future.
While we are always planning for new products, any premature
announcement of such a product would cause a loss of sales on our
current product and would serve you no useful purpose, since the
future item cannot be sold until you have it.
 
Q-90-07 Why do we sell out of the hot computer before the end of the sale
period?
Is it a plot to make us sell the other computers?
 
A-90-07 First, it's the hot computer.
Second, we project sales from four months to one year ahead.
It takes at least four months lead time to build the computers.
And if a unit does better than predicted, we sell out.
But there is no master plan of underproducing the hot computer just
so that you must sell the others.
(We'll keep working on the crystal ball technology.)
 
Q-90-08 Why do I have to go through my DSM or use Speed Memos to communicate
with a buyer?
 
A-90-08 Often, your DSM has the answer to your question.
If you're looking for a product, your DSM is the best source.
The other reason is arithmetic.
There are over 7000 Radio Shack stores, with 35,000 employees.
There are 23 buyers.
In order for buyers to do their job of finding you the best value
products to sell, the phone calls must be restricted to your DSMs.
 
MOM-02-90
PRODUCT NEWS
01Z/COMPUTER CENTER
 
 
SCO XENIX 386 2.3.2 GT/MC
 
Introduction
 
The SCO XENIX Operating System Release 2.3.2 (25-5203) is the latest
version of SCO XENIX System V, supporting both the AT and
Micro Channel architectures.
 
Designed specifically to unleash the multiuser, multitasking
power of the 80386 based PC, Release 2.3.2 offers the full
capabilities of the UNIX System V plus the value-added
enhancements that have made SCO XENIX the industry-standard
multiuser operating system for Intel-based PCs.
 
New Features
 
Release 2.3.2 contains important enhancements in the
following areas:
 
  AT&T UNIX System V/386 Release 3.1 compatibility.
  Workstation features.
  Additions in utilities, system administration and supported peripherals.
 
AT&T UNIX System V/386 Release 3.1 Compatibility
Because COFF (common object file format) has been added,
Release 2.3.2 will run applications intended for versions
of UNIX System V derived from AT&T UNIX System V/386 Release
3.1.
Even applications that depend on shared libraries will
run without recompiling.
 
Workstation Features
To meet the requirements of workstation applications, Release
2.3.2 includes support for mouse devices from Logitech,
Microsoft, Mouse Systems and Olivetti.
Additionally, this release supports the 80387 math co-processor.
 
Additions in Utilities, System Administration and Supported Peripherals
    Support for VGA.
    DT-110 Termcap Support for third party and SCO application software.
    SCSI support for both AT and MC architectures.
    HoneyDanBer UNIX-to-UNIX Communications Protocol (UUCP),
        heralded by experts in the communications industry as the
        de facto standard for UNIX data communications.
    New features in the system administration shell include a
        convenient new menu-driven interface, a file system
        backup and a range of tools for login accounting and
        system monitoring.
    Extended support of backup tape systems.
 
Customer Upgrade Policy
You should encourage your existing SCO XENIX customers to
take advantage of the latest product release.
 
A mailing to the registered end user customer base will take
place in the month of February, providing complete details of
the new product release and upgrade options.
 
MOM-02-90
SCO XENIX 386 2.3.2 GT/MC Customer Upgrade Options
 
Purchase        From    From    To      Order
Date    Stock # Version Version Stock#  Price
After 8/1/89    25-5200 2.2.4   2.3.2   700-5200        N/C
Before 8/1/89   25-5200 2.2.4   2.3.2   TBA     $225.00
Not Appl        903-1570        2.2.X MC        2.3.2 MC        TBA     $225.00
 
   TBA means To Be Announced
 
700-5200 SCO XENIX 386 - Upgrade V2.2.4 to V2.3.2
This is a no charge upgrade for:
    Customers who purchased (25-5200) SCO XENIX 2.2.4 ON OR
        AFTER August 1, 1989.
    To upgrade and permit sell-through of existing store
        inventory of (25-5200) SCO XENIX 2.2.4.
 
NOTE: It is your responsibility to distribute this no charge
upgrade to qualified customers only. SCO has provided a
sufficient quantity to upgrade qualified end users and
existing store inventory.
 
700-XXXX (Number To Be Announced) SCO XENIX 386 - Upgrade V2.2.4 to V2.3.2
This upgrade has a retail price of $225.00 and is intended for:
    Customers who purchased (25-5200) SCO XENIX 2.2.4 BEFORE
        August 1, 1989.
 
700-XXXX (Number To Be Announced) SCO XENIX 386 MC - Upgrade V2.2.X MC
to V2.3.2 MC
This upgrade has a retail price of $225.00 and is intended for:
    Customers who purchased (903-1570) SCO XENIX 386 MC V2.2.X
 
NOTE: This upgrade is for Tandy  5000 MC customers only.
 
What is Contained in the Upgrade Kit?
This upgrade is an intelligent update and does not require
reinstallation of the entire operating system, although
complete reinstallation is an option if the customer so desires.
 
    Intelligent upgrade diskette
    Complete set of SCO XENIX 2.3.2 Operating System diskettes
    Version 2.3.2 Release Notes
    Installation Notes
    Installation Guide
    Operating System User Reference
    Operating System User Guide
    System Administration Guide
    XENIX Tutorial
    Replacement Tabs for Binders
 
MOM-02-90
FC-520 SCO XENIX 386 2.3 GT APPLICATION DEMO SYSTEM
 
A new in-store XENIX demonstration system will be available
in the month of February.
This package will be drop shipped to all Computer Centers
the week of February 12,
and will be made available to all 01Zs interested in the SCO XENIX product.
 
This system was carefully designed to meet your requirements:
 
    Requires no prior knowledge of SCO XENIX.
    Quick installation, and/or re-installation,
        can be accomplished in under 30 minutes.
    Installation is accomplished with one 3  " diskette
        and one tape cartridge.
    The printer, demo user account, and DT-110 are pre-configured
        and ready to access.
    Software applications are accessible via a system menu.
        No interaction with the operating system is required.
    Sample data may be restored through a menu option.
    Minimum System Requirements:
           80386 Based Computer (ie. Tandy 4000 family)
           40 MB Hard Drive (ST-506, SmartDrive , ESDI, or SCSI)
           2 MB RAM
           DT-110 Data Terminal connected to serial port on CPU
           Dot Matrix Printer
           25-4079 60 MB Internal Tape Cartridge System
 
The following software applications, and restorable sample
data, are provided with this demo system:
    Real World Accounting       Scripsit 386
    Filepro Plus        SCO Professional
    SCO Microsoft Word  SCO Foxbase Plus
 
MOM-02-90
AVR MEGASCAN II SCANNER SYSTEM
 
The retail price of this product (905-2210)
has changed from $3,290.00 to $2,565.00.
In addition, users that purchase the system after February 1st, 1990,
and register it by sending in the warranty registration card
will receive a free copy of MegaRead OCR   the Optical Character Recognition
software   directly from the manufacturer.
This OCR package is the same software that is sold under
our stock number 905-2211.
This is not a special sale, but a permanent price reduction.
This reduction in price and free software allows the user to save
$1,200 over last year pricing
and makes this system more affordable to a wider range of prospects.
 
The AVR MegaScan II Scanner System (905-2210) includes a high resolution
300 dots per inch flatbed scanner along with a special memory card that
allows direct scanning to memory.
In addition, this special memory card (the MegaBuffer)
also allows direct printing from the scanner to the video port
of the Tandy  LP 1000 Laser Printer.
This direct printing results in a full-page 300 dpi image being printed
in less than 30 seconds.
The same image, when printed by using a standard parallel interface,
would take over four minutes to print!
 
The MegaScan scanning software is also included with this system.
This is a simplified desktop publishing system that allows the user to add
scanned images and modify, place and enhance them.
It includes text oriented capabilities to allow the user to add text
either from the keyboard or from a saved file.
 
The OCR software (MegaRead) allows users to convert printed matter into
a standard ASCII file for use with other word processing or software
packages.
It includes a special training mode to allow the user to train the system
to recognize specialized fonts and store them for later use.
 
Remember, the user must register their purchase with the manufacturer
to receive the free OCR Software.
 
MOM-02-90
OPEN SYSTEMS ACCOUNTING SOFTWARE
 
Most of the MS-DOS versions of Open Systems Accounting Software have
recently undergone an upgrade version change
and are available in EXO warehouse.
The new version is 4.0.
Unfortunately the following applications are still undergoing
this upgrade process and are not available at this time.
Should you need one of these modules to complete a system sale,
have your RSM contact the software buyer prior
to you ordering any of the other software applications.
 
Applications awaiting new version
903/905-1320    Materials Management III
903/905-1321    Manufacturer's Job Cost
903/905-1324    Retail Point of Sale
903/905-1323    Time Billing
903/905-1322    Project Estimating
 
MOM-02-90
WHAT IS AN 80386sx PROCESSOR?
 
The 80386sx offers a reduced chip set support that is attractive
because it permits us to build lower cost, yet powerful computers.
But how does it differ from a full blown 80386? Fundamentally, the 80386sx
microprocessor supports a full 32-bit CPU cycle   just as the 80386
does, but is limited in performance to a 16-bit memory and expansion bus.
 
This means the 80386sx microprocessor can run 32-bit software such as
Windows 386, but memory must be accessed twice for each CPU cycle,
resulting in a potential 50% performance degradation in memory
intensive applications.
 
The 16-bit limitation imposed on the expansion bus of an 80386sx system
does not result in any significant difference in I/O performance from
that of most 80386 ``AT'' bus architecture systems today.
Where this limitation impacts performance is memory access.
 
In this critical
performance area, the 80386sx, with its 16-bit data path, is 50% slower
than the high speed 32-bit memory architectures of our 80386 based
systems.
Performance is further impacted with SCO XENIX 386 and math
intensive applications that must use the a math co-processor   the
80387sx is 50% slower than the 80387.
 
To help offset the limitation on memory access imposed by the 80386sx,
the Tandy  4016 SX is specially designed
to permit two-way memory interleaving at a full 16 MHz bus speed
resulting in a .7 average wait state performance.
When an additional megabyte of memory is added,
4-way memory interleaving is invoked to achieve an even greater .5 wait states.
 
The up side is that the 80386sx of the Tandy 4016 SX provides the
performance benefits of of a 32-bit programming architecture with the
cost savings of a 16-bit data bus.
 
Because the 80386sx is 100% object
code compatible with the 386, 286 and 8086 microprocessors it supports:
 
    operating environments and applications optimized for 32-bit 80386
        performance such as MS-Windows 386
    the virtual 8086 modes to support simultaneous execution
        of applications from multiple operating systems
    the protected modes to multi-task applications developed
        under OS/2, as well as
    the world's largest base of software, MS-DOS applications
 
MOM-02-90
EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY
Radio Shack Education Marketing Newsletter
 
 
TANDY  AND GTE EDUCATION SERVICES SPONSOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENT EXCHANGE
 
Fort Worth, TX   Using classroom computers, students worldwide
will be participating in SchoolLink 1990, an international
telecommunications cultural exchange sponsored by Tandy Corporation,
the Radio Shack Education Division and GTE Education Services, Inc.
 
SchoolLink 1990 marks the third year that Tandy has been a
major sponsor of the project.  The focus of SchoolLink 1990
will be the use of telecommunications to explore integrated
curricular activities in science and social studies; to discuss
topics of global interest; and to foster intercultural awareness
among diverse student populations.
 
Based on interest group and grade level, schools in the United
States will be paired with schools from the United Kingdom and Europe.
 
The SchoolLink exchange will be divided into two different
sessions, the first of which began January 15, 1990.
Approximately 100 schools have already arranged to participate
in both sessions.
 
SchoolLink's second session, which begins February 15, 1990, is
open to any interested school for a nominal fee.
Both sessions will continue until June 15, 1990.
 
To participate, schools must have a computer equipped with a 1200
bps (bits per second) modem and telecommunications software.
For more information, interested schools may contact the Radio Shack
Education Division at (817) 390-2967.
 
MOM-02-90
TOP WAS A SUCCESS!
 
The Teacher Opportunity Program this past fall was a great success
establishing a 27% sales gain.
 
Congratulations to the TOP contest winners.
Their outstanding efforts brought about this significant gain and earned them
$1,000 cash.
 
    Nancy Kimbel
    Ed Smith
    Gene Ponthieux
    Martha Talley
    Tony Merritt
    Jim Christy
 
MOM-02-90
AMERICAN EDUCATIONAL COMPUTER'S READING SKILLS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
SUPPORTS SCHOOLMATE
 
Oklahoma City, OK., January 4, 1990   Doug Frans, president of UNICO,
Inc. and its subsidiary American Educational Computer (AEC), today
announced that the company's award-winning, learning-to-read software,
the Reading Skills Development Program (RSDP) supports SchoolMate,
Tandy Corporation's  local area network for the classroom.
Under a recently completed agreement with the electronics giant, the Radio
Shack Education Division and AEC will co-market RSDP direct to schools
nationwide.
 
This comprehensive, phonics-based, K through 8 developmental reading
program, correlated to the major basals, is also being used
successfully in ``English-as-a-Second-Language'' and adult literacy
programs.
When its 112 lessons are combined with the powerful yet
easy-to-use SchoolMate network as the delivery vehicle, RSDP, in
effect, is transformed into a cost-effective integrated learning system
for reading.
``RSDP is a comprehensive system that is a strong
competitor to IBM's `Writing to Read' program'', stated Frans.
``Our agreement gives Tandy an excellent reading skills program to encourage
more sales of their computers and network.
We anticipate that this
arrangement will produce a wide range of joint sales opportunities for
both companies in the near future.''
 
Designated as a 1989 Excellence in Education Award Honoree by ``Media &
Methods'' magazine, RSDP utilizes digitized human voice (recorded in a
professional studio) to provide a multi-sensorial, user controlled,
learning experience.
The program covers all of the principles of
vowels, consonants, and vocabulary, with lessons on comprehension, and
voice used to present directions, target words and provide tutorial
assistance.
Schools using Tandy 1000 SL, SL/2, TL or TL/2 computers can
access the human, digitized voice without the addition of an add-in
speech board.
``The price and quality of our combined software and
hardware provides a real competitive advantage for both Radio Shack
Education Division and American Educational Computer,'' stated Frans.
RSDP supports the major MS-DOS computers and the Apple II line.
With the exception of the aforementioned Tandy computers, most others require
an add-in board with speaker (available from AEC) to utilize the
recorded human digitized voice.
In addition to being compatible with
SchoolMate, the following networks are also supported: Ideal Learning,
Irving, TX; Velan, Inc., Mountain View, CA; Computer Networking System,
Walla Walla, WA; and Digicard by Major Education Resources, Hunt
Valley, MD.
 
American Educational Computer, Inc., located in Oklahoma City, OK, is a
publisher of educational and consumer software and video products.
Programs for the school market sold through educational software
dealers include RSDP, Micro-Read, Micro-Spell, and Excel-A-Read.
Products sold by school dealers and through consumer outlets include
the highly-acclaimed database adventure, Return of The Dinosaurs; the
1990 edition, curriculum-based A+ series for improving grammar,
vocabulary, geography, history and foreign language skills; and the
Blue Lion Software, ``Ticket to'' series of travel simulation games,
teaching about the history, culture and language of each destination.
 
For additional information contact Betty Barnes, School Sales Manager
for American Educational Computer, Inc. (405) 840-6031.
 
MOM-02-90
What's In ETN This Month
 
News Line       Home Bound with ``The Home
           Learning System''
        Tandy  Grants Deadline Fast
           Approaching
        Grants Boards Meets With
           Education Division Staff
        Seventh International Conference
           on Technology and Education -
           Brussels, Belgium March 20-22,
           1990
 
Product Line    SchoolMate  Update 01.00.01
           (700-1241)
        Educational DeskMate  Site License
EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY
News Line  Technical Support, 800 Line Questions, Services
 
VAR Update
 
MOM-02-90
HOME BOUND WITH ``THE HOME LEARNING SYSTEM''
 
The Radio Shack AEMM and REMM National Sales Conference was held the week of
January 2, 1990 in Ft. Worth, Texas.
We invited Jostens Learning to participate as part of the conference.
Jostens announced
and demonstrated a new product called the ``Home Learning System''.
This system was designed using the new Tandy  1000 SL/2 and a built-in
Hitachi CD-ROM Player (900-2375).
 
This ``Home Learning System'' allows
students to work at their own pace while working out of their
homes.
The market for these ``Home Learning Systems''
is schools that are currently using the Jostens
curriculum and would like to have the ability for students to
``check out'' a computer for home use, and continue to work the
lesson plan.
 
The Tandy  1000 SL/2 is one of the few systems that is designed to
accommodate this application.
 
The system must be used with Novell
Operating System and will be available the first of February.
These ``Home Learning Systems'' will be sold by Jostens under the
Value Added Resale program.
 
If you have a school that is
interested, please contact your local Jostens sales rep or Mindy Lynn
at (817) 390-2163.
 
 
Conference & Grants Update
 
MOM-02-90
EDUCATION RELATIONS UPDATE
 
Tandy  Grants Deadline Fast Approaching
 
February 28th is the deadline for proposals for cycle 89-2,
``Uses of Microcomputers with Special Populations (At-Risk,
Handicapped, Gifted, Special Education).''
Educators interested in applying must first request the
Guidelines in writing on their letterhead to the Education Division address.
This is the last cycle of this school year.
The next round of topics will be announced at the start of next
fiscal year (July).
So, if you have anyone that you think would be interested in participating
in this program, please get the word to them as soon as possible.
They need time to get the pack and write their proposal.
 
 
Grants Board Meets with Education Division Staff
 
January 6th, following the AEMM and REMM National Sales Conference,
the Tandy  Educational Grants Review Board joined the AEMMs and
REMMs for a luncheon where the Board got to meet and visit.
The Board is chaired by Dr. Lee Droegemueller, Commissioner of
Education, Kansas Department of Education, and consists of
distinguished educators from across the nation.
 
After the luncheon, the Board heard presentations on Radio Shack's
direction in the education market from Jim McGrody, Vice President,
Education Sales and Marketing; an overview of marketing programs
from Maddie Lesnick, Director, Education Marketing; a SchoolMate 
demonstration from Maggie Stone, Manager, Advertising and
Merchandising; a preview of the upcoming SchoolLink
international telecommunications project from Bernice Stafford,
Manager, Publisher Relations; and an update on the Seventh
International Conference on Technology and Education
from Jamie Alexander, Manager, Education Relations.
 
The Board went on to discuss future grants topics.
 
 
Seventh International Conference on Technology and Education
Brussels, Belgium March 20 - 22, 1990
 
It is not too late to register for this exciting international
gathering of leaders in the educational technology field.
And air fares from other carriers are competitive with, or lower than,
the Sabena fares mentioned in the brochure on the conference.
 
If you would like information on the conference sent to an
educator in your area that you think would be interested in attending,
please call in their name and address to Janet Drilling at (817) 390-3832.
Janet will get a registration pack in the mail that same day.
This conference adds a lot of prestige to the Tandy name and you
should mention proudly to your customers that your company is involved
in such an undertaking.
 
 
EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY
Product Line  Promotions, Contests, Latest Products
 
Product Update
 
MOM-02-90
SCHOOLMATE  UPDATE 01.00.01 (700-1241)
 
An update to SchoolMate (25-1241) has been released and is
available from TSDC.
This update is required if any stations on the network are using
DeskMate  version 3.3 (25-1350), the DeskMate which is
bundled with the Tandy  1000 SL/2 or TL/2.
 
Don't forget, if you are mixing ROM-based machines
(combining SL, TL, SL/2 and TL/2) on the SchoolMate network
you must use DeskMate version 3.2 (25-1250).
 
        VERSION REQUIRED        SCHOOLMATE
TYPE OF OF      VERSION OF      01.00.01
WORKSTATION     DESKMATE        DESKMATE        700-1241
        IN ROM  ON SERVER       UPGRADE
 
All are
T1000 SL        03.00 - 03.02   03.02
or TL
 
All are
T1000 SL/2      03.03 - 03.03.0x        03.03.0x        required
or TL/2
 
Combination     03.00 - 03.02
of SL/TL        or      03.02   required
and TL/2        03.03 - 03.03.0x
 
MOM-02-90
EDUCATIONAL DESKMATE  SITE LICENSE
 
Now you can offer your school customers site licensing for DeskMate.
This allows schools that have made an investment in Tandy  1000 computers
over the years to standardize, if they wish, on one version of DeskMate.
Requirements:
 
1. The school must purchase one computer with the version of DeskMate
   they wish to license.
 
2. The school must purchase the retail version of DeskMate they
   wish to license.
 
3. The school must sign and return the ``Educational DeskMate Site License''.
 
4. The school must provide Tandy, in writing, with the name and location
   of each school which is licensing the software.
   This must be returned with the Site License.
 
For example, if the school has Tandy 1000s, 1000 SXs, and 1000 TXs
and they want to license DeskMate version 3.3, they would purchase a
Tandy 1000 SL/2 or TL/2 and the retail version 25-1350.
 
This license is for Tandy computers which are bundled with DeskMate only.
The DeskMate site license is not available for other MS-DOS computers,
including the Tandy 3000, 4000 and 5000.
 
The DeskMate Site Licensing is available from Education Marketing.
Address all inquiries to:
 
Education Marketing
DeskMate Site Licensing
1600 One Tandy Center
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
 
MOM-02-90
NEW PRODUCTS
 
 
SOFTWARE RELEASED SINCE RSC-21/RSC-21A/21S/21E CATALOGS PRINTED
 
These items are in alphabetical order within categories,
and are MS-DOS  unless otherwise specified.
 
CATEGORY        CAT #   TITLE   SHORT DESCRIPTION       PRICE   REFER TO:
CAD     903-2862        Drafix CAD Quick Start  Easy, powerful CAD      129.00  Feb 90 MOM
 
Databases       903-1934        FilePro 16 Plus Xenix database  1,995.00        Feb 90 MOM
Databases       903-2962        FilePro 16 Plus/Network Like 903-1934 for Ntwk  1,495.00        Feb 90 MOM
 
Entertainment   903/5-2858      F-15 Strike Eagle II    Flight simulator        54.95   Dec 89 MOM
Entertainment   900-2755        M1-Tank Platoon Simulation of land combat       64.95   Dec 89 MOM
Entertainment   903/5-2863      Micro Bridge Companion  Bridge  59.95   Dec 89 MOM
Entertainment   900-2852        Operation Wolf  Arcade game     37.95   Dec 89 MOM
Entertainment   900-2846        SimCity Design and build a city 49.95   Dec 89 MOM
Entertainment   900-2867        The Playroom    Child-sized world       44.95   Dec 89 MOM
 
Personal Management     903/5-0523      PC Study Bibles Bible Reference 139.95  Dec 89 MOM
 
MOM-02-90
NEW PRODUCT RELEASES NOT IN CATALOGS - DESCRIPTIONS
(Items are in stock number order within categories.)
 
CAD
 
903-2862  Drafix CAD Quick Start  $129.00
Drafix CAD Quick Start is for people that want to learn CAD but
still create beautiful, accurate drawings quickly.
Quick Start contains a 200-page ``Teach yourself CAD,'' step-by-step
guide to learning the basics of CAD.
This makes it a natural product for home customers that are planning
on doing some home remodeling,
or students just beginning to understand the concept of
computer-aided design.
 
A dynamic menuing system keeps all menus on the screen at all times.
No need to remember commands.
A text editor is also included to add comments to your drawings
or choose from the pre-drawn symbols included.
Easily add dimensions, zoom in for a close-up view, make a mirror
image and rotate it.
Then print out your drawing on a dot-matrix or laser printer or a size
``A'' or ``B'' plotter.
 
CD-ROM DRIVES
903-2374  Hitachi External Micro Channel CD-ROM Drive  $1,095.00
 
This is a Micro Channel version of the external CD-ROM drive we
have been carrying as 900-2156.
It is specifically for the Tandy  5000 MC or other Micro Channel units.
All hardware and software necessary to set up and operate the drives
is included.
 
Audio playback circuitry is included, along with a stereo headphone
jack with volume control up front.
Access time is 450 msec.
MTBF is 25,000 hours.
 
900-2375  Hitachi Internal CD-ROM Drive  $895.00
This is an internal CD-ROM drive for the Tandy  1000 SL, TL, SL/2, TL/2,
2500 XL, 3000 NL, 4000 SX, 4016 SX, DX, 4020 LX, 4025 LX, 4033 LX
and other computers with disk drive rails.
Audio playback circuitry is included, along with a stereo headphone
jack with volume control up front.
Access time is 450 msec.
MTBF is 25,000 hours.
All hardware and software, including the CD caddy, is included.
 
MOM-02-90
DATABASES
 
903-1934  FilePro 16 Plus (XENIX)  $1,995.00
A menu-driven electronic filing system and application
developer in a single package, with special programming
tools for consultants and programmers.
Included are screen output and user-menu generators, eight self-balancing
automatically-maintained indexes, user-definable
edits, print codes and a data-processing language module.
 
903-2962  FilePro 16 Plus (Network)  $1,495.00
The same application program as 903-1934, except this
program is applicable to an MS-DOS/Network system.
 
MOM-02-90
WORKGROUP HARDWARE
 
90-1760 Novell Boot PROM  $39.00
The Novell Remote Boot PROM for the (26-5505) Tandy  Ethernet Adapter
provides remote boot capability from the server.
This device is easily installed in the socket provided.
A convenient and cost-effective solution for floppy-based workstations under
Novell NetWare.
Supports Novell ELS II, Advanced, and SFT V2.1X and greater.
 
MOM-02-90
EXCITING NEW COMPUTER HARDWARE
 
This issue of the Computer Merchandising Memo of the Month
announces some exciting new products.
Although you'll find detailed features and specifications
on the following pages, here are some highlights:
 
DMP 240 Printer         (26-2839, $549.95)
 
This is a ``You asked for it - you got it'' product.
The DMP 240 is an 80 column full-color printer retailing for just $549.95.
The DMP 240 supports most popular emulations making it perfect
for programs like The New Print Shop, DeskMate  Q&A Write and others.
The DMP 240 is available to all stores out of regional warehouses.
 
Tandy  2800 HD  (25-3550, $3,499.00)
 
Another you've all asked for it and here it is product.
The 2800 HD Laptop sports an 80286 processor,
oversized EGA display and 84-key keyboard.
It's all packaged in an executive black case.
Total weight is just shy of 12.5 lbs.
Retail is $3,499.00.
By the way, make sure you tell your customers that we build the Tandy 2800 HD
right here in America.
It's in stock right now at TSDC for immediate delivery.
 
Tandy  2500 XL  (25-4074, $1,499.00)
 
The Tandy 2500 XL another machine you've been asking for.
Retailing for just $1,499.00,
the 2500 XL is equipped with an 80286 processor operating at 10 MHz.
Highlights are:
 
    One MB of RAM
    High capacity 3  " disk drive
    SmartDrive  connector
    DeskMate  in ROM
    DAC and sound capability as in our Tandy 1000 TL/2
    Built-in VGA
    Three 16-bit expansion slots
 
It's all packaged in a brand new low profile cabinet.
An innovative hinged chassis makes installing options a piece of cake.
The best news is that they're in stock now at TSDC
for ordering by 11s and Zs.
 
Tandy  4016 SX  (25-4901, $1,999.00)
 
You showed us that you could sell an 80386sx machine,
so we improved the 4000 SX and lowered the price.
The Tandy 4016 SX uses the same cabinet and chassis design as in the
Tandy 2500 XL to build an impressive 80386sx CPU.
It includes 1 MB of RAM, high capacity disk drive, built-in VGA adapter
and SmartDrive , and PS/2-style mouse connector.
It's ideal for MS-DOS or MS OS/2 applications.
The Tandy 4016 SX is an outstanding value at $1,999.00.
It is in stock at TSDC now for ordering by 11s and Zs.
 
Tandy  4016 DX  (25-5001, $2,999.00)
 
We took our very successful Tandy 4000 and updated it.
It now has all the features of the Tandy 4020 and 4025 LX with the exception
of the memory cache controller,
but including ProSlot  technology, built-in VGA adapter, and a
SmartDrive  connector.
The 4016 DX comes in the new 386 family case with
VGA display adapter, SmartDrive  connector and mouse port.
It retails for $2,999.00
and is available at TSDC now for ordering by 11s and Zs.
 
Tandy  4033 LX  (25-5130, $5,999.00)
 
The Tandy 4033 LX is the new leader of the pack.
It rounds out the family whose members are the 4020 LX,
4025 LX and the new 4016 DX described above.
It races along at 33 MHz and includes 2 MB of RAM and 32K of cache memory.
Retail is $5,999.00.
Availability for the Tandy 4033 LX will be March.
(Note that the 4033 LX has been verified Class A and NOT certified
Class B as shown in RSC-21A and the 4033 product brochure.)
This product may not be sold for use in the home,
but only in non-residential business offices.
 
Both the 4016 DX and the 4033 LX, as well as the 4020 LX and 4025 LX,
feature ProSlot technology described in detail on Page 29.
Read on...!
And be sure to see the Product Positioning and Comparison Charts
attached at the end of this issue of the
Computer Merchandising Memo of the Month.
 
MOM-02-90
DMP 240 COLOR DOT MATRIX PRINTER
 
The DMP 240 (26-2839) is a 24 wire, narrow carriage,
impact dot matrix printer which has excellent cost performance,
providing users with high quality output for an economical price.
 
It includes the necessary parts and firmware to support an optional 4
color fabric ribbon and is capable of producing 8 colors in text and
graphics modes.
 
It has an easy to operate Multi-functional Operation Panel with 2 line
LCD display.
The user can set over 100 different printing combinations using this panel.
For ease of use, the Operation Panel can be used to define up to 4 Macros,
or complete printer settings, and then load them
with the touch of a button instead of setting each of the individual modes.
 
This useful feature allows different settings to be stored for text or
graphics-based applications and immediately loaded.
A Quick Mode feature lets the user quickly run a macro, change fonts,
change printer pitch settings, or choose colors.
 
The paper-handling features are designed with the user in mind.
It supports a programmable top-of-page tear-off feature that
automatically advances forms to a tear off bar, and then retracts
the form automatically to the print position when printing resumes.
With the tear off feature enabled, the user can print with a top
margin setting of approximately  " to over 1  " automatically.
 
A convenient paper parking feature allows the user to 'park' or move
the tractor feed paper to the rear of the printer and use single sheet
paper, all without physically removing the tractor feed paper.
 
A COPY mode increases printing force for legible printing on
multipart forms up to 4 copies.
The DMP 240's user reversable tractor feed system can be used as
either a push or pull system, giving the user the ability to use many
different types of forms and paper as the need dictates.
In addition, a bottom feed slot is provided.
 
There are two high speed draft modes: 192 characters per second
(CPS) at 12 characters per inch (CPI) and 160 CPS at 10 CPI.
The printer also has a 64 CPS letter quality mode and produces
360 x 360 dpi color or black and white graphics.
 
There are four built-in letter quality fonts, and two draft modes
available in the IBM ProPrinter X24 and EPSON LQ emulations.
Its 8K buffer is expandable to 40K for faster printing requirements.
 
For color printing, the user can install an optional 4 color ribbon,
and use color in both text and graphics modes.
 
A new printer driver for DeskMate  will be available at the end of
February from the TSDC warehouse.
This driver will allow DeskMate users to print from DeskMate
applications in full color using the DMP 240 or most any Epson
LQ compatible printer that also has color capabilities using the
ESC/P Epson code set.
 
In addition, this driver will run the DMP 240 in true 24 wire mode
providing DeskMate users with high resolution printing.
Stores that require this driver should order one from the warehouse
when available and duplicate it at the store for customers that
purchase the DMP 240.
 
With all these features that are normally reserved for higher
priced printers, the DMP 240 will appeal to a lot of different customers.
 
As a stand alone 24 wire printer, the letter-quality text
is perfect for small word processing tasks found
in the home office environment.
Its color abilities will appeal to personal and business users alike.
Combined with software like PrintShop Plus, Banners, DeskMate Draw,
and many of the other personal productivity drawing programs,
the personal user will be able to let their imagination run wild on the screen,
then actually print it out on paper.
 
Combined with Windows Applications that support color,
high-power design packages like ColorRix, EGA Paint, PC PaintBrush 4,
and CAD and spreadsheet programs that support Epson LQ color,
the business user will be able to make their designs and charts come to life
in bright colors.
 
Even Educational customers will be interested in this versatile printer
since it can be used not only in keyboard and word processing labs,
but in other learning applications as well where printing in color
offers more incentive for the student to use and learn.
 
The best selling feature of the DMP 240 is   that all these
capabilities, including color, come at an exceptionally affordable
price of only $549.95.
 
Accessories for the DMP 240
Catalog #       Description     Price   Availability
26-2824 Ribbon  14.95   Now
26-2826 4 Color Ribbon  29.95   Now
 
 
DMP 240 Color Dot Matrix Printer
 
Printing Technology     24 wire dot matrix, impact type
 
Printing Speed  High Speed Utility - 192 CPS,
        Draft Mode 160 CPS,
        Letter Quality - 64 CPS
 
Fonts   Pitch 10,12,15,17,20, and proportional,
        Letter Quality - Roman, Sans Serif, Courier,
        and Prestige, DRAFT mode - High Speed and
        normal draft, Optional Downloaded Fonts
 
Print Attributes        Color, Italic, Bold, Elongated, Sub/Superscript,
        Double Height, Double Width, Condensed,
        continuous underline, bi-drectional,
        uni-directional
 
Emulations      IBM ProPrinter X24, Epson LQ-500/850
        (Plus Epson LQ Color)
 
Interface       Standard IBM Parallel port
 
Buffer  8K upgradeable to 40K
 
Paper Handling  Semi-automatic sheet feed, paper park,
        push/pull reversable tractor feed, bottom
        feed slot, single sheet friction feed,
         " tear bar
 
Paper Width     4" to 10"
 
Number of copies        Original Plus 2 (Original plus 3 in COPY
        MODE)
 
Print Head      200 Million characters, user replaceable
 
Power Requirements      120VAC, 60Hz, UL/FCC Class B
 
Dimensions (HxWxD)      5.1" x 15.8" x 12.6"
 
Weight  12 pounds
 
MOM-02-90
TANDY  2800 HD LAPTOP COMPUTER
 
The Tandy 2800 HD Laptop Computer (25-3550) is designed for the person who
needs portability but doesn't want to give up the
benefits of a desktop system.
It has a full size screen, generous built-in RAM, a full 101-key emulation
keyboard with the feel of a full size keyboard,
and all the ports to enable the user to use it as a desktop,
as well as a portable.
 
As the fastest laptop in the Radio Shack lineup,
this unit should be offered to business executives and professionals
who are engaged in working with spreadsheets, extensive word processing,
and larger databases of information.
As a 'desktop oriented' laptop, this unit can substitute as
a combination system for those that prefer to have only
one computer system for both office and on-the-road use.
 
The Tandy 2800 HD is a PC/XT compatible system with a 12 MHz 80C286
processor and support for an 80C287 math co-processor.
It includes MS-DOS 3.3 and the Tandy DeskMate  3 productivity
software already installed on the hard drive as well as on 3  "
diskettes, making it ready to go 'out of the box'.
It has a removable, rechargeable battery pack that provides up to
2 hours of use.
 
The specially designed lead-acid gel cell battery module can be
recharged inside the unit while it is on or off, and additionally
can be recharged using the included external battery charging
module that connects between the battery and the AC adapter.
This option alone can save the user many dollars over competing systems
where the external battery charger is sold as an accessory item.
The battery compartment is designed so a replacement battery can
be connected while the first battery is also connected so the
user never has to shut off the system to replace the battery.
 
The EL backlit blue-on-white supertwist EGA screen is a full 9 1/8" x 8 5/8"
giving the user a viewing area similar to that of a full size monitor.
This high resolution screen combined with its 16 gray scale range
and user selectable color mapping allows the user to view programs
in any lighting situation.
 
Since the screen is large and the characters and graphics are well defined,
the user does not have to give up readability just to have portability.
This should be one of the most important features pointed out
when talking with prospective customers.
By using the DeskMate interface, you can show your customers
and even make the comparison to   a desktop system and
point out the 2800's outstanding screen.
 
The 84-key, full 3.5mm stroke keyboard is 101-key compatible and
includes the full range of function and cursor control keys
in a logical order.
It includes an embedded numerical keypad that functions exactly
like a full size keyboard, so the user doesn't have to
find `keyboard workarounds' for programs that require
full keyboard control.
 
Our cursor control keys (PAGE UP, PAGE DOWN, END, HOME and the ARROW keys)
always function as cursor control keys.
This allows the user to turn on the numerical keypad area for spreadsheet use
and still have the ability to move the cursor around
without having to toggle the numeric keypad on and off.
 
Those customers that prefer the feel of a standard keyboard
will appreciate our full 3.5mm stroke keys.
In addition, the vertical and horizontal spacing of our alphanumeric keys
is identical to a 101-key keyboard.
The customer will not have to `get used to' the feel of a new keyboard.
 
The memory on the Tandy 2800 HD can be expanded from its base of 1 MB to
a total of 2 MB with the addition of a user-installable memory card.
This additional memory can be used as Expanded Memory and supports the
LIM 4.0 standard when using the included Tandy Expanded Memory
Manager program.
This allows the user to run programs that require additional memory,
or set up a convenient 1 MB RAMdisk to speed up program access.
 
The Tandy 2800 HD is full of power-saving features.
The system can be set so that the hard disk will be turned on
only when it is required to store or retrieve data.
Serial ports can also be enabled only when required,
and the backlight and the LCD can be told to shut off
after a user-specified period of time.
By using these features carefully
(all of which are important to obtain the maximum time
from the battery system)
the user can conserve battery power.
 
And, the user can select most of these operations directly from
the keyboard, allowing almost total control of the entire power system.
And, the user can select the processor speed from the keyboard.
For programs that don't require the high speed 12 MHz mode,
the user can keyboard select the 6 MHz mode and further minimize
battery power use.
 
As configured from the battery, the Tandy 2800 HD will start right
into DeskMate.
Obviously we feel that this is the best solution
for most Tandy customers.
If however the customer prefers to go directly to the DOS prompt,
the included SETUP program will allow the users to change the `boot'
or start-up procedure.
As with the Tandy 1100 FD, once again Radio Shack has given the user the
ability to configure the system to the demands of the user.
 
With all its built in `customer features', the Tandy 2800 HD is an
excellent alternative to the high price laptops in the marketplace today.
Radio Shack has engineered this laptop so the user does not
have to sacrifice anything to own a high speed PC/XT compatible system
that can fit within the environment of the `office on the move'.
 
Accessories for the
Tandy  2800 HD Laptop Computer
Catalog #       Description     Price   Availability
25-3555 2400bps Internal Modem  199.95  3/30/90
25-3554 1 MB Memory Expansion Board     399.95  2/15/90
25-3556 Replacement Battery     49.95   Now
25-3511 Soft Carrying Case      44.95   Now
25-3513 Deluxe Carrying Case    49.95   Now
 
MOM-02-90
TANDY  2500 XL
 
The new Tandy 2500 XL (25-4074) is a 10 MHz 80286 which is fully AT compatible.
It supports full length 16-bit expansion cards in a new low profile
footprint which is only 4  " high, 15  " wide, and only 15" deep!
 
With the 2500 XL we've incorporated more standard features and
expansion than ever before in a footprint of this size.
 
The 2500 XL comes standard with 1 MB RAM which is expandable to
4 MB on the motherboard and can support up to 16 MB 16-bit memory adapters.
Furthermore,
the 2500 XL is our first 80286 system to include LIM 4.0 EMS support.
 
The 2500 XL has built-in 16-bit VGA, serial, bidirectional parallel
and mouse ports, a 3  " 1.44 MB floppy disk drive as well as SmartDrive
connectors for the addition of low-cost high-performance 16-bit
IDE SmartDrives  without the added cost of a separate HD controller.
 
Even with all these features standard, the small footprint of the
2500 XL still affords room for the addition of 3 full length
16-bit expansion adapters as well as two 1" height 3  " devices plus
one 5  " half-height device!
 
Two new high performance 1" height 16-bit SmartDrives have been added
to the line to complement the 2500 XL.
The new 40 MB 1" SmartDrive (25-4123) features 28 ms access speed
while the 80 MB 1" SmartDrive (25-4120) operates at an incredible 20 ms!
 
Device installation is simple with the 2500 XL's
unique case which features hinged metal expansion bays which swing
open for easy access to all sides of the drive tower.
(See the Tandy  4016 SX Case Design story on the next page.)
 
The 2500 XL is also designed with safety measures that make this unit
ideal for use in schools and homes.
The card expansion area is
separated from the enclosure containing the power supply, motherboard
and drive tower, allowing the addition of expansion adapters without
concern for electrical shock or damage to the system.
Furthermore, the enclosure housing the motherboard, power supply and
drive bay cannot be opened without first unplugging the power cord
from the system.
 
Last, and best, the 2500 XL is our first full AT-compatible system
that incorporates DeskMate  3.3 and MS-DOS 3.3 in ROM for near
instantaneous power and run of the DeskMate productivity applications!
 
In addition, DeskMate for the 2500 XL comes with PC-Link, the online
service through which users can access American Airlines EAASY SABRE system,
check stock quotes, read the latest news stories, even look up facts
in an online encyclopedia.
 
The 2500 XL with DeskMate presents a total solution as a general
purpose desktop system, but it is also fun and educational!
Of course, DeskMate includes a drawing application and the game Hangman,
but we've also incorporated the music program and sound editor as well as an
8-bit bidirectional DAC for sound and speech generation!
 
The 2500 XL is positioned as a powerful yet easy-to-use home
office desktop, economical business desktop, or network workstation
for education as well as business.
 
The system retails for $1,499 and
will be available in Computer Centers and Radio Shack computer departments.
 
 
Why a 10 MHz 80286 rather than a 12 MHz?
 
Would you believe the 2500 XL at 10 MHz is faster than a 12 MHz 80286?
 
It's true!
 
What manufacturers of 12 MHz 80286 systems often fail to mention
in their feature lists is that most 12 MHz 80286-based systems
are limited to a 6 MHz bus speed.
Obviously any peripherals operating off of adapters and controllers
in a 6 MHz expansion slot operate slower than bus architectures
such as the 2500 XL or 3000 NL which deliver 10 MHz performance.
The performance is further limited by the necessary addition of wait states
to synchronize the 12 MHz CPU speed with that of the slow expansion bus.
 
How much faster?
 
To make the best decision in selecting the CPU and bus speeds of the 2500 XL
we built test units both ways.
According to the Landmark CPU Speed benchmark
the 10 MHz 2500 XL with 10 MHz bus is, you guessed it,
10% faster than the 12 MHz prototype with a 6 MHz bus.
According to Landmark, ``The algorithm used for the test involves no disk I/O;
the use of a math co-processor does not affect the test results;
the number of wait states does affect the results.''
 
To show we're not biasing our results we compared the systems using
Power Meter Version 1.3, a utility developed by the Database Group, Inc.
for measuring the rate of instruction execution in millions of instructions
per second (MIPS).
This benchmark concentrates primarily on the CPU and memory performance
with little influence from the peripherals accessed across the bus.
In MIPS the 2500 XL performs at 1.884 MIPS vs. the
12 MHz unit which did a close, but slower 1.875 MIPS.
 
MOM-02-90
TANDY  4016 SX
 
The 4016 SX (25-4901), as the name implies,
is a 16 MHz 80386sx processor in the same new low-profile footprint
as the 2500 XL!
But don't let its small size fool you,
with the capability to support 32-bit processing the
4016 SX has the most horse-power we've ever incorporated in such a
small footprint!
 
This processing power together with a wide range of
performance enhanced features, 1 MB RAM, 16-bit VGA, serial, parallel, mouse,
and 16-bit IDE SmartDrive  connector, makes the 4016 SX ideal as a
powerful business desktop or high performance network workstation.
 
This unit replaces the popular 4000 SX.
With the 4000 SX, we had a
winner that redefined general-purpose business desktops as
requiring the power of the 386 plus a wide array of standard features.
Now with the 4016 SX we can further broaden this value-conscious market
with more performance-enhanced features in an amazing small
footprint and at an even greater value, $1,999,
$600 below the 4000 SX it replaces!
Let's look at how these systems compare:
 
The 4016 SX vs the 4000 SX
 
VGA
   The enhanced VGA graphics of the 4000 SX and the 4016 SX are similar
   in function.
   Each supports 256 colors simultaneously in 320 X 200 resolution
   and 16 colors in 640 X 480 resolution with colors selectable
   from a pallete of 256 colors.
   Each supports 64 shades of grey under monochrome.
 
   Where they differ is that the 4016 SX features a 16-bit VGA
   graphics adapter vs. the 8-bit VGA of the 4000 SX.
 
   Performance comparisons between 4000 SX and 4016 SX shows a performance
   gain in video access with the 4016 SX of 44%!
 
   When a comparison is run between
   a competitor's system with a 16-bit VGA graphics adapter and a 4016 SX,
   we see a performance increase of roughly 2   times  that of the
   competition!
   The difference is due to how we have implemented VGA in the 4016 SX.
   The 4016 SX executes the Video BIOS out of the system
   shadow RAM to achieve this incredible performance increase.
 
Case Design
   The biggest difference in the two systems is the case design.
   The chassis of the 4016 SX is only 4.25" high, 15.5" wide, and 15" deep.
   Even with all the features that are built-in to the 4016 SX, its small
   footprint still affords room for the addition of three full length 16-bit
   expansion adapters as well as two 1" height 3  " devices plus one 5  "
   half height device.
 
   The advantage of the 4016 SX's new case design is
   that device installation is simple with hinged metal expansion bays
   which swing open for easy access to all sides of the drive tower.
   Being all metal, the 4016 SX's case is rugged and incorporates safety
   measures that make this unit ideal for everyday desktop use.
 
   The card expansion area is separated from the enclosure containing the
   power supply, motherboard and drive tower, allowing the addition of
   expansion
   adapters without concern for electrical shock or damage to the system.
   Furthermore, the enclosure housing the motherboard, power supply and
   drive bay cannot be opened without first unplugging the power cord from
   the system.
 
   The 4000 SX does have an additional expansion card slot over the 4016 SX.
   On the 4016 SX we added a mouse port leaving the three full length
   expansion slots open for the addition of a modem, network card,
   plus one to spare!
   Because of all the integrated features of the 4016 SX,
   it is not necessary to utilize these expansion slots for the addition of
   a serial or parallel printer adapter, mouse port, a video controller,
   or even a hard drive controller.
   The 4016 SX has all this built-in!
 
One Last Note...
 
The Tandy 4016 SX formally replaces the Tandy 4000 SX.
The 4000 SX is out of stock in TSDC and you should work to sell
your remaining units.
 
Expansion Options for the 2500 XL and 4016 SX
 
Option  Catalog #       Description     Price   Availability
Video Monitors  25-4040 VGM-100 Monochrome      199.95  Now
        25-4041 VGM-200 Color .42mm     499.95  Now
        25-4042 VGM-300 Color .31mm     629.00  Now
 
Mouse   25-1042 2-Button Mouse (PS/2 version)   49.95   3/15/90
 
Floppy Drives   25-4053 3  " 1.44 MB    279.95  Now
        25-1075 3  " 720K       169.95  Now
        25-1063 5  " 360K       169.95  Now
        25-4050 5  " 1.2 MB     199.95  Now
 
SmartDrives     25-4123 40 MB 28 ms 3  " 1" Ht  649.00  2/15/90
        25-4120 80 MB 19 ms 3  " 1" Ht  899.00  Now
 
SCSI    25-4161 SCSI Host Adapter       349.95  Now
        25-4159 40 MB 19 ms 3  " 1/2 Ht 799.00  Now
        25-4160 80 MB 19 ms 3  " 1/2 Ht 1299.00 Now
        25-4162 170 MB 19 ms 5  " 1/2 Ht        1999.00 Now
 
CD-ROM  90-2375 Hitachi CDR-3600 Internal       895.00  Now
        90-2156 Hitachi CDR-1503S External      995.00  Now
 
Backup  25-4079 60 MB Tape Cartridge System     499.95  Now
        90-2059 Archive 60 MB External TCS      1050.00 Now
        90-2060 Archive 60 MB Internal TCS      1050.00 Now
        90-2061 Archive Extra Controller for 60 MB TCS  255.00  Now
        90-2466 150 MB External SCSI Tape Backup        1299.00 Now
        25-4064 20 MB Internal Disk Cartridge   799.00  Now
        90-2112 Videotrax Tape Backup   399.00  Now
 
Math Co-processor       90-2191 8 MHz 80287     326.00  Now
2500 XL
 
Math Co-processor       90-2321 16 MHz 80387sx  506.00  Now
4016 SX
 
Operating Systems       25-4109 MS-DOS 3.3 & GW-BASIC   119.95  Now
                (not for 2500 XL)
        25-4100 MS OS/2 325.00  Now
 
MOM-02-90
TANDY  4016 DX
 
Users who require the more powerful 32-bit processing without the
performance hit on memory access and on math intensive
applications are buying the Tandy  4000.
 
Now we are updating the 4000 with a new smaller profile case in
which we've added built-in 16-bit VGA graphics, the 16-bit IDE connector,
mouse port and more device expansion with
two 3  " plus two 5  " device slots afforded by our family case design!
 
We've called it the 4016 DX (25-5001) and it will retail for $2,999.
Its architecture affords it the performance over 80386sx-based
4016 SX which we've taken advantage of with two 32-bit memory
expansion slots that are accessed at the full CPU clock speed.
With 1 MB of memory standard the 4016 DX operates at .7 wait state,
but as memory is added beyond 1 MB the memory is interleaved to
achieve near zero wait state performance!
 
This performance advantage, combined with the expandability of the 4016 DX
across five open card slots and three open device slots,
translates into a powerful desktop solution that can grow
as your customer's needs grow to support multiple users as a XENIX console
or network file server.
Add modems, network cards, multi-port adapters,
hard drives in capacities from 40 to 344 MB, and a tape or disk cartridge.
Your customer need not add 16-bit VGA graphics, a hard drive controller,
serial, parallel or mouse ports, because the 4016 DX has all this standard!
 
MOM-02-90
THE TANDY 80386 SYSTEM FAMILY
 
The higher performance 4020 LX (25-5120)
and 4025 LX (25-5125) computers are now available,
and if December sales are any indication, they're a hit.
To boost performance beyond the incremental 20 MHz and 25 MHz
clock speeds we've added the Intel 82385 memory cache controller
and called these systems ``LX'' to differentiate them.
 
On the Tandy  4025 LX the memory cache controller is augmented by 32K
of high speed 25 nanosecond static RAM.
Indeed, preliminary benchmarks of CPU and memory performance
indicate the Tandy 4025 LX
is 75% faster than the 20 MHz 4000 LX and over 25% faster than
the Tandy  5000 MC.
 
The Tandy  4020 LX combines the memory cache controller with a
20 MHz 80386 microprocessor and 1 MB of memory for only $3,999.
The 4020 LX replaces the 4000 LX.
Benchmarks comparing the two show the new 4020 to be 30% faster
than the 4000 LX and comparable in performance to the 5000 MC.
 
With 16-bit VGA, serial, parallel, and mouse ports
and SmartDrive  electronics plus support for lower-priced and now
widely-available 100 ns SIMMs for memory expansion,
the new 4020 LX and 4025 LX are excellent price performance values!
 
MOM-02-90
TANDY  4033 LX
 
The newest addition to the Tandy 80386 family is the 33 MHz 4033 LX (25-5130).
It is for demanding operating environments such as the future
Open Desktop from SCO as well as data-intensive file servers, CAD/CAM
applications, and software development where the 4033 LX is positioned.
 
Preliminary benchmarks have the 4033 LX operating at about 7 MIPS.
That's roughly 20% faster than our next highest performance system,
the 4025 LX.
To give you some perspective, the 4033 LX is nearly 3 times faster
than the 4016 DX!
 
Like all the new Tandy Business Systems from the 2500 XL on up,
we chose to use the now widely available and lower cost 100 ns memory
on the 4033, but combined it with 32K of even
higher speed 20 ns static RAM for memory cache to achieve zero
wait state performance.
 
Retail price of the Tandy 4033 LX is $5,999.
 
All these new 80386 systems, the 4016 DX, 4020, 4025, and 4033 LX,
feature six 16-bit expansion slots, four of which are full 12" and
two half-size 16-bit slots, one of which is occupied by the 16-bit
VGA adapter.
Add to this two 32-bit memory expansion slots, SmartDrive  IDE
connector,  RS-232 serial, bidirectional parallel, and PS/2
style mouse ports along with two 3  " plus two 5  " device slots....
it's hard to believe we managed to shoe horn all this into a
chassis the same size and of the same family look as the 5000 MC.
 
IMPORTANT
Note that the 4033 LX has been verified Class A and NOT certified
Class B as shown in RSC-21A and the 4033 LX product brochure.
This product may not be sold for use in the home,
but only in non-residential business offices.
 
ProSlot  Technology
 
Conceptually we borrowed from the 5000 MC design of a separate removable
processor card in our 80386 systems to achieve this small footprint.
We call the slot in which the processor card plugs a ProSlot for short,
but we believe it to go a long way in meeting customer requirements
with shorter lead times and improved serviceability.
 
Obviously, the advantage of ProSlot technology is ours in manufacturing
flexibility, but this advantage is far-reaching in efficiency, effectiveness
and the bottom line   profitability.
 
Since multiple computers share common ports, we can bring computers
to market faster than ever before.
This helps reduce warehouse inventories and parts and supplies.
 
A common design makes our 386 systems easier to service,
plus, having tested this design with multiple processor cards at
various speeds ensures that our systems have the utmost reliability.
 
MOM-02-90
Expansion Options for the 4016 DX, 4020 LX, 4025 LX, 4033 LX
 
Option  Catalog #       Description     Price   Availability
Video Monitors  25-4040 VGM-100 Monochrome      199.95  Now
        25-4041 VGM-200 Color .42mm     499.95  Now
        25-4042 VGM-300 Color .31mm     629.00  Now
 
Mouse   25-1042 2-Button Mouse (PS/2 version)   49.95   3/15/90
 
Floppy Drives   25-4053 3  " 1.44 MB    279.95  Now
        25-4051 5  " 360K       169.95  Now
        25-4050 5  " 1.2 MB     199.95  Now
 
SmartDrives     25-4119 40 MB 28ms 3  " 1/2 Ht  649.00  Now
        25-4120 80 MB 19ms 3  " 1" Ht   899.00  Now
 
SCSI    25-4161 SCSI Host Adapter       349.95  Now
        25-4159 40 MB 19ms 3  " 1/2 Ht  799.00  Now
        25-4160 80 MB  19ms 3  " 1/2 Ht 1299.00 Now
        25-4162 170 MB 19ms 5  " 1/2 Ht 1999.00 Now
        25-4163 344 MB 19ms 5  " Full Ht        2999.00 Now
 
CD-ROM  90-2375 Hitachi CDR-3600 Internal       895.00  Now
        90-2156 Hitachi CDR-1503S External      995.00  Now
 
Backup  25-4079 60 MB Tape Cartridge System     499.95  Now
        90-2059 Archive 60 MB External TCS      1050.00 Now
        90-2060 Archive 60 MB Internal TCS      1050.00 Now
        90-2061 Archive Extra Controller for 60 MB TCS  255.00  Now
        25-4169 150 MB Internal SCSI Tape Backup        1,299.00        Now
        90-2466 150 MB External SCSI Tape Backup        1,299.00        Now
        25-4064 20 MB Internal Disk Cartridge   799.00  Now
        90-2112 Videotrax Tape Backup   399.00  Now
 
Math Co-processor       90-2131 16 MHz 80387    570.00  Now
4016 DX
 
Math Co-processor       90-2193 20 MHz 80387    647.00  Now
4020 LX
 
Math Co-processor       90-2322 25 MHz 80387    814.00  Now
4025 LX
 
Math Co-processor       90-2359 33 MHz 80387    994.00  Now
4033 LX
 
Operating Systems       25-4109 MS-DOS 3.3 & GW-BASIC   119.95  Now
        25-4100 MS OS/2 325.00  Now
        25-5203 SCO XENIX 2.3 GT        795.00  Now
 
MOM-02-90
OUTBOUND MARKETING IN FEBRUARY/MARCH
 
A monthly column for the direct sales professional.
 
OUTBOUND MARKETING PLAN FOR RSCCs AND Zs
February / March, FY 1990
 
Part One:
 
``The Event''   Marketing Plan
 
To complement our new product announcement on February 8th in New York City,
all Computer Centers and Zs will hold New Product Announcement Shows
(``The Event'') in their Centers.
 
This event will be supported in a new and exciting way from Ft. Worth.
Here's what to expect:
 
Between February 1st and 8th every RSCC and Z will receive:
 
    A drop shipment from TSDC which will contain:
 
        Many of the new products that will be announced on February 8th
        in New York City.
        These items must remain in the back room of the Center/Z
        until after closing on February 7th. 
 
        Brochures for all of the new products.
 
        A complete POP sign package identifying the new products
        in your Center.
 
        A large window banner.
 
        A copy of the two page announcement ad that will run on February 9th
        in the Wall Street Journal.
 
        TCL point of sale signs.
 
      Computer Centers Only
 
        XENIX software demo for your Tandy  4000 LX
        (in Position #13 of the RSCC Plan-O-Gram)
        and additional demonstration software.
 
    A Marketing Kit (sent UPS/US Mail) which will contain:
 
        The Plan-O-Gram for displaying the new products.
 
        A print-out of the installed-base of business customers
        for your Center/Z.
        These lists must be retained in the Center/Z.
        They will be used for this and future marketing programs.
 
        Invitations for your Center/Z's ``Event.''
 
        New product comparison and positioning charts
        (at the back of this M.O.M.).
 
        A training outline and new product tests for Center/Z personnel.
 
        Telephone script and phone logs.
 
        ``The Event'' registration sheets.
 
    In addition to the drop-ship and Marketing Kit:
 
        A shipment of the new RSC-21A catalogs will arrive in the RSCCs and Zs
        between February 1st - 8th.
 
MOM-02-90
``The Event''   Prospecting/Preparation
 
Testing:
All Managers and Marketing people in Centers and 01Zs are required to pass
the new product test with a minimum score of 90%
(you keep taking it until you pass).
 
The manager will allocate learning time with the new products
for each person in the RSCC (and sales specialists in Zs)
between the time it arrives and February 7th.
The average time should be 4 - 5 hours.
(The manager and/or the SE should spend time with any new people
to help them along.)
 
The RMTM will coordinate testing and insure completion by February 7th.
The RMTM will collect all tests and forward them with a summary sheet
to the DSM,
who will see that they are inserted into each person's personnel file.
The RSM will receive only a summary sheet from the RMTM.
The summary sheet will be provided for the RMTMs.
 
RMTMs must complete the summary sheets and forward the tests to the DSMs
and RSMs by February 14th.
 
Computer Centers will begin the planning steps as indicated
below to prepare for ``The Event'' in their Center/Z:
The attendance goal for each event day is 40 people for Centers
and 20 people for Zs.
 
Invitation Mailing Dates:
N/A     for     Event #1
February 9th    for     Event #2
February 16th   for     Event #3
 
Center Managers, reps, and sales specialists prepare and mail invitations
for each of their existing clients.
Each Center will need to mail 150 invitations per event date.
Each Z will need to mail 75.
(Don't forget to invite your CLPs.)
All Center/Z managers will forward a copy of the mailing list to their RMTM
(for random RMTM inspection calls) on the dates above.
 
The invitations are only a small part of the prospecting for ``The Event'',
and are to be used for ``selected'' special customers.
The first ``Event'' will be marketed totally by phone
(invitations will arrive too close to the ``Event'' date to be effective).
 
``The Event''   Prospecting Dates:
February 5th    for     Event #1
February 12th   for     Event #2
February 19th   for     Event #3
 
Managers and marketing staff will follow-up the invitation mailing
with phone calls to confirm receipt and to add a personal invitation
to ``The Events.''
With the aid of the Ft. Worth print-outs and your prospect book,
telephone prospecting is done on these days to solicit attendance
for those not selected to receive an invitation.
The majority of your prospecting time needs to focus on this group.
To hit our goal of 40/20 people per event day, you'll need to pre-register
100-150/75-100 people (to take into account ``no-shows'').
 
Every Center manager/Z sales specialist will keep track
of those registering for RMTM follow-up
by using the telephone log sheet provided.
The RMTMs will monitor each Center's progress by having these submitted
to them on each Tuesday before the ``Events''.
 
``The Event'' Dates:
February 8th    for     Event #1
February 15th   for     Event #2
February 22nd   for     Event #3
 
Each Center/Z will hold new product announcement shows.
Two shows are required on each date   a morning showing at 9:00 am
and an afternoon show at 3:00 pm.
Centers in downtown locations may move the afternoon show later
to accommodate commuter traffic.
Feel free to enhance the program and have an evening show as well!
 
MOM-02-90
Agenda for ``The Event'' in your Center/Z
 
  February 7
  1. Your already great looking Computer Center/Z is fine-tuned and tweaked
     so we put our best foot forward tomorrow (i.e., dusting, vacuuming,
     plant trimming, merchandise off the floor, windows cleaned,
     showcases organized, etc.).
  2. If your Center has a training room,
     be certain it is in tip-top condition.
  3. A small desk is set-up in the front of your Center/Z
     to serve as a registration area.
     Put out extra catalogs, product brochures and business cards.
 
  After closing on February 7th
  1. The new products are set-up per the Plan-O-Gram provided.
     Place all POP signs on the new products and install the recommended
     software where applicable.
  2. Wall Street Journal ad posted on the ``As Advertised'' stand.
     (Turn it away from the window until tomorrow!)
 
  Morning/Afternoon Agenda
  8:40 am / 2:40 pm
     Employees have a 20 minute meeting
     with the manager to go over the registration process
     and any last minute details.
     Put up the window banner.
  9:00 am / 3:00 pm
     All guests are registered at the front of the Center/Z
     on the registration sheet provided.
  9:10 am - on / 3:10 pm - on
     ``The Event" begins with an open house
     showing of the new computer products.
     The SE is available for any technical questions.
 
     At the appropriate time, the marketing personnel should attempt to gain
     an outside appointment with the attendees.
     A copy of the RSC-21A catalog, brochures,
     and a business card should be provided to each person as well.
 
     Our goal is to use this event to sell computers   using ``The Event''
     as the marketing vehicle.
     We don't want to lose sight of this during ``The Event''.
 
Follow-up Marketing Call Dates
     February 9th       for     Event #1
     February 16th      for     Event #2
     February 23rd      for     Event #3
 
Center/Z personnel contact the attendees by phone to thank them for coming.
This is the ideal time to ask for an appointment again or to do
a little question answering and then ask for the appointment
(or the order if appropriate).
 
Follow up on those people that didn't attend as well.
Set them up for an appointment or another show date.
 
Attendance Collection/Reporting Dates
     February 12th      for     Event #1
     February 19th      for     Event #2
     February 26th      for     Event #3
 
1. Center/Z managers will call in attendance figures (by marketing person)
   and mail attendance reporting sheets (provided with the Marketing Kit)
   to the RMTM on the dates shown above.
 
2. The RMTM will call Dennis Feeney by 2:00 pm Central Time on the
   above dates and report the actual attendance totals for the region
   for each event day.
 
3. After the RMTM has received and reviewed the attendance report sheets
   (by marketing person),
   he will forward them to the appropriate DSM who will see that they are
   inserted into each marketing person's personnel file.
 
The success of any plan is dependent upon its execution.
The 300/150 invitations provided will help get some of the regular
customers to the show, but in order to have a successful attendance
you will have to be sure that telephone marketing is done on the
prescribed dates.
 
MOM-02-90
THE AMOUNT OF TELEPHONE PROSPECTING TO CUSTOMERS
NOT RECEIVING INVITATIONS WILL MAKE OR BREAK EACH EVENT!
 
There will need to be 50-75 people pre-registered per marketing
person per event (100-150 total per Center per ``Event'')
to yield an actual attendance of 40 people per event day.
 
 
Part Two:
 
``Pricing Action''   Marketing Plan
 
During the months of February and March we are taking
a substantial pricing action on the Tandy  4000, 4000 LX and 3000 NL.
In order for your clients and prospects to take advantage of this action
(and for you to make additional commissions),
our marketing plan will be centered around promoting these products
as the heart of some great computer systems.
These prices will drive some customers into your Centers,
with 01-flyer support on the 3000 NL!
 
Included in the marketing kit is a
print-out of the installed base of business customers for
your Center/Z.
 
During the months of February and March,
our goal is to deplete our supply of 4000s, 4000 LXs and 3000 NLs.
Each manager and marketing person should sell four of these systems
during this period.
The installed base leads have been provided for prospecting
during these months to set up outside appointments..
 
 
``Pricing Action''   Prospecting/Preparation
 
Prospecting Dates
    February 26
    March 5, 12, 19, 26
 
On these dates, the manager and marketing reps will use
the above-mentioned print-outs to inform our customers
of the pricing action by completing warm calls to the list.
Please note that these are all Mondays.
We want to be certain that every manager and rep spends all day
on Mondays prospecting (on the phone) for outside appointments.
The RSMs, RMTMs and DSMs will follow-up on Monday prospecting
with visits to the Centers/Zs.
 
Plan-O-Grams
 
These systems will be set-up in the correct Plan-O-Gram locations
on the showroom floor, with proper POP signage:
 
Position #10
 
25-4072 Tandy  3000 NL
25-3012 VM-5
25-3049 Monochrome Graphics Adapter
25-4058/62      20 MEG HD w/Controller
        System Price    $1,767.90
 
Position #15
 
25-5000 Tandy 4000
25-3012 VM-5
25-3049 Monochrome Graphics Adapter
25-4058/62      20 MEG HD w/Controller
        System Price    $2,767.90
 
Position #13
 
25-5100 Tandy 4000 LX
25-3012 VM-5
25-3049 Monochrome Graphics Adapter
25-4058/62      20 MEG HD w/Controller
        System Price    $3,767.90
 
Proposal Review
 
During this time frame, the Center Managers/Z sales specialists
and RMTMs will review outstanding proposals to determine where it
would be practical to issue revised quotations (based on pricing).
Revised proposals will be delivered to customers by March 1st.
Include expiration dates on your proposals to encourage action
on the customer's part.
 
RMTM Collection/Reporting Dates:
    March 12th  for the period  2/24 thru 3/11
    March 26th  for the period  3/12 thru 3/25
    April 2nd   for the period  3/26 thru 3/31
 
RMTMs collect CPUs sold (delivered sales transactions) during the above
time frames.
The CPUs tracked will be the Tandy  3000 NL, 4000, and 4000 LX.
A count by CPU for the region will be called in to Dennis Feeney
by 2:00 pm Central Time on the above dates.
 
This information will be provided, by the RMTM,
in a memo to the RSM and DSMs on the same dates.
 
These action item checklists are being provided for your convenience.
Use them like you would a calendar to reference the activities you'll
need to complete on the dates shown.
Post this where you'll use it as a daily reminder.
 
MOM-02-90
``The Event''   Action Item Checklist
 
        FEBRUARY
Center/Z Manager        1       2       5       6       7       8       9       12      13      14      15      16      19      20      21      22      23      26      27      28
Action Items    Th      F       M       Tu      W       Th      F       M       Tu      W       Th      F       M       Tu      W       Th      F       M       Tu      W
 
Complete New Product Test                                       
                                                        #2                                      #3
Mail Invitations                                                                                                
Invitation Mailing List                                                 #2                                      #3
  Sent to RMTM                                                                                          
        #1      #1      #1                                      #2                                      #3
Prospect for Event                                                                                                      
Center/Z Manager Sends                                                          #1                                      #2                                      #3
  Attendance Reports to RMTM                                                                                                                                            
                                        #1                                      #2                                      #3
Prepare Center for Event                                                                                                                        
                                        #1                                      #2                                      #3
``Event''                                                                                                                               
                                                        #1                                      #2                                      #3
Follow-Up Calls                                                                                                                                 
 
   Reminder            Event #1 Track            Event #2 Track            Event #3 Track
 
``Pricing Action''   Action Item Checklist
 
        FEB     MARCH   APR
Center/Z Manager        26      1       5       12      19      26      2
Action Items    M       Th      M       M       M       M       M
 
Prospecting                                             
Revised Proposals to Prospects          
 
MOM-02-90
TRAINING KINETICS
 
A forum for sales training topics.
 
 
SHARING ``THE EVENT'' WORKLOAD
 
You have a huge task in front of you.
New products, new marketing plan, exciting activities.
But how will it all get done?
And who will do it?
The Chief or the Indians?
 
The prospects and clients who will be visiting your Center
or store expect to see professionalism, excitement, and expertise.
These are the obvious things that are easily pinpointed.
What is less evident, but critical, is the effort that goes into your
preparation for the big day.
 
``The Event'' Team
 
Everyone talks about being part of the Selling Team
and how effective it can be, but how does that relate to ``The Event''?
 
The immediate answer is that it is the same...but in fast forward.
Because there is a lot to do and not much time to do it, you need a plan.
Otherwise you may wind up having a Chinese fire drill on the last day.
 
1. Determine what tasks need to be performed.
   You have general cleanup activities, merchandising display,
   new promotion setup, software/demo installation,
   invitation name/address gathering, name/address label generation, etc.
 
2. Make up a schedule that lists each activity
   and who is responsible for getting it done, with clear deadlines on
   completion.
 
   Keep in mind that everyone in your Center
   has a special skill that can be utilized in this effort.
   You may have someone who is very good at merchandising the store
   attractively and quickly.
   One of your MRs may have the ability to help the SE set up the machines
   and install the software.
 
   The goal here is to pick the best people for each job
   and get it done in the most efficient way,
   without interfering with your normal outbound marketing activities.
 
3. Make up a training schedule.
   Be sure that this schedule doesn't overlap the task schedule for anyone.
   Check with your RMTM for his schedule and procedure for testing
   to insure that you and your staff are ready in time.
 
   Consider the ``buddy'' system to pre-test the learning process
   or role-play potential scenarios.
   Involve your SE in the training as a resource for questions.
   And be sure that everyone knows how to demonstrate each product.
 
4. Determine what procedures are to be followed for deciding
   which event each client/prospect will be invited to
   (who is invited if you have more than 300 potential invitees; etc.);
   follow-up phone calls (who makes them),
   incoming phone calls related to invitations, event agenda, etc.,
   account distribution (how are orphan clients assigned)
   and any other procedure that affects everyone in the Center or store.
 
5. Write the above procedures down and be sure
   that everyone understands them.
   It will save confusion later.
 
6. Post all work and training schedules so that everyone understands
   what is going on and will be able to help out if someone is absent
   or called out on an emergency assignment.
 
7. Plan periodic meetings to gauge how things are going
   and whether adjustments have to be made to your original schedules.
   Encourage input from others who might have ideas or suggestions
   to make your plan work better.
   Managers must be able to empower their staff rather than being an autocrat.
 
8. Encourage a competitive, yet cooperative, busy, yet not oppressive,
   spirit in the Center.
   It's the only way everything will get done
   and leave the feeling that it was a shared effort that benefited everyone.
 
And the biggest benefit of all?
Just as reaching the finish line first means that each member
of the relay team has completed their lap with their best effort,
having a successful ``Event'' that results in closed sales means
that each member of the team has made their contribution
with a dedicated effort.
 
You have the outline for success with this program.
Your implementation and fine tuning of the program will decide
how successful it will be.
 
And when the team wins, everybody wins!
 
MOM-01-90
THE FRONT LINE
 
THE FRONT LINE is a monthly column dedicated to discussing mercmotion setup
concepts relating to our computer product line.
 
 
QUESTIONS, QUESTIONS
From time to time, questions like these are posed to Computer Merchandising:
"Why do we need to spend so much time testing computer hardware and
software that is already being sold by hundreds,
if not thousands of other retailers?"
 
Or, to ask it a slightly different way,
"Why can't we have the hot products on our shelves
when our competitors do?"
 
The answer, briefly, is because we care enough about our customers to
want to take the time to insure that the products that appear in our
catalogs are the very best they can be.
Vendors, even those with the most honorable of intentions, certainly make
mistakes.
Examples?
I'm glad you asked!
(Please note the names have been withheld to protect the guilty.)
 
1. A name brand word processing software package in which if you tried to
copy four pages of a document,
the software allowed access to only one option: EXIT.
Naturally if the user hadn't saved their document, it was lost.
This product, now sold nationwide by most software retailers,
was rejected by our Software Quality Assurance department.
 
2. A name brand payroll software package that doesn't total social
security withholding accurately.
When informed of this bug, the vendor said they had never noticed it before.
This product, complete with bug,
is currently sold nationwide by most software retailers.
 
3. An entertainment software title that randomly locks up.
This product has been on the market for over a year and has sold hundreds of
thousands of copies.
We required this be fixed before it was added to our line.
 
4. A Static Protector retailing for over fifty dollars that when opened up
for inspection revealed there was nothing inside but a 1" cube of
conductive foam rubber.
This product is sold nationwide by mail order companies
who cater to Corporate customers.
It was rejected as a product unsuitable for our line.
 
5. An antistatic pad that when placed on a lacquered desktop in an executive's office, destroys the furniture's finish.
This product is sold nationwide by mail order companies
who cater to Corporate customers.
It was rejected as a product unsuitable for our line.
 
Would you want these products in your store?
 
With these examples as an introduction,
I'd like to describe three departments here in Fort Worth that work
to insure that the products you carry are not of the type cited above:
 
Computer Product Engineering  has responsibility for hardware and
operating systems.
They check products for proper operation from a technical point of view,
adherence to specifications published by the supplier
and compatibility with other products in our line.
 
Software Quality Assurance  works within the Quality Control department
to insure that software operates properly on our hardware, complies
with the specifications published by the supplier and that the
documentation included with the product is adequate.
They also look at hardware and operating systems to insure
that they are compatible with application software already in our line.
 
National Quality Control 's role is to insure that all aspects
of the final product you receive meets our high standards.
They perform environmental tests on the product to insure
that it will stand up to its intended use.
They verify that the product's packaging protects it adequately during its
ride from the factory all the way to your customer's home or office.
National Quality Control also travels to factories and inspects their
facilities to insure that the vendor is capable of building the product.
Finally, they maintain facilities in each of our warehouses around the
country to verify that the merchandise we ship you is identical to the
merchandise that was agreed upon in Fort Worth.
 
As frequently happens,
answers to questions cause new questions to pop up.
For instance:
 
Question:
Do other retailers test their products as extensively as we do?
 
Answer:
In many cases, no. 
 
Question:
How do vendors get away with selling these products?
 
Answer:
Because retailers are willing to accept them.
 
We truly have a story to tell our customers.
As stated many times before in this column,
if you don't sell the benefits of doing business with Radio Shack
to every customer you see, you reduce us to the same level as our competitors.
 
One last question:
Why Tandy  Computers... ?
Now it's your turn to answer the question.
MARKETING COMPUTERS IN JANUARY
Items on Sale in January
 
MOM-01-90
FOR ALL STORES:
DeskMate  First Publisher/Art Gallery Free!
 
With the coupon now on the 25-1279 First Publisher package, customers
receive Art Gallery at no additional cost (a $129.00 value).
Remember, customers receive Art Gallery directly from Software Publishing.
Coupons must be received by Software Publishing by March 30, 1990.
 
Tandy  1000 SL/2
Cat.No. Description     Reg Price       Sale    Sale Dates
25-1402 Tandy 1000 SL/2
25-1043 CM-5 Color Monitor
25-1331 Software Bonus Pak
        System  1,473.80        1,098.95        12/26-Cont'd
 
 
Tandy  1000 HX, 1000 SL
Cat.No. Description     Reg Price       Sale    Sale Dates
25-1053 Tandy 1000 HX   699.00  399.00  8/20-1/20
25-1053 Tandy 1000 HX
25-1043 CM-5 Color Monitor
        System  998.95  698.95  8/20-1/20
25-1401 Tandy 1000 SL   899.00  599.00  9/17-SOWG
25-1401 Tandy 1000 SL
25-1043 CM-5 Monitor
        System  1,198.95        898.95  9/17-SOWG
 
Color Computer Software
Cat.No. Description     Reg Price       Sale    Sale Dates
26-3072 Thexder 24.95   14.95   SOWG
26-3084 Shanghai        24.95   15.95   SOWG
26-3106 Personal Finance II     29.95   9.95    SOWG
26-3110 Color File  II  24.95   14.95   SOWG
26-3159 Castle Tharrogad        29.95   15.95   SOWG
26-3172 GFL Champ Ftbl II       29.95   19.95   SOWG
26-3189 BASIC O9 Tour Guide     14.95   9.95    SOWG
26-3285 King's Quest III        34.95   19.95   SOWG
26-3296 Interbank Incident      

MS-DOS Software
Cat.No. Description     Reg Price       Sale    Sale Dates
25-1186 FUNdamentals HX/TX      24.95   16.95   12/26-1/20
25-1187 Paradox 495.00  295.00  12/26-1/20
25-1250 DeskMate  3.0   99.95   49.95   10/22-SOWG
25-1257 CompuServe      29.95   19.95   12/26-1/20
25-5111 Windows 386     195.00  97.50   12/26-1/20
 
MS-DOS Home Education Software
Cat.No. Description     Reg Price       Sale    Sale Dates
25-1200 Math Blaster Plus       44.95   29.95   12/26-1/20
25-1216 Reader Rabbit   44.95   34.95   12/26-1/20
25-1237 Child. Write/Pub        54.95   49.95   12/26-1/20
 
MS-DOS Games
Cat.No. Description     Reg Price       Sale    Sale Dates
25-1215 Flight Simulator        44.95   39.95   12/26-1/20
25-1321 Ind. Jones Last Crusade 44.95   39.95   12/26-1/20
25-1322 Scrabble/Monopoly       44.95   39.95   12/26-1/20
25-1323 TV Game Show Combo      34.95   29.95   12/26-1/20
25-1325 Sierra Value Pack       69.95   64.95   12/26-1/20
 
Printers/Modem/Accessories
Cat.No. Description     Reg Price       Sale    Sale Dates
25-1018 1200 BPS Plus Modem     99.95   69.95   12/26-1/20
26-0203 Power Switching System  99.95   59.95   12/26-1/20
26-0235 Acoustic Cover  69.95   39.95   10/22-1/20
26-2800 DWP 520 Printer 995.00  398.00  12/26-1/20
26-2801 DWP 520 Tractor Feed    149.95  119.95  SOWG
26-2811 DMP 2120 Printer        1,599.00        999.00  12/26-1/20
26-3025 One Button Mouse        29.95   19.95   12/26-1/20
 
Bargain Hunter's BONANZA
Where-Is-As-Is Merchandise
Cat.            Reg.    Sale
No.     Description     Price   Price
25-1125 F-15 Strike Eagle       34.95   16.95
25-1137 Starflight      49.95   17.40
25-1146 Quartet Acctg   199.95  36.65
25-1151 Where in World Carmen   34.95   17.85
25-1159 Managing Your Money     199.95  73.35
25-1160 Omniterm        129.95  67.40
25-1162 MS-Word 379.00  201.25
25-1163 MS-Multiplan    195.00  31.30
25-1166 FUNdamentals SX 29.95   12.95
25-1173 PFS: Prof Plan  99.00   18.35
25-11X P/R       699.00  399.00
25-4% World Carmen   34.95   17.85
25-1159 Managing Your Money     199.95  73.35
25-1160 Omniterm        129.95  67.40
25-1162 MS-Word 379.00  201.25
25-1163 MS-Multiplan    195.00  31.30
25-1166 FUNdamentals SX 29.95   12.95
25-1173 PFS: Prof Plan  99.00   18.35
25-1182 Earl Weaver Baseball    35.95   19.95
25-1183 Thexder 29.95   15.40
25-1188 Typing Tutor IV 44.95   34.95
25-1189 Lovejoy's SAT   44.95   29.95
25-1196 Adv Flight Sim  35.95   19.95
25-1217 Writer Rabbit   44.95   24.95
25-1218 Math Rabbit     34.95   19.95
25-1219 Gunship 44.95   24.95
25-1220 Space Quest II  39.95   22.65
25-1223 Lotus Small Business Kit        595.00  261.85
25-1224 Quattro 229.00  129.95
25-1229 Police Quest    39.95   22.65
25-1230 GFL Football    34.95   19.95
25-1233 FUNdamentals TL 19.95   14.95
25-1235 Future Magic    44.95   24.95
25-1236 FUNdamentals SL 19.95   14.95
25-1250 DeskMate 3.0    99.95   49.95
25-1270 Pirates 39.95   13.75
25-1274 Ancient Art of War at Sea       39.95   13.75
25-1275 Ikari Warriors  34.95   11.00
25-1509 Guide to Pers DM 2      19.95   2.75
25-3191 dBase III +     725.00  149.55
25-3192 Framework 2     725.00  130.65
25-4301 XENIX G/L       599.00  299.00
25-4303 XENIX P/R       699.00  399.00
25-4304 XENIX A/R       599.00  299.00
 
26-0258 3 1/2" Disk Box 5.95    3.88
26-0259 5 1/4" Disk Box 5.95    3.88
26-1183 Bar Code Want   99.95   33.75
26-1367 Printer Supports        16.95   8.47
 
MOM-01-90
ADDITIONAL FOR 01Zs/COMPUTER CENTERS:
 
Tandy  4000 ON SALE!
 
Prices shown are effective 12/26 to 1/20/90.
                 Reg.   Sale
25-5000 Tandy 4000      2,799.00        1,999.00
25-5000 Tandy 4000
25-3012 VM-5 Monochrome Monitor
-1187 Paradox 495.00  295.00
25-1215 Flight Simulator        44.95   39.95
25-5111 Windows 386     195.00  97.50
 
Tandy  4000 LX   $1,000.00 OFF!
 
Until further notice:
                 Reg.   Sale
25-5100 Tandy 4000 LX   3,999.00        2,999.00
 
Combine the LX with a hard drive (on sale) and a monochrome monitor and adapter
for a system price of $4,068!
That's 24% off the $5,317.85 price for:
25-5100 Tandy 4000 LX
25-3012/3049    VM-5 Monitor & Mono. adapter
25-4057/8       40MB (40ms) Hard Drive & Controller
 
(System price reflects sale price on 4000 LX and on Hard Drive and Controller.
Video at full retail.)
 
Hard Drives on Sale
 
Until further notice,
ST-506 Hard Drives are on sale both with and without a controller.
Take a look:
 
Hard Drives & Controllers
250-4062/4058   20 MB Hard Drive & Controller   599.00
250-4057/4058   40 MB (40ms) Hard Drive & Controller    799.00
250-4067/4058   70 MB Hard Drive & Controller   1,099.00
 
Hard Drives Only
50-4062 20 MB Hard Drive        449.00
250-4057        40 MB (40ms) Hard Drive 649.00
250-4067        70 MB Hard Drive        999.00
 
MOM-01-90
THE DESKMATE  DIFFERENCE 
A series of articles on DeskMate.
 
 
THE PRESS AND THE PUBLISHERS AGREE:
DESKMATE IS A WINNER!
 
DeskMate has been getting a lot of attention lately, from customers,
the press, software developers, and from your company.
This strategic, Tandy-developed software environment allows consistent,
easy-to-use programs with a high degree of functionality, compatibility,
and data interchange.
 
New DeskMate Products Now Available
 
Several software publishers have recently shipped new DeskMate
applications.
Here's the list:
 
Backup Pro from The Software Toolworks:
A fast, easy hard-disk backup program.
 
DeskMate Form Finisher from Power Up! Software:
Fills in preprinted forms with information from a data file
or directly from your keyboard.
 
RightWriter from RightSoft:
Grammar and style checker that works with most popular word processors
(including DeskMate Text and DeskMate Q&A Write).
 
In December, Computer Merchandising mailed out more than 3000 copies of
The DeskMate Update.
This new quarterly publication provides software
publishers with up-to-date information on topics of specific interest
to companies which develop software applications.
This first issue covered recent DeskMate product announcements, information on
the consistency of the DeskMate Graphical User  Interface, an overview of
the DeskMate Development System, and a strong endorsement of DeskMate
by Publishing  International.
 
The goal of The DeskMate Update is to keep software publishers apprised
of the products, events, companies, technical information and benefits
that shape DeskMate.
Software publishers are key players in our
strategy to make DeskMate the Graphical User Interface of choice for
our customers, so this publication is an important element in our plan
to accomplish our DeskMate goals.
 
RM's and RMTM's also have copies of The DeskMate  Update.
 
Recent Press Coverage of DeskMate
 
To increase public awareness of the advantages of  DeskMate, members of
Tandy's Marketing Information group made a tour of newspapers and other
publications this fall.
They showed Tandy's DeskMate Applications, Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate
and DeskMate Q&A Write, as well as the Tandy  1100 FD.
As a result of these efforts (as well as a general increased press
awareness of the product), several publications have recently published
articles on DeskMate.
Here are highlights of some of these articles:
 
The Washington Post (11/27/89)
(This article was also syndicated and was published by other papers
including The Houston Post.)
 
"...Tandy, which has been trying harder and longer than anyone to
develop the home small-business market, has a GUI [Graphical User
Interface] for the rest of us.
It's called  DeskMate and it comes with
all Tandy PCs.... DeskMate comes with a set of basic applications....
You can perform fundamental file management using its menus and 'dialog
boxes,' rather than wading into the murky waters of MS-DOS, the arcane
PC operating software.
 
"Best of all, though, DeskMate appears to have attracted the kind of
third-party support necessary to give it real life.
Lotus has brought out a version of its best-selling 1-2-3 spreadsheet
designed to run under DeskMate.
 
"Where DeskMate may actually be ahead of Windows is in word processors.
There still isn't a good word processor for Windows.
AMI, from Samna, is adequate, but barely, and it's a memory hog, slow even
on the faster systems Windows requires.
DeskMate now boasts a couple of worthy word
processors, HomeWord II and Q&A Write from Symantec...."
 
 
Dallas Times Herald (11/19/89)
"...Other companies, including Lotus, Symantec and Software Publishing
Corp., offer DeskMate-compatible versions of some of their popular software.
These programs, like those from Tandy, use similar commands
and are able to share data with other DeskMate programs.
For example, text and graphics created in any DeskMate program can be copied
to any other DeskMate program.
All programs that work with DeskMate can be
operated with a mouse or by issuing commands from the keyboard.
 
"The programs included with DeskMate may be all the software that some
users need...."
 
 
San Diego Union (10/21/89)
"...Within the past few weeks, Tandy has launched an expensive DeskMate
advertising campaign.
 
"Tandy said the reason behind its push is simple: The company believes,
as do many analysts, that the prospect of selling computers into homes
and small businesses is rosier now than attacking the saturated
corporate market.
 
"'An awful lot of people have chased the Fortune 1000, and a lot of
people have gone after the middle tier (of buyers) through retail
stores,' said Robert Charlton, an analyst at  Dataquest Inc. in San
Jose.
But the home and very small business market
has been pretty well untapped.'"
 
 
Home Office Computing (12/89)
"...As operating environments such as IBM's Presentation Manager and
Microsoft Windows vie for attention from software manufacturers,
Tandy's DeskMate is quietly and effectively sneaking up from behind....
 
"What makes DeskMate attractive is that it is designed to run on the
older 8088 and 8086 MS-DOS computers.
It doesn't require large amounts of memory or a more powerful chip like the
ones used in AT or 386 class computers."
 
 
PC Magazine (9/12/89)
"...It would be easy to say that DeskMate occupies a niche as the
graphical user interface for 8086 computers.
But, in a world where 80286s are quickly becoming the entry-level machine,
DeskMate may have to compete more directly with Microsoft Windows.
 
"DeskMate has less overhead than Windows, and that results in a faster
response time.
DeskMate also traps some common operator errors.
For example, if DeskMate can't find a program in the current directory, it
won't give you a cryptic error message.
Instead, you'll be asked if you want to scan the entire hard disk in order to
locate the errant program....
 
"DeskMate poses a unique question in this power-driven,
features-intensive market: Do you really need all the power of Windows?
If the answer is no, you'll find DeskMate a useful companion."
 
 
PC Today (1/90)
"...I said GUIs don't require familiarity with DOS-style directories.
In Microsoft Windows' case, I lied.... If you're a first-time PC buyer who
jumps on the Windows bandwagon, the first time you face the [Windows]
MS-DOS EXECUTIVE's list of commands and programs, you will be as lost
as someone who's alone in a room with DOS for the first time....
 
"GUI discussion often centers on applications that will only appeal to
the power user.
But most people don't have AT machines.... According to
the Gartner Group in Stamford, Connecticut, 70% of the 27 million PCs
in this country are XTs (8088s or 8086s).
Does this leave you out in the cold when it comes to GUIs?
 
"No.
Tandy's DeskMate may be just what you need.... It gives you GUI
features such as pull-down menus and dialog boxes.
It works with or without a mouse.
Perhaps best of all, it comes with its own applications,
so you don't have to look for compatible software.
An on-screen tutorial teaches you how to use the different applications."
 
 
What This Means to You
DeskMate momentum continues.
That's good news for you, because DeskMate
applications are targeted specifically for your customers: home, home
office, small to medium-sized businesses, and schools.
 
Use the quotes in this article to convince your customers that DeskMate
is the right set of programs for them.
If your customers are computer
literate enough to know about Graphical User Interfaces, these articles
will show them that DeskMate is the GUI of choice for them.
 
Productivity, compatibility, and ease of use make DeskMate a definite
winner, as the publications above verify.
If you use DeskMate to help you sell Tandy 1000 computers, you'll be a
winner too!
 
MOM-01-90
THE CREDIT LINE
 
Direct to you from Tandy credit departments Commercial Credit, Tandy Computer
Leasing, and RSVP.
 
Tandy Computer Leasing
The basic prerequisite for leasing through Tandy Computer Leasing
is that the prospective lessee be a business, profession,
education/government entity.
Government and education are easy calls ...
Not so easily defined: Who/What qualifies as a "Commercial"
lessee:
 
Professionals can be easily classified; degreed accountants,
attorneys, consultants, health field offices, etc. fit in that group.
TCL lessees include many giant national corporations, but
many of our lessees are your own local large and mid-size companies.
No problem recognizing those.
 
It's the small and "extra" small (Mom and/or Pop) customer base
that is often overlooked.
Especially those operating out of the home:
word processing, mailing list, resume and lawn care services;
self-employed manufacturer's representatives;
real estate brokers and partnerships; free lance agents, artists and
published authors are but a few examples of qualifying commercial
businesses if e.g., their operation is registered, licensed, has
a federal identification number or maintains a commercial bank account.
WHEN IN DOUBT . . . CALL TCL.
 
Now that you've had time to get acquainted with the new blue TCL
Rate Factor Card, we want to remind you to always be aware of the
"break" factors when configuring a system.
On commercial leases (subject of the above) the rate factors break at $1,501;
$5,001; $12,001; $20,001.
Here's how that can work to your and your customer's advantage:
 
Total Sale      Rate Factor     Term    Monthly Payment Add
$1,475  .0481   24 mos. $70.95  $50 to
$1,525  .0462   24 mos. $70.46  your sale
 
$4,900  .0337   36 mos. $165.13 $175 to
$5,075  .0325   36 mos. $164.94 your sale
 
$11,975 .0272   48 mos. $325.72 $200 to
$12,175 .0264   48 mos.         $321.42 your sale
 
A bigger sale for you and for your customer, "more for less"!!!
 
To sell more and make your customers happier and more productive,
remember that now you can combine computer systems, telephones,
FAX machines, security systems, satellite dishes,
calculators and other "Business Products for Commercial
Users" on one TCL lease... plus installation, training and
support.
 
MOM-01-90
RSVP
 
The "0" Interest promotion we ran last month was a big success
so we're offering another one!
This promotion offers no payments until March 1990.
We need to be sure the customer understands that, with this promotion,
finance and insurance charges (when applicable) will be added to their
account each month   actually, accruing from the date of purchase.
 
Due to the volume of calls received during the previous
promotion, the Gray Operations Center will be prepared to handle
a high volume of calls for future credit promotions.
The quality of service provided by the Operations Center will be greatly
improved as well.
 
Commercial Credit
 
There have been several questions recently concerning credit memos.
When a credit memo is issued to an account, the customer
does not automatically receive a refund check.
In order for Commercial Credit to issue a check,  the customer must request
it.
Once the customer's request is received via telephone or letter,
the account is researched to ensure that the customer has
previously  paid  for the purchase on which the credit has been issued.
If previously paid, and there are no outstanding invoices on the account,
a check can be issued and mailed to the customer.
The customer can also leave the credit on the account
to be applied toward future purchases or indicate specific unpaid
invoices on the account toward which the credit can be applied.
 
Another subject on which Commercial Credit receives many
questions is Purchase Orders.
It is the Store's responsibility to obtain the  physical  Purchase Order
from a Commercial Charge Customer.
Although Commercial Credit may give an approval
without a Purchase Order number, if a dispute arises, the Store
is responsible for providing a copy to Commercial Credit.
 
From time to time, Commercial Credit receives a request from a Store to set-up
a Commercial Charge Account for a customer that has been on a  cash  basis.
Credit is granted based on a customer's credit-worthiness.
Commercial Credit has access to Dun and Bradstreet, TRW, and various Consumer
Credit reporting agencies.
All of these, as well as contacting trades and banks
supplied by the customer, when necessary, are utilized in an
attempt to establish a line of credit for your customer.
Unfortunately, some customers who always pay cash do not have
an established credit file and we may not be able to open an
account, even though the customer's cash purchases are frequent
and for above average dollars.
 
In closing, the September 1989  Credit Line  article discussed the
establishment of a Commercial Charge account with a $300.00 line
of credit for Tandy Lease customers.
This does not occur automatically.
The Store  must  call Credit Approvals at
(800) 442-2585  and the account will be set up over the telephone.
Please have the lease number, as well as customer information,
ready when you call.
 
MOM-01-90
STOCK FILE CHANGES
 
A quick reference  to product status changes - pricing, availability, etc.
 
 
LATE DATES
Listed below are the new items that appear in the 1990 Catalogs
which have not yet arrived at the warehouses.
Also included are the dates the merchandise is expected to be available
at the warehouses.
 
The dates listed in this section are based on the latest available information,
and are updated monthly.
While they may not be 100% accurate, they are the best estimate we have
at this time.
 
The dates listed here should be your ONLY reference for availability of
cataloged items.
Ft. Worth Computer Support Services or Ft. Worth Computer Merchandising
will not have any dates other than the ones shown here.
 
MOM-01-90
1990 Tandy  Computer Catalog
 
Cat. #          Description                      Date
250-1266        HomeWord II                     2/15/90
250-1288        Utilities! DM                   2/15/90
250-1314        DacEasy Accounting DM           UNSCHED
250-1316        Paint Show Plus                 2/15/90
250-4120        80 MB 19ms 3 1/2" 1/2 Height    1/30/90
250-4910        4000 SX Technical Reference     CANC
        (will be carried in National Parts
        as MT2504910 available mid-December)
250-5110        4020/4025 LX Tech Reference     CANC
        (will be carried in National Parts
        as MT2505110 available end Feb 90)
260-2829        Serial Parallel Converter       1/30/90
700-3044        ARCNET Driver for 3Com          2/15/90
900-2320        Tash Mini keyboard              CANC
900-2456        Arnet Multiport/2               1/30/90
900-5628        Facts on File                   CANC
903-1578        SCO Image Builder (386)         2/15/90
905-1474        Microsoft Works (5 1/4" only)   CANC
        (dual media still shipping as 25-1184)
 
See DESKMATE DACEASY ACCOUNTING  article on Page 10.
 
MOM-01-90
Express Order Software Buyer's Guide RSC-21S
 
Cat. #          Description                      Date
250-1266        HomeWord II                     2/15/90
250-1288        Utilities! (DM)                 2/15/90
250-1314        Dac Easy Accounting DM          UNSCHED
250-1316        Paint Show Plus                 2/15/90
900-2750        PC Paintbrush 4 Plus            2/15/90
900-2770        Robocop                         1/30/90
900-2771        Super Hang-On                   1/30/90
900-2812        Typing Tutor IV                 CANC
900-3269        Prof Plan                       1/30/90
900-5628        Facts on File                   CANC
903-1224        CO/Session                      2/15/90
903-1324        OSAS Retail POS                 1/30/90
903-1469        Kidwrite: Golden                1/30/90
903-1578        SCO Image Builder (386)         2/15/90
903-1480        CO/Session Application          2/15/90
903-1481        CO/Session Support              2/15/90
903-1589        Off Portfolio Manager           3/30/90
903-1594        Samna + IV                      1/30/90
903-1599        Off Portfolio Suite             3/30/90
903-2834        UFO                             1/30/90
903-2835        Instant Locator                 1/30/90
903-2838        Scenery Disk - Hawaii           1/30/90
905-1295        OSAS Purc Order                 1/30/90
905-1309        OSAS Res Mgr OS/2               1/30/90
905-1313        OSAS Payroll - DOS              1/30/90
905-1320        OSAS Mtls Mgmt - DOS            1/30/90
905-1321        OSAS Mfg Job - DOS              1/30/90
905-1322        OSAS Proj Est - DOS             1/30/90
905-1323        OSAS Time Bill - DOS            1/30/90
905-1324        OSAS Retail POS                 1/30/90
905-1388        Session XL                      2/15/90
905-1469        Kidwrite: Golden                1/30/90
905-1474        Microsoft Works 2.0 (5 1/4" only) CANC
        (dual media still shipping as 25-1184)
905-1480        CO/Session Application          2/15/90
905-1481        CO/Session Support              2/15/90
905-2834        UFO                             1/30/90
905-2835        Instant Locator                 1/30/90
905-2838        Scenery Disk - Hawaii           1/30/90
905-3325        WordPerfect 5.0 (5 1/4" only)   CANC
 
MOM-01-90
1990 Educational Products Guide RSC-21E
Cat. #          Description                       Date
900-5613        First Choice School LAN         1/30/90
900-5614        First Pub Art Pack School       1/30/90
900-5646        Weather Flight                  2/28/90
900-5648        Measurements                    2/28/90
900-5649        Concept Mapping                 2/28/90
900-5650        Vee-Diagramming                 2/28/90
900-5651        Statistics-Tutor                2/28/90
900-5652        Population Genetics Simulator   2/28/90
900-5653        Joshua's Reading Machine        2/28/90
900-5654        Once Upon a Time                2/28/90
900-5655        Stepping Stones I               2/28/90
900-5656        Stepping Stones II              2/28/90
900-5657        See the U.S.A.                  1/30/90
900-5661        DLM Early Childhood Series      2/28/90
900-5662        Alien Addition                  1/30/90
900-5663        Minus Mission                   1/30/90
900-5679        Cocaine Education               1/30/90
900-5680        Drinking the Choice is Yours    1/30/90
900-5681        Keep Off the Grass: Marijuana   1/30/90
900-5682        Tobacco Education               1/30/90
900-5683        Understanding AIDS              1/30/90
900-5684        Scenario Workstation SCM        1/30/90
900-5685        Scenario Toolbox SCM            1/30/90
900-5700        Prof Plan School                2/28/90
900-5716        Meteor Multiplication           2/28/90
900-5717        Demolition Division             2/28/90
900-5718        Alligator Mix                   2/28/90
900-5719        Dragon Mix                      2/28/90
900-5720        Verb Viper                      2/28/90
900-5721        Word Man                        2/28/90
900-5722        Word Invasion                   2/28/90
900-5723        Spelling Wiz                    2/28/90
900-5724        Word Radar                      2/28/90
900-5725        Word Master                     2/28/90
900-5726        Number Farm                     1/30/90
900-5727        Alphabet Circus                 1/30/90
900-5728        Comparison Kitchen              1/30/90
900-5742        Once Upon a Time II             2/28/90
900-5743        PC LOGO                         2/28/90
 
903-5596        Seed Dispersal                  2/28/90
903-5598        Uses of Plants                  2/28/90
903-5621        Child Count Reporter            2/28/90
903-5622        Referral Manager                2/28/90
903-5623        IEP/Objective Mgr               2/28/90
903-5624        Student DB Mgmt                 2/28/90
903-5634        Living Non-Living               2/28/90
903-5635        Weather Flight                  2/28/90
903-5636        Measurements                    2/28/90
903-5637        Concept Mapping                 2/28/90
903-5638        Vee Diagramming                 2/28/90
903-5639        Statistics Tutor                2/28/90
903-5640        Population Genetics Simulator   1/30/89
903-5658        Math Blaster Plus               1/30/90
903-5659        Word Attack Plus                1/30/90
903-5660        Homeworker                      2/28/90
903-5673        Double Up                       2/28/90
903-5674        Mark-Up                         2/28/90
903-5675        Proteus                         2/28/90
903-5676        Rhubarb                         2/28/90
903-5677        Sequitur                        2/28/90
903-5678        Text Tangler                    2/28/90
903-5686        Timeliner                       2/28/90
903-5709        SchoolWorks: Social Studies     2/28/90
903-5710        SchoolWorks: States & Presidents2/28/90
903-5711        Testlab 2000                    2/28/90
 
905-5634        Living Non-Living               2/28/90
905-5635        Weather Flight                  2/28/90
905-5636        Measurements                    2/28/90
905-5637        Concept Mapping                 2/28/90
905-5638        Vee Diagramming                 2/28/90
905-5639        Statistics Tutor                2/28/90
905-5640        Population Genetics Simulator   2/28/90
905-5658        Math Blaster Plus               1/30/90
905-5659        Word Attack Plus                1/30/90
905-5660        Homeworker                      2/28/90
905-5673        Double Up                       2/28/89
905-5674        Mark-Up                         2/28/90
905-5675        Proteus                         2/28/90
905-5676        Rhubarb                         2/28/90
905-5677        Sequitur                        2/28/90
905-5678        Text Tangler                    2/28/90
905-5686        Timeliner                       2/28/90
905-5709        SchoolWorks: Social Studies     2/28/90
905-5710        SchoolWorks: States & Presidents2/28/90
905-5711        Testlab 2000                    2/28/90
 
MOM-01-90
MELLOTRON OUT OF BUSINESS
Mellotron, the maker of the 4 Port Midi Interface Board (905-2119), has
gone out of business and all backorders for the product have been
canceled.
 
MOM-01-90
PRICE CHANGES
                                          OLD     NEW
CAT. #          DESCRIPTION              PRICE   PRICE
250-1078        128K RAM kit             69.95   59.95
250-1079        256K RAM kit            149.95   99.95
250-4028        512K RAM kit            299.95  199.95
250-4030        T3000 Mem board         699.00  499.95
250-4043        VGA Adapter             399.95  299.95
250-4050        1.2M / 5.25 Floppy      279.95  199.95
250-4051        360K / 5.25 Floppy      199.95  169.95
250-4082        128K RAM kit             79.95   69.95
250-5029        Memory expansion board  179.95  139.95
250-5031        1 MB RAM kit            599.95  349.95
250-5033        2 MB RAM kit           1299.00  599.95
 
260-0409        Pk 3 5.25 DS/80 Track diskettes   9.95    7.95
260-0410        Pk 10 5.25 DS/80 Track diskettes 24.95   19.95
260-0411        Pk 3 5.25 DS/40 Track diskettes   4.95    4.59
260-0412        Pk 10 5.25 DS/40 Track diskettes 12.95   11.95
260-0417        Pk  3 3.5 DS diskettes           10.95    6.79
260-0418        Pk 10 3.5 DS diskettes           27.95   18.95
260-0421        Pk 3 5.25 DS/1.2 MB diskettes     9.95    6.95
260-0422        Pk 10 5.25 DS/1.2 MB diskettes   24.95   19.95
260-0423        Pk 3 3.5 HD diskettes            27.95   19.95
260-0424        Pk 10 3.5 HD diskettes           69.95   59.95
260-5501        Etherlink II Board              445.00  345.00
 
900-0366        XTree                   59.95   39.00
900-1344        Norton DOS Guide        19.95   24.95
900-5158        Number Master           69.95   39.95
900-5399        Calculus                49.95   79.95
900-5400        Pre-Calculus            49.95   79.95
900-5402        Algebra                 49.95   79.95
900-5741        Crosswords for Kids     59.95   39.95
 
903-1298        Auto Might              69.95   89.95
 
905-1298        Auto Might              69.95   89.95
905-1302        Norton Assembler        39.95   44.95
 
MOM-01-90
DESKMATE DACEASY ACCOUNTING
Due to unforeseen difficulties in completing the new 4.0 version,
DacEasy has had to delay their DeskMate Interface program version
of this package (DeskMate DacEasy Accounting 25-1314).
 
Until this version does become available, you can offer your customers
one of the following 900 series packages:
 
900-2746        DacEasy Accounting 4.0
900-2747        DacEasy Accounting Bonus Pack
 
We'll provide more information to you about the availability of 25-1314
when we have it.
 
 
X-10 POWERHOUSE SHIPPING AGAIN
The X-10 POWERHOUSE (905-2087) is shipping again after a delay due to
parts shortages.
All backorders should be filled this month, and availability looks good for
the future.
 
MOM-01-90
SCHOOLMATE AVAILABILITY CODE AND STATUS CHANGES
The availability code for SchoolMate  (25-1241) has been changed to 95.
This change has been made so we can track all SchoolMate sales
in Education Marketing.
 
This is the procedure to use when ordering SchoolMate:
 
  The salesperson will send the purchase order to Contract
Administration.
 
  Contract Administration will send a copy of the purchase order to
Education Marketing.
 
  Contract Administration will authorize shipment of the product.
 
MOM-01-90
ITEMS MOVING TO CONSUMER MAIL
Stock # Item
260-1290        Pica 10 Print Wheel
260-1292        Ocra Print Wheel
260-1293        Elite 12 Print Wheel
260-1294        Scan 10 Print Wheel
260-1295        Scan 12 Print Wheel
260-1382        DCS Clean Kit 5 1/4
260-1390        DCS Refill 5 1/4
260-1425        Cubic PS Print Wheel
260-1426        Italic Print Wheel
260-1433        Cubic PS Print Wheel
260-1434        Italic Print Wheel
260-1435        OCRB Print Wheel
260-1438        Cubic 15 Print Wheel
260-1439        Bold PS Print Wheel
260-1486        Scientific Print Wheel
260-1535        SCRIPSIT I/III
260-1563        SuperSCRIPSIT  4
260-1588        Bar Code Remote (M4)
260-1595        Vidtex Plus I/III
260-3881        Text Power 200
260-3883        Time Minder Tandy 200
260-3895        Bar Code Generator (M4)
260-3896        Bar Code Reader  (M200)
260-3897        Tandy Code 200
 
700-2005        III Ver 26-1506 (5)
700-2019        Model 4 SS upgrade Ver 1.02
700-2044        26-4607 Ver 1.1
700-2076        26-6203 Ver 3.2
700-2088        26-4508 Ver 2.01 UP
700-2092        26-4602 ver 1.02
700-2095        25-4515 Upgrade Ver 1.02
700-2125        Inv Con Upgrade Mod 4 1.1
700-2150        W2 Writer Upgrade
700-2151        W2 Writer Upgrade Mod III
700-2152        Inv Writer Mod 4 2.1
700-2153        Inv Writer 1.2
700-2224        Model III SCRIPSIT
700-2227        MI disk Ver 4.0
700-2238        MIII disks G/L 1540
700-2240        MIII disks A/R 1541
700-2241        MIII disks A/P 1542
700-2242        MIII disks PR 1543
700-2245        M100 ROM Documentation
700-2246        Mod 4 TRSDOS 6.1 FD
700-2253        Invoice Writer III D
700-2284        G/L Ver 2.1
700-2285        A/R Ver 2.02
700-2286        A/P Ver 2.2
700-2287        P/R Ver 2.1
700-2290        G/L Mod III Ver 1.1
700-2291        A/R Ver 1.2
700-2292        A/P Mod III 1.2
700-2293        Payroll Mod III 1.1
700-2294        MODEL III/4 SCRIPSIT Printer Drivers
700-2297        LSDOS 6.3 Upgrade
700-2401        Disk Video Bar Code
700-2402        Disk/Video I/F/ SYS DISK
700-2615        MS-DOS Upg 2.11.24
700-2701        Tandy 2000 DOS/BAS Upgrade
700-3211        SCRIPSIT Return/III
700-3213        Mod 4P BOOT MD mode
700-3214        Multiplan 128K 4D
700-3215        Model 4 SS dictionary upgrade
700-3401        Model 4 disk plus
700-3403        Tandy 2000 disk plus
700-3404        Remote disk Model I
700-3406        Remote disk Model III
700-3407        UPC driver 200
700-6007        Upgr 4601-6201
700-6010        Upgr 4604-6204
700-6011        Upgr 4605-6205
700-6012        Upgr 4607-6207
700-6013        Upgr 4608-6208
700-6206        G/L Source Code 4 D
700-6212        Graphics Upgrade for Model 4D
 
MOM-01-90
PRODUCT NEWS
ALL STORE
 
The "ALL STORE" section contains information of interest to all store types.
01Zs and Computer Centers will also be interested in the information contained
in the "01Z/COMPUTER CENTER" section.
 
MOM-01-90
INTRODUCING THE TANDY 1000 SL/2
 
We are pleased to introduce the Tandy  1000 SL/2, catalog number 25-1402.
The SL/2 is the newest member of the Tandy Family of Computers, with a
suggested retail price of $999.00.
 
We took your ideas and suggestions in designing the Tandy 1000 SL/2
to replace the 1000 SL.
First, we kept the features you liked, such as:
 
Built-in video, with Hercules monochrome, CGA and 16 color
enhanced CGA
 
bidirectional DAC sound
 
8086 processor running at 8MHz (switchable to 4 MHz)
 
101-key keyboard
 
microphone jack
 
stereo headphone jack
 
serial port
 
parallel printer port
 
(2) joystick ports, and
 
five expansion slots for upgrades
 
Then we added the features you asked for:
 
  512K memory (expanded from 384K)
 
  3 1/2" 720K Floppy Diskette Drive (upgraded from last year's 5 1/4" 360K
Floppy Drive)
 
  DeskMate 3.3 (upgraded from DeskMate 3.0)
 
The 512K standard memory allows ALL of the DeskMate  functions to
operate right out of the box.
Upgrading to 640K RAM is easy - use one (1) 25-1078 128K Memory kit.
 
The 3 1/2" floppy drive allows your customers to store TWICE as much
information as they did on a 5 1/4" 360K drive.
Also, programs such as
DeskMate take fewer disk "swaps" in order to operate.
(Use the 25-1063 5 1/4" Drive Kit to add a 360K drive to the SL/2).
 
What about adding other options?
Use the 25-1032 20MB or 25-4059 40MB hard card, just as you did with the SL,
to add the versatility and power of a hard drive to the SL/2.
Use the 25-1033 SmartWatch to add a real time clock and battery.
And don't forget modems!
(Add-ons help a good ticket become a great one.)
 
"The Friendly Face in the PC Crowd" is even friendlier with
the Tandy 1000 SL/2.
DeskMate 3.3 features new colors and a complete tutorial program to
teach your customers the ease and power of DeskMate.
 
The SL has proven itself a sales winner.
Now with 512K RAM, a 3 1/2" drive and the newest version of DeskMate,
the SL/2 is truly THE machine for home, college or small business.
 
Let's start off the New Year with a BANG! Good Selling!
 
On the next page is a complete specifications chart for the 1000 SL/2,
and attached to this issue of the M.O.M. is a chart
showing all of the Tandy 1000 computers, including the new 1000 SL/2.
This comparison should help in selling the right computer to your customer.
Keep it in a handy location for reference.
 
MOM-01-90
Tandy 1000 SL/2 SPECIFICATIONS
 
Microprocessor  8086.  Optional 8087 Math Co-Processor.
 
Clock Speed     8/4MHz (Software Selectable).
 
Operating System        Microsoft MS-DOS 3.3 (in ROM).
 
Included Software       GW-BASIC and DeskMate .
        Phoenix BIOS.
 
Memory  512K RAM (expandable to 640K, using 4 64x4 DRAMS).
        EMS Memory available through optional expansion
        boards.  Includes 512K ROM and 1024 bits EEPROM
        for system configuration.
 
On Board Video  Text - MDA or CGA Compatible, 80 or 40 characters
        characters per line by 25 lines.  Graphics -
        Hercules (720 x 348 pixels).  CGA compatible with
        enhancements (640 x 200 pixels, 16 color and 4 color).
 
Display Options Monochrome - High resolution monitor (VM-5, green).
        Color - 14" RGB Color Monitor (CM-5 or CM-11).
 
Sound   Built-in 8 bit bi-directional DAC for sound and
        speech generation including internal speaker, 1/8"
        external stereo headphone jack with volume control
        and 1/8" microphone input jack.
 
Disk Drives     One double-sided, double density 3 1/2" 720K
        (formatted) floppy disk drive.  Expandable to
        support a second floppy drive (5 1/4" or 3 1/2") and 1
        hard disk card (25-1032 or 25-4059).
 
Keyboard        101-key Enhanced with tactile feedback.
 
Internal Expansion Slots        5 - 10" IBM PC Bus compatible (8-bit) card slots.
        User Accessible.
 
External Connect        Parallel Printer Port, RS-232 Serial Port (9 Pin),
        2 joystick ports, 1/8" Mic in and 1/8" stereo
        headphone out.
 
Internal Clock  Optional SmartWatch (25-1033).
 
Dimensions HxWxD        5.1" x 15.5" x 13.1"
 
Weight (shipping)       33 lbs.
 
Power Supply    Input: 120VAC, 50/60 Hz Output: 67 Watts. UL Listed.
 
Certification   FCC Class B.
 
MOM-01-90
THE TANDY 1000 SL/2 BONUS PAK
 
The Tandy SL/2 Bonus Pak (25-1331)   Quicken, RightWriter and Instant Pages.
 
Q.  What do these packages have in common???
A.  They're all DeskMate  Applications!
 
Great answer!
And it's correct, but in this case there's something more!
 
These three DeskMate applications are in the Tandy 1000 SL/2 Bonus Pak.
This is a $174.85 value you can give to your customer at no extra charge
with the sale of every new Tandy  1000 SL/2 and CM-5 monitor system.
 
You're already familiar with Quicken,
one of the best-selling DeskMate applications we have!
Quicken manages your personal finances and helps balance your checkbook.
 
RightWriter for DeskMate brings this popular grammar and style checker
to the DeskMate environment.
You can customize RightWriter to critique your work as fiction,
a business letter, or even a technical publication.
RightWriter evaluates your document to point out grammar errors
or suggests ways to make your writing more clear and concise.
 
Instant Pages includes over 100 ready-to-use forms and newsletters.
Customers can create a format for their form or newsletter then enter the text.
Instant Pages allows multiple linetypes for single or double borders,
or choose a character as the border.
 
The SL/2, CM-5 and the Bonus Pak offer a terrific value to students
or small businesses,
and at the special price of $1,098.95, it's sure to be a big hit!
 
MOM-01-90
FORMATTING SMARTDRIVES
Our repair centers are receiving many SmartDrives  for repair that have
no problem except for improper formatting.
 
The SmartDrives have an install program that is on the drive when you get it.
To format, you simply type "install" at the "C>" prompt.
But some are using the utility diskette that came with the 20MB and 40MB
hard cards on them, which causes the drive to fail.
 
Also, the AUTOFMT command on the DOS diskette will cause drive failure.
A good idea would be to INSTALL a
20MB and 40MB SmartDrive and then make copies of the REINSTALL diskettes
(they're built during INSTALL) to keep at the store.
 
Thanks to Scott from the Repair Center in Greensboro, NC for this tip!
 
MOM-01-90
NEW LOWER PRICES ON MEMORY
We have lowered the prices on two of our most popular memory kits.
 
The 25-1078 128K Memory Kit price has been lowered from $69.95 to $59.95.
This is the kit you use to upgrade the 1000 TX, SL, TL, SL/2 and TL/2.
 
Also, the 25-1079 256K Memory Kit price has been lowered
from $149.95 to $99.95.
This is the kit you use for the 1000 SX, EX/HX Memory Plus Board, the
1000A Memory Expansion Board, the 25-4030 Memory Board and the 905-2161
EMS Memory Expansion Board.
 
These lower prices should help your add-on
sales remember to mention them to your customers!
 
MOM-01-90
PRINTER RIBBON -- DESTROY OLD
INVENTORY
It has been found that certain Line Printer III and Line Printer V
units will not work with some 26-1414 ribbons in stock in the stores.
The problem is due to excessive wear on the ribbon advance mechanism
and manufacturing tolerances of the printer itself and causes the ribbon
to feed improperly through the print head consistently.
 
Since it is important that the customer is satisfied
when they walk out of the store with our product,
we have decided that  all old inventory of this product (26-1414)
should be taken from the store shelves and destroyed.
Replacement product available out of the Force Feed Warehouse has been modified
to prevent the gear slippage.
 
The suspect ribbons can be identified by examining the date code that is
stamped on the ribbon.
This date code can be found on the bottom edge of the plastic ribbon
cartridge and consists of four (4) numerical digits.
Any cartridge with a date code of  1907 or less  should be
removed from stock and destroyed.
 
Cartridges with a date code of  1908 or larger  have already been
modified and should NOT be destroyed.
 
The availability code of this ribbon will be changed so that Force Feed
refills are done only to "Z" and "11" stores.
"01Y" stores should only reorder from the warehouse if there has been
a significant history of constant sales.
 
MOM-01-90
THE TANDY 1100 FD IS THE RIGHT
PRODUCT NOW!
 
The Tandy  1100 FD Laptop Computer is now available
in all Regional Warehouses for immediate shipment.
 
Priced at $999 it makes an ideal portable computer for students, business
executives, salespeople, writers,   everyone who is looking for a
lightweight PC compatible notebook computer.
 
The Tandy 1100 FD is the world's smallest notebook computer that
contains the DeskMate Graphical User Interface and MS-DOS 3.3 in ROM
for "instant-on ease of use".
In addition, DeskMate's Text and 90,000 word dictionary
are also included in ROM making it the smallest MS-DOS Laptop
that can be used as a word processor without having to insert a disk
or call a program from disk.
 
The CGA reflective LCD screen measures 4.8" x 7.75" and does not require
a backlight in order to provide clear crisp text in almost any light.
Combine the screen display with its other power saving-features
and the Tandy 1100 FD gets up to five hours battery life from
the specially designed removable battery.
And with replacement batteries (25-3536) available at a price of $29.95,
a user can have many hours of portable computing at their fingertips.
 
The Tandy 1100 FD includes the complete DeskMate software on diskettes,
MS-DOS 3.3, a built-in real time clock, 640 x 200 screen, bidirectional
parallel port, serial port, and a dedicated modem port for the optional
2400bps modem (25-3538 - $199.95).
 
The Tandy 1100 FD has already been on the cover of at least two magazines,
and there have been many articles written about its design.
The headline in the October '89 issue of  Atlanta Tech  proclaims,
"TANDY BREAKS NOTEBOOK PRICING."
This article goes on to say,
"...this new Tandy entry may well make laptop computing
more accessible to a wider audience,"
and, "It's a full-size screen with the same aspect ratio
as a conventional desktop PC monitor,"
and that its battery system has,
"...much better reliability than nickel-cadmium types."
 
An article in the December '89 issue of  PC Computing  says,
"The Tandy 1100 FD is the closest thing to a bargain you
can find in the notebook computer market," and continues,
"Its clear, non-backlit screen makes it everything the original
Toshiba T1000 was supposed to be."
 
An article in the 10/30 issue of  Personal Computing  proclaims,
"The 1100 FD has a larger, sharper screen than the Toshiba,"
and goes even further by saying,
"Indeed, it may have the best non-backlit screen yet developed."
And of the built-in DeskMate interface and Text program,
the same article says,  "...you can quickly start the computer,
get into DeskMate and start your word processor without using the disk drive."
 
I believe it's fair to say that the consumers agree   It is the
right product   at the right time   at the right price.
 
In the Attachments to this issue of the M.O.M. you'll find a comparison
chart showing the Tandy 1100 FD and its competition from Compaq,
NEC, and Zenith.
 
MOM-01-90
IMPORTANT
Read This Article !
 
 
TANDY PRODUCT PROFILE SURVEY
 
Included at the end of this issue of the M.O.M. is a very  important
survey sheet.
 
The 2nd Edition of the Tandy Product Profiles (FC-252)
was published two years ago.
In the time since, we have published 7 updates that need to be added to
these binders, whether they exist in a store or they are ordered new out
of the warehouse.
 
It's time for you to tell us if you're using the information in the
Product Profiles so we can decide if they should be continued or redone.
 
CONTINUATION OF THE PRODUCT PROFILES DEPENDS ON YOUR INPUT,
so take time NOW to fill out the survey and send it back to us.
It's pre-addressed, so just fold, seal, stamp, and send!
 
Read This Article !
 
MOM-01-90
PERSONAL WORDPROCESSOR WP-2
 
Computer Support Services has received many questions regarding the WP-2.
They've provided this information for publication here so you won't have to
call them and wait for these answers.
 
1. To hook up the WP-2 directly to a personal computer, use these accessories:
26-0269 9-pin female to 25-pin male shielded cable
26-1496 25-pin female to 25-pin male null modem adapt.
26-0265 25-pin female to 9-pin female adapter
 
2. The 32K RAM expansion module is a RAM disk and does not affect the
internal system memory of the WP-2.
The expansion module must be installed, formatted,
and then the system reset for it to function properly as the RAM disk.
 
3. To connect the WP-2 to a Macintosh 8-pin DIN connector you must use a null
modem adapter and a special cable which loops the Clear to Send (CTS) back to
the Ready to Send (RTS) on the WP-2.
This should only be done by an authorized Macintosh service person.
Please note that tampering with the internal workings of the WP-2
will void the warranties.
 
4. The RS-232C serial port on the WP-2 is a standard IBM type
RS-232C port with the standard signal outputs.
 
MOM-01-90
INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE
UPDATE ON THE CMS DRIVER
 
Inside the Indiana Jones (25-1321) box is a card asking the customer to come
see you about information on the CMS (Game Blaster) driver if they want it for
use with the game.
 
We apologize, but you will need to tell your customers that this driver
is not available.
 
MOM-01-90
STICKYBEAR - REBOOT DIRECTLY FROM DISK
 
The Express Order Warehouse has recently started receiving a high
percentage of returns of "Stickybear" software.
The only reason stated is "bad media", usually with the comment "error when
reading drive A".
 
This can be attributed to one thing, the media is NOT formatted
in standard MS-DOS format.
When the computer has already been powered up,
and then the Stickybear program is inserted,
it will not be able to "do a directory" on that diskette.
However, if the disk is inserted in drive A and the machine is rebooted,
the program will work.
 
There is an autoload utility (proprietary to the Stickybear software) that
loads and runs the program.
All operating system functions are on the diskette, so it is
not necessary to boot DOS first.
 
The software available from the Express Order Catalog
which works this way includes:
 
Page #  Title                                   Cat. #
56      Stickybear Alphabet                     903/905-2786
56      Stickybear Shapes                       903/905-2787
56      Stickybear Opposites                    903/905-2788
57      Stickybear Reading                      903/905-5302
57      Stickybear Reading Comprehension        903/905-5533
58      Stickybear Parts of Speech              903/905-5545
58      Stickybear Spellgrabber                 903/905-5303
58      Stickybear Word Problems                903/905-1364
59      Stickybear Math                         903/905-5300
59      Stickybear Math 2                       903/905-5534
59      Stickybear Numbers                      903/905-5301
61      Stickybear Typing                       903/905-5546
 
When using a Tandy  1000 with DeskMate  in ROM,
the setup program needs to be run to tell the machine to boot from
the disk, MS-DOS, and from the drive being used.
 
To run the Setup program, insert your MS-DOS diskette into drive A.
From DeskMate, press <F2> key and select "Run".
Type  A:SETUPSL  for a 1000 SL,  A:SETUPSL2  for a 1000 SL/2,
A:SETUPTL  for a 1000 TL, or  A:SETUPTL2  for a 1000 TL/2.
After the setup menu appears, use your down arrow key
until "ROM" is highlighted at the "Primary Start-Up Device" line.
Use the right arrow to select "DISK".
Then down arrow once to the "Initial Start-Up Program" line.
"DESKMATE" will be highlighted.
Press the left arrow to select "MS-DOS".
Now press the <F1> function key to save the information.
Insert the Stickybear diskette into Drive A and press the reset button.
It will now operate properly.
 
Remember, if you have one of these packages, before you send it back
just try booting directly from the diskette.
It will save you time,
expense, and give you a very happy customer.
 
MOM-01-90
FINDING VALUE IN PC-LINK
 
In July 1989, Quantum Computer Services surveyed  PC-Link members to
find out what members find most valuable about their membership,
as well as to learn more about the factors that led them to try PC-Link
in the first place.
The results of the survey may provide insight for
Radio Shack sales people who seek to use PC-link to add value to sales
of computers, DeskMate  and Tandy modems.
 
When you are telling a potential customer about PC-Link,
emphasize these important services:
 
  PC-link members cited the ONLINE ENCYCLOPEDIA as the most important
service offering that influenced their decision to try PC-Link.
 
  PC-Link members told us that being able to DOWNLOAD SOFTWARE
(games, productivity, graphics, educational, and more)
was an important factor in their decision to try PC-Link.
 
  PC-Link members can CALL UP QUOTES ON STOCKS as often as they want
on evenings and weekends for the low rate of $9.95/month   a service
they told us they find very attractive.
 
  The $9.95/UNLIMITED USE PRICING structure for PC-Link's "basic"
services (Tandy support, stock quotes, news, encyclopedia) was rated
as "extremely important" or "important" by two-thirds of the PC-Link
members surveyed.
 
  It's no surprise that the online TANDY COMPUTING SUPPORT of Tandy
Headquarters was very important to Tandy computer owners.
 
MOM-01-90
DACEASY BONUS PACK
 
DacEasy Bonus Pak (900-2747) requires 640K in order to run properly
on a Tandy  1000 SL.
 
MOM-01-90
GAMEBLASTER
 
The GameBlaster Board (25-1039) appears to be a big hit with some stores, but
not others.
 
The key for success is to install and demonstrate it to your customers.
Install the board, attach the 40-1259 or
40-1303 Amplified Stereo Speakers, run the Silpheed program, and
you've got a demo that has to be heard to be believed!
 
MOM-01-90
DESKMATE ON A SCHOOLMATE NETWORK
 
When installing DeskMate  software under SchoolMate , it is critical to
know what type of workstations will be accessing the server BEFORE you
proceed with the  DeskMate installation.
The chart below describes which
version of DeskMate should be installed when utilizing various
workstations.
 
                    VERSION          REQUIRED
TYPE OF               OF            VERSION OF
WORKSTATION        DESKMATE          DESKMATE
                    IN ROM          ON SERVER
All are
T1000 SL         03.00 - 03.02        03.02
or TL
 
All are
T1000 TL/2       03.03 - 03.03.0X     03.03.0X
 
Combination      03.00 - 03.02
of SL/TL               or             03.02
and TL/2         03.03 - 03.03.0X
 
If any of the  SchoolMate workstations on the network do not include
DeskMate-in-ROM, (i.e., Tandy  1000, 1000A, 1000 SX, 1000 TX) you cannot
install the ROM version of DeskMate on the server.
In this situation, install the retail version of DeskMate:
 
DeskMate Version 03.02 (25-1250)
 
DeskMate Version 03.03.0X (25-1350)
 
MOM-01-90
SCHOOLMATE DEMO AND THE TANDY
1000 TL/2
 
After using the SchoolMate  Demo (FC-631) with the Tandy  1000 TL/2
be sure to set the computer back to factory settings.
Run SETUPTL2 and press the <F10> Key to go back to factory settings.
 
MOM-01-90
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS
 
Your customers need to know how safe your products are.
What do you do when they ask?
 
You might send for Material Safety Data Sheets.
Healthy, secure customers keep coming back.
 
This info, required by OSHA, is available for all our chemical products.
It's provided by our vendors.
 
The requirement is being enforced to ensure employee and customer safety.
Customers might ask to see Material Safety Data Sheets for head cleaning kits,
tape cleaners, batteries, aerosols, solder and so on.
Be prepared.
 
Getting this info is easy.
You or your customer should write to:
 
Linda Dickerson
Radio Shack Poison Control Center
1100 One Tandy Center
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
 
Be sure to include the product's catalog number and a self-addressed pre-paid
mailing envelope.
 
MOM-01-90
LOTUS SPREADSHEET FOR DESKMATE
PERSONAL COPY OFFER
 
Lotus is offering all Radio Shack  employees a personal copy
of Lotus Spreadsheet for only $39.95.
The Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate is the perfect spreadsheet solution for
home office or personal spreadsheet users.
 
An order form is included at the back of this issue of the M.O.M.
Mail a copy of the form along with payment to Lotus
at the address shown.
 
For all of you that purchased your Tandy  1000 TL/2 System,
you've already got the DeskMate  interface in ROM!
This is your chance to get the power of Lotus Spreadheet for DeskMate.
 
MOM-01-90
JANUARY #*&%@)#*$ QUESTIONS
 
In Computer Merchandising, we're often deluged with calls and speed memos
asking questions that we're tempted to answer with a curt,
"That information has been published!" or
"We've told you that a million times!  You should know that!"
 
Starting this month, we're going to publish a few of our "favorites" in
each issue of the M.O.M.
If you contact us with one of these questions after it's been published here
BEWARE!
We can't be held responsible for our response!
 
Q-90-01 Where can I get the toner and paper for the
discontinued business copiers?
A-90-01 The supplies for the 88-2040 "EPC-150" and 88-2050 "PPC-200"
copiers appear on the special order menu for 0055 warehouse.
 
Q-90-02 Where do I enter forms and stationery orders?
A-90-02 Forms and stationery orders involve two separate printers.
For custom printed checks, statements, invoices, etc. as shown in
the Forms Brochure (FC-3034):
 
ALL-STATES BUSINESS PRODUCTS
1 Forms Drive
Carrollton, TX  75006
Toll free:  (800) 527-0625
Texas only: (800) 492-5232
 
For custom printed stationery, labels and postcards as shown in
the Stationery Brochure (FC-3031):
 
STANDARD REGISTER
259 Hartford Turnpike
Tolland, CT  06084
Orders:     (800) 458-8589
Customer Service:  (800) 458-8590
CT only:    (203) 875-0731
 
Q-90-03 Where can a customer obtain a Material Safety Data Sheet for any
of our chemical products?
A-90-03 Copies of "MSDS forms" (for compliance with OSHA regulations) for
a variety of our chemicals, ribbons, batteries, etc. are ordered from:
 
Ms. Linda Dickerson
Radio Shack Poison Control Center
1100 One Tandy Center
Fort Worth, TX 76012
 
Please send a preaddressed, postage paid envelope with the request,
and be sure to clearly specify the product(s) with full name
and Radio Shack catalog number.
 
Q-90-04 Can my customer use a spike protector (such as 26-1395) in
conjunction with the BPS-250 Backup Power Supply (26-250)?
A-90-04 Yes.  However, the spike protector should be installed "upstream"
of the BPS, between the wall outlet and the BPS
with its attached end equipment.
 
Q-90-05 Do we have a good "basic" 2400bps half card modem for our Xenix users?
A-90-05 Either the 90-2295 Digitan DS24M at $139.95 or the 90-2180 Best
Data Products "Smart One" at $179.00 should do nicely.
 
MOM-01-90
PRODUCT NEWS
01Z/COMPUTER CENTER
 
 
TANDY 4020 LX AND 4025 LX NOW
AVAILABLE!
 
The new 4020 LX (25-5120) & 4025 LX (25-5125) are available in the TSDC
warehouse!
 
These 80386 systems with 20MHz & 25MHz clock speeds may be fashionably
late, but their price/performance is no less grand for their tardiness.
 
Final benchmarks measuring the CPU and memory performance show the new
Tandy  4025 LX at 5.77 MIPS to be 75% faster than the 4000 LX and 25%
faster than the 5000 MC!
The 4020 LX is no slouch either, it benchmarks
at 4.66 MIPS which is 30% faster than the 4000 LX it replaces!!
 
The following figures were obtained with Power Meter version 1.3, a
utility developed by the Data Base Group, Inc. for measuring system
performance.
The MIPS test executes the Dhrystone algorithm to measure
performance by estimating the rate of instruction execution in millions
of instructions per second (MIPS).
For reference, a VAX 11/780, an older super mini-computer, executes at 1 MIPS.
 
Description     MIPS
Tandy 4000 LX   3.31
Tandy 5000 MC   4.58
Tandy 4020 LX   4.66
Tandy 4025 LX   5.77
 
What makes these systems so much faster?
 
The 4020 LX and 4025 LX include an Intel 82385 Memory Cache controller
augmented by 32K of high speed static RAM for caching the most
frequently accessed areas of memory.
 
The memory cache controller with a fast static RAM
cache allows these systems to achieve 0 wait state performance.
And because each system comes with the lower priced and now widely available
100 nanosecond RAM as extended memory, our customers don't have to pay a
penalty for fast memory
to preserve high performance as they expand their systems.
 
Dynamite comes in small packages
 
Both the 4020 and 4025 come standard with performance enhanced 16-bit
VGA graphics and SmartDrive  electronics for simple "plug and play" of
high performance hard drives without the addition of a separate
controller.
Each system features six 16-bit expansion slots, four of which are full
12" and two half-size 16 slots, one of which is occupied by the 16-bit
VGA adapter.
Add to this two 32-bit memory expansion slots and
SmartDrive connector, and it's hard to believe we were able to shoehorn
all this into a chassis the same size and of the same family look as
the Tandy  5000 MC.
 
Indeed we borrowed from the 5000 MC design of a separate removable
processor card to achieve this small footprint.
Customers who enjoyed
the expansion capabilities of the 4000 and 4000 LX will not be
dissatisfied with two less expansion slots on the new LXs because the
video, hard drive controller, and RS-232 serial, bidirectional
parallel, and PS/2 style mouse ports come standard.
With the new LXs
this leaves four expansion slots for the addition of 8 port serial
adapters to support up to 32 users under Xenix simultaneously with a
expansion slot to spare!
(To support the built-in VGA of these systems requires SCO XENIX 386
Version 2.3.)
In fact, with two 3 1/2" plus two 5 1/4" device
slots, the new case provides for more internal device expansion than
the 4000 & 4000 LX without having to purchase a separate device
side-car.
 
With the new LXs we can boast of high performance, expansion, but best
of all, more integrated features than ever before.
 
See the comparison charts in this issue to see how we stack up against
the competition.
It's easy to see we've got them beat.
 
MOM-01-90
SMARTDRIVE INTERFACE ADAPTER NOW
AVAILABLE
 
The SmartDrive  Interface Adapter (250-4121) is a 16-bit adapter
which permits the addition of low-cost high performance 16-bit IDE drives
to systems which do not have an IDE connector on the motherboard.
 
IDE stands for "integrated device electronics" which means the controller
for the hard drive is imbedded in the hard drive itself.
Hard drives with imbedded controllers we call SmartDrives because they have
the advantage of fine tuning of the imbedded controller with that of the hard
drive.
 
The result is high performance without the
potential incompatibility introduced when adding a separate controller.
The SmartDrive Interface Adapter retails for $49.95 and is available at the
TSDC warehouse.
 
MOM-01-90
16-BIT SMARTDRIVES
 
Today we offer a 40MB SmartDrive  (25-4119) for $649, a 16-bit 3 1/2"
half-height SmartDrive with 28ms access speed, that may be used with
the SmartDrive Interface Adapter for low-cost hard drive expansion on
the Tandy  3000 and 4000 series of computers.
 
It is not necessary to use
the SmartDrive Interface Adapter with the newer Tandy  4000 SX, 4020 LX,
or 4025 LX because these systems feature a SmartDrive connector on the
motherboard.
 
In the very near future, we plan to offer an 80MB  SmartDrive,
a 16-bit 3 1/2" drive which, with sub-20 ms access speed and
a sleek 1" height, will be the first product of its capacity, speed, and
form factor to market at the incredibly low price of $899.
 
The 80MB SmartDrive is worth the wait, but note that the hard drive tables in
the system BIOS's of older systems may not have entries which support
the full capacity of the drive.
 
To push the capacity as far as possible,
the 80MB supports a translation to the highest capacity drive type
supported by the system.
On the Tandy  4000, for example, the maximum
capacity that may be accessed is 76MB.
 
MOM-01-90
DEC CERTIFICATION
 
There has been some misunderstanding of the term "DEC Certified" as it
pertains to Tandy Computers and DEC networks.
It has been presumed, and then communicated to customers, that Tandy
computers are certified by DEC to be compatible with DECNET and
other DEC systems.
Apparently, we may be telling customers this based on the fact that Tandy
manufactures products for DEC, which DEC then resells under their name.
THIS IS NOT THE CASE. TANDY COMPUTERS ARE NOT FORMALLY CERTIFIED BY DEC.
 
However, we do strive to insure that our computers will work with and are
compatible with all industry standard networks, of which DECNET is one.
So while we believe that to the best of our knowledge, our systems do work
with DECNET, you may not communicate to customers that DEC has certified them.
 
In the future, we will be working with DEC to have them certify certain
Tandy Computers. As and when they become certified, you will be informed.
 
MOM-01-90
EISA
 
You will find enclosed with this issue of the M.O.M.
(for 01Zs and Computer Centers, RMTMs, DMs and RMs)
a copy of a supplement to the Wall Street Journal titled
"Personal Computing: The Direction for the 1990's".
This was an advertising supplement on November 14, 1989, during Comdex,
in which the companies supporting EISA were well represented.
 
I encourage you to read through many of the articles,
while paying particular attention to Page 18, where Mr. John Roach,
the President, CEO and Chairman of Tandy Corporation provides
insightful comments about our ever-increasing role in the PC industry.
 
Tandy was a founding member of the 'Gang of Nine' that extended the
Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) to form what we now know as EISA.
This platform will play an important part in the future of high end
computing systems used by large corporations as network file servers
and the like.
In fact, as 386 and 486 PCs replace the venerable
minicomputer   EISA is mandatory.
 
Since EISA is designed for high end, high performance computers, we
have left the marketing of such products to our GRiD Systems division.
We expect few if any customers outside of the Fortune 500 or Federal
Government to have a need for such products.
 
But be sure, that if and when EISA systems do become important to our markets,
Tandy is ready and able.
In fact, the investment that our customers are making now in
ISA machines protects this investment.
 
The other message you will read in Mr. Roach's column, is Tandy's ever
present goal of making computers easier to use.
DOS in ROM and DeskMate
are just two recent examples of Tandy's contribution to the industry.
We at  Radio Shack have the advantage and the desire to provide value
added features to our customers.
Are you taking advantage of these and other benefits that you can offer?
 
Whether it is ISA, EISA or MCA   DOS, OS/2 or Unix (XENIX)   3Com,
Novell or LAN Manager   DeskMate  or Windows   You have the broadest
line of industry compatible computers, a wide selection of software and
peripherals, the highest quality and most reliable computers offered by
anyone, backed by the best service and support in the industry.
 
Tandy Computers
Because there is no better value
BELIEVE IT!
 
MOM-01-90
60MB TAPE CARTRIDGE SYSTEMS
NOW AVAILABLE
 
The 60MB Tape Cartridge System (25-4079) is a 5 1/4" half-height tape cartridge
system which uses the 1/4" 60MB tape, catalog number 26-246.
Because tape cartridge manufacturers have extended the tape length of
mini-cartidges from 200 to 300 feet, what were once 40MB drives are now
60MB.
 
The exciting feature of the 60MB Tape Cartridge System is that its name
is actually misleading.
Indeed this system can back up more than 60MB of
data with its unique data compression algorithm that senses patterns in
the backup data and assigns abbreviations.
The more repetitive the information the more it can be compressed - up to
120MB!
 
The 60MB Tape Cartridge System works off the floppy controller and
therefore does not require any additional hardware to work in
Tandy 3000 and 4000 series systems.
 
And it is fast below are the results of the manufacturer's benchmarks
comparing the time to back up 40MB of data on a 33MHz 80386 computer
across several tape backup systems:
 
        25-4079 Archive Mountain        Alloy   Irwin
                Model XL        TD4440  Model 40        2040
Compression on  11:17
Compression off 18:33   19:20   19:26   21:32   21:15
 
The best feature of the product is that it is compatible with Xenix,
3Com, and Novell as well as MS-DOS.
In the case of 3Com and Novell
networks, the 60MB Tape Cartridge System provides the flexibility to do tape
operations while the network server is being accessed by users.
Under Xenix, backups can be performed as a background task or unattended
backup can be scheduled during off-peak usage.
 
Remember   do NOT order the new 26-246 60MB 1/4" tape cartridge
for use on the older 40MB system, 25-4069.
The 40MB system cannot recognize the extended length tape
and will give an error message.
The extended 60MB tape is intended for the new 25-4079 system only,
when this becomes available.
 
Interestingly enough, the new 60MB system (25-4079) DOES offer backward
compatibility and WILL use the shorter 40MB tape, 26-218.
Obviously, it would be limited to 40MB of storage with the 26-218 cartridge.
 
We will be stocking BOTH length tape cartridges in order to support
both backup systems.
 
The 60MB Tape Cartridge System retails for $499.95 and is available at the
TSDC warehouse.
 
MOM-01-90
ORCHID RAMQUEST EXTRA 16/32 NOW
AVAILABLE
 
The Orchid RamQuest Extra 16/32 (900-2460)
is a memory expansion adapter for the Tandy  5000 MC
which supports expanded as well as extended memory addressing.
 
The RamQuest Extra comes standard with 2MB of RAM which may be expanded
up to a full 8MB.
As an extended memory adapter the RamQuest Extra extends the amount of memory
beyond the standard memory of the 5000 MC for use under OS/2, SCO Xenix 386,
or as a RAM drive, print spooler, or disk or memory cache under MS-DOS.
 
As an expanded memory adapter, the RamQuest Extra supports LIM 4.0
expanded memory addressing which may be used as an alternative to the
TEMM.SYS driver to permit MS-DOS applications written to the LIM
standard to exceed the 640K memory limitation imposed by MS-DOS.
 
The RamQuest Extra is unique in its design of working in 32-bit
Micro Channel expansion slots as well as 16-bit.
With zero-wait state operation, the RamQuest Extra is high performance!
 
Furthermore, the RamQuest Extra has a parallel port
and a serial port with cable,
accommodating many of your customers expansion requirements in one card.
All this backed with a full four year warranty from Orchid Technologies.
 
The RamQuest Extra 16/32 retails for $1179 and is available at the TSDC
warehouse.
 
MOM-01-90
ARNET SMARTPORT 4 SERIAL BOARD & TANDY 4 PORT SERIAL BOARD
 
PRODUCT FEATURE COMPARISON
ARNET   TANDY
90-2185 25-4031
 
Can expand to 8 serial ports by adding  Cannot add ports to existing board;
a 4 Port Module sold by Arnet.  must use additional slots if additional ports
        are desired.
 
Special Order Hardware Product. Retail Product.
Must rely on vendor's support.  Supported by Radio Shack.
 
Does not reliably support DCE configuration;    Reliably supports DCE configuration,
therefore, you must use null modems when        eliminating the need for null modems.
connecting directly to terminals
(thereby increasing the cost).
 
Uses shareable hardware interrupts which        Specific interrupt request lines are required
alleviates interrupt conflicts with other       for each Tandy 4 Port board installed
hardware.       (Interrupts 10, 11, and 12).
 
A primary and alternate address may be  Only one Base I/O Address is given for each
chosen from for the Base I/O Address.   Tandy 4 Port Board installed.
 
Has an external connector box for       Cables are connected at the rear of the
convenience of installation.    computer to the cables protruding from the
        Tandy 4 Port Board.
 
Uses an Intel chip set which requires   Uses a Z80 chip set which does not require
additional support chips resulting in   a special set of support chips.
a higher per unit cost.
 
Supports local printing under XENIX.    Supports local printing under XENIX.
 
Retails for  $995       Retails for  $349.95
 
MOM-01-90
TANDY THE NEW KID TO NETWORKING, HAS WHAT IT TAKES
 
by Jerri A. Harwell, assistant editor for   Selling Red
Reprinted from   Selling Red ,  the Novell Magazine
for the LAN Sales Professional
 
Tandy is one of Novell's newest retail partners but it's ready to
provide full technical support with its own engineers, support, and
hardware.
 
During the third quarter of this year, Tandy Corporation, headquartered
in Ft. Worth, Tex., and Novell signed a retail partners agreement.
According to Howard Elias, vice-president of Computer Merchandising for
the Radio Shack division of Tandy, "It's about time that one of the
premier names in networking software joined up with one of the premier
names in personal computing."
 
Tandy is the parent company of Radio Shack (the largest electronics
chain in the world), Memtek Products (manufacturers and distributors of
Memorex brand magnetic audio and video tapes), Lika Corporation (a
leading U.S. manufacturer for printed circuit boards), O'Sullivan
Industries (the leading manufacturer of ready-to-assemble electronic
racks and cabinets), Tandy Name Brand Retail (which includes McDuff
Electronics and VideoConcepts audio, video and appliance retailer),
and GRiD Systems  (supplier of laptop computers).
 
As a unit sales leader of PC-compatibles, Tandy's diverse technology
base, with its emphasis on quality, innovation, and competitiveness,
has brought many "firsts" to the computer market the first
mass-marketed personal computer available nationwide, the TRS-80 Model
I; the first popular laptop computer, the TRS-80 Model 100; and
DeskMate , one of the first graphical user interfaces for 8088, 8086,
and 80286-based MS-DOS personal computers.
 
Distribution Dollars and Experience
 
Mary Wilson, Novell's account manager for Tandy, says, "Tandy is
attractive to us because of its size and distribution system."
Tandy has six distribution centers throughout the U.S. comprising over 2
million square feet of space; and the distribution centers boast the
enviable record of having more than 3,200 units in stock 95 percent of
the time.
 
Tandy has been selling computers since 1977 and LANs have been part of
personal computing since the early 1980's, so naturally Tandy expanded
its services to include local area networking.
 
"Tandy manufactures its own machines and is experienced in the
multiuser market," Wilson adds.
"It carries other networking software, so naturally we want them to carry
Novell's NetWare."
 
Novell also recognized Tandy's strength as a nationwide chain, having
about 5,000 stores around the country.
Not all of the stores sell LANs, because LANs require special pre- and
post-sales support, as well as service and support.
 
Elias comments, "We do limit our network sales to about 800 specialized
computer centers and computer department stores.
We have systems engineers (SEs), who are fully trained on network
sales, located in each of our regions.
The SEs work with our marketing representatives and the customer to do
the standard service, and they also work with the customer to select the
appropriate hardware and software, configure and install the system, do
some on-site training, and provide long-term support."
 
Tandy Services
 
Tandy has a full line of repair services for its computers nationwide,
both on-site and carry-in.
Service contracts are available and service plans can be written on an
individual customer basis.
Whatever the customer needs and is willing to pay for is available.
 
Repair centers are conveniently located at or near all of its computer
centers.
Because Tandy sells and services only its own computer equipment, all
its SEs are highly efficient with and knowledgeable about the servers
and workstations.
"Both hardware and software goes through an extensive testing process.
The process, in summary, consists of Novell certifying Tandy's hardware,
and Tandy certifying Novell's software," says Chris Imler, buyer and
product manager for networks at Tandy.
 
The NetWare Connection
 
Tandy has been selling NetWare only since August, but already has about
275 Certified NetWare Engineers (CNEs).
In order to sell NetWare, dealers must have a CNE in place.
 
"For technical support, the Tandy centers will call the Tandy
headquarters instead of Novell," says Wilson.
"Tandy is taking full responsibility for technical support.
This is typical of the way they do business.
The company is more than capable of learning this product and supporting
it.
Tandy has engineers, programmers, and everything you could possibly
dream of.
The company is used to providing full technical support and they have
the staff to do it."
 
Wilson continues, "Novell is ready and willing to interface with
Tandy's CNEs to provide any technical support the CNEs may need.
Also we will help them with engineering and quality control from our
Provo headquarters.
For example, our engineers from the Independent Product Testing
division are responsible for testing Tandy's hardware.
Also we are working with Tandy on making two of their applications,
SchoolMate  and DeskMate, NetWare compatible."
 
Both Tandy and Novell are excited about their partnership and look
forward to developing a mutually beneficial relationship.
Tandy's edge over the competition is the planning, design, quality
assurance, reliability and support that goes into every product you
find in their stores.
Together Tandy and Novell can only get stronger.
 
MOM-01-90
NOVELL INDEPENDENT PRODUCT TESTING RESULTS
 
        DOS     Type of Testing         Novell IPT
Computer Model  Version Performed       Results Bulletin #      Configuration Comments
 
Tandy 1000 SL   3.30.20 Workstation     PASSED  161     (2) 360K Floppies, 640K RAM
 
Tandy 1000 TL   3.30.20 Workstation     PASSED  162     (1) 360K & (1) 720K Floppy
 
Tandy 3000 NL   3.30    DEDICATED Server        PASSED  163     70MB HD, 2MB RAM, EGA
                Workstation     PASSED
 
Tandy 4000      3.30    DEDICATED Server        PASSED  164     40MB HD, 2MB RAM
                Workstation     PASSED
 
Tandy 4000 LX   3.30    DEDICATED Server        PASSED**        482     110MB SCSI, 4MB RAM
                NON-DEDICATED Server    PASSED**
                Workstation     PASSED**
 
**SCSI drives are not supported under ELS NetWare.
 
MOM-01-90
TRAINING KINETICS ...
 
Dear 1990, I resolve ...
January is typically a time of new beginnings, a time to start on a fresh page,
turn over the proverbial 'new leaf'.
Looking down your mental or written list of New Year's resolutions, have
you included any selling resolutions?
Have you resolved to 'Close more sales' or 'Increase my annual income'?
 
How do you turn those selling resolutions into reality and not just good
intentions?
By developing a plan of action, determining the specific steps to take and then
executing your plan.
The marketing strategy detailed in this column is not intended to replace any
marketing program being implemented in your region or district, but can be used
to supplement it and increase your overall sales productivity.
 
Existing client base marketing
On-going selling activities with your existing clients must be a part of your
total marketing strategy.
Care calls, which are regular calls to check supply needs, answer questions,
solve problems or anticipate further needs, are an important part
of that strategy.
When you are in the field calling on new prospects, plan to call on any
nearby clients.
When you get an appointment cancellation, use the extra time to make care
calls.
Care calls will:
 
A. Solidify your role with your client company as an on-going resource.
 
B. Build confidence in your company, your products and yourself.
 
C. Help you determine any future marketing strategy.
 
10 Steps to Successful Care Calls
 
1. Develop your client list.
Go through your tracking book and determine if you have current addresses,
phone numbers, contacts, past purchase information.
Do your homework first before you begin making contacts.
It will save time in the long run.
 
 2. Add to your list.
Get with your manager and determine if your center or store has any clients
who are not assigned to anyone.
Every adopted client is a potential gold mine.
 
 3. Determine the most efficient contact plan.
Decide whether you will conduct your care calls by phone or in person.
If you have clients that you've called on in the past 30 days, you're
familiar enough with them and they with you to use the phone.
Also care call by phone to those clients who are a great distance away or
who are not available for an appointment.
But for the clients you haven't seen in some time or those you've never seen,
the best contact is in person.
 
Use a map to determine the location of all your clients.
Make a list of who you want to see in person, based on their proximity to each
other.
 
 4. Call for appointments.
Explain that you want to come by to check on their system and to see if you
can make some suggestions on improvement.
Tell them that this is a service you perform with all your clients
to insure that they get the most for their investment.
If the owner or manager can't be available to see you, ask if you can meet
directly with those in the company who are using the system.
Explain that you want to spend part of your visit with those people who
are directly involved with the system.
 
If you have several clients in close proximity, schedule appointments with them
on the same day to get the most out of your time.
Be sure you record all your appointment times in your Business Planning
Calendar.
 
 5. Plan your care call.
Make a list of the questions you will be asking.
Start with the questions on the back of the Account Data Sheet.
If you don't have answers to all those questions, ask them during your care
call.
Approach the client just as you would a prospect.
Find out, from the manager/owner and the end-users, what they like about the
present system and what concerns they have.
Ask about the need for training classes for new employees.
 
Spend time with both the people who use the system and those who are affected
by the information it processes.
They will provide you with invaluable information on future growth or
expansion.
 
Check with your SE for suggestions on questions to ask.
Has their system been upgraded to the latest version of their application or
operating system?
 
 6. Meet your appointments.
Be observant while visiting your clients.
What other parts of the company are potential computer prospects?
Do they have other computer brands?
Where do they get their supplies?
 
Suggest a plan for providing supplies and accessories as they are needed.
If they don't have a commercial charge account, complete an application.
Then give the person who orders supplies your card with your phone
number highlighted to call when there is a need.
They could even write their commercial charge number on the back for convenient
reference.
Point out that they can purchase supplies for all their computers from you.
You can send them UPS or perhaps drop them by, if you are making other calls
in their area.
 
Make every effort to visit with the end-users.
Don't waste their time, but let them know that you are a resource that they
can depend on for help.
Bring along your SE's card and maybe even a training schedule.
 
 7. Report the results of your call with the client.
Before you leave, check back to give a brief summary of your visit.
Thank her for her time and for the time spent with other employees.
Mention specific activities you were impressed with and any tips on how to
improve their present system.
Make the manager or owner feel that the time they spent with you
was worthwhile and productive.
 
If appropriate, inform the manager or owner that you would like to develop
some ideas that you feel would enhance their present system and complement those
 
activities that are currently in process.
You will have begun to develop a plan to grow the account during your care
call, but don't give the details of your plan on the spot.
Set another appointment to go over that information.
You want the client to think of you as a partner in improving the business, not
someone who is too quick to come up with instant answers.
 
Keep in mind that your clients approach the new year the same way you do.
Your vision for growth and expansion may fit right in with their
business plans for the new year.
 
 8. Record the result of your call.
Be sure that you update the information on each Account Data Sheet.
Make notes on key points during the call and then complete them
as soon as you finish the call.
If you are making several calls, jot down notes as soon as you get back to
your car.
If you wait, you will forget the details.
And include what your next action will be.
 
 9. Follow up.
Make sure you keep any promises, schedule any activities requested and complete
your overall marketing strategy for each of your clients.
 
 10. Repeat this cycle, regularly.
You should make it a habit to call on each of your clients every 30-60 days.
The best way to grow each client's business is to be an insider.
You can't achieve that when you're a stranger.
 
The length of time it will take to complete your care calls
will depend on your current marketing program activities and the length
of your client list.
Developing your existing client base is critical to your success and to the
success of your center or store in this new year.
Follow this plan and you can guarantee that at least one of your selling
resolutions will be achieved.
(Then all you have to worry about is the resolution promising to eat more oat
bran and start that exercise program!)
 
MOM-01-90
THE MASTERS PROGRAM IS ALIVE AND WELL!!
 
Congratulations to the following recipients of the first
MASTERS Program Level I certificate awards:
 
Gerry Van Kralingen     Mgr 11-7327     Clearwater, FL
Rick Zuchelli   AEMM    NE Region, Pittsburgh, PA
Mike Money      RMTM    Denver Region
Rick Kennedy    RMTM    Seattle Region
Rick Kleeman    RMTM    San Bernardino/LA Regions
Don Skipper     RMTM    San Francisco Region
 
If you are unfamiliar with this program,
ask your RMTM for a copy of the revised brochure and scorecard.
Record any training you have received on the scorecard.
You will receive credit for any training you completed since
the MASTERS Program introduction on July 1, 1988.
 
Once you have 25 credits accumulated, send your scorecard to your RMTM
for approval, and your certificate will be issued from Fort Worth.
 
Any questions about the MASTERS program should be directed to:
 
Gwen Marlin, Manager
Computer Sales Training
704 One Tandy Center
Ft. Worth, TX  76102
(817) 390-2138
 
MOM-12-89
Executive Summary
An overview of the information contained in this issue.
 
The Front Line this month details a great time-saving service that
TSDC provides.
If you have a large computer sale that requires upgrades or modifications,
TSDC can do the work for you and let you spend your time selling,
not installing!
 
It's a Radio Shack Merry Christmas!
Keep up with what computer products are on sale this month
in Marketing Computers in December.
(For those who were using the Bi-Monthly Marketing Memo,
we'll be listing 01Z/11 computer product promotions in this area only.
There will be no more issues of that Marketing Memo.)
 
The DeskMate  Difference describes DeskMate Text
and gives pointers on using Text to sell computers.
Review this article to enhance your knowledge and skills during this peak
selling season!
 
In The Credit Line you'll find out about RSVP 's new MSI/RSVP program.
Commercial Credit notes some important details, and the
Tandy Computer Leasing  blue rate factor cards are now effective.
TCL also explains the ALC and PLR reports RMTM's and DSM's receive.
 
Stock File Changes lists the normal things,
and also has information about LoveJoy's SAT
and the status of backorders on Indiana Jones and T. V. Game Shows II.
 
The Tandy  1100 FD is the world's smallest laptop computer with DeskMate
and MS-DOS built into ROM, and it's sold only by Radio Shack !
It is now available in all Regional Warehouses for immediate distribution.
 
The Tandy  1000 HX is a great bargain for customers this Christmas.
See Page 12 for why we think it'll be a great seller for you.
 
PC-Link has expanded its software libraries by 70%.
We point out how useful this is for your current and potential customers.
And speaking of PC-Link, the store demo account time is changing from its
current 30 hour limit.
See why on Page 12.
 
When customers come in asking you to provide a driver so they
can use their Indiana Jones game with the Game Blaster board, what do you do?
See Page 13 of this issue.
And we have a quick chart showing which Software Publisher's software
supports the two sound boards we carry.
 
For your Color Computer customers,
we have information about toggling the color mode in Predator.
 
The SchoolMate  Demo Kit (FC-631) is now available from TSDC.
 
Last month we said that SchoolMate could not be used with
the Intel AboveBoard PLUS "out of the box".
Well, SchoolMate  DOES work with it as long as the right driver is used.
See Page 13 for details.
 
Now the SchoolMate  Manual is available separately (from TSA).
See how to order it on Page 13.
 
DeskMate Form Finisher is shipping,
as is The New Print Shop and three graphics libraries for it.
 
We have a correction to our Editor's Note in last month's reprint of
an InfoWorld article on the Tandy  5000 MC.
The BIOS ROM version number we noted should have been 01.02.02 (not 01.02.01).
 
WordPerfect programs will no longer be available as 90X numbers
through Express Order .
 
The 60MB tape cartridges now available as 26-246 should only be ordered for the
25-4079 60MP tape system (NOT for the older 25-4069 40MB tape system).
 
Two long-awaited Marketing Programs items are now available.
The FC-476 Desktop Publishing Seminar Kit and the FC-490 Small Business
Accounting Brochures are both in TSDC.
See Pages 15-16 for important information.
 
The 7th Update to the Tandy Product Profiles has been drop-shipped to 01Zs
and 11s.
If you are an 01Y with a set, you'll need to order this update.
 
Do you have any excuse for not putting training high on your priority list?
We address 'em all on Page 17!
 
And we detail products that have begun shipping since the catalogs
came out this summer.
See the software list on Page 18, and descriptions on Page 19.
Distribution List F1, H1, H3, J, K, SE
 
MOM-12-89
THE FRONT LINE
THE FRONT LINE is a monthly column dedicated to discussing merchandising
and customer care concepts relating to our computer product line.
 
 
TANDY SYSTEMS DISTRIBUTION CENTER
 
Do you have a large sale that
requires upgrades or modifications to the computers?
 
Tandy Electronics Warehouse (TEW) and Tandy Systems Integration merged
in July 1989 to form Tandy Systems Distribution Center (TSDC).
In addition to providing warehousing and distribution for advanced computer
products, TSDC also provides complete integration services to support
your larger sales efforts.
 
Anyone who has been fortunate enough to make a large computer sale
knows that delivering it can require a lot of time and effort.
First you order the equipment.
When you finally get it all together,
you take it to your service center or have your SE get to work.
In the unlikely event something doesn't work, guess who pays?
 
Now there's an alternative - Let Tandy Systems Distribution Center build your
machines so you spend your time doing what you do best - selling computers!
 
"So," you say, "this all sounds great, but what's the cost?"
The answer is - typically less than $50 per CPU.
 
When to Call
Any sale involving more than five CPUs is one you should consider
having TSDC assemble and test for you.
Many of TANDY's largest sales have been built, tested and shipped
directly from TSDC to clients throughout the U.S.A., including Hawaii
and Alaska.
 
How to use TSDC
For integrated systems, call (817) 625-7080 to place your order.
You will be given an estimate of labor charges and a delivery date will be
discussed.
You will then be asked to FAX a written copy of your order
including the following information to the distribution center:
 
1. Store number, salesperson's name and telephone number.
2. Customer name, shipping instructions, and customer contact name.
3. Catalog numbers, descriptions and quantities of all products.
4. A "plain English" description of each computer configuration.
5. Other special instructions.
 
When TSDC receives your order, the Integration Department will completely:
 
stage       configure       test       ship
 
each computer system per your instructions.
Here's what they typically do:
 
1. TSDC procures the equipment from the appropriate warehouse.
     In the event a component is out of stock, TSDC locates it.
2. All CPU's are completely bench tested.
     Out of box failures and components that fail during bench test or during
     final QC, are repaired or replaced at no charge to your store or center.
3. All components (video adapters, hard drives, etc.) are formatted,
     diagnostics run, and then retested under DOS.
4. Components are verified to have all the latest modifications, ROM's
     and upgrades.
5. Networked software applications are installed on the file server and
     tested with the actual station CPUs.
6. All configured systems are reviewed by National Quality Control for
     proper operation prior to shipment.
7. Any incompatibilities or incorrect applications are reported to the
     sales center for review prior to shipment to the customer.
8. Completed systems will be shipped to the store, or at the store's
     request, directly to the customer's site.
     In most cases, merchandise will not be invoiced against the store
     until actually shipped.
 
Think about it.
TSDC is here to help you!
 
TSDC at Your Service. . .
 
Feel free to call TSDC for bids on your future orders or for more information.
 
MOM-12-89
MARKETING COMPUTERS IN DECEMBER
Items on Sale in December
 
FOR ALL STORES:
 
DeskMate  First Publisher/Art Gallery Free!
With the coupon now on the 25-1279 First Publisher package,
customers receive Art Gallery at no additional cost (a $129.00 value).
Remember, customers receive Art Gallery directly from Software Publishing.
Coupons must be received by Software Publishing by February 28, 1990.
 
Buy a Modem - Get PC-Link as a Bonus!
From 10/22 to 12/24, customers buy any modem and get PC-Link as a Bonus.
Order 700-1355 for this PC-Link.
 
Portable Wordprocessors
Cat.No. Description           Reg Price  Sale    Sale Dates
26-3930 WP-2 Wordprocessor      349.95   299.95  10/22-12/24
26-3950 WP-100 Wordprocessor    599.95   499.95  10/22-12/24
 
Tandy  1000 HX, 1000 SL, 1000 TL/2
Cat.No. Description     Reg Price  Sale    Sale Dates
25-1053 Tandy 1000 HX     699.00   399.00  8/20-Cont'd
25-1053 Tandy 1000 HX
25-1043 CM-5 Color Monitor
                  System  998.95   698.95  8/20-Cont'd
25-1401 Tandy 1000 SL     899.00   599.00  9/17-SOWG
25-1401 Tandy 1000 SL
25-1043 CM-5 Monitor
                System  1,198.95   898.95  9/17-SOWG
25-1602 Tandy 1000 TL/2  1299.00   999.00  10/18-12/24
25-1602 Tandy 1000 TL/2
25-1043 CM-5 Color Monitor
                 System  1598.95  1298.95  10/18-12/24
 
PC-6 and Tandy  102
Cat.No. Description           Reg Price  Sale    Sale Dates
26-3672 PC-6 Pocket Computer    119.95   79.95   10/22-12/24
26-3803 Tandy 102 Laptop        599.00   399.00  10/22-12/24
26-3814 Portable Disk Drive 2   219.95   169.95  10/22-12/24
 
Color Computer and Color Computer Software
Cat.No. Description           Reg Price Sale    Sale Dates
26-3072 Thexder                 24.95   14.95   SOWG
26-3084 Shanghai                24.95   15.95   SOWG
26-3093 Dungeon Daggorath       29.95   14.95   10/22-12/24
26-3106 Personal Finance II     29.95    9.95   SOWG
26-3110 Color File  II          24.95   14.95   SOWG
26-3133 FD 502 Disk Kit 0      299.95  199.95   SOWG
26-3159 Castle Tharrogad        29.95   15.95   SOWG
26-3172 GFL Champ Ftbl II       29.95   19.95   SOWG
26-3189 BASIC O9 Tour Guide     14.95    9.95   SOWG
26-3215 CM-8 Monitor           299.95  229.95   10/22-12/24
26-3272 Sub Battle Sim          29.95   17.95   10/22-12/24
26-3277 CoCo Artist             29.95   19.95   10/22-12/24
26-3285 King's Quest III        34.95   19.95   SOWG
26-3296 Interbank Incident      29.95   19.95   SOWG
26-3334 128K CoCo 3            199.95  129.95   10/22-12/24
 
MS-DOS Software
Cat.No. Description           Reg Price Sale    Sale Dates
25-1174 Varsity SCRIPSIT        89.95   69.95   10/22-12/31
25-1246 Quicken                 49.95   29.95   11/12-12/24
25-1247 MemoryMate              69.95   54.95   10/14-12/31
25-1250 DeskMate                99.95   49.95   10/22-SOWG
25-1265 Print Magic             54.95   39.95   10/14-12/31
 
Printer/Modem/Accessories
Cat.No. Description           Reg Price Sale    Sale Dates
25-1060 5 1/4" External FDD     249.95  199.95   10/22-12/24
26-0235 Acoustic Cover           69.95   39.95   10/22-Cont'd
26-0242 Workcenter Printer Stand 59.95   49.95   10/22-12/24
26-1350 Workcenter Desk          99.95   69.95   10/22-12/24
26-1393 DCM 6 Dir. Con. Modem    59.95   29.95   10/22-12/24
26-2815 DMP 133 Printer         379.95  269.95   10/22-12/24
 
MOM-12-89
ADDITIONAL FOR 01Zs/COMPUTER CENTERS:
 
Tandy  3000 NL - On Sale!
Cat.No. Description     Reg Price       Sale        Sale Dates
25-4072 Tandy 3000 NL   1,699.00        1,199.00    10/22-12/31
25-4072 Tandy 3000 NL
25-3012 VM-5 Color Monitor
25-3049 Monochrome Adapter
25-4058 Hard Drive Controller
25-4062 20 MB Hard Drive
                System  2,817.85        2,067.90     10/22-12/31
 
(System price reflects $1,199 sale price on 3000 NL and
$599 sale price on Hard Drive and Controller)
 
Advertising
The Tandy 3000 NL will be featured in Computer Center and 01Z newspaper ads.
The promotion ends Sunday, December 31st.
The computer ads will run Computer Center and 01Z Markets on:
 
Sunday, November 19th         Sunday, December 3rd
 
Although not being listed in the ad because of space constraints, you
may offer alternative configurations of the Tandy 3000 NL system as follows:
                                             Reg. System      Sale System
                                                 Price           Price
25-4061/4058    40 MB 28 ms HD* w/controller    3,217.85        2,467.90
25-4057/4058    40 MB 40 ms HD w/controller     3,017.85        2,267.90
25-4067/4058    70 MB HD w/controller           3,717.85        2,567.90
 
* This hard drive is now out of stock in the warehouse and SOWG.
Sell out your inventory
 
Tandy  4000 LX   $1,000.00 OFF!
Until further notice:
                 Reg.   Sale
25-5100 Tandy 4000 LX   $3,999  $2,999
 
Combine the LX with a hard drive (on sale) and a monochrome monitor and adapter
for a system price of $4,068!
That's 24% off the $5,317.85 price for:
 
25-5100 Tandy 4000 LX
25-3012/3049    VM-5 Monitor & Mono. adapter
25-4057/8       40MB (40ms) Hard Drive & Controller
 
(System price reflects sale price on 4000 LX and on Hard Drive and Controller.
Video at full retail.)
 
Hard Drives on Sale
Until 12/31, ST-506 Hard Drives are on sale both with and without a controller.
Take a look:
 
Hard Drives & Controllers
250-4062/4058   20 MB Hard Drive & Controller           $599
250-4057/4058   40 MB (40ms) Hard Drive & Controller    $799
250-4067/4058   70 MB Hard Drive & Controller         $1,099
 
Hard Drives Only
250-4062        20 MB Hard Drive        $449
250-4057        40 MB (40ms) Hard Drive $649
250-4067        70 MB Hard Drive        $999
 
MOM-12-89
Executive Christmas Gifts
The following merchandise will also be featured in Computer Center Newspaper
ads beginning Sunday November 12th and ending Sunday, December 31st.
The computer ads will be in Computer Center and 01Z Markets:
 
Sunday, November 19th         Sunday, December 3rd
 
These items appeared in the November 19th ads:
 
Cat #   Description                    Regular     Sale    01z     11
                                        Price     Price      Advert
25-1250 DeskMate  3                     99.95     49.95     X       X
25-1283 Lotus For DeskMate  *               219.95          X       X
25-1287 RealWorld 4-in-1 Accounting         249.95          X       X
25-1299 DeskMate  Q&A Write *               149.95          X       X
25-4072 Tandy  3000 NL               1,699.00  1,199.00     X       X
26-0283 3 1/2" Disk storage box *           5.95    [Spec           X
26-0285 5 1/4" Disk storage box *           5.95    Purch]          X
26-2808 DMP 440 Printer                699.00    499.00     X       X
26-3950 WP-100 Word Processor *        599.95    499.95             X
 
The following items will appear in the December 3rd ads:
 
Cat #   Description                    Regular    Sale    01z     11
                                        Price     Price     Advert
25-1283 Lotus For DeskMate  *              219.95          X       X
25-1299 DeskMate  Q&A Write *              149.95          X       X
25-1037 2400 BPS Modem                     179.95                  X
        (with PC-Link Bonus Offer)
25-1040 Serial Mouse *                      49.95          X       X
25-3530 Tandy  1100 FD                     999.00          X       X
25-4072 Tandy  3000 NL               1,699.00   1,199.00   X       X
26-3672 PC-6 Pocket Computer *         119.95      79.95           X
 
* items are also featured in November flyer (449) and/or December flyer (450).
sale prices on these items expire December 24th.
 
MOM-12-89
THE DESKMATE  DIFFERENCE
A series of articles on DeskMate.
 
 
DESKMATE TEXT:  ENTRY-LEVEL WORD PROCESSING UNDER THE DESKMATE  INTERFACE
 
DeskMate Text has enough power to satisfy the needs of most beginning
computer users.
Since it is the word processor included with every copy of DeskMate and with
every Tandy  1000 SL and Tandy  1000 TL/2, you should become familiar with it.
Try to remember the information you read in this article so you can
demonstrate these features to prospective DeskMate and Tandy  1000 customers.
 
Ease of Use
When the Desktop appears, press <ENTER> to run Text, then start typing!
If you are in the middle of a word when you reach
the end of a line on the screen, the word will "wrap" around to the next line.
Unlike using a typewriter, using DeskMate Text doesn't
require you to press <ENTER> (or a carriage return) at the end of lines.
 
To print the file, select the <F2> menu using a mouse or the <F2> key.
Then choose the <F2> Print option.
To save your document, use the <F2> Save As option and key in a filename.
 
Saving a file.
If later you want to go back and change the document, select
<F2> Open and choose the same file from the listbox.
Then you can save and/or print the document again.
 
Editing Features
DeskMate Text also lets you work with blocks of text.
Before you can work with a block, you must identify the block of text.
If you are not using a mouse, place the cursor at the beginning of the
block you want to mark.
Then hold down the shift key while you use the arrow keys to mark the block.
If you are using a mouse, position the mouse pointer
over the beginning of the block.
Then hold down one of the mouse
buttons while you drag the mouse pointer to the end of the block.
Then release the mouse button.
 
After you have marked the block, you may manipulate it in several ways.
See Table 1 for the possibilities.
 
Menu                                                                       Keyboard
Choice          Feature                                                  Accelerator
F2-Print        Print the marked text.
F3-Cut          Remove marked text from the                                Shift-Del
                document and place it in the Clipboard
F3-Copy         Leave marked text in document and copy it to the Clipboard  Ctrl-Ins
F3-Clear        Remove marked text from the document                          Del
F4-Plain        Change marked text to plain text (not bold or underlined)
F4-Bold         Make the marked text bold
F4-Underline    Underline the marked text
F4-Center       Center the marked text                                       Ctrl-C
F4-Uncenter     Remove centering from the marked text
F4-Indent       Set the first line indent, left                              Ctrl-I
                margin indent and right margin indent
 
Table 1. Manipulations of Blocks of Text
 
If you have a mouse, these processes become especially easy.
You can both mark the block and choose your option using only the mouse.
 
A block of text that was mistakenly deleted can be "undeleted" (put
back) by using the <F3> Undelete option.
How's that for user friendliness?!
 
Form Letters
DeskMate Text can print form letters to multiple names and addresses.
To create a form letter, first create a set of names and addresses in
DeskMate's Address Book.
Next, run the Text program and type in your letter.
At the point in the letter where you want the information from
the  Address Book to appear, use the <F6> Add Field option to select the
information from the Address Book.
Each time you select a field, Text will automatically place the field
name at the cursor position in the document.
For example, an inside address and greeting might appear like this:
 
*Title* *First Name* *Last Name*
*Company Name*
*Address*
*City*, *State* *Zip Code*
 
Dear *Title* *Last Name*:
 
As you can see, each item which will be extracted from the Address Book
file is surrounded by asterisks.
Each form letter printed will have individualized information for each of
the fields contained in the letter.
Here's an example of how it might appear in the printed letter:
 
Ms. Susan Buyer
Radio Shack
1500 One Tandy Center
Ft. Worth, TX 76102
 
Dear Ms. Buyer:
 
When printing form letters, use the <F2> Print Form Letter option rather
than the regular <F2> Print option.
After you select the desired list from your Address Book,
Text will print form letter after letter!
 
MOM-12-89
Graphics in Documents
Many of your customers want "desktop publishing" capabilities.
In general, this means printing documents with a variety of fonts and graphics.
When combined with other graphics programs, DeskMate Text
gives you a degree of desktop publishing capability by allowing you to
paste graphics from other programs into Text documents.
 
With DeskMate Draw, you can create graphics,
load clip art, and type in text with up to three fonts.
These graphics can then be copied into DeskMate's Clipboard using the
<F3> Copy option in Draw.
Then, in Text, you simply place the cursor at the desired point and use the
<F3> Paste option to insert the graphic into your document.
 
Once the graphic is in Text, you can resize it and
move it horizontally using the <F7> Resize and Move options.
This gives you added flexibility in giving the graphic the appropriate
placement and appearance for your document.
 
Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate can also place graphics on the Clipboard.
With the Lotus graph on the screen, simply select the <F3> Copy option.
In Text, you can then paste the graph into your document and manipulate it as
before.
 
Spell Checker
The spell checker in DeskMate Text has three main modes: Check Word,
Proof Document, and Auto Proof.
 
As its name implies,  Check Word  will check a single word.
Use the <F10> Spell Checker option to select Word Check.
The  Proof Document  option appears in the <F3> Edit menu.
This option will check every word in the document.
Both options will suggest alternate spellings or allow you to correct
any word not in Text's 90,000 word spelling dictionary.
 
Auto Proof is a "real time" spell checker.
To turn Auto Proof on, you choose <F10> Spell Checker, then <F3> Auto Proof.
After that, DeskMate checks any word you type into any DeskMate application
and beeps if it is not in the spelling dictionary.
You may then use Check Word to see suggested spellings.
 
The unusual flexibility of DeskMate's Spell Checker is one more example
of the value that DeskMate adds to our  Tandy 1000 line of computers.
 
Tutorials
This year's DeskMate (version 3.3) has an easy-to-use tutorial for each
program.
From the Desktop, select the Teach Me box to view the available tutorials.
 
Help
At any point in DeskMate Text, you may press <F1> to get help.
In most cases, several screens of help are available, and this help information
is geared to what you are doing in Text at the time.
For example, if you have the  cursor bar on the <F4> Center option
and press <F1>, help information specific to centering text will appear.
The tutorials and help are so comprehensive that they
have actually replaced the DeskMate reference manual this year, so you
should make a point to demonstrate them to your customers.
Use the tutorials and the strong context-sensitive help capability to
overcome your customers' apprehensions about using computers!
 
What It Means to You
DeskMate Text is a prime example of the value that Tandy adds to its
Tandy 1000 family of PC-compatible computers.
When selling these computers, be sure to point out the bundled DeskMate family
of applications (including Text) that is unique to Tandy computers.
 
If you use DeskMate Text for your own word processing (as many of us in
Computer Merchandising do), you will establish confidence in its use
which will make it easier for you to demonstrate Text.
It also demonstrates your confidence in DeskMate technology which your
customers and coworkers will notice.
 
Most customers will probably use DeskMate Text more than any other
bundled DeskMate application.
Take the time to learn Text well, and you
will have a skill that will help you sell more software and computers!
 
MOM-12-89
THE CREDIT LINE
Direct to you from Tandy credit departments - Commercial Credit,
Tandy Computer Leasing, and RSVP.
 
RSVP
We hope you've all received RSVP's two new credit applications by now:  FO-642
mail-in and FO-643 phone-in applications which are supplied in packages of 50.
If you have not received these new
forms, please notify Force Feed Warehouse (817) 390-8309.
 
Be sure to destroy the old forms as soon as you have the current
FO-642 (10/89) and FO-643 (10/89) on hand.
 
MSI (Military Services, Inc.)/RSVP is a $27 per month payroll deduction
allotment program
which provides the RSVP account holder with a $505 credit line.
 
The MSI/RSVP program is in the process of being installed in Radio Shack 
stores/centers that are in close proximity to U.S. military bases.
For this special MSI program offered only to active members of our armed
forces with no derogatory credit history, RSVP waives the standard "applicant
must be a major credit cardholder" requirement.
 
Those Radio Shack Stores that will be offering the MSI/RSVP will soon be
getting a training package (including videotape) and promotional tent signs.
"Word of mouth" will undoubtedly prove to be a most potent sales tool.
You can expect a few buddies in tow, eager to apply for their own RSVP
account, each time one of your MSI customers stops to shop.
What an opportunity for a whole new client base!!
 
Commercial Credit
In most situations, Commercial Credit can give a one-time courtesy credit
approval to a business customer, prior to the receipt of an application.
This approval, however, is for that sale only and does not constitute account
approval or establishment of a line of credit.
This can only be accomplished when the store follows through and forwards the
completed Commercial Charge Application to the attention of the Credit
Department, P.O. Box 1052, Ft. Worth, TX 76101.
 
While on the subject of applications, please be sure that your store number
appears in the top right hand corner and that the
customer has signed the application.
If either of these are not done, application processing will be delayed.
 
As detailed in your SOM, the toll free number to call for credit
approval is (800) 442-2585.
You can also use that number to:
 
 -Obtain the Account Number of an existing account
 -Obtain the Account Number for a new government account
 -Check the status of a pending Commercial Charge Application
 
Before calling for credit approval on an existing account, have
ready the following information:
 
1. Account Number and/or Customer Name
2. Exact amount of sale (including tax), and
3. Purchase Order Number, if required.
 
This will save you time transmitting the information, and cut
"holding" time for you and other Stores.
 
Occasionally a customer will bring or mail a Commercial Charge
payment directly to your Store.
Please check the remittance to
ensure that the Account and/or Invoice Number are listed.
Then mail it directly to:  Accounts Receivable, P.O. Box 1052, Ft. Worth, TX
76101.
 
Do not deposit it into your Store bank account.
 
MOM-12-89
Tandy Computer Leasing
The new blue rate factor cards became effective November 1 and were mailed,
along with a letter explaining revisions, to Radio Shack store/center,
regional and district management, GRiD centers/sales offices and management.
We've gotten several calls
from the field asking about the end of lease purchase option percentage.
For commercial leases it's:  15% for 24 month terms;
12% for 36 month terms; 8% for 48 month terms.
"Short-term rentals" are not leases, but can be bought out at end of 12
month term for 56% of original equipment cost.
 
TCL has been sending sales data reports to RMTM's and DSM's to
use in marketing and sales projection planning.
Among these reports are two which can be especially helpful in your sales
efforts:  the "Active Lease Customer List" (ALC) and the
"Pending Lease Report" (PLR).
 
The ALC lists every current lease by state, city, customer and lease number,
contact person, address, phone number and months to go on lease term.
This list is a valuable source for upgrade and add on leasing.
It's distributed quarterly to either the RMTM or DSM.
 
The PLR is distributed monthly.
It provides a listing of lease
applications which have been approved but not yet booked.
This is most frequently due to TCL not receiving completed documentation.
Other causes can be a decision to buy rather than
lease or a change in R.S. personnel causing a breakdown in follow up.
Whatever the reason, many sales have been saved by careful review of the PLR.
 
Check with your District or Regional Marketing/Training Manager
for sales making ALC and PLR leads.
STOCK FILE CHANGES
A quick reference to product status changes - pricing, availability, etc.
 
MOM-12-89
LATE DATES
 
Listed below are the new items that appear in the 1990 Catalogs
which have not yet arrived at the warehouses.
Also included are the dates the merchandise is expected to be available
at the warehouses.
 
The dates listed in this section are based on the latest available information,
and are updated monthly.
While they may not be 100% accurate, they are the best estimate we have
at this time.
 
The dates listed here should be your ONLY reference for availability of
cataloged items.
Ft. Worth Computer Support Services or Ft. Worth Computer Merchandising
will not have any dates other than the ones shown here.
 
1990 Tandy Computer Catalog
Cat. #          Description                       Date
250-1266        HomeWord II                      2/15/90
250-1288        Utilities! DM                    2/15/90
250-1314        DacEasy Accounting DM            1/30/90
250-1316        Paint Show Plus                 12/30/89
250-4079        60 MB Tape Cartridge System     12/30/89
250-4120        80 MB 19ms 3 1/2" 1/2 Height    12/30/89
250-4121        SmartDrive  Interface Adapter   12/15/89
250-4910        4000 SX Technical Reference     CANC
        (will be carried in National Parts
        as MT2504910 available mid-December)
250-5110        4020/4025 LX Tech Reference     CANC
        (will be carried in National Parts
        as MT2505110 available end Feb 90)
250-5120        Tandy  4020 LX                  12/30/89
250-5125        Tandy  4025 LX                  12/30/89
260-3931        WP-2 32K RAM IC Card            12/30/89
700-3044        ARCNET Driver for 3Com           2/15/90
900-1643        PFS: First Choice LAN Pack      12/30/89
900-2320        Tash Mini keyboard              CANC
900-2456        Arnet Multiport/2               12/15/89
900-2460        Orchid Ramquest Extra           12/30/89
900-5628        Facts on File                   CANC
903-1578        SCO Image Builder (386)         12/30/89
905-1474        Microsoft Works (5 1/4" only)   CANC
        (dual media still shipping as 25-1184)
 
Express Order Software Buyer's Guide RSC-21S
Cat. #          Description                       Date
250-1266        HomeWord II                      2/15/90
250-1288        Utilities! (DM)                  2/15/90
250-1314        Dac Easy Accounting (DM)         1/30/90
250-1316        Paint Show Plus 12/30/89
900-1643        PFS: First Choice LAN Pack      12/30/89
900-2750        PC Paintbrush 4 Plus            12/30/89
900-2770        Robocop                          1/30/90
900-2771        Super Hang-On                    1/30/90
900-2812        Typing Tutor IV                 CANC
900-3269        Prof Plan                       12/30/89
900-5628        Facts on File                   CANC
903-1224        CO/Session                      12/30/89
903-1324        OSAS Retail POS                 12/15/89
903-1469        Kidwrite: Golden                 1/30/90
903-1578        SCO Image Builder (386)         12/30/89
903-1480        CO/Session Application          12/30/89
903-1481        CO/Session Support              12/30/89
903-1589        Off Portfolio Manager           12/30/89
903-1594        Samna + IV                      12/15/89
903-1599        Off Portfolio Ste               12/30/89
903-2784        Once Upon A Time II             12/30/89
903-2834        UFO                              1/30/90
903-2835        Instant Locator                  1/30/90
903-2838        Scenery Disk - Hawaii            1/30/90
905-1295        OSAS Purc Order                 12/15/89
905-1309        OSAS Res Mgr OS/2               12/15/89
905-1313        OSAS Payroll - DOS              12/15/89
905-1320        OSAS Mtls Mgmt - DOS            12/15/89
905-1321        OSAS Mfg Job - DOS              12/15/89
905-1322        OSAS Proj Est - DOS             12/15/89
905-1323        OSAS Time Bill - DOS            12/15/89
905-1324        OSAS Retail POS                 12/15/89
905-1388        Session XL                      12/30/89
905-1469        Kidwrite: Golden                 1/30/90
905-1474        Microsoft Works 2.0 (5 1/4" only) CANC
        (dual media still shipping as 25-1184) 
905-1480        CO/Session Application          12/30/89
905-1481        CO/Session Support              12/30/89
905-2784        Once Upon A Time II             12/30/89
905-2834        UFO                              1/30/90
905-2835        Instant Locator                  1/30/90
905-2838        Scenery Disk - Hawaii            1/30/90
905-3325        WordPerfect 5.0 (5 1/4" only)   CANC
 
1990 Educational Products Guide RSC-21E
Cat. #          Description                        Date
900-5613        First Choice School LAN          1/30/90
900-5614        First Pub Art Pack School       12/15/89
900-5646        Weather Flight                  12/30/89
900-5648        Measurements                    12/30/89
900-5649        Concept Mapping                 12/30/89
900-5650        Vee-Diagramming                 12/30/89
900-5651        Statistics-Tutor                12/30/89
900-5652        Population Genetics Simulator   12/30/89
900-5653        Joshua's Reading Machine        12/30/89
900-5654        Once Upon a Time                12/30/89
900-5655        Stepping Stones I               12/30/89
900-5656        Stepping Stones II              12/30/89
900-5657        See the U.S.A.                  12/30/89
900-5661        DLM Early Childhood Series       1/30/90
900-5662        Alien Addition                   1/30/90
900-5663        Minus Mission                    1/30/90
900-5679        Cocaine Education               12/15/89
900-5680        Drinking the Choice is Yours    12/15/89
900-5681        Keep Off the Grass: Marijuana   12/15/89
900-5682        Tobacco Education               12/15/89
900-5683        Understanding AIDS              12/15/89
900-5684        Scenario Workstation SCM        12/30/89
900-5685        Scenario Toolbox SCM            12/30/89
900-5700        Prof Plan School                12/30/89
900-5716        Meteor Multiplication           12/30/89
900-5717        Demolition Division             12/30/89
900-5718        Alligator Mix                   12/30/89
900-5719        Dragon Mix                      12/30/89
900-5720        Verb Viper                      12/30/89
900-5721        Word Man                        12/30/89
900-5722        Word Invasion                   12/30/89
900-5723        Spelling Wiz                    12/30/89
900-5724        Word Radar                      12/30/89
900-5725        Word Master                     12/30/89
900-5726        Number Farm                      1/30/90
900-5727        Alphabet Circus                  1/30/90
900-5728        Comparison Kitchen               1/30/90
900-5742        Once Upon a Time II             12/30/89
900-5743        PC LOGO                         12/30/89
 
903-5596        Seed Dispersal                  12/15/89
903-5598        Uses of Plants                  12/15/89
903-5621        Child Count Reporter            12/15/89
903-5622        Referral Manager                12/15/89
903-5623        IEP/Objective Mgr               12/15/89
903-5624        Student DB Mgmt                 12/15/89
903-5634        Living Non-Living               12/30/89
903-5635        Weather Flight                  12/30/89
903-5636        Measurements                    12/30/89
903-5637        Concept Mapping                 12/30/89
903-5638        Vee Diagramming                 12/30/89
903-5639        Statistics Tutor                12/30/89
903-5640        Population Genetics Simulator   12/30/89
903-5658        Math Blaster Plus                1/15/90
903-5659        Word Attack Plus                 1/15/90
903-5660        Homeworker                       1/15/90
903-5673        Double Up                       12/30/89
903-5674        Mark-Up                         12/30/89
903-5675        Proteus                         12/30/89
903-5676        Rhubarb                         12/30/89
903-5677        Sequitur                        12/30/89
903-5678        Text Tangler                    12/30/89
903-5686        Timeliner                       12/30/89
903-5709        SchoolWorks: Social Studies     12/15/89
903-5710        SchoolWorks: States & Presidents12/15/89
903-5711        Testlab 2000                    12/30/89
 
905-5634        Living Non-Living               12/30/89
905-5635        Weather Flight                  12/30/89
905-5636        Measurements                    12/30/89
905-5637        Concept Mapping                 12/30/89
905-5638        Vee Diagramming                 12/30/89
905-5639        Statistics Tutor                12/30/89
905-5640        Population Genetics Simulator   12/30/89
905-5658        Math Blaster Plus                1/15/90
905-5659        Word Attack Plus                 1/15/90
905-5660        Homeworker                       1/15/90
905-5673        Double Up                       12/30/89
905-5674        Mark-Up                         12/30/89
905-5675        Proteus                         12/30/89
905-5676        Rhubarb                         12/30/89
905-5677        Sequitur                        12/30/89
905-5678        Text Tangler                    12/30/89
905-5686        Timeliner                       12/30/89
905-5709        SchoolWorks: Social Studies     12/15/89
905-5710        SchoolWorks: States & Presidents12/15/89
905-5711        Testlab 2000                    12/30/89
 
MOM-12-89
PRODUCTS CANCELED, DISCONTINUED AND REPLACED
CAT. #  DESCRIPTION
DISCONTINUED
260-1200        LogiTech 3-Button Mouse DB25M Connector
        (replaced by 900-2356 LogiTech 3-Button
        Mouse (DB9F & dual media) at $109.95)
CANCELED
900-2320        TASH PC Mini-Keyboard
 
 
PRICE CHANGES
                                                  OLD       NEW
CAT. #          DESCRIPTION                      PRICE     PRICE
901-1767        NetWare Assurance Advanced      995.00   1,350.00
901-1768        NetWare Assurance ELS II        495.00     750.00
901-1769        NetWare Assurance SFT         1,495.00   2,000.00
 
 
LOVEJOY'S SAT CANCELED
 
You may have noticed that LoveJoy's SAT (900-2813) showed up on the POS System,
but due to circumstances beyond our control we will not be able to offer
it in Express Order .
Any back orders you had with Express Order have been canceled.
 
There is still a small quantity of this product
available in the field as catalog number 25-1189.
Contact your District Sales Manager for help in locating this merchandise.
 
 
INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE - BACKORDERS
 
We have had a great influx of EOS orders for Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
(900-2789) over the last few weeks.
Please cancel your orders and sell your customer 25-1321 instead.
There is more profit in it for you.
Both products are arriving in the warehouses, but you will not get it any
faster by ordering the 900 number.
 
 
T. V. GAMESHOWS II - BACKORDERED
 
Due to the popularity of the 3 1/2" version of T. V. Game Shows II (903-1283)
(which includes Card Sharks, Concentration, and Family Feud),
the vendor will not be able to fulfill the backorders until Christmas.
If you have it on order from EXO, you should cancel it and offer your customer
25-1239 T. V. Game Shows or 25-1323 T. V. Game Shows II Bonus Pack.
 
25-1239 is the same price at $29.95 and offers the customer Jeopardy
and Wheel of Fortune.
25-1323 is the same as the 903/5-1283 (the same games), but it also includes
the 3rd Edition of Wheel of Fortune as a bonus and is $34.95.
 
MOM-12-89
PRODUCT NEWS
ALL STORE
The "ALL STORE" section contains information of interest to all store types.
01Zs and Computer Centers will also be interested in the information contained
in the "01Z/COMPUTER CENTER" section.
 
THE TANDY 1100 FD IS NOW AVAILABLE!
 
The Tandy  1100 FD is Radio Shack 's newest entry
into the growing laptop market.
 
It weighs less than 6.5 pounds and sports the Tandy DeskMate  graphical user
interface and MS-DOS 3.3 in ROM for immediate power up and run.
In addition, DeskMate's Text and 90,000 word dictionary are also included in
ROM making it the smallest MS-DOS laptop that can be used as a word processor
without having to insert a disk or call a program from hard disk.
 
Measuring only 12.1" x 9.8" x 2.4" it offers users features that
cannot be found in other notebook laptops.
 
The CGA reflective screen measures 4.8" x 7.75" and does not require a
backlight in order to provide clear, crisp text.
Many other laptops use screens that require a backlight for viewing (and
remember the backlight in a laptop causes considerable draw
on the battery system).
 
With its built-in power-saving features, the 1100 FD can operate up to 5 hours
on a single charge - up to twice as long as some other units being sold today.
 
And even better, unlike the Toshiba 1000 that has a permanent battery
built in, the Tandy 1100 FD uses a replaceable high capacity lead acid battery.
By carrying an inexpensive replacement battery (25-3536 @ $29.95) the user can
work for hours and hours without having to quit to plug it in for charging.
That's something the Toshiba 1000 can't do, meaning the user can only use
that unit for a couple of hours before it MUST be turned off and plugged into a
110 volt outlet to be recharged again.
 
And remember, since the 1100 FD's battery is lead acid technology instead of
Ni-Cad, there is no annoying "memory charge" to worry about.
It charges to full capacity with each charge
and doesn't require complete discharge in order to maintain full capacity.
 
And don't forget to check out the built-in numeric keypad and separate
cursor control keys that function exactly like the user would expect
them to operate in all modes whether the keypad area is turned on or not.
 
It has full 101-key keyboard/keypad emulation allowing users to run
all the programs on the 1100 FD that would run on a full sized desktop
computer with a 101-key keyboard.
No more having to find keystroke workarounds for programs that require numeric
keypad keys to operate (like MicroSoft Flight Simulator and others).
Try that on some of the other laptops being sold today!
 
The Tandy 1100 FD includes a built-in real time clock, 640 x 200 screen
display, bi-directional parallel port, serial port,
and special small size modem slot.
Even with the modem in the computer, the serial port is
still active and can be used for a mouse or other serial device.
 
The optional modem is 2400 bps and
is one of the smallest footprint snap-in modems available today.
While other laptop modems are priced at $299,
$349, and even $449, the 1100 FD 2400bps modem (25-3538) is priced right
at only $199.95 and will be available in late December.
 
To complete this exciting package, diskettes are included with the Tandy 1100
FD that contain the full DeskMate (Version 3) , as well as a complete MS-DOS
3.30, PC-LINK, MS-DOS Reference Guide, 1100 FD Owner's Manual, Getting Started
Brochure, and the simple to use DeskMate Getting Started Tutorial Guide.
 
Manuals and documentation are written for the first-time user making this
the easiest to use laptop computer ever produced.
 
The Tandy 1100 FD has already been on the cover of at least two
magazines and there have countless articles written about its unique design.
Every indication is given by the world that the Tandy 1100 FD is the
right computer at the right time at the right price.
Make sure you have one to show when your customers ask to see it.
 
MOM-12-89
TANDY 1000 HX REVISITED
 
We hear some of you are feeling a bit jaded about the HX.
Comments such as "It's yesterday's news" and so on.
It's time to take a new look at the Tandy 1000 HX and see for yourself why it
will be a hot ticket for this Christmas Selling Season.
Here are four good selling tips to remember:
 
First, MS-DOS is built in.
No worries about losing the DOS disk and not being able to boot.
A real plus for kids of any age.
 
Second, the keyboard is attached to the unit.
This makes for a much more compact unit.
 
Third, it's a true IBM-compatible computer, including MS-DOS, DeskMate,
enhanced CGA video, 3-voice sound with volume control, joystick and printer
ports, at $399.00!
Customers are looking for the most value per dollar in their purchases.
There is absolutely no better value on the market today than the Tandy 1000 HX.
Period.
In fact, you would have a hard time finding a less expensive
computer anywhere, unless you buy it used.
 
Fourth, expansion is easy.
All options are available and in stock (no waiting for futures).
 
There's no denying that the Tandy 1000 HX needs to be
under the Christmas trees of your customers this year.
How will you accomplish this?
 
 -By reviewing the feature list on the HX.
 -By believing the HX is a great value at $399.
 -By selling the product based upon the customer's needs.
 -By being the truly professional sales force that you are.
 
Sell well and it will be a Merry Christmas for All!
(And a Happy New Year!).
 
MOM-12-89
PC-LINK EXPANDS SOFTWARE LIBRARIES BY 70%
 
PC-Link now offers a new benefit for your customers:  software
libraries have been expanded by 70% in the last four months.
Additionally, a new QuickFind feature helps users to search quickly and
easily for specific library files using one or more keywords.
 
PC-Link's software libraries offer public domain and shareware
programs, demos, and utilities for a wide variety of applications.
 
Among the nearly 5000 files (and growing all the time!), users can
choose software for word processing, accounting, databases, graphics,
telecommunications, education, and more.
 
A special DeskMate library will provide your customers with utility,
sound and art files especially for DeskMate users.
 
Beginners among your customers will be interested in the Beginner Library,
featuring easy-to-use programs for computing initiates.
 
PC-Link's DemoWare Library provides demos of hundreds of programs from the
country's leading developers, such as Lotus, Microsoft, Borland, Sierra
Online, Spectrum Holobyte, Broderbund, Electronic Arts,
MicroProse, AutoCAD and TK Solver.
These demonstration demos could save your customers hundreds of dollars,
since they allow your customers to "try before buying."
(The colorful, graphically-exciting game demos are always a big hit!)
 
More programs + faster library searches + the opportunity to "test
drive" popular programs = more value for your customers who are
members of PC-Link, the online service for Tandy computer owners.
 
 
PC-LINK DEMO ACCOUNT UPDATE
 
Just a quick note on your demo accounts.
It appears as if about 1/3 of the stores have signed on, and about 95%
of you are using it less than 15 hours a month.
 
Now that you've gotten over the initial learning
time, we think that this monthly amount (15 hours) is about right.
With that in mind, we're going to adjust the monthly limit accordingly.
 
In the next few weeks you will see this go into effect.
Those of you who have taken it upon yourselves to sign on with more than one
account will be called
this month and asked which account you'd like to have remain active.
 
MOM-12-89
GAME BLASTER SUPPORT FOR INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE
 
We were not able to include Creative Music System (CMS) support in the Indiana
Jones and the Last Crusade (25-1321) box in time to get the software on your
shelves for Christmas, so we put a card in the box telling the customer to see
you about a driver if they have the Game Blaster sound effects board and
want to use it with the program.
 
The driver was not ready in time for this article to be published.
Watch this space next month for details.
 
We will be letting Customer Service know the current status of this driver, so
if you have an immediate need for it, you may contact them at that time.
 
MOM-12-89
WHOSE SOFTWARE SUPPORTS WHAT SOUND BOARD?
 
In the chart below, a "Y" indicates that some products from this vendor
will support the board shown.
 
Software Publisher      AdLib       Game Blaster
                     (905-2155)      (250-1039)
Accolade                  Y              Y
Activision                Y              N
Electronic Arts           Y              N
Epyx                      Y              N
Lucasfilm                 Y              Y
Microprose                Y              N
Mindscape                 Y              Y
Origin                    Y              Y
Sierra                    Y              Y
 
MOM-12-89
PREDATOR - MANUAL ADDITION
 
The color command was inadvertently left out of the instructions
in Predator (26-3165), so your customers using a TV and RF modulator with their
Color Computer weren't instructed how to toggle the color mode on and off.
 
Thanks to store 01-9623, for finding this error, and the solution!
Pressing the letter "M" toggles the color mode.
 
You can sell Predator (26-3165) with confidence to
customers with TVs and RF modulators.
 
MOM-12-89
SCHOOLMATE  DEMONSTRATION KIT
 
The SchoolMate Demonstration Kit (FC-631) gives you the information you
need to make SchoolMate a success.
This kit can be used as a presentation and training tool for Radio Shack
and school personnel.
 
The Kit includes:
 
Demo Software - Two 3 1/2" diskettes
This stand-alone 3 1/2" demo includes a self-running mode, sample data, and
limits on the amount of data which can be stored.
 
Manual
The SchoolMate User's Guide is included in the kit as the definitive
source of information on the ins and outs of SchoolMate operation.
 
SchoolMate Fact Sheet
Pack of 10 fact sheets.
 
Order your kit today from TSDC.
 
 
SCHOOLMATE  AND THE INTEL ABOVEBOARD PLUS (REVISITED)
 
Good news!
SchoolMate DOES work with the Intel Aboveboard PLUS.
It is a matter of using the right driver.
 
Use the driver which comes with the board.
This is true with IDE, SCSI or ST-506 hard drives.
On the Tandy  4020 LX and 4025 LX with SCSI hard drives
you also need to use the SCSIHA.SYS driver.
 
 
SCHOOLMATE  MANUAL
 
We have received many requests from schools for extra copies of the
SchoolMate manual.
You can order extra manuals from Tandy Software Assembly.
 
Order part number 874-8083.
The retail price is $7.50.
Send a speed memo and the purchase order to:
 
Tandy Software Assembly Warranty Dept.
205 Northwest 7th Street
Fort Worth, Texas  76106
Attn: Orville Sewall
 
MOM-12-89
DESKMATE  FORM FINISHER NOW AVAILABLE
 
DeskMate Form Finisher (25-1295) answers one of the biggest needs in business
today by letting you fill in preprinted forms quickly and easily.
Plus, it has the added advantage of being easy to use - it runs
under the DeskMate interface!
DeskMate Form Finisher supports dot matrix printers or the Tandy  LP 1000,
so invoices, shipping or legal forms come out looking great.
 
Define forms by simply identifying the location of the field,
in either an "inch-based" grid, like a typewriter, or a "row/column" grid
like you would use for a printer.
You can even set up your form to do calculations for you.
 
Once your form is designed, data can be entered either as a simple
list of fields, or by actually "filling-in" the form on the screen.
Repetitious text, like company name and address, can be entered as
"boilerplate" information and you can duplicate entries from a
previous form without retyping all the information.
Great for purchase orders or invoices.
 
DeskMate Form Finisher takes data from DeskMate's Filer and Address
Book, Dbase  or ASCII files.
It comes with ready-made templates including Federal Express ,
Airborne Express  and Express Mail .
The retail price is only $39.95.
 
MOM-12-89
JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS THE NEW PRINT SHOP
 
The New Print Shop (25-1298) will be available in the
regional warehouses within the next two weeks.
The New Print Shop is a major upgrade of the previous version.
New features include higher quality resolution in printing and graphics
quality, a more flexible user interface, multiple graphics and fonts
on each page, and vertical or horizontal banners.
The New Print Shop designs cards, letterheads, banners and signs, but now also
generates calendars and oversize posters.
The retail price is $54.95.
 
Three separate graphics libraries are also available
through Express Order :
 
903/5-1471
The New Print Shop Graphics Library Sampler Edition
The New Print Shop Graphics Library Sampler Edition expands the user's
options by offering over 100 new fonts, graphics and borders.
Suitable for many occasions, the Sample Edition includes themes for
birthdays, holidays, school, sporting events and more.
$34.95.
 
903/5-1472
The New Print Shop Graphics Library Party Edition 
The New Print Shop Graphics Library Party Edition lets you produce
a total party atmosphere.
Use the graphics to create personalized
invitations, signs, place cards, gift tags and more.
Includes over 100 designs for holiday parties, birthdays, weddings,
bon voyage or office functions.
$34.95.
 
903/5-1473
The New Print Shop Graphics Library School and Business Edition
contains over 100 graphic symbols to perk up schoolwork, bulletins,
announcements and special reports.
Great for making signs, notepads, letterheads, folders and forms.
$34.95.
 
MOM-12-89
PRODUCT NEWS
01Z/COMPUER CENTER
 
CORRECTION TO "ED. NOTE" IN NOVEMBER '89 M.O.M.
 
In the InfoWorld article we reprinted in the November '89 M.O.M. (Page 14)
entitled TANDY'S MCA-BASED CLONE OFFERS FULL IBM COMPATIBILITY, we mentioned a
BIOS ROM version that enabled OS/2 to work with an ESDI drive controller.
 
The version number we said would allow this was 01.02.01.
The version number should have been 01.02.02.
 
MOM-12-89
WORDPERFECT AND EXPRESS ORDER 
 
WordPerfect products will no longer be available through Express Order.
 
For special cases (bids or quantity purchases)
contact your DSM for more information.
The catalog numbers involved are:
 
905-3325        WordPerfect 5.0
903-1673        WordPerfect 5.0 Network
905-1673        WordPerfect 5.0 Network
900-1674        Additional Network Workstation
903-3182        WordPerfect Junior
905-3182        WordPerfect Junior
903-1579        WordPerfect 386 XENIX
903-3181        PlanPerfect
905-3181        PlanPerfect
900-3264        WordPerfect Executive
 
MOM-12-89
60MB TAPE CARTRIDGE FOR 25-4079 ONLY
 
Do NOT order the new 26-246 60MB 1/4" tape cartridge for use on the
older 40MB system, 25-4069.
The 40MB system cannot recognize the extended length tape
and will give an error message.
The extended 60MB tape is intended for the new 25-4079 system only,
when this becomes available.
 
Interestingly enough, the new 60MB system (25-4079) DOES offer backward
compatibility and WILL use the shorter 40MB tape, 26-218.
Obviously, it would be limited to 40MB of storage with the 26-218 cartridge.
 
We will be stocking BOTH length tape cartridges in order to support
both backup systems.
 
MOM-12-89
MARKETING PROGRAMS UPDATE
 
In an effort to keep all our information in one easily recognizable place,
we will NOT be printing any further issues of the Bi-Monthly Marketing Memo.
Instead, we'll be putting information about what's going on with Marketing
Programs in the M.O.M.
 
Look for the  MARKETING PROGRAMS UPDATE  articles in each M.O.M.,
and check out the MARKETING PROGRAMS IN "MONTH" section for
current promotional and advertising information.
 
FC-476 Desktop Publishing Seminar Kit
The first seminar "kit-in-a-box" is now available in TSDC.
It includes step-by-step instructions for planning and executing
a complete seminar on desktop publishing (with PageMaker).
 
You'll find information about how to plan the seminar,
how to telemarket, invite, and promote the seminar,
and how to conduct the seminar and give specific presentations.
 
You'll find a group of forms to use to order leads,
get postage reimbursement, keep track of your telemarketing,
register participants, and get evaluations of the seminar from your guests.
 
We provide posters, invitations and envelopes, handouts, slides for one of the
presentations, and a demonstration diskette to use in the seminar.
 
Is there anything we forgot or do you especially like something we did?
We've included a Seminar Suggestion Sheet so you can let us know!
 
There are a limited number of seminar kits available.
The seminar kits will be in TSDC with a restricted availability code
so that only RMTMs can order them.
(We have allocated five (5) per RMTM.)
RMTMs should plan carefully where and when to hold a seminar,
and not plan that every center will do one.
It would be a good idea to combine the efforts of several centers
to plan, prospect, present, and sell with this marketing tool.
Start planning now!
 
We know the seminar kits are behind schedule.
We're working to provide you with complete and useful materials.
The Accounting Seminar kit will be the next to come along,
and we'll give you the best date we have in the next M.O.M.
 
Solutions Brochures
The FC-490 Small Business Accounting Brochures are now available also.
 
This brochure notes prospective customer's needs and mentions specific
ways in which computerized accounting can help meet those needs.
 
Then it covers four software options:
 
 -RealWorld 4-in-1 Accounting
 -RealWorld Business Software
 -DacEasy Accounting
 -Venture
 
And then the brochure asks, "Now, which computer system do I buy?"
We do NOT recommend specific systems (this is a change from what we stated in
the last Marketing Memo), but we say, "We'll help you determine the right
system configuration by the actual accounting functions you're computerizing
and by the amount of information going into the computer."
Then we suggest they come to a Radio Shack Computer Center .
This is where you get to put together a specific configuration for the
customer.
 
A Question & Answer insert in the brochure addresses key concerns a
customer may have about the practical aspects of a computer purchase -
leasing, support, training and service.
It will help you explain to the customer the advantages of doing business
with Radio Shack.
 
This brochure is not intended to be a hand-out to everyone who walks
into the store, but is to be used in discussions with specific clients as you
discuss the different available options for their business.
 
MOM-12-89
TANDY PRODUCT PROFILES UPDATE
 
The most recent quarterly update (FC-371, October 1989) to the Tandy  Product
Profiles has been drop-shipped to 11s, 01Zs, DSMs,
RSMs, RMTMs, AEMMs and REMMs.
Remember that if you ordered FC-352 (the two-volume set) separately from one
that you received as a drop shipment, you will need to order FC-371
to keep it up-to-date.
 
So far, all the numbers you need to know to keep your Tandy Product Profiles
and Tandy Educational Product Profiles current are:
 
STOCK # DESCRIPTION             DATED
FC-352  Tandy Product Profiles  November 1987
             2nd Edition (2 vol. set)
FC-362  1st Update to FC-352    February 1988
FC-363  2nd Update to FC-352    May 1988
FC-364  3rd Update to FC-352    August 1988
FC-367  4th Update to FC-352    November 1988
FC-369  5th Update to FC-352    February 1989
FC-370  6th Update to FC-352    May 1989
FC-371  7th Update to FC-352    October 1989
 
Also avail:
FC-353  Tandy Educational Product
        Profiles 2nd Edition    April 1988
FC-368  1st Update to FC-353    November 1988
 
MOM-12-89
IN TRAINING
 
Mr. or Ms. Manager, what's happening in training at your Store or Center?
 
Not much, you say?
Why?
Choose one or all of the following:
 
 -"We're too busy."
 -"I don't have any materials or guidance."
 -"That's not my job."
 -"All my people have been around a long time, they don't need it."
 -"Everyone knows that you're better off doing it than learning about it."
 
Sound familiar?
You bet!
Bear with me for just a minute and pretend that you are not selling
computer systems, but you are selling training.
If that were your job, what would the above responses represent?
Right, they are objections.
So let's respond to each and close on the training sale.
 
We're too busy.
Busy doing what?
Closing sales, delivering systems, calling on customers, contacting prospects?
What percentage of your time do you spend performing these selling activities?
And what percentage of your time do you spend resolving customer problems
over the phone or in person?
Or handling stock, cleaning out the back room, completing paperwork?
Have you ever tracked the time you spend in all your daily activities?
 
Try listing your daily activities during one week and the amount of time
you spend doing each item.
Don't leave anything out,
down to the amount of time you spent drinking that first cup of coffee.
And pay special attention to those jobs that you are doing
that are better done by others, like your Systems Engineer.
 
What am I talking about?
Time management, setting priorities, planning your work and working your plan.
That's part of training, right?
Right on!
Wouldn't learning how to get the most out of your time be of value to you?
Then don't think of training as simply learning about products
and sales techniques.
Think of it as finding ways to be more effective and productive.
It's money in your pocket.
 
I don't have any materials or guidance.
Have you looked at the new FAST Program?
Yes, I know you say that FAST is for the new employee.
That's true, but only if you look at it as a total program.
What about looking at its parts?
 
The market segments (3, 6 and 7) can be stand-alone training.
Look at every product in your center or store as potential for each market.
Take 10 minutes, pick a product (hardware, software, cellular phone, etc.) and
ask a Marketing Rep to explain how it might be used in a home office
or a retail store or a manufacturing company.
 
Use Segment 8 on Selling Exercises to practice skills using the buddy system.
 
That's not my job.
What is your job?
Isn't it making your center or store profitable?
How do you do that?
Increasing your sales, scaring your people into increasing theirs?
Waiting for the point when you can get rid of this non-performer and
replacing him or her with someone who will, hopefully, work out better?
 
Or are you working with each person to make them better able to do their job?
That's training.
And do you really want to give the power of making you successful to others?
Make training your job.
It's an investment of time that will pay off, for you and for your people.
 
All my people have been around a long time, they don't need it.
Are they performing up to your expectations?
If the answer is NO, then how do you expect them to meet those goals?
It's very easy to get to the point where you feel that you know
everything there is to know about the products,
about the markets and about selling techniques.
 
But let's get off the subject for a second to make a point.
How many elderly people do you know who are just marking time until they die?
And how many do you know who are active and living every day to the fullest?
What is the difference?
There are many reasons, but one that is prominent is the ability to continue
learning, never to feel you have nothing to learn or discover about yourself
and others.
It's the same in sales.
You never know enough or use all you know enough.
 
Let your seasoned people act as trainers for others and they will
find that they learn something new every day.
 
You know that you are better off doing it than learning about it.
You're exactly right.
That's why training must always be linked to selling activities.
Role-playing is essential to skill development.
Constructive feedback on demonstrations, presentations,
and handling objections are critical to improving close ratios.
Managers must schedule regular time to observe sales calls
both inside the center and on outside sales calls.
 
Well, is it a sale?
Maybe, I haven't changed your mind about training but just changed your mind
about what training is and can be.
The benefit?
The mind boggles.
 
In the future, this column will serve to keep you up-to-date on the latest
in training materials, and give you tips on training techniques and topics.
And I encourage your input.
Send in your ideas, opinions, techniques you want to share to Gwen Marlin,
Computer Sales Training, 700 One Tandy Center, Ft. Worth, TX  76102.
 
MOM-12-89
NEW PRODUCTS
 
SOFTWARE RELEASED SINCE RSC-21/21S/21E CATALOGS PRINTED
 
These items are in alphabetical order within categories,
and are MS-DOS  unless otherwise specified.
 
CATEGORY      CAT #       TITLE   SHORT DESCRIPTION        PRICE     REFER TO:
Entertainment 903/5-2858  F-15 Strike Eagle II  Flight simulator 54.95    Dec MOM
Entertainment 900-2755    M1-Tank Platoon Simulation of land combat 64.95 Dec MOM
Entertainment 903/5-2863  Micro Bridge Companion  Bridge    59.95   Dec MOM
Entertainment 900-2852    Operation Wolf  Arcade game       37.95   Dec MOM
Entertainment 900-2846    SimCity Design and build a city   49.95   Dec MOM
Entertainment 900-2867    The Playroom    Child-sized world 44.95   Dec MOM
 
Personal Management 903/5-0523    PC Study Bibles Bible Reference 139.95  Dec MOM
 
Word Processing 25-1300 RightWriter for DeskMate  Grammar and Style Checker 79.95   Dec MOM
 
MOM-12-89
NEW PRODUCT RELEASES NOT IN CATALOGS - DESCRIPTIONS
(Items are in stock number order within categories.)
 
PERIPHERALS/ACCESSORIES
 
26-1384 CCR-83 Computer Cassette Recorder  $59.95
Now available through Regional Warehouses is the new Computer Cassette
Recorder, 26-1384, with a sell price of $59.95 (same as 26-1208).
The new CCR-83 is very similar to the older CCR81 except for a slightly
smaller size: 9-13/16 x 5-3/4 x 1-15/16."
Like the CCR-81, the CCR-83 runs on standard wall current or,
for fully portable operation, on 4 "C" batteries (not included).
It also includes cable for connection to the computer which can then,
in turn, automatically start and stop the tape.
Other desirable features include automatic end-of-tape shut off
and built-in automatic recording level control.
 
900-1678 EtherCard PLUS/MC  $499.00
The EtherCard Plus/MC from Western Digital connects the Tandy  5000 MC
to an Ethernet Network.
As a station adapter, it fully meets both the Ethernet and IEEE 802.3
standards, supporting data transfer rates at 10 Mbps.
 
900-2176  MAXX Flight Control Yoke  $99.95
This joystick device looks and performs like the control yoke of fixed
wing aircraft and adds realism to fighter plane, helicopter and space flight
simulation games, automobile racing, submarine and ship maneuvering, etc.
Clamp the yoke to the edge of a table and maneuver
by both turning the yoke and by pushing/pulling it forward and back.
It utilizes both joystick ports on a Tandy  1000 or CoCo (with round 6-pin
DIN connectors), permitting input from the built-in action/fire
buttons and a throttle control.
Of course, these features require appropriate game software such as Flight
Simulator v 3.0 (Microsoft), Jet Fighter: the Adventure (Velocity),
F-19 Stealth Fighter (Microprose) and Flight Simulator II (SubLOGIC Corp.).
Vendor's warranty 90 days.
 
900-2281  Taesung Industries 300-watt Backup PWR Director  $395.00
Combines the best elements of a backup power supply (such as 26-250)
with a power switching system (such as 26-203).
This Taesung model UPS-3160P is rated at a full 300 watts (large enough for
all of our large systems), with power backup on 3 of the 5 output receptacles.
Also provides standard three-way spike and transient protection and
AC line noise filtration.
This compact 16W x 3H x 11D" module fits attractively between monitor and CPU.
Front panel controls include master power switch and 5 individual
receptacle switches, alarm disable switch, and status lamps.
Maximum transition time to backup battery of 4 milliseconds (2.5ms typical).
Overvoltage as well as undervoltage protection.
8 minutes endurance at full load, 25 minutes at half load; 4 hour
maximum recharge time.
Two tone alarm and LED status lamps for power failure indication.
UL listed.
Vendor's warranty 1 year.
 
900-2298  Kraft Trackball w/Footswitch  $129.95
A trackball is used in place of a serial mouse, providing positive and highly
accurate, one-handed cursor control while requiring less desktop real estate.
This deluxe, Microsoft-compatible 3-button unit features a unique footswitch
to provide a convenient and fast
alternative to button "click" for the constant user.
Software- adjustable sensitivity, allowing resolution from 10 to 1150 dots-
per-inch, gives greater flexibility than standard mice of 200 or 400 dpi.
Includes 9 to 25 pin adapter for either type serial port.
Requires 128K of memory and DOS 2.0 or higher.
Vendor's warranty 5 years.
 
900-2323  Shape Magnetronics 150VA Power Conditioner  $165.00
Smaller version of other Express Order  "Line Tamers" (90-2141 at
300VA and 90-2143 at 450VA), useful for Tandy  1000-size systems.
Levels out voltage fluctuations from 95 to 132 volts AC input to 120
VAC (+/- 5%) output.
While not a backup power supply, can maintain full voltage output
during very brief (up to 3 millisecond) power interruptions.
Also protects from line noise, voltage spikes and transients.
Four receptacles, six foot line cord, UL listed. Vendor's warranty 5 years.
 
900-2356  LogiTech 3-button Serial Mouse  $109.95
This is the replacement for the previous 26-1199 and -1200 units.
Adjustable resolution from 50 to 19,000 dpi.
Comes with DB9F connector, dual media drivers, Pop-Up DOS,
and intelligent utilities.
Requires 256K RAM (384K for use with Pop-Up DOS) and DOS 2.1 or higher.
Vendor's limited "lifetime warranty."
 
MOM-12-89
PERSONAL MANAGEMENT
 
903/5-0523  PC Study Bible  $139.95
A complete Bible reference and concordance, PC Study Bible includes text in
the King James Version, New International Version and the
American Standard Version.
 
Easily compare verses in the different versions through multiple
windows on the screen.
Copy verses to the notepad or make notes
in the built-in word processor or search by word or phrase.
 
MOM-11-89
THE FRONT LINE
 
THE FRONT LINE is a monthly column dedicated to discussing merchandising
and customer care concepts relating to our computer product line.
 
TIS THE SELLING SEASON!
 
The Christmas selling season is upon us.
The November flyer is out and pulling customers into your store.
You know what will be promoted in the December flyer.
Look at your inventory of accessories and software to
support this major advertising and selling season.
 
Left Over Software?
We've noticed that many of you have software inventory in your stores
from last Christmas.
The coming season is an excellent time to reduce those quantities.
Keep in mind that each new computer owner needs software,
and titles old to you are brand new to them.
Remember:
 
1. DeskMate  is great for productivity but your customers will want to
play some games as well.
Set a personal goal for yourself to sell at least
two entertainment and/or education titles for each computer sold.
If everyone in your store can achieve this goal,
you will wonder where all of the software went!
 
2. Check your retail revaluation reports,
and be sure to display the correct discontinued prices.
These bargains properly marked should be the easiest to sell.
 
3. 2 plus 2 still equals 4 and farfetched has always been an adjective.
Math and Reading programs are timeless.
Sell any older education programs first.
 
4. It will become harder to sell the older titles the longer they sit
on your shelves, so sell them first.
The brand new titles you are getting will be around for the next year -
sell those to the customers that ask specifically for the new titles.
 
New Titles
There are many new titles for both the Tandy  1000
and Color Computer families available for you to stock.
 
Your Tandy 1000 customer usually buys at least 2 additional pieces of
software in a variety of categories including entertainment, personal
productivity and home education, so be sure to have a good selection
available for your customer to choose from.
 
The typical Color Computer customer will buy 3 or more titles for stocking
stuffers or additional presents.
We've added some new "hot" Nintendo titles this year and they should be
good movers for you.
Display your stock near the CoCo so they'll be sure to see them.
 
Personal Software Products
You know about DeskMate  and all its features.
DeskMate covers the basic applications your customers need.
So what else is there?
You know about home education software for the kids and we've mentioned games.
But a whole other category of software you'll want to be familiar with is
Personal Software which covers topics like:
 
     Cooking and recipes
     Video/audio/CD logs
     Home inventory
     Health
     Home finance
     Check writing
     Stock portfolio management
 
You'll also want to show customers your home and
personal desktop publishing software.
One of the best uses for their computer is creating invitations or
"happy holidays" banners!
(This also helps you sell a printer and paper!)
 
Most of these are inexpensive software titles that make terrific "add-ons."
They also help the computer become a useful tool for all members of the family.
Check out pages 16-17 and 27-28 in the Express Order Software Buyer's Guide
for listings of personal software.
 
Remember Express Order
In this busy season, there is another solution you can offer your
customers in the way of obtaining software - Express Order !
Literally hundreds of additional titles are available for you to offer your
customers and they're just a phone call away.
You can order for your customer and have them come back into your store to
pick it up.
 
EOS will UPS the merchandise to your store for pick up by the customer,
or if they've ordered direct, it will be UPS'd directly to their home!
 
No Software Drop-Ship, So You Order!
There will NOT be a DROP SHIPMENT of Tandy 1000
OR Color Computer software this year,
so be sure to order enough to see you through this busy season.
 
So Sell!
Sell those accessories!
Sell that software!
You've got quality merchandise, support and service matched by none,
AND the solution for your customer's need.
Don't let him/her walk out without CLOSING THE SALE!
 
MOM-11-89
MARKETING COMPUTERS IN NOVEMBER
 
Items on Sale in November
 
FOR ALL STORES:
 
DeskMate First Publisher/Art Gallery Free!
 
With the coupon now on the 25-1279 First Publisher package,
customers receive Art Gallery at no additional cost (a $129.00 value).
Remember, customers receive Art Gallery directly from Software Publishing.
Coupons must be received by Software Publishing by February 28, 1990.
 
Buy a Modem - Get PC-Link as a Bonus!
 
From 10/22 to 12/24, customers buy any modem and get PC-Link as a Bonus.
Order 700-1355 for this PC-Link.
 
Portable Wordprocessors
Cat.No. Description           Reg Price  Sale    Sale Dates
26-3930 WP-2 Wordprocessor      349.95  299.95  10/22-12/24
26-3950 WP-100 Wordprocessor    599.95  499.95  10/22-12/24
 
Tandy  1000 HX, 1000 SL, 1000 TL/2
Cat.No. Description   Reg Price  Sale    Sale Dates
25-1053 Tandy 1000 HX   699.00  399.00  8/20-Cont'd
 
25-1053 Tandy 1000 HX
25-1043 CM-5 Color Monitor
                System  998.95  698.95  8/20-Cont'd
 
25-1401 Tandy 1000 SL   899.00  599.00  9/17-Cont'd
 
25-1401 Tandy 1000 SL
25-1043 CM-5 Monitor
              System  1,198.95  898.95  9/17-Cont'd
 
25-1602 Tandy 1000 TL/2 1299.00 999.00  10/18-Cont'd
 
25-1602 Tandy 1000 TL/2
25-1043 CM-5 Color Monitor
                System  1598.95 1298.95 10/18-Cont'd
 
PC-6 and Tandy  102
Cat.No. Description           Reg Price  Sale    Sale Dates
26-3672 PC-6 Pocket Computer    119.95   79.95  10/22-12/24
26-3803 Tandy 102 Laptop        599.00  399.00  10/22-12/24
26-3814 Portable Disk Drive 2   219.95  169.95  10/22-12/24
 
Color Computer and Color Computer Software
Cat.No. Description           Reg Price  Sale   Sale Dates
26-3072 Thexder                 24.95   14.95   10/22-SOWG
26-3084 Shanghai                24.95   15.95   10/22-SOWG
26-3093 Dungeon Daggorath       29.95   14.95   10/22-12/24
26-3106 Personal Finance II     29.95    9.95   10/22-SOWG
26-3110 Color File  II          24.95   14.95   10/22-SOWG
26-3133 FD 502 Disk Kit 0      299.95  199.95   10/22-SOWG
26-3159 Castle Tharrogad        29.95   15.95   10/22-SOWG
26-3161 Soko-Ban                29.95   19.95   10/22-11/11
26-3172 GFL Champ Ftbl II       29.95   19.95   10/22-SOWG
26-3189 BASIC O9 Tour Guide     14.95    9.95   10/22-SOWG
26-3218 CM-8 Monitor           299.95  229.95   10/22-12/24
26-3272 Sub Battle Sim          29.95   17.95   10/22-12/24
26-3277 CoCo Artist             29.95   19.95   10/22-12/24
26-3285 King's Quest III        34.95   19.95   10/22-SOWG
26-3296 Interbank Incident      29.95   19.95   10/22-SOWG
26-3334 128K CoCo 3            199.95  129.95   10/22-12/24
 
Bonus with Color Computer 3
Buy 26-3334 and receive 26-2228 Direct Connect Modem Pak,
an $89.95 value, for only $9.95.
 
Cat.No. Description   Reg Price   Sale    Sale Dates
26-3334 128K CoCo 3     199.95  129.95
26-2228 DC Modem Pak     89.95    9.95
                System  289.90  139.90   10/22-11/11
 
MS-DOS Software
Cat.No. Description          Reg Price  Sale    Sale Dates
25-1174 Varsity SCRIPSIT        89.95   69.95   10/22-12/31
25-1226 PrintPower              19.95   14.95   10/22-11/11
25-1246 Quicken                 49.95   29.95   11/12-12/24
25-1247 MemoryMate              69.95   54.95   10/14-12/31
25-1250 DeskMate                99.95   49.95   10/22-12/24
25-1265 Print Magic             59.95   39.95   10/14-12/31
 
Printer/Modem/Accessories
Cat.No. Description          Reg Price   Sale    Sale Dates
25-1060 5 1/4" External FDD     249.95  199.95   10/22-12/24
26-0235 Acoustic Cover           69.95   39.95   10/22-12/24
26-0242 Workcenter Printer Stand 59.95   49.95   10/22-12/24
26-1208 CCR-81 Comp Recorder     59.95   39.95   10/22-11/11
26-1350 Workcenter Desk          99.95   69.95   10/22-12/24
26-1393 DCM 6 Dir. Con. Modem    59.95   29.95   10/22-12/24
26-2815 DMP 133 Printer         379.95  269.95   10/22-12/24
 
MOM-11-89
ADDITIONAL FOR 01Zs/COMPUTER CENTERS:
 
Tandy  3000 NL - On Sale!
Cat.No. Description     Reg Price     Sale       Sale Dates
25-4072 Tandy 3000 NL   1,699.00    1,199.00     10/22-Cont'd
 
25-4072 Tandy 3000 NL
25-3012 VM-5 Color Monitor
25-3049 Monochrome Adapter
25-4058 Hard Drive Controller
25-4062 20 MB Hard Drive
                System  2,817.85    2,067.90     10/22-Cont'd
 
Tandy  4000 LX   $1,000.00 OFF!
Until further notice:
                          Reg.   Sale 
25-5100 Tandy 4000 LX   $3,999  $2,999
 
Combine the LX with a hard drive (on sale) and a monochrome monitor and adapter
for a system price of $4,068!
That's 24% off the $5,317.85 price for:
 
25-5100 Tandy 4000 LX
25-3012/3049    VM-5 Monitor & Mono. adapter
25-4057/8       40MB (40ms) Hard Drive & Controller
 
(System price reflects sale price on 4000 LX and on Hard Drive and Controller.
Video at full retail.)
 
Hard Drives on Sale
Until 12/21, ST-506 Hard Drives are on sale both with and without a controller.
Take a look:
 
Hard Drives & Controllers
250-4062/4058   20 MB Hard Drive & Controller           $599
250-4057/4058   40 MB (40ms) Hard Drive & Controller    $799
250-4067/4058   70 MB Hard Drive & Controller         $1,099
 
Hard Drives Only
250-4062        20 MB Hard Drive        $449
250-4057        40 MB (40ms) Hard Drive $649
250-4067        70 MB Hard Drive        $999
 
MOM-11-89
THE DESKMATE  DIFFERENCE
 
A series of articles on DeskMate.
 
DESKMATE Q&A WRITE - IT PAYS TO INCREASE YOUR WORD PROCESSING POWER!
 
Symantec's DeskMate Q&A Write brings new word processing power to
DeskMate users.
A simple list of Q&A Write's features would fill these
two pages (really!) so this article cannot cover all of them.
 
Instead, we'll look at the most powerful features and the ones that will best
help you sell DeskMate Q&A Write with Tandy  computers.
 
Editing Features
DeskMate Q&A Write has both basic and advanced  search and replace features.
It allows you to search for words, letter combinations within words,
and phrases using regular and wild-card designations.
It can search in either case-sensitive or case-insensitive modes (pertaining
to upper- and lower-case).
It can even search for the next instance of
an underlined word or the next instance of a particular font!
DeskMate Q&A Write can replace the found word or phrase with another,
if desired.
 
Cursor control is equally impressive.
You can move the cursor to the next word, line, screen, page, or to the end of
the document.
You may also set regular tabs as well as decimal tabs which align columns of
numbers at the decimal point.
 
DeskMate Q&A Write can perform  mathematical calculations  on a column or
row of numbers.
These include sum, average, count, multiplication and division.
The result of these calculations can be pasted directly into
the document wherever you specify.
 
DeskMate Q&A Write uses DeskMate's  spelling checker  to check either
single words or the whole document.
It also uses the DeskMate Thesaurus if you have it installed.
 
Fonts
DeskMate Q&A Write takes advantage of the fonts built into Tandy 
printers better than any other DeskMate  application.
 
For example, with the Tandy  DMP-2120,
these fonts are available from within DeskMate Q&A Write:
Condensed 16.7, Correspondence 10 and 12, Courier 17 Letter,
Double Height 10, 12, and 17, Draft 10 and 12, Elongated 8.3, Elongated
Correspondence 5 and 6, Elongated Standard 5 and 6, Prestige 12 Letter,
Prestige Elite 10 Letter, Proportional 10, and Standard 10 and 12.
And these are all available in eight colors!
 
DeskMate Q&A Write takes advantage of other Tandy printers as well as some IBM,
Hewlett-Packard, and Epson printers in a similar way.
You can use up to nine different fonts in a single document.
 
Card File
For mail merge, DeskMate Q&A Write uses a built-in address book called
the Card File.
It comes with a translation utility that will automatically translate
Address Book and Filer files into its Card File so you don't
have to retype the information.
 
It can also import delimited ASCII files such as those that can be
generated by Q&A, dBase II and III, PFS: Professional File, and others.
 
It allows you to sort on several fields at once, and it has
powerful Boolean logic for searching the addresses.
You simply select the fields that you want to appear in your document
(for example, First Name, Last Name, Address, City, State, and Zip).
 
At print time you identify the search and sort criteria, and DeskMate Q&A
Write prints a personalized form letter to each address in the file
that meets the criteria.
 
DeskMate Q&A Write has descriptions of several Tandy, Avery, and
generic mailing labels built into the program.
You simply choose the label you're using, and DeskMate Q&A Write puts the
proper format for that label on the screen with suggested data fields.
This greatly simplifies the process of generating mailing labels for mass
mailings.
 
Integration With Data from Other Programs
DeskMate Q&A Write integrates tightly with other programs by importing,
exporting, and linking to data in a variety of formats.
 
First, DeskMate Q&A Write can  paste text  stored in DeskMate's
Clipboard, and it can  copy text  to the Clipboard.
 
Second, DeskMate Q&A Write has "hot links" to several kinds of Lotus
worksheet and graphics files.
Hot links are pointers contained within a
DeskMate Q&A Write document that point to external files.
These files can be spreadsheets with .WK1, .WR1, and .WKS file extensions
or graphic files with .PIC extensions.
 
As DeskMate Q&A Write prints a document that contains a hot link pointer,
it opens the spreadsheet or graphic file and prints its contents.
One example of a useful application of hot-linked files
is a weekly report whose format does not change, but whose referenced
spreadsheet files and graph files DO change from week to week.
 
DeskMate Q&A Write can also print hot-linked DeskMate Draw graphics.
 
Third, DeskMate Q&A Write has the unusual ability to load Lotus
spreadsheets directly as documents. All or part of the spreadsheet can
be loaded into the document file.
 
Finally, DeskMate Q&A Write can load DeskMate Text,
Q&A Write for DOS, and Wordstar documents directly.
 
When this data transfer between DeskMate Q&A Write and these other
programs is combined with the data flow between Lotus Spreadsheet for
DeskMate and DeskMate's Text and Draw programs, it forms a tightly
integrated system - which continues to expand to include other
DeskMate applications!
 
Print Options
Several of DeskMate Q&A Write's printing features set it apart from
most other word processors.
First, it prints in columns.
The user simply selects from one to eight columns at print time, and
DeskMate Q&A Write does the rest.
 
Perhaps the most notable print function is DeskMate Q&A Write's Page
Preview.
This permits you to view the finished document on the screen before printing.
It appears complete with text attributes, font size
changes, columns, and displayed hot-linked file data.
Page Preview also lets you as a salesmaker show off these features without
having to print to a printer - it all appears on the screen!
 
One other nice feature is printing envelopes.
When you have a business letter displayed on the screen, DeskMate Q&A Write
can automatically find the mailing name and address and print it in the
proper position on an envelope.
 
What It Means to You
DeskMate applications form the focus of Tandy's software strategy.
Selling DeskMate applications means selling Tandy technology and
highlighting the added value of Tandy computers.
 
DeskMate Q&A Write is the best DeskMate word processor in existence.
With the features mentioned above and many more, it's no wonder that
the original Q&A Write has been named "Best Executive Word Processor of
the Year" for two years in a row by Software Digest.
 
DeskMate Q&A Write allows you to recommend and sell word processing
power to your  more demanding customers  while keeping them in the
DeskMate environment.
It provides you with an excellent opportunity
to make a follow-up call on  current DeskMate users 
becuase the transition to DeskMate Q&A Write is so easy for the DeskMate user.
Its power also makes it attractive to  new computer buyers
who are looking for word processing power beyond  DeskMate Text.
 
DeskMate Q&A Write increases your customers' word processing power and
your selling power.
Sell DeskMate Q&A Write, and use it to help you sell computers!
 
MOM-11-89
THE CREDIT LINE
 
Direct to you from Tandy credit departments - Commercial Credit, Tandy
Computer Leasing, and RSVP.
 
Commercial Charge - Monthly Detail List of Charge Account Customers Report
 
Approved to Credit Limit:
The accounts listed have an "open to buy" to the limit indicated.
New columns added to this report during the past year are Purchase Order
Requirements and the S (Sales by your store) and C
(Sales by other stores) codes.
Customer Accounts blank in the Purchase Order Required field were set up prior
to May 1988, and it is not known if a Purchase Order is required.
If this information is available, please contact the Credit
Department to add it.
 
Approval Required:  All Sales to Customers in this section
must be approved by the Credit Department.
Usually an account in an unapproved (U) status simply means we do not have a
Commercial Charge Application on file.
These should be Customers that have been given a one-time courtesy approval,
and the application is in the process of being reviewed.
However, unapproved (U) accounts can also be:
 
1. Duplicate of an existing Approved Account.
 
2. Account set up by an invoice without the Store following
procedures and/or obtaining Credit Approval.
 
3. Change in the Customer's name or address without
notification to the Credit Department.
 
4. Misspelling of the Company name and/or address.
 
Review unapproved (U) accounts monthly.
Errors or changes in the Customer name or address should be communicated to the
Credit Department.
Commercial Charge Applications should be completed by those Customers in an
unapproved status, if they have not done so previously.
 
No Sale Permitted:  No sales are permitted to these Customers.
If you feel this is unwarranted for your Customer,
call the Credit or Assistant Credit Manager.
The account will be reviewed and you will be notified of the results.
 
Tandy Computer Leasing
Why do businesses lease, anyway?
Perhaps a better way to ask this question is:
Why do businesses borrow money?
Why don't they just pay cash?
(Leasing is, after all, just another form of "borrowing.")
 
There are, indeed, many small/medium-business people who budget their
cash flow and plan computer, telephone and FAX machine purchases very
carefully.
Unfortunately, any change in economic climate (sales,
receivables, increased/decreased demand, shortage of materials, etc.)
can impact that budget.
The result: your potential customer postpones or cancels the purchase.
 
What many business people (and smart salespeople) do is "identify"
or "quantify" the benefits of the product they are considering.
For example, a desktop computer with accounting software will "save"
$400.00 a month in bookkeeping expense.
A FAX machine will "save" $60.00 a month in mail costs or telephone expense.
A cellular phone will "earn" $200.00 a month in additional income/sales
because of easier accessibility.
 
Once you've quantified the benefits, you now budget the monthly cost
against those benefits.
The computer system will be $250.00 per month - you're $150.00 to the good.
The FAX machine is $60.00 a month, the savings will pay for it.
The cellular phone is $45.00 a month, it'll help make more money!
 
Sell the concept of the item "paying for itself."
Reduce the cost to the smallest identifiable quantity.
Changes in circumstances beyond your control won't change your ability to sell
products now.
Remember - your customers buy/lease BENEFITS, not features or functions.
 
RSVP  Tidbits
Important!  Verify that RSVP Applicants Have Major Credit Card:  Use
your new POS to verify major credit cards for all new applicants for
RSVP:
 
1. Front POS Menu - Card Verify
2. Run card through mag stripe reader
3. Watch screen for approval
 
That's it!
No hardcopy of the verification is needed.
The POS is enough!
Then mail the applications in the new envelopes.
 
Take it to the Limit:  To help your customers obtain the highest
credit limit possible, you must have the amount of the sale totaled
before calling in a new account application.
Make sure you give this totaled amount to the new accounts representative
when calling.
This helps establish the credit limit and increases
your chances of getting approval for the full amount of the sale
(particularly important with high-ticket sales).
If the credit limit approved by the new accounts computer is less than your
pending sale, a  supervisory review of the credit limit will be performed
on the spot!
If there is any feasible way the limit can be s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d to give
your customer the buying power he or she wants, it will be.
 
The Personal Touch:  Make sure to check the personal reference
section of the in-store application before you call it in.
The address must be a street address, not a post office box number, and the
telephone number should include the area code.
If the customer does not have a relative who is not residing at the same
address, a personal friend not living with the applicant is acceptable for
use as a reference.
Note: Military personnel must complete the Personal Reference Section with the
name, unit address and work telephone number of their commanding officer.
 
MOM-11-89
STOCK FILE CHANGES
 
A quick reference to product status changes - pricing, availability, etc.
 
LATE DATES
 
Listed below are the new items that appear in the 1990 Catalogs
which have not yet arrived at the warehouses.
Also included are the dates the merchandise is expected to be available
at the warehouses.
 
The dates listed in this section are based on the latest available information,
and are updated monthly.
While they may not be 100% accurate, they are the best estimate we have
at this time.
 
The dates listed here should be your ONLY reference for availability of
cataloged items.
Ft. Worth Computer Support Services or Ft. Worth Computer Merchandising
will not have any dates other than the ones shown here.
 
1990 Tandy  Computer Catalog
 Cat. #         Description                            Date 
250-1266        HomeWord II                          12/15/89
250-1288        Utilities! DM                        12/15/89
250-1295        DeskMate Form Finisher               12/15/89
250-1298        The New Print Shop                   11/30/89
250-1314        DacEasy Accounting DM                11/30/89
250-1316        Paint Show Plus                      12/30/89
250-4079        60 MB Tape Cartridge System          11/30/89
250-4120        80 MB 19ms 3 1/2" 1/2 Height         12/30/89
250-4121        SmartDrive  Interface Adapter        12/15/89
250-4910        4000 SX Technical Reference          CANC
        (will be carried in National Parts)
250-5110        4020/4025 LX Tech Reference          12/30/89
250-5120        Tandy  4020 LX                       12/30/89
250-5125        Tandy  4025 LX                       12/30/89
 
260-0213        3 1/2" 3-pack Disk Box               11/15/89
260-0246        60 MB Data Tape Cartridge            11/15/89
260-2828        4 Way Printer Selector               11/30/89
260-2829        Serial/Parallel Converter            11/30/89
260-2840        Printer Cable Extender               11/30/89
260-3100        Mind Roll                            12/30/89
260-3931        WP-2 32K RAM IC Card                 11/15/89
260-3932        WP-2 32K RAM Module                  11/15/89
 
700-3044        ARCNET Driver for 3Com               12/15/89
 
900-1643        PFS: First Choice LAN Pack           11/30/89
900-2320        Tash Mini keyboard                   12/15/89
900-2456        Arnet Multiport/2                    12/15/89
900-2460        Orchid Ramquest Extra                11/30/89
900-5628        Facts on File                        CANC
 
903-1471        Print Shop Sampler Edition           12/30/89
903-1472        Print Shop Party Edition             12/30/89
903-1473        Print Shop Business/School Edition   12/30/89
903-1578        SCO Image Builder (386)              12/30/89
 
905-1471        Print Shop Sampler Edition           12/30/89
905-1472        Print Shop Party Edition             12/30/89
905-1473        Print Shop Business/School Edition   12/30/89
905-1474        Microsoft Works (5 1/4" only)        CANC
        (dual media still shipping as 25-1184) 
 
Express Order Software Buyer's Guide RSC-21S
 Cat. # Description     Date
250-1266        HomeWord II                          12/15/89
250-1288        Utilities! (DM)                      12/15/89
250-1295        DeskMate Form Finisher               12/15/89
250-1298        New Print Shop                       11/30/89
250-1314        Dac Easy Accounting (DM)             11/30/89
250-1316        Paint Show Plus                      12/30/89
 
260-3100        Mind Roll                            12/30/89
 
900-1643        PFS: First Choice LAN Pack           11/30/89
900-2750        PC Paintbrush 4 Plus                 11/30/89
900-2770        Robocop                               1/30/90
900-2771        Super Hang-On                         1/30/90
900-2777        Cur Grg:Library                      11/30/89
900-2812        Typing Tutor IV                      CANC
900-3269        Prof Plan                            11/30/89
900-5628        Facts on File                        CANC
 
903-1224        CO/Session                           11/30/89
903-1324        OSAS Retail POS                      12/15/89
903-1469        Kidwrite: Golden                      1/30/90
903-1471        Print Shop Sampler Edition           12/30/89
903-1472        Print Shop Party Edition             12/30/89
903-1473        Print Shop Business/School Edition   12/30/89
903-1578        SCO Image Builder (386)              12/30/89
903-1480        CO/Session Application               11/30/89
903-1481        CO/Session Support                   11/30/89
903-1490        The Scoop                            11/30/89
903-1589        Off Portfolio Manager                12/30/89
903-1594        Samna + IV                           12/15/89
903-1599        Off Portfolio Ste                    12/30/89
903-2784        Once Upon A Time II                  12/30/89
903-2785        Sargon IV                            11/30/89
903-2827        Vette!                               11/30/89
903-2832        Gauntlet II                          11/30/89
903-2834        UFO                                   1/30/90
903-2835        Instant Locator                       1/30/90
903-2838        Scenery Disk - Hawaii                 1/30/90
 
905-1295        OSAS Purc Order                      12/15/89
905-1309        OSAS Res Mgr OS/2                    12/15/89
905-1313        OSAS Payroll - DOS                   12/15/89
905-1320        OSAS Mtls Mgmt - DOS                 12/15/89
905-1321        OSAS Mfg Job - DOS                   12/15/89
905-1322        OSAS Proj Est - DOS                  12/15/89
905-1323        OSAS Time Bill - DOS                 12/15/89
905-1324        OSAS Retail POS                      12/15/89
905-1388        Session XL                           11/30/89
905-1469        Kidwrite: Golden                      1/30/90
905-1471        Print Shop Sampler Edition           12/30/89
905-1472        Print Shop Party Edition             12/30/89
905-1473        Print Shop Business/School           12/30/89
905-1474        Microsoft Works 2.0 (5 1/4" only)    CANC
        (dual media still shipping as 25-1184) 
905-1480        CO/Session Application               11/30/89
905-1481        CO/Session Support                   11/30/89
905-2784        Once Upon A Time II                  12/30/89
905-2785        Sargon IV                            11/30/89
905-2832        Gauntlet II                          11/30/89
905-2834        UFO                                   1/30/90
905-2835        Instant Locator                       1/30/90
905-2838        Scenery Disk - Hawaii                 1/30/90
905-3325        WordPerfect 5.0 (5 1/4" only)        11/30/89
 
1990 Educational Products Guide RSC-21E
 Cat. # Description                                    Date 
900-5613        First Choice School LAN               1/30/90
900-5614        First Pub Art Pack School            11/30/89
900-5646        Weather Flight                       12/30/89
900-5648        Measurements                         12/30/89
900-5649        Concept Mapping                      12/30/89
900-5650        Vee-Diagramming                      12/30/89
900-5651        Statistics-Tutor                     12/30/89
900-5652        Population Genetics Simulator        12/30/89
900-5653        Joshua's Reading Machine             11/30/89
900-5654        Once Upon a Time                     11/30/89
900-5655        Stepping Stones I                    11/30/89
900-5656        Stepping Stones II                   11/30/89
900-5657        See the U.S.A.                       11/30/89
900-5661        DLM Early Childhood Series           11/30/89
900-5662        Alien Addition                       12/30/89
900-5663        Minus Mission                        12/30/89
900-5679        Cocaine Education                    11/30/89
900-5680        Drinking the Choice is Yours         11/30/89
900-5681        Keep Off the Grass: Marijuana        11/30/89
900-5682        Tobacco Education                    11/30/89
900-5683        Understanding AIDS                   11/30/89
900-5684        Scenario Workstation SCM             11/30/89
900-5685        Scenario Toolbox SCM                 11/30/89
900-5700        Prof Plan School                     11/30/89
900-5716        Meteor Multiplication                12/30/89
900-5717        Demolition Division                  12/30/89
900-5718        Alligator Mix                        12/30/89
900-5719        Dragon Mix                           12/30/89
900-5720        Verb Viper                           12/30/89
900-5721        Word Man                             12/30/89
900-5722        Word Invasion                        12/30/89
900-5723        Spelling Wiz                         12/30/89
900-5724        Word Radar                           12/30/89
900-5725        Word Master                          12/30/89
900-5726        Number Farm                          11/30/89
900-5727        Alphabet Circus                      11/30/89
900-5728        Comparison Kitchen                   11/30/89
900-5742        Once Upon a Time II                  11/30/89
900-5743        PC LOGO                              12/30/89
 
903-5596        Seed Dispersal                       11/30/89
903-5598        Uses of Plants                       11/30/89
903-5621        Child Count Reporter                 11/30/89
903-5622        Referral Manager                     11/30/89
903-5623        IEP/Objective Mgr                    11/30/89
903-5624        Student DB Mgmt                      11/30/89
903-5634        Living Non-Living                    11/30/89
903-5635        Weather Flight                       12/30/89
903-5636        Measurements                         12/30/89
903-5637        Concept Mapping                      12/30/89
903-5638        Vee Diagramming                      11/30/89
903-5639        Statistics Tutor                     11/30/89
903-5640        Population Genetics Simulator        12/30/89
903-5658        Math Blaster Plus                    11/30/89
903-5659        Word Attack Plus                     11/30/89
903-5660        Homeworker                           11/30/89
903-5673        Double Up                            12/30/89
903-5674        Mark-Up                              12/30/89
903-5675        Proteus                              12/30/89
903-5676        Rhubarb                              12/30/89
903-5677        Sequitur                             12/30/89
903-5678        Text Tangler                         12/30/89
903-5686        Timeliner                            12/30/89
903-5709        SchoolWorks: Social Studies          11/30/89
903-5710        SchoolWorks: States & Presidents     11/30/89
903-5711        Testlab 2000                         12/30/89
 
905-5634        Living Non-Living                    11/30/89
905-5635        Weather Flight                       12/30/89
905-5636        Measurements                         12/30/89
905-5637        Concept Mapping                      12/30/89
905-5638        Vee Diagramming                      11/30/89
905-5639        Statistics Tutor                     11/30/89
905-5640        Population Genetics Simulator        12/30/89
905-5658        Math Blaster Plus                    11/30/89
905-5659        Word Attack Plus                     11/30/89
905-5660        Homeworker                           11/30/89
905-5673        Double Up                            12/30/89
905-5674        Mark-Up                              12/30/89
905-5675        Proteus                              12/30/89
905-5676        Rhubarb                              12/30/89
905-5677        Sequitur                             12/30/89
905-5678        Text Tangler                         12/30/89
905-5686        Timeliner                            11/30/89
905-5709        SchoolWorks: Social Studies          11/30/89
905-5710        SchoolWorks: States & Presidents     11/30/89
905-5711        Testlab 2000                         12/30/89
 
MOM-11-89
PRODUCTS CANCELED, DISCONTINUED AND REPLACED
 
CAT. #          DESCRIPTION
DISCONTINUED
260-0205        Printer Platen
900-1625        3Com 3S/400 Server
 
CANCELED
250-4910        4000 SX Technical Reference
        (will be MT2504910 in National Parts
        avail mid-December)
 
900-2812        Typing Tutor IV
900-5628        Facts on File
 
905-1474        Microsoft Works (5 1/4" only)
        (dual media still shipping as 25-1184)
 
MOM-11-89
PRICE CHANGES
            
                                                 OLD       NEW
CAT. #          DESCRIPTION                     PRICE     PRICE
 
900-1670        Etherlink Board (MC)            595.00    495.00
903-1582        SCO MultiView                   495.00    395.00
260-5501        Etherlink Board                 445.00    345.00
901-1756        ELS NetWare Level II          1,495.00  1,895.00
260-5563        ELS NetWare Level II (3 1/2)  1,495.00  1,895.00
901-1758        Advanced NetWare 2.15         2,995.00  3,295.00
901-1757        Advanced NetWare (3 1/2)      2,995.00  3,295.00
901-1761        SFT NetWare 2.15              4,695.00  4,995.00
901-1762        SFT NetWare 2.15 (5 1/4)      4,695.00  4,995.00
 
MOM-11-89
NOVELL ANNOUNCES PRICE INCREASES FOR NETWARE PRODUCTS
 
Novell announced price increases on SFT, Advanced and ELS
NetWare Level II during the month of August.
These price increases were effective immediately for the reseller
channel outside of Radio Shack .
Radio Shack price increases are effective November 1, 1989.
 
                                                   OLD          NEW
CAT. #          DESCRIPTION                       PRICE        PRICE
901-1761        SFT NetWare 2.15 (3 1/2)        4,695.00     4,995.00
901-1762        SFT NetWare 2.15 (5 1/4)        4,695.00     4,995.00
901-1757        Advanced NetWare (3 1/2)        2,995.00     3,295.00
901-1758        Advanced NetWare (5 /14)        2,995.00     3,295.00
26-5563         ELS NetWare Level II (3 1/2)    1,495.00     1,895.00
901-1756        ELS NetWare Level II (5 1/4)    1,495.00     1,895.00
 
Note: 901-1754 ELS NetWare Level I remains at the current price of $695.00.
 
These price increases are due to recent enhancements and additions to the
products.
The inclusion of NetWare for the Macintosh and NetWare Requestor for OS/2
are the most obvious additions to NetWare, but they account for only a
portion of the steady improvements made to the operating system over the
past year.
 
NetWare for Macintosh and the NetWare Requestor for OS/2 account for
significant increases in functionality since they make NetWare the first
operating system to support DOS, Macintosh and OS/2 workstations on the same network.
 
MOM-11-89
PRODUCT CURRENTLY OUT OF STOCK
 
The following software item is temporarily out of stock.
There may be a quantity in the field, and District/Regional
Sales Managers should assist in satisfying customers.
(Do NOT place on backorder anything for which you do not actually
have a customer waiting.)
 
Cat. #       Description     Back in Stock
900-1361     Double Dragon   11/15
 
MOM-11-89
PRODUCT NEWS
 
ALL STORE
 
The "ALL STORE" section contains information of interest to all store types.
01Zs and Computer Centers will also be interested in the information contained
in the "01Z/COMPUTER CENTER" section.
 
MOM-11-89
DESKMATE - HOW TO UPGRADE
 
The new DeskMate  is here, and your customers want it.
Here are the ways in which you can sell it to them:
 
New customers can get it by buying a Tandy  1000 TL/2 or by buying
25-1350 at whatever the advertised price is at the time of purchase.
 
Established PC owners can bring in their
DeskMate manual cover and buy the new DeskMate for $49.95.
(Write the customer's name and phone number on the back of the cover and
keep it on file to call them when any new DeskMate applications arrive.)
 
 
PC-LINK - NEW VERSION INCLUDED IN THE MODEM BUNDLE PROMOTION
 
700-1355 is the modem bundle version of PC-Link.
 
It is the new version, and should be given away with every modem purchased
from the time you read this through February.
 
The product is available through TSDC.
The unit cost is only $0.25 so order plenty and freely give it
away with modem purchases.
If the customer already owns DeskMate , suggest they pass the diskette on
to a friend.
 
MOM-11-89
NEW PC-LINK ... OLD DESKMATE
 
It has come to our attention that there is a problem running the new
version of PC-Link from the desktop of  DeskMate  version 3.2 and earlier.
 
The only way to get the new version of PC-Link is with the new DeskMate or
with a modem purchase, and the problem only becomes an issue if the user
already owns DeskMate and insists on using the new version of PC-Link
with an older version of DeskMate.
 
The problem will be fixed soon and
will be cut in as a running change as soon as it's available.
 
In the meantime, the new version of PC-Link can be run by itself from the DOS
prompt as described in the instructions that come with the modem bundle.
 
MOM-11-89
UPGRADING TO THE NEW VERSION OF PC-LINK
 
If you have been using your PC-Link demo account,
and want to move up to the new version you will need to do the following:
 
1. Install the new version of DeskMate  or PC-Link onto your computer.
 
2. Call Quantum at 1-800-458-8532 and tell them you are a Radio Shack store,
and that you need to resign-up under the new software.
They will most likely ask you for your store number, and a couple of the
screen names you use under that account, so have them handy.
 
3. They will give you permission to sign on again with your old ID#
and password.
If you don't have your original piece of paper, tell them,
and they should give you the information over the phone. 
 
If you have any problems, contact your District Sales Manager.
 
 
Quotes from the September 10, 1989 issue of  P.C. Letter
(edited by Stewart Alsop II) referring to DeskMate :
 
    "...Tandy is hammering home a very direct message:
    affordability, compatibility, and usability."
 
    "...it is clear that Tandy has created something of a mini-phenomenon
    in the PC industry by successfully creating a usable,
    supported user interface on inexpensive computers.
    That's an accomplishment that only two or three other manufacturers
    can lay claim to."
 
MOM-11-89
DESKMATE Q&A WRITE PERSONAL COPY OFFER
 
Symantec is offering all Radio Shack employees a personal copy of DeskMate
Q&A Write for only $30.
This full-featured word processor not only runs under DeskMate ,
but imports information from the Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate
and utilizes the  DeskMate Spell Checker.
 
An order form is included at the back of this issue of the M.O.M.
Mail a copy of the form along with payment to Symantec
at the address on the form.
 
For all of you that purchased your Tandy  1000 TL/2 System,
you've already got the DeskMate interface in ROM!
This is your chance to get the power of DeskMate Q&A Write.
 
MOM-11-89
PRODIGY - CAN YOU GET IT?
 
You may have seen the commercials, you may have seen the newspaper ads,
and now you want to know why you cannot order it.
 
Prodigy is handled much in the
same way as cellular telephones were introduced.
By the end of the year they will be in the top 20 computer markets,
and most everwhere else in the following year.
The advertising campaign in each new city is large,
and may extend beyond the normal service bounds.
 
When Prodigy enters a new market, they provide us a list of zip codes
the service is supposed to cover.
We then match the zip codes with our store list,
and turn on the stores that fit.
 
Some stores will see the advertisement and try to order the product
only to find that they get a "NOT AUTH" returned to them.
This means that Prodigy did not give us your zip code when the service entered
your market.
If you think they made an error, here is what you can do about it.
 
Take out a speed memo and write your store number and full address
on it and send it to Computer Merchandising - Attn: Gene Schenberg.
Do not expect a response to this memo.
What  will  happen however,
is that a list will be compiled and forwarded to Prodigy.
They will verify whether or not your store is in the appropriate area,
and if it is, you will be allowed to order the product.
 
If after about 4 weeks you still receive a "NOT AUTH" when you order,
you'll know your area is not equipped to carry the product.
 
 
PRODIGY - EXPIRED PASSWORDS
 
Some of you have sold a customer a copy of Prodigy  (25-1256) only to
have the customer return the product saying the password has expired.
 
The product is still good to sell.
A call to Prodigy at (800) 759-8000 by you or the customer
will allow the customer to sign on.
 
MOM-11-89
RUNNING DEMOS FROM VDISK
 
This comes from Dave Satterfield at 01Y-3923 in Carson City, NV:
 
Here's a tip to save wear and tear on the drives on
the store's display computers.
On computers that have 512 to 640K you can usually create a VDISK
large enough to hold most of the demo and then run it from there.
 
Here's how to make the 1400 LT demo disk self boot,
copy all its contents to the VDISK, then run from there:
 
1. Make a blank bootable disk using
       FORMAT B: /S
 
2. Create a CONFIG.SYS on that disk:
       DEVICE = VDISK.SYS 400 128 64
 
3. Copy VDISK.SYS onto that disk
 
4. Put the demo disk in a: and copy all its files to b: with COPY A:*.*   B:
 
5. Create this autoexec.bat on b:
       ECHO OFF
       ECHO COPYING FILES TO RAMDISK. . .
       COPY *.MCP C:
       COPY 1400LT.BAT C:
       C:
       1400LT.BAT
 
That's it.
Now you have a bootable demo disk that creates a 400K ramdisk, and once all
files are copied to it, it runs faster and saves the heads on your computer.
 
The same can be done for most demos as long as the demo can be copied
and there's enough memory.
 
MOM-11-89
PRODUCT NEWS
01Z/COMPUTER CENTER
 
SCHOOLMATE AND INTEL ABOVEBOARD PLUS
 
SchoolMate  comes with 3Com 3+Share Version 1.2.1
which supports LIM specification version 3.2.
 
The Intel AboveBoard only emulates LIM specification version 4.0
Therefore,  the Intel AboveBoard PLUS cannot be used with SchoolMate
"out of the box" .
 
We are looking for an expanded memory adapter which supports
LIM specification version 3.2.
 
MOM-11-89
SUPPORTED NETWORK ADAPTERS FOR NOVELL ELS NETWARE LEVEL I
 
The 901-1754 version of Novell NetWare supports the following network
adapter cards:
 
26-5435 3Com Etherlink Adapter  495.00
26-6505 Tandy ARCNET Adapter    249.95
 
MOM-11-89
NOVELL AUTHORIZED RESELLERS UPDATE ON THE CERTIFICATION PROCESS
 
Following are the number of Authorized Novell Centers, as of
October 13th, having completed all requirements in the certification process.
 
Computer Centers        47
Franchise Dealers       2
 
 
(the following article is Copyright 1989 by InfoWorld Publications, Inc.,
a subsidiary of IDG Communications Inc.
Reprinted from InfoWorld, 1060 Marsh Road, Menlo Park, California 94025.)
 
MOM-11-89
TANDY'S MCA-BASED CLONE OFFERS FULL IBM COMPATIBILITY
 
Tandy Successfully Delivers a Competitively Priced PC Featuring
Top MCA Performance.
 
Tandy's incarnation of a Micro Channel Architecture system is the
first of the MCA clones that we have reviewed.
Tandy has dealt successfully with the challenges, both engineering and legal,
in producing a system that offers full compatibility with IBM's design
at a reasonable price.
Nonetheless, buyer interest in the Tandy 5000 MC will be confined
to those who are ready to declare MCA as their chosen architecture.
(For reviews of other MCS compatibles, watch for our product comparison
on November 13.)
 
In CPU performance, our hardware benchmark shows the Tandy a full point
faster than IBM's Model 70.
The 5.3 mark is the third fastest among 20 MHz systems.
The 5.1 sequential index is the highest among all 20 MHz machines
and well above IBM's offerings.
The random mark of 3.8 is above average for its class,
and also places before the PS/2s.
 
The ROM BIOS version that we received with this machine
does not allow Tandy's OS/2 to work with an ESDI drive controller,
which our unit had.
The next version of the BIOS, which should be available soon,
will take care of this, Tandy said.  [See Ed. Note below - Ed.]
The lack of a second processing speed for speed-sensitive software
also holds the score down.
The PS/2s rated very good in this category.
 
No memory fits on the 5000 MC's motherboard,
but it can handle 8 megabytes of RAM on a card in one of its two 32 bit slots.
(The second 32 bit slot takes maximum memory to 16 megabytes.)
It also has three 16 bit slots.
That may sound like fewer slots than most systems,
but with built-in ports and video you still have three free
for other peripherals.
The unit also has four drive bays, keyboard and case locks,
and you can even install a 344 megabyte SCSI hard drive.
 
Tandy's manual was highlighted by well labeled, easy-to-read diagrams.
It does not have a troubleshooting section.
The ease of installing MCA boards and jumperless design makes setting up
the Tandy delightfully simple.
 
The motherboard is well designed and laid out well,
but it was slightly marred by 10 patches.
These are well secured and are not likely to lead to any trouble.
Another plus for Tandy is direct technical support from the vendor.
 
We reviewed the IBM PS/2 Models 80-111 (May 2, 1988, Page 54) and 70-121
(August 1, 1988, Page 56) more than a year ago.
At that time the Model 80 cost $11,590 with 2 megabytes of RAM
and a 115 megabyte hard drive;
the Model 70 was $7,995 for 2 megabytes of RAM and a 120 megabyte drive.
 
Tandy's price for our fully configured system with 4 megabytes of RAM,
150 megabyte drive and 32K of memory cache is $8,827 - a
competitive price when you factor in the extra memory
and superior performance over the IBM models.
For those who need top MCA performance, this system stands out.
 
MOM-11-89
INFOWORLD BENCHMARKS
20-MHz 386 Micro Channel Computers
        Tandy   IBM PS/2        IBM PS/2        Average for
        5000 MC Model 70-121*   Model 80-111**  20-MHz 386s
CPU     5.3     4.2     3.9     4.5
Hard disk accss
    Sequential  5.1     2.9     3.1     2.4
    Random      3.8     3.2     3.1     3.3
 
All figures are indexes relative to the 6-MHz IBM PC AT (Model 099) as 1.00.
CPU tests measure main processor performance; hard disk is
tested for sequential and random data access.
Higher numbers indicate better performance.
 
* Reviewed August 1, 1988.   ** Reviewed May 2, 1988.
 
INFOWORLD APPLICATIONS TESTS
20-MHz 386 Micro Channel Computers
(time in minutes:seconds)
                        Autocad Lotus   Word    Dbase
                      Version  1-2-3   Perfect   III   Paradox
                        9       2.01    5.0     Plus    386
Tandy 5000 MC   0:34    1:25    1:54    9:55    1:00
IBM PS/2 Model 70-121*  0:50    1:49    2:23    13:05   n/a
IBM PS/2 Model 80-111** 0:58    2:08    2:50    15:02   n/a
 
Time required to complete test; lower numbers indicate better performance.
80387 math coprocessor enable for this test suite.
Tests: Autocad redraw and regen; Lotus recalc; WordPerfect print preview;
Dbase III sort and index; Paradox sort
(uses extended/expanded memory if present).
 
* Reviewed August 1, 1988.   ** Reviewed May 2, 1988.
 
INFOWORLD REPORT CARD
Tandy 5000 MC
Criterion           (Weighting)     Score
Performance
  CPU speed             (75)    Very Good
Third fastest among 20-MHz systems.
  Hard disk access
    Sequential          (50)    Excellent
Fastest
    Random              (50)    Excellent
  Software
   compatibility        (150)   Good
 Only one processing speed; present BIOS does not support OS/2.
  Hardware
   compatibility        (125)   Excellent
  Expandability         (75)    Very Good
Only three slots available after configuration.
Documentation           (50)    Good
Setup                   (50)    Very Good
Ease of use             (50)    Good
Serviceability
  Workmanship           (50)    Satisfactory
Nine patch wires plus one feed-through wire; nice layout on the board.
  Support policies      (50)    Satisfactory
  Technical support     (100)   Satisfactory
Value                   (125)   Very Good
Final Score              7.2
 
PRODUCT SUMMARY
Company:
Radio Shack, 1800 One Tandy Center, Fort Worth, TX  76102; (817) 390-3700
 
List Price: $8,827 as configured.
 
Features:  20-MHz zero-wait-state 80386 CPU; one serial, one parallel,
   one mouse port; support for 80387 Weitek math coprocessors; 192-watt power
   supply (MS-DOS 3.3 and Tandy OS/2 optional).
 
Peripherals:  Enhanced keyboard: VGA built onto motherboard.
 
Storage and Memory:  150-megabyte hard disk with ESDI 1:1 controller;
   1.44-megabyte 3 1/2-inch floppy drive; 4 megabytes of 100-nanosecond RAM
   (16 megabytes maximum); 32K of RAM cache.
 
Pros:  Fast CPU, sequential access; MCA-bus architecture; built-in I/0, VGA
 
Cons:  Tandy OS/2, Version 1.0 incompatible with this unit's ESDI controller;
   numerous patch wires on the motherboard.
 
Summary:  If you are committed to the MCA, this machine provides
   a welcome alternative to IBM's high prices.
 
Ed. Note:  The BIOS ROM that fixes this is version 01.02.01
which will begin shipping in November 1989. 
 
MOM-11-89
F A S T  TRAINING CHECKLIST
 
Managers, have you received your copy of the Fundamental Associate
Sales Training (FAST) Program (FC-1802)?
 
This new program for 01Z stores and Computer Centers is now available.
Have you implemented it?
 
Here is a checklist to help get started:
 
____    Order the Trainee's Guides (FC-1803) from your
        RMTM.
 
____    Order Training Checklists (FC-1892) from your
        RMTM.
 
____    Order MASTERS Program awards brochures
        (FC-1890) from your RMTM
 
Check your tape library.  You will need the following:
 
____    "Personal Computer Products" (FC-323)
____    "Printers/Desktop Publishing" (FC-325)
____    "Personal Computers" 8/88
____    "Business CPUs" 9/89
____    DeskMate  videos 9/89
____    TSP segment, 12/88 Flyer tape (FO-343)
____    "Leasing:The Sensible Alternative"
____    "The Total Solution"
____    "Selling the TANDYFAX  1000"
____    "Sell Cellular II"
____    "Telemarketing:Selling the Appointment" (st-1850)
____    "Prospecting:The Heartbeat of Selling" audio tape
 
If you need a copy of any of these tapes, call Sales Training in Ft. Worth
before trying to order any of them from a warehouse.
 
Consult page iv of the FAST Manager's Guide for other materials you will need.
 
____    Check with your DSM to find out when Orientation
        training (Segments 1 and 2) will be conducted for
        your new employees
 
____    Check with your RMTM to find out when training
        sessions on Marketing Resources and Selling Concepts
        (Segments 5, and 6) will be conducted
 
____    Schedule time for each of your new employees
        to complete the Product Segments 3, 6, and 7
 
____    Schedule yourself and/or your senior marketing reps
        to complete the Selling Exercises (Segment 8) with
        each new employee
 
____    Make sure the Training Checklist is completed within
        the timeframe indicated for each program
 
____    Make all new employees track their sales to achieve
        the $5000 goal for BEST enrollment
 
____    When FAST is completed and $5000 goal is achieved,
        contact your RMTM to schedule the BEST class
 
____    Make sure that copies of the completed Training
        Checklist are sent to the RMTM and to Computer
        Sales Training in Fort Worth
 
____    Make sure that your new employees keep up with
        their training credits for the MASTERS Program
        awards, using the Training Scorecard (FC-1891)
 
If you have any questions, call Gwen Marlin, Manager, Computer Sales Training,
at (817) 390-2138.
 
Computer Sales Training in Fort Worth will be tracking the completed training
of all of the marketing staff in Radio Shack Computer Centers  and of the
computer marketing staff in "Z" Stores.
This will help us improve training materials and delivery methods.
 
The overall benefit to everyone is to provide the tools which help you
become:
 
SUCCESSFUL SALES PROFESSIONALS!
 
MOM-10-89
Executive Summary
An overview of the information contained in this issue.
 
The Front Line this month discusses how
Tandy Service Plans help you increase commissions and SPIFFs.
Included are three selling tips.
 
Marketing Computers in October lists items on sale,
and shows current promotions for 01Zs/Computer Centers.
Check out the Tandy  4000 LX promotion that goes into effect
on October 8 - $1,000 off!
 
October's DeskMate  Difference highlights the
DeskMate Workgroup Companion .
It details what Workgroup can do for your customer,
and what it means to you.
Don't miss out on the additional sales that this product can bring you.
There's a related article with detailed setup instructions on Page 15.
 
The Credit Line gives you some clear reasons why Tandy Computer Leasing 
is the best alternative for your business customers,
updates you on the letter being sent by Commercial Credit
to their new customers,
and explains a bit about RSs Charge Guard insurance.
 
In Stock File Changes we give you late date lists for the
Computer, Express Order , and Education catalogs.
There's also information on DISContinued products and price changes.
 
October is Computer Learning Month.
We hope you've gotten the word by now,
but this article gives you some additional information.
It's October now - are you taking advantage of this opportunity?
 
Some VERY important information was left out of the WP-2 owner's manual,
how to format memory or a disk for use!
Check out this article on Page 11.
 
On September 29, two new computer products were announced in Ft. Worth -
the Tandy  1100 FD and the Tandy FaxMate .
These products are not expected to be available until Nov/Dec.
So you'll be prepared with current information when customers come in asking,
we've given you the details about these products on Page 12.
 
The next copies of First Publisher you receive will have a coupon attached
with a  good deal for your custo - Art Gallery as a bonus.
 
We tell you how to construct a cable to connect the CoCo serial port
to a modem which has only a DB25 type connector.
 
SmartWatch is NOT on sale!
The price in the October flyer #448 is incorrect.
The correct price of SmartWatch is $39.95.
 
At annual meetings, store managers from across the country told us
that PC-Link helps sell modems.
If your customer balks at the additional cost of a modem,
read this article and find out how PC-Link can change your customer's mind.
 
SchoolMate  currently works only with DeskMate 3.2.
See instructions inside for how to run it with the Tandy 1000 TL/2.
 
Have any 1989 catalogs left?
Throw them out!
Provide your customers with only the most current catalogs!
 
It's easy to set up Tandy  1000 TLs with DeskMate Workgroup Companion.
This article tells you how.
 
Radio Shack  receives another award - this time it's RealWorld's
Leading Retailer Award for 1989.
 
Open Systems has a program to upgrade Harmony Version 2.0 and 2.1 cusrs
to their new 2.2 version.
The upgrade will be handled by Open Systems.
Complete information is inside.
 
We have an update on SCO's Open Desktop.
We review what it is, and then explain a little about what benefits
it will offer customers.
 
Want to know how SCO XENIX is faring in the marketplace?
We have a success story about LaQuinta Motor Inns.
 
Novell products are now shipping to authorized Computer Centers.
What do you need to do to qualify as authorized?
See Page 20.
 
We now have available NetWare Assurance sign-ups for your customers
who have or to whom you sell Novell products.
 
And we have some much-asked-for attachments -
Printer Ribbon Compatibility Chart,
Vendor Phone Numbers, Catalog Corrections, and a Printer Cable Selection Chart.
 
MOM-10-89
THE FRONT LINE
THE FRONT LINE is a monthly column dedicated to discussing merchandising
and customer care concepts relating to our computer product line.
 
EXTENDING YOUR EARNINGS WITH TANDY SERVICE PLANS
If you're interested in increasing your income, read on.
Selling service plans is relatively new at Radio Shack,
so you may have overlooked one of the easiest ways
to increase your commissions and SPIFFs with every computer you sell.
 
What's in it for me? 
Let's take a typical Tandy  1000 TL/2 sale.
Sell a computer, monitor, printer, hard drive,
mouse and cable with Carry-In TSP, and your sales ticket should like this:
 
        Equipment              Carry-In
Cat.No. Description              Price    TSP Price
25-1602 Tandy 1000 TL/2       $1,299.00    $57.75
25-1024 CM-11 Color Monitor      399.95     33.75
25-1045 20-Meg SmartDrive         39.95     18.00
25-1040 Tandy  Serial Mouse       49.95       N/A
26-2815 DMP 133 Printer          379.95     28.50
26-225  6' Printer Cable          34.95       N/A
                              $2,563.75   $138.00
 
Salesmaker's commission (e.g. 7%)  179.46    9.66
Salesmaker's Carry-In TSP SPIFF 10%         13.80
                                            _____
                                            23.46
 
The salesmaker's personal earnings then are $179.46 + 23.46 = $202.92.
TSP commissions and SPIFFs add up.
In this Tandy 1000 TL/2 sale, you've increased your income by over 13%!
 
And just as importantly, by selling this Carry-In TSP,
the Computer Center or store gains an additional income of 30% of the TSP price
(less salesperson's commission and SPIFF).
 
Reducing your repair costs
Normally your store pays for repair costs of equipment returned for service
during the warranty period.
But when you sell TSP, Contract Services picks up the tab!
 
Enhancing Customer Loyalty
We build Radio Shack business by satisfying customers and having them
retrn us for additional purchases.
Anything we do to enhance customer loyalty increases our sales.
When your customer returns to you with a product for repair,
you have the unpleasant task of explaining repair charges.
However, if you had sold a TSP to this customer,
you can turn this situation around and make it into a demonstration of how
Radio Shack services its customers.
 
Two More Opportunities To Sell
When your customer brings a product in for servicing,
nothing gets in the way of making this a pleasant transaction
when your customer has a TSP contract.
This gives you an opportunity to tell him of special promotions for the month
and to ask him if he is looking for anything else.
Make it into a selling opportunity.
When he returns to pick up his equipment,
you have a second selling opportunity.
Without a TSP, you have to explain repair charges the first time,
and collect for repair charges the second time.
Not an ideal environment to give a sales presentation, is i
 
Selling Tip #1 - The Great Disappearing Act
The highest percentage of success in selling TSP's comes when your
customer purchases with an RSVP credit card.
The reason is simple.
When purchasing on credit, the monthly charges for adding a TSP is nominal.
The customer is able to keep the monthly cost
at the level he or she can afford.
In the example of the Tandy 1000 TL/2 purchase,
here's what happens when RSVP is used:
 
System Price:   $129.00 per month 28-30 months
        (depending on state)
 
System Price w/TSP:     $136.00 per month 28-30 months
        (depending on state)
 
Okay, so it hasn't quite disappeared, but it sure has taken the sting away.
And now, your customer is protected for one full year!
 
Selling Tip #2 - The Doubting Thomas
Customer:  "Are you telling me that I need a service plan because your
quality is no good?"
 
You:  Sir, one of the biggest misconceptions of a service plan program
is that it is an admission of low quality.
In fact, quite the oppoits true.
Only companies that believe in the quality of their product
offer service plans.
The service plan shifts the burden of repair expense from you to us.
In short, TSP is a service we offer to provide "buyer protection"
against unexpected repair expenses.
 
Selling Tip #3 - Talk TSP Early
Everyone says "AFTO," but experienced salespersons know that they have
to prepare their customers before asking for the order.
Half-hearted attempts to sell TSP at closing are doomed to fail.
So, start talking TSP early in your sales presentation.
 
Have a great Golden Quarter!
 
MOM-10-89
MARKETING COMPUTERS IN OCTOBER
Items on Sale in October
 
FOR ALL STORES:
 
Introduction to Personal Computing Course
From 9/17 to October 31, this course is on sale for $19.95 (regularly $49.95).
 
Tandy 1000 HX
Cat.No. Description     Reg Price   Sale    Sale Dates
25-1053 Tandy 1000 HX   699.00      399.00  8/20-Cont'd
25-1053 Tandy 1000 HX
25-1043 CM-5 Color Monitor
            System  98. 699.00  8/20-Cont'd
 
The Tandy 1000 SL
Cat.No. Description     Reg Price   Sale    Sale Dates
25-1401 Tandy  1000 SL  899.00      599.00  9/17-Cont'd
25-1401 Tandy 1000 SL
25-1043 CM-5 Monitor
        System        1,198.95      898.95  9/17-Cont'd
 
Model 4D/Software/Accessories
Cat.No. Description            Reg Price   Sale    Sale Dates
26-1070 Model 4D Computer     1,199.00     599.00  8/20-10/21
26-1138 4/4D HD Controller      449.95     299.95  8/20-10/21
 
Home Productivity/Office and Business Software
Cat.No. Description       MSRP    Sale    Sale Dates
25-1227 AwardWare         14.95   8.95    8/20-SOWG
25-1246 Quicken           49.95   39.95   9/17-10/21
25-1247 MemoryMate        69.95   54.95   9/17-11/11
25-1287 RealWorld 4-in-1 249.95  199.95   9/17-10/21
 
Printers, Enhancements and Accessories
Cat.No. Description           Reg Price  Sale   Sale Dates
26-0203 Power Switching System  99.95    79.95  9/17-10/21
26-2801 Tractor Feed DWP 520   149.95   119.95  WG
26-2804 LP 1000 Printer      2,599.00 1,799.00  9/17-10/21
26-2808 DMP 440                699.00   499.00  SOWG
26-2812 DWP 230                459.95   299.95  8/20-10/21
26-2814 DMP 132                379.95   219.95  SOWG
 
Where-is-as-is Merchandise
Don't forget these items!
We can't list them all here - refer to flyer lineup #448
for the complete list.
 
Diskettes on Sale
Again, we can't list them all here, but
be sure to offer your customers the opportunity to stock up on extra diskettes
before this sale ends on 10/21.
 
MOM-10-89
ADDITIONAL FOR 01Zs/COMPUTER CENTERS:
 
Tandy 3000 NL - 25% Off a Complete System!
For the time period 9/1-10/21 your customers will receive 25% off
when they purchase:
 
-Tandy  3000 NL
-Any Video Adapter and Monitor
-Any ST-506 Hard Drive & Controller
 (cat. nos.  25-4057/4062/4067/4058)
 
Tandy 4000 LX   20% Off a Complete System 
This now ENDS on 10/8 and is replaced by:
 
Tandy 4000 LX   $1,000.00 OFF!
Starting 10/8 and until further notice:
 
                 Reg.   Sale 
25-5100 Tandy 4000 X  $3,999  $2,999
 
Combine the LX with a hard drive (on sale) and a monochrome monitor and adapter
for a system price of $4,068!
That's 24% off the $5,317.85 price for the system shown below:
 
25-5100 Tandy 4000 LX
25-3049 Monochrome adapter
25-3012 VM-5 monitor
25-4057/8       40MB (40ms) Hard Drive & Controller
 
(System price reflects sale price on 4000 LX and on Hard Drive and Controller.
Video at full retail.)
 
Make your own system configurations for some super deals!
 
Hard Drives on Sale
From 9/1 to 10/21, ST-506 Hard Drives are on sale both with and
without a controller.  Take a look:
 
Hard Drives & Controllers
250-4062/4058   20 MB Hard Drive & Controller           $599
250-4057/4058   40 MB (40ms) Hard Drive & Controller    $799
250-4067/4058   70 MB Hard Drive & Controller         $1,099
 
Or, add a second hard drive to your Tandy 3000 NL and Tandy 4000 LX customers:
 
Hard Drives Only
250-4062        20 MB Hard Drive        $449
250-4057        40 MB (40s)Hard Drive   $649
250-4067        70 MB Hard Drive        $999
 
MOM-10-89
THE DESKMATE  DIFFERENCE
A series of articles on DeskMate.
 
TAKE ANOTHER LOOK AT DESKMATE WORKGROUP COMPANION
 
 -Do you have customers with a few PCs who want to share information and
   data?
 -Do you have customers who want to share a printer among several
   computers?
 -Do you have customers who are looking for a low-cost way to send
   paperless phone messages and use electronic mail?
 -Do you have 3Com network users who want to share a
   calendar for scheduling meetings and appointments?
 
If you answered "Yes" or even "I think so" to any of these questions,
you should take a look at DeskMate Workgroup Companion  (25-1251)
which provides workgroup capability in a variety of shared environments.
The strength of these DeskMate Workgroup Companion applications lies in the
way they allow members of the workgroup to share useful information. 
 
THE APPLICATIONS
 
Electronic Mail.
This program alwssers to type in messages and send
them them to others in the group.
The sender can also attach a file of any kind to the message.
 
Shared Calendar.
The shared calendar looks similar to the standard calendar program in DeskMate.
Besides keeping your own calendar, it can schedule meetings with other
workgroup members and identify and avoid schedule conflicts.
This is a real time-saver because meetings can be scheduled without playing
phone tag or waiting until everybody's in the office!
 
Workgroup has both local and shared calendars.
 
Telephone Central.
This program lets the receptionist take a message using
a form on the screen that looks like the familiar phone message pink slip.
Telephone Central notifies you that a call has come in.
You then view the same form on your screen.
In responding to the message you can
even autodial the call without retyping the number (if you have an
autodial modem) and add the caller's name to your phone list, all wh
the click of a mouse or by pressing a few keys!
 
Shared Address Book.
Like the Address Book in regular DeskMate, this
program keeps addresses and phone numbers of personal and business contacts.
The shared version lets you keep both a local phone list
and a shared phone list.
This information can be merged into form
letters written using the DeskMate Text word processor, and it lets you
dial the phone numbers directly if you have an autodial modem.
 
Shared Phone List.
The Shared Phone List is a  DeskMate accessory, so
you can use it while running other DeskMate applications, without
exiting the program you're running.
It uses the same information as the
Address Book, and it also allows you to have local and shared lists.
This makes for real convenience: without leaving the document you're
editing, you can look up a phone number and call someone to get
information, and all with your mouse!
 
Talk.
The Talk program lets two workgroup members "chat" in real time
on tircreens.
While talking on the phone, you could ask another
member of your workgroup a question using Talk and get an answer on
your screen -- and the person you're talking to on the phone wouldn't
even know you did it!
 
Forum.
Like an electronic bulletin board, Forum lets you set up categories of
information and leave messages for one another in these categories.
This is useful for tracking the status of projects or for discussing
several topics among several people without having to call a meeting.
 
OTHER FEATURES
 
Notification.
If you have a phone message or electronic mail, or if
someone wants to communicate with you via the Talk program, DeskMate
Workgroup Companion will notify you.
It does this by flashing the F9
marker at the top of the screen in DeskMate programs, or by presenting
a box with the information in other programs.
 
Remote Loading.
One hard disk on the system is declared as the remote load area.
Anyone in the workgroup can then load and run DeMate
applications from the shared directory of that hard disk.
If DeskMate is the main set of programs the user will run, this option makes
floppy-only stations feasible in a DeskMate Workgroup Companion group.
 
File Transfer.
Any user in the Workgroup can share some or all of his
or her files with other members in the group.
Other members can then copy those files to a local floppy disk or hard disk.
 
Printer Sharing.
As a workgroup member you can declare your printer a shared printer.
Then everyone else in the workgroup can print documents
to your printer and to other shared printers.
 
Graphical User Interface.
Like all DeskMate applications, the DeskMate Workgroup Companion
programs have the look and feel of DeskMate.
The pull-down menus and dialog boxes make them very easy to use with
either a keyboard or a mouse.
These commands are consistent across all DeskMate applications
so that once you've mastered one program, you'll know how to get around
in all other  DeskMate progrs well.
 
ENVIRONMENTS FOR RUNNING WORKGROUP
 
DeskMate Workgroup Companion works in a variety of hardware and
software environments.
These environments fall into two major categories:
 
Workgroup Provides the Network Software
Two users can connect their stations using an RS-232 cable and a
null-modem adapter.
So if a manager and a secretary want to share all the information and
resources above and if each has a computer with a RS-232 serial port,
the only extra hardware required would be the cable and adapter.
 
Our inexpensive TandyLink  board provides a good solution for a
workgroup of up to 20 stations.
With this board, DeskMate Workgroup Companion provides all the software
needed to gain all the capabilities listed above.
 
Other Network Environments
DeskMate Workgroup Companion also works as an add-in software package
for 3Com networks.
No hardware changes are needed to run DeskMate Workgroup Companion
under 3Com.
Other network software environments wille supported soon.
 
EASY SETUP
 
If you've ever set up a network or watched someone set it up, you know
that it can be a complex and bewildering process.
Well, you don't have
to be a wizard to set up a  DeskMate Workgroup Companion system.
The article on Page 15 describes what how to set it up in one specific
configuration: Tandy  1000 TLs with TandyLink boards.
Other configurations can be set up just as easily.
 
You need to run only one main program to set up the system.
This DeskMate application prompts you to key in
information that is needed for the software to know its environment.
It also lets you change your setup later.
For example, you can initially choose not to share your printer and later
decide to share it.
Running the setup program again allows you to do this
without changing any hardware and without executing any commands from DOS.
 
PRICE AND LICENSING
 
DeskMate Workgroup Companion (25-1251) sells for $149.95.
This price includes a license for two users, so only one copy is need for
every two users on the network.
It also requires DeskMate 3.2 (25-1250) at every station.
DeskMate 3.3 will be supported in the near future.
 
WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU
 
Besides 3Com and Novell, you have a low-cost option for relatively
small workgroups.
You can sell this to customers who need any or all of the capabilities
mentioned above, whether or not they already have a network installed.
 
If you have customers to whom you have sold two or more computers, this
product gives you a good reason to make a follow-up sales call.
 
If you have customers that are considering moving to 3Com but
aren't yet ready to make the investment, they may be willing to buy
DeskMate Workgroup Companion to get a taste of workgroup computing.
If they decide later to move into 3Com, they can continue to use
this product as an add-in, without missing a phone message!
 
Take another look at DeskMate Workgroup Companion - it will make you
smile and will make your pocke jingle!
 
MOM-10-89
THE EDIT LINE
Direct to you from Tandy credit departments - Commercial Credit,
Tandy Computer Leasing, and RSVP.
 
OCTOBER NOTES
 
The main theme of this year's Business Products Annual Meeting
was - from a Credit viewpoint - do not treat business customers
the same as consumer customers.
 
RSVP is Tandy's installment pay plan for consumers.
Tandy Computer Leasing (TCL) is Tandy's installment pay plan for
business-education-government.
Commercial Credit is Tandy's invoicing system for those commercial entities
needing to operate off of internally generated purchase orders.
 
Credit, in any form, allows us to "increase" our standard of living by
using tomorrow's dollars.
We "budget" what we feel we can afford and we
select the "best we can buy" based upon that budgeted amount.
 
Businesses, schools, governments are no different.
And, thanks to Federal tax laws and a Congress that wishes to promote
business growth,
businesses are able to take advantage of "wri-ofs" that consumers cannot.
 
MOM-10-89
Tandy Computer Leasing
Consider the small business person who wants a 1000 TL/2 or a cellular phone.
As a consumer (since credit cards are, generally, issued in the name of a
consumer), that person may be looking to the interest expense deduction
as their only method of "reducing" the cost of the products.
At that, under current tax laws, only 20% of any interest expense can be
deducted in 1989, and for 1990,
none  of the personal interest expense is deductible.
 
Since nearly all small businesses list cash flow as their #1 concern,
you can reasonably expect they will make minimum monthly payments.
 
That is the least attractive of several choices.
 
If your customers treat such purchases as business costs - even though
the expense is in their names as consumers - they might be fully able to
expense the interest portion.
They might take a depreciation deduction to offset the cost of the item,
but under present tax wshat depreciation must be spread over 5 years.
 
Presuming they pay off their credit card charges in about
two years, they will have had out of pocket (cash) expense for the full
cost of the products and the full amount of interest expense.
They will have written off the interest but only depreciated about
40% of the original equipment cost.
 
Better, but still not the best choice.
 
When a business  leases  an asset, the monthly payment is fully deductible.
And, since that monthly payment really "contains" a
principle and interest portion   your customer now gets the full
write-off of both items: equipment cost and finance expense.
 
Now, you have the best solution!
 
MOM-10-89
Commercial Credit
 
In May of this year, Commercial Credit began sending a "Welcome Letter" to all
new customers as a courtesy to inform them of their application approval.
It explains that:
 
1. The Radio Shack store where the application was accepted has been
    notified of their approval, the crit line amount and the name of
    authorized purchasers on theccount.
2. Terms are "due in ten (10) days, past due in thirty (30) days."
3. Statements are mailed approximately the fifth (5th) day of each month
    and reflect all outstanding invoices as of the last day of the previous
    month.
4. Customer Service lines are available from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. Central
    Standard Time (CST), Monday through Friday,
    and the phone number is (817) 390-3356.
 
The letter does not replace established credit approval procedures.
If your store is not the store originating the application,
please exercise caution on a first purchase.
Call Commercial Credit Approvals at 1-800-442-2585.
Once the customer has purchased from your store, the account status
will be reflected on your Accounts Receivable Detail List of Charge
Account Customers.
 
RSVP/ABI Insurance Coverage
One of the most important features of Charge Guard insurance is the
casualty portion.
 
In those states that are covered under this provision, a comper
which is damaged beyond repair or stolen in a forced entry burglary
will be replaced, provided there is a balance due on the RSVP account.
Many homeowner policies do not cover the loss or damage of a PC, unless
there is an addendum to the policy and an extra premium is paid.
Even then, it is unlikely that a homeowner policy would repay or replace the
item at full value.
 
RSVP should never be sold without the Charge Guard protection it provides to
the customer, the store and the company.
 
MOM-10-89
STOCK FILE CHANGES
A quick reference  to product status changes - pricing, availability, etc.
 
LATE DATES
 
Listed below are the new items that appear in the 1990 Catalogs
which have not yet arrived at the warehouses.
Also included are the dates the merchandise is expected to be available
at the warehouses.
 
The dates listed in this section are based on the latest available information,
and are updated monthly.
While they may not be 100% accurate, ey re the best estimate we have
at this time.
The dates listed here should be your ONLY reference for availability of
cataloged items.
Ft. Worth Computer Support Services or Ft. Worth Computer Merchandising
will not have any dates other than the ones shown here.
 
MOM-10-89
1990 Tandy  Computer Catalog
Cat. #          Description                            Date
250-1034        2400 bps V-Series Modem              10/15/89
250-1266        HomeWord II                          10/15/89
250-1283        Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate       10/30/89
250-1288        Utilities! DM                        12/15/89
250-1295        DeskMate Form Finisher               10/30/89
250-1298        The New Print Shop                   10/30/89
250-1299        DeskMate Q&A Write                   10/15/89
250-1314        DacEasy Accounting DM                11/30/89
250-1315        Backup Pro DM                        10/30/89
250-1316        Paint Show Plus                      10/30/89
250-4079        60 MB Tape Cartridge System          10/30/89
250-4120        80 MB 19ms 3 1/2" 1/2 Height         10/30/89
250-4121        SmartDrive  Interface Adapter        10/30/89
2490        4000 SX Technical Reference              10/30/89
250-5110        4020/4025 LX Tech Reference          11/30/89
250-5120        Tandy  4020 LX                       10/30/89
250-5125        Tandy  4025 LX                       10/30/89
260-0213        3 1/2" 3-pack Disk Box               10/30/89
260-0216        5 1/4" 3-pack Disk Box               10/15/89
260-0236        Printer Supports                     10/30/89
260-0246        60 MB Data Tape Cartridge            11/15/89
260-0255        6' VGA Monitor Extension Cable       10/15/89
260-2828        4 Way Printer Selector               10/30/89
260-2829        Serial/Parallel Converter            10/30/89
260-2840        Printer Cable Extender               10/30/89
260-3043        Arkanoid                             10/15/89
260-3100        Mind Roll                            10/15/89
260-3123        Pistol Grip Joystick                 10/15/89
260-3164        Robocop                              10/15/89
260-3930        WP-2 Portable Wordprocessor          10/15/89
260-3931        WP-2 32K RAM IC Card                 10/15/89
260-3932        WP-2 32K RAM Module                  10/15/89
260-3952        WP-100 Single-Strike Ribbon          10/15/89
260-3953        WP-100 S/S Correction Tape           10/15/89
260-3955        WP-100 M/S Correction Tape           10/15/89
700-3044        ARCNET Driver for 3Com               12/15/89
900-1643        PFS: First Choice LAN Pack           10/30/89
900-2320        Tash Mini keyboard                   10/30/89
900-2322        25MHz 80387 Math Coprocessor         10/30/89
900-2456        Arnet Multiport/2                    10/30/89
900-2460        Orchid Ramquest Extra                11/30/89
900-5628        Facts on File                        CANC
903-1471        Print Shop Sampler Edition           10/30/89
903-1472        Print Shop Party Edition             10/30/89
903-1473        Print Shop Business/School Edition   10/30/89
903-1578        SCO Image Builder (386)              10/15/89
903-1588        SCO Professional (386)               10/30/89
905-1471        Print Shop Sampler Edition           10/30/89
905-1472        Print Shop Party Edition             10/30/89
905-1473        Print Shop Business/School Edition   10/30/89
905-1474        Microsoft Works (5 1/4" only)        10/30/89
        (dual mediaillshipping as 25-1184) 
 
MOM-10-89
Express Order Software Buyer's Guide RSC-21S
Cat. #          Description                            Date
250-1266        HomeWord II                          10/15/89
250-1283        Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate       10/30/89
250-1288        Utilities! (DM)                      12/15/89
250-1295        DeskMate Form Finisher               10/30/89
250-1298        New Print Shop                       10/30/89
250-1299        DeskMate Q&A Write                   10/15/89
250-1314        Dac Easy Accounting (DM)             11/30/89
250-1315        Backup Pro DM                        10/30/89
250-1316        Paint Show Plus                      10/30/89
260-3043        Arkanoid                             10/15/89
260-3100        Mind Roll                            10/15/89
260-3164        Robocop                              10/15/89
900-1643        PFS: First Choice LAN Pack           10/30/89
900-1741        Dac Easy Accounting LAN              10/30/89
900-2750        PC Paintbrush 4 Plus                 11/30/89
900-5628        Facts on File                        CANC
901-1478        DBase IV                             10/30/89
903-1471        Print Shop Sampler Edition           10/30/89
903-1472        Print Shop Party Edition             10/30/89
903-1473        Print Shop Business/School Edition   10/30/89
903-1578        SCO Image Builder (386)              10/15/89
903-1588        SCO Professional (386)               10/30/89
903-1589        Off Portfolio Manager                12/30/89
903-1594        Samna + IV                           10/30/89
903-1596        BASIC Interpreter SCO 386            11/15/89
903-1599        Off Portfolio Ste                    12/30/89
903-3089        FPTransfer                           10/15/89
905-1471        Print Shop Sampler Edition           10/30/89
905-1472        Print Shop Party Edition             10/30/89
905-1473        Print Shop Business/School           10/30/89
905-1474        Microsoft Works 2.0 (5 1/4" only)    10/30/89
        (dual media still shipping as 25-1184) 
905-3325        WordPerfect 5.0 (5 1/4" only)        10/30/89
 
MOM-10-89
1990 Educational Products Guide RSC-21E
Cat. #          Description                            Date 
900-5646        Weather Flight                       12/30/89
900-5648        Measurements                         12/30/89
900-5649        Concept Mapping                      12/30/89
900-5650        Vee-Diagramming                      12/30/89
900-5651        Statistics-Tutor                     12/30/89
900-5652        Population Genetics Simulator        12/30/89
900-5653        Joshua's Reading Machine             11/30/89
900-5654        Once Upon a Time                     11/30/89
900-5655        Stepping Stones I                    11/30/89
900-5656        Stepping Stones II                   11/30/89
900-5657        See the U.S.A.                       11/30/89
900-5661        DLM Early Childhood Series           10/30/89
900-5662        Alien Addition                       11/30/89
900-5663        Minus Mission                        11/30/89
900-5679        Cocaine Education                    11/30/89
900-5680        Drinking the Choice is Yours         11/30/89
900-5681        Keep Off the Grass: Marijuana        11/30/89
900-5682        Tobacco Education                    11/30/89
900-5683        Understanding AIDS                   11/30/89
900-5716        Meteor Multiplication                11/30/89
900-5717        Demolition Division                  11/30/89
900-5718        Alligator Mix                        11/30/89
900-5719        Dragon Mix                           11/30/89
900-5720        Verb Viper                           11/30/89
900-5721        Word Man                             11/30/89
900-5722        Word Invasion                        11/30/89
900-5723        Spelling Wiz                         11/30/89
900-5724        Word Radar                           11/30/89
900-5725        Word Master                          11/30/89
900-5726        Number Farm                          10/30/89
900-5727        Alphabet Circus                      10/30/89
900-5728        Comparison Kitchen                   10/30/89
900-5742        Once Upon a Time II                  11/30/89
900-5743        PC LOGO                              12/30/89
903-5636        Measurements                         12/30/89
903-5637        Concept Mapping                      12/30/89
903-5640        Population Genetics Simulator        12/30/89
903-5658        Math Blaster Plus                    11/30/89
903-5659        Word Attack Plus                     11/30/89
903-5660        Homeworker                           11/30/89
903-5673        Double Up                            11/30/89
903-5674        Mark-Up                              11/30/89
903-5675        Proteus                              11/30/89
903-5676        Rhubarb                              11/30/89
903-5677        Sequitur                             11/30/89
903-5678        Text Tangler                         11/30/89
903-5686        Timeliner                            11/30/89
903-5709        SchoolWorks: Social Studies          11/30/89
903-5710        SchoolWorks: States & Presidents     11/30/89
903-5711        Testlab 2000                         12/30/89
905-5636        Measurements                         12/30/89
905-5637        Concept Mapping                      12/30/89
905-5640        Population Genetics Simulator        12/30/89
905-5658        Math Blaster Plus                    11/30/89
905-5659        Word Attack Plus                     11/30/89
905-5660        Homworker                            11/30/89
905-5673        Double Up                            11/30/89
905-5674        Mark-Up                              11/30/89
905-5675        Proteus                              11/30/89
905-5676        Rhubarb                              11/30/89
905-5677        Sequitur                             11/30/89
905-5678        Text Tangler                         11/30/89
905-5686        Timeliner                            11/30/89
905-5709        SchoolWorks: Social Studies          11/30/89
905-5710        SchoolWorks: States & Presidents     11/30/89
905-5711        Testlab 2000                         12/30/89
 
MOM-10-89
PRODUCTS CANCELED, DISCONTINUED AND REPLACED
 
DISCONTINUED
CAT. #  DESCRIPTION
26-1199 Logitech Serial Mouse (DB9F)
        (replace with 26-1200/DB25M and 26-265 Adapter)
26-3817 8K RAM Expansion for early Tdy02 (24K)
        (moved to National Parts - Part # AX2603817)
 
PRICE CHANGES
                                 OLD     NEW
CAT. #          DESCRIPTION     PRICE   PRICE
903-1305        PathMinder      59.95   89.00
905-1305        PathMinder      59.95   89.00
 
MOM-10-89
PRODUCT NEWS
ALL STORE
The "ALL STORE" section contains information of interest to all store types.
01Zs and Computer Centers will also be interested in the information contained
in the "01Z/COMPUTER CENTER" section.
 
ARE YOU READY FOR OCTOBER?
 
Do you know what we mean?
 
October is Computer Learning Month - You Won't Believe What You'll Achieve!
 
You've already heard about Computer Learning Month via SOS memos
and materials you've received in your stores.
You know that along with Computer Learning Month, Radio Shack is offering the
Introduction to Personal Computing Course at a special price of $19.95.
This is a promotion that's really good for you and for youcuomers,
and that's why it's being offered in conjunction with Computer Learning Month.
So what else is going on?
 
             Public Service Announcements on TV and Radio
 
The Computer Learning Foundation is placing PSAs during October.
You'll see them and so will your customers.
By displaying your signs, you'll have people coming in
to your stores and centers to see "what it's all about."
This is like free advertising for you!
Be ready to explain to them some ways computers can help them, their children,
their school system, and their community (YOUR community),
and, of course, how Tandy computers best suit their needs.
Point out some software packages and how they help stimulate learning.
Many titles are on display in the Home Computing and Education departments
in Computer Centers, and in both the consumer and computer catalogs.
 
                 Special Business Week Section
           Endangered Species: Children of Promise 
 
Business Week's October 20th issue will have a specal ction on
education in America.
There will be an editorial in this section written by
the Computer Learning Foundation, sponsors of Computer Learning Month.
 
The editorial directly addresses how computers are being used in schools
to enhance basic skills learning (reading, math, etc.),
but also addresses how using computers can help keep students from
dropping out or get dropouts back into school.
The article also addresses ways that "Corporate America"
can help support the education process.
 
The Tandy Technology Scholars program will have a full-page ad in this special
section, and since Business Week reaches over 6 million readers every week,
prospects and customers will be coming in to your centers
and stores to learn more about Computer Learning Month
and how Radio Shack and Tandy Corporation support education.
 
Your company is a firm believer in the goals of the Computer Learning
Foundation and Computer Learning Month,
and we back up that belief by incal sponsorship.
Our stores and centers are where we express this to our customers.
While Radio Shack/Tandy Corporation makes a financial commitment to the CLF,
we also back up that money with action and programs like Tandy Educational
Grants and the Tandy Technology Scholars program.
We believe in computers in education!
 
Be ready!
 
MOM-10-89
WP-2 WORDPROCESSOR - MEMORY EXPANSION PROCEDURES
 
Would you believe it?
When internal or external RAM, or the Portable Disk Drive 2, is installed,
the memory or a diskette must be formatted before it can be used by the WP-2.
But, the exact procedure to do this format was left out of the
first shipment of WP-2s arriving at our warehouse!
 
Here is the procedure to format any expansion memory accessory
(26-3932 Internal 32K RAM or 26-3931 IC card 32K RAM)
or a diskette used in the Portable Disk Drive 2 (26-3814) for use by the WP-2:
 
1. Display the "FILES" menu by pressing <F2> <=>.
2. At the FILES menu, use the arrow keys thigight the type of
    expansion RAM or drive installed, and press <F1> <F>.
 
You will be prompted, "Are you sure (YES/NO)?."
 
Press <Y> to execute the format and prepare the expanded RAM or diskette
for use.
 
MOM-10-89
TANDY INTRODUCES TWO NEW COMPUTER PRODUCTS
 
On Thursday, September 29, we introduced the Tandy  1100 FD portable
computer and the Tandy FaxMate  facsimile product.
 
Tandy 1100 FD
The Tandy 1100 FD represents several breakthroughs in portable computer
technology that are notable.
 
Inside the sleek notebook-size case is a full-function 6.4 pound MS-DOS
compatible computer.
It is based on the NEC V-20 running at 8 MHz with a full 640K of user RAM.
The high contrast LCD is full-size with a resolution of 640 X 200.
The 84-key keyboard features full size QWERTY spacing,
with enhanced numeric keypad emulations.
Also included is a low power industry-standard 3 1/2" 720K floppy disk,
a real-time clock, parallel printer port, and a serial port.
 
What sets the 1100 FD apart, wever, is the built-in software technology
that makes this one of the industry's easiest to use laptops   and also
the most functional   even with just one disk drive.
 
We have built MS-DOS 3.3 and the DeskMate  Interface into Read Only Memory.
This gives you the same instant-on feature found in our Tandy 1000 line of
desktop computers.
 
But we didn't stop there.
We have also included the DeskMate Text application and a 90,000 word
spelling dictionary in ROM as well.
So, for taking notes and everyday word processing, you never even have to put
a diskette in the disk drive!
 
We also include nine other DeskMate applications on diskette,
including Worksheet, Filer, Address Book and more.
 
Options for the 1100 FD are a 2400 BPS modem that fits into an internal slot
for just $199.95, and a replacement battery for $29.95.
Battery life is over 5 hours, and with the included removable,
rechargeable battery you get over half a business day of non-stop computin
n AC adapter/charger is also included.
 
The entire Tandy 1100 FD package has a retail price of just $999
and will be available in November.
 
Tandy FaxMate 
Tandy FaxMate is the combination of several technologies that, when put
together, represent a complete facsimile solution for the
personal computer user.
Using the PC you already own, you can create and send PC text and graphics
FAXs to any Group III FAX machine - or another PC with FAX capability.
 
First, FaxMate includes an adapter card that simply plugs into an
expansion slot of any PC and connects to your telephone line.
This adapter is a complete FAX with Group II and III compatibility,
and 4800 bps speed with automatic 2400 bps fallback.
 
FaxMate also includes a software utility that is designed using the
DeskMate interface.
After a simple installation process, all you do is turn on the FAX utility,
compose your FAX using your favorite DeskMate application, and then send it.
It's as simple as that.
 
And while FaxMate is sending your FAX, you canconnue working with your
computer since the entire process occurs in the background.
In other words   you can go on to your next FAX, letter, or
spreadsheet calculation   at the same time your FAX is being sent.
You get complete audio acknowledgement and status of your FAX.
It even automatically creates a cover sheet to your addressee
and redials a busy FAX number!
 
FaxMate is extremely easy to use and works with all  DeskMate applications.
That means you can send a tabulation from your Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate
program, a letter from Q & A Write, a scanned image from DeskMate PaintShow,
or a graphic newsletter from First Publisher.
Letters, drawings, graphics - in fact, anything that you can create
with DeskMate - can be instantly sent by FAX.
 
And since the DeskMate Desktop  allows the operation of non-DeskMate
applications as well, FaxMate also works with all software programs.
So if you can't stop using WordPerfect or you haa special CAD drawing,
for example, it can be sent using FaxMate.
 
Using FaxMate's advanced DOS mode, you can display and print incoming FAXs,
broadcast your FAX to several recipients, "poll" other FAX stations for
incoming FAXs, scan full page printed material as part of your FAX, and more.
 
FaxMate will retail for only $349.95 and will be available in December.
 
Stay tuned next month for additional information and market positioning
on these exciting new products.
 
MOM-10-89
PFS: FIRST PUBLISHER AND ART GALLERY
 
PFS:First Publisher, 25-1279 is a powerful desktop publishing package
utilizing the DeskMate interface that is ideal for preparing flyers,
announcements, presentations and more.
It's priced right at $129.00.
 
Beginning around October 1st, copies of PFS:First Publisher will begin
arriving in all stores with a coupon attached to the outside of the
package offering purchasers the opportunity to receive, as a bonus, a
free copy of First Publisher Art Gallery, a 9 value when they buy it.
 
Art Gallery is a collection of over 1500 designs and images including
business symbols, holiday logos, borders, billboards and cartoons that
can be used by First Publisher to enhance publications.
Check out the sample images here and scattered throughout this M.O.M.
 
To receive their free copy of First Publisher Art Gallery, the customer must
remove the coupon from the package and after filling in their name and address,
mail it along with the original warranty registration card
inside the package to the address indicated.
Coupons must be received by February 28, 1990.
First Publisher Art Gallery will be mailed directly to their home or office.
Radio Shack stores are not involved in the fulfillment process in any way.
DO NOT order any copies of the First Publisher Art Gallery from Express Order.
 
Along with this memo is a supply of extra coupons to be placed on any
packages you currently have on hand that do not already have one attached.
Adional coupons have been provided to District Managers,
should you need more.
 
This terrific $258 value for $129 will be featured in the November and
December flyers as well as the November/December Express Order flyer.
Be prepared to talk about, demonstrate and sell PFS:First Publisher!
 
MOM-10-89
CABLE CONSTRUCTION TO BUILD 26-3014 CABLE
 
Since the 26-3014 cable is now discontinued, the following procedure
may prove useful to those who want to create a cable to allow connection
from the serial port on the back of a Color Computer (1, 2, or 3)
to a modem having only a DB25 type connector
(such as the 26-1393 DCM 6, on sale in November and December).
 
Required        Stock #
4-pin DIN to 4-pin DIN cable    26-3020
"D" Submini Male Connector (DB25)       276-1547
 
Remove one end from the cable and connect the DB25 connector:
 
White wire      Pin 2   Red wire        Pin 7
Green wire      Pin 3   Yellow wire     Pin 8
 
This cable will provide the necessary connections for communcaion.
Some modems or some functions of some modems may require additional
pins to be held high (voltage present) or low (connected to ground).
See the documentation for the modem for that information.
 
MOM-10-89
SMARTWATCH
The October flyer #448 shows the SmartWatch (25-1033)
incorrectly priced at $29.95.
This is a typographical error and the correct price is $39.95 as shown
in the Annual catalog.
It is not on sale.
Explain to your customers that this is a typographical error and if necessary,
point out the disclaimer at the bottom of Page 2 of the flyer.
 
At $39.95, the SmartWatch is a great value and an excellent
add-on to a Tandy  1000 SL or HX sale.
 
MOM-10-89
SELLING A MODEM: USING PC-LINK TO OVERCOME CUSTOMER OBJECTIONS
 
At the annual meetings, store managers from across the country told us
that PC-Link helps them sell modems.
 
Some of the really tangible benefits that PC-Link provides to the new
Tandy computer owner include:
 
 -Radio Shack customer support and a direct link to Tandadquarters
 -Radio Shack Customer Service conferences
 -a database of frequently asked questions and answers about Radio Shack
   products
 -and much more
 
If your customer is shopping for a new computer, you can show them
PC-Link and offer to install a modem in their new computer before they
leave the store.
 
If your customer balks at the additional cost of a modem, explain to them how
the low cost investment in a modem is more than offset by the time and actual
dollars that your customer will save as a member of PC-Link.
 
 -Make Informed Purchasing Decisions.
PC-Link features software reviews and product information.
Read them for the information you need to buy smart!
 
 -Try Before You Buy.
When you get right down to it, the only
person who knows if a software application is right for you - is YOU.
PC-Link's DemoWare  allows you to download and "test drive"
previews of the latest software releases before you buy them.
 
 -Save on Travel $$.
Mker plane, hotel, and car rental
reservations with American Airlines' EAASY SABRE Travel Service.
EAASY SABRE's Bargain Finder  finds you the lowest fares.
 
 -Comparison Shop for Bargains.
You'll find over 250,000 brand-name products, including appliances, luggage,
and cameras - at savings of 10% to 50% off manufacturers' suggested retail
prices - in PC-Link's Comp-u-Store  Online.
Shop online, order online, and have your purchases delivered to your doorstep!
 
 -How Much Is Your Time Worth?
If you're a busy person who measures their savings in terms of time as well
as dollars, take into account these PC-Link features:
- Save on phone calls and trips to your Radio Shack store with the
Tandy Hotline.
You'll get expert answers to your Tandy computing
questions in two business days.
- Call up quotes on your stocks - and those that interest you - from
your keyboard.
- Look up facts in an online, up-to-date encyclopedia.
You'll save on trips to the library, and PC-Link'ncyclopedia never
gets dusty and out of date - it's revised quarterly.
 
MOM-10-89
SCHOOLMATE AND THE TANDY 1000 TL/2
 
When using Tandy  1000 TL/2s with SchoolMate , you must run
DeskMate 3.2 from RAM rather than the  DeskMate 3.3 that's in ROM.
 
To accomplish this, run SETUPTL2 /A
and change DESK.COM to NO on the USABLE PROGRAMS screen.
(This should be done only by System Engineers, not by customers.)
 
In a few weeks we will release an upgrade to SchoolMate
that will permit it to run with either version of DeskMate.
 
Keep watch in future issues of the M.O.M. for more information
about this upgrade.
 
MOM-10-89
CATALOG DISTRIBUTION
 
By now, you should have received an ample supply of the new Computer catalog
and Software Buyer's Guide.
 
Although you shouldn't have any of last years' catalogs left, if you do,
they should be disposed of immediately.
There are major changes between the books
and you'll want your customer to see our latest offerings.
 
MOM-10-89
SETTING UP DESKMATE WORKGROUP COMPANION WITH TANDY 1000 TLs
 
Ths icle gives you all the steps needed in setting up
DeskMate Workgroup Companion  on Tandy  1000 TLs.
 
The server is a Tandy 1000 TL with a hard disk card.
The stations are Tandy 1000 TLs with or without hard disk cards.
Install a TandyLink board (26-5601) in each Tandy 1000 TL.
Set the jumpers as follows:
 
At any computer with a hard disk card:
Use DMA 1 Jumpers on E10-E11 and E14-E15
Use Int 3 Jumpers on E16-E17
(No sound capability)
 
At any computer without a hard disk card:
Use DMA 3 Jumpers on E11-E12 and E13-E14
Use Int 2 Jumpers on E17-E18
 
At the server, make a DOS directory and copy all of the Tandy 1000 TL
MS-DOS files into it.
Make a DESK88 directory and copy all of the retail (25-1250)
DeskMate 88 files into it.
Also copy all of the DeskMate Workgroup Companion (25-1251) files into the
DESK88 directory.
Run SETUPTL.
Set the primary start-up device to Disk.
Boot the computer.
Then at the DOS prompt, type   SET DMCONFIG = C:DE8  .
 
At the server:
1. Run DeskMate by pressing <F12>.
2. Use <F3> Change to change to the   C: DESK88  directory.
3. Select File <F2> - Run.
    Run WGSETUP.PDM.
4. The system will ask if you want to create a new workgroup file.
    Answer "yes".
5. At the next dialog box, type in the client name of your choice.
    Choose the TandyLink option.
6. When it asks if you want default settings, choose NO.
7. Make these selections:
 
 Options :      Notification only
 TandyLink Options :    DMA 1, Int 3
 Servers :      File server: Drive C,
            Name=WRKGROUP
        Printer server: LPT1
        Database server: Drive C
8. Press ESCape to exit WGSETUP.
    At the Desktop, press ESCape again to return to the DOS prompt.
9. Set this up in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file on C:
    SET DMCONFIG=C: DESK88
    PATH=C: DOS;C: DESK88
    CD DESK88
    WRKGROUP
10. Boot the server.
11. Press <F12> for the DeskMate Desktop , and the server is ready!
 
At the stons:
 
1. Press <F12> to run the Desktop.
    Place Workgroup Disk 1 in the drive.
2. Select <F2> RUN, and run  A: WGSETUP.PDM.
3. At the next dialog box, type in a unique client name of your choice.
    Choose the TandyLink option.
4. When asked if you want default options, choose NO.
5. Make these selections:
 Options :      Notification, Remote load,
            Remote print
 TandyLink Options :    Hard disk card stations:
            DMA 1, Int 3
        Floppy-only stations: DMA 3,
            Int 2
6. Press ESCape to exit WGSETUP.
7. Be sure to leave Workgroup Disk 1 or
    another diskette containing DMPRELOD.MOD in Drive A.
 
Connect the stations with TandyLink cables.
Boot the stations.
You're ready to go!
 
NOTE: Any files that will be loaded remotely must be in the
      C: WRKGROUP REMLOAD directory at the server.
 
MOM-10-89
RADIO SHACK RECEIVES "1989 - LEADING RETAILER AWARD" 
FROM REALWORLD CORPORATION
 
Due to your outstanding efforts in providing ACCOUNTING
SOLUTIONS to our cumers, RealWorld recently presented
Radio Shack with the "Leading Retailer Award" for 1989.
 
In an award presentation at NetWorld in Dallas,
Radio Shack was recognized as the NUMBER ONE reseller of RealWorld
Accounting Software in the retail channel!
 
"RealWorld Corporation recognizes and acknowledges Radio Shack's
professionalism in addressing the computer and software needs
of business customers.
 
The broad network of Radio Shack Stores and franchises provides an
effective and highly productive distribution channel for
RealWorld accounting and business software".
 
With an expanded lineup of RealWorld accounting and vertical
market applications from Synchronics and MIBUS, offering
multiple operating platform solutions under  MS-DOS, 3COM,
NOVELL and SCO XENIX, our success in this market will continue to grow.
 
Congratulations on a job well done!!
 
MOM-10-89
HARMONY ACCOUNTING - CUSTOMER UPGRADE ANNOUNCEMENT
 
Open Systems recently released Version 2.2 of the Harmony Software Series.
The upradof Radio Shack customers, from
Version 2.0 & 2.1 to Version 2.2, will be handled directly by Open Systems.
All monies are to be paid direct to the vendor.
 
The complete Version 2.2 product will also be available
through Express Order  (see page 38 of RSC-21S).
 
Upgrade Prices - Purchases After May 15, 1989
 
1. Upgrade of Harmony applications PURCHASED AFTER MAY 15, 1989 will
    be NO CHARGE.
    Appropriate shipping charges will apply.
2. Upgrade requests must be submitted by October 31, 1989.
    A copy of the sales receipt indicating the date of purchase
    must accompany the upgrade request.
 
Upgrade Prices - Purchases Before May 15, 1989
 
Accounts Payable        99.95
Accounts Receivable     99.95
DOS System Manager      49.95
General Ledger          99.95
Import/Export Utility   49.95
Information Manager     49.95
Inventory               99.95
LAN System Manager      99.95
Order Entry             99.95
Payroll                 99.95
Spreadsheet             49.95
Word Processor          49.95
 
LAN System Manager has been upgraded to replace ALL LAN Extension Kits.
No LAN extensions are required.
 
(Client Accounting  has been discontinued - see the section
titled "Harmony Client Accounting" for additional information.)
 
Upgrade Requirements
 
1. Orders for upgrades can only be placed by mail.
2. Orders should be mailed to Open Systems:
    "Attention: TANDY - HARMONY UPGRADE PROGRAM".
3. Open Systems requires the following items:
     a. Completed HARMONY UPGRADE FORM (see page attached to this M.O.M.)
     b. Check or Credit Card Number for the total amount of the upgrade.
     c. Original diskettes for each module upgraded.
     d. A copy of the sales receipt, with a purchase date after May 15, 1989,
        is required to qualify for the no charge upgrade offer.
 
Product Changes
 
1. LAN Extensions have been discontinued.
    Harmony Version 2.2 modules are network ready with the addition
    of the LAN System Manager.
2. imization of the code has increased processing and
    printing speed up to 400%.
3. Movement to other functions or applications can now be
    accomplished by use of a "GO TO" function key.
 
Harmony Client Accounting
 
1. Harmony Client Accounting has been discontinued by Open Systems.
2. A majority of the unique Client Accounting functions have been
    incorporated into the Version 2.2 General Ledger product.
3. Current Client Accounting customers may upgrade to General Ledger AT
    NO CHARGE.
    Appropriate shipping charges will apply.
4. The Harmony DOS or LAN System Manager must be upgraded to Version 2.2.
 
For Additional Information
 
Call the Order Upgrade Order Desk
(800) 541-8690
 
MOM-10-89
UPDATE ON THE SCO OPEN DESKTOP
 
Interest in the Open Desktop and UNIX 3.2 continues to grow.
A brief overview of the product is provided here to help you
answer customer inquiries about this new and exciting technology.
 
What is the Open Desktop?
Tasks that formey uired expensive workstations
(Sun, Apollo, etc.), minicomputers, or even mainframes can now be
accomplished with today's 386 PCs.
Tandy Corporation, as on of the parties involved in the definition
and design of the Open Desktop, is committed to this new technology.
 
The Open Desktop (ODT) is not a single software package, but a set of
components that integrate to provide a new standard for desktop computing.
To truly understand ODT, one must be aware of the individual components
and their ability to provide a totally integrated environment.
 
MOM-10-89
SCO UNIX System V/386 (Release 3.2)
 
 - The standard multi-user, multi-tasking operating system delivers the full
   32-bit, demand paging, virtual memory functionality of the 80386 PC.
 - It contains all of the features of SCO XENIX, plus a host of other features
   including full compliance with all major international standards.
 
Merge 386
 - From Locus Computing Corporation, Merge 386 provides
   seamless integration ofDOSnd UNIX applications. No need
   to switch between DOS and UNIX to run applications.
 - ODT user's gain full multitasking access to thousands of
   DOS applications that run right off the shelf, without modification.
 - DOS users can run multiple DOS and UNIX applications concurrently.
 - Merge 386 eliminates the complexities of multiple operating environments
   and protects the customer's investment in DOS based applications.
 
Graphical User Interface (GUI)
 - Say good-bye to the mysterious UNIX command line prompt and the complicated
   syntax that, more often than not, made end users shy away from
   the true power and affordability of the UNIX platform.
 - Open Desktop's X Window-based graphical user interface
   provides Presentation-Manager compatible behavior and layout.
 - It establishes a base from which developers can offer
   easy-to-learn-and-use applications with a consistent interface across DOS,
   OS/2 and UNIX System versions.
 Xsight
 - Provides the software services necessary to turn bit-
   mapped display consoles into powerful high-resolution
   graphical workstations that let users run multiple
   programs simultaneously on the console display.
 - Workgroup systems can be built with X11 compatible
   workstations or with DOS PCs running PC Xsight.
 - Also includes a variety of applications such as a clock,
   calendar, calculator, terminal emulator, and mouse
   controlled visual icons that represent files and programs.
 
INGRES/386
 - Provides the industry standard Structured Query Language
   (SQL) database services.
 - Includes interface specifications and libraries which
   provide access to other major networked relational database
   systems, such as ORACLE applications.
 
SCO TCP/IP & SCO NFS
 - Based on industry standard protocols, allowing ODT systems
   to share data with dissimilar systems.
 - TCP/IP provides high-performance Ethernet network connections to a wi
  variety of operating systems and hardware architectures.
 - NFS lets users on one machine transparently and directly access
   files and applications that reside on remote machines.
 
Why all the fuss about Open Desktop, why is it important?
The XENIX and UNIX environment, despite it's longevity and power,
has always maintained a certain mystique.
Often thought of as the operating system for byte heads,
hackers and technical types, the business community has been slow to accept
the XENIX/UNIX environment as a truly affordable and powerful alternative.
 
Open Desktop removes the mystery of UNIX, providing a friendly graphical user
interface while unleashing the full potential of the 80386 processor.
 
Based on an open systems approach, the ODT environment offers
portability, hardware independence, and full compliance with
international standards. ODT systems can be easily upgraded
to take advantage of future generations of standard hardware.
The user has a wide range of applcatns, already on the
market, to choose from including DOS and XENIX/UNIX based applications.
 
When will the Open Desktop be available?
The Santa Cruz Operation is now shipping Open Desktop Development Kits
to software developers and major corporate accounts that perform
in-house applications development.
 
A variety of applications developed by third party vendors
will begin shipping in early 1990.
These applications will feature the OSF/Motif standard interface.
 
Radio Shack is currently evaluating the initial release of
the Open Desktop and UNIX 3.2.
By providing early feedback and testing results to SCO,
we will insure complete support for peripherals and target CPUs.
 
Radio Shack plans to ship both the Open Desktop and UNIX 3.2
during the second quarter of 1990.
 
Bear in mind that the Open Desktop is a future product and one that
will not be in demand by all of our customers.
The next release of SCO XENIX, version 2.3.4, will remain a strong and viable
oerang platform for a majority of our small business customers.
Our emphasis today must be the current SCO XENIX solution.
 
MOM-10-89
SCO XENIX IN THE REAL WORLD
A continuing series on SCO XENIX success stories
 
SCO XENIX CONTINUES TO GAIN SUPPORT IN THE BUSINESS MARKETPLACE
 
La Quinta Motor Inns, a San Antonio based economy hotel operator, recently
announced their plans to implement SCO XENIX as their corporate platform.
 
The company had been searching for a low-cost multiuser
system to replace their mini-computer based hotel management
system currently operating at each of its 200 properties.
 
The 80386 based PCs, running SCO XENIX, will be used for
reservations, check-in and check-out, room inventory,
tracking guest history and management reporting.
The systems will also be used to transfer payroll and administrative
files back to the corporate office in San Antonio.
 
Each inn will be provided with an 80386 based SCO XENIX system, three
terminals and three printers.
 
The XIX systems are up and running in four of the La Quinta Inns in
San Antonio.
 
Advantages Cited In the Mini to Micro Move -
 
 - The lower maintenance charges alone will pay for the hardware.
 - The 80386 based PC provides better performance than the current mini system.
 - Less complicated and more cost effective software
   development, as well as a wide range of "off the shelf"
   applications available for the PC based system.
 - Greater potential for communications and modern software
   such as relational databases.
 
MOM-10-89
NOVELL PRODUCT UPDATE
 
Manuals for the Novell Reseller Authorization Course (RAC) are now in
stock and shipping to the field for scheduled training sessions.
 
Only authorized Computer Centers may sell Novell products.
There are two requirements to gain authorization:
 
1. A member of the Computer Center staff must be trained as
    a reseller by completing the Novell Reseller Authorization Course (RAC).
2. A running demonstration of 26-5563LSetWare Level II
    must be maintained in the Computer Center at all times.
 
Upon successful completion of this training, a copy of 26-5563 will be
shipped to your Computer Center.
You are then authorized to sell any of the Novell product line.
 
As orders are placed at TSDC, verification will be made to insure that the
ordering store has completed the required training.
 
All Novell products listed in RSC-21 (Page 21) are in stock and available to
authorized Computer Centers.
 
MOM-10-89
THE NOVELL SOFTWARE SUBSCRIPTION PROGRAM - NETWARE ASSURANCE
 
NetWare Assurance is Novell's answer to customer demand for
an easy way to update and maintain NetWare operating systems.
 
Simply stated, NetWare Assurance is a contract entitling
the buyer to an instant update to the highest current
NetWare level available in their product family and to
receive each NetWare revision released during the following 12 months.
 
Benefits
 
 - One-time purchase, stay current for a year.
   With NetWare Assurance, users can budget their updat expenses for
   an ente year and eliminate the need for new purchase order approval
   each time a revision is released.
 - Instant upgrade to the highest level in their OS family.
   By purchasing NetWare Assurance, a user running Advanced NetWare 286 V2.0,
   for example, will bring the system up to the current V2.15.
 
The Market
 - Existing installed base. There are over 350,000 NetWare LANs out there
   right now.
   All can benefit from the hassle free update process offered by
   NetWare Assurance.
 - Add-on sales. NetWare Assurance is a natural to bundle
   with the sale of a new NetWare operating system.
 
NetWare Assurance Availability
The NetWare Assurance product is available NOW to authorized Computer Centers.
 
901-1768        NetWare Assurance ELS II        $495.00
        (FOR 26-5563/901-1756 NetWare Level II)
 
901-1767        NetWare Assurance Advanced      995.00
        (FOR 901-1757/901-1758 Advanced NetWare)
901-1769        NetWare Assunce SFT   1,495.00
        (FOR 901-1761/901-1762 SFT NetWare)
 
Make your customers aware of the benefits of this product
with the sale of every NOVELL System!
 
MOM-09-89
THE FRONT LINE
 
THE FRONT LINE is a monthly column dedicated to discussing merchandising
and customer care concepts relating to our computer product line.
 
GETTING PERSONAL WHEN SELLING PERSONAL COMPUTERS
 
"But what can I do with it?"
 
This is probably the most frequently asked question by prospects
shopping for a personal computer for a non-business application.
The answer you provide can be one of the most significant factors in your
customers' decision whether or not to buy from you.
You're going to hear this question even more often as the holiday season
approaches and more people are considering a Personal Computer under their
Christmas tree.
 
So how do you respond?
 
You could simply start listing DeskMate , PC-Link, word processing,
spreadsheet, database, home budgeting, and on and on.
But you haven't told your prospect anything.
You could apply a bit of salesmanship and say something
like "Since it runs all the popular programs and there are thousands to
choose from, you can do just about anything." Anything?
That does cover a lot of ground!
 
Here's how a professional salesmaker replies:
"Before I answer that question, may I ask you a few questions?"
Then, here are those questions:
 
1. Are you considering a personal computer for yourself or for your family?
2. Does your family include children?
3. How many children do you have and how old are they?
4. What kinds of hobbies or activities are you and members of your
family involved in?
5. Do you see yourself or any member of your family using a computer for
business now or in the future?  If so, tell me about the business.
 
As you prepare to answer the "What can I do with it?" question,
keep in mind that you must be relevant!
Also for the sake of friendliness, answer by way of example.
Begin by saying, "Thanks for that information.  Now I can answer your question.
 
"Many of our customers start with DeskMate.
In addition to making it easy and fast to learn how to use the computer,
they use the word processor to write letters,"
(notice I didn't say 'generate correspondence'; that sounds very technical)
"or the filer to keep track of auto maintenance,
or perhaps the calendar to organize social commitments."
 
See what I mean?  Truly useful things that most everybody can relate to.
 
Next, you zero in:
 
"You mentioned that you're a gourmet cook.
A Tandy computer is right at home in the kitchen.
For example, our Great Chefs Master Collection includes over 800 recipes
including cooking tips and even wine suggestions.
Or, if you're a recipe collector, our Micro Kitchen Companion is a
terrific way to keep track of all your favorites.
It can even take a recipe created for a dinner party of twelve and adjust the
quantities of ingredients for an intimate dinner for two."
 
or
 
"We have many customers such as yourself who enjoy watching the stock
market and managing their personal portfolio.
The PC-Link information service provides you with detailed market information
as well as market prices for your particular securities.
Some are even using one of our portfolio managers to keep track of their
complete holdings."
 
or
 
"A Tandy computer is a terrific help for youngsters.
For example, Reader Rabbit allows a Tandy computer to help your child
improve their letter and number recognition.
It does this by actually talking to them.
When I was a kid, it seemed like Sunday night was the night I remembered
that an important report was due on Monday morning.
Of course, the library wasn't available so I was usually stuck.
I sure wish I'd had PC-Link.
PC-Link is an information service that you connect to via a telephone.
In addition to hundreds of other references, it offers the entire Groliers
American Encyclopedia.
Your son or daughter can search it almost as if they were at the library."
 
or
 
"By the way, I'm sure I don't have to tell you about the entertainment
value of a Tandy computer.
The average American watches seven hours of TV a day!
I don't know about you, but I would do just about
anything to draw my child away from television.
Playing games is the best way for kids to learn about computers,
and they don't even know they're learning something!"
 
Beginning to get the idea? Sell relevant, tangible benefits!
Spend some time looking through our catalogs with an eye towards matching up
activities and products.  At your sales meetings,
play the game, "Here's what I do, what do you have that I will find useful?"
 
Finally, have a look at a brand new category of software, called
Personal Software on page 27 of the new RSC-21S.
This category is growing quickly with lots of titles that will make a Personal
Computer more like a television set.
Someday, one PC per family just won't be enough.
There will be one in the kitchen, one in the home/office and
perhaps one in the kid's bedroom.
Get to work familiarizing yourself with these exciting new products to be
ready for the future!
 
MOM-09-89
MARKETING COMPUTERS IN SEPTEMBER
 
Items on Sale in September
 
IMPORTANT - 10% BUSINESS SYSTEM DISCOUNT DISCONTINUED
 
Effective September 1, 1989, the 10% Business Systems discount for
Tandy  3000s, 4000s, and 5000s is DISCONTINUED.
This will allow us to offer customers our best possible price on
business class computers.  It also clarifies our goal of offering consistent,
nationwide pricing on all of our products.
 
Any proposals you've submitted to prospects can be honored until October 1.
Any discounts offered after that time must be synchronized with current
promotional pricing or VPAs.
 
FOR ALL STORES:
 
Tandy 1000 HX and Tandy 1400 LT
Cat.No. Description     Reg Price  Sale    Sale Dates
25-1053 Tandy 1000 HX     699.00   399.00  8/20-Cont'd
25-1053 Tandy 1000 HX
25-1043 CM-5 Color Monitor
                System    998.95   699.00  8/20-9/16
25-3500 Tandy 1400 LT   1,799.00   999.00  SOWG
 
The Tandy 1000 TL DeskMate Bonus Pak
Cat.No. Description     Reg Price       Sale    Sale Dates
25-1601 Tandy 1000 TL
25-1043 CM-5 Monitor
26-1338 Bonus Pak
                 System  1,916.85    1,299.00        SOWG
 
Model 4D/Software/Accessories
Cat.No. Description          Reg Price  Sale    Sale Dates
26-1070 Model 4D Computer     1,199.00  599.00  8/20-10/21
26-1138 4/4D HD Controller      449.95  299.95  8/20-10/21
26-1540 General Ledger          199.95  149.97  8/20-9/16
26-1542 Accounts Payable        199.95  149.97  8/20-9/16
 
Home Productivity/Office and Business Software
Cat.No. Description        MSRP   Sale    Sale Dates
25-1174 Varsity SCRIPSIT  99.95   69.95   7/16-9/16
25-1225 Q & A            349.00  249.00   7/16-9/16
25-1227 AwardWare         14.95    8.95   8/20-SOWG
25-1247 MemoryMate        69.95   54.95   9/17-10/21
25-1250 DeskMate  3       99.95   49.95   7/16-SOWG
25-1262 Instant Pages     44.95   39.95   8/20-9/16
25-1265 Print Magic       54.95   39.95   8/20-9/16
 
Printers, Enhancements and Accessories
Cat.No. Description           Reg Price  Sale    Sale Dates
26-1375 ModemFone 300            99.95   39.95   8/20-9/16
26-2800 DWP 520                 995.00  497.00   8/20-9/16
26-2801 Tractor Feed DWP 520    149.95  119.95   SOWG
26-2808 DMP 440                 699.00  499.00   SOWG
26-2812 DWP 230                 459.95  299.95   8/20-10/21
26-2814 DMP 132                 379.95  219.95   SOWG
 
MOM-09-89
ADDITIONAL FOR 01Zs/COMPUTER CENTERS:
 
Tandy 3000 NL - 25% Off a Complete System!
For the time period 9/1-10/21 your customers will receive 25% off
when they purchase:
 
  Tandy 3000 NL
  Any Video Adapter and Monitor
  Any ST-506 Hard Drive & Controller (cat. nos. 25-4057/4062/4067/4058)
 
Tandy 4000 LX - 20% Off a Complete System
That's right, for the time period 9/1-10/21,
20% off any complete Tandy 4000 LX system that includes:
 
  Tandy 4000 LX (2 MB RAM Standard)
  Any 25/26 Video Adapter and Monitor
  Any 25/26 Hard Drive and Controller
 
Hard Drives on Sale
Not to forget the Tandy 4000 and 4000 SX, or those add on sales,
from 9/1 to 10/21, ST-506 Hard Drives are on sale both with and
without a controller.  Take a look:
 
Hard Drives & Controllers
250-4062/4058   20 MB Hard Drive & Controller           $599
250-4057/4058   40 MB (40ms) Hard Drive & Controller    $799
250-4067/4058   70 MB Hard Drive & Controller         $1,099
 
Or, add a second hard drive to your Tandy 3000 NL and Tandy 4000 LX customers:
 
Hard Drives Only
250-4062        20 MB Hard Drive        $449
250-4057        40 MB (40ms) Hard Drive $649
250-4067        70 MB Hard Drive        $999
 
MOM-09-89
THE DESKMATE  DIFFERENCE
A series of articles on DeskMate.
 
THE FRIENDLY FACE OF DESKMATE 3.3
 
This month the friendly face of DeskMate 3.3 will appear with the Tandy 
1000 TL/2 computers.
This new version of DeskMate will also appear as 25-1350 in October.
DeskMate 3.3 has enhancements to the DeskMate Desktop, new
help and tutorial options, automatic installation, and new user interface
features.
 
New Features of the DeskMate Desktop
The first noticeable change to the Desktop is the different kinds of
applications boxes.  You'll notice that the Address Book, Calendar, and
PC-Link programs have smaller boxes with rounded corners.
These programs have no selectable data files, so they appear without the
usual application list box.
Whenever a Desktop application box is defined or redefined without a filename
extension for the data files, the application box appears as this smaller
rounded box.
Applications defined with a data filename extension appear as the regular
list boxes.
 
Another new feature of the Desktop is the ability to move the
application boxes from one part of the screen to another.
To do this previously, the user had to remove the box from the Desktop then
display it again at another location.
This new feature (which appears as Desktop F7 Move) reduces this process to
one easy step.
 
Additionally, the Desktop can now be displayed with six colors rather
than the four colors on the previous version.
 
An especially useful new feature is "sticky menus."
With this feature, when you point to a menu name on the menubar with the
mouse, you can then release the mouse button, point to the desired
option on the menu, and double click to execute the option.
These menus are called "sticky" because the menu sticks when you click on it.
In previous versions of DeskMate, the user had to hold down the mouse
button, drag the mouse down to select an option, then release the
button to execute the option.
These sticky menus make the menus easier to use with a mouse.
 
New Help and Tutorial Options
When you press F1 to get help in DeskMate 3.3, stand back!
You will see context-sensitive help as you've probably never seen it before.
 
This new help system has several levels.
The first time you press F1, a small box with appropriate help appears.
If that box provides sufficient help, you can press the Escape key to return
to the application.  If you want more help, press F1 again.
A help menu or another box with text will appear.
This process can be repeated, with a series of help menus appearing on the
screen, until the question is answered.
Then pressing <ESC> causes the application program to return to the screen.
 
This help system is so sophisticated that it replaces the
250-page DeskMate User Reference Manual!
That means the only manual needed for DeskMate 3.3 is the Getting Started
manual, and all the reference information is in the help system.
 
Another major enhancement of DeskMate 3.3 is the "Teach Me" tutorials.
These give the user complete lessons in running the DeskMate applications.
To use the tutorials, select the Teach Me box on the Desktop.
 
Each application in DeskMate 3.3 has its own tutorial.
You should suggest that before your customer runs a DeskMate program,
he or she run the accompanying tutorial.
 
These tutorials feature the latest in DeskMate tutorial technology from Tandy.
Each tutorial runs the main application program it teaches and
overlays instructions with attractive graphics to guide the user
through its use.
Try these tutorials -- their sophistication will impress you and your customers!
 
New Installation Procedure
We ask other DeskMate vendors to include automatic installation systems for
their applications, and this year we included one, too!
To install DeskMate 3.3 onto a hard disk, simply insert the diskette
in your drive and bring up the Desktop.
Then use the Desktop F7 Install option.
 
The installation program displays a graphic of the diskette and the computer,
and it shows which file it is currently copying from the diskette to the
computer's hard disk.  All the system asks for is the name of
the directory to which the files will be copied, and it prompts the user each
time another diskette is needed.  Now that's ease of installation!
 
Running Existing DeskMate Apps Under DeskMate 3.3
Dozens of programs from third-party software publishers use the
DeskMate Graphical User Interface.
They have the same "look and feel," and they use the same pull-down menus and
dialogue boxes.
Third-party DeskMate programs that already exist were developed using
the previous versions of the DeskMate Interface (versions 3.2 or earlier).
When they are run from the DeskMate 3.3 Desktop, they will
work fine, and they automatically acquire the new features of this new version.
The most visible feature will be the sticky menus.
 
Each third-party DeskMate program has two executable files: a .PDM file
and a .EXE file.
The .PDM file allows the program to be executed from the Desktop, and the .EXE
file allows the program to be executed directly from the DOS prompt.
To make sure these programs execute under the DeskMate 3.3 Interface,
be sure to execute the .PDM files from the DeskMate 3.3 Desktop.
 
The new help and tutorial options must be specifically implemented by
each application, so the existing programs will not have these features
(unless and until the software publisher adds them retroactively).
 
What It Means to You
All these features of DeskMate 3.3 make the Tandy 1000 TL/2 a very
attractive system.  Use them in selling the Tandy 1000 TL/2.
Focus on the new help system and tutorials when making your sales presentation.
 
We still have copies of DeskMate 3.2 (25-1250) in the warehouse, and
they are currently on sale for $49.95.
The retail version of DeskMate 3.3 (25-1350) will become available in about
two months.
The first rule of selling is to sell what you have, and $49.95 is a great
price for DeskMate.  So be sure to sell the current version of DeskMate first!
 
The DeskMate Fact Sheets that you received as part of the FC-970
DeskMate Sales Kit present the new version of DeskMate.
Be sure to use them when showing the Tandy 1000 TL/2 and DeskMate 3.3.
 
You have two great demo disks that show DeskMate applications: the
DeskMate Applications Demo disk (part of FC-970) and the Lotus
Spreadsheet for DeskMate Demo disk that you received early in August.
Keep these disks running on displayed computers to give your customers
maximum exposure to DeskMate applications.
 
Remember, DeskMate helps you sell computers, but only if you use it!
 
MOM-09-89
THE CREDIT LINE
Direct to you from Tandy credit departments - Commercial Credit,
Tandy Computer Leasing, and RSVP.
 
LET US INTRODUCE OURSELVES . . .
 
RSVP; Commercial Credit; Tandy Computer Leasing (TCL):
three sources of financing for your customers one directed to your
consumer customers, two directed to commercial/educational customers.
All are designed to generate more sales closings for you.
All three credit departments offer literature, training,
and telephone support to help you provide your customers
with total solution financing.
The key is to become familiar with the "how to" basics of each;
then you can help your customers choose the right products,
and you can offer them the right finance options for those products.
 
This month's issue marks the premier of the The Credit Line.
Every month, this section will cover items to help you utilize Tandy's
in-house credit programs for your maximum benefit.
Commercial Credit, Tandy Computer Leasing and RSVP
will all contribute policies, procedures and marketing hints
designed specifically to help you move more products out the door.
For example:
 
Commercial Credit
Most everyone knows that Commercial Credit is available to those
business customers who prefer to utilize company Purchase Orders
and who need a specific invoice to generate payment.
Many people refer to this as a "30 day account."
In truth, Radio Shack's Commercial Credit program is a ten (10) day account.
The full cost of the transaction is due ten days after invoicing.
It is considered past due after thirty days from the date of the sale.
 
To open a Commercial Credit account,
an application must be completed by your customer and called (or mailed)
to Credit Approvals, 600 Two Tandy Center, Fort Worth, TX 76102.
Upon completion of a routine credit investigation, you will be notified
of approval (and credit limit) or decline.
 
Tandy Computer Leasing
During the annual meetings just completed,
it was apparent that there is some confusion regarding setting up a
Commercial Credit account for a TCL lease customer.
 
Commercial Credit will set-up an Approved account,
with a line of credit of $300.00, for all Tandy Computer Leasing clients.
No Commercial Charge Application is required,
only the Lease Number and Customer Number.
 
Stores should call Credit Approvals at 1-800-442-2585
and indicate that they want to set-up an account for a Lease Customer.
The Approval Clerk will ask for Name, Address, Phone Number,
and Tandy Computer Lease Number and Customer Number.
The Commercial Account will be set up and will appear on the stores'
Detail List the following month.
 
This is a "Line of Credit."
It is not a "one time" only purchase approval.
The idea is that your customer can use this line of credit
for ongoing (continual) supplies purchases.
This eliminates constant calling for relatively small approval amounts
each time paper, diskettes, ribbons or other supplies are needed.
 
If the customer wishes to make a purchase over his $300.00 line of credit,
Commercial Credit will need a completed Commercial Charge Application,
indicating the desired credit limit (open to buy).
A normal Commercial Charge credit evaluation will be done
and you will be notified of approval/decline.
 
The following message was included in RSVP's August invoices:
 
YOU CAN ENHANCE YOUR BUSINESS AND OFFICE PRODUCTIVITY WITH NO DRAIN
ON CASH FLOW!
TANDY COMPUTER LEASING OFFERS COST EFFECTIVE LEASE/FINANCE PLANS
FOR COMPUTER SYSTEMS, FAX MACHINES, CELLULAR PHONES AND MORE!
IF YOU ARE SELF EMPLOYED OR A DECISION MAKER WITHIN YOUR COMPANY,
SCHOOL SYSTEM OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT, CALL 1-800-433-5548
(OR 1-800-772-5859 WITHIN TEXAS) FOR INFORMATION TODAY!
 
The numerous calls already received are the best indicator of how eager
your customers are to know about the credit resources available to them
through your company.
Call it "one stop shopping" or "total solution shopping" your
customers want to know that you can provide it.
(This message, obviously, targeted both consumer and commercial prospects.)
 
Comment
A TCL marketing survey was distributed to RSCC and 01Z representatives
at the FY '90 annual meeting.
Among the questions asked was this:
"Do you make a lease (monthly payment) proposal part of every sales
presentation to business/education/government customers?"
 
While the majority of replies indicated a lease proposal was offered
with every proposal, a significant number of responses said "no."
And the main reason for not offering a lease proposal was
"unfamiliarity with the program."
 
If you have any questions regarding any of these programs, please call:
 
RSVP                    1-817-878-6546
Commercial Credit       1-800-442-2585
Tandy Computer Leasing  1-800-433-5548
 
MOM-09-89
STOCK FILE CHANGES
A quick reference to product status changes - pricing, availability, etc.
 
PRODUCTS CANCELED, DISCONTINUED AND REPLACED
 
DISCONTINUED
CAT. #          DESCRIPTION
250-1202        Harmony Inventory
250-5133        8 MB 80ns Memory Kit
        (replaced by 2 ea 25-5132)
260-0307        5 1/4" Diskette Labels (Pk. 54)
        (replaced by 260-0245)
260-6209        Job Cost Model 6000
700-2053        Upgrade 26-6201 GL 6000
700-2054        Upgrade 26-6204 AR 6000
700-2056        Upgrade 26-6207 OE 6000
700-2057        Upgrade 26-6208 SA 6000
900-3242        MoneyMate
905-3357        VenturPlan Retail
 
PRICE CHANGES
 
                                 OLD     NEW
CAT. #          DESCRIPTION     PRICE   PRICE
900-2120        8087 5 MHz      155.00  142.00
          Tandy 1000A/1200/PC
900-2121        8087 8 MHz      220.00  205.00
          Tandy 1000 SX/SL/1400 LT
900-2191        80287 8 MHz     355.00  326.00
          Tandy 3000/1000 TX/TL
900-2192        80287 10 MHz    410.00  374.00
          Tandy 3000 NL
900-2321        80387sx 16 MHz  580.00  506.00
          Tandy 4000 SX
900-2131        80387 16 MHz    645.00  570.00
          Tandy 4000
900-2193        80387 20 MHz    730.00  647.00
          Tandy 5000 MC/4000 LX
          and 4020 LX
900-2322        80387 25 MHz    920.00  814.00
 
MOM-09-89
LATE DATES
 
Listed below are the new items that appear in Catalog RSC-21
(1990 Tandy  Computer Catalog) which have not yet arrived at the warehouses.
Also included are the dates the merchandise is expected to be available
at the warehouses.
 
The dates listed in this section are based on the latest available information,
and are updated monthly.
While they may not be 100% accurate, they are the best estimate we have
at this time.
 
The dates listed here should be your ONLY reference for availability of
cataloged items.
Ft. Worth Computer Support Services or Ft. Worth Computer Merchandising
will not have any dates other than the ones shown here.
 
250-1034        2400 bps V-Series Modem             9/30/89
250-1045        20 Meg HD - IDE                     9/15/89
250-1046        40 Meg HD - IDE                     9/15/89
250-1254        Getting the Most out of DeskMate 3  9/30/89
250-1266        HomeWord II                         9/30/89
250-1283        Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate     10/30/89
250-1284        The Resume Kit                      9/30/89
250-1288        Utilities! DM                      10/15/89
250-1295        DeskMate Form Finisher             10/30/89
250-1296        Paradox 3.0                         9/15/89
250-1297        Paradox 3.0 LAN Pack                9/15/89
250-1298        The New Print Shop                  9/30/89
250-1299        DeskMate Q&A Write                  9/30/89
250-1307        John Madden Football               10/15/89
250-1314        DacEasy Accounting DM              10/15/89
250-1315        Backup Pro DM                      10/15/89
250-1316        Paint Show Plus                    10/30/89
250-1350        DeskMate 3                          9/15/89
250-4079        60 MB Tape Cartridge System         9/30/89
250-4120        80 MB 19ms 3 1/2" 1/2 Height        9/30/89
250-4121        SmartDrive  Interface Adapter       9/30/89
250-4910        4000 SX Technical Reference         9/30/89
250-5110        4020/4025 LX Tech Reference        11/30/89
250-5120        Tandy 4020 LX                      10/30/89
250-5125        Tandy 4025 LX                      10/30/89
 
260-0213        3 1/2" 3-pack Disk Box             10/15/89
260-0216        5 1/4" 3-pack Disk Box              9/30/89
260-0236        Printer Supports                   10/30/89
260-0246        60 MB Data Tape Cartridge          11/15/89
260-0255        6' VGA Monitor Extension Cable      9/30/89
260-2815        DMP-133                             9/30/89
260-2822        DMP-442                             9/30/89
260-2828        4 Way Printer Selector             10/30/89
260-2829        Serial/Parallel Converter          10/30/89
260-2840        Printer Cable Extender             10/30/89
260-3043        Arkanoid                           10/15/89
260-3100        Mind Roll                           9/30/89
260-3123        Pistol Grip Joystick               10/15/89
260-3164        Robocop                             9/30/89
260-3165        Predator                            9/30/89
260-3174        Rampage                             9/30/89
260-3930        WP-2 Portable Wordprocessor        10/15/89
260-3931        WP-2 32K RAM IC Card               10/15/89
260-3932        WP-2 32K RAM Module                10/15/89
260-3950        WP-100 Printing Wordprocessor      10/15/89
260-3951        WP-100 2.8" Diskettes (Pk 2)       10/15/89
260-3952        WP-100 Single-Strike Ribbon        10/15/89
260-3953        WP-100 S/S Correction Tape         10/15/89
260-3954        WP-100 Multi-Strike Ribbon         10/15/89
260-3955        WP-100 M/S Correction Tape         10/15/89
260-3956        WP-100 Printwheel: Courier 10      10/15/89
260-3957        WP-100 Printwheel: Courier 12      10/15/89
260-3958        WP-100 Printwheel: Pica 10         10/15/89
260-3959        WP-100 Printwheel: Letter Gothic 10/12  10/15/89
260-3960        WP-100 Printwheel: Script 12       10/15/89
260-3961        WP-100 Printwheel: Prest Elite 12  10/15/89
 
700-3044        ARCNET Driver for 3Com             10/15/89
 
900-1643        PFS: Choice LAN Pack                9/30/89
900-1731        3+OPEN Internet                     9/15/89
900-2320        Tash Mini keyboard                  9/30/89
900-2322        25MHz 80387 Math Coprocessor       10/30/89
900-2456        Arnet Multiport/2                  10/30/89
900-2460        Orchid Ramquest Extra              11/30/89
900-2870        Delphi: The Official Guide          9/30/89
900-5628        Facts on File                      10/15/89
 
903-1471        Print Shop Sampler Edition         10/30/89
903-1472        Print Shop Party Edition           10/30/89
903-1473        Print Shop Business/School Edition 10/30/89
903-1578        SCO Image Builder (386)             9/30/89
903-1588        SCO Professional (386)              9/30/89
903-1933        FilePro 16+ XENIX (386)            10/15/89
 
905-1471        Print Shop Sampler Edition         10/30/89
905-1472        Print Shop Party Edition           10/30/89
905-1473        Print Shop Business/School Edition 10/30/89
905-1474        Microsoft Works 2.0 (5 1/4" only)   9/30/89
 
MOM-09-89
PRODUCTS CURRENTLY OUT OF STOCK
 
The following hardware items are temporarily out of stock.
In most cases there is a quantity in the field, and District/Regional
Sales Managers should assist in satisfying customers.
(Do NOT place on backorder anything for which you do not actually
have a customer waiting.)
 
Cat. #          Description                Back in Stock
25-1040         Tandy 9-Pin Serial Mouse   short supply thru 9/30
250-3520        Battery Tandy 1400 LT      10/30
250-4034        Serial/Parallel Board      10/30
 
MOM-09-89
DUAL MEDIA SOFTWARE
 
If you've carefully pored over the new RSC-21S software catalog, you
may have discovered a significant change in our media strategy.
 
As you know, last year we began adding titles containing 3 1/2" media to
Express Order .
At the same time we created two new catalog series, 903 and 905 to make it
easier for you to order the right media sizes.
 
We still had a problem, however.
Many of the publishers of our 25 series sofware do not ordinarily include dual
media in their packages.
The inclusion of dual media has been a requirement of ours, however,
before we would allow a software title to carry a 25 series catalog number.
Therefore, many of our vendors had to manufacture special versions of their
products just for us, frequently at higher costs and almost always with longer
lead times.
 
This year, where it makes sense from a cost and target market point of
view we will deviate from this rule.  Here are the guidelines:
 
1. There must be a good reason for not inlcuding dual media.
Good reasons will include space problems (additional diskette won't fit in
the package), or ability to obtain a substantially better price on the
single media version.
2. In the case of split media, only the 3 1/2" version will carry the 25
series stock number, never the 5 1/4" version.
The description on your stockfile for any item packaged with only 3 1/2"
media will end with a '3' (e.g. WORDPERFECT 5.0 3).
3. The 5 1/4" version must be available from Express Order.
4. The program's target market must be clearly identifiable as "high
end" making it an extremely remote possibility that a customer would
desire to use the program on a Tandy  1000 SL.
 
Here's a list of products currently with "split media":
 
Title                  3 1/2" Media    5 1/4" Media
WordPerfect 5.0          25-1268         905-3325
Microsoft Word 5         25-1282         905-1475
RealWorld 4-in-1         25-1287         905-3083
 
The most important thing to remember is that those products clearly
targeted for the home home/office markets,
such as entertainment and home education titles,
will continue to be packed with dual media.
 
MOM-09-89
PRODUCT NEWS
ALL STORE
 
The "ALL STORE" section contains information of interest to all store types.
01Zs and Computer Centers will also be interested in the information
contained in the "01Z/COMPUTER CENTER" section.
 
JOHN ROACH AND LOTUS' JIM MANZI SPEAK OUT ON DESKMATE AND LOTUS
 
On August 2, Lotus Development Corporation announced Lotus Spreadsheet
for DeskMate, the 1-2-3-compatible spreadsheet that uses the DeskMate
Graphical User Interface.
 
Both John Roach (Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board,
Tandy Corporation) and Jim Manzi (President and CEO of Lotus)
spoke at the announcement.  Here are some of their comments and some analysts'
comments regarding DeskMate and the new Lotus spreadsheet:
 
Ease of Use
Mr. Roach:  "We've been trying to reduce the frustration of learning how
to use computers and their operating systems.
We believe that DeskMate  sets a new standard for ease of use.... The
affordability and utility for the MS-DOS world has been significantly expanded
by DeskMate's added user friendliness."
 
The Small Business Market
Mr. Manzi:  "According to the U.S. government, there are seven million
corporations in this country with 100 or fewer employees.
If you count sole proprietorships and other businesses that elect not to pay
corporate taxes, there may be as many as 25 million small businesses in the
U.S....
 
"We think the big winners [with the new spreadsheet] are those
small American businesses - a whole slew of them - that are about to
become part of the personal computer revolution in a bigger way.
They're about to discover how applications such as the Lotus
Spreadsheet for DeskMate can help them keep better track of their
business....
 
"If spreadsheets have made a difference in large
corporations over the last ten years, then there is no reason they
can't make the same difference in smaller businesses."
 
Tandy's Position in the Market
Mr. Manzi:  "This is extremely important to us.... [this is] a very
large, high growth segment of our marketplace that is tremendously
under-penetrated....
Tandy is the absolute best partner we could have
for going after that business."
 
Press Analysts' Comments
Lotus and Tandy are "... headed in the right direction...bringing ease of
use and functionality to a segment of the market that really needs
that."
 
This new Lotus product represents "... one more step in making it easier to
use for the guy at home."
 
One analyst said that over the next two years, this software product
will attract 25 percent of small business that currently doesn't use
personal computers.
(Do the math for yourself - that might be as many as 6.25 million more users!)
 
What It Means to You
These positive comments demonstrate and continue the momentum that
DeskMate is building.
This interest will continue to bring customers into your store to learn more
about DeskMate, the Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate, and other DeskMate
applications.
Use the DeskMate Sales Kit (FC-970) and the Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate
Demo Kit to help you demonstrate these products.
 
How many Tandy computers will this momentum help you sell?
It's not up to the press or to Mr. Roach or to Mr. Manzi - IT'S ALL UP TO YOU!
 
Use the momentum and the selling tools you have to turn this momentum
into sales!
 
MOM-09-89
WHY YOUR CUSTOMER SHOULD BUY A MODEM TODAY:  10 GOOD REASONS
 
You've just sold your customer a Tandy  1000 SL/TL computer, or a
DeskMate  standalone software package.
 
Your next challenge is to sell
that customer a piece of computing equipment you know will enhance their
computing experience and make them a happier customer a modem.
 
Even if he or she is a beginner to computing, tell your customer that
there are 10 good reasons to invest in a modem TODAY to
enhance the usefulness of that new computer:
 
1. Your new computer (DeskMate) software includes PC-Link -- the online
service especially for Tandy computer owners.
And you need a modem to use PC-Link.
2. You may have a lot of questions about using your new
computer AFTER you've got it home.  And PC-Link puts you in direct touch
with the experts at Tandy who made your computer.
If you have a question about your computer, you can post a question on the
Tandy Hotline, and a Radio Shack representative will get back to you within
two working days.
3. PC-Link is a "helping hand" for the beginning computer user.
PC-Link is easy to use, and PC-Link members can get their computing questions
answered online.
4. PC-Link will help you increase your computing savvy ... with a
Software Buyers' Guide, software reviews, and hints and tips to make
computing faster and easier.
5. PC-Link is your personal library of software.
You can select from thousands of public domain and shareware programs
available for downloading, featuring games, productivity, educational and
utility programs, and more!
6. PC-Link will save you money.
Make travel reservations online and find the lowest fares,
and comparison-shop for bargains in an online store.
7. PC-link opens up the mysteries of computing to your kids.
PC-Link is so easy and fun to use,
it will give your kids a head start on their computing skills.
8. PC-Link expands your educational horizons.
Take a class in an online college.
Enhance your child's learning with nightly homework help from
professional teachers and the regularly-updated online encyclopedia.
PC-Link makes learning fun!
9. Telecommunications is the "wave of the future" with PC-Link and a
modem, you're on the cutting edge!
10. Modems are inexpensive and easy to use -- and I'll even install
one in your new computer for you before you leave the store.
 
MOM-09-89
POWER ON . . . . AND GO!
 
A BIG selling point for our Tandy  1000 computer line is
the fact that these computers are easy to use,
and DeskMate  is obviously a big part of that ease-of-use.
 
DeskMate has come a long way since we first introduced our text-based
version in 1984.
What started out as a simple collection of starter applications with a common
command structure has evolved into a modern graphical user interface,
quietly building momentum with software developers
while attracting a very large user base.
Today, there are over one million DeskMate installations
in the United States alone.
 
DeskMate's graphical user interface turns a potentially complex application
into an easy-to-use interactive system with pull-down menus
and dialogue boxes.
This same interface is used by a growing number of applications.
 
The complete DeskMate system includes a set of ten applications that
make a new computer useful from the first moment it is turned on.
Applications like Text, Calendar, Address Book, Filer, Draw, etc. are
truly easy to use and for some users may be most of the software they
will ever need.
 
So how easy are our Tandy 1000 computers to set up and use?
Well, when you turn them on,
you see the colorful and intuitive DeskMate Desktop  -
you aren't looking at a dark screen wondering what to do with
that   A:>      staring at you (if, indeed, you even see that!).
 
How do competitor's machines compare?
Well, we recently acquired and set up an IBM PS/2 Model 30-286 and a
Compaq Deskpro 286 and here's what we found:
 
* DOS does not come with these systems and must be purchased separately
(that's additional $$$$ you must take into account when figuring
the cost of a computer system).
 
* You must go through the setup procedure to tell the system what
your computer configuration is.
 
* And THEN, when these systems boot up, they come up to that   A:>    prompt
and stare at you.
You're left wondering what you should do now to realize all those
wonderful benefits you've heard you'll get by having a computer.
 
With the Tandy  1000 TL and SL, however,
all you need to do is plug in the monitor and the power cords,
turn them on, and you see the DeskMate Desktop within 5 seconds!
You can start investigating computer functions immediately.
And, with a diskette in the drive,
you have a set of useable applications instantly at your fingertips.
 
Do you realize what a difference this makes to the first-time user?
Our surveys continue to show that DeskMate users overwhelmingly enjoy
increased ease of use and productivity in using their PCs.
DeskMate is specifically targeted for the home, office at home,
small business and school user.
Far more than their counterparts in big business who have micro managers
and training resources at their disposal,
these customers must have computers that are easy to use.
And YOU have those easy-to-use computers!
You have a big advantage with DeskMate and our Tandy 1000s - are you using it?
 
And don't write off that computer purchaser who has one of those "other"
computers.  Remember, they're staring at that   A:>.
They too can benefit from the DeskMate Difference!
When you talk to ANYONE who is using a computer, SELL DESKMATE!
And where do you think they're going to be looking the next time they
need accessories, additional software, or even another computer?
 
MOM-09-89
AFFORDABLE MNP ERROR CORRECTION MODEM
 
Here's an extraordinary value for your customers which will give them the
opportunity to try MNP error correction at the very affordable price of only
$139.95 - the 900-2295 2400 BPS Modem.
It features:
 
* International as well as U.S.A. standards for 2400/1200/300 bps operation
(CCITT V.22bis/CCITT V.22/Bell212A/Bell 103)
 
* Tone or pulse dialing
 
* Full Hayes AT Command Set compatible
 
* Four COM ports, selectable from dip switch on rear panel
 
* Asynchronous or synchronous operation
 
* Bundled software (both 3 1/2" and 5 1/4" diskettes included) supporting MNP
level 5, ASCII, Xmodem, Xmodem/CRC, Ymodem, Ymodem batch, Ymodem-G, Zmodem and
Compuserve B+ transfer protocols
 
MOM-09-89
PAGEMAKER GRAND SLAM PROMOTION
 
We announced a terrific sales contest in the July M.O.M. around PageMaker.
Aldus Corporation will award a free Radio Shack CT-301
cellular telephone to the person in each Division that sells the most
copies of PageMaker.
The contest period has been extended from August 31st to September 31st, 1989
to give everyone an opportunity to win.
 
As a reminder, in order to enter, each salesmaker selling a copy of
PageMaker must write their name, store number and purchase date along
with the words RADIO SHACK SALES CONTEST on the Registration Card.
You may also mail a copy of the Radio Shack Sales Receipt to:
 
Aldus Corporation
17 W 755 Butterfield
Oakbrook Terrace, IL  60181
Attn: Laura Wruble
 
MOM-09-89
POWERFUL WORD PROCESSING FOR WINDOWS
 
If you have a customer who is a Microsoft Windows power user,
chances are they're using PageMaker or Excel.
However, when it comes to word processing, their choices have been limited.
They could use Windows Write, a relatively unsophisticated word processor
included with Windows, or they could leave Windows and use some other word
processor.
Of course, importing and exporting documents isn't as smooth as it
could be in a situation like this.
 
Now your customer has a new choice - 903/5-3300 Ami Word Processor
from Samna Corporation.
 
Ami is a high-performance word processor that makes the most of the
Windows environment.
Reasonably priced at $199.00, it offers WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get)
screen displays, the same impressive font control as is available in EXCEL and
PageMaker and a 130,000 word spelling dictionary.
In includes the Windows runtime (however, to get the maximum benefit from Ami
we recommend that your customer buy Windows).
 
MOM-09-89
HIGH END WORD PROCESSING - WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
 
If your customer demands a top performing word processor for a
high end environment, and money is not a number one consideration,
WordPerfect and Microsoft Word,
the two acknowledged kings of high end word processing,
are what they'll want to be considering.
You need to be familiar with what these packages have to offer to
help your customer decide if they need one of them.
 
WordPerfect 5.0 (25-1268/905-3325 $449.00) has been shipping for a few months.
Microsoft Word 5 (25-1282/905-1475 $379.00) is now available as well.
 
Both word processors are so feature-laden that they're beginning to
encroach on the territory previously reserved for desktop publishing.
 
Here's a listing of features common to both programs:
 
* Built-in dictionary and thesaurus
 
* Accept the import and placement of graphic images
 
* "Style sheets" that allow the user to create a page style and then
have inputted text conform to those styles (great feature for technical
writers and publishers of newsletters)
 
* Complete support for laser printers and font styles
 
* Accept merging of database information for form letter printing
 
* "Draw" horizontal and vertical lines making boxes and borders
easy to do
 
* Page preview mode allows the user to display the document,
page by page in WYSIWYG format (what you see is what you get) before printing
 
* Built-in online tutorial
 
* First class telephone support
(although neither company offers toll-free service,
customers who call are assured of getting the answer to their question fast)
 
The primary difference between these two programs is
that WordPerfect is keyboard-based and Microsoft Word is well known
for its mouse support.
 
In WordPerfect, most features and commands are accessed by pressing the <ALT>,
<SHIFT>, <CTRL> and <ESC> keys in combination with the F1 - F12 keys.
As you might guess they're somewhat complex to learn,
but once learned are easily used.
WordPerfect has been extremely consistent in maintaining the keystroke
commands as they move to new versions and they have a sizeable following.
If your prospect intends to make use of temporary help such as Kelly Services,
they'd be wise to select WordPerfect since many of these temporary help
services train their people in WordPerfect.
 
Although you don't have to use a mouse, Microsoft Word is well known
for its mouse support.  It makes using Word fast and largely intuitive.
Many users say that mouse support, combined with the fact that the bottom
three lines of the screen can be used to display Word's menus makes Microsoft
Word a bit easier to learn than WordPerfect.
 
The great news?
No matter which one your customer is asking for, we've got 'em covered!
 
MOM-09-89
ENHANCED PERFORMANCE WITH VGA
 
The enhanced VGA graphics is an example of where we have applied Tandy
innovation to augment the performance of our 386-based business systems.
 
In terms of function, the VGA of the Tandy  4020 LX and 4025
LX is similar to the add-in VGA adapter 25-4043 and the VGA support
built-in to the 4000 SX and 5000 MC all support 256 colors
simultaneously in 320 X 200 resolution and 16 colors in 640 X 480
resolution with colors selectable from a pallette of 256 colors.
And like these adapters, the video of the new LX's support 64 shades of
gray under monochrome.
 
Where they differ is that the new LX's feature a 16-bit VGA graphics adapter
vs. the 8-bit 25-4043.
A preliminary performance comparison between our 8-bit and 16-bit VGA adapters
shows a performance gain in video access of 44% with the 16-bit adapter.
This difference is purely due to the 8-bit vs. 16-bit design of the adapter
itself.
 
Now compare the 8-bit 25-4043 installed on a competitor's model vs. a
Tandy  4000 and you can see the Tandy difference.
On a 4000, the 25-4043 runs over 4.5 times faster than using the same card on
a competitor's system.
Compare this with the graphics built-in to the new LXs, and preliminary
benchmarks show video access to be 7 times greater.
 
The difference isn't in the board design but how we have implemented it in our
386 systems.  Our 386 systems execute the video BIOS on these adapters out
of the system shadow RAM to achieve these incredible performance increases.
(Shadow RAM is the area of memory between 640K and 1 MB.)
 
Not only have we enhanced the performance of 8-bit VGA, but new this year
you can deliver the higher performance 16-bit VGA graphics on the 4000
and 4000 LX or increase the performance of the SX with the addition of a
16-bit VGA graphics adapter 90-2024.  This product is also run out of shadow
ram on Tandy systems and is comparable in performance with the VGA of
the 4020 & 4025 LX.  When a comparison is run between a competitor's
system with the 90-2024 and a Tandy 386 with 16-bit VGA, we see a
performance increase of roughly 2.5 times that of the competition.
 
Below is a chart illustrating the performance increases to be gained
with 8-bit and 16-bit VGA adapters when the video BIOS is executed out
of shadow RAM vs. running the video BIOS directly from the adapter itself.
 
Power Meter version 1.3, a utility developed by the Data Base
Group, Inc. was used to measure the performance of video access.
The utility includes 4 tests to measure video access.
For comparison purposes, the results of the aggregate test are shown.
 
This test runs first in text mode with characters scrolling 100% of the time,
then second, in graphic mode with 50% of the characters scrolling and 50% pixel
output.  The "score" is an indication of speed in how many times per
unit of time the test will execute.
The larger the number the better the performance.
 
    Shadow RAM              On Board BIOS
16 Bit     8 Bit           16 Bit    8 Bit
2003.078   1390.080        838.585   288.772
 
MOM-09-89
MEMORY KIT DISCONTINUED
 
The 8 MB 80ns Memory Kit for the 4000 LX (25-5133) has been discontinued.
There are some back orders which will therefore be canceled.
This product has been replaced by 25-5132 a 4 MB Memory Kit, 2
of which take the place of the 25-5133.
Please be sure everyone is aware of this change and sell out any store
inventory of the 25-5133.
 
MOM-09-89
NEW PRODUCTS
 
TANDY 4025 LX (25-5125) - Base Price $4,999
AND
TANDY 4020 LX (25-5120) - Base Price $3,999
These products will be available 10/30/89.
 
Tandy 4025 LX
Customers who are satisfied with the industry standard AT bus
architecture can step up to a new level of performance with our new
Tandy  4025 LX.
 
The 4025 LX combines many of the performance features of
the Tandy 5000 MC with a 25MHz 80386 microprocessor.
For instance, the 4025 LX includes an 82385 Memory Cache controller
augmented by 32K of super high speed 25 nanosecond static RAM.
It comes standard with 2 MB of the lower priced and now widely available
100 nanosecond RAM which is interleaved to achieve 0 wait state performance.
Indeed, preliminary benchmarks of CPU and memory performance indicate
the Tandy 4025 LX is 80% faster than the 4000 LX
and 30% faster than the Tandy  5000 MC.
 
Retailing for only $4999,
the 4025 comes standard with performance enhanced 16-bit VGA graphics,
and SmartDrive electronics for simple "plug and play" of high performance
hard drives without the addition of a separate controller.
 
Tandy 4020 LX
Also new this year, the Tandy  4020 LX combines all of the features
of the Tandy 4025 LX with a 20 MHz 80386 microprocessor and 1 MB of memory
for only $3,999.
 
The 4020 LX replaces the Tandy 4000 LX
which we will be promoting until they're gone.
 
Benchmarks comparing the two show the new 4020 to be 40% faster
than the Tandy  4000 LX and comparable in performance to the Tandy 5000 MC.
With VGA and SmartDrive  electronics included and support
for lower priced memory expansion, the new 4020 proves that Tandy is
once again a price/performance leader.
 
Both Computers
The following figures were obtained with Power Meter version 1.3,
a utility developed by the Data Base Group, Inc. for measuring system
performance.  The MIPS test executes the Dhrystone algorithm to measure
performance by estimating the rate of instruction execution in millions
of instructions per second (MIPS).
 
(For reference, a VAX 11/780, a older super mini-computer, executes at 1 MIPS.)
 
Description     MIPS
Tandy 4000 LX   3.31
Tandy 5000 MC   4.58
Tandy 4020 LX   4.66
Tandy 4025 LX   5.90
 
Both the 4020 & 4025 feature six 16-bit expansion slots, four of which
are full 12", and two half-size 16 slots
(one of which is occupied by the 16-bit VGA adapter).
 
Add to this two 32-bit memory expansion slots and a SmartDrive connector
and it's hard to believe we were able to shoehorn all this into a chassis
the same size and of the same family look as the Tandy 5000 MC.
Indeed we borrowed from the 5000 MC design of a separate processor card
to achieve this small footprint.
 
Customers who enjoyed the expansion capabilities of the 4000 and 4000 LX
will not be dissatisfied with two less expansion slots on the new LXs
because the video, hard drive controller, and RS-232 serial,
bidirectional parallel, and PS/2 style mouse ports come standard.
This leaves 4 expansion slots for the addition of 8 port serial adapters
to support up to 32 users under XENIX simultaneously with an expansion slot
to spare! In fact, with two 3 1/2" plus two 5 1/4" device slots,
the new case provides more internal device expansion than the 4000 & 4000 LX
without having to purchase a separate device side-car.
 
With the new LXs we can boast high performance, expansion, but best of all,
more integrated features than ever before starting at the same
low price as the Tandy 4000 LX.
 
Availability
The new LXs will not be available until 10/30.
Between now and then continue to move the 4000 LX.
You have a lot to sell with this system and we will be orchestrating
many promotions to help you out.
 
 
Tandy 4025 LX Specifications
80386 microprocessor
25 MHz speed
Intel 82385 Memory Cache Controller
  with 32K of 25 nanosecond Static RAM
2 MB Memory standard memory expandable
  to 16 MB using 100 nanosecond 1 MB SIMMs
6 - 16 bit expansion slots
  4 - full length, 2 half-size
  (1 half-size occupied with 16-bit VGA adapter)
2 - 32 bit memory expansion slots
 16-bit VGA adapter
3 1/2" 1.44 MB internal floppy drive
1 additional 3 1/2" device slot plus 2 - 5 1/4" device slots
SmartDrive  connector for addition of
 SmartDrives without separate controller
Bidirectional parallel port
9-pin RS-232 serial port
PS/2 style mouse port
101-Key Enhanced Keyboard with tactile feedback
Real-time clock with battery backup
Chassis & keyboard keylock
Password protected power-on, keyboard lock, network access
 
Optional Math Coprocessor
Catalog #       Description     Retail Price    Availability
90-2322 25 MHz 80387 Math Coprocessor   $814.00 November
 
Tandy 4020 LX Specifications
80386 microprocessor
20 MHz speed
Intel 82385 Memory Cache Controller
 with 32K of 35 nanosecond Static RAM
1 MB Memory standard memory expandable
 to 16 MB using 100 nanosecond 1 MB SIMMs
6 - 16 bit expansion slots
 4 - full length, 2 half-size
 (1 half-size occupied with 16-bit VGA adapter)
2 - 32 bit memory expansion slots
16-bit VGA adapter
3 1/2" 1.44 MB internal floppy drive
1 additional 3 1/2" device slot plus 2 - 5 1/4" device slots
SmartDrive  connector for addition of
 SmartDrives without separate controller
Bidirectional parallel port
9-pin RS-232 serial port
PS/2 style mouse port
101-Key Enhanced Keyboard with tactile feedback
Real-time clock with battery backup
Chassis & keyboard keylock
Password protected power-on, keyboard lock, network access
 
Optional Math Coprocessor
Catalog #   Description                     Retail Price    Availability
90-2193     20 MHz 80387 Math Coprocessor     $647.00           Now
 
Expansion Options for the 4020 LX and 4025 LX
Catalog #   Description     Price   Availability
            Floppy Drives
25-4053     3 1/2" 1.44 MB  $279.95    Now
25-4051     5 1/4" 360K     $199.95    Now
25-4050     5 1/4" 1.2 MB   $279.95    Now
 
            SmartDrives
25-4119     40 MB 28ms 3 1/2" Half Height   $649.00 Now
25-4120     80 MB 19ms 3 1/2" Half Height   $899.00 October
 
         SCSI
25-4161  SCSI Host Adapter               $349.95         Now
25-4159  40 MB 19ms 3 1/2" Half Height   $799.00         Now
25-4160  80 MB 19ms 3 1/2" Half Height   $1,299.00       Now
25-4162  170 MB 19ms 5 1/4" Half Height  $1,999.00       Now
25-4163  344 MB 5 1/4" Full Height       $2,999.00       Now
 
         Backup
25-4079  60 MB Tape Cartridge System               $499.95  October
90-2059  Archive 60 MB External TCS              $1,050.00  Now
90-2060  Archive 60 MB Internal TCS              $1,050.00  Now
90-2061  Archive Extra Controller for 60 MB TCS    $255.00  Now
25-4169  150 MB Internal SCSI Tape Backup        $1,299.00  Now
90-2466  150 MB External SCSI Tape Backup        $1,299.00  Now
25-4064  20 MB Internal Disk Cartridge             $799.00  Now
90-2112  Videotrax Tape Backup to video cassette   $399.00  Now
 
         VGA Monitors
25-4040  VGM-100 Monochrome Monitor              $199.95  Now
25-4041  VGM-200 Color Monitor .42mm dot pitch   $499.95  Now
25-4042  VGM-300 Color Monitor .31mm dot pitch   $629.00  Now
 
         Expansion Adapters
25-4034  Serial/Parallel Adapter        $149.95  Now
25-4039  Dual Port Serial Adapter        $99.95  Now
25-4031  4 Port Serial Adapter          $349.95  Now
90-2185  Arnet SmartPort 4              $995.00  Now
90-2186  Arnet SmartPort 8            $1,295.00  Now
 
         Memory
25-5031  4 - 100ns 256K SIMMs                    $599.95  Now
25-5033  2 - 100ns 1 MB SIMMs                  $1,299.00  Now
25-6030  Memory Expansion Adapter                 $99.95  Now
90-2401  Intel AboveBoard Plus                   $695.00  Now
90-2402  Intel AboveBoard Plus Serial/Parallel   $745.00  Now
 
          Math Coprocessors
900-2193  20 MHz 80387 for 2020 LX        $647.00  Now
900-2322  25 MHz 80387 for 4025 LX        $814.00  November
 
         Reference
25-5110  Tandy 4020/4025 LX Tech. Reference      $99.95  November
 
NEW EXPANSION OPTIONS FOR 3000/4000 PRODUCT SERIES
 Catalog Description                              Price   Availability
         Video
25-3049  Monochrome Graphics Adapter w/Parallel  $119.95  Now
90-2024  WD 16-bit VGA Adapter                   $499.00  Now
 
         SmartDrives
25-4119  40 MB 28ms 3 1/2" Half Height   $649.00  Now
25-4120  80 MB 19ms 3 1/2" Half Height   $899.00  October
25-4121  SmartDrive Interface Adapter     $49.95  October
 
         Tape Backup
25-4079  60 MB Tape Cartridge System         $499.95  October
90-2466  150 MB External SCSI Tape Backup  $1,299.00  Now
 
         Expanded Memory Adapters
90-2401  Intel AboveBoard Plus                   $695.00  Now
90-2402  Intel AboveBoard Plus Serial/Parallel   $745.00  Now
 
MOM-09-89
NEW EXPANSION OPTIONS FOR THE TANDY 5000 MC
 
Catalog  Description               Price   Availability
90-2450  ESDI Controller          $429.95  Now
90-2454  Serial/Parallel Adapter  $169.95  Now
90-2455  Dual Port Serial Adapter $225.00  Now
90-2456  Arnet MultiPort/2        $995.00  October
90-2457  Arnet SmartPort/2      $1,595.00  Now
90-2460  Orchid Ramquest Extra  $1,179.00  November
 
MOM-09-89
COMPARISON CHARTS
 
TANDY 1000 HX AND TANDY 1000 SL VS. THE COMPETITION
 
               Tandy   Tandy   IBM     IBM PS/2        Vendex  Amstrad
              1000 HX 1000 SL Model 25        Model 30        HeadStart Plus  PC-1640
 
Processor       8088-2  8086    8086    8086    8088    8086
 
Clock Speed   7.16/4.77  8/4     8       8    9.54/4.77   8
 
Standard Memory 256K    384K    512K    640K    640K    640K
 
Expansion Slots  1 Plus   5       2       3       6       3
        2 w/Memory
        Expansion Adapt.
 
Floppy Drives   1-3 1/2 1-5 1/4 1-3 1/2 2-3 1/2 2-5 1/4 1-5 1/4
 
Floppy Drive Size       720K    360K    720     720K    360K    360K
 
Maximum FDDs       3       2       2       2       2       2
        2 internal,
        1 external
 
On Board Video  CGA     MDA,CGA MCGA/CGA        MCGA    CGA,    EGA,CGA
                Hercules                Hercules        Hercules        Hercules
                Enhanced CGA
 
Serial Port     Optional        Yes     Yes     Yes     Yes     Yes
 
Parallel Port   Yes     Yes     Yes     Yes     Yes     Yes
 
Joystick Port   Yes-2   Yes-2   No      Optional        Optional        Yes-1
 
Headphone Jack  Yes     Yes     Yes     Not avail       Not avail       No
 
Microphone Jack Not avail       Yes     No      Not avail       Not avail       No
 
Real time Clock Optional        Optional        Optional        Optional        Optional        Yes
 
Enhanced 101-Key Keyboard       Not avail       Yes     Yes     Yes     No      No
 
Software in ROM Pers. DeskMate 2        DeskMate 3      No      No      No      No
        MS-DOS  MS-DOS
 
Power and RUN   Yes     Yes     No      No      No      No
 
Retail Price    $699.00 $899.00 $1,350.00       $1,775.00       $995.00 $899.00
Information extracted from Dataquest Personal Computer Guide - Summer 1989
 
 
TANDY 1000 TL/2 VS. THE COMPETITION
 
        Tandy   IBM Model       AST Bravo       Amdek
        1000 TL/2       30-286  /286    System/286
 
Processor       80286   80286   80286   80286
 
Clock Speed     8/4     10      8       8
 
Standard Memory 640K    512K    512K    512K
 
Expansion Slots 4       3       4       5
 
Floppy Drives   1-3 1/2 1-3 1/2 1-5 1/4 1-5 1/4
 
Floppy Drive Size       720K    1.44 MB 360K    1.2 MB
 
Maximum FDDs    3       2       2       3
 
On Board        MDA,CGA VGA     Optional        CGA,EGA
Video   Hercules                         Hercules
        Enhanced                         VGA
        CGA
 
Serial Port     Yes     Yes     Yes     Yes
 
Parallel Port    Yes    Yes     Yes     Yes
 
Joystick Port    Yes-2  Optional        Optional        Optional
 
Headphone Jack  Yes     Not avail       Not avail       Not avail
 
Microphone Jack Yes     Not avail       Not avail       Not avail
 
Real time Clock Yes     Optional        Optional        Optional
 
Enhanced 101-Key Keyboard       Yes     Yes     Yes     Yes
 
Software in ROM DeskMate        Diagnostics     Not avail       Diagnostic
        MS-DOS
 
Power and RUN   Yes     No      No      No
 
Retail Price    $1,299.00       $1,995.00       $1,095.00       $1,599.00
Information extracted from Dataquest Personal Computer Guide - Summer 1989
 
MOM-09-89
TANDY LAPTOPS VS. THE COMPETITION
 
        Tandy   Toshiba Zenith
        1400 FD/HD      T1200FB/T1200HB SupersPort
 
Processor       V-20    80C86   80C88
 
Speed   4.77/8.0 MHz    4.77/9.54 MHz   4.77/8.0 MHz
 
Memory  768K    1 MB    640K
 
3 1/2" Floppy Drives    2 - 1400 FD     2 - T1200FB     2 - Model 2
        1 - 1400 HD     1 - T1200HB     1 - Model 20
 
Hard Drive      20 MB - 1400 HD 20 MB - T1200HB 20 MB - Model 20
        Optional 20 MB 1400 FD  Optional 20 MB T1200FB  Optional 20 MB Model 2
   20 MB Upgrade        $1,099  $1,200  $1,699
 
Battery Replaceable Ni-Cad      Replaceable Ni-Cad      Replaceable Ni-Cad
 
LCD     Supertwist      Supertwist      Supertwist
 
Backlit YES     YES     YES
 
Display Mode    CGA     CGA     CGA
 
Graphics        640 x 200       640 x 200       640 x 200
 
MS-DOS  3.3     3.3     3.x
 
BASIC   GW-BASIC        NO      NO
 
        RS-232-C        RS-232-C        RS-232-C
        Parallel        Parallel        Parallel
Ports   RGB Monitor     RGB Monitor     Video
        Internal Modem Slot     Internal Modem Slot     Internal Modem Slot
        5 1/4" External Disk    5 1/4" External Disk    FD Port
        101-Key Keyboard        External Keypad External Keypad
 
Keyboard        76 key/12 function keys 82 key/10 function keys 78 Key/12 function
keys
 
Dimensions      3 1/2 x 14.5 x 12.37 in.        2.6 x 12.2 x 12 in.     3.07 x 12.2 x 12.2
in.
 
Weight  11.5 pounds w/battery   11.44 pounds w/battery          9.70 pounds w/o
battery  
 
List Price      $1,499.00       $2,199.00       $2,399.00
    w/Hard Drive        $2,499.00       $2,999.00       $3,599.00
 
Spare Battery   $79.95  $79.00  $159.00
 
Battery Life    4-5 hrs/2 1/2 hrs       Not Reported    4 hours   
 
Carry Case      $44.95  $59.00  $59.00
 
Modem   $119.95 - 1200 bps      $349.00 - 1200 bps      $299.00 - 1200 bps
        $199.95 - 2400 bps      $399.00 - 2400 bps      $449.00 - 2400 bps
Information extracted from Dataquest Personal Computer Guide - Winter 1989
  Information provided by dealer/sales representatives.
   Information from Datapro Comparison Columns, May 1989
 
MOM-09-89
LOW COST TANDY PRINTERS VS. THE COMPETITION
TANDY SURROUNDS THE COMPETITION
 
                 Tandy            OKIDATA          EPSON           Tandy 
                DMP 107            ML 172          LX-800         DMP 133
 
Retail Price    $279.95            $289.00        $299.00         $379.95
 
Print Speed     100 CPS Draft   144 CPS Draft   150 CPS Draft   160 CPS Draft
                20 CPS NLQ      30 CPS NLQ      25 CPS NLQ      25 CPS NLQ
 
Printwires         9                 9              9                9
 
Resolution      240 x 216       240 x 216       240 x 216       240 x 216
 
Fonts              2                 2              3                2
 
Paper Width     7.0" - 10.0"    3 1/2" - 10.5"   4" - 10"        4" - 10"
 
Copies        Original + 1      Original +2      Original + 2    Original + 2
 
Tractor           Push              Push            Pull             Push
 
Emulations        Tandy         Okidata Epson ESC/P Ext.          Tandy
           IBM Graphics Printer    IBM 5152 Model 2            IBM Graphics Printer
 
Noise Level      58 db             55 db            62 db          58 db
 
Dimensions  4x15x10 in. 5.2x14.2x10.8 in.  3.58x15.7x12.1 in.  4x15x11 in.
 
Weight        6.6 pounds        9.9 pounds       11.02 pounds     7.3 pounds
Information extracted from Dataquest Dot Matrix Printer Guide - Summer 1989
 
 
TANDY HIGH END PRINTERS VS. THE COMPETITION
 
                                  IBM
                  Tandy        PROPRINTER      EPSON
               DMP 300/2102    X24E/XL24E      LQ-850/LQ-1050
 
Retail Price    $649/$999       $899/$1,199     $849/$1,199
 
        270 CPS Utility
Print Speed   225 CPS Draft     240 CPS Draft   220 CPS Draft
             62.5 CPS LQ         80 CPS LQ       73 CPS LQ
 
Printwires        24                24               24
 
Resolution      360 x 180       360 x 180       360 x 180
 
Input Buffer     16K                14K              6K
 
Fonts             4                  4               5
 
Download         YES                YES             YES
 
MTBF            5000           Not Available        4000
 
Paper Width  3"-10"/3"-16"   3"-11"/3"-16.5"   7.2"-10.1"/7.2"-14.4"
 
Copies       Original + 3        Original +3      Original + 3
 
Tractor         Push               Push             Push
 
Sheet Feed  Semi-automatic     Semi-automatic    Semi-automatic
 
Optional Input  One Bin         One Cassette       One/Two Bin
 
Paper Park       YES                YES               YES
 
Emulations      Tandy               IBM          Epson ESC/P LQ
          IBM Proprinter X24/XL24
 
Noise Level      57 db              58 db             53 db
 
Dimensions  4.6x15.7(21.6)x13.6 in.  5.25x16.0(22)x13.5 in.  5.6x17(23.8)x14.2 in.
 
Weight      18.5/22.3 pounds     20/25 pounds      19.8/26.4 pounds
Information extracted from Dataquest Dot Matrix Printer Guide - Summer 1989
 
 
TANDY DMP 442 VS. THE COMPETITION
 
                 Tandy        Epson       Brother     Okidata     Citizen
                DMP 442      FX-1050      M-1709       ML 321      MSP-55
 
Retail Price    $699.00      $799.00      $749.00      $699.00     $699.00
 
Print Speed     300 CPS       240 CPS      200 CPS      300 CPS     250 CPS
 
Printwires          9            9            9            9           9
Resolution      288 x 144    240 x 216    240 x 216    240 x 216   Not specified
 
Paper Width     132 col.      132 col.     132 col.     132 col.    132 col.
 
Tractor           Push         Pull         Push         Push        Push
 
Copies           1 + 3        1 + 3         1 + 0        1 + 4       1 + 0
 
Emulations       Tandy         Epson        Epson         Epson       Epson
               IBM Pro II    IBM Pro XL   IBM Pro XL    IBM Pro XL   IBM Pro
 
Noise Level      59 db         56 db         55 db         57 db       54 db
 
Dimensions   13.6x21.7x4.6  5.9x24.8x14.2  3.9x19.3x12  4.6x22x13.6  4.1x23.3x13.4
 
Weight          22.1 lbs      27.5 lbs      16.5 lbs      22.2 lbs  Not specified
Information extracted from Dataquest Dot Matrix Printer Guide - Summer 1989
 
 
TANDY LASER PRINTER VS. THE COMPETITION
 
                        Tandy        IBM 4216 Personal       HP LaserJet
                       LP 1000         Pageprinter II         Series II
 
Engine Speed             6 PPM              6 PPM                8 PPM
 
Memory               1.5 Megabytes       2 Megabytes           512K bytes
 
Resolution              300 DPI            300 DPI               300 DPI
 
Input                   Parallel      Parallel / Apple Talk      Parallel
 
Connections              Video          RS-232-C/RS-422A       RS-232-C/RS-422A
 
Fonts                9 resident plus          43                    6
                 14 - "B" & "F" Softfonts"  including Postscript
                  Optional 35 Postscript
 
Softfonts                 YES                 YES                  YES
 
Duty Cycle          3,000 pages/month  4,000 pages/month   12,000 pages/month
 
Paper   A4/A5/B5/Half/Letter/Legal A4/A5/B5/Half/Letter/Legal Letter/Legal/A4/
                                                                   Executive
 
Input Trays                 1                   1                    1
 
Output              2 (Face Up/Down)     2 (Face Up/Down)     1 (Face Down)
 
PostScript                Optional           included        Optional HP Jet Script
 
                    Tandy
                    IBM Wheelprinter
Emulations          IBM Proprinter       IBM Proprinter XL   HP LaserJet
                    HP LaserJet Plus     HP LaserJet Plus    HP LaserJet Plus
                    Optional PostScript  Adobe PostScript    Optional PostScript
 
Noise Level              52 db                  52 db                50 db
 
Dimensions           8.4x16x16.5 in.       8.33x16.5x17.7 in.  8.5x18x19 in.
 
Weight                 37.5 pounds             35 pounds           50 pounds
 
Retail Price           $2,599.00              $4,999.00          $2,695.00
 
4 MB Upgrade      in PostScript Option        $1,495.00          $2,295.00
 
Postscript             $2,690.00               included          $2,795.00
 
Total                  $5,289.00              $6,494.00          $7,785.00
 
Toner            $27.95 / 1500 pages     $31.75 / 1500 pages   $125.00 / 4000 pages
Information extracted from Dataquest Personal Page Printer Guide - Summer 1989
 
MOM-09-89
TANDY 286-BASED MACHINES VS. COMPETITION
 
              Tandy    IBM     COMPAQ  AST       EVEREX       EPSON       EPSON
FEATURES     3000 NL  30-286  DP 286  Prem 286  Step 286/12  Equity II +  Equity III +
 
Microprocessor 80286  80286   80286   80286        80286       80286        80286
 
Clock Speed   10 MHz  10 MHz 12/8 MHz 10/8/6 MHz  12/6/5 MHz   12/8 MHz     12/8/6
MHz
 
RAM
   Standard     512K    512K    640K    512K        512K      640K       640K
   Maximum      16 MB   16 MB   8 MB    13 MB       16 MB     15 MB      15 MB
 
Expansion  Slots
   8-Bit        3         0       2       1           2         2         2
   16-Bit       4         3       5       6           6         3         6
 
Diskette  Drives
   Standard  1.44 MB/3 1/2"  1.44 MB/3 1/2"  1.2 MB/5 1/4"   1.2 MB/5 1/4"   1.2 MB/5 1/4"   1.2 MB/5 1/4"   1.2 MB/5 1/4"
   Optional   720K/3 1/2"                             1.44 MB/3 1/2"  720K/3 1/2"     720K/3 1/2"
        1.2 MB/5 1/4"           1.2 MB/5 1/4"
        360K/5 1/4"                                     360K/5 1/4"     360K/5 1/4"
 
Device Slots
    3 1/2"      2       2
    5 1/4"      2               3       4       3       3       5
 
Hard Drive Controller   Opt     IDE     Opt     Opt     ST-506  Opt     Opt
 
Hard  Drives            Opt     Opt     Opt     Opt     Opt     Opt     Opt
    IDE 40/80 MB        20 MB
    ST-506      20/40/70 MB                     20/40/70 MB     40/80/160/330 MB        40 MB   40 MB
    ESDI                        20/40 MB
    SCSI        40/80/170/344 MB
 
Video Controller        Opt     VGA     Opt     Opt     VGA     Opt     Opt
 
Monitor Opt     Opt     Opt     Opt     Opt     Opt     Opt
 
Ports   Parallel        Parallel        Parallel        Parallel        Parallel        Parallel        Parallel
        RS-232 Serial   RS-232 Serial           RS-232 Serial   RS-232 Serial   RS-232 Serial   RS-232 Serial
                Mouse
 
Power  Supply   135 Watts       90 Watts        192 Watts       192 Watts       200 Watts       110 Watts       192 Watts
 
Bundled O/S     MS-DOS 3.3                      MS-DOS 3.3      MS-DOS 3.3      MS-DOS 3.3      MS-DOS 3.2
 
Retail Price    $1,699  $1,995  $2,699  $1,895  $2,199  $1,899  $2,199
Information extracted from Dataquest Personal Computer Guide - Summer 1989
 
MOM-09-89
16-MHz 80386-BASED MACHINES PRODUCT COMPARISON
 
        Tandy   IBM     IBM     AST     EVEREX  HP      HP
FEATURES        4000    70-E61  80-41   Prem 386/16     Step 386/16     Vectra QS/16    Vectra
RS/16
 
Microprocessor  80386   80386   80386   80386   80386   80386   80386
 
Clock Speed     16 MHz  16 MHz  16 MHz  16 MHz  16 MHz  16 MHz  16 MHz
 
Standard  RAM   1 MB    1 MB    1 MB    1 MB    1 MB    1 MB    1 MB
 
Maximum RAM     16  MB  16  MB  16 MB   16 MB   16 MB   16 MB   16 MB
 
Expansion  Slots
   8-Bit        2       0       0       1       2       1       2
   16-Bit       6       1       4       5       6       6       6
   32-Bit       2       2       3
 
Device Slots    3       2       4       5       5       3       6
 
Diskette  Drives
   Standard     1.44 MB/3 1/2"  1.44 MB/3 1/2"  1.44 MB/3 1/2"  1.2 MB/5 1/4"   1.2 MB/5 1/4"   1.2 MB/5 1/4"   1.2 MB/5 1/4"
   Optional     1.2 MB/5 1/4"                                   1.44 MB/3 1/2"  1.44 MB/3 1/2"
        360K/5 1/4"                                     360K/5 1/4"     360K/5 1/4"
 
Hard  Drives    40 MB/19 ms     60 MB/27 ms     44 MB/40 ms     40 MB/28 ms     40 MB/28 ms     40 MB/28 ms     40 MB/28 ms
        80 MB/19 ms             70 MB/30 ms             80 MB/28 ms
        170 MB/17 ms            115 MB/28 ms            160 MB/18 ms
        344 MB/18 ms            314 MB/23 ms            330 MB/14 ms
 
Standard Video  Opt     VGA     VGA     Opt     Opt     Opt     Opt
 
Serial  1       1       1       1       1       1       1
 
Parallel Port   1       1       1       1       1       1       1
 
Mouse Port      0       1       1       0       0       1       1
 
Power Supply    192  Watts      132 Watts       225 Watts       192 Watts       200 Watts       134 Watts       200 Watts
 
Base Price      $2,799                  $3,295  $3,799  $3,995
 
30/40/60 MB System      $3,698  $5,995  $6,995  $4,195          $5,095  $5,995
 
Information extracted from Dataquest Personal Computer Guide - Summer 1989
 
MOM-09-89
20-MHz 80386-BASED MACHINES PRODUCT COMPARISON
 
        Tandy   Tandy   IBM     IBM     COMPAQ  AST     HP
FEATURES        5000 MC 4020 LX 70-121  M80     386/20e 386C    Vectra RS/20c
 
Microprocessor  80386   80386   80386   80386   80386   80386   80386
 
Clock Speed     20 MHz  20 MHz  20 MHz  20 MHz  20 MHz  20 MHz  20 MHz
 
Cache   Yes/32K Yes/32 K        No      No      Yes/32K Yes/64K Yes/64K
 
Standard RAM    2 MB    1 MB    2 MB    2 MB    1 MB    1 MB    1 MB
 
Maximum RAM     16 MB   16 MB   16 MB   16 MB   16 MB   16 MB   16 MB
 
Expansion  Slots
   8-Bit        0       1       0       0       0       2       2
   16-Bit       3       4       1       4       4       4       6
   32-Bit       2               2       3       1       1
 
Device Slots    4       4       2       4       4       5       6
 
Diskette Drives
   Standard     1.44 MB/3 1/2"  1.44 MB/3 1/2"  1.44 MB/3 1/2"  1.44 MB/3 1/2"  1.2 MB/5 1/4"   1.2 MB/5 1/4"   1.2 MB/5 1/4"
   Optional     1.2 MB/5 1/4"   1.2 MB/5 1/4"                   1.44 MB/3 1/2"          1.44 MB/3 1/2"
        360K/5 1/4"     360K/5 1/4"             360K/5 1/4"     360K/5 1/4"             360K/5 1/4"
 
Hard  Drives    40 MB/19 ms     40 MB/19 ms     120 MB/23 ms    44 MB/40 ms     40 MB/29
ms      40 MB/28 ms
        80 MB/16 ms     80 MB/19 ms             70 MB/30 ms     110 MB/23 ms    90 MB/18 ms     103
MB/17 ms
        140 MB/18 ms    170 MB/17 ms            115 MB/28 ms            150 MB/18 ms    155 MB/17 ms
                344 MB/18 ms            314 MB/23 ms            320 MB/18 ms    310 MB/17 ms
 
Video Standard  VGA     VGA     VGA     VGA     VGA     Opt     Opt
 
Serial Port     1       1       1       1       1       2       1
 
Parallel Port   1       1       1       1       1       1       1
 
Mouse Port      1       1       1       1       1       0       1
 
Power Supply    192 Watts       192 Watts       132 Watts       225 Watts       140 Watts       220
Watts   200 Watts
 
List Prices:
  Base Price    $4,999  $3,999                  $5,199  $4,395
  40 MB System  $6,499  $4,648                  $6,099          $5,195
  80/90/110/120 MB      $6,999  $4,898  $7,995  $8,995  $6,999          $6,295  $7,595
Information extracted from Dataquest Personal Computer Guide - Summer 1989
  Information from Compaq Press Release dated 8/28/89.
 
MOM-09-89
25-MHz 80386-BASED MACHINES PRODUCT COMPARISON
 
        Tandy   IBM     COMPAQ  EVEREX  AST     Zenith  HP
FEATURES        4025 LX 70-A21  386-25  386/25  386/25  Z-386/25 Vectra RS/25c
 
Microprocessor  80386   80386   80386   80386   80386   80386   80386
 
Clock Speed     25-MHz  25-MHz  25-MHz  25-MHz  25-MHz  25-MHz  25-MHz
 
Cache   Yes/32K Yes/64K Yes/32K Yes/64K Yes/64K No      Yes/64K
 
Standard  RAM   2 MB    2 MB    1 MB    1/2 MB  2 MB    2 MB    1 MB
 
Maximum RAM     16 MB   16 MB   16 MB   16 MB   16 MB   64 MB   16 MB
 
Expansion  Slots
   8-Bit        0       0       2       2       1       0       2
   16-Bit       5       1       4       6       3       1       6
   32-Bit               2                       2       3
 
Device Slots    4       2       4       3       5       4       6
 
Diskette Drives
   Standard     1.44 MB/3 1/2"  1.44 MB/3 1/2"  1.2 MB/5 1/4"   1.2 MB/5 1/4"   1.2
MB/5 1/4"       1.44 MB/3 1/2"  1.2 MB/5 1/4"
   Optional     1.2 MB/5 1/4"           1.44 MB/3 1/2"  1.44 MB/3 1/2"  1.44 MB/3
1/2"    1.2 MB/5 1/4"   1.44 MB/3 1/2"
        360K/5 1/4"             360K/5 1/4"     360K/5 1/4"     360K/5 1/4"     360K/5 1/4"     360K/5
1/4"
 
Hard  Drives    40 MB/19 ms     120 MB/23 ms    110 MB/25 ms    40 MB/28 ms     90 MB/18
ms      70 MB/18 ms     103 MB/17 ms
        80 MB/19 ms             300 MB/20 ms    80 MB/28 ms     150 MB/18 ms    150 MB/18 ms    155
MB/17 ms
        170 MB/17 ms                    160 MB/18 ms    320 MB/18 ms    320 MB/16 ms    310 MB/17 ms
        344 MB/18 ms
 
Video Standard  VGA     VGA     Opt     Opt     Opt     VGA     Opt
 
Serial Port     1       1       1       1       1       2       1
 
Parallel Port   1       1       1       1       1       1       1
 
Mouse Port      1       1       0       0       0       0       1
 
Power Supply    200 Watts       132 Watts       192 Watts       200 Watts       220 Watts       200
Watts   200 Watts
 
Base Price      $4,999                  $6,699  $5,695  $6,599
 
40 MB System    $5,648
 
80/90/110/120 MB        $5,898  $11,295 $8,999                  $7,195  $9,999  $10,295
Information extracted from Dataquest Personal Computer Guide - Summer 1989
  Information from Compaq Press Release dated 8/28/89.
 
MOM-09-89
80386SX-BASED MACHINES PRODUCT COMPARISON
 
                Tandy   IBM     COMPAQ  AST     EVEREX
FEATURES        4000 SX 55 SX   DP 386s Prem 386SX      Step 386is
 
Microprocessor  80386SX 80386SX 80386SX 80386SX 80386SX
 
Clock Speed     16 MHz  16 MHz  16 MHz  16 MHz  16/8/5 MHz
 
Standard RAM    1 MB    1 MB    1 MB    1 MB    1 MB
 
Maximum RAM     16 MB   16 MB   13 MB   16 MB   16 MB
 
Expansion  Slots
   8-Bit        0       0       0       0       2
   16-Bit       5       3       4       2       6
 
Device Slots    4       2       4       2       3
 
Diskette  Drives
   Standard     1.44 MB/3 1/2"  1.44 MB/3 1/2"  1.2 MB/5 1/4"   1.2 MB/5 1/4"
or      1.2 MB/5 1/4"
                                1.44 MB/3 1/2"
   Optional     1.2 MB/5 1/4"           1.44 MB/3 1/2"
        360K/5 1/4"             360K/5 1/4"
 
Hard  Drives    40 MB/19 ms     30 MB/39 ms     20 MB/29 ms     40 MB/28 ms     40 MB/28 ms
        80 MB/19 ms     60 MB/27 ms     40 MB/29 ms     110 MB/25 ms    80 MB/28 ms
        170 MB/17 ms            110 MB/25 ms            160 MB/18 ms
        344 MB/18 ms
 
Standard Video  VGA     VGA     VGA     Opt     Opt
 
Serial Port     1       1       1       2       1
 
Parallel Port   1       1       1       1       1
 
Mouse Port      0       1       1       0       0
 
Power Supply    135 Watts       90 Watts        140 Watts       80 Watts        200 Watts
 
Base Price      $2,599  $3,995  $3,599  $2,695  $3,299
 
30/40/60 MB System      $3,248  $5,995  $4,999  $3,695
 
MOM-08-89
THE FRONT LINE
 
THE FRONT LINE is a monthly column dedicated to discussing merchandising
and customer care concepts relating to our computer product line.
 
Although this month's FRONT LINE is directed primarily to our Computer Centers,
most of the information applies to all stores.
 
INSIDE SALES
 
Radio Shack is first and foremost a retailer.
We depend on having people who are interested in our products coming to see us.
Our Computer Centers that have a solid track record of good sales and
profit performance almost always have a good mix of inside vs. outside sales.
 
It's been said that our Computer Centers are located away from
high traffic locations (such as major shopping areas) so they can
concentrate on developing outside sales efforts.
This statement is only partially correct.
Many Computer Centers are located away from major shopping areas
and closer to centers of commercial business such as industrial parks
and manufacturing zones in an effort to capitalize
on the potential business in that particular area.
But does this mean that developing walk-in traffic is an impossibility?
 
Here is a list of steps that, if followed carefully,
are guaranteed to bring you foot traffic.
This is a strong statement, but these are tried and tested examples:
 
Commit to Doing It 
Every single person working in your Center must understand the value
of foot traffic and be committed to wanting more of it.
There is a very close relationship between outside sales and inside traffic.
Get more of one and you will get more of the other.
 
Don't chase your walk-in's away
1. Your housekeeping must be impeccable regardless of the circumstances.
Systems must be clean, orderly and functional.
Displays must be neat and attractive.
Carpeting must be swept and if smoking must be permitted,
ashtrays must be emptied often.
Restrooms must be immaculate.
 
2. Salespeople on the floor must know the product
and know how to be personable.
 
3. Understand the dynamics of your showroom.
Large, empty showrooms can easily imply that you are going out of business.
Small showrooms can become so cluttered that it becomes annoying to customers
to move around in.
We can't be experts at everything,
so don't be embarrassed to ask your RMTM or DSM
for some pointers on retail merchandising.
 
Work to serve your customers
1. Make sure you're familiar with and can explain all of our secondary
"products" such as Commercial Charge, Tandy leasing,
custom printed forms, Express Order  and CLP.
 
2. If you don't sell what your customer wants, tell them where they
can find it.
 
3. Open your store on time.
If you find people waiting at your door at opening time
or knocking on the door after closing, take care of them.
Then speak with your District Manager about changing your operating hours.
 
Have it IN STOCK
In the computer business, anything retailing for less than $200
qualifies as an impulse item.
You need a reputation for "always having it".
Go on a crusade to be in stock on every single item you are
allowed to stock that retails for less than $200.
Customers will understand that you don't happen to have a
Tandy  4000 ready to deliver,
but they will never accept your being out of stock on toner for their LP 1000
(and, when they need an item like this, they usually need it right now).
If you do get caught without that item your customer is looking for,
offer to have the customer pay for the item,
then get it for them from another store and deliver it to their home or office.
They will never forget you.
 
Know your customers
Know who your walk-in traffic is likely to be, where they live,
and what they want.
If you're in an industrial area,
be ready with commercial charge applications and be prepared
to talk intelligently about networking.
If you're in the heart of a residential community,
make sure you're properly staffed on Saturdays.
 
Help your customers know you
Make sure your prospective walk-in customers know where and who you are.
Here are some tried and tested methods:
 
1. A private, by invitation only, new product showing is a perfect
September/October/November activity.
Hold it after regular hours, perhaps from 7:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M.
Deliver invitations to businesses in your area.
Serve coffee and cookies.
 
2. Become active in local user groups and if you have a classroom facility,
offer it for club meetings.
 
3. Distribute business cards liberally.
Give them out in multiples so they can be passed along.
 
4. Every catalog and brochure must go out with a label
with your address and telephone number on it.
 
Be patient
Building a reputation can take six months to a year or more.
But the sooner you get started,
the sooner you'll be able to start writing those sales.
 
MOM-08-89
MARKETING COMPUTERS IN AUGUST
Items on Sale in August
 
FOR ALL STORES:
 
The Tandy 1000 TL DeskMate Bonus Pak
This promotion continues, so
customers will be calling and walking in asking about this special offer.
Know the many benefits of the Tandy  1000 TL and the Bonus Pak items.
 
Cat.No. Description     Reg Price       Sale      Sale Dates
 
25-1601 Tandy 1000 TL
25-1043 CM-5 Monitor
26-1338 Bonus Pak
                System  1,916.85      1,299.00    6/20-9/16
 
Tandy 1000 HX and Tandy 1400 LT
Cat.No. Description     Reg Price       Sale      Sale Dates
 
25-1053 Tandy 1000 HX   699.00         399.00     8/20-9/16
 
25-1053 Tandy 1000 HX
25-1043 CM-5 Color Monitor
                  System  998.95        699.00    8/20-9/16
25-3500 Tandy 1400 LT   1,799.00        999.00    6/20-SOWG
 
Model 4D/Software/Accessories
Cat.No. Description          Reg Price   Sale    Sale Dates
 
26-1070 Model 4D Computer    1,199.00    599.00  8/20-9/16
26-1138 4/4D HD Controller     449.95    299.95  8/20-9/16
26-1540 General Ledger         199.95    149.97  8/20-9/16
26-1542 Accounts Payable       199.95    149.97  8/20-9/16
 
Home Productivity/Office and Business Software
Cat.No. Description              MSRP    Sale   Sale Dates
 
25-1174 Varsity SCRIPSIT        99.95   69.95   7/16-9/16
25-1185 MS-Excel               495.00  369.95   7/25-8/21
25-1225 Q & A                  349.00  249.00   7/16-9/16
25-1227 AwardWare               14.95    8.95   8/20-9/16
25-1247 MemoryMate              69.95   54.95   7/25-8/21
25-1250 DeskMate 3              99.95   49.95   7/16-9/16
25-1262 Instant Pages           44.95   39.95   8/20-9/16
25-1265 Print Magic             54.95   39.95   8/20-9/16
25-1272 Math Talk               39.95   29.95   6/20-8/21
25-1279 PFS:First Publisher    149.00   99.95   6/20-8/21
25-1280 PFS:First Choice       159.00  129.00   7/25-8/21
 
Printers, Enhancements and Accessories
Cat.No. Description               Reg Price  Sale    Sale Dates
 
25-1035 286 Express Board           399.95  199.95   6/20-8/21
25-1017 300 BPS Plus Card Modem      99.95   29.95   6/20-SOWG
26-0273 3-1/2" Diskette Box           1.19     .79   7/25-8/21
26-0274 5-1/4" Diskette Box           1.19     .79   7/25-8/21
26-1375 ModemFone 300                99.95   39.95   8/20-9/16
26-1395 2-Outlet Spike Protector     18.95   13.95   7/25-8/21
26-2800 DWP 520                     995.00  497.00   8/20-9/16
26-2801 Tractor Feed DWP 520        149.95  119.95   8/20-SOWG
26-2808 DMP 440                     699.00  499.00   6/20-SOWG
26-2812 DWP 230                     459.95  299.95   8/20-9/16
26-2814 DMP 132                     379.95  219.95   6/20-SOWG
 
 
ADDITIONAL FOR 01Zs/COMPUTER CENTERS:
 
Tandy 4000 LX
Cat.No. Description            Reg Price         Sale          Sale Dates
 
25-5100 Tandy 4000 LX
25-4041 VGM 200
25-4043 VGA Adapter
        Business System:        4,898.90        4,499.00        7/23-8/21
 
25-4057 40 MB 40ms Hard Drive
          w/25-4058 controller
        4000 LX w/Hard Drive:   5,947.85        5,198.00        7/23-8/21
 
You may offer alternatives to the 4000 LX Hard Drive system.
Here are the system prices for a Tandy  4000 LX
with a 25-4043 VGA adapter and 25-4041 VGM 200 monitor,
a 25-4058 HD controller and:
 
Cat.No. Description     Reg Price         Sale          Sale Dates
 
25-4062 20MB HD          5,747.85        4,998.00        7/23-8/21
25-4061 40MB 28ms HD     6,147.85        5,398.00        7/23-8/21
25-4067 70MB HD          6,647.85        5,498.00        7/23-8/21
 
Special In-Store Promotion - "Beat the Heat"
 
This is the perfect way to let your customer work and play!
Obviously, the Tandy 1000 HX is not an office product,
but everybody likes to think they're getting something for free.
Many times, it's more attractive to the consumer than cash savings!
 
A free Tandy 1000 HX is a terrific way of making the purchase
of a Tandy 4000 that much more attractive to your prospect.
So make sure you remind your prospects that kids return to school
in just a month and there are only 146 shopping days left until Christmas.
 
Buy a Tandy  4000 System including the 25-5000 Tandy 4000 CPU,
25-4058 HD controller, any display adapter, and one of these hard drives:
 
Cat.No. Description
 
25-4062 20 MB Hard Drive
25-4057 40 MB 40 ms Hard Drive
25-4061 40 MB 28 ms Hard Drive
25-4067 70 MB Hard Drive
 
Customers receive at no additional charge:
 
Cat.No  Description
 
25-1053 Tandy 1000 HX
25-1042 CM-5 Color Monitor
 
MOM-08-89
THE DESKMATE  DIFFERENCE
A series of articles on DeskMate.
 
TALK ABOUT  ......  MOMENTUM!
With the announcement of major new DeskMate products from Lotus and Symantec,
and with the release of our 1990 Computer Catalog,
we are continuing the tremendous momentum behind the DeskMate system.
We list seven new DeskMate applications in the 1990 Catalog,
and more than a dozen other companies are currently working on many
other DeskMate applications.
 
All these programs share the easy-to-use DeskMate Graphical User Interface,
so once a customer learns one,
he already knows how to use any other DeskMate application!
Let's take a look at these seven new DeskMate applications.
 
Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate
Lotus Development Corporation has announced this stunning product
under the DeskMate Graphical User Interface.
File compatible with all Lotus  1-2-3 release versions 2.1 and above,
Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate combines three essential analytical functions
that have made Lotus products famous: spreadsheet, graphics, and
database management.
It supports all the "@" functions of Lotus 1-2-3 Release 2,
giving it powerful number-crunching capabilities.
 
The Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate takes full advantage
of the DeskMate environment.
It uses the pull-down menus and dialog boxes,
and permits notification,
task-switching,
and transferring graphs via the DeskMate clipboard.
This last capability means that you can transfer these graphs
directly to DeskMate Text, DeskMate Draw, and Symantec's DeskMate Q & A Write!
 
From Tandy/Radio Shack's perspective,
the Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate represents
the most important third-party software announcement in years.
Use this product to showcase the DeskMate system and our computers!
 
DeskMate Q & A Write
With this product, Symantec provides another powerful
DeskMate productivity tool.
Based on Q & A  Write, the Number ONE executive word processor
for the second year in a row as rated by Software Digest,
DeskMate Q & A Write sports features such as columnar formatting,
file import from other popular word processors, left and right justification,
italics, and a variety of fonts.
It features an address "card file" which permits
printing of personalized form letters.
Page preview allows the user to view the format of an entire page
on the screen and also allows magnified previews for seeing the details.
Powerful cursor-control and search and replace features
give DeskMate Q & A Write added flexibility.
Show this package to your customers who need word processing power
and want ease of use!
 
DacEasy Accounting
Dac Software, Inc. presents this popular integrated accounting package
under the DeskMate Graphical User Interface.
Based on the software program that won PC World's World Class Award
and PC Magazine's Editor's Choice award,
DacEasy Accounting provides the seven basic accounting modules.
Its features include multiple company capability, departmentalization,
automatic chart of accounts setup, context-sensitive help, and much more.
If your customers need a proven accounting system that's easy to use,
show them the DeskMate version of DacEasy Accounting!
 
PaintShow Plus
LOGITECH's popular paint and slide show program is now a DeskMate program!
PaintShow Plus features scanning capabilities for working with
existing printed artwork or photos, plus ten tools
for generating and manipulating graphics.
You can print your creations to a variety of printers,
or you can create an on-screen slide show that shows a sequence of screens.
 
Backup Pro
This DeskMate hard disk backup utility from The Software Toolworks
can back up ten megabytes in as little as four minutes!
With four full levels of data security,
it's the safest backup utility available.
The DeskMate Graphical User Interface makes it easy to select
the options.
 
Utilities!
POP Computer Products presents Utilities!
This DeskMate application will help you to unlock
your computer's true potential.
You can optimize disk performance, recover lost files,
map used and unused sectors, and much more.
 
DeskMate Form Finisher
This useful DeskMate program from Power Up! Software
lets you fill in preprinted forms quickly and easily.
It lets you fill in invoices, shipping forms,
legal forms   almost any form you choose.
First you tell the program what your preprinted forms look like,
then just fill in the blanks on the screen.
It can even use data stored in DeskMate's Filer and Address Book files!
Any customer who uses forms could benefit from the DeskMate Form Finisher.
 
Three descriptive words sum up these exciting new  DeskMate applications:
powerful, compatible, and easy-to-use.
Point out these features to your customers,
and you will sell more computers and software.
Tandy's commitment to  DeskMate provides computer users
with better solutions for their computing needs.
 
Our summer DeskMate advertising campaign is driving potential customers
into your store.
Show them that these new DeskMate applications, added to the existing ones,
comprise a well-rounded selection of programs that use
the consistent DeskMate Graphical User Interface.
Take advantage of this momentum -- use Tandy's DeskMate to help you sell
Tandy computers!
 
MOM-08-89
DESKMATE CAMPAIGN CONTINUES.......
 
This month the flurry of DeskMate activity continues!
Here are the highlights.
 
Product Announcements
Several major software companies have announced products.
(See the previous page for information about many of them.)
Here are two of the most important ones:
 
Lotus Development Corporation announced Lotus  Spreadsheet for
DeskMate  on August 2.
 
Symantec announced DeskMate Q & A Write on August 1.
 
Updating the Press
We alerted the computer magazines, general interest magazines and
newspapers in advance to hold space for the Lotus announcement
(although we didn't tell them in advance what the announcement was).
Dozens of magazines and newspapers and the wire services are printing
articles about this product and about DeskMate as you are reading this.
Watch for them!
 
Advertising
Our major DeskMate advertising campaign is underway.
We have placed DeskMate system ads in August and/or September issues
of these publications:   Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, USA Today, Sports
Illustrated, Inc., Changing Times, Money, Working Woman, PC Computing,
PC Week, Home Office Computing, PCM , and airline magazines.
 
These ads carry the theme, "Discover the DeskMate Difference... the
Friendly Face in the PC crowd."
(The "face" referred to is the DeskMate Interface.)
The top of the page shows one or more people thinking
things like "It takes too long to learn and use a computer"
and "I learned word processing, but new software is like starting over."
 
The text of the ad says that DeskMate software replaces confusing commands
with simple, plain English.
It then mentions several third-party DeskMate applications
and tells the advantages of Tandy computers that have  DeskMate built in.
 
Finally, the ad invites customers in for a free  DeskMate demonstration.
This is where you come in,
by being ready to show a variety of DeskMate applications and discuss
their advantages.
 
The bottom of each ad shows the same person looking  happy and satisfied
while using DeskMate on a Tandy computer.
Watch for these ads and have some available for your customers to
review!
 
Our DeskMate television commercials will begin at the end of August.
You can see the three  early  appearances of these commercials during
these programs:
 
August 31 Kickoff Classic (prime time on independent stations)
 
Sept. 1 NFL Preseason Game on NBC
 
Sept. 2 NFL Preseason Game on CBS
 
These commercials will be shown many more times during sports and news
events.
 
FC-970 DeskMate Sales Kit
This kit will help you to use DeskMate as a tool to sell more
computers.
See the next page for a complete explanation of all elements in the kit.
 
Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate Demonstration Kit
You'll receive this kit early in August, and it will help you to
sell the Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate.
It will include fact sheets, a demo disk and videotape.
See the article which begins on Page 11 for more details.
 
What This Means to You
These efforts represent a coordinated campaign to raise the awareness
of the value of DeskMate among our customers and potential customers.
The ultimate goal of this campaign is, of course, increased sales in
each and every Radio Shack store and Computer Center.
In order to reach this ultimate goal,
YOU need to be ready to sell DeskMate and its benefits to our customers.
 
DeskMate is a major part of the "added value" that our Tandy 1000
computers have over our competition, and you must be ready to
capitalize on DeskMate's benefits for our customers.
 
1. Be sure you have the DeskMate demo, the  DeskMate applications demo,
and/or the Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate demo displayed on the
computer screens in your store.
 
2. Review the DeskMate Sales Kit when it arrives.
With the information in this kit,
you will be better able to present DeskMate to our customers.
 
3. Use DeskMate applications for your routine work.
The more you use DeskMate, the better you are at selling with it.
 
Stay ready! Your next DeskMate customer is about to walk in the door!
 
 
DESKMATE SALES KIT COMING TO YOU
Helping You Sell Computers With DeskMate
 
This kit is designed to prepare you for the additional
customers who will be coming into your store as a result of
our ongoing summer DeskMate campaign.
All of the ads we're running are designed to drive customers
into your store to get a demonstration of DeskMate.
Once they've received that demonstration,
they'll expect to get the 15% off certificate which entitles them
to 15% off on any one DeskMate software application.
 
The demo disks and sales training materials in this  DeskMate Sales Kit
will help you be ready to give these demos.
The kit also includes a starter quantity of certificates,
but you need to have enough certificates on hand for ALL
the customers that will be coming in.
(Order FC-971 for an additional set of 25 certificates.)
 
Each Radio Shack store and Computer Center will receive
this DeskMate Sales Kit (FC-970) during the second half of August.
It includes the items mentioned above and provides other useful tools
to help you sell more computers by highlighting the value that DeskMate adds
to our Tandy 1000 line of computers.
 
The DeskMate Sales Kit is made up of these components:
 
A set of DeskMate application demo disks
DeskMate sales training materials
A set of 50 DeskMate certificates
A set of 25 DeskMate brochures
A set of 25 DeskMate fact sheets
 
Here's a complete explanation of each of these elements:
 
DeskMate application demo disks
The demo disk shows customers the benefits of the  DeskMate system
by showing screens from a variety of applications.
Descriptive text and a pointing hand describe features and benefits
of each program shown.
The Tandy  DeskMate programs include the DeskMate Desktop , Text,
Calendar, and Address Book.
 
The diskette also includes screens and descriptions of these third-party
DeskMate applications: Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate,
Symantec's DeskMate Q & A Write, Intuit's Quicken,
and Software Publishing's First Publisher.
 
There will be three diskettes provided in the Sales Kit:
 
one 5 1/4" for a CGA system
one 5 1/4" for a Tandy 1000 Color/EGA/VGA system
one 3 1/2" for Tandy 1000 Color/CGA/EGA/VGA systems
 
You should make interested customers a free copy of the appropriate
DeskMate applications demo diskette.
Take diskettes from store stock to make these copies on.
(Do not ask customers to bring in or buy a blank disk!)
 
DeskMate sales training materials
These include a script that will guide you through a presentation of DeskMate
with the goal of selling the customer a computer in the Tandy 1000 family.
The script tells you not only what to say to the customer but also
what to do at the computer.
 
The DeskMate sales training materials also include pocket cards to help you
remember the key points of the demonstration.
 
DeskMate certificates
You should give one of these certificates to each customer
who views a DeskMate demonstration.
The certificate looks like an award,
and it says "I Discovered the DeskMate Difference!"
It also entitles the bearer to a 15% discount on any one
DeskMate software application.
 
Be sure to give a certificate to each customer who views the demo!
You can order more of these -- FC-971 is a set of 25 certificates.
 
DeskMate brochures (FC-960/Pkg. 25)
This brochure tells the story of the DeskMate interface
and describes twenty-six DeskMate applications.
It also shows a screen and company logo for each program.
It replaces last year's FC-1260.
 
DeskMate fact sheets (FC-950/Pkg. 25)
The fact sheet provides essential information about the DeskMate package
(25-1350) on the front side, and on the reverse side
it describes each of the applications in Tandy DeskMate.
It replaces last year's FC-1250.
 
All these items are designed to help you sell more computers and
software using DeskMate.
Use the demo, the training materials, the certificates,
the brochures and the fact sheets to your advantage!
 
DeskMate helps you sell computers!
 
MOM-08-89
STOCK FILE CHANGES
A quick reference  to product status changes - pricing, availability, etc.
PRODUCTS CANCELED, DISCONTINUED AND REPLACED
 
DISCONTINUED
 
STOCK #         DESCRIPTION
250-1209        Harmony Info Mgr
250-1210        Harmony Spreadsheet
250-1204        Harmony Accts Recv
        (replacement packages will be
        available in Express Order)
26-2190         COBOL Model 4
900-2182        Kodak Datashow
        (replaced by 900-2282 and 900-2296)
905-0123        Omniterm Mod 4
905-1512        RW GL 3K XENIX
        (replaced by 903-1783 RW G/L SCO XENIX)
905-3127        Fastback
        (replaced by 900-1376 Fastback Plus)
 
 
SOME COLOR COMPUTER SOFTWARE MOVED TO CONSUMER MAIL
 
The following Color Computer software has been moved to Consumer mail.
There is still some quantity of these titles in the stores.
Before you order from Consumer Mail,
please check with your District Manager for transfer from other stores.
 
26-3078 Springster
26-3109 Color SCRIPSIT  II
26-3201 Color Math
26-3246 Cave Walker
26-3262 DeskMate 3
26-3266 TSSpell
26-3267 TSWORD
26-3288 One On One
26-3293 Ghana Bwana
 
MOM-08-89
MATH COPROCESSOR PRICING
 
With a math coprocessor, your customers can speed up
math-intensive or graphics applications by as much as 10 times!
 
And effective this month,
the prices on the math coprocessors offered through
Radio Shack's Special Order Program are being lowered.
(Since the vendor lowered prices after our catalog was already printed,
the prices shown there are incorrect.)
 
Here's the new price lineup:
 
                                 OLD     NEW
CAT. NO.        DESCRIPTION     PRICE   PRICE

900-2120        8087 5 MHz      155.00  142.00
          Tandy 1000A/1200/PC
900-2121        8087 8 MHz      220.00  205.00
          Tandy 1000 SX/SL/1400 LT
900-2191        80287 8 MHz     355.00  326.00
          Tandy 3000/1000 TX/TL
900-2192        80287 10 MHz    410.00  374.00
          Tandy 3000 NL
900-2321        80387sx 16 MHz  580.00  506.00
          Tandy 4000 SX
900-2131        80387 16 MHz    645.00  570.00
          Tandy 4000
900-2193        80387 20 MHz    730.00  647.00
          Tandy 5000 MC/4000 LX
          and 4020 LX
900-2322        80387 25 MHz    920.00  814.00
          Tandy 4025 LX
 
Note: Unit costs have also been lowered
to maintain gross margin.
 
MOM-08-89
TEW AND TSI ARE NOW TSDC
 
We want to remind everyone that Tandy Electronics Warehouse (01-0055) and
Tandy Systems Integration (40-7135) have merged.
 
The new organization is now known
as Tandy Systems Distribution Center,
and it is located at TEW's former premises.
TSDC continues TEW's function of distributing specialized products
while expanding TSI's configuration and integration offerings.
 
MOM-08-89
PRODUCT NEWS - ALL STORE
 
The "ALL STORE" section contains information of interest to all store types.
01Zs and Computer Centers will also be interested in the information
contained in the "01Z/COMPUTER CENTER" section.
 
Here's the text of a joint press release:
 
LOTUS AND TANDY ANNOUNCE THE LOTUS SPREADSHEET FOR DESKMATE
 
New Product is Designed Specifically for the Small Business and
Home Office PC User
 
NEW YORK, N.Y., August 2, 1989   Lotus Development Corporation and
Tandy Corporation today announced the Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate,
a personal computer software product developed by Lotus  that is based
on the spreadsheet technology of Lotus 1 2 3  Release 2.01 and
includes the Tandy  DeskMate  Graphical User Interface.
 
"We're pleased to announce this product and our relationship with Tandy,
a leading supplier of personal computers to the small- to medium-sized
business marketplace," said Jim Manzi, Lotus' president and CEO.
"The power and capability of the Lotus spreadsheet technology combined
with the ease-of-use of the Tandy DeskMate interface make this product
an ideal solution for the small business, home or home office PC user.
This product also broadens our spreadsheet product offerings,
extends our distribution channels and strengthens our involvement in
this growing small business segment of the marketplace."
 
According to the 1988 Handbook of Small Business Data, a publication
of the U.S. Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy,
the current size of the small business/home office marketplace companies
with less than 100 employees is estimated to be around
20 million businesses.
 
As a fully integrated software package, the Lotus Spreadsheet for
DeskMate features spreadsheet, database and graphics.
With its 1-2-3 based spreadsheet technology, low price and
easy-to-use graphical format with pull-down menus and dialog boxes,
the product is designed specifically for the small business and
home office PC user.
The product provides a feature set comparable to Lotus 1-2-3 Release 2.01
but does not include macros, the add-in capability, or support for
expanded memory.
In addition, the Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate supports a mouse and
works with the other DeskMate applications and all DeskMate accessories.
It uses the .WK1 file format which is compatible with all products in the
Lotus 1-2-3 PC spreadsheet product line, including 1-2-3 Release 2.0,
2.01, 2.2, 3 and Symphony .
 
"The introduction today of the Lotus Spreadsheet for  DeskMate is an
important one as it promises to be one of the most popular DeskMate
applications," said John V. Roach, Tandy's chairman and CEO.
"This new implementation of 1-2-3 spreadsheet technology under
DeskMate's Graphical User Interface provides 'plain English' commands
in pull-down menus and dialog boxes and makes this spreadsheet very
easy to use.
We believe that today's announcement, combined with the growing
support of other software developers who adapt their applications to
this interface, means that the DeskMate interface will become a
standard in it's market segments."
 
Tandy's DeskMate interface operates on Tandy  and other PC-compatible
computers and on all classes of hardware from the 8088 to the '386 
processor.
It brings a high degree of consistency to diverse software application
programs to maximize ease-of-learning and ease-of-use.
 
Software programs using this interface, such as the Lotus Spreadsheet,
can be integrated into an on-screen "Desktop" by adding Tandy's
DeskMate applications software package.
The DeskMate applications package also provides a number of simple
applications like word processing and an appointment calendar,
as well as accessories such as a phone list and note pad.
The DeskMate Desktop also acts as a DOS shell where common DOS
commands are executed simply by pointing and clicking with a mouse.
 
The Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate, currently in beta testing,
will be available in the fourth quarter of 1989.
It will operate on all Tandy PCs and other PC-compatibles under DOS
3.2 or higher.
It includes a runtime version of DeskMate's Graphical User Interface.
The product requires a minimum of 512K of memory, and will support all
DeskMate peripherals.
It will be distributed through Tandy's 7,000 participating Radio Shack 
stores and dealers nationwide (U.S. only) at Tandy's suggested retail price
of $219.95.
(All prices and terms are for the U.S.A. only.)
Lotus will provide product support and service including telephone
support to registered users and a customer assurance plan.
 
Lotus Development Corporation is the leading supplier of applications
software and the leading provider of information services delivered
on CD-ROM.
 
Tandy Corporation is the leading manufacturer of PC-compatible computers.
 
MOM-08-89
LOTUS SPREADSHEET FOR DESKMATE INTRO AND YOU
 
At a New York press conference on August 2, Lotus Development
Corporation and Tandy Corporation announced Lotus' latest product:
the Lotus  Spreadsheet for DeskMate .
This fine product combines the power of Lotus 1-2-3 with
DeskMate's ease of use,
resulting in the first graphical version of a Lotus spreadsheet.
 
To underline the importance of this product to both Lotus and to Tandy,
the presidents of both companies spoke at the press conference.
Addressing the scores of press representatives who attended the conference,
Mr. Roach called the event a "historic presentation" and a "major software
introduction."
 
This announcement constitutes a key component of Tandy's strategy of
making the DeskMate Graphical User Interface the standard for
Radio Shack's target markets: home, home office, general business, and
schools.
The Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate provides the data analysis and
presentation power needed by these customers,
with the ease of use that many of these customers prefer.
 
Along with this summer's major DeskMate television and print ad campaign,
this announcement will drive interested potential customers into your stores.
It is therefore important that you know the basic facts about this product.
 
Product Overview
As mentioned above, the Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate is the first
Lotus spreadsheet product written using a Graphical User Interface.
It has pull-down menus and pop-up dialog boxes so the user can easily see
what commands are available.
Since it can be controlled by a mouse,
the only time a user MUST use the keyboard is to type the data and formulas
into the cells.
 
The Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate is based on the features of Lotus
1-2-3 Release 2.1.
All of the "@ functions" have been implemented.
Extensive formatting, cell protection, range functions, labeling,
table manipulation, and parsing functions are also supported.
 
Other notable features include the ability to modify graphs while in
the View Graph mode, scroll bars for easy movement around the sheet,
and file compatibility with all releases of Lotus 1-2-3.
Since the Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate writes Lotus 1-2-3 compatible files,
these files can be read into programs like Paradox ,
Harvard Graphics, Q & A Write, and many others.
 
The Lotus Development staff has done an outstanding job of taking full
advantage of the DeskMate environment.
Within the Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate,
accessories and notification are available.
Also, graphs generated by this product can be copied into
DeskMate's Clipboard for transfer to DeskMate's Text and Draw programs,
and into Symantec's DeskMate Q & A Write.
 
Product Positioning
Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate has all the data analysis and graphing power
needed by our small and  general business customers,
and the easy-to-use interface makes it ideal for these users.
 
Home office computer users  will also find that it meets their demands.
Since many of these are first-time spreadsheet users,
they will find the visual aspect of Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate
very attractive.
 
Even larger companies that want to expand the use of Lotus spreadsheets
to more inexperienced employees will appreciate this compatible
and easy-to-use product.
 
Overall, Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate fits the needs of any customer
wanting a reasonably-priced spreadsheet with analytical power,
compatibility, and ease of use.
 
Availability
The Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate (25-1283) will be available
in the fourth quarter of 1989.
It requires 512K RAM (640K recommended) and either two 5 1/4" floppy drives
or one 3 1/2" floppy drive.
Its retail price will be $219.95.
 
Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate Demo Kit
Each Radio Shack store and Computer Center will receive a Lotus Spreadsheet
for DeskMate Demo Kit early in August.
This kit will help you sell our new Lotus product.
 
The kit contains:
 
A set of 25 Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate Fact Sheets.
These will provide you with the necessary details you need to know
to sell the Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate.
 
A demonstration disk.
This 3 1/2" disk is for in-store use only and requires 640K.
It shows the Lotus product and describes its features and benefits.
Instructions for running the demo are provided.
Be sure to keep this program running on a computer in your store!
 
A videotape that highlights the features of the Lotus Spreadsheet
for DeskMate and its target markets.
This videotape will be included in the kits that are being
shipped to 11s and 01Zs.
(01Y stores will receive it as a part of the September Flyer videotape
Flyer # 447).
 
Lotus 1-2-3 is the most popular software product in history.
The Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate the most significant third-party
DeskMate application ever will be in your hands this fall
to help you sell more Tandy computers.
Meanwhile, use the Lotus Spreadsheet for DeskMate Demo Kit to help you
keep your customers informed and to close sales before the product arrives!
 
MOM-08-89
NEW CATALOG HIGHLIGHTS
 
Next month is our quarterly NEW PRODUCT issue,
and we'll go into detail then about the new CPUs, peripherals, software,
and other products that you'll find in the 1990 Catalogs.
In this article we give you an overview of our new product lines and
point out some features of the catalogs themselves.
 
Here are some of the new products you'll see in the new catalogs:
 
The new Tandy 1000 TL/2 includes new DeskMate software
and has the ability to accommodate low cost SmartDrive hard disk drives.
To go along with the new 1000 TL/2, there are optional 20 MB and 40 MB
SmartDrive hard drives for $399.95 and $599.95 respectively.
 
There are two new laptops, the Tandy 1400 FD,
which is essentially identical to last year's 1400 LT
but with a new low retail price of $1499,
and a new low weight of 11.5 lbs (instead of 13.5).
The other new laptop, the  Tandy 1400 HD , is the same as the 1400 FD
but with one floppy disk drive and a built-in 20 MB hard drive for $2499.00.
 
Last year's 20 MHz Tandy 4000 LX has been replaced with two
smaller footprint machines the Tandy 4020 LX,
a 20 MHz machine with 1 MB of RAM and the Tandy 4025 LX,
a 25 MHz machine with 2 MB of RAM.
(The Tandy 4025 LX will not be stockable.)
Both come with a 3 1/2", 1.44 MB floppy drive,
VGA graphics and an INTEL 82385 memory cache controller.
They are cosmetically identical,
and both units accept the low cost 'AT' SmartDrives that were introduced
in April for the Tandy 4000 SX.
For customers requiring higher capacity hard drives,
the SCSI Host Adapter may be added to support hard drives in capacities
from 40 to 344 MB.
 
A very exciting new category in our product line is Word Processors.
We have two models: The WP-2 is only 1" thin,
has a 100,000 word dictionary, 200,000 word thesaurus and accepts a modem,
disk drive and plug-in RAM cards all for $349.95
 
The  WP-100  is an AC only desktop word processor with built-in
daisy wheel printer and an 80 X 8 character LCD display.
It retails for $599.95
 
Last, but certainly not least, by popular demand
we've added  Novell  to our stable of networking products.
In addition to Novell, we will continue to offer 3COM and PC/NOS.
 
This year, as last, we've produced a hardware catalog,
an Express Order software catalog and an Educational Products catalog.
All three catalogs have been laid out in an easier-to-read format.
 
In RSC-21, we've integrated all special order items in with Radio Shack
merchandise so that, for example, when you're looking at modems,
you see  all  modems.
Perhaps the most exciting news is that we've introduced charts
right into the catalog that will tell you exactly what memory, hard drives,
floppy drives and monitors are to be used in each of our computers.
 
Additionally, there are 6 pages of calculators, telephones and cellular
that will send the message to our customers that we  are  the home/office
headquarters.
 
RSC-21S is six pages bigger than last year.
As before, we've done two versions, one for our stores
and one for Express Order .
This year, the catalog has been laid out more attractively.
There are photographs of products throughout and copy is lighter.
Where applicable, we've listed the available media sizes
for each software title.
Highlights include new DeskMate applications,
two pages illustrating the Bitstream Font Library
and full color layouts of CD-ROM titles and books.
 
RSC-21E features many new software titles and truly emphasizes the
number and names of the educational companies we've associated ourselves with.
This catalog includes four pages of charts grouping software titles
into like categories for easy selection.
 
This year we're introducing a powerful new selling tool, a 32 page
pocket book containing the features and benefits of each of our computers
and printers as well as comparison charts for each
that shows how our products stack up against the competition.
Now you'll have an instant reference to the selling benefits of each product
for your use or to show a prospect.
A supply of the pocket CPU/Printer reference books will be mailed
to all Radio Shack stores and Computer Centers late in August.
Additional quantities will be available from TSDC (formerly TEW).
 
Note the following catalog corrections:
 
RSC-21
 
Page 10
The catalog says the 1000 TL has five PC-compatible card slots, it
actually has  four, (the fifth is used by the  SmartDrive slot).
 
Page 15
Hard drive chart indicates that the catalog number of the 'AT'
SmartDrives are 25-1045 and 25-1046.
Their correct catalog numbers are 25-4119 and 25-4120 as shown
just to the left of the chart.
 
Page 16
Intel Math Coprocessors have new lower pricing not available
in time for catalog printing.
See Page 9 for details.
 
MOM-08-89
HAVE YOU USED YOUR FREE PC-LINK STORE DEMO ACCOUNT?
 
In mid-June, your store received a sign-on number and password for
a free PC-Link demo account.
Using this sign-on number and password with the PC-Link software
available on the DeskMate Desktop  on any Tandy  1000 SL and 1000 TL,
you will be able to use this special account in your store
for up to 30 FREE hours a month.
These 30 hours may be used for basic or Plus services,
during both prime and non-prime hours.
 
Have you started to use your account yet to demonstrate the benefits of
PC-Link  to your customers?
 
If not, you could be missing out on an opportunity to sell more computers,
modems and software!
 
If you've ever tried to explain the concept of online services to a
customer who's new to the world of modems and online services,
you'll understand why the PC-Link Demo Account is a unique and valuable
selling tool, it allows your customer "hands-on" understanding of
PC-Link and online services.
 
When you make presentations to your customers,
don't miss these valuable selling points:
 
1. PC-Link is  the  online service for Tandy computer
and DeskMate  users.
Customers can find answers to common questions in the
Most Frequently Asked Questions and Answers database, and
get direct answers to their computing questions from
Tandy in Tandy Headquarters online.
And in the Computer Forums of PC-Link and PC-Link Plus,
your customers can share information and utilities
with other DeskMate users in the DeskMate Forum,
and get questions answered by experts in the Tandy One Thousand Magazine Forum.
 
2. PC-Link uses the easy, familiar DeskMate look and feel.
PC-Link looks and works like everything else on the DeskMate Desktop ,
so even the beginner to online services will feel like an expert in no time!
 
3. For $9.95 a month, PC-Link offers virtually everything you can get
on online services   and more (such as Tandy computing
support and an online encyclopedia)!
And that's not all - PC-Link membership offers you access
to the services of PC-Link Plus:
computer forums, software down-loading,
and "real time" chat with other PC owners.
 
Enjoy your account!
 
MOM-08-89
BONUS PAK FIRST PUBLISHER AND THE TANDY 1000 TL
 
We have received a few complaints from customers who have tried
unsuccessfully to operate the DeskMate  version
of PFS: First Publisher  (provided in the Bonus Pak during July and August)
with the Tandy  1000 TL.
 
While this product does run best on a two floppy drive or hard disk system,
and is documented to do so, it  can  be run from a 3 1/2 inch floppy drive.
The procedure shown below describes the limitations and procedures
necessary to run PFS: First Publisher under DeskMate
on a one-drive Tandy 1000 TL.
 
Don't forget to remind your customers that for maximum efficiency
in running all the great DeskMate applications bundled this month
with the TL - MemoryMate , Quicken  and First Publisher - they should
consider purchasing a second floppy drive or a hard disk.
A hard disk allows them to set up menu boxes for these
and all their applications under the Desktop,
making execution fast, uniform, and automatic.
With no disk-swapping between applications, they'll have a smooth,
integrated system that truly makes computing a snap!
 
Instructions for Running DeskMate First Publisher
on a Single Drive Tandy l000 TL
 
All data files must be kept on the Program and Fonts disk.
 
Since all data files must be on the Program and Fonts disk,
the two example files (EXAMPLE.PUB and FLOWER.ART)
must be copied from the Laser Support and Sampler Disk
in order to run the Quick Tour.
 
Copy EXAMPLE.PUB to the Program and Fonts Disk
using the Copy command from DeskMate's F2 File menu.
In the "Copy From" field, specify
 
A:EXAMPLE.PUB
 
In the "Copy To" field, put
 
B:EXAMPLE.PUB
 
Since you only have drive A, you will be prompted to swap disks
when needed to complete the copy.
 
Then follow the instructions again, replacing EXAMPLE.PUB with FLOWER.ART
to copy the sample art file onto the Program and Fonts Disk.
 
To boot First Publisher, follow these steps.
At the  DeskMate Desktop:
 
1. Put the DeskMate First Publisher Program and Fonts Disk in Drive A.
2. Pull down the F2 - File menu and select Run.
3. Type FP as the name of the file to run.
4. When you press OK, First Publisher will boot.
 
You will now be able to use the basic functions of First Publisher.
You can type, change fonts, draw, define your page, print,
get and save files from and to your program disk.
 
Note that on a single drive system:
 
All data files must fit on the First Publisher Program and Fonts disk.
 
Text files must be in either ASCII, Professional Write, or
PFS: First Choice text format.
 
SNAPSHOT and SNAP2ART are not supported.
 
FONTMOVE is not supported   i.e., you are limited to the fonts
included on the Program and Fonts disk.
 
Laser printers are not supported.
 
You may not, in some cases, be able to print to disk.
 
MOM-08-89
PROFESSIONAL WRITE 2.1 IS NOW AVAILABLE
 
The 2.1 version of Professional Write (25-1261) is now shipping from TSDC
(formerly TEW).
This new version includes a graphical page preview function which shows
different point sizes and styles, proportional spacing,
true line and page breaks, and the ability to change fonts during page preview.
 
Other improvements in version 2.1 are support for more conversion formats
(to and from other popular word processors), expanded printer support,
and simplified tab and margin controls.
 
Customers who own version 2.0 can upgrade directly through
Software Publishing for $39.00.
 
MOM-08-89
20 MB HARD DISK CARDS AND THE TANDY 1000 SL AND TL
 
We've received a number of complaints related to the use of the 25-1032D
20 MB hard disk card in a Tandy  1000 SL (25-1401)
or Tandy 1000  TL (25-1601).
Specifically, in rare instances upon power up or system reset,
the hard disk card may become inadvertently "glitched."
The problem has been identified as being in the ROM of the hard disk card.
 
All Service Centers have received a Technical bulletin which explains
how to resolve this problem.
Additionally, replacement ROMs for the hard disk card called for
in the bulletin are now in stock in National Parts and in all Service Centers.
 
There will be no charge for the labor required to install the new ROM
and test if no other work is required on the unit.
If the drive comes in for any other kind of service,
there will be no  additional  charge for the installation of the ROM,
but you will be charged for any other repairs performed.
 
Remind your customer that it is critical that they make a backup of the
contents of their hard drive before bringing it in for service.
 
When you receive a 25-1032 back from service,
it will be accompanied by a new setup diskette and instructions.
The customer will use the diskette to completely reformat the hard drive
and then restore their information back onto it.
 
Sell with confidence   you have a solution if the problem arises,
plus, future shipments into the warehouse will incorporate the change
on all units.
 
MOM-08-89
REALWORLD 4-IN-1 BASIC ACCOUNTING - MEDIA SIZE
 
Due to the size of the package and the number of diskettes
required for this software title,
(25-1287) Real World 4-In-1 Basic Accounting
contains  3 1/2" media only .
 
The 5 1/4" version is available through Express Order .
 
250-1287 RW 4-In-1 Basic Accounting (3 1/2" media)
905-3083 RW 4-In-1 Basic Accounting (5 1/4" media)
 
MOM-08-89
VENTURE - A TOOLKIT FOR THE SMALL BUSINESS
 
Hundreds of small business ventures are launched every day in this country.
Unfortunately, the survival rate for these small business ventures
is extremely low.
The majority of these businesses fail,
NOT because they lacked a marketable product or service,
but due to a lack of planning.
 
Your chances of being successful will be greatly enhanced if you have
a sound plan before you start, one that foresees the pitfalls
and accurately gauges the potential market and competition.
 
For an investment of $349, you can obtain the expert services of
"Venture, the Entrepreneur's Handbook".
Venture  is a fully integrated program that not only helps you create
a thorough business plan,
but can also manage the day-to-day operation of your small business.
The business plan module is based on the Entrepreneur's Handbook
developed by the faculty of the University of Southern California's
Department of Business and its Entrepreneurship Program,
a program that has been endorsed by Venture magazine.
 
MOM-08-89
THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF WRITING A BUSINESS PLAN ...  GETTING STARTED
 
It's a difficult challenge.
How do I develop a business plan and what should be included?
This is a challenge that more and more businesses must face today.
Banks no longer lend venture capital for new or prospective businesses
on a casual basis, they require a sound business plan.
 
Venture provides a question and answer format to guide you through each step
in developing a complete business plan,
whether your business is service, manufacturing, retail, or distribution.
Venture automatically tailors the questions to fit your business.
Before answering any questions, you can complete the feasibility plan,
which determines whether or not your idea is strong enough to pursue.
 
As an integrated solution, after you answer the business plan questions,
you can move the information to the word processor for formatting or to the
spreadsheet to complete the financial sections.
 
Once the business plan is complete,
use Venture to manage the daily operations of your business.
Using the DeskMate  interface, the built in check writer, general ledger,
word processor, filer and spreadsheet are designed as everyday work tools.
Business, legal and financial templates are included.
You get a nondisclosure agreement, pro-forma income statement,
sample chart of accounts and a host of other templates
designed for the small business.
 
VENTURE (25-1249),THE DEFINITIVE SOURCE FOR PLANNING,
ANALYSIS AND CONTROL OF BUSINESS VENTURES IN THE 1990'S.
 
MOM-08-89
OUTRUN ON TANDY 1000 SL
 
Outrun, 25-1317, has excellent sound on the Tandy  1000 SL and TL.
Because of the digitized sound enhancements in this package,
more memory is required for it to run on the SL (than the SL comes with).
 
The sticker shows that 384K is required to run the package,
but to run it on the SL (and get that great sound!), 640K is required.
Since the TL comes with 640K, you won't run into any problems there,
but you need to be aware of this when you sell Outrun to a Tandy 1000 SL
customer.
PRODUCT NEWS
01Z/COMPUTER CENTER
 
MOM-08-89
TANDY 5000 MC - THE MICRO CHANNEL OF CHOICE
This year, it's still one of the very few Micro Channel architecture
alternatives in the industry.
But now, we've added more peripherals,
accessories and adapters to make it even more powerful and versatile.
 
If your customer is looking for multi-user solutions,
we've got powerful new answers: Like the exciting SCO XENIX  386 (903-1570),
that unlocks the power and performance of the 5000 MC.
SCO XENIX supports 386 virtual memory, demand paging,
and provides binary compatibility to XENIX  applications.
 
The soon to be available Arnet Multiport 2 and high-speed
SmartPort 2 multi-user adapters
each provide 8 ports for the addition of low cost workstations.
Four boards can support a total of 32 users under SCO XENIX 386!
(Anticipated availability of these products is Sept 1.)
 
For distributed processing, our 3Com Etherlink/MC allows the 5000 MC to
become the file server or a high-end workstation in a Network.
 
Other options include a Ventel 2400 baud internal modem.
 
The Tandy 5000 MC is a versatile machine as delivered,
but we've got a host of new enhancements that increase its flexibility.
 
The 5000 MC already has an RS-232 port and a mouse port,
but if a customer requires even more expansion,
we can offer the Neotech Serial/Parallel Adapter
or the STB Dual port serial adapter,
which adds two more serial ports
in addition to the standard one on the 5000 MC.
 
And there's still more!
 
The Orchid RamQuest Extra is a 2 megabyte memory adapter
that supports 8 megabytes of LIM 4.0 compatible address space
for maximum memory utilization with powerful applications
such as Lotus  1-2-3 and others.
The  Orchid RamQuest Extra also provides one additional parallel and one
additional serial port,
allowing for many expansion needs with one single adapter.
 
The 32 bit-path IBM Micro Channel architecture of the 5000 MC,
and the adapter boards which take advantage of it,
maximize throughput between a variety of Input/Output devices and the CPU.
The result is unprecedented performance and capacity.
And with the wide range of options we've just described,
you can understand why Tandy today is in the forefront
of this exciting and expanding new business technology.
 
And there's still more!
Here's the fastest, most versatile way for 5000 MC users to get, store,
and safeguard large amounts of information
 
Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) host adapter and hard drives:
Tandy is leading the industry with this interface,
which transfers data at speeds up to ten times faster than ST-506 controllers,
and at the same time supports up to seven devices with a single adapter!
 
And we're offering new lower prices on our high-performance SCSI Hard Drives,
too, that deliver sub 20 millisecond access speed
and capacities from 40 to 344 megabytes!
A single SCSI adapter can support multiple hard drives,
plus either an internal tape storage system, or, new this year,
a 150 megabyte external tape cartridge for data security.
So, if the ability to vastly expand data storage is a priority
for your customer, SCSI is the fastest method for accessing data,
and it's the least expensive way, too.
 
NOTE: Currently SCSI is only supported under MS-DOS .
The next version of SCO XENIX  for the Tandy 5000 MC,
anticipated to be available early 4th quarter this year,
will provide support for up to seven SCSI devices simultaneously!
 
The 5000 MC's versatility also allows support of other types of drives.
In addition to SCSI, you can provide your customers with a system
custom-tailored to their data storage needs with an ESDI or ST-506 hard drive.
Up to two 150 MB hard drives may be added to the 5000 MC with
an Enhanced System Device Interface, or ESDI, controller.
Our ESDI controller is 100 percent IBM compatible,
and provides enhanced performance that enables it to transfer data
at twice the speed of an ST-506.
 
Of course, customers who do not need high capacity and data storage expansion
can simply order the 5000 MC pre-configured with a low cost/high performance
sub-20 millisecond, 80 megabyte ST-506 hard drive.
 
So the 5000 MC, the powerful Micro Channel compatible,
is now even more powerful, and more useful to your business customers.
You can offer them unprecedented performance,
versatility and expandability, and great value, too!
 
The 5000 MC.
Great last year...better this year, with more choices, options,
more versatility than any of our Micro Channel competitors.
So, if your customer believes Micro Channel is in his future,
the Tandy 5000 MC is the logical choice.
 
MC Add-in Cards
 
Cat. #  Description                     Price
_
25-6030 Memory Expansion Adapter        99.95
25-6060 SCSI Host Adapter              499.95
90-1670 3Com Etherlink                 595.00
90-2198 Ventel 2400 Baud Modem         449.00
90-2450 ESDI Controller                429.95
90-2454 Serial/Parallel Adapter        169.95
90-2455 Dual Port Serial Adapter       225.00
90-2456 Arnet Multiport/2              995.00
90-2457 Arnet SmartPort/2             1595.00
90-2466 Orchid RamQuest Extra         1899.00
 
MOM-08-89
CUSTOM FORMS FOR REALWORLD 5.0
 
Our custom-printed forms vendor, All-States Business Products, is now
offering forms coverage on the RealWorld 5.0 accounting software.
 
You may place customer orders immediately on these items by mail:
 
All-States Business Products
1 Forms Drive
Carrollton, TX 75006
or by phone at  (800) 527-0625.
 
DESCRIPTION     # PARTS QTY     CAT. NO.  SELL PRICE
 
Accounts Payable 1       500    72-1900    41.00
   Check                1000       1901    77.00
   (Custom Printed)     2000       1902    153.00
                        3000       1903    218.00
                        5000       1905    327.00
 
DESCRIPTION     # PARTS QTY     CAT. NO.  SELL PRICE
 
Accounts Payable 3       500   72-1910     97.00
   Check                1000      1911    184.00
   (Custom Printed)     2000      1912    349.00
                        3000      1913    497.00
                        5000      1915    748.00
Uses 72-290x-series window envelopes.
 
DESCRIPTION     # PARTS QTY     CAT. NO. SELL PRICE
 
Payroll Check   1       500   72-1920    45.00
   (Custom Printed)    1000      1921    86.00
                       2000      1922    161.00
                       3000      1923    230.00
                       5000      1925    345.00
 
DESCRIPTION     # PARTS QTY     CAT. NO. SELL PRICE
 
Payroll Check   2       500   72-1930     81.00
   (Custom Printed)    1000      1931    153.00
                       2000      1932    289.00
                       3000      1933    413.00
                       5000      1935    621.00
Uses 72-290x-series window envelopes.
 
DESCRIPTION     # PARTS QTY     CAT. NO. SELL PRICE
 
Statement of    2       500   72-1940     83.00
   Account             1000      1941    158.00
   (Custom Printed)    2000      1942    299.00
                       3000      1943    426.00
                       5000      1945    641.00
 
DESCRIPTION     # PARTS QTY     CAT. NO.  SELL PRICE
 
Statement of    2       1000   72-2941     60.00
   Account              2000      2942    114.00
   (Blank)              3000      2943    163.00
                        5000      2945    244.00
Uses 72-206x-series window envelopes.
 
DESCRIPTION     # PARTS QTY     CAT. NO. SELL PRICE
 
Invoice          3       500   72-1950    117.00
   (Custom Printed)     1000      1951    222.00
                        2000      1952    421.00
                        3000      1953    600.00
                        5000      1955    903.00
 
DESCRIPTION     # PARTS QTY     CAT. NO.  SELL PRICE
 
Invoice         3       1000   72-2951    105.00
   (Blank)              2000      2952    198.00
                        3000      2953    282.00
                        5000      2955    424.00
Uses 72-206x-series window envelopes.
 
DESCRIPTION     # PARTS QTY     CAT. NO. SELL PRICE
 
Purchase Order  3       500   72-1890    115.00
   (Custom Printed)    1000      1891    218.00
                       2000      1892    413.00
                       3000      1893    589.00
                       5000      1895    885.00
 
DESCRIPTION     # PARTS QTY     CAT. NO.  SELL PRICE
 
Purchase Order  3       1000   72-2891    102.00
   (Blank)              2000      2892    194.00
                        3000      2893    277.00
                        5000      2895    416.00
Uses 72-290x-series window envelopes.
 
DESCRIPTION     # PARTS  QTY     CAT. NO.  SELL PRICE
 
Health Insurance 2       1000   72-2001     49.00
   Claim Form            2000      2002     92.00
   (HCFA-1500-C2)        3000      2003    138.00
   (Blank Only)          5000      2005    237.00
Designed for use with any standard #10 single window envelope.
Envelope not stocked by All-States.
 
MOM-07-89
THE FRONT LINE
 
THE FRONT LINE is a monthly column dedicated to discussing merchandising
and customer care concepts relating to our computer product line.
 
 
This month, we're introducing a powerful selling technique.
Although new to many of you,
it has been around for many years and is called:
 
TURN OVER
 
To illustrate how Turn Over works, let's look at this scenario:
You greet your prospect and discuss their needs.
You find out that you're unable to adequately assist them
in finding their solution or perhaps as does happen once in a while,
you just don't "hit it off" with the customer.
You just can't seem to establish the relationship
that you need to make the sale happen.
Do you simply let the customer walk out?
If you do, everybody loses.
Your customer loses because they do not get the benefit of your product
and you and Radio Shack lose because we don't get the sale.
 
"Turn Over" gives everybody a chance to win.
You simply turn over the prospect to another salesperson or your manager.
For example, you might say, "Please wait a moment.
I'd like to ask Tom to come by.
He's more familiar with that type of application
and I'm sure he can be of better assistance."
 
"Ok" you say, "I understand the concept, but when do you do this?"
Common sense tells you.
When you know that you can't properly satisfy the prospect's needs,
Turn Over.
In most cases, this occurs early in the sales cycle.
 
Each and every prospective customer is an opportunity for us to make a sale.
Don't give up the sale without giving your sales team every chance to succeed.
When you Turn Over, two things happen:
 
 
   You give your team a second chance at making the sale.
 
   You impress the prospect with your professional concern
   to address his or her needs, and that you are not "bluffing" your way.
 
 
So, treat every prospective customer like a rare jewel.
When you can't meet their needs, Turn Over!
 
MOM-07-89
STORE CONTACTS WITH VENDORS
 
Over the past year,
the number of comments and complaints we're receiving from our
vendors relating to store personnel contacting them has increased dramatically.
Additionally,
there have been a number of instances where our store personnel have
purchased products  not cataloged by Radio Shack 
directly from vendors to make or save a sale.
 
The rules described here apply to all stores and Computer Centers
without exception.
By operating contrary to them,
you could jeopardize Radio Shack's relationship with the vendor
as well as subject yourself to disciplinary action.
 
PRODUCT SUPPORT
25 or 26 series products
Both Radio Shack and the vendor are obligated to support these products.
Support questions on these products originating from a store or a
customer should be directed to a local System Engineer or to Computer
Support Services in Fort Worth.
 
900, 903 or 905 series products
The vendor exclusively,
not Radio Shack is obligated to supply support for these products.
All merchandise carrying a 900, 903 or 905 catalog number is plainly marked
to indicate this fact.
Although many customers will still insist on returning to the selling location
with their questions, salesmakers should encourage customers
to contact vendors directly.
Telephone numbers are listed in the Tandy Product Profiles (which are also on 
PC-LINK).
Should a customer visit your store with a support question,
call the vendor's support line and have the customer
talk directly with the vendor.
 
MOM-07-89
PURCHASING PRODUCTS DIRECT FROM VENDORS
It is specifically against company policy for our stores or Computer Centers
to obtain  in any way for any purpose,
any product outside of the Radio Shack product line .
This includes the acquisition of software to save or make a sale
as well as "free" software,
samples or demos of vendors products that we are not currently offering.
 
If you have a need for a software package or peripheral
to help close a large sale,
contact your District Manager or Regional Marketing and Training Manager
for assistance.
 
OTHER INQUIRIES TO OUR VENDORS
Do not ask our vendors about our future product plans.
Most of the time the people you're speaking with
are not in a position to provide accurate information.
In the unlikely event the individual you're speaking with does,
by revealing this confidential information,
they risk forfeiting their entire business relationship with Radio Shack.
Please do not place them in this difficult position.
 
If you have any comments or suggestions about what you'd like to see
in future Front Line columns, write to:
 
The Front Line
1500 One Tandy Center
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
 
MOM-07-89
MARKETING COMPUTERS IN JULY
 
Items on Sale in July
 
 
FOR ALL STORES:
 
The Tandy 1000 TL DeskMate Bonus Pak
With flyer, newspaper and TELEVISION support,
customers will be calling and walking in asking about this special offer.
Know the many benefits of the Tandy  1000 TL and the Bonus Pak items.
 
Cat.No. Description     Reg Price       Sale    Sale Dates
 
25-1601 Tandy 1000 TL
25-1043 CM-5 Monitor
26-1338 Bonus Pak
        System  1,916.85        1,299.00        6/20-8/21
 
Tandy 1000 HX and Tandy 1400 LT
Cat.No. Description     Reg Price       Sale    Sale Dates
 
25-1053 Tandy 1000 HX
25-1043 CM-5 Color Monitor
        System  998.95  699.00  7/16-7/22
 
25-3500 Tandy 1400 LT   1,799.00        999.00  6/20-SOWG
 
Home Productivity/Office and Business Software
Cat.No. Description             MSRP    Sale    Sale Dates
 
25-1174 Varsity SCRIPSIT        99.95   69.95   7/16-8/21
25-1185 MS-Excel               495.00  369.95   7/23-8/21
25-1225 Q & A                  349.00  249.00   7/16-8/21
25-1227 AwardWare               14.95   10.95   6/20-SOWG
25-1232 Speller Bee             39.95   29.95   7/16-7/24
25-1233 The FUNdamentals TL     19.95   14.95   7/16-7/24
25-1247 MemoryMate              69.95   54.95   7/25-8/21
25-1250 DeskMate 3.0            99.95   49.95   7/16-8/21
25-1255 PC-Link - Buy any modem get
           PC-Link 700-1255 as bonus            6/20-7/24
25-1272 Math Talk               39.95   29.95   6/20-8/21
25-1279 PFS:First Publisher    149.00   99.95   6/20-8/21
25-1280 PFS:First Choice       159.00  129.00   7/25-8/21
25-1285 CheckFree               29.95   24.95   6/20-7/24
 
Printers, Enhancements and Accessories
Cat.No. Description            Reg Price  Sale   Sale Dates
 
25-1035 286 Express Board       399.95  199.95   6/20-8/21
25-1017 300 BPS Plus Card Modem  99.95   29.95   6/20-SOWG
25-3510 1200 BPS Modem          199.95  119.95   6/20-7/24
26-0273 3-1/2" Diskette Box       1.19     .79   7/25-8/21
26-0274 5-1/4" Diskette Box       1.19     .79   7/25-8/21
26-1367 Printer Supports         16.95   12.95   7/16-7/22
26-1369 Monitor Pedestal         16.95   12.95   7/16-7/22
26-1395 2-Outlet Spike Protector 18.95   13.95   7/25-8/21
26-2808 DMP 440                 699.00  499.00   6/20-SOWG
26-2811 DMP 2120              1,599.00  999.00   6/20-7/24
26-2812 DWP 230                 459.95  299.95   6/29-7/22
26-2814 DMP 132                 379.95  219.95   6/20-SOWG
 
WHERE-IS-AS-IS
Don't forget the whole list of Where-Is-As-Is items in your flyer line-up!
 
Special Purchase
Cat.No. Description                Price    Dates
 
26-258  3-1/2" Disk Storage Box     5.95    6/20-'til gone
26-259  5-1/4" Disk Storage Box     5.95    6/20-'til gone
 
MOM-07-89
ADDITIONAL FOR 01Zs/COMPUTER CENTERS:
 
Tandy 3000 NL and Tandy 4000 LX
Cat.No. Description            Reg Price       Sale            Sale Dates
 
 
25-4072 Tandy 3000 NL
25-4041 VGM 200
25-4043 VGA Adapter
        Business System:        2,598.90        2,199.00        6/20-7/24
 
25-4062 20 MB Hard Drive
          w/25-4058 controller
        3000 NL w/Hard Drive:   3,447.85        2,798.00        6/20-7/24
 
 
25-5100 Tandy 4000 LX
25-4041 VGM 200
25-4043 VGA Adapter
        Business System:        4,898.90        4,499.00        7/23-8/21
 
25-4057 40 MB 40ms Hard Drive
          w/25-4058 controller
        4000 LX w/Hard Drive:   5,947.85        5,198.00        7/23-8/21
 
You may offer alternatives to the 4000 LX Hard Drive system.
Here are the system prices for a Tandy 4000 LX
with a 25-4043 VGA adapter and 25-4041 VGM 200 monitor,
a 25-4058 HD controller and:
 
Cat.No. Description           Reg Price       Sale           Sale Dates
 
25-4062 20MB HD              5,747.85        4,998.00        7/23-8/21
25-4061 40MB 28ms HD         6,147.85        5,398.00        7/23-8/21
25-4067 70MB HD              6,647.85     5,498.00        7/23-8/21
 
MOM-07-89
Desktop Publishing Solutions
 
June's Monthly Product Sales Training covered desktop publishing,
preparing you to take advantage of the ads featuring this application.
Offer your prospects the Tandy 3000 NL business system shown above
with the Tandy Serial Mouse (25-1040 $49.95),
First Publisher and a DMP 300 Printer (26-2818 $649) for a price of about
$3,500.
 
Or go a step higher with the Tandy  3000 NL, a  Logitech Mouse,
MS Windows, PageMaker and an LP 1000 Laser Printer
and you have a system for about $6,000.
 
Cat.No. Description    Reg Price       Sale    Sale Dates
 
26-1199 Logitech Mouse   99.95         79.95   6/20-7/24
 
                        MSRP    Sale    Dates
 
25-4111 MS Windows       99.00   59.95   6/20-7/24
25-4112 PageMaker       835.00  649.95   6/20-7/24
90-1370 Splash!          99.95   89.95   6/20-7/24
 
MOM-07-89
THE DESKMATE  DIFFERENCE
 
A series of articles on DeskMate.
 
THE DESKMATE DESKTOP  Part II - Accessories, Including the Clipboard
 
Last month we discussed the Desktop as a
configurable menu system and MS-DOS shell.
In this month's article we continue with another important feature,
of the Desktop, the  accessories ,
and we show you how to use them to sell computers.
 
What is a DeskMate Accessory?
It is a small program that can execute while another
DeskMate program is on the screen.
For example, while running Text (DeskMate's word processor),
you can use the Month accessory to display a month's calendar
on the same screen as your document.
When you exit the Month accessory, your document remains on the screen.
You don't have to leave your DeskMate application program to use the
accessories.
 
How Do I Run Accessories?
Pull down the F10 menu to select a DeskMate accessory.
 
What Accessories Come with DeskMate?
SETUP lets you select the basic hardware settings, colors on the screen,
and the date and time.
The hardware settings include the mouse, the communications device (modem),
and the printer.
Once you make these selections, they are maintained for all Tandy DeskMate
applications and for most third-party DeskMate applications.
 
SPELL CHECKER uses the Microlytics' technology which is built into
DeskMate (and the ROM of the Tandy  1000 TL/SL).
It lets you spell check every word you type, and edit and save your
personalized spelling dictionary.
 
CALCULATOR gives you a five-function calculator with memory.
It works with either the keyboard or a mouse.
 
PHONE LIST lets you edit and print your personal phone list.
It also lets you call numbers on the list if you have
an auto-dial modem connected.
The Phone List accessory shares information with the Address Book application.
 
CORKBOARD appears as a small text editor on the screen.
You can use it as a notepad to store any kind of information
and view it from within DeskMate applications.
 
MONTH displays the current month on the screen.
It can scroll forwards and backwards a month or a year at a time.
 
ALARM reminds you of special events or meetings.
At the specified time, your computer will beep and the F9 menubar box
will be displayed in reverse colors.
This accessory can even present reminders
when you are running non-DeskMate applications!
 
TASK SWITCH allows you to have two programs loaded into memory at once
(provided the computer has enough memory).
You can switch back and forth between the programs with a single keystroke.
 
The Clipboard
Your customers want to run several applications, and they often want to
take data from one application to another.
For example, they may have text from one program and graphics from another
program, and want to combine them.
They can sometimes accomplish this by saving text data
as an ASCII file then loading it into the word processor,
but they often cannot transfer graphics.
 
The DeskMate Desktop Clipboard (an in-memory data buffer)
goes a long way in solving these problems.
When you run DeskMate applications from the Desktop,
you can take data to and from any DeskMate program that uses the Clipboard
for its cut-and-paste buffer.
The Clipboard accessory lets you view the current contents of the Clipboard.
 
For example,
your customer may want to draw a figure that shows how a room will be laid out,
and she may want to include a description of the furniture
in the same document.
With DeskMate, she can work in Draw, then use the Edit (F3) Select and Copy
option to Copy the artwork into the Clipboard.
She can then go to Text and use the Edit (F3) Paste option
to move the graphics into the document.
Then she can add descriptions of the furniture.
 
The Desktop's Clipboard allows your customer to produce a professional
document with graphics, without having to learn about saving data to
graphics conversion formats.
 
Within Which Programs Can DeskMate's Accessories Work?
 
The accessories work with any Tandy DeskMate application and with many
third-party applications.
 
Selling with DeskMate's Accessories
 
1. Learn to use and demonstrate DeskMate accessories
from within several DeskMate applications.
Practice a presentation so that it goes smoothly
and shows how truly easy the accessories are to use.
If you struggle with them,
the customer will assume (wrongly!) that they are difficult to use,
and you risk losing that sale.
 
2. Learn to use and demonstrate the Clipboard.
Although it takes a little more time to demonstrate,
it is one of the more impressive capabilities of DeskMate.
Emphasize that many third-party applications also use the Clipboard.
 
Use these features to show your customers that Tandy technology has
many advantages over the competition.
Take advantage of DeskMate's Accessories to help you sell more computers and
software!
 
MOM-07-89
STOCK FILE CHANGES
 
A quick reference  to product status changes - pricing, availability, etc.
 
 
* *   Notice                       Notice                       Notice   * * 
 
The long list of Availability Code Changes
normally in this space will no longer be printed.
It has been superceded by the following, so pay close attention!
 
* *   INVENTORY CREDIT FOR SPECIAL ORDER ITEMS   * *
 
Every store is assigned a basic inventory that is force fed or zero-filled
(with minor exceptions).
The catalog numbers included in the basic inventory appear on the Cycle,
TEW and FFD merchandise ordering screens in your POS/SOS.
This is the  only  merchandise taken into consideration in figuring your
allowable inventory.
 
There is also a screen from which to order Special Order items for your store.
Merchandising recommends that these be bought only for customer orders.
You should not stock these items.
They are purposely not included when calculating allowable inventory levels
because all our statistical information proves that sales do not justify
your stocking them.
They should only be special-ordered for a customer.
 
Effective with the July cycle inventories,
you will receive full inventory credit
for special order merchandise in your store (except for the 90 series).
 
90 series hardware and software items also appear on your Special Order screen.
If you have any of these items in your store,
you will receive credit for only 25% of their value.
These items should only be ordered for customers.
 
There is merchandise in the catalogs that does not appear on any of your
store's operating screens.
This means that you  cannot stock and/or sell  this equipment.
 
MOM-07-89
MEMORY PRICES AND AVAILABILITY
 
Many memory kits carry new lower prices.
Additionally, because of dramatically improved availability,
all memory kits are in stock and readily available from the
appropriate warehouses with all ordering limitations removed.
 
We anticipate that any future outages will be temporary
and will be handled as any other piece of merchandise that is out of stock.
That is, in the case of TEW items, backorders will be accepted
and filled in the order received.
 
It is conceivable that memory costs could continue to decline.
Therefore, stores and centers are urged not to stock any more than what
is required to satisfy immediate needs.
This will insure that the resulting devaluation of inventory doesn't cause
shrinks in the stores.
 
MOM-07-89
PRODUCTS CANCELED, DISCONTINUED AND REPLACED DISCONTINUED

STOCK # DESCRIPTION
 
250-1146        Quartet  
250-1207        Harmony Order Entry
880-2041        Letter Paper for EPC 150 Copier (Pk 300)
           (replaced by 880-2046 PK 500 34.95)
905-3081        Timeslips
           (replaced by 903/5-1372 Timeslips III)
905-0123        Omniterm Mod 4
905-0470        RM/COBOL-74 Dev. Sys.
905-1373        Personal Tax Filer
900-1557        OSAS Human Resource Mgt.
905-3127        FastBack
           (replaced by 900-1376 FastBack Plus)
 
MOM-07-89
900 SERIES MERCHANDISE AT TEW
 
In the April 1989 Issue of the M.O.M. (page 8),
we told you about the change in our stock numbering system
to make room for 3 1/2" media in  Express Order  .
 
Prior to the change, all Express Order software carried a 900 series prefix.
 
After the change, only software packaged with dual media or no media
(such as books and some CD-ROM titles), or Color Computer software
retained their 900 series catalog numbers.
Software containing only
3 1/2" media was recataloged using a 903 prefix,
and software containing only 5 1/4" media was recataloged using a 905 prefix.
 
On Monday, June 12th,  Tandy Electronics Warehouse  began the same process
for special order hardware and educational software that carried the
900 series catalog number prefix
900-xxxx for products with dual or no media,
903-xxxx for products packaged with 3 1/2" media,
and 905-xxxx for products packaged with 5 1/4" media.
 
As with Express Order Software, 903 and 905 hardware carrying the same
four digit suffix will be for the same product
(packaged, however, with the appropriate size media).
 
Note that although most special order hardware contains no diskettes, there
are a substantial number of educational software titles that will be changing
from 900 to 903/905.
 
Stockfiles have been updated with the correct catalog numbers.
Stores and centers should be able to determine and order correct media sizes
for all 90x series merchandise,
regardless of the item or its warehouse location.
 
MOM-07-89
PRICE CHANGES
 
Although the new Summer/Fall price book should now be in all stores,
below is a list of the more important price changes:
 
                                  OLD     NEW
CAT NO  DESCRIPTION              PRICE   PRICE

25-1032 20 MB Hard disk card     599.00  499.95
25-3510 1200 BPS Modem f/1400 LT 199.95  119.95
25-4028 512K Memory kit          349.95  299.95
25-4031 4 Port serial adapter    299.95  349.95
25-4059 40 MB Hard disk card     799.00  699.95
25-4064A 5.25" Internal DCS     1299.00 799.00
25-4159 40 MB SCSI Hard drive    999.00  799.00
25-4160 80 MB SCSI Hard drive   1499.00 1299.00
25-4161 16 Bit SCSI Host adapter 299.95  349.95
25-4162 170 MB SCSI Hard drive  2499.00 1999.00
25-4163 344 MB SCSI Hard drive  3499.00 2999.00
25-5000 Tandy 4000              2599.00 2799.00
25-5031 1 MB Memory kit          649.00  599.95
25-5033 2 MB Memory kit         1599.00 1299.00
25-5131 2 MB Memory kit         2399.00 1499.00
 
26-0262 2 wide fanfold labels     15.95   16.95
26-0263 3 wide fanfold labels     15.95   16.95
26-0276 1250 sheets, 16#          24.95   27.95
26-0277 2500 sheets, 20#          54.95   62.95
26-0278 1500 sheets, 16# greenbar 39.95   44.95
26-0409 Pk 3, 5.25" DS/80 Track    8.49    9.95
26-0410 Pk 10, 5.25" DS/80 Track  19.95   24.95
26-0411 Pk 3, 5.25" DS/40 Track    5.49    4.95
26-0417 Pk 3, 3.5" DS             16.95   10.95
26-0418 Pk 10, 3.5" DS            42.95   27.95
26-0421 Pk 3, 5.25" HD            13.95   9.95
26-0422 Pk 10, 5.25" HD           34.95   24.95
26-0423 Pk 3, 3.5" HD             34.95   27.95
26-0424 Pk 10, 3.5" HD            89.95   69.95
26-1328 1000 Fanfold labels        5.95    6.29
26-1387 500 sheets, 20#           11.95   13.59
26-1403 3500 sheets, 16#          59.95   69.95
26-1423 500 sheets, 16#            9.95    11.29
26-1427 1250 sheets, 20#          29.95   34.95
26-4906 Pk 10, 8" SS              34.95   37.95
 
MOM-07-89
PRODUCT NEWS - ALL STORE
 
The "ALL STORE" section contains information of interest to all store types.
01Zs and Computer Centers will also be interested in
the information contained in the "01Z/COMPUTER CENTER" section.
 
 
DESKMATE CAMPAIGN UNDERWAY
 
Be Prepared by Learning About DeskMate
 
This summer Tandy/Radio Shack is undertaking a campaign that will
drive customers into your store to ask about  DeskMate .
This will give you an excellent opportunity to sell these customers
DeskMate and a Tandy  computer.
Among other things, the campaign includes these activities:
 
  A major advertising blitz involving television, magazines, and newspapers.
 
  Major third-party DeskMate software announcements.
 
  Meetings with national magazines and newspapers on both coasts and in
  Ft. Worth to show them the special features of DeskMate and to encourage them
  to write articles about DeskMate.
  This media tour includes both computer publications and
  general interest publications.
 
  Working with software publishers at the Software Publishers' Association
  meeting, our own Publishers' Workshop, and our upcoming
  DeskMate Development Seminar to encourage the development of more
  third-party DeskMate applications.
 
When a customer comes into your store asking for  DeskMate,
be prepared to show them  DeskMate and to tell about its features.
Knowing how to present  DeskMate may result in a software and/or
computer sale for you,
but  not  knowing about  DeskMate may result in a disappointed customer
who will look elsewhere.
Below is a short checklist for your store that will help you
sell computers using  DeskMate:
 
1.  Is DeskMate 3 or the demo running on a displayed Tandy 1000 SL
    or Tandy 1000 TL in the store?
 
2.  Is the DeskMate package on display?
 
3.  Are other DeskMate applications from other companies on display?
 
4.  Are the appropriate DeskMate signs displayed?
 
5.  Can every salesmaker demonstrate DeskMate?
    Each one should be able to show the Desktop, Text, Address Book,
    and Calendar.
 
6.  If a customer asks "What is DeskMate?" or
    "What are the advantages of DeskMate?" be prepared with these answers:
 
DeskMate is a Graphical User Interface, a Desktop,
and a set of ten  application programs.
 
The Graphical User Interface makes it easy to control a variety of programs
because it allows them to have similar keyboard and mouse commands.
 
The DeskMate Desktop  lets you install and "launch" other programs
of your choice.
It also makes it easier for you to do MS-DOS commands.
 
The Desktop is built into the Tandy 1000 SL and the Tandy 1000 TL,
so it comes up automatically each time you turn on the computer.
 
The programs that come with DeskMate include a word processor,
a data manager, a spreadsheet, a calendar, an address book, and more.
 
With DeskMate you can:
 
-  write letters
-  keep addresses and other lists
-  do home budgeting
-  keep your daily schedule of events
-  print posters and signs
-  make drawings on the screen and print them on a printer
-  communicate with other computers
-  play games
-  and more 
 
Get ready!
Your next DeskMate customer is about to walk in the door!
 
MOM-07-89
TANDY 1000 TL - "EDITORS' PICK"
 
Great news!
The Tandy  1000 TL has just received the Home Office Computing
(May 1989) "Editors' Pick" award for an outstanding product introduced in
1988!
They've called it a "supercharged PC".
 
With an 80286 processor and 640K RAM standard, it certainly is fast.
And they say "In addition to its speed, the computer is notable for
its impressive IBM -style keyboard
[that's the 101-key enhanced keyboard they're talking about],
which is sculpted for easier typing."
 
They go on to say "...the computer boots extremely quickly and presents you
with a screen of icons" (that's MS-DOS  and DeskMate  in ROM).
"Tandy, in short, has used the basic PC as a model and souped it up, bringing
the 1000 line new excellence."
 
What could be better than that, you ask?
 
Well, you have a major promotion currently in effect that just sizzles with
value.
Here's what your customer gets: the fastest Tandy 1000 we've ever built,
complete with MS-DOS and the DeskMate Desktop in ROM;
the 10-in-1 DeskMate program; a CM-5 RGBI color monitor;
and a Bonus Pak containing Quicken , MemoryMate ,
and First Publisher and a
Logitech  2-button mouse, all for $1299.00.
 
The software in the BONUS Pak are all presented using the DeskMate interface,
each with the look and feel of  DeskMate.
All of this for only $1299.00.
That's a savings of over $617.00 to your customer.
 
The hardest part of this promotion will be having enough energy to get through
the whole list of goodies included with the package.
 
Oh, don't forget to suggest:
 
a printer for the system (there are several on sale in July),
 
or maybe a Hard Disk Card with new low prices (25-1032 or 25-4059),
 
or a second floppy disk drive
(either the 3 1/2", 25-1075 or the 5 1/4", 25-1063),
 
or the power switching system,
 
or monitor pedestal stand,
 
or any of the books on MS-DOS,
 
             that make that sale stay sold.
 
Additional Bonus Paks (26-1338) will be made available throughout the months of
July and August at your Regional Warehouse to help support this promotion.
 
Here's a closer look at the Bonus Pak:
 
Logitech 2-button mouse
Makes running DeskMate and other applications faster and easier to use.
Just "point and click".
 
Quicken 
The world's #1 selling financial software.
It has received PC Magazine's "Best of 1988 Award",
PC World's "Best Buy Award", and Info World's "Product of the Year" award.
Quicken is so automatic, it does your financial work for you.
It will finish in seconds the same work that used to take you hours to do.
And it's as easy as the pen and paper you use now!
 
MemoryMate 
Now you can find a needle in the haystack in three seconds flat with
MemoryMate.
Imagine tossing all your notes and files into a huge desk drawer, then
magically discovering that every time you want something,
it's right there on top.
MemoryMate, a new breed of data manager, is free form and works intuitively.
Once you enter a record, every single word, phrase and date is automatically
indexed and cross indexed for instant recall.
All this is accomplished with fifteen simple commands.
 
PFS:First Publisher
Desktop publishing "for the rest of us".
Easy desktop publishing for small business or personal users who still need
professional-quality results.
Lets you lay out publications by combining high-quality clip art plus text
(typed in directly, or imported from ASCII or any of today's popular word
processors).
Create multi-column newsletters, reports, announcements, flyers --
with minimum preparation
(and the Logitech mouse included with the bundle really makes it fly..!)
 
   One thing to remember, the Bonus Pak is to be sold only
   with the Tandy 1000 TL system.
   It is NOT for sale separately,
   either as a package or as individual components.
 
So, shape up with Home Office Computing's "Editors' Pick" and ship
out with the flagship of the Tandy 1000 line.
Your efforts will be supported with in-store signage, flyers, inserts,
numerous newspaper ads;
virtually a media blitz effort to help you close those sales!
 
MOM-07-89
TANDY 1000 TL COMPARISON CHART
 
Most computers in the Tandy 1000 TLs price class are 8088 and 8086 based
machines and it really wouldn't be fair to compare them with the
286 based TL.
We have, though, picked a sampling of these higher end machines (286s)
to compare to give you an idea of how well the 1000 TL stacks up.
 
                    TANDY        IBM            AST          AMDEK
                   1000 TL    Model 30-286    BRAVO/286    SYSTEM/286

 
Clock speed          8/4          10             8             8
 
Standard Memory     640K         512K           512K          512K
 
Expansion Slots      5             3             4             5
 
Floppy Disk Drive  1-3.5         1-3.5        1-5.25        1-5.25
 
Floppy DD Size      720K         1.44MB         360K        1.2MB
 
FDD Expansion to     3             2              2           3
 
On Board Video  MDA, Hercules     VGA          Optional    VGA, EGA
                   CGA          Hercules        CGA
                              Enhanced CGA
 
Serial Port         Yes           Yes             Yes          Yes
 
Parallel Port       Yes           Yes             Yes          Yes
 
Joystick Port        2          Optional        Optional     Optional
 
Headphone Jack      Yes            N/A             N/A         Yes
 
Microphone Jack     Yes            N/A             N/A       Optional
 
Sound/Speech Capability Yes        No              No           No
 
Real Time Clock     Yes         Optional        Optional        N/A
 
101-key Keyboard    Yes            Yes             Yes          Yes
 
Software in ROM DeskMate /MS-DOS Diagnostic         N/A          N/A
 
Bonus   CM-5 Color Monitor
        DeskMate Bonus Pak
        Logitech 2-Button Mouse
 
Price (including monitor) $1299.00  $2695.00      $1395.00     $1895.00
 
MOM-07-89
TANDY 1000 TL BONUS PAK CONFIGURATIONS
 
To clear up any confusion regarding the base configuration requirements
for the software titles included in the Tandy 1000 TL Bonus Pak (26-1338)
all of the titles in the Tandy 1000 TL Bonus Pak (26-1338)
will operate on one 3 1/2 inch (720K) floppy drive .
 
Quite often, third party software documentation assumes a 5 1/4 inch (360K)
floppy based system as the base  configuration.
However, in many cases, software that requires two 5 1/4 inch (360K)
floppy drives will effectively run on one 3 1/2 inch (720K) floppy drive.
 
By design, the DeskMate  interface permits all three of these
Bonus Pak applications to load with the same basic keystrokes
utilizing the DeskMate Desktop .
 
Follow these easy instructions to operate your Bonus Pak software titles
from a single floppy based system:
 
1. Boot to DeskMate Desktop
 
2. Use the <F4><DISKCOPY> to make working copies of the original application
   diskettes.
 
3. Store the program master diskettes in a safe place.
   Put the WORKING COPY of the application diskette in the floppy drive.
 
4. Select <F2><Update Screen> OR <Ctrl><U> to Update Desktop.
 
5. <TAB> to <PROGRAMS> List Box and <Arrow Down> to the the appropriate
   application:
 
    MemoryMate  <MEMODM>        <ENTER>
    PFS:First Publisher         <FP.PDM>        <ENTER>
    Quicken     <Q.PDM> <ENTER>
 
6. Or <TAB> to the List Box containing the application title and press
<Enter>.
 
Note: MemoryMate includes four database files:
 
DOSHELP.XXT (40K)       MEMO.XXT (25K)
REF.XXT (42K)   TELNO.XXT (22K)
 
The 3 1/2" diskette provides 28K of free space.
Any of these files may be deleted, at the user's option,
to increase the amount of floppy disk space available for
user defined database files.
 
MOM-07-89
TANDY 1400 LT IS SOWG
 
The Tandy  1400 LT Laptop computer (25-3500) is now out of stock
in the warehouse and is SOWG.
 
Do not issue any rain checks for this unit at this price since the unit will no
longer be available when field quantities are gone.
Do not hang on to units that you do not have sold.
Do not keep units in stock "just to have them" and force yourself
to take the inventory loss when they are devalued.
 
District Managers should be advised if you have excess quantities
so they can distribute them to other stores that have valid sales.
There are quantities of this unit in the field,
so if you run out of stock or have requirements for large order
quantities at $999.00
(no discounts apply to this price),
you should contact your District Manager for help in locating more units.
 
Because of the popularity of the Tandy 1400 LT,
the optional Carrying Case (25-3511) is also in short supply in the
Force Feed Warehouse.
Shipments to the warehouse will continue to grow over the next few weeks,
but this shortage is expected to last until the middle to end of July.
Once again, you should rely on your District Manager to help you find
units for any opportunities that arise.
 
You can rest assured that Tandy will continue to have products
in the Laptop Computer marketplace,
but for now, let's sell what's available today.
 
MOM-07-89
DMP 107 LETTER QUALITY MODE
 
The Owner's Manual of the 26-2821 DMP 107 printer
neglects to inform the customer how to change between
draft quality and near letter quality from the front panel.
 
The operation is simple and you should make sure your customers
are aware of this feature:
 
Press and hold down the ON/OFF LINE button until the green LED starts to flash.
This acts as a toggle between draft and NLQ modes.
(In other words, each time you do this, it will change to the other mode.)
 
Future revisions of the manual will incorporate these instructions for
your customers.
 
MOM-07-89
RADIO SHACK AND COMPUTER CURRICULUM CORPORATION ANNOUNCE MARKETING AGREEMENT
 
A cooperative marketing agreement between Radio Shack  and
Computer Curriculum Corporation (CCC) was announced on June 21 at the
National Educational Computing Conference (NECC) in Boston, MA,
by William D. Gattis, vice president of Tandy Corporation's
Radio Shack Education Division, and Tom Foley, CCC regional vice president.
 
The agreement between the two educational computing leaders will
provide a complete learning system that integrates more than 3,000
hours of courseware and Tandy  microcomputers with the educational
curriculum of schools nationwide.
 
"Radio Shack is pleased to be able to offer the CCC Instructional
System to schools interested in integrated learning solutions.  Under
the direction of Dr. Patrick Suppes of Stanford University, CCC has
developed a comprehensive learning system that continuously receives
high marks within the classroom," said Gattis.
 
CCC's Instructional System delivers individualized courseware
instruction in mathematics, reading, language arts and computer
education while promoting problem-solving and higher-order thinking
skills.
 
CCC's courseware instruction covers kindergarten through adult learning
levels and serves as an effective motivational tool for adult literacy
and at-risk students.
 
CCC selected Tandy computers for their high-resolution graphics and
powerful 80286 and 80386 microprocessors.
 
"We are very pleased to be working with Tandy, one of the leading
providers of hardware to education.  This strategic alliance is good
news for those districts who want CCC's software and clearly want to
use Tandy hardware," said CCC President Ronald Fortune.
 
Twenty-six CCC courses will run on the Tandy system, including two new
courses to be released this fall.  The new courses will target adult
literacy and physical science for junior high students.
 
The CCC Instructional System on Tandy computers will be available for
shipment October 15, 1989.  For more information, interested schools
may contact their local Radio Shack educational marketing
representative or any CCC marketing representative.
 
MOM-07-89
WELCOME TO PC-LINK
 
You are all aware by now that PC-Link  is
the telecommunications application located on the DeskMate  Desktop .
 
In a PC-Link article each month in the M.O.M.,
we'll be providing you information on
 
- how to explain the benefits of PC-Link to your customer.
 
- how PC-Link can help you increase your modem sales, and
 
- how PC-Link can be a powerful and valuable source of customer support
  after your customer has taken home his or her new computer.
 
PC-Link can be found on the DeskMate  Desktop
of all Tandy  1000 SL and 1000 TL computers.
In addition, you'll find PC-Link in the DeskMate packages sold separately and,
of course, the PC-Link software kit.
Each of these packages includes everything your customer needs
to use PC-Link - except a modem.
And selling that modem is up to you!
 
You shouldn't have any trouble convincing your customers
that a modem purchase is a good investment.
Using the PC-Link application and a modem,
your customer can connect to Tandy computer support and information,
stock quotes, a travel reservation service, and up-to-date encyclopedia,
and college selection guide, national and international news,
and much more - all for just $9.95 a month.
 
The new Tandy computer owner will find PC-Link's
Tandy Hotline (in the Tandy Headquarters section) especially helpful.
Your customer will be able to send questions about using Tandy computers
and products directly to  Tandy Headquarters in Ft. Worth -
and get a personalized response within two business days.
Most customers will find an immediate answer to their questions about
using your products in a "Frequently Asked Questions & Answers" database.
 
SEE FOR YOURSELF:
Use your free store PC-Link account to give yourself
and your customers hands on experience in using PC-Link.
You account includes free online time each month to explore PC-Link.
Ask your store manager for details, and ... see you online!
 
 
PC-LINK  - THE ONLINE SERIVCE FOR TANDY PC OWNERS
 
FOR ONLY $9.95 * PER MONTH, PC-LINK OFFERS UNLIMITED ACCESS TO...
 
        Tandy computer support and information direct from Tandy Headquarters
 
        Stock quotes and investment information
 
        Groliers Academic American Encyclopedia 
 
        American Airlines EAASY SABRE  travel reservations and information
 
        National, international, sports and business news updated throughout the day
 
        MS-DOS  compatible software catalog and buyer's guide
 
        Music, movie and video news and reviews
 
 
PC-LINK TAKES ON THE COMPETITION
 
                                    PC-LINK  CompuServe   Prodigy
 
Direct Support from Tandy             YES        Yes        No
Unlimited use for $9.95 * per month   YES        No         Yes
Easy-to-use DeskMate Interface        YES        No         No
Color Compatible                      YES        No         Yes
Needs Only 384K of Memory             YES        N/A        Needs 512K
Use any time, day or night            YES        Yes        Yes
Premium services --
        Download software             YES        Yes        Not Offered
        Chat with Other Users         YES        Yes        Not Offered
        Nightly Education Events      YES        Limited    Not Offered
        Nightly Entertainment Events  YES        Limited    Not Offered
        Costs only $6.00 per hour     YES        $12.50 *   Not Offered
 
* Rates higher during business hours            Rate for using a 1200 or 2400bps modem
 
MOM-07-89
ALL PURPOSE HARD DISK UTILITIES FOR HARD DISK SURVIVAL AND MAINTENANCE
 
Utilities software can be of interest to all users,
but it is particularly important for business and power users.
While not for everyone (especially the new or occasional user),
we wanted to explain some of the common features in this type of software
and give you a comparison of two of the most popular
general purpose utility products available today.
 
Undoubtedly, Peter Norton is the best known name in utility software.
Let's face it, in the early days of PC computing,
data recovery on PCs meant Peter Norton's "Unerase".
Personal computers have come a long way since those early days
and utility software has advanced to keep pace with the ever growing demands
of the end user.
 
Utility software is no longer confined to the recovery of deleted files,
providing a host of benefits and tools for both the novice
and the advanced user.
 
Two such utilities offered through Express Order  Software,
Mace V and PC Tools Deluxe,
provide a veritable smorgasbord of options and tools for hard disk maintenance,
optimized performance and protection.
Both packages are considered tops in the utilities software market,
offering features similar to and in many cases options
not offered in Peter Norton Utilities.
 
Features common to both Mace V and PC Tools Deluxe
 
Recovering Deleted Files & Directories
Although a mysterious process to most users,
the recovery of a deleted file is really quite simple.
When you use DOS to delete or erase a file, or to remove a directory,
it does not destroy the data.
Rather, the entries in the File Allocation Table (FAT),
used by DOS to locate files on disk,
are erased and the first character of the filename is changed
to an ASCII code 229 (the character sigma).
 
The important "gotcha" that users must be aware of is that the "Undelete"
function, used to recover the file, should be run as soon as possible.
Any operation that writes to disk may overwrite portions of,
or the entire file that the user is attempting to recover.
Although the file remains on the disk after deleting,
the File Allocation Table shows this area to be available.
 
Disk Caching
Disk cache drivers manage an area of memory (the cache),
keeping a copy of the data that was recently read from (or written to)
a hard disk.
This eliminates unnecessary disk reads and increases system performance.
 
Unlike the standard DOS RAM disk or VDISK options, these caching utilities
provide "write-through" caching,
executing all disk write requests immediately.
The primary benefit of these caching utilities,
unlike the standard DOS options,
is that data will not be lost in the event of
a power failure or other disaster.
 
The cache driver supports standard memory (up to 640K),
Expanded Memory (Lotus/Intel/Microsoft EMS),
and Extended Memory (AT style memory greater than 640K).
 
Unfragment - Disk Optimization
The slowest thing your computer regularly does
(other than waiting for the user to type something in)
is moving the heads of the disk drive from place to place,
getting pieces of a file.
Fragmentation is a term used to describe the condition where
parts of a file are not stored together on the disk, or in other words,
stored in "noncontiguous sectors".
 
File fragmentation occurs on all hard disks
and has a significant effect on speed.
If there has been much file deletion and creation,
then it is likely that file fragmentation has occurred.
 
This tool provides a visual map of the entire hard disk,
displaying locked out bad sectors, used sectors, and free sectors.
A report on the number of fragments is also displayed
during the initial scan of the hard disk.
The optimization routine will make several scans of your disk looking for
defective sectors
(locking them out and moving existing data to a different part of the disk),
move subdirectories to the front of the hard disk for faster access,
and unfragment your files to improve disk access.
Files with "Hidden" or "System" attributes will not be moved,
to insure that copy protected software will continue to run after optimization.
 
Sector Editor
For the inquisitive novice and the power user, this utility provides the
ability to edit disk information directly.
It also offers powerful disk recovery features,
including the ability to copy files from disks that DOS cannot recognize.
In addition, it is ideal as a teaching and disk exploration tool.
A current and complete backup of all files should be made
before using this feature.
 
Alternatives to DOS "FORMAT.COM"
These FORMAT command replacements will format both floppy and hard disks
in such a manner that their respective recovery tools will allow the user
to recover from an accidental format.
 
Tools Unique to Mace V (903/905-1350)
FindFile  searches all directories in a drive, looking for a match to the
filename you've given.
It displays each match, including path.
 
Mace Vaccine  is a resident program
that protects vital areas of your hard disk boot partition
against covert tampering and wholesale destruction.
 
RxBak  saves a current copy of a disk's boot sector,
file allocation table, and root directory,
in a file in that disk's root directory.
Excellent for recovery purposes.
 
Tools Unique to PC Tools Deluxe (900-1304)
 
Hard Disk Backup  provides a full featured utility that will backup
10 megabytes in as little as 4 minutes.
An option to compress the data during backup can reduce the number of
diskettes required by 60% and on many computers,
reduce backup times even more.
A tree display provides a visual means of selecting directories and files,
powerful include/exclude parameters,
automatically estimates the number of diskettes and
time required to backup the selected files,
and provides extended error recovery to guarantee a safe backup.
 
PC Shell  is a powerful utility combining a window environment
with all the critical DOS maintenance commands needed
to efficiently manage your system.
Show tree displays in multiple windows,
copy and move files with point and click mouse operation,
customize a menu interface for frequently used operations,
sort directories, edit files, and check your disk for errors.
 
PC Secure  is a tool for keeping your sensitive data and programs
safe and secure.
This utility can encrypt, decrypt, compress, and hide files on your disk.
Using DES (Data Encryption Standard) to thoroughly randomize files,
the encryption is virtually impossible to decrypt without the key.
This is the same encryption standard used by the federal government.
The data compression utility using block-adaptive Lempel-Ziv-Welch (LZW)
compression, can compress files in one pass
and does not require storing a translation table with the file.
Use of this feature means your files take up less room on the disk
and are faster to transmit via modem or back up to a floppy disk.
 
Some Closing Remarks
The utilities software category is one of the fastest growing markets
in the computer industry.
Suggest Mace V (903/905- 1350) or PC Tools Deluxe (900-1304) as an add on with
every hard disk you sell.
 
Provide your customer with the tools to realize
the full potential of their computer system. 
 
MOM-07-89
SUPPORT FOR TANDY'S DESKMATE INTERFACE CONTINUES TO GROW
 
This press release was issued by Tandy Corporation on June 20, 1989.
 
FORT WORTH, TEXAS -- Support for Tandy Corporation's DeskMate 
Graphical User Interface continues to garner support with more than 100
software publishers having licensed the product since March, 1988.
 
By the end of August, more than 20 software companies will be shipping
applications written under the DeskMate interface.
Software publishers who have announced their licensing agreement with Tandy
are Broderbund, Byte Size Software, Digital Learning Systems,
Electronic Arts, Epyx, First Byte, Intuit, MediaGenic,
Quantum Computer Services, Sierra On-Line, Software Publishing Corporation,
Star Software, Symantec, and The Learning Company.
 
These companies support Tandy's commitment to provide low-cost personal
computers in the home, school and business markets with the same ease-of-use
previously available on much higher cost computer products.
 
Designed for 8088, 8086 and 80286-based personal computers, DeskMate
does not require an expensive hardware investment.
 
The DeskMate interface provides a common look and feel to diverse applications
through a standard set of pull-down menus, pop-up dialog boxes, and
keyboard and mouse commands.
Learning one DeskMate application makes it easy to learn another.
 
DeskMate applications currently available include
The Music Studio 3.0  from MediaGenic,
MemoryMate  from Broderbund,
The FUNdamentals  from Digital Learning Systems,
Instant Pages  from Electronic Arts,
Print Magic  from Epyx,
MathTalk  and Speller Bee  from First Byte,
Quicken  from Intuit,
PC-Link  from Quantum Computer Services,
PFS:First Publisher  from Software Publishing Corporation,
Venture  from Star Software,
and  DeskMate  3.0, SchoolMate ,  DeskMate Thesaurus,
and  DeskMate Workgroup Companion  from Tandy Corporation. 
 
MOM-07-89
PRODUCT NEWS
 
 
TANDY 4000 AND TANDY 5000 MC RECOGNIZED AS "BEST BUY" BY PC WORLD MAGAZINE
 
We have just been honored by PC World at a dinner in Chicago
where they presented their 1988 Best Buy awards to the Tandy 4000
and the Tandy 5000 MC.
 
John Griffin, President and Publisher of PC World states that the
"Best Buy honors a combination of performance and price, in short,
it honors value to the business user."
The emphasis is John Griffin's, but it's exactly what you've been emphasizing
to your customers!
Value.
 
PC World, in their review of the Tandy 4000 in their 1988 issue, wrote: 
 
"The Tandy 4000 comes with a powerful package of speed-up
and memory management software,
including a disk caching utility and a disk optimizer that rearranges
data clusters contiguously for improved hard disk performance.
You also get a compression program that shrinks files,
and a hard disk backup utility that puts DOS's backup routine to shame.
 
"The Tandy 4000's memory interleaving, disk caching,
and memory management boost its performance into the range
of the best 16-MHz 386s.
In the 386 campaign, these figures should help make the Tandy 4000
a favorite with power-hungry business voters."
 
Here's what they say about the Tandy 5000 MC in their April 1989 review:
 
"Best of all, the 5000 MC provides better performance at a lower price
than the Model 70-121.
Unlike IBM's entry, which used memory interleaving,
the 5000 MC employs the 82385-based memory caching scheme popularized
by the Compaq Deskpro 386/20.
As benchmarks by National Software Testing Laboratories reveal,
this helps give the 5000 MC about a 9 percent performance edge
over the Model 70-121.
 
"The price advantage is also substantial,
though the 5000 MC is hardly the cheapest 20-MHz 80386 around.
A hefty $7927.90 nets you a 5000 MC with 2MB of RAM,
a fast 140MB ESDI hard disk, and a color VGA monitor.
Pay about $660 more, and you get an identically configured Model 70-121,
except with 20MB less disk space.
 
"One obvious plus for the 5000 MC is its memory capacity.
The system has two special CPU-speed memory slots,
each of which accommodates a board that holds up to eight SIMMs
(single in-line memory modules).
With 256K SIMMs, you get 2MB per board; with 1MB SIMMs, 8MB per board.
That yields a maximum of 16MB of memory bus RAM,
compared to the Model 70's lackluster 6MB limit.
 
"Simply put, the 5000 MC has nearly everything that the Model 70-121 has,
plus better performance, larger memory capacity,
and more room for boards and drives."
 
All of this makes great press, and your customer ALSO has the opportunity
to make their purchase from the largest retailer of personal computers
in America.
 
 Service available most anywhere
 
 Support to help your customer get going
 
 Ability to offer a total system solution
 
Is there any reason for your customer to shop elsewhere?
 
MOM-07-89
700-1506 DT-110 TERMCAP SUPPORT FOR SCO XENIX 286/386
 
Full utilization of the DT-110 Data Terminal capabilities
requires additional software support.
This support is provided by 700-1506, which contains one 3 1/2 inch (720K)
floppy diskette and one page of installation instructions.
 
This package has been dropped shipped to all Computer Centers
and is also available through TEW.
System Engineers have instructions for duplication of the diskette.
 
The following software applications have been tested
and verified as functional:
 
  RealWorld Accounting Series (Version 5.0 for SCO XENIX)
  Open Systems Accounting Software (OSAS)
  SCRIPSIT 286  (250-4213)
  SCRIPSIT 386  (900-1932)
  Profile  286  (250-4212)
  SCO Integra   (903-1577)
  SCO Foxbase Plus      (903-1597)
  SCO Lyrix     (903-1598)
 
The following software applications are functional, but require additional
explanation for correct operation.
Contact Customer Service or your local System Engineer for details.
 
  SCO Professional      (903-1588)
  SCO Portfolio (903-1589)
  SCO Portfolio Suite   (903-1599)
 
The next release of this termcap, currently under development, will provide 
full support for additional software applications under SCO XENIX .
 
MOM-07-89
SCO XENIX 386 - SUPPORTED VIDEO MODES
 
You know that the EGM-1 Monitor is no longer available from TEW
(although there are still some quantities in the field).
When we notified you that the EGM-1 Monitors were SOWG,
we told you to replace the EGM-1 with VGA monitors,
but in the case of SCO XENIX 386 Version 2.2.4 (25-5200),
this is NOT really an option.
 
While the VGA monitors are backwards compatible to previous video
modes (including EGA),
because this SCO XENIX version addresses the video hardware directly,
it cannot support VGA hardware.
 
The current version of 25-5200 SCO XENIX 386 (2.2.4) supports the
following video modes:
 
      monochrome         CGA         EGA
 
A patch or quick fix to provide VGA support is not available.
 
Support for this video mode requires an entirely new release of the
operating system, and VGA support  will  be provided in the next release.
 
However, the currently supported video modes should prove more than adequate
for the text based operations performed at the XENIX  console.
The 25-3011 or 25-3012 VM-5 monochrome monitor is an excellent video option.
 
As a general reminder   for 25-5200 SCO XENIX Version 2.2.4,
 
Do Sell:
 
25-3012 VM-5 Monochrome Monitor
25-4035 EGM-1 Monitor
25-5000 Tandy 4000
25-5100 Tandy 4000 LX
 
Do NOT Sell:
 
25-4040 VGM-100 Monitor
25-4041 VGM-200 Monitor
25-4042 VGM-300 Monitor
25-4900 Tandy 4000 SX
 
MOM-07-89
ALDUS PAGEMAKER SALES CONTEST
 
Ready to cash in on your sales of Aldus PageMaker  (25-4112), the leading
desktop publishing software for professionals?
 
Now through the end of August, Aldus Corporation is sponsoring a sales contest
for all Radio Shack Computer Centers and Plus Computer Centers.
The person in each region who sells the most PageMaker (25-4112)
between July 1st and August 31st will win a FREE portable cellular telephone
(cat. number 17-1050)!
 
Aldus Corp. will determine the winners based on registration cards
postmarked by August 31st.
When your customer is ready to purchase PageMaker, help them take out
and complete their software registration card.
Then, at the top of the card, to the left of the serial number, print your
name, store number, the day's date, and "RADIO SHACK SALES CONTEST" IN RED
INK.
(Without this information, you won't get credit for the sale, so be
sure to print everything clearly.)
That's all you have to do to get a shot at the prize!
 
To help you sell more PageMaker, we're putting it on sale in
July for just $649.95 (a savings of over $150.00), and
backing the sale with July newspaper ads.
Use this promotion together with your PageMaker Sales Kit (FC-0020)
to show your customers that Radio Shack has the best value in desktop
publishing software!
 
Contest winners will be announced in the October M.O.M.
 
MOM-07-89
WINDOWS SPELL NOW CHECKS PAGEMAKER FILES
 
In the May 1989 issue of this Memo of the Month,
we told you that Windows Spell (900-3088) from Palantir  could be used
to spell check your Excel spreadsheets.
 
The latest version of Windows Spell, available from Express Order ,
now checks your Aldus PageMaker  (25-4112) directly too!
This makes a great add-on sale for your PageMaker customers.
Let them know that once they've gone to all the trouble to produce
a professional quality publication with PageMaker,
the last thing they need is a spelling error to ruin their presentation.
 
Windows Spell also works with In-a-Vision and Microsoft Word files.
Windows Spell, 900-3088 (dual media), $95.00, requires 512K RAM.
 
MOM-07-89
MARKETS FOR PAGEMAKER
 
Aldus Corporation recently conducted a survey of registration cards to
determine which markets are hottest for desktop publishing.
The list below should give you some ideas as to who's buying PageMaker 
and why.
 
Education  - educators are planning and buying NOW for the coming school
year.
 
Printing/Publishing  - many "quick print" shops are incorporating desktop
publishing into their list of services.
 
Government  - like everyone else, looking for higher quality output of
reports, pamphlets, signs, proposals and newsletters.
 
Manufacturing/Distribution  - for promotional and scheduling documents.
 
Professional Services  - for advertisements, pamphlets, proposals and
reports to clients.
 
Graphics Design/Public Relations/Advertising  - as part of their
day-to-day activities.
 
Retail  - for signs, ads, flyers.
 
Health Care  - this market is booming with new "health maintenance"
programs: diet and nutrition clinics, aerobics and conditioning programs,
counseling, etc.
All of these programs require generation of ads, schedules and brochures
for promotion.
 
MOM-07-89
MICROSOFT  EXCEL REBATE OFFER
 
Microsoft has launched an aggressive rebate campaign aimed
at Lotus 1-2-3 users who purchase Excel (25-1185).
This offer is being advertised in major computer publications,
and combined with our everyday price on Excel,
your customers can realize a significant savings.
 
If your customer already owns Lotus 1-2-3 and purchases Excel,
they can mail in their registration card for Excel
a copy of their sales receipt, and their Lotus 1-2-3 System disk
for an additional $75.00 rebate direct from Microsoft.
Mail to the  preprinted address on the front of the registration card.
Combined with our catalog price of $429.00,
that reduces the cost of buying Excel - the spreadsheet for today's
powerful new machines - to only $354.00, compared to
Microsoft's suggested retail price of $495.00.
 
The rebate offer has been extended through September 30th, so
pass the word on to your customers to take advantage of this deal!
 
MOM-07-89
VGM-200 AND VGM-300 MONITORS
 
Manufacturing defects related to video display and the power supply
have been identified with these units,
and modifications have been created to address them.
Modified units can be identified by the letter 'M' marked on the bottom
of the plastic case and on the outside of the shipping carton.
 
Although all merchandise now shipping from the warehouse
has been 100% inspected, a significant quantity of these two items
were shipped prior to the defect being uncovered.
 
Since the technical nature of the modifications requires
that they be performed by our service personnel,
the vendor has agreed to absorb all labor and parts costs incurred in
modifying store and customer units.
 
In addition to having all store stock modified,
we recommend that you contact all customers who have purchased VGM-200s
or VGM-300s and arrange for them to bring their units in for these
free modifications.
 
No other monitors in our line are affected, including the VGM-100.
 
MOM-07-89
MICROSOFT WORD PERSONAL COPIES OFFER
 
For those of you who took advantage of Microsoft's personal copy offer
on Microsoft Word (25-1162), an overdue apology is offered.
Just as we closed the offer and forwarded all order forms to Microsoft,
they were getting ready to release version 5 of Word.
 
Since Microsoft has a strict policy of NOT upgrading personal/demo copies,
they felt it would be unfair to ship you version 4
and then release version 5 right on its heels.
As fate would have it,
several unexpected delays in development forced them to postpone release of
version 5.
 
The good news is, version 5 has been released,
and all personal copies of Microsoft Word 5.0 should be received by mid-July.
 
If you haven't received your personal copy by July 15th,
call Microsoft Dealer Services at 1 (800) 227-4679 to follow up.
 
Again, we sincerely apologize for the delay.
 
MOM-07-89
ACCOUNTING SOFTWARE MARKETING STRATEGY - A PLAN FOR SUCCESS
 
A thorough review of the strategic accounting software product line
was undertaken during the months of January and February 1989.
 
To assure your success in the small- to medium-size business market, RealWorld
has been selected to provide our strategic accounting product line for
FY '90. RealWorld will replace the current Harmony Accounting Series as the 
product of choice for accounting solutions.
 
Many factors were considered during the review process:
feedback from you in the form of surveys and speed memos,
support issues, historical and projected sales figures,
the number of operating system supported,
and the depth of the business market supported by the current product line.
 
The key ingredients for a successful accounting software product line
are fairly simple, but not easily obtainable:
 
  Reliable and well respected company behind the product.
 
  An established product line, proven by an extensive user install base
  and confirmed customer satisfaction.
 
  Availability of an entry level product for small business with
  upward migration to a high end product line.
 
  Multiple operating system support under  MS-DOS , 3COM , Novell,
  and SCO XENIX .
 
  Integrated vertical market support for distributors, retailers,
  service industry, and light manufacturing.
 
  Most important of all, a product line that is complete
  and available for sale NOW.
 
The new accounting software product line provides such a solution.
RealWorld Corporation and Radio Shack have enjoyed
a profitable working relationship since the early 1980's.
This relationship began with the Radio Shack private labeling
of the RealWorld accounting products for the Model II.
This same software was ported to the Model 12/16 and finally to
the Model 6000 for our first multi-user accounting solution.
 
Consider the experience, reliability, and acceptance of RealWorld Corporation
in the accounting software market:
 
  An early player in the micro based accounting software industry
 
  Over 200,000 installations worldwide
 
  Support for MS-DOS, 3COM, Novell, and SCO XENIX
 
  Entry level 4-In-1 Basic Accounting for small business with
  a data migration path to the high end RealWorld Business Series
 
  The ultimate multi-user solution, providing true "field locking"
  under RM/COBOL 85
 
  Version 5.0 consists of eleven modules that can be implemented
  as a stand alone and integrated as a business grows.
  A complete solution for general business accounting, professionals,
  distributors, and contractors.
 
  Integrated vertical market support for retailing and light manufacturing
 
RealWorld accounting software has kept pace with the growing demands
of the business user and the evolving reporting requirements set forth by FASB
(Financial Accounting Standards Board).
This insures wide spread acceptance in both the general business market
and the professional accounting community.
 
Substantial resources have been committed by both Radio Shack
and RealWorld to support your sales efforts.
 
Not For Resale Demonstration Software has been drop shipped
to all 11s and 01Zs.
This software is the MS-DOS version and contains 3 1/2 inch media
with full documentation.
 
FC-0420 RW 4-In-1 Basic Accounting
FC-0414 RW System Kit DOS
FC-0415 RW General Ledger
FC-0416 RW Accounts Receivable
FC-0417 RW Order Entry & Billing
FC-0418 RW Inventory
FC-0419 RW Professional Invoicing
 
A core group of System Engineers recently received technical training
for configuration and installation of the RealWorld product line
and vertical market retailing.
This core group will now train other System Engineers,
to provide a well established base of technical and product knowledge.
 
MOM-07-89
RealWorld product availability
 
Entry Level
 
250-1287        RW 4-In-1 Basic Accounting
           (3 1/2 inch media)
905-3083        RW 4-In-1 Basic Accounting
           (5 1/4 inch media)
 
Business Series
 
                                MS-DOS                 SCO XENIX
Description              3 1/2           5 1/4           3 1/2

System Kit              903-1437        905-1437        903-1771
General Ledger          903-1438        905-1438        903-1782
Accounts Receivable     903-1439        905-1439        903-1783
Accounts Payable        903-1444        905-1444        903-1784
 
Payroll 903-1443        905-1443        903-1785
Order Entry             903-1441        905-1441        903-1786
Professional Invoicing  903-1440        905-1440        903-1773
Inventory               903-1442        905-1442        903-1787
Purchase Order          903-1447        905-1447        903-1788
Job Costing             903-1448        905-1448        903-1789
Check Reconciliation    903-1445        905-1445        903-1772
Sales Analysis          903-1446        905-1446        903-1790
 
Evaluation of the network versions is now underway, product
availability will be announced in the next issue of the M.O.M.
 
MOM-07-89
UPDATE - HARMONY ACCOUNTING SERIES
 
The current '25 series Harmony Accounting is now SOWG.
 
Open Systems plans to release a major revision of this software series
during the month of August.
This new version will incorporate many of the enhancements requested
by both you and our installed customer base.
 
The new version of Harmony will be carried in the Express Order  Software
product line.
New product and upgrade information will be provided in
the Computer Merchandising Memo of the Month when available.
The Harmony series provides a solid accounting solution,
under MS-DOS and 3COM, for small to medium size businesses.
 
MOM-07-89
PC-MAINFRAME CONNECTIVITY
 
This is a tutorial on PC-Mainframe connectivity.
We will start this discussion with an overview of SNA
and its Host processors.
Next month, we will discuss the Front-End Processors (Communication
Controllers) and Local versus Remote Attachment.
Hopefully, as you become more versed in "Mainframe jargon",
this will enable you to close those big deals.
 
IBM  announced System Network Architecture (SNA) in 1974.
SNA is the foundation for IBM's dependable, extendable,
and adaptable data communication networks.
IBM documentation defines SNA as,
 "...a comprehensive specification for distributed data processing network.
SNA is the description of the logical structure, formats, protocols, and
operating sequences for transmitting information units through a network.
It defines the rules governing the interaction among components of the
network." 
SNA specifies how products in a network connect
and communicate with one another.
 
The network is a collection of both hardware and software components.
 
In this article we'll discuss host processors.
In later articles we'll talk about the other hardware components
in an SNA-based network,
such as front-end processors or communication controllers,
cluster controllers, terminals, and printers.
 
The host processor may also be referred to as the HOST, the processor unit,
the mainframe, or Central Processing Unit (CPU).
It controls all or part of the network.
 
Functions provided by the host processor include computation, program
execution, access to data bases, directory services, and network management.
The host processors we will discuss are IBM's mainframe products
based on the System/370.  
The System/370s vary in storage size and processing rate,
but share a common machine language.
 
Although the System/370 architecture has been enhanced
since its introduction in 1964, its applications compatibility has endured.
Also, peripherals are interchangeable throughout the product lines.
 
Host Processors
 
INTRO DATE      PRODUCT

1964    360
1971    370
1978    303X
1979    308X
1979    43X1
1986    3090
1986    9370
1987    3090E
1988-89 3090X
 
Other vendors manufacture System 370 compatible computers.
Amdahl and National Advance Systems both produce mid-range
IBM-compatible mainframes.
These compatible computers are comparable to
IBM's mid-range mainframes models (4300 up to the 3090).
 
There are plenty of untapped prospects out there,
and if you don't make money selling them, someone else will.
If the company has a IBM mainframe computer, then they are probably already
using 3270 emulation products such as IRMA or the IBM 3270 Adapter.
It's really quite simple.
Any company is a prospect.
Most educational institutions make excellent prospects.
 
Stay tuned for more information next month.
 
MOM-07-89
TANDY ARCNET ADAPTER REPLACES ARCNET PC-130
 
The 90-1675 ARCNET  PC-130 has been discontinued and replaced with the
26-6505 Tandy ARCNET Adapter ($249.95).
 
You might recall that we sold ARCNET adapters with our ViaNet solution.
ViaNet may be behind us,
but ARCNET still remains as a solid proven technology that
can move a lot of data over a wide area.
 
ARCNET has been available since the 1970's,
and in Standard Microsystems' version of ARCNET for the PC,
experience and quality go hand and hand.
ARCNET is easy to install, resists degradation under heavy loads,
and assures successful data transmissions by including
an error checking and retransmission protocol.
 
Other LAN vendors that understand technology and look for reliable performance
repackage ARCNET boards with their systems.
For example, Novell  uses ARCNET to extend its NetWare /S-Net system.
In addition, ARCNET interfaces marketed by different manufactures work together
without a hitch.
In fact, when a network operating system states it has ARCNET support,
you know it will work because Standard Microsystems is THE STANDARD for ARCNET
and that standard is the Tandy ARCNET Adapter.
 
Don't forget that great low price.
At $249.95 the Tandy ARCNET Adapter offers one of the lowest
cost-per-connection in the network arena.
 
This new version of ARCNET adds several enhancements to make it
even easier to install and administer.
 
Increased Reliability
The Tandy ARCNET Adapter (TAA) combines state-of-the-art manufacturing
techniques with even higher levels of integration.
Surface Mount Technology (SMT) has been employed
for high component density and smaller size (less than half slot).
A single custom chip, incorporates all the functions needed by ARCNET.
The overall result is increased reliability.
 
Reduces Conflicts
ARCNET won't conflict with any other boards installed in your PC
because it now utilizes a mere 2K address space.
With VGA, Hard disks, and Intel  Above Boards all vying for limited
address space, this board is the real winner.
To cite an example, some VGA boards(16-bit boards particularly)
can require up to 64K of address space.
 
Switches and Jumpers
All switches and jumpers are clearly labeled, and the switches,
located on the top edge of the board,
are easily accessible so they can be modified
without removing the board from the PC.
 
Identifying Label
Each ARCNET Adapter has an identifying label on the outer edge
with a space to write the Node ID.
This simplifies network expansion.
By just checking this label for it ID setting,
you can verify that the node ID you have selected
for an additional PC is unique.
(Of course, the hard part here is getting the System Engineer
to remember to write each Node ID on this label
when the adapters are installed in the PCs.)
 
MOM-07-89
PC/NOS 2.0 REPLACES 1.2 VERSION
 
90-1687 PC/NOS  2.0 ($695.00) replaces PC/NOS 1.2 (90-1698)
while adding support for industry hardware.
ARCNET , Token-Ring, and TandyLink  are all supported in
this version of PC/NOS.
PC/NOS supports an unlimited number of nodes and offers
a superior price/performance over competing products by maintaining
its retail price of $695.00.
 
PC/NOS provides true distributed resource sharing, eliminating the need for
a centralized file server and providing the capability to equally access all
the resources on the network.
Users can share these resources -- files, printers, modems, RAM disks,
and clocks -- regardless of their location on the network,
just as though they were physically at each personal computer.
 
New features in this version include integrated asynchronous communications
software, enhanced print spooling and network management capabilities.
PC/NOS also provides emulation, a simplified install program and virtual
console.
 
Compatibility with industry standard hardware enables customers to choose the
PC/NOS operating independent of their LAN hardware preference.
Although PC/NOS 2.0 maybe installed with ARCNET, Ethernet , or Token-Ring,
the TandyLink offers the lowest cost-per-connection.
 
Corvus has simplified the installation of PC/NOS 2.0 with an automatic install
program that examines the computer's hardware,
sets optimum defaults and then automatically installs
the LAN software on TandyLink.
PC/NOS can be installed in 10 keystrokes,
without the need to reformat the hard disk as with other operating systems.
The enhanced print spooler included with PC/NOS allows users to prioritize
print jobs, pause printing, re-start the spooler in case print jams, and view
text files in the print queue -- all through a simple  menu-driven interface.
 
Corvus' unique virtual Console features provide multitasking and enhanced
network control an management on the PC/NOS network.
Using this, a privileged node may view the screen of an other,
monitoring activity on those workstations,
or actually take control of a remote node.
This allows users to more effectively manage workgroups.
This feature is particularly exiting for the education marketplace.
Virtual console would allow the teacher to "look at" a student station
from a master teacher's station.
 
Remember, that great low price($695.00) for PC/NOS is a per-network price
no matter how many computers are installed.
Just a reminder, the network size limit on PC/NOS is the hardware limit,
1024 for Ethernet, 255 ARCNET, 72 Token-Ring and 32 for TandyLink.
 
MOM-07-89
DEMAND PROTOCOL ARCHITECTURE FOR 3+ OPEN NETWORKS
 
The following is the text of a New Product Announcement from 3COM:
 
THE SOLUTION TO RAM CRAM  - Demand Protocol Architecture
 
The 640K memory limitation of DOS has become increasingly restrictive.
In the past, 640K of RAM was more than sufficient for application and
networking needs. Today, with the demands of large databases, graphical
interfaces, and the need to support standard network protocols, RAM has
become a precious commodity. 3COM's answer to this RAM "Cram" problem
is Demand Protocol Architecture (DPA).
 
DPA is designed to work with DOS stations on a 3+Open network. The way
DPA works is simple. Network protocols are loaded only when they are
needed, freeing up memory. For example, if a 3+Open workstation needs
to communicate with a DEC VMS network server, the workstation software
loads the protocols necessary to communicate with the server and then
unloads them when the station is done.
 
DPA provides users with the best environment for today's DOS
applications through the use of a primary client-server protocol. The
primary client-server protocol is used by the workstation client to
communicate with its local file/print server. At the same time, a wide
range of secondary protocols may be demand-loaded as they are needed
and requested by the client workstation. These secondary protocols are
used to communicate with other servers in the corporate or enterprise
network.
 
Communication with other servers is conducted using the standard
network transport protocols that are supported by the larger system
vendors. Examples of these protocols are TCP/IP, OSI, and APPC (which
runs over a DLC protocol).
 
This loading of the secondary protocol is accomplished with a simple
DOS command or, as will be the case in most environments, the command
will be integrated into a batch file and completely transparent to the
user.  After it is loaded as a result of the user's demand for a
specific application, such as Mail or Telnet, the secondary protocol is
available for access to corporate and enterprise network servers. When
the secondary protocol is no longer needed, it is unloaded from the
memory of the DOS workstation, freeing up memory for large workgroup
applications.  NetBIOS is the first protocol is currently available
through DPA.  Demand loading of XNS is scheduled the next 3+Open
release, while demand loading of TCP/IP is planned for Q4 '89.
 
In summary, Demand Protocol Architecture has the following major
benefits:
 
1. DPA makes 555K of RAM available for DOS applications.
 
2. The tactical implementation serves the needs of the workgroup, by
   providing large amounts of available DOS memory without sacrificing
   connectivity.
 
3. The implementation uses standard network transport protocols to
   support the architectures/environments of servers in the corporate and
   enterprise network.
 
4. DPA is cost-effective. It makes RAM available for application
   without requiring an expensive hardware. It also eliminates the need
   for gateways that would be required to access networks running other
   protocols.
 
Contact 3Com Customer Support at (800) 876-3COM for a free copy of the DPA
upgrade for 1.0 3+Open.
 
Applicable stock numbers for 3+ Open from Radio Shack are:
26-5520 and 26-5521 (PC Servers), and 90-1720 (3S/402 386 Server).
 
MOM-06-89
TANDY PRODUCT PROFILES UPDATE
 
The most recent quarterly update (FC-370, May 1989) to the
Tandy  Product Profiles is being drop shipped to 11s, 01Zs, DSMs,
RSMs, RMTMs, AEMMs and REMMs.
Remember that if you ordered FC-352 (the two-volume set) separately from one
that you received as a drop shipment, you will need to order FC-370
to keep it up-to-date.
 
So far, all the numbers you need to know to keep your Tandy Product Profiles
and Tandy Educational Product Profiles current are:
 
STOCK # DESCRIPTION     DATED

FC-352  Tandy Product Profiles  November 1987
             2nd Edition (2 vol. set)
FC-362  1st Update to FC-352    February 1988
FC-363  2nd Update to FC-352    May 1988
FC-364  3rd Update to FC-352    August 1988
FC-367  4th Update to FC-352    November 1988
FC-369  5th Update to FC-352    February 1989
FC-370  6th Update to FC-352    May 1989
 
Also avail:
FC-353  Tandy Educational Product
             Profiles 2nd Edition   April 1988
FC-368  1st Update to FC-353        November 1988
 
MOM-06-89
THE FRONT LINE
THE FRONT LINE is a monthly column dedicated to discussing merchandising
and customer care concepts relating to our computer product line.
 
LEASING
 
Under the realignment, your customer focus is centered on
small and medium-sized businesses.
Experience has shown that the #1 concern of the small-medium business person
is cash flow.
If you find this is true, then there's a great way to "close the sale":
installment financing.
 
Bank Borrowing
 
Usually, whenever "installment financing" is mentioned,
the small-medium business person turns to their local banker.
How many times have you heard your customer proclaim, "I can borrow at prime!"?
Well, let's consider a "typical" computer system:
 
Tandy 4000            2,599.00
VGA Video Adapter       399.95
VGM-300 Monitor         629.00
Hard Drive Controller   249.95
40 Meg Hard Drive       999.00
DMP 440 with Cable      733.95

Total Hardware Cost:    $5,610.85
 
And they'll need operating software,
accounting, inventory control or a "vertical" package for a specific industry.
 
MS-DOS                          119.95
E + Basic General Accounting    695.00
E + Basic Retail Management     695.00
                              ________
Total Software Cost:         $1,509.95
 
And then there's a TSP and/or Training and Support.
 
Hardware                        5,610.85
Software                        1,509.95
TSP (on-site):
    1st year "cash price"         446.25
    2nd & 3rd year total        1,509.95
Training & Support:
    Installation                  159.00
    10 hours training @ $90.00    900.00
                               _________
Grand Total:                  $10,136.00
 
So, what you really have is a $10,136.00 potential sale to a
business person whose main concern is cash flow.
 
First, your customer may discover that their bank will only
lend money on the hardware portion of your sale;
and maybe only 75%-90% of the actual hardware cost.
Second, that banker may want the amount loaned to be paid back
over a fairly "short" period of time:  18 to 24 months.
Third, that banker may want your customer to keep an amount of money
at the bank equal to the amount being borrowed;
so your customer would really be paying interest to borrow their own money!
 
Suddenly that $10,136.00 sale is going to cost your customer
$5,502.85 in up-front cash (down payment) - 54.3% of the total!
If cash flow is a major concern, either your customer will have to
eliminate items (TSP, software, etc.), or
you may lose the entire sale altogether.
 
Leasing
 
Leasing is installment financing.
Your customers are paying for the "use" of the equipment,
in that title to the equipment is vested with the leasing company.
Leasing provides 100% financing: software, installation,
training and support, maintenance can all be covered in some manner.
The advance payments required by a leasing company usually approximate
10%-15% of the total cost of all the leased "items."
 
Go back to your original sale:
 
Hardware                        5,610.85
Software                        1,509.95
TSP (3 years, if paid monthly)  2,217.00
Training and Support            1,059.00
 
With Tandy Computer Leasing's standard 36 mo. pricing:
 
                                                First   Second
                                                 12 mo.  24 mo.
                                                 ______ _______
Hardware & software     7,120.80 X .0345 =      $245.67 $245.67
TSP (mo. avg.)  2,217.00 / 36   61.59   61.59
Training & support      1,059.95 (12 months only)       94.10

                $401.36 $307.26
 
Total cash up-front:  $925.21 or 9% of the total sale.
(See your SOM re. how to compute this pre-payment.)
 
Compare the two.
Which installment pay plan makes it easier to complete the total sale
you proposed?
And, when you add in the SPIFF's you will receive,
that's an additional $200.00+ to help pay the bills!
 
A lease quote/proposal should be a part of every sales presentation.
Show your customers how little up-front cash is involved
and that the savings generated by increased productivity
ends up "paying" the monthly rental - the system, literally, pays for itself!
 
And, there's the most important benefit of all
that comes with that system sale: you!
 
If you have any questions or need help in presenting a lease proposal,
call:
 
 
Tandy Computer Leasing
1500 Two Tandy Center
Fort Worth, TX  76102
(817) 390-3890
 
MOM-06-89
MARKETING COMPUTERS IN JUNE
 
Helping you market more effectively.
 
Promotions-At-A-Glance
 
The PROMOTIONS chart on the next page is new to the M.O.M.
In one glance,
you can see the Tandy Computer product line and the major software we sell.
Of course, these products aren't restricted to any one market,
but they're grouped by the markets in which they predominate.
Also, the products that will be on promotion some time during the month
are in bold type and italicized.
This chart is provided so that you can plan
your sales strategy for the month --  plan, and then execute .
 
MOM-06-89
FOR 01ZS/COMPUTER CENTERS:
 
Word Processing Solutions
 
In May, Monthly Product Sales Training covered word processing
featuring WordPerfect and Professional Write with the Tandy  3000 NL.
Now, in June, you're ready to sell word processing solutions.
The Tandy 3000 NL and  WordPerfect together offer substantial savings
for your prospective customer.
 
Computer Center and 01Z ads on Sundays June 4 and 18 will feature
the Tandy 3000 NL configured with the VGM 200 Monitor and VGA Adapter,
all for $2,199 - a savings of over 15%.
Also featured in these ads will be the DMP-132.
 
WordPerfect will be an in-store promotion at $349.95 - a savings of
22% (savings of 30% off WordPerfect's Suggested Retail Price of $495.00).
In addition to WordPerfect,
here are some other applications on sale this month:
 
 
                                       Regular       Sale
Application                          Product Price   Price   Savings

Spreadsheet     Excel                   $429.00 $299.95         30%
Word Processing WordPerfect             $449.00 $349.95         22%
Word Processing SCRIPSIT 1000/2000      $199.95 $ 79.95         60%
Word Processing SCRIPSIT PC             $299.95 $149.95         50%
 
Flyer sale from 5/23-6/19                  Flyer sale from 6/20-7/24
 
[Excel 25-1185, WordPerfect 25-1268, SCRIPSIT  1000/2000 25-1155,
 SCRIPSIT  PC 25-3171.]
 
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices: WordPerfect $495.00, Excel $495.00
 
MOM-06-89
FOR ALL STORES:
 
Tandy  1400 LT and the Home Office
 
Manufacturer's representatives make up a large portion
of the "home office" market.
These salespeople are ideal users of portable computers.
How do they use it?
Here are a few applications:  making out expense reports, managing accounts,
forecasting sales, making proposals and preparing presentations.
Some of the software for these applications are ACT! at $329 (900-3277;
requires 512K RAM and two 720K drives), The Maximizer at $195 (900-1297;
requires 640K RAM and two 720K drives - see New Product section
of this MOM for details), Lap-Link Plus at 139.95 (900-1331)
and PC Anywhere III at $145 (903-1335; requires modem).
 
How do you find manufacturer's representatives?
Look under Manufacturer's Representatives in your Yellow Pages.
If this market isn't your favorite, then focus in on another.
The point is,  make a plan, and execute it .
Don't let yourself miss out on the hottest price
the Tandy 1400 LT has ever had!
 
Computers & Major Peripherals on Sale - June
 
                              Regular      Sale
Cat. No. Description           Price       Price      Savings

25-3500  Tandy 1400 LT       $1,799.00     $999.00      44%
25-1401  Tandy 1000 SL         $899.00     $699.00      22%
 
25-1401  Tandy 1000 SL &
25-1043  CM-5 Color Monitor  $1,198.95     $998.95      16%
 
25-1601  Tandy 1000 TL &
25-1043  CM-5 Monitor &
26-1338  Bonus PAK           $1,916.85   $1,299.00      32%
         (See NOTE Below)
 
26-2800  DWP 520               $995.00     $497.00      50%
26-2814  DMP 132               $379.95     $219.95      42% *
26-2808  DMP 440 Printer       $699.00     $499.00      28%
26-2811  DMP 2120 Printer    $1,599.99     $999.00      37%
25-1032  20 Meg HD Card        $599.00     $499.95      16%
25-4059  40 Meg HD Card        $799.00     $699.95      12%
 
 
  Flyer sale from 5/23-6/19              Flyer sale from 6/20-7/24
* 6/4 and 6/18 newspaper ad
 
(NOTE: See "July Special Bonus Offer..." in Merchandising News.)
 
PC-Link
 
30 hours free access per month for all stores and Centers!
You'll receive these sign-up kits in mid-June.
Learn how to use it; go on-line and see all the services offered;
then demonstrate it to your customers.
 
With the many Tandy Computer oriented services on PC-Link,
you'll find your customers will grow more attached to Radio Shack
and Tandy Computers -  and hasn't our success always been
rooted in satisfied returning customers?
 
To get more of our customers on board with PC-Link, from June 20 - July 24,
you can offer PC-Link as a free bonus with the purchase of any modem.
And the following modems are on sale during the same bonus offer period:
 
                Regular Sale
Cat. No.        Description     Price   Price   Savings

25-1017 300 BPS Plus Card Modem $99.95  $29.95  70%
25-3510 1200 BPS Modem         $199.95 $119.95  40%
 
See more about your 30 hours a month on PC-Link in an article
in the All Store Product News section.
 
June Promotions-At-A-Glance
 
MOM-06-89
THE DESKMATE ADVANTAGE
 
A series of articles on DeskMate.
 
THE DESKMATE DESKTOP  HELPS YOU SELL COMPUTERS AND SOFTWARE - Part I
 
As a salesmaker, your job is to solve your customers'
information-processing problems, to meet your customers'
computing needs, and to sell products.
What are some of the computing needs you can meet?
In Radio Shack's targeted markets
(home, home office, general business and schools),
these are common needs:
 
An easy way to see what programs are available on the computer
 
An easy way to run these programs
 
An easy way to add new programs to the system
 
A way to use the power of MS-DOS disk functions without using MS-DOS commands
 
The DeskMate Desktop can meet these needs and more.
That means it can help you sell more computers and software.
Here is a closer look at the Desktop and some of its capabilities.
 
How customers acquire the Desktop
 
The Tandy  100 SL and TL are the only computers in the world
containing the DeskMate Desktop in their built-in ROMs.
All the Desktop's power is available within seconds
after you turn on the SL or TL without loading anything
from a floppy or hard disk.
The retail version of DeskMate (25-1250) also contains the Desktop,
so the Desktop can be used with any PC-compatible computer
that has at least 384K of memory and graphics capability.
 
The Desktop as a configurable menu system
 
As a menu system, the Desktop makes it easy
to move from one program to another.
On the Desktop, each box represents a computer application (a program).
When you run the Desktop for the first time, several DeskMate
applications appear.
You can immediately run these programs.
The Desktop also "knows" how to display the other  DeskMate programs
that come with the Tandy 1000 SL and TL and with the DeskMate product.
To display a box on the screen for one of these programs, choose the
Desktop (F7) menu, then the Display option.
To remove an application from the screen while retaining the
option to display it again later, use the Desktop (F7) Remove option.
 
You may also add other DeskMate and non-DeskMate programs to the
Desktop with the Desktop (F7) Create option.
To delete an application box from the Desktop and
its information from the system, use the Desktop (F7) Delete option.
Similarly, you can change the description of an application box by
using the Desktop (F7) Redefine option.
 
The DeskMate Desktop will automatically install any application from
the growing number of applications on floppy diskettes
that have the DeskMate Autoinstall option activated.
The Desktop (F7) Install option will automatically copy all needed files
from the floppy disk (if needed)
and create a box for the application on the Desktop.
 
The Desktop as an MS-DOS shell.
 
The DeskMate Desktop also brings point-and-click ease and convenience
to MS-DOS commands.
Without leaving the Desktop, these MS-DOS functions can be performed:
 
MS-DOS Function DeskMate Option
Execute a program       File (F2) Run
Copy a file or files    File (F2) Copy
Delete a file or files  File (F2) Delete
Rename a file           File (F2) Rename
Change directories      Directory (F3) Change
Create a directory      Directory (F3) Create
Delete a directory      Directory (F3) Delete
Format a disk           Disk (F4) Format
Copy a whole disk       Disk (F4) Diskcopy
 
For example, suppose your hard drive contains a DeskMate Text document
file that you wish to copy to a floppy disk in drive A.
From the MS-DOS prompt, you might have to type this cryptic command,
"copy C: Desk sample.doc A: ".
Typing in even one character wrong will cause unexpected results.
Using the Desktop, you simply point to the SAMPLE.DOC file in the
Text box, pull down the File (F2) menu, select copy, then type A: in
the "to" box.
This demonstrates the easy, intuitive way in which the Desktop
lets you perform common MS-DOS functions.
Your customers may never have to see the A> or C> again!
 
Selling with DeskMate
 
The DeskMate Desktop is part of Tandy's unique added value to our Tandy
1000 SL and Tandy 1000 TL computers.
In a very visible way, the Desktop sets them apart from other PC-compatibles.
Use the Desktop as outlined below when demoing these computers:
 
1. Show how fast the Tandy 1000 SL/TL computers "boot up"
to the Desktop with no diskette.
 
2. Show the ease of using the Desktop as a configurable menu system.
Once it's set up, the customer can run all his favorite programs
without remembering or typing in their filenames.
 
3. Show the Desktop as an MS-DOS shell.
Show examples such as the copy example above so your customers can compare
using the shell to using the MS-DOS prompt.
 
Take advantage of the DeskMate Desktop to help you sell computers
and software!
(Next month: The DeskMate Desktop Part II - Accessories,
including the Clipboard.)
 
MOM-06-89
STOCK FILE CHANGES
 
A quick reference  to product status changes - pricing, availability, etc.
 
AVAILABILITY CODE CHANGES
 
We have made availability and warehouse location changes
to over 50 items in the 25/26 series product line.
Pay close attention to these changes to insure that you
don't experience any delays in getting your merchandise
or penalize yourself by ordering items that you'll not get credit for.
 Although the availability code changes have already been made,
you will receive inventory credit for this merchandise until
the dates shown.
 
All changes have been based on the sales rates of these products
by the various types of stores we have.
These changes will help you more quickly get the products you need to sell,
while making it more difficult for you to make the mistake
of ordering merchandise you can't sell or get credit for.
 
The chart shows which store types DID get inventory credit, but no longer will.
Use this information to recognize those products that may be in
your store which you need to sell because you will no longer get
inventory credit.
 
You will receive inventory credit on these items
until October 1, 1989:
 
CAT NO  DESCRIPTION     NEW CODE        WILL LOSE INVENTORY CREDIT
                         11     01Z     01Y
=
25-1016 Plus Upgrade Adapter    15                      
25-1035 286 Express 1000        15                      
25-1305 Font Download   8       
25-1510 EX Tech Reference       18                      
25-1511 SX Tech Reference       18                      
25-4028 512K Memory Kit 17              
25-4051 360K FDD Kit    17              
25-4105 T3000 HL Technical Reference    19              
25-4113 T3000 NL Technical Reference    19              
25-5201 SCO V/386 Development System    19      
25-6000 Tandy 5000 MC   19      
25-6001 Tandy 5000 MC 40 MB     19      
25-6108 T5000 MC Technical Reference    19      
26-0201 CPU Floor Stand 15                      
26-0202 Monitor Screen  15                      
26-0211 Binder: 15" X 11"       15                      
26-0212 Binder: 9.5" X 11"      15                      
26-0220 8"  20 MB Cartridge     17              
26-0221 5 1/4"  20MB Cartridge  17              
26-0277 Pk 2500 9.5 X 11" Paper 15                      
26-1287 Ribbon LMP 2150 18      
26-1297 Ribbon Cartridge TRP100 15                      
26-1372 8"  10 MB Cartridge     17              
26-1382 5 1/4" DCS Cleaning Kit 18              
26-1389 5' T1000 Keyboard Extension Cable       18              
26-1413 LP1,2,4 Ribbon 3 pak    18              
26-1425 Cubic PS Wheel  18      
26-1426 Italic Print Wheel      18      
26-1449 Nylon Ribbon DW II      15                      
26-1480 3/Blk Mini plot Cartridge       15                      
26-1481 3pk/RGB Mini plot Cartridge     15                      
26-1482 Ribbon/DMP 500  15                      
26-1483 Ribbon cart/DMP 200     15                      
26-1486 Scientific PW/DW II     18      
26-1489 3pk Refill 200/50       15      
26-2809 Ribbon Cartridge DMP 440        15                      
26-2834 Black Ribbon 2120       17                      
26-2835 Color Ribbon 2120       18              
26-2836 Refill Black 2120       17                      
26-2813 Tractor for DWP 230     18                      
26-3869 Tandy 200 Book  18                      
26-5112 Monitor CM-1    18                      
 
Unlike the previously listed items, this code change will not be
effective until July 1, 1989:
 
 CAT NO DESCRIPTION     NEW CODE        WILL LOSE INVENTORY CREDIT
                         11     01Z     01Y
=
26-0250 BPS250 Backup Power Supply      15                      
 
MOM-06-89
PRODUCTS MOVING TO AVAILABILITY CODE 6
 
The following products have changed from Code 5 to Code 6.
11s and 01Zs will get inventory credit, but will not be zero-filled
on these items.
 
25-1185 MS Excel
25-1187 Paradox  2.0
25-1224 Quattro
25-1268 WordPerfect  5.0
 
MOM-06-89
PRICE CHANGES
 
Effective immediately:
 
CAT #           DESCRIPTION           OLD PRICE NEW PRICE
900-2219        Carets OCR Sftwr        495.00   395.00
 
 
Effective July 1:
 
CAT #           DESCRIPTION             OLD PRICE  NEW PRICE
250-1261        Professional Write        179.00    199.00
260-5521        3+OPEN Advanced System   2995.00   3495.00
260-5533        Bulk thin Ethernet cable  0.21/ft   0.22/ft
260-5711        Irmalan DFT Gateway 2    1495.00   1995.00
260-6510        20 ft ARCNET cable         15.95     18.95
260-6511        50 ft ARCNET cable         24.95     25.95
260-6513        Bulk ARCNET cable          0.21/ft  0.22/ft
900-1616        3+Share 2495.00 2995.00
 
MOM-06-89
ITEMS TEMPORARILY OUT OF STOCK
 
The following key hardware items are temporarily out of stock.
In most cases there is a sizable quantity in the field
and District/Regional Sales Managers should assist in satisfying customers.
 
It is critical that you do not place on backorder anything for
which you do not actually have a customer waiting,
because this delays shipment of product to customers who have a genuine need,
and potentially could place you in an overstock position when
the merchandise does come back into TEW.
 
This list is by no means all-inclusive,
but covers the items that history tells us are used frequently in system
sales.
 
 
Cat#    Description                  When due
25-1013 300BPS Half Card Modem          7/15
25-1037 2400BPS Half Card Modem         7/15
43-1250 TANDYFAX  1000 Cleaning Kit     6/15
 
MOM-06-89
TANDY 4000 SX AVAILABILITY
 
The Tandy 4000 SX is currently available for ordering and stocking.
 
All Computer Centers should order at least one and place it on the sales floor
in place of the Tandy 3000 NL (System #10 in Jim Nichols' memo dated 3/20/89)
currently connected to the LP 1000 printer.
 
Here is the current availability status of all Tandy 4000 SX components:
 
25-4119 40 MB SmartDrive                Available 6/1
25-4120 80 MB SmartDrive                Available 8/1
25-4900 Tandy 4000 SX                   In Stock
25-4930 Tandy 4000 SX Memory Board      Available 6/15
90-2321 80387sx Math Co-Processor       In Stock
 
As a reminder, many customers will desire the performance advantage of SCSI.
You may sell the 25-4161 SCSI Adapter and any of the following drives:
 
25-4159 40 MB SCSI Hard Drive   999.00
25-4160 80 MB SCSI Hard Drive   1499.00
25-4162 170 MB SCSI Hard Drive  2499.00
25-4163 344 MB SCSI Hard Drive  3499.00
 
MOM-06-89
PRODUCTS CANCELED, DISCONTINUED AND REPLACED
 
DISCONTINUED
 
CAT #           DESCRIPTION
 
250-1028        Trackstar 128
        (repl coming soon)
 
880-2041        Letter Paper for EPC 150 Copier (Pk 300)
        (repl by 880-2046 PK 500 34.95)
 
900-2108        Complete PC Hand Scanner
        (repl by 905-2140)
 
903-1540        Real World Accounts Receivable (SCO )
905-1514        Real World Accounts Receivable (SCO)
        (both replaced by 903-1783)
 
903-1541        Real World Accounts Payable (SCO)
905-1515        Real World Accounts Payable (SCO)
        (both replaced by 903-1784)
 
903-1542        Real World Payroll (SCO)
905-1513        Real World Payroll (SCO)
        (both replaced by 903-1785)
 
903-1543        Real World General Ledger (SCO)
905-1512        Real World General Ledger (SCO)
        (both replaced by 903-1782)
 
903-1544        Real World Order Entry (SCO)
905-1516        Real World Order Entry (SCO)
        (both replaced by 903-1786)
 
903-1545        Real World Inventory (SCO)
905-1519        Real World Inventory (SCO)
        (both replaced by 903-1787)
 
903-1546        Real World Job Costing (SCO)
905-1520        Real World Job Costing (SCO)
        (both replaced by 903-1789)
 
903-1547        Real World Purchase Order (SCO)
905-1517        Real World Purchase Order (SCO)
        (both replaced by 903-1788)
 
903-1548        Real World Sales Analysis (SCO)
905-1518        Real World Sales Analysis (SCO)
        (both replaced by 903-1790)
 
MOM-06-89
MERCHANDISING NEWS
 
 
JULY SPECIAL BONUS OFFER FOR TANDY 1000 TL PROMOTION
 
You will notice on your flyer lineup and ad order for the July Flyer
(#444) that purchasers of the Tandy  1000 TL system will receive at no
charge a Deskmate Bonus Pack, 26-1338.
This Bonus Pack is made up of a two-button  Logitech serial mouse
and three DeskMate -ready software packages: 25-1246 Quicken ,
25-1279 PFS :First Publisher, and 25-1247 MemoryMate .
 
This package represents a value of $317.90, which you will
be able to order at the sensational unit price of only $56.10.
THIS PACKAGE IS NOT TO BE SOLD AT RETAIL,
but rather is to accompany each TL system sold.
It is already built into your gross margin for that offer
and is to be given for the duration of that promotion.
 
 * Do not undermine the future use of similar bonus promotions
by using the merchandise in unauthorized ways. *
 
MOM-06-89
SPECIAL PRICING FOR SCHOOLS
 
Through special arrangements with WordPerfect and Software Publishing,
Radio Shack salesmakers may now offer the following products
at significant savings to educators:
 
                                         ORIGINAL EDUCATION
STOCK #         PRODUCT TITLE             RETAIL    PRICE    SAVINGS
 
905-5500        WordPerfect 4.2           495.00   125.00      75%
905-5516        WordPerfect 5.0           495.00   135.00      73%
900-5611        First Choice 3.01         149.00    85.00      43%
900-5612        First Publisher DeskMate  129.00    70.00      46%
900-5544        Personal Graphics          39.00    20.00      49%
 
  These education prices include the standard 20% education discount.
These sales CAN NOT be discounted further to schools.
 
Because of the low prices and special agreement with Software Publishing,
we have to be sure that it is an educational institution that is
buying the product.
This is the procedure that will be used to order these products:
 
 When you receive a purchase order from the recognized,
licensed or accredited educational institution, forward it to:
 
Contract Administration
1400 One Tandy Center
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
 
Contract Administration will verify that the institution on the
purchase order is accredited,
and then will have the warehouse release the product to your store or Center.
 
Be sure the catalog number on the purchase order is correct and NOT
any other catalog number from Radio Shack for the above listed products.
 
MOM-06-89
SOFTWARE PUBLISHING LAB LICENSES FOR SCHOOLS
 
We have made arrangements with Software Publishing to participate
in their Lab Licensing program for the education market.
This program includes special pricing on Professional File,
Professional Write, Harvard Project Manager and Harvard Graphics ONLY.
 
                      SOFTWARE  MANUAL
Professional File       50.00   35.00
Professional Write      50.00   35.00
Harvard Project Manager 50.00   35.00
Harvard Graphics        50.00   35.00
 
The minimum order is ten (10) units per title
(i.e, 10 copies of Professional File,
NOT five (5) copies of the software and five (5) copies of the manual).
 
Because of the low prices and special agreement with Software Publishing,
we have to be sure that it is an educational institution that is
buying the product.
This is the procedure that will be used to order these products:
 
When you receive a purchase order from the recognized,
licensed or accredited educational institution, forward it to
Business Products Parts Division.
 
Radio Shack Business Products Parts Division
812 East Northside Drive
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
ATTN: Software Publishing Lab License
 
Business Products Parts Division will forward the purchase order to
Software Publishing for license processing.
 
Software Publishing will send a Lab License Agreement to the school
for signature.
 
After receiving the signed license, Software Publishing will ship the product
to Business Products Parts Division for shipment to your store or Center.
 
MOM-06-89
COMPLETE PC HAND SCANNER REPLACED
 
The Complete PC Hand Scanner (900-2108) has been discontinued and is no
longer available from the warehouse.
It has been replaced by 900-2140 which is basically the same unit
except it has 200/300/400 DPI.
 
The retail price of the replacement unit is the same - $249.00
 
MOM-06-89
ACOUSTIC COVER REMAINS $69.95
 
The 26-235 Acoustic cover was promoted in the May Flyer (#442) and repeated
in the June Flyer (#443) at $49.95, to become SOWG.
 
This item will be changing to ACTIVE status and will be continued at the
regular sell price of $69.95 (at the expiration of the June Flyer sale).
It is cataloged for next year at this price.
 
MOM-06-89
PROFESSIONAL WRITE PRICE INCREASE
 
Effective July 1st, Radio Shack's retail price for 25-1261
Professional Write goes up from $179.00 to $199.00.
The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail price is increasing from
$199.00 to $229.00, to introduce version 2.1.
 
This new version includes graphical page preview, which lets you
preview your document - including point sizes and type styles,
proportional spacing, line and page breaks - before you print.
Version 2.1 also includes expanded support for document conversion
(to and from other popular word processing programs),
enhanced printer support, and simplified tab and margin controls.
 
Now through the end of June, we've sale-priced  Professional Write at $129.00,
to help you clear out your inventory of 2.0 stock.
Take advantage of this low price to sell one of the most popular,
easy to use word processors around.
 
Note: current Professional Write 2.0 owners can upgrade to version 2.1
directly through Software Publishing Corp. for $39.00.
 
MOM-06-89
ISSUING WRITTEN PROPOSALS
 
Although there's an obvious need for Computer Centers to
issue formal written proposals to sales prospects,
there is apparently a great deal of confusion regarding the proper way
to include sale-priced merchandise in these proposals.
 
Computer Centers may continue to issue written proposals.
All proposals issued to customers must display an  issue date
as well as a  statement indicating how long it is valid for ,
in days, such as "This proposal is valid for 30 days".
 
The maximum number of days a proposal may be valid for is 30
(without express approval of your District Sales Manager
or Regional Marketing and Training Manager).
If sale-priced merchandise is included in the proposal,
the entire proposal is to be valid only for the number of days
remaining that the item is on sale.
 
For example,
if the proposed system contains an item that will be on sale for 15 more days,
the statement will read, "This Proposal is valid for 15 days".
 
If multiple items are on sale with different expiration dates,
the proposal expiration date will be based on the item
with the  fewest  number of days left until expiration.
 
This policy will serve two purposes:
 
1) It will insure that our customers have the ability to buy
the same merchandise at any company store for the same price.
 
2) It will enhance the sense of urgency on the part of your
prospect to go ahead with your proposal.
 
This policy will be rigidly enforced by management, and individuals found to be
in violation will be subject to disciplinary action.
 
MOM-06-89
SELLING THE TANDY 1000 SL
 
So you're feeling a little flat, maybe a little apprehensive about your
role in selling Tandy computers?
Have you been seeing the same old promotions again,
or what you think are the same old promotions?
Getting beat up about mail order prices from the competition?
Thinking to yourself that a lot of knowledge is a good thing but
a little knowledge is outright dangerous?
You feel vulnerable because you're here - visible - not hiding
in the shadows of mail-order.
Why  should  someone buy from you?
 
Product?
 
Sure, the Tandy  1000 SL is an excellent example.
What exactly sets this apart from all the other computers in its class?
It's not the processor -
there are several manufacturers making an 8086 based compatible,...even IBM!
Memory?
No, they all have 384-640K of user memory.
Floppy drives?
No, not here either.
Most retailers will custom configure the computer
for the user's specific need.
 
For a hint about what sets the SL apart from the competition,
try this scenario:  call your local Businessland, Entre',
CompuShop, Computerland, Sears Business System,
or whoever else is operating a computer retail store in your neighborhood.
Act like a customer over the phone,
wanting to buy a brand that that store sells (IBM, Compaq, xyz, etc.).
There are a few things you'll notice right away...
 
First, there is no such thing as a standard system configuration.
For example, if you were inquiring about an IBM  Model 30,
you'll find that there are a least 3 models to choose from.
Then you'll get questions like, "What version of DOS do you want,"
"How many floppy drives do you want," "What size floppy," and, "Oh by the way,
we have a special on hard drives going on and I can make you a
real good deal on the 20 Meg if you buy this week"......
 
Call two places and you'll start to get confused;
call three and you'll begin to understand why your customer
is confused about computers.
You'll get different answers about pricing,
what's on sale today and even what is a "standard" configuration!
 
Well, enough about how  they  do it, what do YOU have to offer?
The Tandy 1000 family has been designed and packaged
with ALL of your customers in mind.
 
We  include  MS-DOS ,
the latest working version (that already has the bugs out)
in ROM so the user doesn't have to worry about "booting with a system disk".
 
We  include  DeskMate ,
the 10-in-1 software package that offers word processing, a spreadsheet,
filer, calendar, calculator and MORE!
 
We  include  the DeskMate Desktop in ROM so when the customer turns on the
computer, the applications appear in boxes on the screen graphically
(not just an "A: " on the screen).
With the DeskMate Desktop AND MS-DOS in ROM from the factory,
you offer a unique product no one else can.
Sure, other shops can "bundle" software as an afterthought or occasional
promotion, but no one but you can offer TEN applications PLUS MS-DOS,
in permanent residence on the computer.
We planned it that way,  INTENTIONALLY!
 
We  include  an Enhanced 101-key keyboard
(that's an extra $100 value, even at mailorder prices).
 
We  include  two joystick ports
(which can also be used by our serial mouse).
 
All of this for only $899.00 (regular everyday price).
That's real value!
 
We are COMPATIBLE!
The SL accepts industry standard color and monochrome videos
PLUS offers the Tandy Graphics mode for more colors on the screen.
Your customer doesn't have to pay extra for the "necessary hardware"
to make the machine work for them.
 
Plus, you've got add-ons for future growth.
Add-ons like 3 1/2" and/or 5 1/4" floppy drives,
20 or 40 Meg Hard Disk Cards,
with multiple slots for adding in all these things...
but nothing else is REQUIRED to use the SL right out of the box.
 
You've got the best of both worlds:
a ready-to-run computer PLUS the ability to customize the computer
for your customer to their specific needs.
 
Why should your customer buy a Tandy 1000 SL from you?
So you can get the commission and the sale?
YES, but the CUSTOMER gets an easy-to-use industry compatible computer
complete with the operating system AND DeskMate in ROM,
and a 5 1/4" floppy drive which makes available thousands
of software packages at their fingertips.
 
They get expansion options based on an industry standard architecture.
 
They get security with the knowledge that you are there
to advise and support them.
With this purchase, they get reliability and consistency.
The Tandy 1000 family has gained a reputation for being
the best-built/longest-lasting computers in the industry,
not to mention the best selling!
 
And they get consistency in pricing and value, no matter where they shop.
 
Service?
 
You've got plenty to offer here too.
Service turnaround is measured, nationwide, in days; not weeks or months.
And the overall frequency of repair on a Tandy 1000, including the 1000 SL,
is too small to accurately measure.
(Offering an extended warranty to your customer
is more value in your pocket.)
That's quality product, and THAT'S what you're selling to your customer.
 
Support?
 
You have several toll-free 800 numbers in the S.O.M. that YOU can use to
get information for your customer.
There are also numbers that customers can call to get help
and additional information about their computers.
 
All of this PLUS we've been in the business for over 10 YEARS
(that's longer than some "computer shops" have been in existence).
PLUS, Radio Shack has been in the consumer electronics business
for over 65 years,
which means you'll BE THERE to help with future products and add-on purchases.
 
And don't forget that with the Tandy 1000 SL and  DeskMate,
these customers also get PC-Link .
This on-line information service gives our customers a way
to get Tandy-specific information
(both about the company and about our products)
and to contact Tandy directly (via the Tandy Hotline in Tandy Headquarters)
to get answers to questions, or to make suggestions.
 
So, why should your customer buy a Tandy computer?
Because you offer a solid selection of  quality products ,
backed by a  quality service  organization,
supported by thousands of employees working toward the common goal
of keeping that customer for generations to come.
 
When you sell a Tandy computer, you're selling a commitment to the future.
 
MOM-06-89
FC-3034 AND FC-3031: YOUR TICKETS TO EASY ADD-ON DOLLARS
 
Would you let a customer buy a computer system from you without offering
the necessary cables and diskettes to connect the system and run it?
While we hope the answer is an emphatic "No!", we know that scores of
opportunities are lost each day through our Centers and Departments,
where the potential dollars each time are larger than a whole bagful of
accessories and where the customer would have returned for a reorder in
six to nine months.
 
Are we describing some secret new product that Fort Worth is keeping
under wraps until the annual meetings?
Or maybe some exotic hardware not available to your store type?
Nope.
The opportunity being described is simply your taking advantage
of two programs that we have operated successfully for many years now:
custom-printed forms and stationery.
 
Keep these simple points in mind:
 
1) Any customer purchasing a small business system to run an accounting
application, or even purchasing the software itself,
is automatically a candidate for the appropriate printed checks,
statements, invoices, purchase orders, etc. generated by that
accounting application.
In most cases the software requires a preprinted form with a unique layout
and also, in most cases, continuous fanfold forms are the most convenient way
to serve the printer.
This is not something available from the local printer in small quantities
at a reasonable price.
 
2) Likewise, when a customer invests in a computer system for word processing,
or even in a high-powered word processing software application,
you are talking to an excellent candidate for fanfold custom-printed
letterheads and matching printed envelopes.
 
Nothing is so psychologically satisfying to a small businessperson or
entrepreneur than his or her own crisp letterhead on real stationery paper,
with perhaps the company logo.
Additionally, there are custom-printed mail labels and postcards
to fill out all the elements required for quality professional correspondence.
 
The batting average for a pitch on stationery should yield you some big-league
add-on dollars.
 
A big inventory investment or training burden is not required;
simply take the time NOW to order the following materials from TEW:
 
For Custom Forms
 
a) Sales Brochures: Six pages in full color, showing the entire line
of custom payroll and accounting checks, statements, invoices,
purchase orders, packing slips, sales quotations, insurance claims,
and general purpose forms, all cross-referenced to the appropriate
Radio Shack software and including retail pricing.
An introductory section has easy "How to Order" directions and explanations
of special logo and other printing options.
This attractive brochure is also intended for use as
an outbound sales reference tool or as a mail-out reminder to key accounts.
FC-3034 is a pack of 25 for only $4.96.
 
b) Forms Sample Kit: Includes actual printed samples of each type of form
and a detailed explanation of the entire program. FC-3035 for $4.51.
 
c) Forms Order Form: FC-3012, pack of 100 snap-set forms for $9.70,
walks you through the order-taking process and is ready to mail to
the forms printer.
 
For Custom Stationery
 
a) Sales Brochure:  Six pages in full color, showing the entire line of
custom stationery, envelopes, postcards and labels, including
standard printing formats and a chart of available typestyles.
Begins with easy-to-follow instructions and includes current pricing.
FC-3031 is a pack of 25 hand-out brochures for only $4.14.
 
b) Stationery Sample Kit: One of each standard letterhead format and a
variety of paper samples so the customer can really get the feel and
appearance of the letterhead before ordering.
Also a booklet of standard corporate and organizational logos
available at reduced rates.
FC-3033 for $1.91.
 
c) Stationery Order Form: FC-3027, pack of 50 forms for $5.20.
 
Two tips for success:
 
"You'll never catch a fish if you don't have your hook in the water!"
The entire set of materials for both programs totals only $30.42.
You will pay that off with the profits from a single order,
with dollars to spare.
This is certainly a better business proposition than stocking
some of the other merchandise you order from time-to-time "on speculation."
 
Send the order to the right vendor:
 
For Forms:      All-States Business Products
        1 Forms Drive
        Carrollton, TX  75006
 
           Toll free    (800) 527-0625
           Texas only   (800) 492-5232
 
For Stationery: Standard Register
        259 Hartford Turnpike
        Tolland, CT  06084
 
           Orders                 (800) 458-8589
           Customer Service       (800) 458-8590
           CT only                (203) 875-0731
 
MOM-06-89
SYSTEM PRICING POLICY AND EXAMPLES
 
Remember that as we put Tandy  3000, 4000 and 5000 computer systems on
promotion, they still qualify for and you need to offer the 10% system
discount.
In case you need a refresher course in this powerful selling tool,
here's the policy.
 
Uniform pricing in our company owned Computer Centers and retail stores
has been a benchmark of Radio Shack's merchandising philosophy.
It is equally important, however,
that we remain competitive when selling against other regional and national
computer retailers.
We believe that this exciting new program will help you to be more competitive
while maintaining the pricing integrity that is so important to us.
Now, when your prospect says that your competitor is offering him a
discount, you'll be able to react by making a similar offer.
 
We will give a 10% system discount off our advertised price (including
sale prices) on Tandy 3000/4000/5000 MC systems.
A minimum system is the CPU and fully functional monitor and hard drive.
The 10% discount will also apply to any and all peripherals,
accessories and software on the same sales ticket.
These prices will only apply to non-discounted sales as defined in the rules.
 
Familiarize yourself with the rules for this extraordinary sales plan.
This is not a one month program.
We anticipate that it will be on-going and will boost sales.
 
The rules are printed below and are accompanied by examples.
Should you have any questions, check with your District Sales Manager.
 
 
System Pricing Rules - Tandy 3000/4000/5000 MC
 
1) This program is not applicable to those customers who would qualify
for price reductions on the above CPUs through our Volume Purchase,
school discount, bid processes.
All of these sales would be handled the same as in the past.
 
2) In order to qualify for the discount, your customer must purchase a
CPU from the Tandy 3000, 4000 or 5000 family.
This includes all older versions of the Tandy 3000 HL and Tandy 3000.
In order for your customer to qualify for this price reduction,
in addition to the CPU, they must purchase at the same time:
 
A monitor
 
A video board, unless already included in the CPU
 
A hard drive, unless already included in the CPU
 
A hard drive controller, unless already included in the CPU
or unless a hard disk card is being specified
 
3) It does not apply to any other computer models unless a system
described in #2 above is included in the purchase.
For example, if you are proposing a small network system comprised of
Tandy 1000 TLs, this program would not be applicable.
If the network system were a little larger and included a Tandy 3000 NL and
one or more 1000 TLs, they would be eligible for the 10% reduction on the
total sale.
 
4) The 10% discount applies to all 25, 26 and 90 series products
including the qualifying items listed in #2 above regardless of whether
the item is regularly priced, on sale, or discontinued and devalued
as long as all items are purchased at the same time.
 
5)  This program is not optional.
You  must  quote the reduced price to
qualified prospects who have selected qualified CPUs.
Should you not quote the reduced system price
and your customer were to visit another Radio Shack location, you put
yourself in the difficult position of competing with them... and losing.
Don't try to beat the system.
Offer your customers the best price on the package that fits their needs.
 
 
Tandy 3000/4000/5000 MC System Pricing Examples
 
Example #1
25-4072 Tandy 3000 NL package   2,598.00
25-4062 20 MB Hard Drive        incl
25-4058 ST-506 HD Controller    incl
25-4035 EGM-1 Monitor           incl
25-3048 CGA/EGA Graphics Card   incl
                 
           Total for system    2,598.00
           Less 10% savings     -259.80
           System price        2,338.20
 
In this example the customer is purchasing the minimum items necessary
to qualify them for the discount.
Note that this system is currently on advertised sale for $2,598.00.
 
Example #2
25-5000 Tandy 4000              3,799.00
25-4061 40 MB 28 ms Hard Drive  incl
25-4058 ST-506 HD Controller    incl
25-4109 MS-DOS/GW-BASIC           119.95
25-4035 EGM-1 Monitor             699.00
25-3048 CGA/EGA Graphics Card     249.95
26-2808 DMP 440 Printer           699.00
26-0227 Printer Cable              34.95
                
           Total for system     5,601.85
           Less 10% savings      -560.18
           System price         5,041.67
 
Here, we're using the $3799 price in RSC-20 that includes a 40 MB hard
drive and controller.
 
Example #3
25-4072 Tandy 3000 NL           2,598.00
25-4062 20 MB Hard Drive        incl
25-4058 ST-506 HD Controller    incl
25-3048 CGA/EGA Graphics Card   incl
25-4035 EGM-1 Monitor   incl
25-4082 128K Memory kit            79.95
25-1040 Tandy Mouse                49.95
26-0237 Mouse Pad                   6.95
25-4109 MS-DOS/GW-BASIC           119.95
26-0228 Deluxe System Desk        199.95
26-0230 Keyboard Drawer            59.95
26-0229 CPU Tower                  69.95
26-0203 Power Switching System     99.95
26-2808 DMP 440 Printer           699.00
26-0227 Printer Cable              34.95
25-1187 Paradox Database Mgr.     495.00
25-1185 Microsoft EXCEL           429.00
                
           Total for system     4,942.55
           Less 10% savings      -494.26
           System price         4,448.29
 
In this example, we're showing a complete system with many of the
add-ons that you should be including.
 
Example #4
25-6000 Tandy 5000 MC           4999.00
25-4109 MS-DOS/GW-BASIC          119.95
25-6060 SCSI Adapter             499.95
25-4162 170 MB Hard Drive       2499.00
25-4041 VGM-200 Monitor          499.95
26-2804 LP 1000 Laser Printer   2599.00
26-0227 Printer Cable            34.95
25-4112 PageMaker 3.0 Software  835.00
26-1356 System Desk             119.95
                 
           Total for system  12,206.75
           Less 10% savings  -1,220.68
           System price      10,986.07
 
Note that since the Tandy 5000 MC includes built-in VGA support, the
customer is not required to purchase one in order to qualify
for the package price.
 
Example #5
25-4072 Tandy 3000 NL          1699.00
25-4059 40 MB Hard Disk Card    799.00
25-1024 CM-11 Color Monitor     399.95
25-3048 CGA/EGA Graphics Card   249.95
25-4109 MS-DOS/GW-BASIC         119.95
25-1250 DeskMate                 99.95
26-5601 TandyLink Boards (X2)   239.90
25-1251 Workgroup Companion     149.95
26-5612 20' TandyLink Cable      16.95
25-1601 Tandy 1000 TL          1299.00
25-1043 CM-5 Color Monitor      299.95
26-2814 DMP 132 Printer         379.95
26-227  Printer Cable            34.95
                 
           Total for system   5,788.45
           Less 10% savings    -578.85
           System price       5,209.60
 
In this example, we're using a hard disk card which doesn't require
the purchase of a controller.
 
MOM-06-89
PRODUCT NEWS
ALL STORE
 
The "ALL STORE" section contains information of interest to all store types.
01Zs and Computer Centers will also be interested in the information contained
in the "01Z/COMPUTER CENTER" section.
 
PC-LINK DEMO ACCOUNTS AVAILABLE IN JULY POP SIGN KITS
 
The July POP Sign kits that you will be receiving mid-June contain a
sign-up number and password for PC-Link .
This account has been provided to help you sell more computers,
modems and software.
This number will become your store's permanent ID.
After the initial sign-on,
secure the number and password in a safe place.
 
The account is good for 30 hours of unlimited use each month.
This means that the account does not differentiate between daytime and
nighttime rates; basic or plus service.
 
Use the account wisely.
Since you will be receiving the number in the middle of the month,
you will want to get on right away, and use the
time to let your personnel familiarize themselves with the service.
 
Be sure to spend some time in Tandy Headquarters.
A database of most frequently asked questions and answers,
Press Releases, Tips, Product Profiles,
and more can be found in this section.
And make sure to point out to your customers how they can use
the Tandy Hotline section in Tandy Headquarters to ask questions of Tandy
directly.
This is a tremendous selling point for you!
A whole section of an on-line service dedicated to Tandy information,
both about the company and our products, and the ability to contact
Tandy directly to ask questions, make suggestions, etc.
What a plus!  Learn to show it off!
 
In future months you may wish to divide the time up into 10 - 5 minute
presentations a day.
By using the off line demo in conjunction with the sales materials
contained in FC-1255, 5 minutes online is plenty of time
to show off the service.
Quick math shows that this will allow you time to spend
a few hours each month exploring the depth of the PC-Link
online information service.
 
When you have used up your 30 hour allotment of time, you will be
disconnected from the service and not be allowed to sign on until the
first of the month.
If you cannot get online and suspect that you have run out of time,
wait until the first of the month to be sure before you call PC-Link for help.
 
PLEASE NOTE: PC-Link updates the file DB01.PCL each time the service is
used.
This means that you must use the same machine each time you wish
to log on to PC-Link.
If this file accidently gets lost or destroyed,
you must call the 800 # provided with PC-Link to obtain permission to
sign on again with the original number and password.
 
There will not be any sign on software included in the sign kit.
Because PC-Link comes with DeskMate  which is sold separately and
included with all Tandy  1000 SLs and 1000 TLs, you have plenty of
opportunities to obtain the  PC-Link software.
 
When you actually sign on, you will be presented with the same screens
your customers will see when they sign on.
Keeping this in mind,
you should not type in a real credit card number when asked for one.
Furthermore, the address screen will already be filled out with a
fictitious address.
Do not change this address.
It helps PC-Link know that the account is a free account.
 
Lastly, enjoy the accounts, and good luck in selling even more
computers, modems, and software containing  PC-Link!
 
MOM-06-89
REMEMBER <F12> LOADS DESKMATE FROM ROM ON 1000 SLs AND TLs
 
On the Tandy  1000 SL and TL,
you should under NO circumstances run DeskMate  or any DeskMate
application by typing "DESK" and pressing the <ENTER> key.
Remember that DeskMate is located in the ROMs of the 1000 SL and 1000 TL
machines.
By pressing <F12>, you load DeskMate from ROM.
This saves system memory and allows more memory for
the DeskMate applications that are run.
 
When you run DeskMate by typing "DESK", you get an error message
stating it cannot find the 16 color video driver.
By telling DeskMate to search the entire system, you allow it to load twice,
because it will find the video driver in ROM, and load the desktop.
This wastes precious memory by loading DeskMate's core files twice.
This means that there is a copy of DeskMate running in ROM
and another copy running in RAM.
 
Outside applications should also be launched from the DeskMate desktop.
This is done by selecting the appropriate box on the desktop
(if it exists) and pressing <ENTER>.
The program can also be started from the "RUN" command in the File (F2) menu.
 
MOM-06-89
TRACKSTAR 128 AND THE EDUCATIONAL MARKETPLACE
 
The current catalog version of Trackstar 128 (25-1028, retail $399.95)
has been discontinued.
All backorders for this product have been canceled.
The good news is, the replacement for this product is in final stages
of evaluation and should be available for delivery from TEW by the end of June.
Take this opportunity to sell out of any remaining store inventory.
 
The new Trackstar E offers some additional features over the current version.
Besides being able to run Apple IIc and IIe educational and game software
on your Tandy  1000 SX/SL/TX/TL, offering the best of both
worlds to the classroom or home environment,
the new Trackstar E board supports the use of a hard disk drive.
 
Additionally, the user can now create Apple disk images
on a standard MS-DOS diskette.
Once the diskette is in this format, the Apple applications can be run on any
Tandy 1000 with the Trackstar E board installed, WITHOUT modifying the
disk drive.
Unlike the Trackstar 128, which required an Apple compatible drive
in each computer, the new Trackstar E board only
requires ONE computer in the system to have an Apple compatible drive
to do the initial conversion onto the DOS diskette.
 
The new Trackstar E board will be stock number 25-1038 and will retail
for $499.00.
As stated earlier, availability is scheduled for the end of June, this year!
It will not be stockable, but can be special ordered by all store types.
 
Don't forget that you can also offer your customer
an  Apple compatible external disk drive for use in the
Trackstar E configuration, the Weltec 5 1/4" External Apple IIc
compatible disk drive, stock number 900-2221, retail $199.95.
This makes for a clean installation of the system and extra sales dollars on
the ticket, WITHOUT the need or expense of modifying the existing Tandy
1000 disk drive!
 
MOM-06-89
THERE ARE QUANTITIES OF THE DESKMATE  DEMO STILL AVAILABLE
 
FC-1270 is the self-running DeskMate demo you were drop shipped several
months ago.
If you need an additional copy for any reason,
there are some still available from TEW at a cost of $3.81.
 
MOM-06-89
SPEAKERS WILL AFFECT A COMPUTER MONITOR
 
Many of you are taking the initiative and placing an amplifier and
speakers next to your computer display to show off the sound
capabilities of the Tandy  1000 SL and 1000 TL.
This arrangement is a great way to demonstrate the computers and DeskMate .
Some through experience have learned what can happen if you place
a large magnet (ie. speaker) near a TV or computer monitor.
It distorts the picture and the color.
A speaker can also corrupt floppy disks if left near them
for too long.
 
To prevent this from happening at all,
place the speakers a good distance away from the monitor - on a separate shelf
or wherever your individual furniture configuration permits - someplace where
the sound will be dramatic without jeopardizing the monitor or floppy disks.
 
MOM-06-89
LIQUID TONER FOR EPC-150 COPIER
 
We previously stocked two types of liquid toner at TEW (special order)
for the discontinued 88-2040 Copier  ("EPC-150"):
 
88-2043 Type A Starter  2 bottles, 1500 ml ea.
88-2044 Type B Replenisher      4 special molded bottles, 1000 ml ea.
 
The user filled the tray with the Starter, then would add the special
Replenisher reservoir to maintain the fluid level.
The actual toner solutions were basically the same
except for a small variation in the concentration.
 
We are now in the process of converting to a single, UNIVERSAL liquid,
88-2045, that replaces both of the previous toners.
The user will discard the special molded bottle (88-2044) and use the new
universal solution, both to initially fill
and later to occasionally "top up" the toner tray as required.
 
88-2044 is now discontinued, and 88-2043 eventually will be also.
You will simply enter your order for the newer 88-2045 once the original
item is gone.
The retail price for 88-2045, a carton of six one-quart bottles, is $24.95.
 
MOM-06-89
INFORMATION SHEETS
ACCOMPANYING THIS M.O.M.
 
The item accompanying this memo to all stores is:
Cinemaware Rocket Ranger slick
 
The item accompanying this memo to 01Zs and Computer Centers is:
ProfitWise Accounting fold-out
 
MOM-06-89
NEW PRODUCTS - Accounting
 
SOFTWARE RELEASED SINCE RSC-20/20S/20E CATALOGS PRINTED
 
These items are in alphabetical order within categories,
and are MS-DOS  unless otherwise specified.
 
 
CATEGORY        CAT #   TITLE   SHORT DESCRIPTION       PRICE   REFER TO:

Accounting      250-1249        Venture (DeskMate)      Entrepreneur's Handbook 349.00  Jun MOM
Accounting      900-1289        Dac Easy Accounting Video Tutor VHS visual tutor        49.95   Feb MOM
Accounting      903/905-1308    OSAS Resource Manager DOS       Mgr for OSAS DOS Acctg  295.00  Jun MOM
Accounting      903/905-1310    OSAS DOS General Ledger DOS General Ledger      795.00  Jun MOM
Accounting      903/905-1311    OSAS DOS Accounts Receivable    DOS Accounts Receivable 795.00  Jun MOM
Accounting      903/905-1312    OSAS DOS Accounts Payable       DOS Accounts Payable    795.00  Jun MOM
Accounting      903/905-1314    OSAS DOS Sales Order Processing DOS Sales Orders        695.00  Jun MOM
Accounting      903/905-1315    OSAS DOS Inventory      DOS Inventory   795.00  Jun MOM
Accounting      903/905-1316    OSAS DOS Fixed Assets   DOS Fixed Assets        695.00  Jun MOM
Accounting      903/905-1317    OSAS DOS Report Writer  DOS Report Writer       595.00  Jun MOM
Accounting      903/905-1318    OSAS DOS Job Cost       DOS Job Costing 695.00  Jun MOM
Accounting      900-1333        The CLAN Practical Accountant   Bookkeeping prog.       79.95   Feb MOM
Accounting      903/905-1432    ProfitWise Basic Accounting     GL/AR/AP/PR/INV/etc.    229.00  Jun MOM
Accounting      903/905-1433    ProfitWise Inv. & Job Costing   Inv. & Job Cost 229.00  Jun MOM
Accounting      903/905-1434    ProfitWise Rpt&Graph Designer   Report/Graph generator  229.00  Jun MOM
Accounting      903/905-1437    RW System Kit DOS       RW System Mgr for DOS   195.00  Jun MOM
Accounting      903/905-1438    RW DOS General Ledger   DOS General Ledger      695.00  Jun MOM
Accounting      903/905-1439    RW DOS Accounts Receivable      DOS Accounts Receivable 695.00  Jun MOM
Accounting      903/905-1440    RW DOS Professional Invoicing   DOS Invoicing   695.00  Jun MOM
Accounting      903/905-1441    RW DOS Order Entry      DOS Order Entry 695.00  Jun MOM
Accounting      903/905-1442    RW DOS Inventory        DOS Inventory   695.00  Jun MOM
Accounting      903/905-1443    RW DOS Payroll  DOS Payroll     695.00  Jun MOM
Accounting      903/905-1444    RW DOS Accounts Payable DOS Accounts Payable    695.00  Jun MOM
Accounting      903/905-1445    RW DOS Check Reconciliation     DOS Check balancing     232.00  Jun MOM
Accounting      903/905-1446    RW DOS Sales Analysis   DOS Sales Analysis      348.00  Jun MOM
Accounting      903/905-1447    RW DOS Purchase Order   DOS Purchase Orders     695.00  Jun MOM
Accounting      903/905-1448    RW DOS Job Costing      DOS Job Cost    695.00  Jun MOM
Accounting      903-1771        RW System Kit SCO 386   RW System Kit for SCO XENIX     495.00  Jun MOM
Accounting      903-1773        RW SCO Professional Invoicing   XENIX Invoicing 895.00  June MOM
Accounting      903-1782        RW SCO General Ledger   XENIX General Ledger    895.00  Jun MOM
Accounting      903-1783        RW SCO Accounts Receivable      XENIX Accounts Receivable       895.00  Jun MOM
Accounting      903-1784        RW SCO Accounts Payable XENIX Accounts Payable  895.00  Jun MOM
Accounting      903-1785        RW SCO Payroll  XENIX Payroll   895.00  Jun MOM
Accounting      903-1786        RW SCO Order Entry      XENIX Order Entry       895.00  June MOM
Accounting      903-1787        RW SCO Inventory        XENIX Inventory 895.00  June MOM
Accounting      903-1788        RW SCO Purchase Order   XENIX Purchase Orders   895.00  June MOM
Accounting      903-1789        RW SCO Job Costing      XENIX Job Costing       895.00  June MOM
Accounting      903-1790        RW SCO Sales Analysis   XENIX Sales Analysis    450.00  June MOM
Accounting      900-2704        Computerized Accounting Video   Computer acctg intro    19.95   Jun MOM
 
MOM-06-89
NEW PRODUCTS Business & Personal
 
Bus./Pers. Mgmt 250-1252        DeskMate  Thesaurus Companion   Thesaurus for DeskMate  Text    29.95   RSC-20A
Bus./Pers. Mgmt 250-1285        CheckFree Service Kit   Electronic Bill-paying  29.95   Feb MOM
Bus./Pers. Mgmt 250-1286        J.K.Lasser's Your Income Tax 89 Tax program     49.95   Feb MOM
Bus./Pers. Mgmt 905-1336        Who-What-When   Organizer       189.95  Mar MOM
Bus./Pers. Mgmt 905-1342        TurboTax 1040   Tax Preparation 65.00   Mar MOM
Bus./Pers. Mgmt 903/905-1353    Armstrong's Home Financial Org. Financial organizer     69.95   Mar MOM
Bus./Pers. Mgmt 903/905-1207    Great Chefs - Master Collection Recipe/Cooking  65.00   Jan MOM
Bus/Pers. Mgmt  900-1297        The Maximizer   Organizer       195.00  Jun MOM
Bus./Pers. Mgmt 903/905-1300    Labels Unlimited        Label making program    59.95   Nov MOM
Bus./Pers. Mgmt 903/905-1301    Pocket Address Book (Senior Ed.)        Personal Address maker  99.95   Nov MOM
Bus./Pers. Mgmt 900-1326        Byte Size Stock Portfolio       Tracks stocks   24.95   Dec MOM
Bus./Pers. Mgmt 900-1327        Byte Size Mailing & Phone List  Lists   24.95   Dec MOM
Bus./Pers. Mgmt 900-1330        Byte Size Home Inventory        Inventory tool  24.95   Dec MOM
Bus./Pers. Mgmt 903/905-1358    Andrew Tobias' CheckWrite Plus  Check & Bkkpg   49.95   Feb MOM
Bus./Pers. Mgmt 905-1373        Personal Tax Filer 1989 Tax form printer        19.95   Feb MOM
Bus/Pers. Mgmt  900-1413        Ronstadt's Financials   Financial projections   199.00  Jun MOM
Bus./Pers. Mgmt 903/905-1455    The Diet Balancer       Food/Diet/Nutrition info        74.95   Jun MOM
Bus/Pers. Mgmt  903/905-1456    Business Plan Expert    Business strategies     195.00  Jun MOM
Bus./Pers. Mgmt 903/905-2721    Mexican Cookdisk        Mexican recipes 19.95   Jun MOM
Bus./Pers. Mgmt 903/905-2722    Personal Cookdisk       Recipe organizer        19.95   Jun MOM
 
CD-ROM Apps     900-2890        World Fact Book (CD-ROM)        CIA's World Almanac     99.00   Jun MOM
CD-ROM Apps     900-2891        Seals of the U.S. Federal Govt (CD-ROM) Govt. seals     69.95   Jun MOM
CD-ROM Apps     900-5604        Science Helper (CD-ROM) Science lesson plans    195.00  Jun MOM
CD-ROM Apps     900-5620        Programmer's Library (CD-ROM)   Complete prog. tool     395.00  Jun MOM
CD-ROM Apps     900-5696        PC-SIG 6th Edition (CD-ROM)     Collection of shareware 495.00  Jun MOM
CD-ROM Apps     900-5697        Personal Library (CD-ROM)       Collection of shareware 179.00  Jun MOM
 
Communications  903/905-1223    CC Express      Manage remote computers 345.00  Jun MOM
Communications  900-1299        Freeway Terminal/communications 59.95   Mar MOM
Communications  903/905-1307    Instant Terminal        Full Featured communications    79.95   Jan MOM
Communications  900-1331        Lap-Link Plus   Access desktop PC fr/laptop     139.95  Mar MOM
Communications  903/905-2727    Relay Gold      Terminal/comm. program  295.00  Jun MOM
 
Database (CC3)  900-0915        VIP Database III        Database f/CC3  69.95   Jan MOM
Database        903/905-1267    Data Manager    Database w/low mem. requirement 39.95   Jan MOM
 
Desktop Publishing      250-1279        PFS:  First Publisher   Easy full-feature desktop pub.  129.00  Mar MOM
Desktop Publishing      905-2273        Font Effects    Add special effects to fonts    95.00   Aug/Sep MOM
Desktop Publishing      905-2271        Laserfonts      Font Install for WordPerfect    180.00  Aug/Sep MOM
Desktop Publishing      905-2272        WYSIFONTS!      Screen Font Installer   95.00   Aug/Sep MOM
 
MOM-06-89
NEW PRODUCTS - Home
 
Entertainment/CC3       900-0910        Alternate Reality - The City    Graphic Adventure       29.95   Nov MOM
Entertainment/CC3       900-0912        Scenery Disk - #7       Scenery disk for Flight Sim II  24.95   Dec MOM
Entertainment/CC3       900-0913        Scenery Disk - Japan    Scenery disk for Flight Sim II  24.95   Dec MOM
Entertainment/CC3       900-0914        Scenery Disk - Western Europe   Scenery disk for Flight Sim II  24.95   Dec MOM
Entertainment/CC3       900-0917        Leisure Suit Larry I    Adult adventure game    39.95   Jun MOM
Entertainment   250-1234        Music Studio 3.0        Music composer  79.95   Jun MOM
Entertainment   250-1290        F-19 Stealth Fighter    Stealth Combat  54.95   Jan MOM
Entertainment   900-1256        Star Flight     was 25-1137     44.95   Dec MOM
Entertainment   903/905-1281    Grand Prix Circuit      Car Racing      39.95   Feb MOM
Entertainment   900-1282        Battle Tech     Graphic Adventure       39.95   Mar MOM
Entertainment   903/905-1283    T. V. Gameshows II      T. V. Gameshows 29.95   Mar MOM
Entertainment   900-1284        Battle Hawks 1942       Aerial Battle   44.95   Mar MOM
Entertainment   900-1285        Zak McKracken   Graphic Adventure       39.95   Feb MOM
Entertainment   905-1286        The Train       Train Escape Adventure  34.95   Feb MOM
Entertainment   905-1287        Rack'em Game of Pool    39.95   Feb MOM
Entertainment   905-1288        Serve & Volley  Tennis Game     39.95   Feb MOM
Entertainment   900-1360        Skate or Die    Skating simulation      35.95   Jun MOM
Entertainment   900-1361        Double Dragon   Arcade Adventure        40.00   Feb MOM
Entertainment   900-1362        Pete Rose's Pennant Fvr.        Baseball        35.95   Feb MOM
Entertainment   903/905-1363    Jack Nicklaus Golf      Golf Game       44.95   Feb MOM
Entertainment   900-1367        Star Wars       Arcade adventure        39.95   Jun MOM
Entertainment   900-1368        Downhill Challenge      Ski simulation  29.95   Jun MOM
Entertainment   900-1424        Paperboy        Arcade adventure        35.95   Jun MOM
Entertainment   903/905-1426    War in Middle Earth     Role play adventure     44.95   Jun MOM
Entertainment   900-1461        Leisure Suit Larry II   Adult adventure 44.95   Jun MOM
Entertainment   900-1466        Leisure Suit Larry I    Adult adventure 35.95   Jun MOM
Entertainment   903/905-2775    Magic Johnson Basketball        Basketball game 35.95   Jun MOM
Entertainment   903/905-3139    The Games       Games (Summer Edition)  49.95   Feb MOM
Entertainment   903/905-3140    4 X 4 Offroad race      4 X 4 race on desert    19.95   Feb MOM
Entertainment   900-3136        John Elway's QB Football        29.95   Jan MOM
Entertainment   900-3137        Manhunter: New York     3D Graphic Adventure    44.95   Dec MOM
Entertainment   900-3216        Police Quest 2  Police Adventure        44.95   Feb MOM
Entertainment   900-3251        Fantavision     Art and Animation creator       54.95   Nov MOM
Entertainment   900-3252        Platoon War/survival adventure  35.95   Jun MOM
Entertainment   900-3313        Jordan Vs. Bird Basketball      40.00   Jan MOM
Entertainment   900-3355        Three Stooges   Graphic Adventure       44.95   Dec MOM
Entertainment   900-3362        Defender of Crown       Graphic Adventure       39.95   Jan MOM
Entertainment   900-3363        Rocket Ranger   Graphic Adventure       39.95   Jan MOM
Entertainment   900-3376        TRACON  Air Traffic Simulation  44.95   Feb MOM
 
Graphics/Design 903/905-0282    Drafix 3-D Modeler      Design modeling tool    295.00  Nov MOM
Graphics/Design 903/905-0284    Professional Arch. Symbols Library      Pre-drawn Arch. symbols 150.00  Nov MOM
Graphics/Design 903/905-0283    Professional Mech. Symbols Library      Pre-drawn Mech. symbols 150.00  Nov MOM
Graphics/Design 900-1370        Splash! Drawing program 99.95   Feb MOM
Graphics/Design 903/905-1383    CADD Starter Kit        CADD course in a box    179.95  Jun MOM
Graphics/Design 903/905-1384    CADD Level 3    2-D design & drafting   299.95  Jun MOM
Graphics/Design 903/905-1418    Drafix CAD Ultra        Full-featured CAD sftwr.        395.00  Mar MOM
Graphics/Design 903/905-1485    Opus I (MS Windows)     Drawing/database prog.  395.00  Jun MOM
 
Home Education  250-1272        MathTalk        Talking math program    34.95   Mar MOM
Home Education  903/905-1279    Read 'N Roll    Reading drill   44.95   Jan MOM
Home Education  903/905-3359    Reading and Me  Reading program for ages 4-7    35.95   Nov MOM
Home Education  903/905-3361    PC-GLOBE +      Geography       64.75   Feb MOM
 
MOM-06-89
NEW PRODUCTS - Special
 
Industry Specific       900-1357        Medisoft Patient Acctg  Medical A/R & Billing   149.00  Feb MOM
Industry Specific       903/905-1411    REMS Appraiser URAR     Does Unif.Resident.Appr.rpt     295.00  Mar MOM
Industry Specific       900-1412        Service Industry Accounting     Bookkeeping     395.00  Jun MOM
Industry Specific       903/905-1414    REMS Lessor 2000        Lease analyzer  395.00  Mar MOM
Industry Specific       905-1415        REMS Investor 2000      Investment analyzer     395.00  Mar MOM
Industry Specific       903-1585        Real World POS  SCO 386 1095.00 Dec MOM
 
Integrated      250-1280        PFS:  First Choice 3.0  WP/DB/SS/Graphics/COMM  139.00  Mar MOM
Integrated      900-2702        Using Tandy DeskMate (VHS video)        Basics of DeskMate      19.95   Jun MOM
 
Network Software        260-5520        3+Open Entry System     Up to 5 wkstns  995.00  Jun MOM
Network Software        260-5521        3+Open Adv. System      Server, 6+ wkstns       2995.00 Jun MOM
Network Software        900-1720        3+Open for 3S/401       For 3S/401 Server, 6+ wkstns    3495.00 Jun MOM
 
Prog. Tools     900-1302        Peter Norton's Assembly Language        Assy. Lang. Instruction Book    39.95   Nov MOM
Prog. Tools     900-1344        Norton's DOS Guide      DOS guide book  19.95   Feb MOM
Prog. Tools     900-1346        Getting Started w/PCs...        PC guide book   19.95   Feb MOM
Prog. Tools     900-1348        Communications & Networking     Intro/Reference book    22.95   Feb MOM
Prog. Tools     900-1379        The 80386 Book  Intro to 80386 chip     24.95   Jun MOM
Prog. Tools     900-1380        P.Norton Guide to IBM PC&PS/2   Technical data  22.95   Jun MOM
Prog. Tools     900-1381        Running MS-DOS  Intro to MS-DOS 22.95   Jun MOM
Prog. Tools     900-1385        MS QuickBASIC Book      Intro to MS Quick BASIC 19.95   Jun MOM
Prog. Tools     900-1386        MS Quick C Book Intro to MS Quick C     19.95   Jun MOM
Prog. Tools     903-1583        LPI COBOL 386   SCO 386 Compiler        1595.00 Dec MOM
Prog. Tools     903-1584        LPI FORTRAN 386 SCO 386 Compiler        995.00  Dec MOM
 
Spreadsheets/CC3        900-0916        VIP Calc III    Spreadsheet for CC3     69.95   Jun MOM
Spreadsheets    903/905-1265    SwiftCalc       SS w/low mem. requirement       39.95   Jan MOM
Spreadsheets    903/905-1470    Lucid 3-D       Spreadsheet from DAC    99.95   Jun MOM
 
Utilities/CC3   900-0911        Printer Drivers for Home Publisher 26-3273      19.95   Dec MOM
Utilities       903/905-1298    Auto-Might      Mem. resident event executer    69.95   Mar MOM
Utilities       900-1304        PC Tools Deluxe HD utility      74.99   Dec MOM
Utilities       903/905-1305    PathMinder      DOS utility     59.95   Aug/Sep MOM
Utilities       905-1349        Take Charge     Information Mgr 139.95  Feb MOM
Utilities       903/905-1350    Paul Mace Utilities     Data recovery/Disk optimizer    99.00   Feb MOM
Utilities       903/905-1351    Paul Mace hTest/hFormat HD tester       89.95   Feb MOM
Utilities       903/905-1356    PC-Fullbak Point & Shoot        HD Backup       129.95  Jan MOM
Utilities       900-1359        MetaMenu        Prof. menu system       89.00   Mar MOM
Utilities       900-1406        OPTune  All-in-one maintenance  99.95   Jun MOM
Utilities       903/905-1407    Q-DOS II        HD file mgmt    79.95   Jun MOM
Utilities       900-1410        Direct Access   HD file mgmt menu       89.95   Jun MOM
Utilities       900-1431        Fastwire II Deluxe      File transfer utility   159.95  Jun MOM
Utilities       900-1458        Tree86  Adv. file/dir mgmt      89.95   Jun MOM
Utilities       900-1484        ViewLink        Link existing sftwr     149.95  Jun MOM
 
Word Proc./CC3  900-0908        VIP Writer III  Word Processing 79.95   Dec MOM
Word Proc./CC3  900-0909        Telewriter-128  Word Processing 79.95   Dec MOM
Word Proc.      905-1264        The Resume Kit  Resume Compiler Aid     39.95   Jan MOM
Word Proc.      903/905-1266    WordWriter      WP w/low mem. requirement       44.95   Jan MOM
Word Proc.      900-1932        SCRIPSIT  386 (XENIX)   Supercharged SCRIPSIT   995.00  Jun MOM
Word Proc.      900-2219        Carets OCR      for Ricoh RS-320 Scanner        395.00  Aug/Sep MOM
 
EDUC-CD-ROM     900-5605        PC-SIG Library  Shareware/Public Domain 295.00  Nov MOM
EDUC-CD-ROM     900-5604        Science Helper K-8      Science Lesson Plans    195.00  Nov MOM
EDUC-Voc.       900-5609        Jr. Drafter CAD Training        CAD Training    995.00  Jan MOM
EDUC-Voc.       900-5516        WordPerfect 5.0 WP @ School Price       168.75  Nov MOM
EDUC    900-5621        Child Count Reporter    Statistical rpt generator       895.00  Jun MOM
EDUC    900-5622        Referral Manager        Tracks students in referral     195.00  Jun MOM
EDUC    900-5623        IEP/Objectives Database Manager Complete IEP    295.00  Jun MOM
EDUC    900-5624        Student Database Manager        Recordkeeping   595.00  Jun MOM
EDUC-Voc.       900-5695        Jr. Drafter CAD Training        CAD Training - 10-users 7250.00 Mar MOM
EDUC    900-5687        Algebra - SchoolMate    Algebra instruction     500.00  June MOM
EDUC    900-5688        Calculus - SchoolMate   Calculus instruction    500.00  June MOM
EDUC    900-5689        Pre-Calculus - SchoolMate       Basic Trig/Calculus     500.00  June MOM
 
MOM-06-89
NEW PRODUCT RELEASES NOT IN CATALOGS - DESCRIPTIONS
 
PRINTERS
 
260-2817  DMP 2102  $999.00
 
Announcing the availability of the DMP 2102 dot matrix printer (26-2817)!
The printer is the big brother to the now popular DMP 300 printer
released a few months ago.
The DMP 2102 features a 16 inch wide carriage
with print speeds of up to 270 cps.
 
With a suggested retail price of $999, the DMP 2102 is an ideal
printer solution for the home or office where the wide carriage format
is required.
It emulates both the Tandy  DMP 2110 as well as the
IBM Proprinter XL24 printer.
 
In addition to word processing and data processing modes,
these emulations provide the user with high-resolution
24 wire graphics of 360 x 180 dots per inch.
The DMP 2102 also includes an IBM Alternate Graphics Mode
similar to the emulation used in many Epson printers,
thus providing even greater compatibility with graphics based software.
Word processing and data processing modes offer standard fonts
of 10, 12 and 17.1 characters per inch in proportional, elongated,
boldface and italic styles with superscript, subscript, double height
and microfont capability.
A push button front panel provides control of menu and font selections
as well as many other controllable printer features.
 
Capable of handling paper up to 16 inches wide, the DMP 2102 printer
utilizes a semi-automatic sheet feeder for paper loading.
It accepts cut-sheet or fanfold paper, envelopes, or up to four part forms.
An optional one bin cut sheet feeder, the CSF 300 (Cat. No. 26-2816),
will be available in late June with a suggested retail price of $299.95.
 
Paper and forms handling are made easier with the built-in push tractor
with automatic paper advance for tear off, and single touch paper park.
No paper is wasted when fanfold paper or forms advance to the tear off
position at the end of printing.
The print head returns to the print position when printing resumes.
The paper park function allows fanfold paper or forms to remain
in the printer while single sheet paper or envelopes are printed.
 
The printer can be connected to any PC-compatible personal computer
using the built in Tandy/IBM configurable printer port.
The DMP 2102 uses the 26-2819 ribbon cartridge - the
same as the DMP 300 printer.
 
And like the DMP 300 - you get all this and it even does WINDOWS!
Using the Bitstream Fontware Library and taking advantage of the IBM
Proprinter XL24 emulation, you can produce outstanding results from any
of the Microsoft  Windows applications.
 
MOM-06-89
ACCOUNTING
 
250-1249 Venture (DeskMate)  $349.00
 
Venture - The Entrepreneur's Handbook is the first
comprehensive software system developed just for the emerging
business.  Whether you are starting a new business or pushing for
profitable growth in an established one, whether you're a
consultant to many clients or the manager of a corporate
group, Venture is the only software you need.  You can prepare a feasibility
plan, or a business plan with complete subplans for marketing, finance, growth
and contingencies. Or you can prepare a non-compete agreement, a business
lease or a prospecting letter.  Even if you have never written one of these
before, they are all included in the package.  Venture includes Business Plan
Builder, Critical Document Forms, Word Processor, Spreadsheet, File Manager,
CPA-Ready General Ledger, and Check Writing & Control.  Minimum System: 512K
RAM and hard disk.
 
900-2704 Computerized Accounting Video  $19.95
 
A comprehensive introduction to the world of computerized
accounting.  Basic enough to fit the needs of the new user and
packed with tips for the experienced professional.  Minimum System: VHS video
format.
 
ProfitWise Accounting Series
 
New from the publisher of Solomon III!
Introducing ProfitWise, a basic accounting software system
designed to meet the accounting needs of many small
businesses.  Minimum System: 640K RAM, MS-DOS 3.1 or greater and hard disk.
 
The ProfitWise System features:
 
On-line context sensitive help that puts the reference manual
    at your fingertips
Extensive password protection ability
Maintains thorough audit trail of all transactions
All reports can be printed, displayed, or sent to files for export
    to your spreadsheet and word processor
Computer based tutorial guides you through installation step-by-step
Inquiry and maintenance windows save valuable time during data entry
 
 
903/905-1432 ProfitWise Basic Accounting  $229.00
 
Includes General Ledger, Payroll, Accounts Payable, Accounts
Receivable, Fixed Assets, Invoicing, and Address module with
label printing.
 
 
903/905-1433 ProfitWise Inventory/Job Cost. $229.00
 
Allows fixed fee, cost plus percentage, cost plus
fixed fee, time and materials, and internal job types.  Inventory allows up to
three warehouse locations, maintains serial numbers, maintains two vendors and
part numbers per item, accommodates average, standard, or user defined costing
methods.  NOTE: Requires 903/905-1432 Basic Accounting.
 
903/905-1434 ProfitWise Report/Graph Designer $229.00
 
Full featured report & graph generator with both pre-defined and
user-defined report formats.  Features include multiple sort keys, arithmetic
operations, if-then-else logic for conditional operators and selection
criteria including AND and OR operators.  NOTE: Requires 903/905-1432 Basic
Accounting.
 
RealWorld Version 5.0
 
RealWorld version 5.0 features enhanced capabilities under
the RM/COBOL 85 runtime.  Users are provided a choice of the
traditional menu or the new pull down window interface.
Multi-user versions feature true "field locking", the state of the
art in multi-user software.  NOTE: Integration of the RealWorld software
requires that all modules be at the same version number.  In essence,
version 4.0 modules WILL NOT interface with version 5.0.
Minimum System (MS-DOS): 640K RAM, hard disk, MS-DOS version
3.3 or higher, and 903/905-1437 System Kit.
Minimum System (SCO XENIX 386): 2 MB RAM, SCO XENIX 386, and
903-1771 System Kit.
 
RealWorld Version 5.0 for MS-DOS
903/905-1437    RW System Kit DOS               195.00
903/905-1438    RW General Ledger               695.00
903/905-1439    RW Accounts Receivable          695.00
903/905-1440    RW Professional Invoicing       695.00
903/905-1441    RW Order Entry                  695.00
903/905-1442    RW Inventory                    695.00
903/905-1443    RW Payroll                      695.00
903/905-1444    RW Accounts Payable             695.00
903/905-1445    RW Check Reconciliation         232.00
903/905-1446    RW Sales Analysis               348.00
903/905-1447    RW Purchase Order               695.00
903/905-1448    RW Job Costing                  695.00
 
NOTE: 903/905-1437 System Kit is required for installation.
 
RealWorld Version 5.0 for SCO XENIX
903-1771        RW System Kit SCO 386           495.00
903-1773        RW Professional Invoicing       895.00
903-1782        RW General Ledger               895.00
903-1783        RW Accounts Receivable          895.00
903-1784        RW Accounts Payable             895.00
903-1785        RW Payroll                      895.00
903-1786        RW Order Entry                  895.00
903-1787        RW Inventory                    895.00
903-1788        RW Purchase Order               895.00
903-1789        RW Job Costing                  895.00
903-1790        RW Sales Analysis               450.00
 
NOTE: 903-1771 System Kit SCO 386 required for installation.
 
Open Systems Accounting Software (OSAS) for MS-DOS
903/905-1308    OSAS Resource Manager DOS       295.00
903/905-1310    OSAS General Ledger             795.00
903/905-1311    OSAS Accounts Receivable        795.00
903/905-1312    OSAS Accounts Payable           795.00
903/905-1314    OSAS Sales Order Processing     695.00
903/905-1315    OSAS Inventory                  795.00
903/905-1316    OSAS Fixed Assets               695.00
903/905-1317    OSAS Report Writer              595.00
903/905-1318    OSAS Job Cost                   695.00
 
NOTE: 903/905-1308 Resource Mgr DOS required for installation.
 
MOM-06-89
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
 
900-1297 The Maximizer  $195.00
 
Designed for sales professionals, managers, executives and others
who deal with clients, contacts or the public on a regular basis.
It organizes phone calls, appointments, mailouts
and follows-up for an unlimited number of contacts.
Extensive facilities are available to group and search records
based on criteria you define.
Provides fully integrated letter writing, notes, calendar facilities,
activity schedules, expense accounts, calculation options,
telephone listings and dial up.  Import/Export facilities
are provided to exchange information between The Maximizer and other
application programs.  Minimum System: 640K RAM and (2) 720K floppy drives or
hard disk.  Optional modem for auto dial feature.
 
900-1413 Ronstadt's Financials  $199.00
 
Financial projections fast and easy.  No one has the secret to success, but
one thing nearly every successful business has in common is a
comprehensive set of financial projections.  Creating them on a
spreadsheet program takes days of programming, formatting and
checking for errors before you get any results.
Dr. Robert Ronstadt, one of the nation's most widely published
authorities on entrepreneurship, has developed
the only software designed specifically to
prepare complete financial projections faster, more
accurately, and more flexibly than any other way.
Tailor the program to your needs by customizing one of the
eight industry models that come with the program, or create
your own from scratch.  Then explore alternate financial
strategies in a matter of minutes.
Minimum System: 512K RAM and 2 floppy drives.
 
903/905-1456 Business Plan Expert  $195.00
 
Develop winning business strategies with an expert by your side.  Every day,
you face tough business questions crucial to profitability, expansion and
even survival.  Your ability to make the right decision is critical!  Even if
you don't know how to use a computer or have never done a complete
business plan, the TUTOR shows you the basics in about 20 minutes.  An
effective planning tool for manufacturing, retailing, distribution, and
service businesses.  Minimum System: 256K RAM.
 
MOM-06-89
CD-ROM APPLICATIONS
 
900-2890  World Fact Book (CD-ROM)  $99.00
 
This CD-ROM contains the Central Intelligence Agency's "World Almanac"
for 1988-89 containing extensive examinations of territories &
countries world-wide.  Socioeconomic, geopolitical, demographic and
other country specific data is included.
 
900-2891 Seals/U.S. Federal Govt (CD-ROM) $69.95
 
This CD-ROM contains federal & state government seals and
other devices on file at the U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO).  All
files are in TIFF and ARC format.  TIFF format is the file format
supported by such products as First Publisher, PC Paintbrush,
and PageMaker .
 
900-5604 Science Helper (CD-ROM)  $195.00
 
The Science Helper K-8 is an unprecedented compilation of nearly 1,000
science lesson plans on CD-ROM.  A specially developed retrieval
system allows lesson plans to be easily located by specifying grade
level, subject, process skills, keywords, and content.  Clear
organization and fast retrieval make this system valuable to teachers,
curriculum committees and publishers.  The lessons themselves were
developed with $80 million of National Science Foundation Support and
have been classroom tested.  Science Helper provides a way to expand or
fill in the gaps in any education program for grades K-8.
 
900-5620 Programmer's Library (CD-ROM)  $395.00
 
The Programmer's Library is Microsoft's first CD-ROM based software
package for programmers.  Included on the disc are 48 different
reference manuals and over 20 floppys worth of sample code.  Unlike
other on-line products, Microsoft's Programmer's Library contains the
full text database of all 48 manuals, making it the most complete
programming tool available.  Whether you program professionally,
occasionally, or are just learning to program, this is a product you
won't want to be without.
 
900-5696 PC-SIG 6th Edition (CD-ROM)  $495.00
 
The PC-SIG Library on CD-ROM is the world's largest collection of
shareware brought together on a single durable disc.  While the PC-SIG
Library on CD ROM is useful to many different organizations and
individuals, it has become popular among educators as a vast resource
for educational and applications software -- the equivalent of 1,240
floppy diskettes.  The newest additions of popular shareware can be
copied from the CD-ROM and used on any other Tandy or PC-compatible
computer.
 
900-5697 Personal Library (CD-ROM)  $179.00
 
The Personal Software Library on CD-ROM is a diverse collection of
shareware brought together on a single durable disc.  While the Personal
Software Library on CD-ROM is useful to many different organizations,
businesses, and individuals, it serves educators as a relatively
inexpensive resource for educational and applications software.  The
newest additions of popular shareware can be copied from the CD-ROM and
used on any other Tandy or PC-compatible computer.
 
MOM-06-89
COMMUNICATIONS
 
903/905-1223 CC Express  $345.00
 
CCExpress is a fully integrated part of the Carbon Copy Plus
(903/905-3309) product line.  It enables you to manage remote computers from
a central point automatically.  YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE AT YOUR
PC TO ACCOMPLISH THIS; CCExpress will do it for you.  In
effect, CCExpress sets up a network for you and your distant
computer users by utilizing telephone lines through a modem
connection.  Send and receive valuable information by
using the fully automated, unattended file transfer
capability.  NOTE: You must have a copy of CCExpress running on your
REMOTE PC and a copy of Carbon Copy Plus running on your HOST
PC.  CCExpress includes both CCExpress and a non-customized version of
Carbon Copy Plus.
Minimum System: 384K RAM and modem.
CCExpress is ideally suited to certain applications.
It is perfect when:
 
  you need to obtain reports, financial material and details of
transactions or other information after the normal working day is over
 
  your remote sites are across time zones, where the working day ends
after you go home
 
  you want your PC to postpone calling remote locations until
the telephone rates go down
 
  there are so many remote sites that it would take too much staff time to
contact each one during normal business hours
 
 
903/905-2727 Relay Gold  $295.00
 
Whether you need to connect to other PCs, set up a micro-to-mainframe
link or call information services, RELAY Gold has
the features you want - without unwanted complications.
Minimum System: 256K RAM and modem.
 
Get faster, more efficient file transfers with the CommPressor data
   compression feature
Work on other applications while RELAY transfers files in the background
Supports all major protocols
Supports 3270 terminal emulation plus VT220, VT240, VT100 and IBM 3101
Supports all modems
Emulate a 3270 terminal without any boards, cables or a 3274 controller
   on the mainframe - all you need is a PC and a phone, perfect for laptops and
   branch offices
100% error free file transfer between PCs and VM or MVS mainframes over
   virtually any connection, protocol converters, 3270 boards or normal phone
   lines
 
MOM-06-89
ENTERTAINMENT - PC-Compatible
 
250-1234  Music Studio 3.0  79.95
 
The most sophisticated music composer available,
and the only one using the DeskMate  interface!
Compose music at the touch of a button using only a mouse or joystick.
Modify tempo, note duration, instruments, volume and more;
change key signature anywhere in a song, customize styles and save them
for use in new compositions.
Create your own instruments and sound effects - take a sound
and shorten, lengthen, mix, twist and turn it.
Record and digitize your own sounds directly using a microphone,
and add newly digitized sounds to compositions on a Tandy  1000 SL or TL.
Advanced MIDI input and output features make it easy to record
or compose music.
Real-time MIDI input maintains exact timing of music from MIDI-equipped
keyboards or other electronic instruments.
Supports velocity-sensitive keyboards - records how hard each key
is struck and plays back every note with absolute fidelity.
 
900-1360  Skate or Die  $35.95
 
Skate tuff in the first simulation that gets to the guts of the
fastest-growing sport in America.
Set records on the ramp high jump.  Show off your
fakies, ollies, hand plants, 720's aerials and rail slides on the free style
ramp.  Race through drain pipes, gravel, and grates on the downhill course.
Challenge a friend in a pool joust, or take your streetstyle act to the inner
city.
 
900-1367  Star Wars  $39.95
 
Never before have space battles been so realistic - so furiously focused.
Especially that last stomach-churning attack on the Death Star.  Now Star Wars
enters a new dimension.  So get a firm grip on your controls, because when
you boot up this Star Wars, you'll think you've zoomed right into the movie
itself.
 
900-1368  Downhill Challenge  $29.95
 
Take a deep breath, grit your teeth, and go for it! Push off on a run that's
so realistic, you'll swear you can feel raw wind stinging your face.  Downhill
is the ultimate computer ski experience.
 
900-1424  Paperboy  $35.95
 
Hop on your bike for a free-wheeling ride up the avenues of not-so-typical
suburbia.  There are papers to be delivered, robbers to be foiled, and fame
and fortune to be won as you brave the mean streets.  Avoid traffic, tires,
motorcycles, tricycles, gratings, curbs, dogs, dangers, and exhaustion as you
deliver to your customers - and as you do as much damage as you can to your
obstacles.  All the excitement you loved in the arcades.
 
903/905-1426  War in Middle Earth  $44.95
 
Follow in the footsteps of Frodo, Aragorn and Gandalf as they battle
to get the ring to the Cracks of Doom.
Ranged against you are all the evil forces of the Dark Lord Sauron
and the corrupt wizard Saruman.
The Odds are overwhelming, but you cannot afford to fail.
The destiny of Middle Earth lies in the balance.
With the almost infinite variety and multiple layers of play,
War in Middle Earth is a game you can finish in days or weeks,
or savor for months.
 
900-1461  Leisure Suit Larry II  $44.95
 
Who else but Larry could win the Lottery, a dream date on "The Dating
Connection" and a dream cruise on the "Lover's Boat"?  Yes, Larry really
"gets lucky" this time.  But wait!  Behind this beach blanket of fun and
frivolity lies a ballyhoo of espionage and intrigue!  With foreign agents,
the Hairy Krishnas, and Dr. Notoonyt and the Hechettes on his tail, Larry's
good fortune could vanish quicker than his hairline!
Requires 512K.
 
900-1466  Leisure Suit Larry I  $35.95
 
Leisure Suit Larry is an adult comedy/adventure game that lets you experience
the "swinging singles scene" for one crazy night.  You'll dance.  You'll drink.
You'll gamble.  You might even meet the girl(s) of your dreams.  And you'll
have a good time doing it.
 
903/905-2775  Magic Johnson Basketball  $35.95
 
Arcade action brings the realism of the big time game home to you in this
direct translation of the popular coin-op arcade game, Magic Johnson's
Fastbreak Basketball.  Make the "jump shot," the "alley oop," the "pick 'n
roll", and of course Magic's famous fast break with a "slam dunk" finish.
Dribble 'round your opponent to make the "lay up" that wins the game!
 
900-3252  Platoon  $35.95
 
In Data East's Platoon, you'll experience the full impact of the film as
you lead your platoon into the jungles, villages, bunkers, foxholes, and
underground tunnels of war-torn Southeast Asia.  There you will encounter
guerrilla fighters, snipers, booby-trapped trip wires, armed patrols, and
napalm air strikes.  At times, the odds may seem insurmountable.  But don't
think about winning - to survive is enough.
Requires 512K.
 
MOM-06-89
ENTERTAINMENT - Color Computer 3
 
900-0917  Leisure Suit Larry I  $39.95
 
Leisure Suit Larry is an adult comedy/adventure game that lets you experience
the "swinging singles scene" for one crazy night.  You'll dance.  You'll drink.
You'll gamble.  You might even meet the girl(s) of your dreams.  And you'll
have a good time doing it.
Requires 512K.
 
MOM-06-89
GRAPHICS & DESIGN
 
903/905-1383 CADD Starter Kit  $179.95
 
Literally a CADD course in a box.  The kit contains CADD Level
2, a step by step workbook tutorial, Generic's Basic Home
Design Symbol Library and a diskette of tutorial and sample
drawings.  In combination, the four products contained in the
Starter Kit create a complete introduction to drawing and
drafting with Generic Software.
Minimum System: 512K RAM, (2) floppy drives and graphics
card.  Mouse, hard drive and math co-processor improve system
performance.
 
MOM-06-89
903/905-1384 CADD Level 3  $299.95
 
Generic CADD Level 3 is a sophisticated two dimensional
design and drafting package.  This powerful program offers the
design and drafting professional enhanced capabilities
required for daily production work.  Includes hatches and
fills, high speed dynamic drag, linear and angular
dimensioning and a macro command language.
Also includes Dot Plot that allows you to print crisp, high
resolution drawings with a dot matrix printer.
Minimum System: 640K RAM and (2) floppy drives.  Mouse, hard
drive and math co-processor improve system performance.
 
903/905-1485 Opus I (MS Windows)  $395.00
 
A combination drawing/database program which works under
Microsoft  Windows (runtime included with software), allowing
the user to link graphic information with words and numbers.
If you have an information-handling task that is better
expressed with pictures than with words, Opus I is the ideal
solution.  Its potential applications are limited only by your
own imagination.
Minimum System: 80286 or 80386, 512K RAM, graphics card and mouse.
 
Example of Application:
 
Problem:  I want to maintain a database of parts used in our
auto parts manufacturing process.  Along with a picture of the
part and related information, I need a set of drawings that
show how the parts fit together.
 
Solution:  Use the Opus I drawing tools or a scanner to create
your pictures and store them in picture fields.  Then display
or print them with accompanying information.  Or, you can
choose to store drawings, up to 17 x 17 inches, as separate
files and "link" them to records in the Opus I database.
 
MOM-06-89
INDUSTRY SPECIFIC
 
900-1412 Service Industry Accounting  $395.00
 
Designed to suit the needs of service
industries, this is an integrated business solution for
professionals, trades, and small manufacturers.  Handles job cards, billing,
accounts receivable, accounts payable, inventory and general ledger.  Using
the basics of familiar bookkeeping, the package organizes your information
into computerized books.  There are no complicated codes to learn, no account
numbers to remember.  Minimum System: 512K RAM and hard disk.
 
MOM-06-89
INTEGRATED
 
900-2702  Using Tandy DeskMate (VHS video)  $19.95
 
This training tape is designed to help users master the basics quickly
and simply.  The colorful video instruction and companion guide book are
designed for beginners, focusing on the software basics to get everyone
up and running.  It's a complete training system that's as easy to use
as turning on your television.
 
MOM-06-89
NETWORK PRODUCTS
 
900-1650  MR9000C MultiPort Repeater  $2795.00
 
The Multiport repeater is for the large ethernet network requiring multiple
segments.  The repeater can connect eight thin BNC and one thick DIX
Ethernet  segments together.
The vendor, Cabletron, can be reached by phone at (214) 960-6394.
 
Features include:
 
Incorporates LANVIEW, a self diagnostic capability which aids network
   debugging and trouble-shooting.
Full operational compatibility with equipment of other manufactures.
BNC receptacle, with gold center contact, for use with BNC type plugs
   and RG-58 thin-net cable.
Internal transceiver: IEEE 802.3 type transceiver.
Terminations: Each segment connector shield is internally connected to a
   50 ohm terminator.
Grounding: Each segment connector shield is internally connected.
   This eliminates the need for grounding individual segments.
Segment Length: 0 to 185m (RG-58) with terminator at far end.
 
The network LEDs on the repeater indicate:
PWR - repeater has power.
XCVR PWR - repeater is providing power to the transceiver connected to the
   repeater.
JAM - repeater is propagating a collision on one segment to the other segments.
 
The LEDs for each segment indicate:
FAULT - repeater has electrically disconnected that segment from the network
   because of a cable fault or 32 consecutive collisions.
RECEIVE - repeater is receiving a data packet on that segment.
COLLISION - a collision is occurring on that segment.
 
MOM-06-89
900-1676 ARCNET-PS110  $695.00
 
A Standard MicroSystems ARCNET Board for the Tandy 5000 MC
and its Micro Channel compatibles.
This board is fully compatible with all existing ARCNET networks
and with Novell NetWare .
It enables PS/2 and 5000 MC's to communicate with each other
and with other PC-compatibles.
 
Features include:
 
Compatible ARCNET networks
16-bit wide data bus
Surface mount technology for increased reliability
For use in both workstations and servers
 
 
260-5520  3+OPEN Entry System  $995.00
260-5521  3+OPEN Adv. System  $2995.00
900-1720  3+OPEN for 3S/401  $3495.00
 
The 3+OPEN product line represents the third generation of network system
software.  It is also the first to utilize the impressive multitasking
capabilities of the new OS/2 operating system while at the same time providing
support for DOS and todays applications.
 
At the core of the 3+OPEN product line is the Microsoft
MS OS/2 LAN Manager , the
result of a joint development project between Microsoft and 3Com.
The LAN Manager offers network users and administrators an unprecedented set
of features that significantly increases network productivity.
The 3+OPEN product line is compatible with both OS/2 and DOS. It is important
to stress that 3+OPEN is based on OS/2 but does NOT require OS/2.
3+OPEN runs OS/2 at the server ONLY, not at your workstation.
You can run OS/2 separately at your workstation if you desire, however.
 
We have three 3+OPEN  products.
The first is 3+OPEN LAN Manager Entry System,
a cost effective network operating system supporting up to five workstations.
It is designed for networks in smaller organizations, and for small,
stand-alone workgroups in larger organizations.
 
The other two 3+OPEN products are 3+OPEN
LAN Manager Advanced System for PC Server and 3+OPEN for 3S/401 series server.
Both provide connection for six or more workstations.
 
Order FC-310 out of TEW for a 3+OPEN encyclopedia.  FC-310 has brochures and
many marketing papers and a fireside chat tape on 3+OPEN.
 
Features:
 
Provides an open network architecture using MS OS/2 LAN Manager
Interoperability with 3+ and 3+OPEN networks
Simple, easy-to-understand interfaces for both administrators and users
Allows users to share costly resources and processing power
Permits the server to be configured as a concurrent workstation
 
 
260-5505  Tandy Ethernet Adapter  $349.95
 
The Tandy Ethernet Adapter (TEA)
is an improved version of the Ethernet  board that won the LAN Magazine's
"Network Drag Race" (July 1988).  It also won top honors in the LAN Magazine's
1988 PRODUCT of the YEAR award.
 
The TEA is a half sized card that includes both a DB-15 and
a BNC connector for thick and thin Ethernet.  The TEA achieves higher
performance because of its 8K buffer memory architecture.
Since this memory buffer is dual-ported and directly accessed by the PC,
the PC simply uses "move string" instructions to move data to and from
the buffer in the same way the PC moves data around in its own memory.
This eliminates the need to set up a hardware implemented DMA channel transfer.
The result is that the TEA offers much higher throughput than most Ethernet
adapters on the market at its low price.
This is also great news for Tandy  1000 SL and TL owners because no DMA
is required.
 
The TEA is complete with a SUPERDISK  that contains Novell NetWare ,
3Com  3+, and NETBIOS drivers.  The list of
networks supported  is Novell NetWare 2.0a and 2.15 3Com 3+ and 3+OPEN when
using XNS and any NETBIOS LAN such as IBM's LAN support program.
 
Configuration of the TEA is achieved through
a quick and simple software setup program.
This means NO JUMPERS that have to be set.  In addition, the setup program
displays the configuration of the adapter and detects conflicts with other
boards.  All this, and great software support!
 
MOM-06-89
PERSONAL MANAGEMENT
 
903/905-1455 The Diet Balancer  $74.95
 
Whether you would like to lose weight, learn more about the
nutritional values of various foods, or develop a healthy
diet, The Diet Balancer is for you.  The program considers
your weight loss goals, exercise regimen, and lifestyle in
developing  your personal nutritional requirements.
Minimum System: 512K RAM and (1) floppy drive.
 
903/905-2721 Mexican Cookdisk  $19.95
 
A compilation of 95 authentic, easy to prepare Mexican
recipes.  Preparation times are under one hour.  Includes
helpful hints on buying and cooking ingredients, such as
chilies and tortillas.
Minimum System: 256K RAM and (1) floppy drive.
 
903/905-2722 Personal Cookdisk  $19.95
 
Organize favorite recipes from all your cookbooks in one
easy-to-use location.  The Personal Cookdisk is a recipe file
that holds 100 recipes on floppy disk and over 2,400 on a
hard disk.  Nine category titles may be changed to suit your
needs.  Minimum System: 256K RAM and (1) floppy drive.
 
MOM-06-89
PROGRAMMING TOOLS
 
900-1379 The 80386 Book  $24.95
 
A comprehensive introduction to the 80386 chip: its CPU
memory architecture, instruction set, and protection scheme.
Scores of programming and design examples.  For the
experienced assembly-language programmer.
 
900-1380 Peter Norton Guide to the IBM PC & PS/2  $22.95
 
Truly a goldmine of technical data, quick reference charts,
and Norton's characteristically astute insights, this new
edition includes coverage of a range of new topics:
 
80286 and 80386 microprocessors
Enhanced keyboard
New VGA and MCGA video modes
New PS/2 ROM BIOS
Interrupts, device drivers, and video programming
 
 
900-1381 Running MS-DOS  $22.95
 
The critically acclaimed, classic introduction to the
operating system now used on more than 11 million personal
computers is now updated to cover all versions of DOS through
3.3.  Running MS-DOS includes new tips and techniques for hard disk
management and an expanded command reference section.
 
900-1385 MS QuickBASIC Book  $19.95
 
A great add-on sale for 903/905-0482 MS QuickBASIC, from Microsoft Press.
 
900-1386 MS QuickC Book  $19.95
 
A great add on sale for 903/905-3256 MS Quick C, from Microsoft Press.
 
MOM-06-89
SPREADSHEETS
 
903/905-1470  Lucid 3-D  $99.95
 
This new spreadsheet from DAC Software offers a lot of power
for the price.  It lets you open an unlimited
number of spreadsheet windows, in different directories,
drives and 3-D levels.  It also takes advantage of a
color monitor by letting you color different cell ranges, or
produce colorful 3-D graphics from your data.  Transpose
columns and rows, and Lucid adjusts formulas
automatically.  Spreadsheet size is virtually unlimited - up
to eight megabytes, and you can read DAC Accounting or
Payroll files directly without conversion!  Requires 256K RAM
(384K RAM for graphics) and two floppy drives or one floppy
and a hard disk.
 
900-0916  VIP Calc III (CC3)  $69.95
 
Allows 512 Columns, 1024 rows.  Fast 4-color pop-up menus.
 
MOM-06-89
UTILITIES
 
900-1406 OPTune  $99.95
 
OPTune is an "all-in-one" hard disk repair, tune-up and maintenance utility.
It offers comprehensive disk optimization, including: DOS structure
optimization, file defragmentation and hard disk tuning, which can
permanently enhance hard disk speed 20-500%.  OPTune also offers extensive
disk maintenance features which verify the integrity of your disk, ensuring
that vital data is safely stored on reliable media.  Minimum System: 256K RAM
and hard disk.
 
900-1410 Direct Access  $89.95
 
Direct Access is a hard disk management menu system that
executes programs with a single keystroke.  The product
organizes software programs into a user-defined menu
system.  It crosses subdirectory boundaries that allow quick
movement to Lotus 1-2-3, WordPerfect, Fastback Plus, etc.
Direct Access features usage tracking with a report
generator, batch file processing, complete DOS command
execution, password protection and diskette prompting.  Direct
Access is not memory resident and requires no initial file
restructuring or hard disk backup, making it ideal for both
existing and new systems.
Minimum System: 256K RAM and hard disk.
 
900-1431 Fastwire II Deluxe  $159.95
 
Fastwire II Deluxe is a file transfer utility
designed to transfer data from one computer to another
over a serial or parallel cable (included) at speeds up to 500,000 baud.
The package has excellent on-line context sensitive help screens, a manual
and on-line reference guide.  It automatically configures
itself - no need to specify COM1, COM2, LPT1, or LPT2.  The
software includes a built-in diagnostics program and features
three distinct user interfaces: Split Screen, Form, and
Command Mode.  Minimum System: 256K RAM and one floppy drive.
 
900-1458 Tree86  $89.95
 
Tree86 is designed for advanced file and directory
management.  When run, the subdirectories on the logged drive
display in tree format.  A mouse or cursor keys move about the
tree with one-key listings of directories.  Options are listed at the top of
the screen with pull down menus as needed.  Features include instant access to
single or multiple drives, full color configuration, expanded memory
support, EGA/VGA support, and restructuring of the tree.
Minimum System: 256K RAM and hard disk.
 
900-1484 ViewLink  $149.95
 
Links all of your existing software programs and data.
ViewLink is the first associative access manager for MS-DOS.
Imagine how much more efficiently you could work if all of
your files were organized according to the way you use them -
and not limited by their DOS directory or subdirectory
structures.  Minimum System: 384K RAM and hard disk.
 
ViewLink Features:
 
Links your files with their applications automatically
Launches an application and loads an associated file with one keystroke
Provides hyper access to related information across all of your existing
   software programs
Links information and files in unlimited ways - by content, by name, by
   date, or any combination
 
 
903/905-1407 Q-DOS II  $79.95
 
Q-DOS II is a blazingly fast hard disk file management
system.  Features include file commands such as copy, rename,
move, view, and erase.  Directories are created and removed by
using the pictorial directory "map".  Any file function can be
performed on individual files or selected groups of "tagged"
files.  A simple text editor allows editing any file under
60K.
Minimum System: 256K RAM and hard disk.
 
MOM-06-89
WORD PROCESSING
 
900-1932  SCRIPSIT 386  $995.00
 
Based on our own SCRIPSIT  line of word processing software,
this latest generation of SCRIPSIT from Nexus, Inc., has been
supercharged for speed and enhanced with the latest in
features.  Font change capability, sophisticated macros,
advanced mail merge, complete dictionary and thesaurus are
among the many new or improved features you'll find.  And
SCRIPSIT's flexible spooling system handles all your print
requests, including single-sheet printing and local printing.
 
SCRIPSIT has been known for many years as the number one
XENIX word processor -  SCRIPSIT 386 maintains the standard.
Requires 1 MB RAM, 15 MB hard disk, and SCO XENIX 386,
version 2.2.2 or higher.
 
MOM-06-89
EDUCATION
 
900-5621  Child Count Reporter  $895.00
 
The Child Count Reporter module of the Talley Special Education Management
system is a very powerful statistical report generator.  This module provides
information on your students that can be used to complete the required federal
and state reports.
 
900-5622  Referral Manager  $195.00
 
Don't risk loss of funding for being out of compliance on timely testing and
placement meetings!  Referral Manager is an independent part of the Talley
Special Education Management System that is used for tracking students who are
in the referral process.
 
900-5623  IEP/Objectives Database Manager  $295.00
 
The IEP/Objectives Database Manager is a powerful system that gives you a
complete, professional IEP with up to six Annual Goals and 18 Objectives for
each student in minutes.  Allows for tailoring of objectives to individual
students' ability.
 
900-5624  Student Database Manager  $595.00
 
The Student Database Manager is a powerful set of programs for recordkeeping
in Special Education and is the heart of the Talley Special Education
Management System.  Maintains all of the relevant information on a child for
instant retrieval.
 
900-5687  Algebra (SchoolMate)  $500.00
 
Try a fresh approach to high school and college algebra.  Includes numbers
and functions, number lines, square roots and distance, areas and
perimeters, algebraic expressions, simplifying expressions, graphs of
equations, and more.  Grades 9-Adult.
 
900-5688  Calculus (SchoolMate)  $500.00
 
Functions, limits, derivatives, areas -- the central concepts of calculus
come into sharp focus.  Includes function graphs, symbolic differentiation,
high-order derivatives, limits, maxima and minima, tangents, and more.
Grades 9-Adult.
 
900-5689  Pre-Calculus (SchoolMate)  $500.00
 
Explore the basic ideas of trigonometry and pre-calculus.  Includes
functions and graphs, inverse functions, composition of functions,
equations of lines, angles and measurement, triangles, sine curves, and
more.  Grades 9-Adult.
 
MOM-06-89
Word Processing Solutions
 
In May, Monthly Product Sales Training covered word processing
featuring WordPerfect and Professional Write with the Tandy  3000 NL.
Now, in June, you're ready to sell word processing solutions.
The Tandy 3000 NL and  WordPerfect together offer substantial savings
for your prospective customer.
 
Computer Center and 01Z ads on Sundays June 4 and 18 will feature
the Tandy 3000 NL configured with the VGM 200 Monitor and VGA Adapter,
all for $2,199 - a savings of over 15%.
Also featured in these ads will be the DMP-132.
 
WordPerfect will be an in-store promotion at $349.95 - a savings of
22% (savings of 30% off WordPerfect's Suggested Retail Price of $495.00).
In addition to WordPerfect,
here are some other applications on sale this month:
 
 
                                     Regular       Sale
Application                        Product Price   Price   Savings

Spreadsheet     Excel   $429.00 $299.95 30%
Word Processing WordPerfect     $449.00 $349.95 22%
Word Processing SCRIPSIT 1000/2000      $199.95 $  79.95        60%
Word Processing SCRIPSIT PC     $299.95 $149.95 50%
 
Flyer sale from 5/23-6/19                  Flyer sale from 6/20-7/24
 
[Excel 25-1185, WordPerfect 25-1268, SCRIPSIT  1000/2000 25-1155,
 SCRIPSIT  PC 25-3171.]
 
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices: WordPerfect $495.00, Excel $495.00
 
Tandy  1400 LT and the Home Office
 
Manufacturer's representatives make up a large portion
of the "home office" market.
These salespeople are ideal users of portable computers.
How do they use it?
Here are a few applications:  making out expense reports, managing accounts,
forecasting sales, making proposals and preparing presentations.
Some of the software for these applications are ACT! at $329 (900-3277;
requires 512K RAM and two 720K drives), The Maximizer at $195 (900-1297;
requires 640K RAM and two 720K drives - see New Product section
of this MOM for details), Lap-Link Plus at 139.95 (900-1331)
and PC Anywhere III at $145 (903-1335; requires modem).
 
How do you find manufacturer's representatives?
Look under Manufacturer's Representatives in your Yellow Pages.
If this market isn't your favorite, then focus in on another.
The point is,  make a plan, and execute it .
Don't let yourself miss out on the hottest price
the Tandy 1400 LT has ever had!
 
Computers & Major Peripherals on Sale - June
 
                               Regular   Sale
Cat.No. Description             Price    Price   Savings
-------------------------------------------------------------------
25-3500 Tandy 1400 LT        $1,799.00   $999.00   44%
25-1401 Tandy 1000 SL          $899.00   $699.00   22%
 
25-1401 Tandy 1000 SL &
25-1043 CM-5 Color Monitor   $1,198.95   $998.95   16%
 
25-1601 Tandy 1000 TL &
25-1043 CM-5 Monitor &
26-1338 Bonus PAK            $1,916.85 $1,299.00   32%
         (See NOTE Below)
 
26-2800 DWP 520                $995.00   $497.00   50%
26-2814 DMP 132                $379.95   $219.95   42% *
26-2808 DMP 440 Printer        $699.00   $499.00   28%
26-2811 DMP 2120 Printer     $1,599.99   $999.00   37%
25-1032 20 Meg HD Card         $599.00   $499.95   16%
25-4059 40 Meg HD Card         $799.00   $699.95   12%
 
 
  Flyer sale from 5/23-6/19              Flyer sale from 6/20-7/24
* 6/4 and 6/18 newspaper ad
 
(NOTE: See "July Special Bonus Offer..." in Merchandising News.)
 
MOM-05-89
THE FRONT LINE is a monthly column dedicated to discussing
merchandising and customer care concepts relating to our computer product
line.
 
FOUR STEPS TO BUILDING SALES
 
If I could show you how to add 5, 10 or even 15% to your sales
without spending a single open-to-buy dollar or adding a single piece
of inventory to your store, would you be interested?
Of course you would!
In two words, here's how to do it:
 
EXPRESS ORDER !
 
Express Order currently stocks almost 1000 of the hottest software titles.
They run the gamut from what seems like every entertainment title known to man
all the way to specialized fonts for printers, accounting software,
word processors, graphics design programs and well,
about anything else you can think of.
And if spreadsheets are what your customer is asking for,
there aren't just two or three to choose from, there are seven!
In retailing, this is known as having a product line with both width
and depth, something very difficult to offer.
BUT WE DO IT!
 
There are, however, some "ins and outs" that you need to know
if you want to make those extra sales dollars.
 
STEP ONE:
Know that your customer needs this service!
Software stores are popping up all over, but we've still got them outnumbered.
Furthermore, only the "superstores" carry as many titles as we do.
Most "cherrypick" the 100 or 200 best selling packages.
 
Did you know that our Software Quality Assurance group inspects
every single title before we offer it?
They verify  that it works properly with the hardware that the
vendor claims it does.
This includes CPUs, printers, joysticks, and any other peripherals.
Finally, all software vendors must show us that they have a way
to support our customers after they've purchased.
Very few retailers of software can even afford to do this.
But WE do!
Tell your customers about this!
 
STEP TWO:
Make sure you've got at least one RSC-20S catalog available for your
customers to look through.
Smart salesmakers three-hole punch one of these catalogs
and place it in a three ring binder.
Page 17 and 18 of the March 1989 issue of this M.O.M. contains
a listing of all the software titles released since RSC-20S was printed.
Keep this page in that binder also.
If you have a set of Product Profiles in your store or Center,
keep them handy, too.
 
STEP THREE:
Understand the system.
In a recent survey conducted by our Express Order warehouse,
it was shocking how many of our salespeople didn't know how to order
merchandise listed in the software catalog.
 
Last month we introduced a new
stock numbering scheme to accommodate software containing 3 1/2" media.
Review page 8 of the April M.O.M. for the details.
 
If your customer wants 900, 903 or 905 series software,
just order it through your S.O.S.
This is the best way, because you get a confirmation of your order.
If your customer is in a hurry, however,
you may place your customers' order by using the toll-free '800'
number, 1-800-433-2024.
(This number is for your use only and is not to be given to customers.)
 
If your customer wants 26 series Color Computer software
that's marked with the letters CMC (Consumer Mail Center)
in the Software Catalog,
you MUST order using the same 1-800-433-2024 toll free number.
You cannot order these items using your S.O.S.
 
Merchandise carrying a 25 or 26 series catalog number,
but not the "CMC" designation,
may not be ordered by stores and Centers from Express Order.
These items are only available to you from your Regional warehouse or TEW.
(Of course, their availability to your particular store
is governed by the availability code of the item vs. your store type.)
 
Here are a few really interesting products in Express Order
that you can use to start a conversation with:
 
Hint books for most of the role playing games can really help your customers
(we have books for all of the "Quest" programs)
 
Ribbons for non-Tandy printers
 
pcAnywhere III (905-1335)
allows a user at one PC to remotely operate another PC
 
Great Chefs (903/905-1207) is a full-featured cookbook on disk
from the PBS television series
 
Auto-Might (905-1298) is a brand-new program that makes
any of your other program execute automatically at predetermined times
 
STEP FOUR:
Talk about Express Order and then ask for the order!
 
If you have any comments or suggestions about what you'd like to see
in future Front Line columns, write to:
 
The Front Line
1500 One Tandy Center
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
 
MOM-05-89
SALE!
There are few words in the English language which command instant
attention.
The word "SALE" is one of them.
A "sale" is perceived by the prospect as a special value,
available only during a specified period of time.
That's why a "sale" gives you a powerful closing tool.
And, because of the time element, it helps to shorten the sales cycle.
Learn to use the "sale" tool, but don't misuse it.
Don't sell yourself and your customer short.
If the solution that best meets the customer's needs is another product,
provide the solution that will assure you of a satisfied
and returning customer.
In the long run, you'll sell more to the customer
while increasing your commission opportunities.
 
MOM-05-89
Sale -- Tandy  1000 SL
To start, you have a powerful promotion with the Tandy 1000 SL on sale
from $899.00 to $699.00.  A savings of over 22%!
Add a CM-5 Monitor and you're at a great price point of $998.95.
 
Sale -- Tandy 3000 NL
 
The Tandy 3000 NL will be promoted for the next several months, so
familiarize yourself with it. 
Add the following to what you already know about the Tandy 3000 NL.
If your customer wants to compare it to the IBM 30-286,
we're more flexible, more expandable, and more economical.
 
                        Tandy 3000 NL   IBM 30-286
 
XT/AT compatibility     4 AT slots      3 AT slots
                        3 XT slots
 
Power supply            135 Watts       90 Watts
 
Drive expandability     1 3-1/2" drive  1 3-1/2" drive
                        2 5-1/4" drive
 
Memory expandability*   640K, 1M, 2M    1M, 2M, 4M
                        4M, 5M, 8M
 
(*The 3000 NL can be expanded to 2M without having to
throw away any SIMMs as you would in the IBM 30-286.)
 
May Advertising Plan
 
On May 7, Computer Center and 01Z market newspaper ads will feature the
Tandy 3000 NL with the EGM-1 Monitor and EGA Adapter at $1,999.00.
 
The Tandy Computer Nationwide Sale kicks off on Sunday, May 21st.
"What's that?" you say.
Take a FULL page newspaper ad.
Dedicate 100% of the page to computer products.
Fill the ad with an eyeful of irresistible promotions.
Then run the ad in both consumer and Computer Center markets.
You now have the beginnings of the Tandy Computer Nationwide Sale -
a springboard for you to finish May selling hot.
Details coming soon!
 
DeskMate
 
To take full advantage of the Tandy Computer Nationwide Sale,
all salespersons should know how to demonstrate DeskMate
and be aware of how easy it is to use other software packages
under the DeskMate User Interface. 
That's so you can take advantage of promotions like...
 
FREE -- Quicken  with DeskMate 3
 
More powerful than "SALE" is the word "FREE".
So for May, you can offer this double hitter:
DeskMate 3 on "SALE" at $79.95, from $99.95,
plus a bonus pack of Quicken "FREE".
Quicken is a checking and finance program for home and small business use.
Quicken operates under the DeskMate User Interface,
making this program even easier to use.
(Customers who already own DeskMate can get Quicken separately for $29.95.)
 
Sale -- Software
 
Most of your customers will need applications software with their Tandy
3000 NL, so here are more products on "sale."
 
                                    Regular   Sale
Application     Product              Price    Price  Savings
 
Accounting      Quartet            $199.95   $99.95   50%
Spread Sheet    Quattro            $229.00  $159.95   30%
Database        Professional File  $249.00  $199.00   25%
Word Processing Professional Write $179.00  $129.00   28%
                WordPerfect        $449.00  $349.95   22%
Desktop Pub     PageMaker          $835.00  $649.00   22%
 
Even higher savings when comparing these sale prices to
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices.
MSRP: Quattro $247.50, Professional File $299.00,
Professional Write $199.00, WordPerfect $495.00.
 
Sale -- Printers
 
                               Regular       Sale
Cat. No. Description            Price        Price   Savings
 
26-2814 DMP 132                $379.95      $219.95    42%
26-2812 DWP 230                $459.95      $299.95    35%
26-2800 DWP 520                $995.00      $497.00    50%
26-2804 LP 1000 Laser Printer  $2,599.00  $1,999.00    23%
 
Offer an acoustic cover with every printer.
In May, the 26-235 Acoustic Cover is on sale at $49.95, from $69.95.
 
Sale -- Add-Ons
 
In May, information retrieval services
like PC-Link  and Compuserve  are even more attractive with the
300 BPS Plus Card Modem on sale from $99.95 to $29.95
and the 1200 BPS Internal Modem on sale from $199.95 to $119.95.
 
Another opportunity: all fan-fold paper 1/3 off!
This provides a reason to call or stop by your existing customers
to let them know about other products on promotion.
 
May is set for a great selling month.
Only you can make it happen!
 
MOM-05-89
STOCK FILE CHANGES
A quick reference  to product status changes - pricing, availability, etc.
 
AVAILABILITY CODE CHANGES
 
We have made availability and warehouse location changes
to over 50 items in the 25/26 series product line.
Pay close attention to these changes to insure that you
don't experience any delays in getting your merchandise
or penalize yourself by ordering items that you'll not get credit for.
Although the availability code changes have already been made,
you will receive inventory credit for this merchandise until
the dates shown.
 
All changes have been based on the sales rates of these products
by the various types of stores we have.
These changes will help you more quickly get the products you need to sell,
while making it more difficult for you to make the mistake
of ordering merchandise you can't sell or get credit for.
 
The chart shows which store types DID get inventory credit, but no longer will.
Use this information to recognize those products that may be in
your store which you need to sell because you will no longer get
inventory credit.
 
You will receive inventory credit on these items until October 1, 1989:
 
CAT NO  DESCRIPTION     NEW CODE        WILL LOSE INVENTORY CREDIT
                         11     01Z     01Y 
 
25-1016 Plus Upgrade Adapter    15                       
25-1035 286 Express 1000        15                       
25-1305 Font Download   8        
25-1510 EX Tech Reference       18                       
25-1511 SX Tech Reference       18                       
25-4028 512K Memory Kit 17               
25-4051 360K FDD Kit    17               
25-4105 T3000 HL Technical Reference    19               
25-4113 T3000 NL Technical Reference    19               
25-5201 SCO V/386 Development System    19       
25-6000 Tandy 5000 MC   19       
25-6001 Tandy 5000 MC 40 MB     19       
25-6108 T5000 MC Technical Reference    19       
26-0201 CPU Floor Stand 15                       
26-0202 Monitor Screen  15                       
26-0211 Binder: 15" X 11"       15                       
26-0212 Binder: 9.5" X 11"      15                       
26-0220 8"  20MB Cartridge      17               
26-0221 5 1/4"  20MB Cartridge  17               
26-0277 Pk 2500 9.5 X 11" Paper 15                       
26-1287 Ribbon LMP 2150 18       
26-1297 Ribbon Cartridge TRP100 15                       
26-1372 8"  10MB Cartridge      17               
26-1382 5 1/4" DCS Cleaning Kit 18               
26-1389 5' T1000 Keyboard Extension Cable       18               
26-1413 LP1,2,4 Ribbon 3 pak    18               
26-1425 Cubic PS Wheel  18       
26-1426 Italic Print Wheel      18       
26-1449 Nylon Ribbon DW II      15                       
26-1480 3/Blk Mini plot Cartridge       15                       
26-1481 3pk/RGB Mini plot Cartridge     15                       
26-1482 Ribbon/DMP 500  15                       
26-1483 Ribbon cart/DMP 200     15                       
26-1486 Scientific PW/DW II     18       
26-1489 3pk Refill 200/50       15       
26-2809 Ribbon Cartridge DMP 440        15                       
26-2834 Black Ribbon 2120       17                       
26-2835 Color Ribbon 2120       18               
26-2836 Refill Black 2120       17                       
26-2813 Tractor for DWP 230     18                       
26-3869 Tandy 200 Book  18                       
26-5112 Monitor CM-1    18                       
 
 
Unlike the previously listed items, these code changes will not be
effective until July 1, 1989:
 
 CAT NO DESCRIPTION     NEW CODE        WILL LOSE INVENTORY CREDIT
                         11     01Z     01Y 
 
26-0250 BPS250 Backup Power Supply      15                       
26-1413 LP 1 Printer Ribbon     17               
 
 
PRODUCTS MOVED TO AVAILABILITY CODE 2
 
Both 25-1247 MemoryMate and 25-1285 CheckFree have been changed
from Availability Code 3 to Availability Code 2, effective immediately.
 
PRICE CHANGES
 
CAT. #  DESCRIPTION     OLD PRICE       NEW PRICE
 
90-2180 2400 BPS Half Card Modem        $199.00 $179.00
 
MOM-05-89
ITEMS TEMPORARILY OUT OF STOCK
The following key hardware items are temporarily out of stock.
In most cases there is a sizable quantity in the field
and District/Regional Sales Managers should assist in satisfying customers.
It is critical that you do not place on backorder anything for
which you do not actually have a customer waiting,
because this delays shipment of product to customers who have a genuine need,
and potentially could place you in an overstock position when
the merchandise does come back into TEW.
 
This list is by no means all-inclusive,
but covers the items that history tells us are used frequently in system
sales.
 
Cat#    Description                   When due
 
25-1037 2400BPS Half Card Modem         7/30
43-1250 TANDYFAX  1000 Cleaning Kit     5/30
 
MOM-05-89
PRODUCTS CANCELED, DISCONTINUED AND REPLACED
 
DISCONTINUED
 
STOCK #         DESCRIPTION
 
250-1159        Managing Your Money
700-2505        ViaNet 3.06.18 Upgrade
900-0264        Docket Control 6000
900-1238        TeleMagic (DOS)
900-1634        Multiplan Add'l Workstn (3.0)
900-1714        TeleMagic (LAN)
900-3084        Fontasy
900-3178        Paradox 1.0
900-3237        Paradox Network Pack
900-3244        Epyx Graphics Scrapbook 1
900-3245        Epyx Graphics Scrapbook 2
900-3246        Epyx Graphics Scrapbook 3
900-3248        Paradox 386
905-0436        RM/COBOL 74 Runtime (DOS)
905-3014        Reflex
905-3015        Turbo Lightning
905-3076        Bravo Retail Management
905-3192        Bravo General Accounting
 
MOM-05-89
NEW VERSIONS/CATALOG NUMBERS
 
DESCRIPTION                     OLD CAT #       NEW CAT #
 
Great Plains Version 5.0
Great Plains General Ledger     90-0169         905-1399
Great Plains Accts. Recv.       90-0170         905-1400
Great Plains Accts. Payable     90-0171         905-1401
Great Plains Inventory          90-3118         905-1403
Great Plains OE/POS             90-3119         905-1404
Great Plains Network Manager    90-3117         905-1717
Great Plains Job Cost                           905-1416
Great Plains Report Maker                       905-1417
Great Plains Purchase Order     90-3302         905-1435
 
Real World Version 5.0 (DOS)
Real World System Kit DOS                       905-1437
Real World General Ledger       90-0201         905-1438
Real World Accts. Recv.         90-0199         905-1439
Real World Accts. Payable       90-0200         905-1444
Real World Inventory            90-0203         905-1442
Real World Order Entry          90-0204         905-1441
Real World Job Cost             90-0356         905-1448
Real World Sales Analysis       90-0205         905-1446
 
Armor Systems Bravo Series
E+BASIC General Accounting      90-3192         903/905-1374
E+BASIC Retail Management       90-3076         903/905-1375
 
MOM-05-89
LATE DATES
 
Listed below are the new items that appear in Catalogs RSC-20, RSC-20S,
and RSC-20E which have not yet arrived at the warehouses.
Also included are the dates the merchandise is expected to be available
at the warehouses.
 
The dates listed in this section are based on the latest available information,
and are updated monthly.
While they may not be 100% accurate, they are the best estimate we have
at this time.
 
The dates listed here should be your ONLY reference for availability of
cataloged items.
Ft. Worth Computer Support Services or Ft. Worth Computer Merchandising
will not have any dates other than the ones shown here.
 
25-1237 Children's Writing and Publishing   5/30/89
25-1249 Venture                             6/15/89
25-1266 HomeWord II                         6/30/89
25-6050 ESDI-HD Controller-MC               5/30/89
90-1570 SCO XENIX 386-MC                    5/30/89
90-1571 SCO XENIX Dev. System-MC            CANC
              use 25-5201
90-1578 SCO Image Builder                   5/15/89
90-3263 Byline                              5/30/89
90-3348 Computer Mad Libs                   5/30/89
90-3365 Kidtalk                             5/30/89
90-3368 Smoothtalker                        5/30/89
 
MOM-05-89
26-283/285 PROMOTIONAL DISKETTE BOXES STILL $5.95
 
Some stores still have small quantities of the promotional diskette
storage boxes sold at Christmas for $5.95
(i.e., these were special purchase items advertised in the November Flyer).
 
Both boxes should continue to be sold at the original $5.95 retail
until they are gone, and they will not be devalued.
 
MOM-05-89
SELLING MORE OF EVERYTHING WITH PC/NOS
 
More and more Marketing Reps are finding that PC/NOS  (90-1698)
not only provides easy incremental business through network sales,
but also contributes to computer and peripheral sales
and cements a bond with customers.
 
Hollis Townsend, SMR, from Leesburg, Florida, provides a great example of how
PC/NOS and TandyLink  can increase sales.
 
Hollis operates out of the Tampa Region in a developing area
that is about 50 miles from the closest Computer Center.
He found out about PC/NOS and TandyLink by reading the M.O.M.
 
Interested, he contacted Corvus for more information.
He liked what he heard,
so when a customer contacted him for advice on system
he suggested PC/NOS and TandyLink.
 
Hollis replaced an old system the customer had with a  Tandy 4000 server
and Tandy 1000's as workstations.
The customer liked the capabilities PC/NOS and TandyLink provided.
 
Since then, Hollis, who claims he knows nothing about networks,
has installed five more PC/NOS TandyLink networks
and is working on selling more.
In addition,
he has sold many Tandy computers to several of his network customers.
His customers are small businesses and professional people all wanting
an affordable system that is easy to use and maintain.
 
"It is a good product and Corvus supplies good back-up.
It works with very few headaches and the technical support is great,"
Hollis says. 
Any problems Hollis has encountered along the way have been easily solved
with a phone call to the Corvus Tech Support group.
 
What Hollis has done in remote part of Florida can be duplicated
anywhere across the country.
The next time a customer of yours is curious about networking possibilities,
give the PC/NOS-TandyLink team a try.
You and your customer will be glad you did.
 
MOM-05-89
DMP 107 PRINTER REPLACING THE DMP 106
The DMP106 Printer (26-2802) is now zero at all warehouses
and will be DISContinued.
 
The DMP107 Dot Matrix Printer (26-2821) is now available
through your Regional Warehouse and is stockable by all stores.
Although this printer is the replacement for the DMP 106,
it is loaded with features not previously found on printers
in this price range.
 
Features include:
 
Up to 120CPS in draft mode
20CPS in Near Letter Quality Mode
Accepts pin feed fanfold paper or single sheet
Push tractor (no more wasted paper)
Parallel and Color Computer Serial Interfaces
Uses the 26-1236A replacement ribbon cartridge and also
    the 26-1237 Color Ribbon Bonus Pack
 
Retail price - $279.95
 
MOM-05-89
DT-110 REPLACING THE DT-100
 
The DT-100 Data Display Terminal (26-6052) is now zero in TEW
and will be DISContinued.
 
The DT-110 Data Display Terminal (25-5050)
will be available from TEW for stocking by 11s and 01Zs by May 15th.
The brochure for the DT-110 will be available around May 30th as FC-374.
 
(Note that this new product moves from 26 to 25 series.) 
 
Product Features include:
 
Displays 26 lines (24/25 data lines); 80 or 132 columns;
   horizontally split screen
Selectable light characters on dark display or dark characters
   on light display
102 key enhanced IBM PC-compatible style keyboard
   including 12 programmable function keys, shiftable to 24;
   total of 34 programmable key functions; numeric keypad
IBM compatible parallel printer port
ANSI (VT100), ATS(VT52) and PC terminal emulation
100% compatible with the DT-100
Works with Tandy 6000 XENIX as well as SCO 286 and 386 XENIX
 
Retail price - $599.00
 
MOM-05-89
THE DESKMATE  ADVANTAGE
The first in a series of articles on DeskMate.
DESKMATE: AN INTEGRAL COMPONENT OF TANDY'S PERSONAL COMPUTER STRATEGY
 
How can DeskMate be an integral component of our corporate strategy?
How can one set of applications programs be central to the strategy of
a major retailer like Tandy/Radio Shack?
The answer lies in the definition of DeskMate.
The name "DeskMate" applies to several related items as described below.
 
A Set of Integrated Applications
This is the DeskMate that we all know and love,
the set of ten integrated applications that are bundled
with our Tandy 1000 computers and also sold separately.
The applications include a word processor, spreadsheet, data manager,
calendar program, drawing program, and more.
Whether they are used by beginners or by experts,
these applications provide solutions for many real-world needs.
 
A Family of Tandy Software Products
Within the DeskMate family are several other Tandy software products:
 
The  DeskMate Companion Thesaurus  which provides synonyms and
  meanings of words by integrating with DeskMate's Text program.
  Containing 220,000 synonyms, the Thesaurus allows the user to
  view possible replacements and insert the words directly into Text
  documents.
 
The  DeskMate Workgroup Companion   which provides useful
  information-sharing and communications among two or more computers
  in a workgroup.  This system provides electronic mail, telephone
  messaging, a shared calendar, a shared address book, and much
  more.  It works with an RS-232 connection, TandyLink  boards, or as
  an add-on to a 3Com  system.
 
PC-Link  , a starter kit for using the information and
  communications service by the same name.  Through a modem, PC-Link
  allows the user to receive news, financial reports, and other
  up-to-the-minute information.  The user can also "chat" with other
  online PC-Link members, download public domain software, and many
  other useful and entertaining activities.
 
SchoolMate, a classroom network system that allows teachers to
  schedule student activities.  It also includes a roster program,
  an electronic gradebook and a program to create student exams.
 
A Desktop
The most familiar screen of the DeskMate programs is the Desktop.
The first program you see when you run DeskMate, this program
presents the available applications programs and their associated data
files in a matrix of boxes on the screen.
The user can select which programs will appear on the screen
and where they will appear.
Then, by selecting a program or data file from the keyboard or with a
mouse, the user causes the selected program to execute and to load in
the data file.
 
In addition, the Desktop program serves as a "DOS Shell" that allows
the user to perform DOS operations without knowing MS-DOS commands.
These include such operations as copying files, viewing directories,
and formatting and copying diskettes.
 
A User Interface
All of these programs share common characteristics,
the most obvious of which is their similar look and feel.
The DeskMate graphical user interface provides the familiar menu bar, pull-down
menus, dialog boxes, help system, and other elements.
 
Another component of this user interface is a variety of accessory programs
that are available from all DeskMate applications that have been
launched from the Desktop.
Because of this common user interface, your customers who know how to run
one DeskMate program, automatically know how to run others.
For example, in any DeskMate application with printing capabilities,
the user may press the F2 key, then select the "Print" option to print.
These similar, understandable commands make the DeskMate graphical user
interface a key feature of the DeskMate system.
 
A Development System
Last spring, Tandy opened the DeskMate system to other software developers.
Using the DeskMate Development System provided by Tandy,
third party developers can write programs that share all
the elements of the graphical user interface mentioned above.
You have already seen the fruit of these developers' efforts in the following
DeskMate applications:
 
Application     Publisher
 
The Music Studio        Activision
MemoryMate      Broderbund
Instant Pages   Electronic Arts
Print Magic     Epyx
Quicken         Intuit
First Publisher Software Publishing Corp.
 
Tandy continues to actively encourage publishers to develop
applications under the DeskMate interface.
 
Our Strategy
Tandy is working toward the future by continuously refining our own
DeskMate applications and environment, and by working with other publishers
to make more DeskMate solutions available.
 
We plan to capture a lion's share of the technology markets in homes,
home offices, small to medium businesses, and classroom settings.
DeskMate is already helping us capture these markets by making available
useful, consistent, easy-to-use software applications aimed at
these specific markets.
 
We are in business to provide the very best solutions to our customers,
and DeskMate is helping us accomplish this!
 
MOM-05-89
THE BEGINNING OF CHECKFREE
The Checkfree Corporation was founded in 1981.
The business began with the organization of fitness facilities and the
development of a system to automatically charge membership dues,
based on technology pioneered by the Social Security Administration
and the Federal Reserve.
 
Realizing that the convenience of automatic bill paying could work
for almost any organization that receives payments from consumers,
the founders focused on providing an automatic payment system
for companies and consumers in a secure, risk-free, cost-efficient manner.
 
TODAY, CHECKFREE IS THE NATION'S LEADER IN ELECTRONIC PAYMENT
SERVICES.
 
The mission of the Checkfree Corporation originally was to provide
corporations with electronics fund transfer (EFT) services - thereby
increasing the efficiency of processing consumer payments.
The service allows the company to process bill payments from
any consumer who uses a bank or credit card, anywhere in the nation.
 
Checkfree currently serves more than 1500 corporations across the country,
including insurance companies, utilities, fitness facilities, consumer
information services and finance companies.
 
Because of the success in the commercial side, Checkfree created
a consumer division to focus on the development of systems providing
electronic payment technology directly to the homes of consumers.
The Checkfree nationwide electronic banking system is the direct result.
 
Radio Shack, realizing the importance of this exciting new technology,
was the first major retailer to offer the  CheckFree Service Kit to consumers.
 
With CheckFree personal electronic banking, the objective is
nothing less than providing consumers with the convenience
and control of managing their finances and paying bills
quickly and easily on a personal computer.
 
Checkfree has undertaken a nationwide advertising campaign to
educate consumers about this truly unique service.
These advertisements are featured in consumer oriented publications
and announce product availability through local Radio Shack stores.
Many stores have reported an increasing volume of walk-in customers
requesting the  CheckFree service kit (25-1285).
 
Insure that CheckFree is on hand and prominently displayed in your store.
And, suggest a modem for those customers new to the world of
PC communications services!
 
MOM-05-89
20 MEG HARD DISK CARD REPAIR CHARGES
 
There has been some confusion about repair charges for the 20 meg hard disk
card (catalog numbers 25-1029, 25-1029A, 25-1029B, 25-1032, 25-1032C).
 
All versions prior to the 25-1032C had separate drive mechanisms and
controller boards.
Repair could mean replacing either part.
With the 25-1032C, both parts were integrated into a single part,
and its repair usually requires exchange of the entire assembly.
 
(The 25-1032C started shipping out of the warehouse late 4th quarter 1988.)
 
Excluding the TX/1032C issue covered in the March '89 Issue
of the M.O.M., here is the pricing for the repair of these products:
 
                             Warranty        Non-warranty
Cat. No.   Part              Exchange        Exchange
 
25-1029    Drive              $199.07          $216.38
           Controller          $72.09           $82.09
25-1029A/B Drive              $235.93          $256.45
           Controller          $72.09           $82.09
25-1032    Drive              $197.56          $214.74
           Controller          $72.09           $82.09
25-1032C   Drive w/controller  $85.89           $95.89
 
Note: above prices do not include repair labor charges.
 
The "no charge" repair of the TX/1032C combination,
as was covered in the March M.O.M., is based on a minor modification
of both the computer and the hard disk card solving the problem.
This means that you must submit both the 1000 TX and the
20 Meg Hard Disk Card to repair  at the same time .
Otherwise, the repair center will handle it as a warranty/non-warranty
repair and charge accordingly.
 
Also, if it is determined that after modification the hard disk will not
work, you will be charged the exchange price listed above.
 
MOM-05-89
25-1037 2400BPS HALF CARD NOW OUT OF STOCK
The 25-1037 half card modem is now out of stock and will not be available
from the Regional Warehouses for about 90-120 days.
 
During the interim period, customer orders can be filled from inter-store
transfers of 25-1037 or from a comparable modem currently
available by Special Order from TEW:
 
90-2180 Best Data Products "Smart One" 2400 Half Card
 
This product is fully the equal of 25-1037 and includes useful extra
features such as COM1, 2, 3, or 4 port addressability,
non-volatile RAM, compatibility with XENIX, and BitCom software.
 
In order to facilitate this substitution, the sell price of 90-2180 has
been permanently dropped from $199.00 to $179.00 (same as 25-1037).
 
MOM-05-89
NOVELL  FOR EDUCATION BIDS
We have made arrangements to bid Novell software on EDUCATION bids
which require Novell.
This agreement DOES NOT authorize Radio Shack to actively promote and sell
Novell software in non-education markets.
 
The addition of Novell to our Educational product line strengthens
our competitive posture; however, 3Com  and SchoolMate 
are still strong networking choices for educational bids.
Direct all education bid requests for Novell software to National Bid.
 
MOM-05-89
COLOR COMPUTER 3  MEMORY UPGRADE BOARD
Effective the 1st of May, 1989, the 512K upgrade board for the Color 
Computer 3 (formerly 26-3335) will be available under a new stock number.
The memory upgrade board, a National Parts item,
will now be stock number 26-3336,
and it will be shipped with 0K RAM installed.
 
Two 25-1079 256K Memory Kits will populate the 26-3336 to 512K.
Please note: the board will not function with only 0K or 256K RAM installed.
It must be fully expanded to 512K.
 
The retail price for the board will be $39.95, and it
remains a "repair center only" item, requiring installation.
 
MOM-05-89
ITEMS ADDED TO TSP  PRICE SCHEDULE
The following items have been added to the TSP Price Schedule
since the printing of the 1989 Pocket Pricer:
 
ITEM    DESCRIPTION             CI A    CI B    CI C    CI D    CI E
 
25-4119 40MB 3.5" SmartDrv      0.00    64.00   5.65    0.00    0.00
25-4120 80MB 3.5" SmartDrv      0.00    89.00   7.86    0.00    0.00
25-4900 Tandy 4000 SX   0.00    189.00  16.69   0.00    0.00
25-4930 Zero K Mem. Adapt.      0.00    10.00   0.88    0.00    0.00
25-5050 Data Term. DT-110       44.25   59.00   5.21    n/a     3.91
90-1658 EtherLink Board 36.75   49.00   4.33    0.00    0.00
90-1682 3Com 3+SNA      0.00    200.00  17.66   0.00    0.00
 
ITEM    DESCRIPTION     OS A    OS B    OS C    OS D    OS E
 
25-4119 40MB 3.5" SmartDrv      64.50   129.00  11.39   64.50   5.70
25-4120 80MB 3.5" SmartDrv      89.50   179.00  15.81   89.50   7.91
25-4900 Tandy 4000 SX   155.00  310.00  27.37   155.00  13.69
25-4930 Zero K Mem. Adapt.      10.00   20.00   1.77    10.00   0.89
25-5050 Data Term. DT-110       96.75   129.00  11.39   n/a     8.54
90-1658 EtherLink Board 74.25   99.00   8.74    49.50   4.37
90-1682 3Com 3+SNA      200.00  400.00  35.32   200.00  17.66
 
MOM-05-89
25-4064A 20MB INTERNAL DISK CARTRIDGE SYSTEM
ALL NEW VERSION IN TEW!
Many of you have experienced the frustration of ordering 25-4064, the
20MB Internal Disk Cartridge System, only to find that the controller
for the tape drive hangs so low that additional devices cannot be
installed in the device slots below the DCS.
 
The replacement product, 25-4064A,
eliminates this problem by better integrating the controller
to achieve a height which does not exceed the size of the device slot.
But, because inventory still existed of the big old unit, the only way to
obtain the smaller replacement was to call TEW directly and specify the
"A"-version.
 
Now your troubles are over.
Effective immediately,
all orders for 25-4064 from TEW will be filled with 25-4064A!
 
MOM-05-89
3COM 3STATION/2E COMES WITHOUT KEYBOARD
The 3Station/2E  (90-1659) is shipping from TEW less keyboard.
We have the Enhanced Keyboard available for $119.95 as 25-4032.
 
3COM  PRODUCT BROCHURES
 
Here is another reminder that 3Com has provided you with brochures
on 3Com products.
You can get these brochures by ordering FC-309.
Also, FC-310 is 3+OPEN Encyclopedia, and it's FREE.
 
ORIGINAL 3COM ETHERLINK (3C501) BOARD IS AVAILABLE AS 26-5435
 
Computer Merchandising has gotten a lot of calls in the last couple of months
asking where 90-1658 (the original EtherLink board from 3Com) is.
Please note that this has been moved to stock number 26-5435.
 
MOM-05-89
WHAT NETWORK DO YOU SELL WHEN?
 
I think you'll agree that when the subject of networks, or workgroups
as we prefer to call them, comes up,
it's far easier to make the determination that a workgroup is called for
than it is to determine  which  Network Operating System (NOS) to use.
The purpose of this article is to help clarify some issues
surrounding the selection of the specific network.
 
The first thing you need to know is that hardware is secondary.
No matter what the "experts" say, when it comes down to it,
the major hardware options, EtherNet, ARCNET  and
TokenRing perform about the same.
Our fourth option, TandyLink ,
does perform a bit slower than the rest of these,
but you can't beat that $119.95 price!
 
Let's review network hardware limitations:
 
workgroups using EtherNet cards theoretically have no limit
  to the number of workstations that can make up the network
 
workgroups using ARCNET cards will accommodate a maximum of
  255 workstations
 
workgroups using TokenRing cards will accommodate a maximum of
  72 workstations using the type 3 cabling that we sell
 
workgroups using TandyLink cards will accommodate a maximum of
  32 workstations
 
But we said that the hardware is only half the story.
Now let's discuss the software.
 
The Network Operating System is what moves data around a workgroup.
It also controls the operation of the network - who uses what when,
what they have access to, and which network resources are available.
Think of a Network Operating System (NOS) as you do MS-DOS - it's loaded
at bootup and works behind the scenes to provide services for users
and application programs - only this time the services are for a whole network
of machines, not just one PC.
 
There are two distinct types of NOS's, Peer-to-Peer and Server-based.
 
Peer-to-Peer
 
Peer-to-Peer LANs include PC/NOS, ViaNet,
TOPS  and the IBM PC LAN Program.
Generally a Peer-to-Peer LAN is more cost effective
because it does not require a dedicated file server.
That is, any PC on the LAN can be a Server and a Workstation at the same time.
 
PC/NOS is a good example of a Peer-to-Peer LAN that can be
VERY cost-effective when used with the TandyLink boards.
It is also easy to install and use.
It offers many of the same features of a
3Com  system - such as the ability to run a wide variety of
software applications and allow operation in a true networking manner.
For example, you can share application software just like in a 3Com network.
But in contrast to a 3Com network, PC/NOS is simpler to use, and is
easier to install and manage.
However, it also lacks things like EMAIL facilities and some of the
performance attributes that make 3Com so desirable
in large network environments.
 
One copy of PC/NOS software is licensed for an entire network...
limited only by the hardware
(in this case, with TandyLink boards as described above, 32 workstations).
This is in contrast to products like 3Com's 3+Share
and Novell's NetWare  which require you to buy different packages
depending on how large the workgroup is likely to be.
 
Server-based
 
Server based LANs include 3Com's 3+Share and 3+OPEN,
as well as Novell's NetWare and Banyan Vines.
There are others, but these are the ones you're most likely to hear about.
These LANs have PCs or specialized servers such as 3Com's 3S/401
which are dedicated to "serving" the other PCs on the network.
Server-based LANs are for the performance-minded customer and
are typically more costly than a Peer-to-Peer LAN.
 
The most obvious difference between a Server-based LAN and
a Peer-to-Peer LAN is that this server we're talking about
cannot be used as a Workstation even though it's quite possible
that the server will be a PC.
 
And where does DeskMate Workgroup Companion  fit in?
 
This is a unique product in the LAN marketplace because it offers features
not normally found in a LAN.
It supplements DeskMate 3 and provides connectivity and resource sharing
for workgroups of two or more people.
 
Workgroup Companion is unique because you can use its features
on a LAN with 3+Share or PC/NOS or by itself.
However, when used by itself, the extent of its traditional
LAN capabilities is only file transfer.
For example, one person on the LAN could type a letter using TEXT
(or any other word processor).
They could then send that letter to any of the other PCs on the workgroup.
It does not permit sharing of a LAN application such as Paradox.
 
Here are some highlights of its features:
 
Telephone Central - 
An online in/out board and telephone message
center designed to aid the functions of a receptionist.
 
Calendar - 
Offers the capability of time management
and scheduling via a shared database for members of the workgroup.
It works like the calendar included in DeskMate 3.
 
Host - 
lets you remotely connect two machines via
modems and perform file management functions across the connection.
 
Print Redirection - 
Allows a user to automatically route printed output from any application to the
specified printer server.
 
Address Book/Phone List - 
Minimizes lost time in searching for commonly used phone numbers.
 
Forum - 
An electronic messaging system built on top of a database,
much like a computer bulletin board system.
 
Talk - 
Much like an intercom, workgroup members can carry on a live conversation
across the network by typing in their dialog.
Additionally, network messages can be simultaneously broadcast to all
workgroup members.
 
We mentioned that the TandyLink board has a hardware limitation
of 32 workstations.
Workgroup Companion imposes its own limitation of 20 users.
 
Let's look at some hypothetical situations:
 
One: 
 
Five users want to use a database such as Paradox to
track their inventory.
You might consider PC/NOS and  TandyLink because no dedicated server
is required.
Paradox, being a "networkable" product, when used with a product like
PC/NOS will allow multiple users to access the same database data
simultaneously.
On the other hand,
if the database is very large or your customer is demanding top
performance, and doesn't mind spending the money for another PC,
you would recommend 3Com.
 
Another:
 
A large corporation already has many PCs and they want to
increase productivity between the home office and their field sales force
(who, of course, carry Tandy 1400 LT's).
Electronic Mail is what is needed and 3+Share from 3Com is the answer
since PC/NOS does not offer either of these features.
 
And another:
 
A legal department has 8 secretaries and two lawyers.
They all have PCs on their desks but only have two laser printers.
DeskMate Workgroup Companion offers an economic alternative
to the cost of PC/NOS or 3Com but will allow the sharing of printers
as well as use of the shared calendar to keep the lawyer's schedules.
 
This winds up our discussion.
Remember that the technical issues talked about here are not intended
to be relayed to your prospects and customers, but rather are
designed to help you sell better.
Being able to sell workgroups effectively will insure
that you have the opportunity to make those big sales that can build your
customer base and your reputation fast.
 
MOM-05-89
TANDY CORPORATION INTRODUCES ADVANCED 386 CHIP COMPUTER
BASED ON 386sx PROCESSOR
 
CHICAGO , April 10, 1989 -- Tandy Corporation,
the leading manufacturer of PC-compatibles,
today introduced the Tandy  4000 SX personal computer based on the
versatile 16 megahertz (MHz) Intel 386sx microprocessor.
The addition of this advanced business system to Tandy's family of
386 microprocessor-based computers was made at the Spring COMDEX
computer dealer's show.
 
The Tandy 4000 SX computer includes video graphics array (VGA) support
and SmartDrive  intelligent device electronics (IDE) storage technology.
The high-performance, low-cost features of the Tandy 4000 SX computer
make it an ideal stand-alone business system,
powerful workstation in a connectivity environment,
or a basic desktop publishing system.
 
The advanced features of the Tandy 4000 SX system provide access
to thousands of today's 8086 and 80286-based applications as well as newer,
more advanced 386 CPU-based software that take advantage of
the power and performance of the 386 architecture.
 
Standard configuration of the Tandy 4000 SX computer includes one
3 1/2-inch, 1.44 megabyte (MB) floppy disk drive with three
additional device slots, socket for an optional 16MHz 387sx math
coprocessor, four 16-bit expansion slots, VGA graphics, 200 watt
power supply, 101-key enhanced keyboard with tactile feedback,
keylock, asynchronous serial port, and bidirectional parallel
port to support scanning devices in a desktop publishing
environment.
 
Measuring 6 1/4 x 15 3/4 x 17 inches, the Tandy 4000 SX computer is
Tandy's smallest footprint 386 CPU system. 
 
Ease of use and high performance are key to the design of the
Tandy 4000 SX system.
A 40-pin IDE SmartDrive connector permits hard drives with integrated
AT -type controllers to plug directly into the system,
alleviating the need to use an expansion slot for a controller. 
 
Additionally, embedded controllers provide increased performance
and assure compatibility between the drive and controller.
 
SmartDrive options for the Tandy 4000 SX computer are available
in 40MB and 80MB capacities.
 
The Tandy 4000 SX computer utilizes state-of-the-art, highly-reliable
single in-line memory modules (SIMMs) for memory expansion.
One megabyte of random access memory (RAM) is standard.
Two high-speed Tandy-designed memory slots support up to 16MB of
system memory and perform data transfer rates faster than conventional
16-bit expansion slots.
 
Expandability through three (one 3 1/2-inch and two 5 1/4-inch)
front-accessible half-height device slots provide flexibility in
configuring a system to the specific needs of the customer.
Installation of drive options is made easier with the addition of
the IDE SmartDrive connector and a rail mounting system.
This design allows the user to simply slide the drive option into the
slot and connect the cable.
 
Floppy disk options include 3 1/2-inch, 1.44MB or 720 kilobyte (KB);
and 5.25-inch 1.2MB or 360KB.
For applications that demand even higher performance from a hard drive,
Tandy offers Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) devices in capacities
from 40MB to 344MB as well as a 150MB tape drive system.
The addition of a SCSI adapter enhances the performance and expandability
of the 4000 SX by transferring data at speeds up to 10MB per second,
while simultaneously supporting multiple mass storage systems.
 
"Tandy continues its tradition of providing quality, easy-to-use
product at an affordable price," said John V. Roach, chairman of
the board, chief executive officer and president of Tandy
Corporation.
"The Tandy 4000 SX computer rounds out our PC-compatible product line
by offering a cost-effective bridge between 286 and 386 CPU products."
 
The Tandy 4000 SX computer will be available in late May with
suggested retail prices of $2,599 for the base system without a
hard drive, $3,248 for a 40MB system, and $3,498 for an 80MB
system.
Prices are good at Radio Shack Computer Centers ,
GRiD Systems  Business Centers,
and participating stores and dealers nationwide.
 
 
That's how we announced, on April 10, 1989,
the newest addition to the Tandy line of business systems,
the new Tandy 4000 SX .
 
This addition to the Tandy 4000 family of 80386 systems provides a
price performance breakthrough by combining more built-in features than
ever before, with power to support:
 
new VGA graphics
SmartDrive intelligent drive electronics for "plug and play" hard drive
  support
combined with
added 80386 performance
extended memory addressability, and
support for multi-tasking applications
 
Positioned as an advanced business desktop, high performance network
workstation, or basic desktop publishing system, the 4000 SX delivers
all these features in a chassis the size of the 3000 NL.
 
At the core of the new 4000 SX is the Intel 80386sx processor.
The 80386sx microprocessor brings the high-performance software of the
80386 architecture to midrange systems.
It provides the performance benefits of of a 32-bit programming architecture
with the cost savings and 16-bit data bus associated with 80286 systems.
Because the 80386sx is 100% object code compatible with the 386,
286 and 8086 microprocessors it supports:
 
 
- operating systems and applications optimized for 32-bit 80386 performance
  such as SCO XENIX 386
 
- the virtual 8086 modes to support simultaneous execution of applications
  from multiple operating systems
 
- the protected modes to multi-task applications developed under OS/2,
  as well as
 
- the the world's largest base of software, MS-DOS applications.
 
 
Low-cost and performance are key to the design of the  4000 SX.
In addition to the 80386sx processor,
the 4000 SX features 1MB memory standard on a specially designed
memory expansion adapter which permits two-way memory interleaving
at a full 16MHz bus speed to achieve .7 average wait state performance.
An additional megabyte of memory of low-cost 256K 100 nanosecond
single in-line memory chips may be added for 4-way memory interleaving
to achieve an even greater .5 wait state memory.
 
Two dedicated high performance memory slots are available on the 4000 SX,
each capable of supporting a full 8MB of memory for total memory
expansion to 16MB.
 
In addition to the two memory slots, the small footprint of the 4000 SX
provides plenty of room for expansion.
Four full-sized 16-bit expansion slots permit the addition of modems,
network cards, and multiport adapters.
Because of all the intelligent features of the 4000 SX,
it is not necessary to utilize these expansion slots for the addition of a
serial or parallel printer adapter, a video controller, or even a hard
drive controller.
The 4000 SX has all this built-in!
 
With performance enhanced VGA graphics standard, the 4000 SX can
support 256 colors simultaneously from a pallette of 256,000 colors
with an analog color monitor.
Add a monochrome analog monitor for low-cost display of 64 shades of grey.
 
The VGA adapter included in the 4000 SX not only provides support for
applications written to take advantage of the extended color support
and clarity of VGA, but is backward compatible to support
software written in support of EGA, CGA, and MDA (monochrome).
Furthermore, the VGA adapter is specifically attuned to the 4000 SX,
executing the video BIOS out of the 4000 SX's shadow RAM
(between 640K and 1MB of memory) to operate at a full 16MHz.
 
A 40 pin SmartDrive IDE (intelligent drive electronics) connector
permits hard drives with integrated AT controllers to plug directly
into the machine without the high-cost use of an expansion slot and
potential incompatibility introduced when adding a separate controller.
In addition to saving the cost of a separate controller, SmartDrives
have the advantage of tuning the design of the drive with that of the
embedded controller resulting in increased performance at low-cost.
 
SmartDrives for the 4000 SX are available in 40 and 80MB capacities
with 19ms access at cost savings in excess of $500 below what you would
pay for comparable drive performance with separate controller/drive
combinations anywhere in the market today.
 
For even greater performance, Tandy offers SCSI hard drives in
capacities from 40MB to 344MB.
The addition of a Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) adapter
enhances the performance and expandability of the 4000 SX
by transferring data at speeds up to 10 times faster than ST-506
while simultaneously supporting multiple hard drives or tape backup systems.
 
The Tandy 4000 SX will round out the business product line
providing a powerful desktop solution to business customers who want
more for less!
 
To see how favorably the features and pricing of the Tandy 4000 SX
measure up to those of our competition, consult the comparison chart
attached to this issue of the M.O.M.
 
MOM-05-89
Tandy 4000 SX - 25-4900
 
Base Price $2599
 
Available in mid-May (11s & 01Zs)
 
Specifications:
 
        80386sx micropocessor
        16MHz speed
        1MB memory standard, expandable to 16MB
        Enhanced performance VGA graphics
        5 16-bit AT expansion slots - 8MHz bus speed
            4 - open
            1 - occupied by 8-bit VGA adapter
        2 enhanced performance 16-bit memory expansion slots
            1 occupied by memory expansion adapter with 1MB memory
        3 1/2" 1.44MB internal floppy disk drive
        1 additional 3 1/2" internal device slot
            2 additional 5 1/4" internal device slot
        40-pin SmartDrive IDE connector
        RS-232 Serial port
        Bidirectional Parallel port
        Real-time clock with battery back-up
        101-key Enhanced Keyboard
        System Keylock
        200 watt power supply
 
 
Tandy 4000 SX Specific Options
 
Catalog #       Description     Retail Price    Availability
 
 
25-4119 40MB 3 1/2" 19ms SmartDrive     $649.00  Mid-May
25-4120 80MB 3 1/2" 19ms SmartDrive     $899.00  July
25-4910 Tandy 4000 SX Tech Ref.          $99.95  July
 
25-5031 1MB Memory Expansion            $649.00  Now
        (contains 4 256K SIMMs)
 
25-5033 2MB Memory Expansion           $1599.00  Now
        (contains 2 1MB SIMMs)
 
25-4930 Memory Expansion Adapter         $99.95  Mid-May
 
90-2321 80387sx Math Coprocessor        $580.00  Mid-May
 
 
In addition, all device and adapter expansion options available for the
Tandy 4000 can be added to the 4000 SX as well.
 
 
Memory Expansion on the Tandy 4000 SX
 
To expand from 1MB to:   2MB      5MB       8MB      12MB      16MB
 
System Memory            add      add     replace   replace   replace
with # memory kits   1x25-5031 2x25-5033 4x25-5033 4x25-5033 4x25-5033
   add Mem Exp Brd                                   25-4930   25-4930
   with # memory kits                              2x25-5033 4x25-5033
 
MOM-04-89
SELECTING THE CORRECT HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE
 
At one time it was fashionable to point out the folly of
attempting to select computer hardware first and then choose the software.
The "experts" would always say that the right way to do it
was to select the software first and then merely get the hardware
required to run that software.
The experts, in this case, were only partially right.
 
The proper way to insure that your customer gets what he needs
is to select the hardware and software as a package.
The customer will get the software application that fits his needs,
and will also get the hardware that fits his needs as well as meeting
the requirements of the software.
For example, if you had determined your customer needed WordPerfect ,
you might recommend a Tandy 1000 TL system.
But by spending some time on the hardware aspect of this sale,
you learn that your prospect would also like a mouse - not for WordPerfect
which offers no mouse support, but for DeskMate which is included with
the 1000 TL and which your customer also wants to use.
 
Salespeople, when attempting to assemble the correct software and hardware,
frequently consider or offer too many options.
Don't confuse your customers!
Selecting the proper solution is not that difficult.
First of all, when you are in front of your prospect,
don't make the mistake of talking "speeds and feeds".
Sell solutions, not boxes.
Ask questions and then  LISTEN .
After gaining agreement on your prospect's needs, match these needs
with your solutions.
 
Software
A large portion of the needs of small businesses can be addressed
with relatively few products.
Here's a list of functions matched to the software products you offer:
 
 
 Business Function    Type of software
                 Example(s) 
 
Correspondence         Word Processing
                           DeskMate  (Text), WordPerfect 
Record Keeping         Database Manager
                           DeskMate (Filer), Q&A 
Analysis/Planning      Spreadsheet
                           DeskMate (Worksheet), Quattro 
Presentations          Desktop Publishing
                           PFS : First Publisher, PageMaker 
Bookkeeping            Accounting
                           DAC Easy , RealWorld 4-IN-1 
Communications         Electronic Mail
                           TandyLink  w/ Workgroup Companion
 
Hardware
Now let's look at our hardware options.
The fact is that just two systems satisfy over 80% of all
small business hardware requirements.
Although you may have to make minor changes or additions
to satisfy specific needs,
don't make your customer choose from dozens of options.
Here are the two main systems:
 
SYSTEM 1                   SYSTEM 2
 
Tandy 1000 TL or TX     Tandy 3000 NL
CM-11 Color Monitor     EGM-1 EGA Color Monitor
20 MB Hard Disk Card    EGA Graphics Adapter
DMP 132 Printer         40 MB Hard Disk Card
Printer cable           DMP 440 Printer
                        Printer cable
 
Follow these steps to qualifying
and watch your sales and your customer base grow!
 
MOM-04-89
SMALL BUSINESS IS BIG BUSINESS
There are approximately 7 million businesses in the United States.
About 50,000 of these are businesses with sales revenue of over $100 million.
That's GRiD  System's target market.
Radio Shack 's target business market is the "other" 6,950,000 businesses.
 
What is the Business of Small Business?
The types of small businesses in any market vary around the country,
but here are some of the major categories:
 
Business Services
Retail Trade
Construction
Manufacturing
Distribution/Wholesale Trade
Transportation/Communication
 
The largest of these categories is Business Services.
This includes businesses such as advertising agencies, employment agencies,
equipment rental and leasing companies, repair shops, hotels and printers.
The next largest group is Retail Trade, which includes building materials
outlets, apparel and accessory stores, furniture and home furnishings,
hobby shops, and restaurants.
We're all familiar with these first two categories because
we deal with them on a daily basis as consumers.
 
Typical Small Business
 
Employs 1 to 100 employees
Annual sales of $250,000 to $5 million
Decision maker: owner, partners or an easily identifiable executive
Single location; if multiple locations, then generally in the same area
Limited financial resources (leasing an attractive way to finance)
Minimal computer expertise (include training and support in your proposal)
Establish credibility using references from other satisfied local customers
 
Six Ways to Find Small Business Prospects
Yellow Pages
Referrals
Existing Customer Base
Leads
Chamber of Commerce
Canvassing
 
A successful sales professional is always prospecting
A good place to start prospecting for small businesses is your faithful
Yellow Pages.
If you have a favorite industry, the phone company has already
done the work of putting them all in one place for you.
You'll probably never exhaust the Yellow Pages, but it may exhaust you.
You can maximize the use of your time by finding prospects
in the same vicinity.
Do this by looking for areas of high business concentration
whenever you're driving.
Then, get out and canvass the area when you're between appointments.
 
Don't overlook the source of some of your best prospects -- referrals
from your current customers.
You haven't finished when you close a sale and your customer takes delivery.
Return to them and make sure they're satisfied
and have all the supplies and accessories they need.
When they feel you are really taking care of them,
they'll be pleased to recommend you to some of their associates.
 
Justify the Investment
Large businesses already know the benefits of a computer, but don't
make this assumption when selling to small businesses.
The successful small business operator today wants common sense answers
to why he or she should make an investment in a computer system.
Using the chart of software in this month's FRONT LINE,
be ready to give the benefits of each product.
For example, when a business uses a computer for correspondence,
they reduce unnecessary payroll expense by increasing the productivity
of their administrative and clerical staff.
In addition, with features like spell checker and thesaurus, the completed
work is more professional.
 
Finally, if you've listened, gained agreement on the needs and solutions
and justified the investment -- ask for the order!
 
MOM-04-89
STOCK FILE CHANGES
 
A quick reference  to product status changes - pricing, availability, etc.
 AVAILABILITY CODE CHANGES/PRODUCT MOVEMENTS 
 
We have made availability and warehouse location changes
to over 50 items in the 25/26 series product line.
Pay close attention to these changes to insure that you
don't experience any delays in getting your merchandise
or penalize yourself by ordering items that you'll not get credit for.
Although the availability code changes take effect immediately,
you will receive inventory credit for this merchandise until
the dates shown. 
 
All changes have been based on the sales rates of these products
by the various types of stores we have.
These changes will help you more quickly get the products you need to sell,
while making it more difficult for you to make the mistake
of ordering merchandise you can't sell or get credit for.
 
The chart shows which store types DID get inventory credit, but no longer will.
Use this information to recognize those products that may be in
your store which you need to sell because you will no longer get
inventory credit.
 
Effective Immediately:   (see article on page 10 of this M.O.M.)
 
CAT NO  DESCRIPTION         NEW CODE  WILL LOSE INVENTORY CREDIT
                                          11  01Z   01Y 
25-1240 Talking Text Writer    8           *   *         
25-1241 SchoolMate             8           *   *         
 
The following items are no longer available for special order by 01Ys
(Refer customers to a nearby 01Z or 11): 
 
25-4043   VGA Adapter
25-4052   3.5" 1.4M FDD Kit
25-4100   MS OS/2 1.0
25-4108   T4000 Tech Ref
 
These items are now stockable by 01Ys:
 
26-0223  12' Printer Cable 3/4000&LT
26-1252  DeskMate Thesaurus Companion
 
The following items have been moved from TEW to your Regional Warehouse:
 
25-1032  20 Meg Hard Disk Card
25-1063  5 1/4" Floppy Drive SX/TX
25-1031  Plus RS-232 Adapter
25-1016  Plus Upgrade Adapter
25-1037  2400 Half Card modem
26-2820  Print Selector 2
25-3500  Tandy 1400 LT
 
The following items have been moved from TEW to the Force Feed warehouse:
 
26-0206  Pk 300 Fanfold Color
26-0207  Pk 300 Fanfold Pastel
26-0223  12' Printer Cable 3/4000&LT
26-0227  6' Printer Cable 3/4000&LT
26-0542  Cover for CoCo Thin Drive
26-1403  Pk 3500 9.5" X 11"
26-2807  LP 1000 Toner Cart
26-3811  T102/200 Soft carrying case
26-3818  Acoustic Cups 100/102/200
26-4401  6' Printer cable 2-6000
 
The following items have been moved from Force Feed to TEW:
 
26-1287  Ribbon LMP 2150
26-1425  Cubic PS Wheel
26-1426  Italic Wheel
26-1486  Scientific PW Wheel
 
The following item has been moved from TEW to National Parts:
 
25-4060  Hard Disk Controller Board
 
MOM-04-89
ITEMS TEMPORARILY OUT OF STOCK
The following key hardware items are temporarily out of stock.
In most cases there is a sizeable quantity in the field
and District/Regional Sales Managers should assist in satisfying customers.
It is critical that you do not place on backorder anything for
which you do not actually have a customer waiting,
because this delays shipment of product to customers who have a genuine need
and potentially could place you in an overstock position when
the merchandise does come back into TEW.
This list is by no means all-inclusive,
but covers the items that history tells us are used frequently in system
sales.
 
Cat#     Description                 When due
25-4050  1.2MB Floppy drive          4/15
25-4051  360K Floppy drive           4/15
25-5000  Tandy 4000                  4/15
43-1250  TANDYFAX 1000 Cleaning Kit  5/15
 
MOM-04-89
PRODUCTS CANCELED, DISCONTINUED AND REPLACED
DISCONTINUED
STOCK # DESCRIPTION
 
26-2602 Plane Analytic Geometry
90-0237 Investor III
90-0240 The Precedent 6000
90-0244 Backup/Restore III/4
90-0252 XPD 6000
90-0324 ACE Service Station Management
90-0407 Super Utility
90-0417 High Tech Bus. Graphics (6000 XENIX)
90-0434 RDesk 6000
90-0492 Medical Office System 6000
90-0520 Vestor
90-1524 Unihost 6000
90-1525 Unihost MS-XENIX
90-1685 ARCNET PC-120
        (repl by 900-1675 PC-130)
90-3055 Sona Menu Manager
90-3239 High Tech Bus. Graphics (3000 XENIX)
90-3247 Quartet Access
 
MOM-04-89
MERCHANDISE AVAILABILITY
 
Until recently, the shipments of the items listed below were
personally managed by the Business Products division.
These items are now in open stock and may be ordered and backordered as needed
(by stores which can order these availability codes, naturally).
Some of these items may continue to be in short supply, but backorders
placed thru TEW will be filled on a first in-first out basis.
(Note that most of these items represent costly additions to your inventory.
Remember to order only the items and quantities you need
to satisfy your customers.)
 
25-6000* Tandy 5000 MC
25-6001* Tandy 5000 MC w/ 40 MB Hard Drive
25-6002  Tandy 5000 MC w/ 80 MB Hard Drive
25-1078  128K Memory kit
25-1079  256K RAM kit
25-4082  128K Memory kit 3000 HL/NL
25-5100  Tandy 4000 LX
25-5131  2 MB SIMM kit Tandy 4000 LX
25-5133  1 MB 80ns SIMM Memory
 
* Special Order only - no inventory credit given
 
MOM-04-89
NEW 903 AND 905 PREFIXES FOR STOCK NUMBERS
We know you will be happy to hear that we are adding to the Express Order
program software packages which include 3 1/2" media, and that most
of our current 900 series of software packages will have 3 1/2" versions.
Your customer will no longer need to purchase the 5 1/4" package
and then order the other size diskettes from the vendor.
 
At the same time,
we're changing the organization of the software in the 900-series range
to make it easier for you to order the right product for your customer the
first time around.
 
Here is the program now in effect:
most existing products carrying a 900-series catalog number
that contain diskettes will be given new catalog numbers as follows:
 
1) Packages containing only 3.5" media will be designated
903-xxxx.
 
2) Packages containing only 5.25" media will be designated
905-xxxx.
 
3) The four digit suffix (the xxxx) for existing products will remain the same.
For example;
 
900-3267        FormTool        with 5 1/4" diskettes   $79
  --- becomes --- 
903-3267        FormTool        with 3 1/2" diskettes   $79
905-3267        FormTool        with 5 1/4" diskettes   $79
 
4) Packages containing both sizes of media, OR packages available only in
one form (books, CD-ROM packages, software for Color Computers,
Tandy 2000, Model I/III/4, Model II/12, etc.) will remain as 900 series
numbers.
 
As we add products to the Express Order program,
we will continue to use the same four digit suffix to identify a package,
while the three digit 903 / 905 prefix will identify the media size.
 
In most cases, the 5 1/4" media size described in item 2 (above),
will be available immediately as a 905 series catalog number.
The 900-series number will be no longer available
as soon as the 905-series number is activated.
 
Note that 903-series merchandise,
being brand new to us, will be arriving gradually over a period of time.
 
MOM-04-89
RADIO SHACK ADDS POSTSCRIPT TO THE LP 1000 LASER PRINTER
PageStyler  for the Tandy  LP 1000 Laser Printer is Radio Shack's answer
for those customers that demand the flexibility and printing power
of a PostScript-compatible printer.
 
The PostScript language has become the standard for high quality
word processing, desktop publishing/presentation,
and device independent engineering/scientific applications,
and Tandy  PCs have become the  de facto  standard
for all PC applications.
 
The PageStyler product line by Destiny offers all three levels of
PostScript compatibility; interpreter software, outline fonts, and
application software drivers.
This insures a true 'plug and play' solution
for the Tandy  3000/4000 computer systems.
 
The PageStyler product line includes:
 
PageStyler  2.5 Kit (905-2311)  - a CPU based
option board with 2.5 megabytes of memory, 13 base PostScript-compatible
outline fonts by Bitstream, and the Destiny PostScript interpreter
($1,890.00).
 
PageStyler  22 Font Kit (905-2312)  - the additional 22 fonts
by Bitstream to provide full 35 font PostScript-compatible support
($169.95).
 
PageStyler  4.5 Megabyte Software Upgrade (905-2313)  - the software
required when the user adds their own 2 megabytes of memory to
the  PageStyler 2.5 Kit ($169.95).
 
PageStyler  4.5 Kit (905-2218)  - the complete PostScript
interpreter kit that combines the three items above with an additional
2 megabytes of memory to provide the optimum solution ($2,690.00).
 
The special Tandy version of the PageStyler board takes advantage of the
video interface of the LP 1000 Laser Printer to provide direct exchange of
information between the CPU and printer for fast printing.
Since the PageStyler utilizes the video interface of the LP 1000, the
parallel port can still be used for those applications that require other
emulations or a second printer.
 
Additional Bitstream outline fonts (carried in the Express Order Program)
can be added to PostScript-compatible software to provide
additional flexibility in document design.
 
MOM-04-89
SCHOOLMATE DESIGNED WITH TEACHERS IN MIND
Radio Shack introduced the first affordable classroom network in 1979.
The TRS-80 Network I reflected a teacher centered philosophy--the teacher
was in control of the computer resources in the classroom--disk storage,
printer and software.
 
As generations of TRS-80 networks were introduced, features and
performance were added--without abandoning the basic philosophy.
 
Ten years later, Tandy has introduced SchoolMate,
a new feature packed MS-DOS
network based on this same teacher-centered concept.
SchoolMate was specifically designed with teachers in mind.
 
SchoolMate links together Tandy and other PC-compatible personal computers
throughout the classroom, department or an entire school.
Based on the proven 3Com  network and
the easy-to-use DeskMate  interface,
SchoolMate is a solid, cost-conscious solution for managing
the instructional needs of students on microcomputers.
 
What makes SchoolMate different from other educational networks?
 
First
The DeskMate interface simplifies the entire operation.
Forget hard-to-remember commands.
DeskMate gives teachers pop-up dialog boxes and pull-down menus to work with,
using a mouse, the keyboard or both.
 
Second
SchoolMate has a very simple install procedure
for adding software packages onto the network.
 
Third
No other school network includes, in its basic package,
productivity tools for the teacher.
With SchoolMate, a teacher can easily create a class roster,
set up a grade book, design a lesson schedule, generate an exam
and install other software packages.
SchoolMate's built-in teacher management tools include Roster, Grade Book,
Exam Maker, Lesson Scheduler and Courseware Installation.
 
The design of SchoolMate represents ten years of classroom network
experience by Tandy, the leading manufacturer of PC-compatible personal
computers and the leader in classroom networking.
 
SchoolMate is what teachers had in mind!
 
MOM-04-89
CD-ROMs ARE HOT!
CD-ROMs are a new and emerging technology.
CD-ROM stands for "Compact Disc - Read Only Memory".
A CD-ROM is much like a regular compact audio disc,
but it stores digital computer data instead of digital music data.
A CD-ROM disc stores the equivalent of 1,500 floppy diskettes or
250,000 pages.
 
CD-ROMs are nearly indestructible.
Their main enemies are heat and scratches.
If someone spilled a soda on one, you would rinse it in cold
water and carefully towel dry.
Try doing that with a floppy disk, or a real dictionary!
 
We carry the Hitachi CD-ROM drive through Special Order Hardware.
The catalog number is 900-2156, and the price is $995.00.
The CD-ROM drive however, requires CD-ROMs to be useful.
Here is a small sampling of the remarkable products available today on CD-ROM.
 
Microsoft Bookshelf (90-5501 - $295.00) -  
A complete writer's reference library on a single CD-ROM disc.
Among other things, the disc contains:
(1) The American Heritage Dictionary
(2) The World Almanac and Book of Facts
(3) Bartlett's Familiar Quotations
(4) Roget's II: Electronic Thesaurus
(5) Houghton Mifflin Spelling Verifier and Corrector.
 
Grolier's Electronic Encyclopedia (90-5503 - $395.00) -
All 21 volumes, 33,000 articles, and 9 million words of the Academic
American Encyclopedia on one compact disc.
Amazingly powerful, the encyclopedia is ideal for handling
even the most complex research needs.
The software included is easy-to-learn and use.
 
If a customer wonders why these products are so costly,
remind them that they represent a  tremendous  amount of data.
The printed versions of the same products
could easily cost as much as the drive and CD-ROMs combined!
Having the data in the computer makes the transfer easier as well.
No more having to type in facts - copy them right into the document!
 
GEOdisc U.S. Atlas (90-5506 - $990.00) -
Designed to bring geographic information and mapping capabilities to
the desktop PC, GEOdisc U.S. Atlas gives you the ability to access,
display, and manipulate a complete digital representation of
the United States at the 1:2,000,000 scale.
It includes major highways, waterways, political boundaries, and more.
In addition, it contains a complete place and landmark names file
of more than 1 million entries.
Quite simply, you have the capabilities of many mini and mainframe-based
mapping systems on your desktop.
 
Schools can use this package in everything from Political Science and
Social Studies to Geography and History.
It makes learning geography fun,
and the Windows interface makes the program easy to use.
This product also has mass appeal to any business that requires a very
accurate representation of the United States.
This product is a perfect tool for preparing demographic presentations.
 
MOM-04-89
DESKMATE DEMO "OUT OF DISK SPACE" ERROR HAS BEEN SOLVED!
Some stores have reported that when running the
self-running DeskMate  demo (FC-1270) over a long period of time,
they would encounter an "Out of Disk Space" error even though
there was plenty of room on whatever disk they were using.
Well, the problem has been found and fixed!
Replacement disks are available through the RMTMs,
so if you've run into this problem, check with your RMTM for a corrected disk.
 
MOM-04-89
SCHOOLMATE/TALKING TEXT WRITER - AVAILABILITY BEING CHANGED TO CODE 8
Many of you have copies of SchoolMate  (25-1241)
and Talking Text Writer (25-1240) in your stores.
Since stores are losing inventory credit for these packages,
you are authorized to return them (by April 14) to TEW for credit.
 
SchoolMate is a single, shrink-wrapped package.
Talking Text Writer is two pieces, a board and software,
shrink-wrapped together.
Full credit will be given for shrink-wrapped merchandise received in TEW
by April 14, 1989.
No credit will be given for merchandise received with the shrink-wrap
not intact or for merchandise received after April 14, 1989. 
Enclose one S.A.R. per box or merchandise returned.
Include your store number for proper credit.
Use normal ground UPS transportation and ship to:
Tandy Electronics Warehouse, 4925 Pylon Street, Ft. Worth, TX  76106
 
MOM-04-89
WINDOWS SPELL HAS HIDDEN TALENTS!
You probably have noticed Palantir  Software's Windows Spell
(900-3088) on your stockfile.
After all, it was one of the first Windows products to hit the market,
and has been in our Express Order software line for over a year.
But did you know that you can use it to spell check your Excel (25-1185)
spreadsheets?
 
What, spell check a spreadsheet?
You bet!
If your customer is using Excel, it's usually because they want
the results of their number crunching to look good for others.
All the more reason why they will want to make sure that their titles,
headings and footnotes are spelled properly.
 
Windows Spell retails for $95.00, and contains both 3 1/2" and 5 1/4" disks.
 
MOM-04-89
DESKMATE  AND QUICKEN  BONUS OFFER
This is the perfect combination for HOME or OFFICE!
Offer your customers 25-1250 DeskMate at $79.95 (Reg. $99.95) and provide
25-1246 Quicken, the world's #1 selling financial software (Reg. $49.95),
at no charge.
This offer is being advertised in flyer 442 and insert 89-18.
The sale begins 4/25/89 and ends 5/22/89.
 
Quicken is also available separately for $29.95.
 
Quicken is now available under the DeskMate  interface.
It's the fastest, easiest way to do personal and small business finances.
Slash time and effort every month,
plus have perfectly organized financial records.
 
Here's why Quicken is the world's most popular financial software:
 
Forget Financial Hassle
Quicken is so automatic, it does your monthly financial work for you.
Quicken does 14 bookkeeping steps and hands you the printed checks
already addressed for mailing.
 
Automate Your Taxes!
All tax information is right at your fingertips.
It prints itemized lists supporting tax deductions in just seconds.
Or, you can let 25-1286 J.K. Lasser's Your Income Tax and 905-1342 TurboTax
quickly and accurately read income and deductions from your Quicken records
and directly transfer that data to your tax forms.
 
No Accounting Mumbo Jumbo
Quicken is as easy as the pen and paper you use now.
You'll see the familiar checkbook and check register right on your screen.
 
For Personal and Business Use
Quicken provides total flexibility to handle a wide range of
personal and business needs;
service and manufacturing, doctors, consultants, designers and retailers,
as well as households.
 
Quicken - PC Magazine "Best of 1988 Award".
Minimum System Requirements: 384K Tandy 1000 SL
or other PC-Compatible with 512K.
 
MOM-04-89
LEISURE SUIT LARRY HAS ARRIVED!
Due to popular demand and requests from store personnel,
the following software titles are now available in Express Order:
 
900-1461 Leisure Suit Larry II Tandy 1000/PC   (Requires 512K)
900-1466 Leisure Suit Larry I  Tandy 1000/PC   (Requires 256K)
900-0917 Leisure Suit Larry I  Color Computer3 (Requires 512K) (disk package)
 
MOM-04-89
NEW PRINTER RIBBONS FOR NON-TANDY PRINTERS
Express Order  has added several printer ribbons for non-Tandy printers.
These ribbons were chosen after a survey indicated that they were
by far the most popular ribbons sold in other retail and mail order outlets.
They are manufactured and sold under the TR brand name.
This manufacturer is known for producing quality ribbons that
meet or exceed the original printer manufacturer's specifications.
 
Recent additions include:
900-2324  Apple Imagewriter I/II Black  $6.49
900-2325  Apple Imagewriter II 4 Color  12.95
900-2326  Alps ASP-1000/Amstrad 2000    8.49
900-2327  Epson FX/MX/RS-80             6.49
900-2328  Epson LX-80/90/Homewriter 10  6.95
900-2329  Epson LQ-500/800/850          9.95
900-2330  IBM Proprinter I/II           7.95
900-2331  Panasonic KXP-1090            10.95
900-2332  Star Micronics NX-1000        6.95
 
These ribbons will also fit additional printers not listed above.
See the updated Printer Ribbon Compatibility Chart attached to this issue for
a complete cross reference.
There are over 70 popular printers that can utilize these ribbons.
 
Make sure your customer base is made aware of this exciting new addition
to Express Order.
 
MOM-04-89
REPLACEMENT BACKUP BATTERY FOR TANDY 3000/4000
The 23-174 alkaline computer battery (stocked by all stores)
DOES NOT FIT ANY TANDY COMPUTER, but rather is intended as a replacement
for the IBM "AT," Compaq, and some other clones.
Do not attempt to sell this battery for
or install it in the Tandy 3000 or 4000.
 
Early production Tandy 3000 and 3000 HD computers (25-4001/4010/4011
thru Jan. 87) used a clock/memory backup 6.8v lithium battery
which is stocked by National Parts as item code ACS-0020
(current sell is $35.91).
 
Later production Tandy 3000s (25-4001/4010/4011 plus 25-4002 and -4071)
shifted to a 3.6v lithium battery which is also used
in the Tandy 4000 (25-5000/A).
This smaller battery is stocked likewise at National Parts: ACS-0040
(current sell is $13.50). 
 
MOM-04-89
POCKET COMPUTER BATTERY QUICK REFERENCE LIST
MODEL         CAT. #    BATTERY TYPE     RS CAT. #      # USED
PC-1          26-3501   675 Mercury      23-1521        4
PC-1 I/F      26-3505   NiCad Recharge   Built-in
PC-2          26-3601   AA Alkaline      23-0552        4
PC-2 I/F      26-3605   NiCad Recharge   Built-in
PC-3          26-3590   CR2032 Lithium   23-0162        2
PC-3A         26-3589   CR2032 Lithium   23-0162        2
PC-3 I/F      26-3591   NiCad Recharge   Built-in
PC-4          26-3650   CR2032 Lithium   23-0162        2
PC-4 Cass     26-3651   AA Alkaline      23-0552        2
PC-4 Printer  26-3652   NiCad Recharge   Built-in
PC-5          26-3670   CR2032 Lithium   23-0162        2
                        CR1220 Lithium   ACS0015
                        (memory backup)  (Nat'l Parts)  1
PC-5 Cass     26-3651   AA Alkaline      23-0552        2
PC-5 Printer  26-3652   NiCad Recharge   Built-in
PC-6          26-3672   CR2032 Lithium   23-0162        2
                        CR1220 Lithium   ACS0015
                        (memory backup)  (Nat'l Parts)  1
PC-6 Cass     26-3651   AA Alkaline      23-0552        2
PC-6 Printer  26-3652   NiCad Recharge   Built-in
PC-7          26-3672   CR2032 Lithium   23-0162        2
PC-8          26-3655   CR2032 Lithium   23-0162        2
 
MOM-04-89
OPEN DESKTOP
On February 28th at UniForum  '89 in San Francisco, five of the computer
industry's leading vendors, including Tandy, introduced Open Desktop, the
new standards-based, integrated software product designed to give both
business and technology users of industry-standard, 386-based computers
the features and benefits of high-end, graphical workstations at PC prices.
 
Open Desktop integrates:
a standard graphical user interface
an open structured query-language (SQL) database
true virtual memory, and
full networking connectivity
with a variety of different operating systems and hardware architectures.
 
Essentially, Open Desktop brings together industry-leading technology
standards into a multitasking, multiuser, open systems environment that
combines UNIX  and DOS functionality for maximum productivity.
386-based PC users can gain all the benefits of the UNIX System without losing
their investment in DOS applications.
 
Tandy Corporation, together with SCO, Relational Technology Inc.,
Locus Computing Corporation, and Digital Equipment Corporation defined
the product's scope and implementation.
Each company makes a unique contribution to integrate several leading
technologies into a single product:
 
SCO  owns the original rights to Open Desktop and
provides UNIX System V/386 Release 3.2, which takes full
advantage of the 32-bit Intel 80386 architecture and insures
binary compatibility with both UNIX System V and SCO XENIX
System V to support a broad base of applications.
 
SCO also contributes SCO TCP/IP and SCO NFS for Ethernet  and
asynchronous network communications and distributed file system support.
 
Relational Technology, Inc.  contributes INGRES/386 , which provides
the power and functionality of a distributed relational
database management system with industry standard SQL query
language for data access and an open database communications interface.
 
SCO Xsight , which was originally developed by  Locus Computing
Corporation ,
is a display server based on the X Window System , Version II (X11)
protocols first defined at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
The X11 window system standard is now supported by more than 50 companies.
 
Locus also contributes Merge 386 , an X Window
System-compatible DOS-under-UNIX product.
This allows 386-based PC users to gain the benefits of the UNIX System
without losing their investments in DOS applications.
 
Digital Equipment Corporation  contributes
XUI , a popular programming interface for developing applications
which take advantage of OSF/Motif.
OSF/Motif is a graphical user interface standard that provides the 
behavior of Microsoft's Presentation Manager  or a standard user
interface "look and feel," and also incorporates HP's 3D appearance
and Window Manager technology.
 
Tandy Corporation , in addition to its contributions in
defining the scope and implementation of Open Desktop, will be
its first licensee, licensing it from SCO for the Tandy 4000 series
and Tandy 5000 MC computers.
 
The major components of Open Desktop consist of:
 
DEC XUI (OSF/Motif)
RTI INGRES/386 RDBMS
SCO Xsight      Locus Merge 386
SCO UNIX/386 Release 3.2
 
Open Desktop is not a company, consortium, or standard body;  it is a
unified product that complies with a wide range of industry standards for:
 
applications portability
data security
graphical user interface
networking, and
relational databases
 
"SCO integrated these leading 386-based technologies into Open Desktop
as a response to strong customer demand for a powerful, full-featured
open 386 environment," said Douglas Michels, Vice President and
co-founder of SCO.
"Users want easy access to DOS, XENIX , AND UNIX  system applications
through a standard, workstation-like, graphical interface.
Open Desktop provides those features, plus DOS and UNIX Systems
interoperability, in a single, affordable package," he said.
 
Applications and Portability
In addition to taking full advantage of the 32-bit Intel 80386
microprocessor and its industry standard architecture, Open Desktop
meets the growing demand for open-systems software standards.
 
Open Desktop meets industry standards such as the:
- System V Interface Definition (SVID)
- X/Open Common Applications Environments (CAE)
- IEEE Portable Operating Systems Interface for Computing Environment
       (POSIX), and
- ANSI X3J11 C Programming Language (ANSIC)
 
In addition, to meet the U.S. Department of Defense standards for
"trusted systems," Open Desktop fulfills the requirements established by
the National Computer Security Center for the C2 level of security.
 
Open Desktop's compliance with this broad range of industry standards
allows developers to design and bring to market applications that will
remain portable and compatible for many years,
and provides an easy upgrade path
for their users to keep pace with advancing technology.
 
Network Connectivity
Open Desktop's networking technology includes SCO TCP/IP, SCO NFS, and
OS/2 LAN Manager compatibility, enabling the system to communicate and
share data and applications within a heterogeneous, networked
environment.
SCO TCP/IP provides high-performance Ethernet and asynchronous communications
to a wide variety of operating systems and computers,
while SCO NFS provides distributed file system support that
is compatible with other LAN-based NFS implementations.
Together with OS/2 LAN Manager compatibility, they allow the creation of a
"corporate-wide" network that can include everything from PCs to
mainframes.
Machines suited for different tasks can be combined into a
network system that makes the full power of each machine available to
every user.
 
Powerful database platform
Open Desktop's relational database incorporates the standard
structured-query-language, ANSI Level I SQL, which provides a database
access language that is common to a wide range of database products.
 
Open Desktop is also the first operating environment to feature open
data access.
Its database component, INGRES/386 Release 6, includes a
published database communications interface standard, the General
Communication Architecture (GCA).
This ensures that database applications have open access to the back-end
database engine - an unprecedented move that enables
other database developers to adapt their products to
the Open Desktop environment.
INGRES/386 also supports both client/server and distributed database networks,
allowing Open Desktop users to access data using one or more remote back-end
database engines.
 
Open Desktop's unique open architecture provides connectivity to other
major networked relational database systems.
For example, it contains the ORACLE  libraries that allow
the many existing ORACLE applications to take advantage of
the Open Desktop environment.
 
Standard graphical user interface
Open Desktop incorporates the OSF/Motif standard defined by the Open
Software Foundation, which is based on the XUI application programming
interface (API) from Digital.
It also incorporates the behavior of Microsoft's OS/2 Presentation Manager
to provide a standard, graphical user interface which allows users
to learn new applications quickly with a minimum of retraining.
 
Broad industry support
A broad range of software vendors, leading computer manufacturers, and
distributors have already endorsed and committed support to Open Desktop.
They include OSF, Microsoft , 3Com , Novell,
and WordPerfect, among many others.
 
Availability
Open Desktop will be available from Tandy and SCO the third quarter of
1989 in single-user, multiuser, and developer configurations.
The three product configurations will consist of:
 
SINGLE USER        MULTI-USER UPGR      DEVELOPMENT UPGR
 
SCO UNIX 3.2       Single-User plus:    Multi-User plus:
SCO TCP/IP         SCO NFS server       SCO UNIX Dev. System
OSF/Motif          Upgraded UNIX        OSF/Motif Toolkit
INGRES/386         SCO Xsight           TCP/IP Libraries
Merge 386                               INGRES  Open SQL
X-Windows Support                       DOS Developer's Kit
SCO NFS Client                          X-Windows Libraries
                                        SCO/ISAM
 
As availability dates get closer, you will be provided with more information.
Once again, Tandy is proving itself to be a major force in PC innovation.
 
MOM-04-89
DESKMATE WORKGROUP COMPANION  NOW LICENSED FOR TWO CPUs
The DeskMate Workgroup Companion (25-1251) is a great way to start
a small office or multi-CPU home office on the way to improved productivity.
The DeskMate Workgroup Companion is a Code 5 product that retails
for $149.95 and includes the shared versions of Calendar, Address Book,
and Phone list, as well as a nice telephone messaging system.
See your Tandy Product Profiles for a complete description of the product.
 
The product license has been expanded to cover two (2) computers,
effective immediately,
so only one copy of the product is required in a starter system.
The way it now works is that if the customer is setting up a
two station network, you merely need to sell them one additional
TandyLink  board and cable.
You do not have to sell another complete Workgroup package at $149.95.
 
PLEASE NOTE: This license has NOT been extended for DeskMate .
This should not pose a major problem in that most of your customers
will have the DeskMate that came with their computer anyway.
 
MOM-04-89
WORDPERFECT  FILE FILTER FOR PAGEMAKER  IS NOW AVAILABLE
WordPerfect Corp. and Aldus Corp. have jointly developed a filter
which allows files from WordPerfect 5.0 (25-1268)
to be directly imported into PageMaker (25-4112),
keeping most formatting codes intact.
The filter/driver packs are available to registered PageMaker users
for a $15.00 shipping and handling fee by calling Aldus Customer Relations
at (206) 628-2320.
 
The filters can also be downloaded from the Aldus or WordPerfect Forums
on CompuServe, as well as The Source and GEnie's WordPerfect RoundTable.
(Reprinted from the WordPerfect Corporation Newsletter,
February 27, 1989).
 
MOM-04-89
ARCNET PC-120 REPLACED WITH PC-130
The ARCNET  PC-120 (900-1685) is replaced with the ARCNET PC-130 (900-1675).
The PC-130 has the same price ($295.00) and same compatibility as the PC-120.
The PC-120 has been discontinued by the vendor, Standard Micro Systems,
and replaced with the PC-130.
The new board is physically smaller and, by utilizing ASIC technology,
generates (and therefore dissipates) less heat.
 
This ARCNET card has, of course, been very popular in ViaNet installations
using the ViaNet upgrade (700-2505), but it has also been
a real boon in existing Novell NetWare  installations using ARCNET.
 
MOM-04-89
DEMONSTRATE FULL LINE OF TANDY PCs
The Tandy 5000 MC has been released to open stock.
(See related article, MERCHANDISE AVAILABILITY, on page 7.)
 
It is important to demonstrate Tandy's full line of PCs to our target markets.
For those customers demanding high performance computers with
built-in VGA graphics, and/or those clients that have made investments in
IBM Micro Channel based computers - the Tandy 5000 MC is an excellent choice.
 
Display the Tandy 5000 MC in a prominent location,
and install the self-running Tandy 5000 MC demo (FC-0557).
 
MOM-04-89
TANDY PRODUCT PROFILES UPDATE
The most recent quarterly update (FC-369, February 1989) to the
Tandy Product Profiles is being drop shipped to 11s, 01Zs, DSMs,
RSMs, RMTMs, AEMMs and REMMs.
Remember that if you ordered FC-352 (the two-volume set) separately from one
that you received as a drop shipment, you will need to order FC-369
to keep it up-to-date.
 
So far, all the numbers you need to know to keep your Tandy Product Profiles
and Tandy Educational Product Profiles current are:
 
STOCK #  DESCRIPTION            DATED
FC-352   Tandy Product Profiles November 1987
             2nd Edition (2 vol. set)
FC-362   1st Update to FC-352   February 1988
FC-363   2nd Update to FC-352   May 1988
FC-364   3rd Update to FC-352   August 1988
FC-367   4th Update to FC-352   November 1988
FC-369   5th Update to FC-352   February 1989
Also avail:
FC-353   Tandy Ed. Product      April 1988
          Profiles 2nd Edition   
FC-368   1st Update to FC-353   November 1988
 
MOM-03-89
THE FRONT LINE - STORE APPEARANCE AND DISPLAYS
Improving the appearance of your in-store displays of computer products
will increase your sales.
 
General Housekeeping and Concepts
In addition to the rules you should be following throughout your store
such as making sure floors are clean, ashtrays emptied and the like,
here are some additional hints.
The things you are most interested in selling need to be the easiest for your
customers to look at and handle.
We do want to guard our pilferable merchandise,
but weigh carefully the security benefits of displaying merchandise
behind glass doors vs. the selling benefits of putting larger items out
where your customers can touch and try them.
Finally, surveys have shown that merchandise at waist to eye level sell
best and that sales drop off the lower and higher they are away from
that waist to eye level span.
 
Computer Systems
Your customer should be able to look at a system and have no reservations about
having that same system in their home or office.
A single computer should be matched with a single printer and placed
on a table or desk.
Your customer would probably not have extra monitors or unrelated
accessories placed next to their computers and you shouldn't show them
that way.
Systems must be turned on and have something on each and every screen
at all times.
The DeskMate  rotating demo is the preferred choice because
when a prospect sees some aspect of DeskMate on every screen,
they're going to want to know just what is so special about that program.
Naturally, you'll be prepared to tell them!
Defective equipment must be removed from display immediately and
temporarily replaced with something else.
Printers are to be loaded with paper and ready to demonstrate.
The paper should be either a neatly placed loose stack or
in a 26-1423 type carton whose top has been neatly cut off with a knife.
Large, half-filled cartons of paper are unsightly and should be avoided.
Cables should be neatly bundled behind each system,
but rather than using nylon wire ties, use rubber bands - they're
more convenient to remove.
Add logical accessories to the systems such as a mouse,
one or two software packages, and monitor and printer platforms.
For the finishing touch,
add some items that compliment the display such as a telephone,
some books and/or a house plant.
 
Showcases
For starters, keep in mind that the lower you place an item in the showcase,
the fewer of that item you will sell.
Pocket computers need to be on top shelves for easy viewing,
with accessories on lower ones.
The floor is a great place for additional stock of showcased items,
for attractive-looking, empty gift boxes from the merchandise
being displayed on the shelves of the showcase, or for extra copies of software.
By the way, showcases are no place for things like laptop computers.
Put them where people can touch and try them.
 
Software
As we all know, software is at the heart of the computer sale,
so make it easy for the customer to find the right software.
The principles for doing this are simple.
First , you might not buy software by its cover,
but a good cover will make you look a long time.
Therefore, you need to show the customer the cover;
i.e., always put the product's fancy cover facing out from the shelf.
The  second  principle is - don't make customers sift through
twenty packages to find the three word processors they need to consider
before making a purchase.
Organize your software by categories--entertainment and
DeskMate applications on your new rotating software display
and the other titles organized by categories on a shelf.
The  final  principle to remember is - make it easy for a customer
to pick up the software and read the back of the package.
Put the product within reach;  and don't stack it so that the software
teeters when touched.
 
Accessories
The best place to feature accessories is "in their working environment"
such as monitor platforms under monitors or the printer switch being used
to connect two printers to one CPU.
Where this isn't possible, make sure that like accessories are
grouped together logically.
For example, place diskette headcleaning products near blank diskettes.
 
Even if you're an "old-hand" at merchandising and selling,
it never hurts to brush up and perhaps learn something new.
Take advantage of these ideas and watch your sales climb!
 
If you have any comments or suggestions about what you'd like to see
in future Front Line columns, write to:
The Front Line,
1500 One Tandy Center,
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
 
MOM-03-89
RADIO SHACK COMPUTER MARKETING
With the recent realignment of our computer marketing efforts well
underway, let's take a look at the target markets that Radio Shack
Computer Centers  and Plus Computer Centers will now be able to focus
exclusively on.
 
As you know, the GRiD Systems  Business Centers are responsible for
marketing to major accounts, the federal government (and all its
agencies), and certain state governments.
A major account is one that is defined as:
 
  within a 50 mile radius of a GRiD Center - over $100M or 200 employees
  outside a 50 mile radius of a GRiD Center - over $200M or 500 employees
 
Radio Shack has the responsibility of EVERYONE ELSE.
In terms of the number of prospects in this country,
that is over 99% of potential prospects!
 
The target markets for Radio Shack Computer Centers and Plus Computer
Centers can be broken down as follows:
 
               Consumer (walk in)
               Office at Home
               Small Business/Professional
               Medium Business
               Education
               Local Government
 
Each of these markets are distinct in their needs and requirements, but
all can be well serviced by Radio Shack.
With nearly 300 Radio Shack Computer Centers and
approximately 400 Radio Shack Plus Computer Centers,
we are the largest chain of computer stores in the country,
with the best line of PC compatibles to sell - and an unsurpassed
service and support record.
These things are important for ALL customers.
 
In future issues, we will be discussing each of these target markets in
more detail, as well as providing the most ideal hardware and software
solutions for them.
 
MOM-03-89
DESKMATE  SURVEY RESULTS ..... PC-LINK
In the January M.O.M. we asked you some questions about DeskMate and
PC-Link.
As you already know, PC-Link is an on-line service provided by
Quantum Computer Corporation.
The service has been written entirely to the DeskMate interface,
and comes included with the Tandy  1000 SL (25-1401),
Tandy 1000 TL (25-1601),
and standalone versions of DeskMate (25-1250).
 
Most of you said that PC-Link has helped you sell more modems.
Some of you said that having PC-Link has tripled your modem sales!
It is clear that those of you who demonstrate PC-Link sell more modems.
PC-Link is a great reason to add a modem to every 1000 SL,
1000 TL, and DeskMate 3 sale.
Be sure that you can effectively use the PC-Link demo that is part of
every copy of DeskMate.
If you would like more help in selling PC-Link, order FC-1255,
the PC-Link Sales Training Kit.
This kit contains the same self-running demo that is included with
DeskMate, and 25 PC-Link brochures for customers.
Be sure to order this kit and use it to demonstrate PC-Link;
doing so will make add-on modem sales effortless.
 
MOM-03-89
CURRENT STATUS OF DESKMATE APPLICATIONS
Now that your new Tandy  1000 purchasers have had time to learn
the DeskMate product, they are ready to explore some new products.
If you suggest some of the DeskMate applications that are now available,
your customers will be able to use the software immediately,
because the keystrokes in the new DeskMate applications are the same ones
they have already learned in DeskMate.
The menus and the dialog boxes will be familiar.
Your customer can also use the easy install with the <F7> key to add
new applications to their DeskMate desktop.
 
You won't have to worry about hand-holding your customers if you sell them
DeskMate applications because they will be immediately comfortable with
the way the software operates.
You can concentrate on making your next software sale.
 
MOM-03-89
NOW SHIPPING
 
25-1232 Speller Bee                       25-1255     PC-Link 
25-1241 SchoolMate                        25-1262 Instant Pages
25-1247 MemoryMate                        25-1265 Print Magic
25-1251 Workgroup Companion               25-1272 Math Talk
25-1252 DeskMate  Thesaurus               25-1279 PFS:  First Publisher
 
COMING SOON
 
25-1234 Music Studio                       25-1249 Venture
25-1237 Children's Writing & Publishing    25-1266 HomeWord II
25-1246 Quicken                            90-3365 Kid Talk
 
MOM-03-89
PRODIGY IS COMING TO YOUR TOWN SOON
Prodigy (25-1256) is an on-line service so impressive it is selling computer
systems by itself!
Prodigy, much like cellular telephones, is a code 76 item
and is available to stores that can access the service.
As a new market is opened, a flood of newspaper ads and T.V. commercials
for Prodigy will appear;
each ad will prominently list Radio Shack  as one of the places people
can go to buy Prodigy.
 
District and regional managers will be informed well in advance as
each city goes on line.
Here is the tentative schedule for calendar 1989:
 
MARKET          MONTH           MARKET            MONTH
---------------------           -----------------------
Boston          March           West Palm Beach   July
Detroit         March           Seattle           August
Baltimore       April           Tacoma            August
Philadelphia    April           Houston           September
Washington DC   April           Minneapolis       September
New York        May             St. Paul          September
Denver          June            Chicago           October
Miami           July            Dallas/Ft. Worth  November
 
MOM-03-89
PRICE CHANGES
CAT. #  DESCRIPTION     OLD PRICE       NEW PRICE
25-1187  Paradox  2.0                     $629.00     $495.00
25-5131  2 MB 80ns SIMM Kit (4000 LX)   $1,499.00   $2,399.00
90-3206  Shanghai                          $29.95      $14.95
 
MOM-03-89
PRODUCTS CANCELED, DISCONTINUED AND REPLACED
 
DISCONTINUED
STOCK # DESCRIPTION
25-1163   Multiplan
25-1228   PFS:  First Choice 2.0
                     (repl by 25-1280 PFS:  First Choice 3.0)
25-3192   Framework II
90-0237   Investor III
90-0492   Medical Office System (6000)
 
MOM-03-89
25-4151 A HOT NEW TANDY 5000 MC DISK DRIVE OPTION!
The 150 MegaByte EDSI hard disk drive (25-4151) is now available
for Tandy 5000 MC systems from the TEW warehouse.
Key features are:
  5 1/4" half height form factor
  ESDI Interface
  10 MHz transfer rate (twice as fast as ST-506)
  Less than 18 msec. average access time
  35,000 hour Mean Time Between Failure
This drive comes installation-ready with I/O cables and installation guide.
Use with 90-2450 Western Digital ESDI Micro Channel Controller.
(NOTE:  The 90-2450 ESDI MC Controller from Western Digital is fully
IBM PS/2 Compatible and is therefore limited to support under MS-DOS ,
SCO XENIX  2.2.2 and 2.2.3 and IBM's OS/2 .
In April we plan to have available the 25-6050 ESDI Controller
which is custom tailored to support all operating environments on the 5000 MC.)
 
MOM-03-89
AXX-7001 HD MOUNTING KIT FOR THE TANDY  4000 AND 4000 LX
The hard drive Mounting Kit for the Tandy 4000 & 4000 LX,
affectionately known as the "side car",
will soon be available through National Parts.
The "side car" permits 3.5 inch ST-506 hard drives to be
mounted internally to free the three device slots
of the 4000 and 4000 LX drive tower for expansion
with front-accessible floppies and tape backup systems.
(Note that 3.5 inch SCSI drives require an additional cable, AXX-7003,
which is anticipated to be available through National Parts by
the end of March.)
 
MOM-03-89
25-4064 INTERNAL 5.25" DISK CARTRIDGE SYSTEM
This removable 20 MB hard disk cartridge system is terrific for use as
a hard disk backup or as a primary storage device for
a 3000 HL or 3000 NL customer.
All problems we've experienced in the past have been resolved
and you may now sell this product without reservations.
It represents a super value at the March flyer price of $799.00.
 
There are two versions of this product that you may see; a 'non A' version
and an 'A' version.
The 25-4064 (non A) is a half height device, but it has a "piggy-backed" board
that hangs beneath the drive that causes some restrictions.
If your customer plans to install the DCS in a 25-4070 or 25-4071
Tandy 3000 HL already equipped with a conventional hard disk drive,
the DCS must be installed in the bottom device slot.
The 'non A' version has been verified to work in the 25-4072
3000 NL also, but in the NL it must be installed in the middle device slot.
(Remember that doing so will preclude the installation of
a conventional hard disk drive in the machine.)
 
The 'A' version has integrated the contents of the piggy-back board
into the drive itself and therefore may be installed in  any  device slot
of a 3000 HL or 3000 NL.
 
TEW will ship 'non A' versions until they are no longer available,
and then will ship the 25-4064A.
If you have a requirement for the 'A' version,
please contact your Regional Manager.
 
MOM-03-89
INTERNAL 20 MEG HARD DISK DRIVE FOR THE TANDY 1400 LT
The long-awaited internal 20 meg hard drive (25-3515) for the
Tandy 1400 LT (25-3500) is now available.
Installation is very complicated and involves modifications to the 1400 LT.
Therefore installation is  required 
and is to be done by your local Service Center.
To help you understand the product, here are several key pieces of information:
 
1) When installed, the 20 meg hard drive will replace the right floppy drive
(Drive B) and will require the use of a new AC adapter that is supplied
with the hard drive kit.
There will be no credit given for the floppy drive that is removed or for
the original AC adapter,
both of which will be returned to the store and  MUST 
be returned to the customer.
 
2) On the supplied Hard Drive Utilities diskette there are several programs;
 
 PREP.EXE  - 
This is a program that performs the  low level  formatting
of the hard drive.
 
 FORMAT.COM  - 
This is a program that performs the  high level  formatting of
the hard drive.
It is the same as the one found with MS-DOS 3.3.
(DO NOT get this program confused with the format program on the MS-DOS
diskette supplied with the 1400 LT.)
Use this program ONLY to format the hard drive.
DO NOT use this program to format floppy diskettes.
 
 BACKUP.EXE  - 
This is a program to backup files from the hard drive to floppy diskettes.
 
 RESTORE.EXE  - 
This is a program to restore files from floppy diskettes to the hard drive.
 
 SL.EXE  - 
This is a program that manages the power consumption on the hard drive.
This is a very IMPORTANT program to understand,
for it alone can increase or decrease the operational time of the unit.
"SL" allows the user to define how long the hard drive
will remain spinning after an access.
For instance, the command "SL 60" will tell the hard drive to
stop spinning 60 seconds after the last access to the hard drive.
 
3) Battery life will vary between 1 to 3.5 hours.
This time will depend on how often the hard drive is being accessed
and how long the drive remains spinning.
Basically, on a fully charged battery, at a 10 % HDD duty cycle,
with SL set to 60, you can expect a good 2.5 hours of operation.
(Note that to recharge a completely dead battery using the new AC adapter
will take approximately 16-20 hours.)
 
4) The 1400 LT with a 20 meg hard drive will take approximately 1 minute
and 15 seconds to boot as compared with 45 seconds under FDD control.
During boot-up, a complete set of hard drive and controller diagnostics
are being run to insure accurate read/writes.
 
5) When the hard drive is not spinning,
it will take approximately 10 seconds to come up to speed
before any read or write operations can occur.
When operating on AC power,
your customer may want to leave the hard drive spinning continuously as
hard drives designed for desktops do to avoid the 10 second spin up time.
This can be accomplished by using the "SL" program (see #2 above).
 
6) MS-DOS version 3.02.04 must be used with the hard drive.
This version of MS-DOS will be installed on to the customer's unit
by the Service Centers.
If the customer wishes to have this version of MS-DOS on a floppy diskette,
you can exchange their MS-DOS 03.20.03 diskette
through Tandy Software Assembly.
 
7) The drive has automatic head parking in cylinder 680 (shipping zone)
6 seconds after last access or power down.
 
25-3515 Technical Specifications
Environmental    Operating Temp         5 to 45 degrees Centigrade
                 Non-Operating Temp   -40 to 60 degrees Centigrade
Operational  Capacity         21.4MB
             Transfer Rate    7.5Mbits per second
             Platters         1
             Heads            2
             Cylinders        615
             Average Access   80 ms
             Vibration
                Operating     .5 G (5 to 300 Hz)
             Shock
                Operating     10 G (11 ms half sine)
                Non-Operating 70 G (11 ms half sine, with head in shipping zone)
Reliability     MTBF          22,000 POH
Physical Dimensions
                Height        25.4mm
                Width         101.6mm
                Depth         146.5mm
                Weight        550 grams
 
Although there are no advantages in running MS-DOS 3.3
in place of the DOS supplied with the 1400 LT,
some customers may still want to do so.
It is critical that they understand these issues before they use 3.3:
 
  HSECT and FDISK must be used in accordance with the MS-DOS 3.3
manual to perform the low-level format.
 
  Do not use PREP.EXE.
 
  The DRIVPARM command must be included in the CONFIG.SYS file
on the hard drive to allow the formatting program included with MS-DOS 3.3
to format floppies properly.
The DRIVPARM command is described in appendix B of the MS-DOS manual.
 
  Note that the BACKUP.EXE and RESTORE.EXE programs included with
the 25-3515 hard drive are the same as those included with MS-DOS 3.3.
 
MOM-03-89
TANDY  1000 TX AND 20 MEG HARD DISK CARD (25-1032C)
 
There have been certain problems reported when using the new "C" version
of the 20 Meg Hard Disk Card with a Tandy 1000 TX (25-1600).
The following steps should be taken when you encounter a 25-1032C
20 Meg Hard Disk Card not working with a Tandy 1000 TX.
 
1) Make sure that the jumper settings on the 20 Meg Hard Disk Card are
set correctly for the Tandy 1000 that it will be installed in.
Initially, the jumpers on the "C" version are set for installation in a
Tandy 1000 SL/TL or Tandy 3000.
These jumpers need to be changed for installation in a Tandy 1000 SX/TX.
Refer to the Owner's Manual (Pages 1-2 and 1-3) for more information on
how to change these jumpers.
 
2) There are new instructions for formatting the "C" Version of the
20 Meg Hard Disk Card.
These instructions are clearly documented in the manual (see pg. 3-1)
and are much simpler to use.
MAKE SURE THAT THESE INSTRUCTIONS ARE FOLLOWED WHEN FORMATTING THE
"C" VERSION OF THE 20 MEG HARD DISK CARD.
 
3) If problems still exist after following the two steps above, you should:
 
A) Check to see if the 20 Meg Hard Disk Drive will work in another Tandy 1000,
such as an SL or TL, or
 
B) Check another Tandy 1000 TX to see if the 20 Meg Hard Disk Card will
work in it.
 
This will help to eliminate any defective Hard Disk Cards or computers
(which would then need to be repaired as required).
 
If after following these steps the problem still exists,
you should send both the 1000 TX and the 20 Meg Hard Disk Card
to your Service Center.
In some cases, it has been found that certain combinations of the "C"
version 20 Meg Hard Disk Card and the Tandy 1000 TX do not function
properly together.
Your Service Center will modify the 1000 TX and the 20 Meg Hard Disk Card
accordingly and return them to you at no charge.
 
Since January 27, 1989, the 25-1032C 20 Meg Hard Disk Card and the
25-1600 Tandy 1000 TX have been modified at all Radio Shack warehouses.
The information below will help you identify 25-1032C and 25-1600 units
that have already been modified to work together correctly.
 
250-1032C       One inch 'P' stamp on the hard drive assembly.
        One inch 'P' stamp on the top of the gift box.
 
250-1600        One inch 'P' stamp on two sides of the gift box
        near the catalog number.
 
MOM-03-89
EXTRA DESKMATE  VIDEO AND PRINTER DRIVERS NOW AVAILABLE
Here is another reason for your customers to buy a modem and sign up
to an information service!
A compilation of the current video and printer drivers for DeskMate 3
are now available to your customers
via Compuserve  and PC-Link  (the files are listed below).
A driver (or resource) is the file that DeskMate requires
to talk to a specific device.
For example, the DeskMate  (DM)  video  (VD)  EGA  (EGA) 
resource  (.RES)  is
the file DeskMate requires to support an EGA video monitor
(put the abbreviations together and you get the file name DMVDEGA.RES).
The files are located in the TRS80PRO section of Compuserve, and
the DeskMate section of PC-Link.
These files supplement the Tandy  1000 SL and TL files by providing
the device support that was included in the standalone version of DeskMate.
(Don't forget, sound and music files are also available this same way.)
 
VIDEO DRIVERS SUPPORTING:       PRINTER DRIVERS SUPPORTING:
 
      EGA                       LP 1000
      VGA                       HP LASERJET 
      MCGA                      STANDARD ASCII/DAISY WHEEL PRINTERS
      CGA                       IBM GRAPHICS MODE
      TANDY  1000 4 COLOR       IBM PROPRINTER MODE
      TANDY 1000 16 COLOR       DMP-105
      HERCULES                  DMP-200
                                DMP-420
                                DMP-430
 
MOM-03-89
LIM 4.0 EXTENDED MEMORY DEVICE DRIVER
TEMM.SYS is a device driver provided with MS-DOS  3.3 (25-4109)
to permit applications which are capable of supporting
the LIM (Lotus-Intel-Microsoft) standard of
expanded memory addressing to access extended memory and shadow RAM
on the Tandy  4000 and 4000 LX.
 
Without the TEMM.SYS driver, applications which are specifically written
to adhere to the LIM standard can exceed the 640K memory limitation of MS-DOS
only  with specially designed memory expansion adapters available through
a number of board developers.
The memory on these special adapters is commonly referred to as expanded memory.
By contrast, extended memory is the CPU's system memory
beyond one megabyte, and shadow RAM is the area between 640K and 1 MB
normally reserved for BIOS ROM and video messaging.
 
Whether memory is extensible on the CPU motherboard or through
CPU-specific memory add-in boards,  extended  memory normally insures
higher performance memory access at the CPU clock speed,
over  expanded  memory which is limited to the slower I/O bus speed.
 
Available at no cost to your customer, the latest version
of TEMM.SYS is anticipated to be available from TEW by the end of March.
This new version adheres to the latest LIM version, LIM 4.0.
Furthermore, TEMM.SYS has been enhanced to support
the Tandy 5000 MC and will now provide the customer the performance advantage
of optionally accessing extended memory without accessing shadow RAM
on the 4000 and 4000 LX.
 
MOM-03-89
SCO XENIX  V/386 VERSION 2.2.4 UPGRADE AND SUPPORT
In the November 1988 Merchandising Memo of the Month,
we announced that SCO XENIX 386 2.2.2 users can obtain the new version 2.2.4
directly from SCO  Customer Service.
This upgrade option is still available to your customers.
However, now support for the upgraded version can now be obtained
directly from our own Computer Support Services!
 
To obtain the upgrade:
 
CALL       SCO Customer Service at (800) 626-4381
ASK        for update UX013-TY32
COST       $195.00
PAYMENT    by credit card or check
REQUIRES   proof of 2.2.2 Ownership
           (Simply send in the 2.2.2 "N1"
           disk with your payment)
 
To obtain support for 2.2.4,
customers don't need to call SCO Customer Service.
Instead they can call Computer Support Services here in Ft. Worth at
(817) 878-6885.
 
MOM-03-89
PFS:  FIRST CHOICE 3.0 NOW STOCK NUMBER 25-1280
Many of you have called to ask when more 25-1228 PFS: First Choice 2.0
will be available.
It has been replaced by 25-1280, the 3.0 version.
This new version includes a DOS utilities feature,
enhanced laser printer support and a "slide show" option
in its graphics application, a word processing file conversion program
which works with files from popular word processors,
calculated fields in its file manager, Lotus connectivity in its spreadsheet,
and VT-100/VT-52 terminal emulation in its communications program.
Manufacturer's suggested retail price - $159.00,
Radio Shack  price - $139.00.
Requires 512K RAM and two floppy drives.
 
MOM-03-89
PARADOX  2.0 INFORMATION
Effective immediately, the retail price for 25-1187 Paradox 2.0 is
dropping from $629.00 to $495.00.
This should help you sell even more of this highly successful database
from Borland International.
 
By the way, did you know that Paradox is so flexible
it is used by the Chicago Cubs to track player performance?
The Cubs' program stores selected data for each player in 10 or 11 tables,
with any number of fields per table.
The program is relied on mainly for clutch situations to evaluate performance.
For example, if managers want to know which pinch hitter would be best
called up to hit against a right-handed pitcher, with two men out,
and men on second and third base in the seventh inning,
Paradox can give them the information instantly.
Seems like Paradox is real team player!
(Paradox 2.0, 25-1187, requires 640K and hard disk.)
 
MOM-03-89
PRINT MAGIC MEMORY REQUIREMENT
Although we have mentioned this in previous issues of the M.O.M.,
please remind your customers that 25-1265 Print Magic requires 640K of RAM
to run; it was listed in the '89 catalogs as only requiring 512K RAM.
 
MOM-03-89
RIGHTWRITER MEMORY REQUIREMENT
Due to the video RAM required on a Tandy  1000 SL,
you must have 512K RAM to run 90-3299 RightWriter,
although the packaging indicates 384K RAM.
(Note: Your 1989 software catalogs list RightWriter as only needing 256K RAM.)
 
MOM-03-89
UPDATE ON PAGEMAKER  PERSONAL COPIES
Anyone who ordered a personal copy of Aldus PageMaker and has
not yet received it should contact Janelle Brebner of Aldus
at (206) 628-6591.
 
MOM-03-89
DCA IRMALAN SDLC GATEWAY 2 STARTER KIT - 26-5710
The IRMALAN SDLC Gateway 2 is a combination of hardware and software
that enables a personal computer on a local area network to emulate
an IBM 3274 or 3276 control unit.
The IRMALAN SDLC Gateway 2 works in conjunction with
IRMALAN Workstation Software (included in 26-5710
and also available in 90-2300)
to give workstation PCs access to an IBM SNA host.
A single SDLC Gateway 2 enables you to run up to 64 host sessions
on the network at one time.
 
The IRMALAN SDLC Gateway 2 hardware is an intelligent printed circuit card
that fits into any full-sized PC slot.
The card communicates with an IBM 3705, 3725, 3745 or compatible
front-end processor by means of synchronous modem over
switched or leased lines. Supporting two types of interface,
the IRMALAN Gateway 2 card offers a choice of connection.
(1) The card supports data rates up to 19.2 Kbps with
standard RS-232C cable and modem.
(2) With CCITT V.35 cable adapter and modem,
the card supports data rates up to 72Kbps.
 
KEY FEATURES
 
  Supports 64 concurrent host sessions
  Supports data rates up to 72 Kbps
  Supports IBM-NETBIOS-compatible networks
  Allows host sessions to be polled and/or dedicated
  Provides gateway monitoring programs to be used at the gateway or at
a workstation on the LAN
  Includes IRMALAN 3278 Printer workstation software
 
HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS
 
  An IBM PC-compatible with at least one 360K disk drive.
(A dedicated PC is not required, but is recommended for optimum performance.)
  A LAN interface card in the PC connected to a NETBIOS LAN.
  A synchronous modem compatible with the host modem.
 
The IRMALAN Gateway 2 Starter Kit includes support for five (5)
workstations and retails for $1,495.00.
If additional workstations are needed,
order 90-2300 for five (5) additional workstations.
 
MOM-03-89
SCHOOLMATE  - "CHECK OUT" FUNCTIONS & NETWORK CONFIGURATIONS
"CHECK OUT" FUNCTIONS
Many of you have asked if SchoolMate is supported on a stand-alone computer.
SchoolMate is not supported in a stand-alone configuration.
However, SchoolMate has stand-alone functionality
in the GRADE BOOK and in EXAM MAKER.
Teachers can "Check Out" these applications and use them on a
stand-alone computer running DeskMate  (25-1250, included with the SL/TL).
This unique "Check Out" feature lets teachers enter grades and prepare
exams at their convenience - at home or in the classroom.
 
NETWORK CONFIGURATIONS
There are three types of network adapter boards supported by SchoolMate -- 
TandyLink , EtherLink  and TokenLink  (TokenRing).
TandyLink, the least expensive option, will support up to 18 workstations.
It should be selected only if future expandability is not an issue,
or if SchoolMate must be installed on Tandy  1000 EX/HX computers.
EtherLink cards are available for all Tandy 1000/3000/4000 computers
except the 1000 EX/HX, and is appropriate for up to 60 workstations
per network.
TokenLink (TokenRing) cards are not available for Tandy 1000 computers.
 
Use of 3+TurboShare and an EMS card is recommended on the server for all
TandyLink networks with more than 10 workstations and EtherLink networks
with 20 to 35 workstations.
3+TurboShare and EMS is required on the server for all single-server
networks with more than 35 workstations.
 
Hardware Selection Summary:
 
Servers   Tandy 1000 TL/TX (768K)    Small, low cost system
          Tandy 3000/HD/HL/NL        Moderate price and performance
          Tandy 4000/LX              Best performance of PC servers
          3S/401 or 3S/202 Server    High performance, expensive systems
 
Stations  Tandy 1000 HX              TandyLink  Plus only
          Tandy 1000 SL              TandyLink or EtherLink
          Tandy 1000 TL              TandyLink or EtherLink
          Tandy 3000                 TandyLink, EtherLink, or TokenLink
Network Adapter Cards 
          TandyLink  PC              4000/3000/TX/TL/SX/SL
          TandyLink Plus             HX/EX
          EtherLink                  4000/3000/TX/TL/SX/SL
          EtherLink  II              4000/3000/TX/TL/SX/SL
          EtherLink  Plus            4000/3000
          TokenLink                  4000/3000
          TokenLink  Plus            4000/3000
 
Recommended Configurations:
 
STATIONS   STATION BOARD   SERVER         SERVER BOARD
10         TandyLink       1000 TX/TL     TandyLink
18         TandyLink       3000           TandyLink
35         EtherLink II    3000/4000      EtherLink Plus
45         EtherLink II    3000/4000      EtherLink Plus
60         EtherLink II    2 PC Servers   EtherLink Plus
60         EtherLink II    3Server
 
  Requires 3+TurboShare and EMS card.
3+TurboShare software not required if server is running 3+Share 1.3.1.
 
MOM-03-89
26-5429 3+EDUCATION REPLACED WITH 25-1241 SCHOOLMATE
3+Education has been DISContinued and replaced with  SchoolMate.
Now, when you sell a school a 3Com network,
they get everything 3+Education offered, and more.
This new educational network includes 3+Education (i.e., 3+ Share 1.2.1)
plus additional classroom management applications designed with
the teacher in mind.
 
MOM-03-89
CALLS TO COMPUTER SUPPORT SERVICES
Since we published the new phone numbers last month,
Customer Support Services has received many calls from  customers 
who are using the 800 support phone numbers.
Do not provide the 800 numbers for Computer Support Services
that were supplied to you in the February M.O.M. to your customers!
Those phone numbers are for use by  store personnel  only.
 
The following phone numbers are for customer assistance:
 
MS-DOS  System Support  (817) 878-6875
XENIX  System Support   (817) 878-6885
 
Accounting Support      (817) 878-6880
Spreadsheet Support
Database Support
Integrated Package Support
 
Languages Support       (817) 878-6890
Entertainment and Home Software Support
Education Support
Portable (Model 102, 200, 600) Support
Satellite / FAX / Cellular Support
 
MOM-03-89
SOFTWARE RELEASED SINCE RSC-20/20S/20E CATALOGS PRINTED
These items are in alphabetical order within categories,
and are MS-DOS  unless otherwise specified.
 
 
CATEGORY        CAT. #  TITLE   SHORT DESCRIPTION       PRICE   REFER TO:
 
Accounting      90-1289 Dac Easy Accounting Video Tutor VHS visual tutor        $49.95  February MOM
Accounting      90-1333 The CLAN Practical Accountant   Bookkeeping prog.       $79.95  February MOM
 
Bus./Pers. Mgmt 90-1336 Who-What-When   Organizer       $189.95 March MOM
Bus./Pers. Mgmt 90-1342 TurboTax 1040   Tax Preparation $65.00  March MOM
Bus./Pers. Mgmt 90-1353 Armstrong's Home Financial Org. Financial organizer     $95.00  March MOM
Bus./Pers. Mgmt 25-1252 DeskMate  Thesaurus Companion   Thesaurus for DeskMate  Text    $29.95  RSC-20A
Bus./Pers. Mgmt 25-1285 CheckFree Service Kit   Electronic Bill-paying  $29.95  February MOM
Bus./Pers. Mgmt 25-1286 J.K.Lasser's Your Income Tax 1989       Tax program     $49.95  February MOM
Bus./Pers. Mgmt 90-1207 Great Chefs - Master Collection Recipe/Cooking  $65.00  January MOM
Bus./Pers. Mgmt 90-1300 Labels Unlimited        Label making program    $59.95  November MOM
Bus./Pers. Mgmt 90-1301 Pocket Address Book (Senior Ed.)        Personal Address maker  $84.95  November MOM
Bus./Pers. Mgmt 90-1326 Byte Size Stock Portfolio       Tracks stocks   $24.95  December MOM
Bus./Pers. Mgmt 90-1327 Byte Size Mailing & Phone List  Lists   $24.95  December MOM
Bus./Pers. Mgmt 90-1330 Byte Size Home Inventory        Inventory tool  $24.95  December MOM
Bus./Pers. Mgmt 90-1358 Andrew Tobias' CheckWrite Plus  Check & Bkkpg   $49.95  February MOM
Bus./Pers. Mgmt 90-1373 Personal Tax Filer 1989 Tax form printer        $19.95  February MOM
 
Communications  90-1299 Freeway Terminal/communications $59.95  March MOM
Communications  90-1307 Instant Terminal        Full Featured communications    $79.95  January MOM
Communications  90-1331 Lap-Link Plus   Access desktop PC from laptop   $139.95 March MOM
 
Database (CoCo) 90-0915 VIP Database III        Database for CoCo 3     $69.95  January MOM
Database        90-1267 Data Manager    Database w/low memory requirement       $39.95  January MOM
 
Desktop Publishing      25-1279 PFS:  First Publisher   Easy full-featured desktop publisher    $129.00 Marach MOM
Desktop Publishing      90-2273 Font Effects    Add special effects to fonts    $95.00  Aug/Sept MOM
Desktop Publishing      90-2271 Laserfonts      Font Install for WordPerfect    $180.00 Aug/Sept MOM
Desktop Publishing      90-2272 WYSIFONTS!      Screen Font Installer   $95.00  Aug/Sept MOM
 
Entertainment (CoCo3)   90-0910 Alternate Reality - The City    Graphic Adventure       $29.95  November MOM
Entertainment (CoCo3)   90-0912 Scenery Disk - #7       Scenery disk for Flight Sim II  $24.95  December MOM
Entertainment (CoCo3)   90-0913 Scenery Disk - Japan    Scenery disk for Flight Sim II  $24.95  December MOM
Entertainment (CoCo3)   90-0914 Scenery Disk - Western Europe   Scenery disk for Flight Sim II  $24.95  December MOM
Entertainment   90-1256 Star Flight     was 25-1137     $44.95  December MOM
Entertainment   90-1281 Grand Prix Circuit      Car Racing      $39.95  February MOM
Entertainment   90-1282 Battle Tech     Graphic Adventure       $39.95  March MOM
Entertainment   90-1283 T. V. Gameshows II      T. V. Gameshows $29.95  March MOM
Entertainment   90-1284 Battle Hawks 1942       Aerial Battle   $44.95  March MOM
Entertainment   90-1285 Zak McKracken   Graphic Adventure       $39.95  February MOM
Entertainment   90-1286 The Train       Train Escape Adventure  $34.95  February MOM
Entertainment   90-1287 Rack'em Game of Pool    $39.95  February MOM
Entertainment   90-1288 Serve & Volley  Tennis Game     $39.95  February MOM
Entertainment   25-1290 F-19 Stealth Fighter    Stealth Combat  $54.95  January MOM
Entertainment   90-1361 Double Dragon   Arcade Adventure        $40.00  February MOM
Entertainment   90-1362 Pete Rose's Pennant Fvr.        Baseball        $35.95  February MOM
Entertainment   90-1363 Jack Nicklaus Golf      Golf Game       $49.95  February MOM
Entertainment   90-3139 The Games       Games (Summer Edition)  $49.95  February MOM
Entertainment   90-3140 4 X 4 Offroad race      4 X 4 race on desert    $19.95  February MOM
Entertainment   90-3136 John Elway's QB Football                $29.95  January MOM
Entertainment   90-3137 Manhunter: New York     3D Graphic Adventure    $44.95  December MOM
Entertainment   90-3216 Police Quest 2  Police Adventure        $44.95  February MOM
Entertainment   90-3251 Fantavision     Art and Animation creator       $54.95  November MOM
Entertainment   90-3313 Jordan Vs. Bird Basketball      $40.00  January MOM
Entertainment   90-3355 Three Stooges   Graphic Adventure       $44.95  December MOM
Entertainment   90-3362 Defender of Crown       Graphic Adventure       $39.95  January MOM
Entertainment   90-3363 Rocket Ranger   Graphic Adventure       $39.95  January MOM
Entertainment   90-3376 TRACON  Air Traffic Simulation  $44.95  February MOM
 
 
Graphics/Design 90-0282 Drafix 3-D Modeler      Design modeling tool    $295.00 November MOM
Graphics/Design 90-0284 Professional Arch. Symbols Library      Pre-drawn Arch. symbols $150.00 November MOM
Graphics/Design 90-0283 Professional Mech. Symbols Library      Pre-drawn Mech. symbols $150.00 November MOM
Graphics/Design 90-1370 Splash! Drawing program $99.95  February MOM
Graphics/Design 90-1418 Drafix CAD Ultra        Full-featured CAD sftwr.        $395.00 March MOM
 
Home Education  25-1272 MathTalk        Talking math program    $34.95  March MOM
Home Education  90-1279 Read 'N Roll    Reading drill   $44.95  January MOM
Home Education  90-3359 Reading and Me  Reading program for ages 4-7    $34.95  November MOM
Home Education  90-3361 PC-GLOBE +      Geography       $49.95  February MOM
 
Industry Specific       90-1357 Medisoft Patient Acctg  Medical A/R & Billing   $149.00 February MOM
Industry Specific       90-1411 REMS Appraiser URAR     Does Unif. Resident. Appraisal rpt.     $295.00 March MOM
Industry Specific       90-1414 REMS Lessor 2000        Lease analyzer  $395.00 March MOM
Industry Specific       90-1415 REMS Investor 2000      Investment analyzer     $395.00 March MOM
Industry Specific       90-1585 Real World POS  SCO 386 $1095.00        December MOM
 
Integrated      25-1280 PFS:  First Choice 3.0  WP, DB, SS, Graphics, COMM      $139.00 March MOM
 
Programming Tools       90-1302 Peter Norton's Assembly Language        Assy. Lang. Instruction Book    $39.95  November MOM
Programming Tools       90-1344 Norton's DOS Guide      DOS guide book  $19.95  February MOM
Programming Tools       90-1346 Getting Started w/PCs...        PC guide book   $19.95  February MOM
Programming Tools       90-1348 Communications & Networking     Intro/Reference book    $22.95  February MOM
Programming Tools       90-1583 LPI COBOL 386   SCO 386 Compiler        $1595.00        December MOM
Programming Tools       90-1584 LPI FORTRAN 386 SCO 386 Compiler        $995.00 December MOM
 
Spreadsheets    90-1265 SwiftCalc       SS w/low memory requirement     $39.95  January MOM
 
Utilities       90-0514 PC-Fullbak      HD Backup utility       $49.95  Aug/Sept MOM
Utilities (CoCo3)       90-0911 Printer Drivers for Home Publisher 26-3273      $19.95  December MOM
Utilities       90-1298 Auto-Might      Mem. resident event executer    $69.95  March MOM
Utilities       90-1304 PC Tools Deluxe HD utility      $74.99  December MOM
Utilities       90-1305 PathMinder      DOS utility     $59.95  Aug/Sept MOM
Utilities       90-1349 Take Charge     Information Mgr $139.95 February MOM
Utilities       90-1350 Paul Mace Utilities     Data recovery/Disk optimizer    $99.00  February MOM
Utilities       90-1351 Paul Mace hTest/hFormat HD tester       $89.95  February MOM
Utilities       90-1356 PC-Fullbak Point & Shoot        HD Backup       $129.95 January MOM
Utilities       90-1359 MetaMenu        Prof. menu system       $89.00  March MOM
 
Word Processing (CoCo3) 90-0908 VIP Writer III  Word Processing $79.95  December MOM
Word Processing (CoCo3) 90-0909 Telewriter-128  Word Processing $79.95  December MOM
Word Processing 90-1264 The Resume Kit  Resume Compiler Aid     $39.95  January MOM
Word Processing 90-1266 WordWriter      WP w/low memory requirement     $39.95  January MOM
Word Processing 90-2219 Carets OCR      for Ricoh RS-320 Scanner        $495.00 Aug/Sept MOM
 
Education - CD-ROM Apps 90-5605 PC-SIG Library  Shareware/Public Domain $295.00 November MOM
Education - CD-ROM Apps 90-5604 Science Helper K-8      Science Lesson Plans    $195.00 November MOM
Education - Vocational  90-5609 Jr. Drafter CAD Training        CAD Training    $995.00 January MOM
Education - Vocational  90-5516 WordPerfect 5.0 WP @ School Price       $168.75 November MOM
Education - Vocational  90-5695 Jr. Drafter CAD Training        CAD Training - 10-users $7250.00        March MOM
 
MOM-03-89
MEMORYMATE  - DESKMATE  VERSION NOW AVAILABLE - 25-1247
Now you can find a needle in the haystack in one second flat with MemoryMate.
Imagine tossing all your notes and files into a huge desk drawer,
then discovering that every time you want something, it's right on top.
MemoryMate is a new breed of data manager that reduces your paper clutter
and takes the mess off your desk, and better yet, it works like DeskMate.
Unlike structured databases, MemoryMate is free form and works intuitively.
Every single word, phrase, and date is automatically indexed and cross indexed.
Reminders pop-up automatically for appointments and important events.
There are only seventeen commands, and they are always on screen.
 
MemoryMate comes with ready-to-run information libraries - DOS Help,
an ASCII conversion table, a toll free number directory,
a U.S. Area Codes Directory, and a convenient metric converter.
 
Min. System Requirements: 384K RAM and (2) floppy drives.
The retail price is $69.95.
 
MOM-03-89
PFS:  FIRST PUBLISHER - 25-1279
Software Publishing's new version of PFS: First Publisher is now available
as 25-1279.
It incorporates the DeskMate  interface,
making it even easier to use than before.
Old First Publisher users will find its pull down menus and pop-up dialog boxes
familiar, and DeskMate fans will feel right at home with function key and
mouse options for input.
As before, First Publisher lets users switch printers and
install additional fonts without leaving the program,
supports scanned images, and is compatible with most word-processing packages.
The DeskMate version also has two new features: VGA video support and
Tandy  LP 1000 printer support.
 
Manufacturer's suggested retail price, $149.00; Radio Shack
  price   $129.00.
Requires 640K RAM and two floppy drives (hard disk recommended).
 
MOM-03-89
EASYPRINT PRODUCTS
EasyPRINT -2 for two PCs - 90-1686
EasyPRINT-2 is the ideal printer sharing solution for the small office
that has two PCs and several printers.
In any office, the boss and the secretary may want to share a common laser
printer without carrying floppy disks between two PCs.
Any printer attached to either PC can be shared using EasyPRINT-2.
EasyPRINT-2 is the two-PC configuration for the "Office Printer Sharing"
that fits everyone's budget and the price is just $99.95.
 
EasyPRINT -4 - 90-1693
EasyPRINT-2 for four or more PCs!
The average number of PCs in most departments or workgroups is four.
EasyPRINT-4 allows all four to share all the printers within the department.
EasyPRINT-4 includes the software and cables to connect up to 4 PCs
and two printers using EasySWITCH.
EasySWITCH is about the same size as a modem.
Up to eight connections can be made.
EasySWITCH with EasyPRINT software allows a communication path to be
set up between every PC and printer in the office, all for $395.95.
 
Expansion Kit for EasyPRINT -4 - 90-1694
EasyPRINT-4 can be expanded to support additional PCs with the 90-1694
Expansion Kit.
Each Expansion Kit includes two diskettes and cables to add two more PCs
to EasySWITCH.
EasySWITCH can support up to eight PCs.
The Expansion Kit is only $119.95.
 
MOM-03-89
DISTO SUPER CONTROLLER II FOR COLOR COMPUTER 3 - 90-2009
The Disto Super Controller II Disk Controller is now available.
It works with the Color Computer 3 only.
Please be aware that this product DOES NOT include COLOR DISK BASIC
which is necessary to access the disk drive(s).
The customer will need to either use the COLOR DISK BASIC ROM from
their current disk controller or will need to obtain the ROM
from National Parts.
 
MOM-03-89
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
90-1336  Who-What-When  $189.95
Who-What-When manages people (including yourself), projects and time.
WHO: The People View displays the people you work
with, their projects and schedules.  WHAT: The Job View
displays your projects, the people involved and the
deadlines.  WHEN: The Time Management View displays your
calendar, who you are seeing and what it's about.
Includes automated management reporting, daily and long term calendars
by person or project, task delegation, prioritized to-do lists, archiving,
alarm reminders, time stamping, office-wide scheduling, meeting maker,
Gantt charts, address/phone books, card file, note writer,
and binder with "paperware" planner/organizer - all in a
single integrated system.
in. System Requirements: 512K RAM and 20MB hard drive.
 
MOM-03-89
COMMUNICATIONS  90-1299  Freeway  $59.95
Freeway's simple menus and clear displays put communications at your
fingertips.
Supports VT-100 / ANSI-BBS, VT-52, TTY, and VT-102 terminal emulations
and KERMIT, XMODEM, YMODEM, and Compuserve-B file transfer protocols.
Both command line and menu driven, the auto pilot mode will generate automatic
log-on scripts for information services and bulletin boards.
Contains all the features of the best terminal programs for
one low price.
Min. System Requirements: 384K RAM and modem.
 
90-1331  Lap-Link Plus  $139.95
Provides all the features of Lap-Link, plus direct disk drive
and printer sharing.
An easy and inexpensive bridge into compatible corporate networks.
If your desktop is part of a network,
you can access that network from your laptop computer without
having to install a network card in it.
Simply use Lap-Link Plus to link your laptop to your desktop computer and,
thus, to the network.
It also provides the convenience of printing directly from your laptop.
In addition, the direct disk access is ideal for those who would
like to share a hard disk or a tape backup device with their
laptop using only the Lap-Link cable.
Includes both 5.25 and 3.5 inch media, complete documentation,
and a six foot universal cable with DB25 (PC style) and DB9 (AT style)
connectors at each end.
Min. System Requirements: MS-DOS  2.0 or greater (Need NOT be
matched on the two machines), 256K RAM, and an RS232C serial port
on each computer-either COM1 or COM2.
 
MOM-03-89
90-1282  Battle Tech  $39.95
The 31st century is a desperate time.
Five successor states are locked in a mortal struggle for power.
The fate has given you, 18-year-old Jason Youngblood,
a terrible gauntlet to run.
Abruptly wrenched from the intense drilling of 'Mech Warrior training,
you are plunged into real battle with deadly Kurita warriors.
The master storytellers of INFOCOM have joined forces with FASA
to bring you the graphic adventure.
 
MOM-03-89
90-1283  T. V. Gameshows II  $29.95
Following the success of "The Official T. V. Gameshow" comes this great
3 in one game show pack.
It includes  Family Feud, Concentration, and Card Sharks .
Family Feud:  pass or play - the strategy is yours as you try to outwit
your opponent.
Card Sharks: go for it...bet it all...win big bucks in the new computer
version.
Concentration:  the classic game with over 100 puzzles and valuable prizes
are yours to uncover as you match wits with a friend or with the computer.
For hours of non-stop fun...play Classic Concentration.
 
MOM-03-89
90-1284  Battle Hawks 1942  $44.95
Combat flying is pure science until the enemy shows up!
F4F Wildcat and A6M zero fighters.
SBD dauntless and D3A Val dive bombers.
TBF Avenger and B5N Kate torpedo bombers.
Rich in historical detail and thrilling in graphic realism,
Battlehawks 1942 gives you a heart pounding experience as you take
one of these fighters for an aerial battle.
Torpedo, dive bomb, escort and intercept missions.
Decorations awarded for skill and valor.
 
MOM-03-89
GRAPHICS/DESIGN
90-1418  Drafix CAD Ultra  $395.00
Turns your CAD drawings into usable databases and spreadsheet information.
CADapult (included) takes data from your drawings and converts it
into dBASE and Lotus 1-2-3 files, letting you create bills of materials,
invoices, and much more.
You can even send HPGL files to your favorite desktop publishing program.
Includes all the features found in Drafix 1 Plus, plus the Large Plot Option,
high resolution graphics support, and CADapult.
Target Market: 1) Entry Level: students and small business; 2) Technical User:
professionals that use CAD infrequently and need a professional low-cost
package; 3) Professional User: engineers, architects, etc.
 
Min System Requirements: 512K RAM, (2) floppy drives, and Hercules compatible,
CGA, EGA, or VGA graphics card.  Hard disk recommended.
 
MOM-03-89
25-1272  MathTalk  $34.95
One of the Talking series from First Byte, the developers of Speller Bee.
This software is for ages 5 thru 13.
MathTalk has built-in revolutionary speech technology to let Professor
Matt A. Matics talk to your child.
Improves basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
Orderable from your regional warehouse.
 
MOM-03-89
90-1411  REMS Appraiser URAR  $295.00
Completes the Uniform Residential Appraisal Report (FNMA 1004).
Simple, easy to understand directions on the screen guide you through
entering information on the form and calculations are performed automatically.
Standard phrase storage permits faster reporting.
Full review and editing features ensure accuracy
and completeness before printing.
Target Market: Real Estate Brokers and Professional
Appraisers. Ideal laptop system.
Min. System Requirements: 256K RAM and (1) floppy drive.
 
MOM-03-89
90-1414  REMS Lessor 2000  $395.00
Analyze and consolidate up to twenty (20) leases with varying
and dissimilar terms and conditions.
Forecast property and lease data up to twenty-one (21) years and compute key
financial ratios.
Make operational decisions based on searches of specific information
you maintain on each lease.
Accommodates all types of leases: office, rental, warehouse, and industrial.
Exports data to (90-1415) REMS Investor.
Complete reporting includes landlord reports for individual
and consolidated properties and tenant reporting for each lease.
Target Market: Perfect for the tenant or leasing agent trying
to negotiate the best lease terms.
Min. System Requirements: 512K RAM and (2) floppy drives.
 
MOM-03-89
90-1415  REMS Investor 2000  $395.00
Forecast cash flows for properties starting with the acquisition of
raw land (purchase or ground lease), through development, initial leasing,
operation and sale up to twenty (20) years in the future.
Evaluate all components of an investment: acquisition,
eleven (11) financing types, seventeen (17) depreciation types,
income and expense projections, capital additions, disposition, and price
determinants.
Report formats as taught by the Commercial Investment Real
Estate Council of NAR (National Association of Realtors).
Min. System Requirements: 384K RAM and (1) floppy drive.
 
MOM-03-89
90-1342  TurboTax 1040  $65.00
TurboTax Personal 1040, containing over 40 forms, schedules, and worksheets,
integrates with over 26 state packages (available from ChipSoft).
The system prints tax forms on the PC printer in formats that are approved
for filing with the IRS.
Includes on-line IRS instructions, data examiner for checking accuracy,
quick link forms finder, notepad and pop-up calculator,
and tax planning assistance.
Min. System Requirements: 384K RAM, (2) floppy drives, and
graphics compatible dot matrix printer or LP 1000.
 
MOM-03-89
90-1353  Armstrong's Home Financial Organizer  $95.00
We devote time and effort to our careers with little or no attention paid
to our personal resources.
Armstrong's Home Financial Organizer is a comprehensive software package that
has been designed to help you get organized.
In less than one hour, you can become familiar with all
the available functions.
Then, because of the programs simplicity, you will be able to
successfully organize personal finances.
Inventory personal and business records, true cash flow reports for
individual bank accounts, credit card activity reports, and more.
Min. System Requirements: 256K RAM and (2) floppy drives.
 
MOM-03-89
90-1298  Auto-Might  $69.95
A memory resident utility that executes any software, utility or program
at a pre-determined date and time.
AUTO-MIGHT works by entering a series of keystrokes to the system as
though you were typing them.
You need only setup the "event" once, add a few lines to your
autoexec.bat file and leave the rest to AUTO-MIGHT.
Events may be scheduled as one time only or recurring.
Recurring events may be scheduled to occur monthly, weekly,
or any combination of days of the week.
Min. System Requirements: 256K RAM and (1) floppy drive.
 
MOM-03-89
90-1359  MetaMenu  $89.00
Professional menu system for DOS including robust installation
and point and shoot loading.
Mouse compatible, time saving features include single keystroke access,
lightbar selection, file seeking, backup, five level security,
usage tracking report, unlimited menu items, and color customization.
Min. System Requirements: 384K RAM and hard drive.
 
MOM-03-89
90-5695  Jr. Drafter CAD Training - 10 Users  $7250.00
Learning Odyssey has licensed Jr. Drafter CAD Training for up to 10 users!
The junior Drafter CAD Training System is the first PC CAD software package
designed specifically for teaching drafting and computer aided design (CAD).
Developed for the beginning CAD drafter, the PC CAD software works in concert
with self-paced, computer-based training software.
This complete CAD curriculum starts by teaching computer basics
and finishes with real drafting assignments typical of the work expected
of a junior drafter in industry.
Grades 9 to Adult.
 
MOM-03-89
XENIX AND SCSI
As you are all aware, we have complete SCSI support in the version 2.2.4
SCO XENIX  386 product.
What you may not be aware of is how SCSI delivers performance advantages
with XENIX over other drive architectures.
 
XENIX is a very disk intensive or disk bound operating system.
Up until our SCSI implementation,
the best measurement of a hard drive's performance was the average seek time.
While this is still important,
it is also important that you understand that we now have another method of
determining performance for the XENIX system that has been virtually
ignored by the industry - OVERHEAD.
 
To understand overhead, you must first understand how XENIX does disk
I/O at the driver level.
With ST-506 and ESDI hard drives,
the operating system issues a command and waits for that command to be done.
Then the drive issues an interrupt to the CPU
acknowledging that a command has been completed.
It is up to the CPU to then move the data from the controller
buffer to system memory.
 
During the time between when a command is sent and when the the data is moved
to memory, the driver  "sleeps" .
Sleeping is a term used to refer to a driver waiting for an interrupt to occur.
It is important to realize that during a  "sleep"   all other
activity ceases.
No other user processes can be executed and currently executing processes
are suspended .
The time for all this to occur is referred to as overhead.
 
Overhead is substantially reduced with our SCSI implementation.
Our driver never waits for a command to be completed.
In other words, our driver never  "sleeps" .
This allows the CPU to allocate more time to user processes
(i.e. applications).
Of course, the end result is higher overall system throughput.
 
Another way our SCSI implementation reduces overhead is
by reducing the number of interrupts the CPU must service.
For each and every command for an ST-506 and ESDI drive,
there are two interrupts.
With our SCSI technology, there is only one interrupt per multiple commands.
In other words, our adapter can queue up to 16 commands at a time,
and when those commands are completed, the CPU will receive one interrupt.
 
Our SCSI technology also reduces overhead by moving the data
itself to memory at the highest rate memory will allow.
This is much faster than the CPU having to move the data
at the speed of the AT bus which is considerably slower
than the clock rate of the CPU.
 
Another way we reduce overhead is through the use of multi-threaded I/O.
It is possible for the SCSI adapter to issue commands
to more than one device at a time.
This cannot be accomplished with ST-506 or ESDI.
For instance, if you have 2 SCSI hard drives,
the adapter can issue commands to both of those hard drives at the same time.
By being able to issue these two commands to both devices,
overhead is cut in half for disk accesses.
 
MOM-03-89
AN EASYPRINT -4 SUCCESS STORY
Rena Chacon, a Tandy Systems Engineer, describes how EasyPRINT-4
(90-1693, retail $395.95) solved a problem for her customer.
 
Customer Profile:
This customer has six Tandy  PCs, one Laser Printer and two Plotters
(an HP 7475 and HP Draft Pro).
The principal activity is plotting drawings created by
the VersaCAD application program.
 
The Situation:
The customer required a solution to share the laser printer and two plotters
between all six PCs.
A LAN product solution was too expensive and complex for this customer.
 
The Solution:
EasyPRINT-4 with a two-PC Expansion was installed for a total of less than
$600.00.
The customer is very pleased with EasyPRINT's ability to share
the laser and two plotters by all six PCs.
Rena Chacon says "VersaCAD first spools all of its drawing to the PC's disk.
Then the plot job is despooled and directed to LPT1.
EasyPRINT takes over from that point and directs the plot job to
the correct plotter or laser printer.
It's automatic, and there is nothing new for the customer to learn".
 
Rena added, "EasyPRINT solved the customer's major requirement - the ability
to share the printer and plotter resources between the six PCs at an
affordable price".
 
MOM-03-89
LATE DATES
Listed below are the new items that appear in Catalogs RSC-20, RSC-20S,
and RSC-20E which have not yet arrived at the warehouses.
Also included are the dates the merchandise is expected to be available
at the warehouses.
 
The dates listed in this section are based on the latest available information,
and are updated monthly.
While they may not be 100% accurate, they are the best estimate we have
at this time.
The dates listed here should be your ONLY reference for availability of
cataloged items.
Ft. Worth Customer Service or Ft. Worth Computer Merchandising
will not have any dates other than the ones shown here.
 
25-1234  Music Studio                        3/31/89
25-1237  Children's Writing and Publishing   3/31/89
25-1246  Quicken                             3/15/89
25-1249  Venture                             4/15/89
25-1266  HomeWord II                         4/15/89
25-1515  1400 LT Tech. Ref. Manual           3/15/89
25-6050  ESDI-HD Controller-MC               3/31/89
90-1527  Microsoft Word                      3/15/89
90-1570  SCO XENIX 386-MC                    3/31/89
90-1571  SCO XENIX Dev. System-MC            3/31/89
90-1578  SCO Image Builder                   4/31/89
90-3263  Byline                              5/15/89
90-3348  Computer Mad Libs                   3/31/89
90-3365  Kidtalk                             3/31/89
90-3367  First Shapes                        3/31/89
90-3368  Smoothtalker                        3/31/89
90-3369  First Letter & Word                 3/31/89
90-3377  MathTalk Fractions                  3/31/89
 
MOM-02-89
MICROSOFT WINDOWS PROMOTION EXTENDED
Provide Microsoft Windows FREE with each purchase of a Tandy 3000 or 4000
series computer or new 5000 MC!
This promotion has been EXTENDED throughout the month of February
so you can continue to provide your customers AT NO CHARGE a consistent,
easy to use graphical user interface which is fast becoming
the industry standard for higher end PCs.
See the complete article on this promotion in the December 1988 Issue of the
Computer Merchandising Memo of the Month (page 3).
That article details features, advantages, and the upgrade policy for
customers who receive the 2.03 version and wish to upgrade
to the new 2.10 version of this operating system.
Note: 
On the 2.10 version of MS-Windows 286 (25-4111),
the sticker on the package says "512K required".
To use this package with only 512K: 
1) There must be no config.sys that sets files & buffers.
2) you must be using CGA - with an EGA setup, Windows will not install
if you select an EGA driver.
If your customer plans to use version 2.10 with files and buffers modified
or with EGA, be sure to upgrade their system to 640K.
These idiosyncrasies are unique to the 2.10 of MS-Windows 286
and do not occur with version 2.03.
 
MOM-02-89
BITSTREAM FONTWARE LIBRARY
Enclosed with this memo is a brochure from Bitstream called "EXPRESS YOURSELF".
This brochure gives some information on the exciting Bitstream Font library
that has just been added to Express Order Software.
It should be kept in a location so that customers can see
the different fonts that can be ordered and used on all the current
Tandy Dot Matrix and the LP 1000 Laser printer.
The brochure shows examples of all current Bitstream fonts
and they are ALL available from Express Order.
Also available is the Bitstream Fontware Installation Kit (90-2223)
for all Microsoft Windows applications.
This kit allows Windows users to generate printer and matching screen fonts
from the Bitstream library packages for use with the LP 1000
and all of our current dot matrix printers using one of the
IBM type emulations.
Some applications like WordPerfect 5.0 and Aldus PageMaker Version 3
include their own versions of the Bitstream Fontware Installation software.
In this case, the customer needs to only purchase the font typefaces
that they would like to add to their application.
REMEMBER: THESE FONTS ALSO WORK WITH OUR DMP LINE OF DOT MATRIX PRINTERS
AS WELL AS THE LP 1000, including the new DMP-300 24-wire printer
that can be driven in high resolution 24 wire mode for
exceptional font utility. And in addition,
the font typefaces also work with many other printers and video screens.
 
MOM-02-89
DESKMATE WORKGROUP COMPANION IS FINALLY HERE!
By the time you read this, TEW will have quantities in stock of the 25-1251
DeskMate Workgroup Companion.
This product is a tremendous enhancement over Professional DeskMate,
and will be a great boon to the small business person.
There are new features and new applications.
Selling it should be as easy as selling DeskMate.
Read the information on page 19 in the NEW PRODUCTS section for more details
on this newest addition to the DeskMate family!
 
MOM-02-89
TANDY 1000 SOFTWARE DISPLAY
Now is the time to restock your software display.
Customers who received Tandy computers for Christmas are ready
to select some new software.
Make sure that all your software stock is prominently displayed, face out,
so that your new computer customers will be intrigued by the titles
and can easily make purchasing decisions on their own.
 
MOM-02-89
NINTENDO AND THE COLOR COMPUTER 3
There's no doubt that the Nintendo game system was the most popular
Christmas gift in 1988.
Indeed, Nintendo fever is rampant.
But there is a cure.
Explain to parents that they can give their children more than just
a game machine and still give them the games they want.
Hit Nintendo games like Tetris were available
on the Color Computers 2 and 3 before they were delivered for the Nintendo.
Super Pitfall, a great success on the Nintendo, is available today for
the Color Computer 3.
In the future, many of the game titles for the Color Computer 3 that are under
development now will also be available for the Nintendo.
But the "more than just a game machine" is the crucial factor to
emphasize to parents.
The Color Computer 3 provides an opportunity for computer literacy,
which is certainly a concern for many parents.
Children can learn simple programming with the Color Computer 3,
or they can begin to understand what word processing using COLOR SCRIPSIT
can mean in terms of improving communication skills through easy editing
and revision of papers they might write.
There is a Color Computer education section in the Express Order Software
Buyer's Guide that shows the range of educational opportunities for
children who own a Color Computer.
Help your customers understand that they are doing themselves and
their children a favor by buying a "real computer" instead of a game machine.
 
MOM-02-89
TANDY PAYROLL - MAGNETIC MEDIA REPORTING
The Social Security Administration has changed file formats
for the magnetic media reporting of payroll information.
As a result, the following products are NOT in compliance with
the new requirements.
25-4302   Magnetic Media Reporting  Tandy 3000/4000
26-6206   Magnetic Media Reporting  Tandy 6000
These products have been DISContinued.
NOTE OF INTEREST:
The Social Security Administration will accept magnetic media submissions
under the old format for tax year 1988 only. 
 
MOM-02-89
TANDYFAX SALES AIDS - REVISITED
In the December 1988 Issue of the M.O.M., we notified you about several
items that had been sent out to assist you in selling the 43-1200 TANDYFAX 1000.
We asked if you had received everything.
Your response has been tremendous!
We can't reply to each one, but as a result of that response,
these are the actions we're taking:
8" X 10" sales counter easel
All Computer Centers will be receiving a new easel.
FAX machines comparison chart
Was reprinted in January 1989 issue of the Merchandising
Newsletter.  Make copies as you need them.
Pack of 25 Fact Sheets
Available from Force Feed Warehouse as DB-600.
Order as many as you need.
TANDYFAX 1000 video sales-training tape
All Computer Centers will be receiving a new tape.
PRICE CHANGES
CAT. #   DESCRIPTION                        OLD PRICE    NEW PRICE
90-0335  BISINESS Construction Accounting   $4,200.00    $2,986.00
90-1271  Impossible Mission                    $39.95       $19.95
90-3219  Sub Battle Simulator                  $44.95       $19.95
90-3370  Destroyer                             $39.95       $19.95
90-5090  Mission Algebra                       $39.95       $14.95
90-5136  PC LOGO                              $149.95       $99.95
* Promoted in January 1989 Software Flyer as $29.95.  Should be $19.95.
PRODUCTS CANCELED, DISCONTINUED AND REPLACED 
 
   CANCELED
STOCK #  DESCRIPTION
90-5551  SuperPrint
90-5574  Crater
 
   DISCONTINUED
STOCK #  DESCRIPTION        REPLACED BY
25-4302  Magnetic Media Reporting (3000/4000)
26-2116  Intro to Level II BASIC
26-3202  Color Math School Edition
26-6206  Magnetic Media Reporting (6000)
90-1221  Harvard Project Manager 2.0 ($495.00)
90-1371  Harvard Project Manager 3.0 ($695.00)
90-5405  Trigonometry
 
MOM-02-89
AVAILABILITY CODE CHANGES
On the dates shown, the following products will undergo availability
code changes to become more restricted in types of stores stocking for credit.
The chart shows which store types DID get inventory credit, but no longer will.
Use this information to recognize those products that may be in
your store which you need to sell because you will no longer get
inventory credit.
Effective March 1, 1989:
CAT NO         DESCRIPTION            NEW CODE    WILL LOSE INVENTORY CREDIT
25-1065    3 1/2" 720K Internal Disk Drive *
25-4034    Serial Parallel Adapter
* Also, warehouse location changing from REGIONAL to TEW
Effective July 1, 1989:
CAT NO         DESCRIPTION            NEW CODE    WILL LOSE INVENTORY CREDIT
26-0250    BPS250 Backup Power Supply
26-1413    LP 1 Printer Ribbon
26-2834    DMP 2120 Ribbon - black
26-2836    DMP 2120 Ribbon refill
 
MOM-02-89
ARNET SMARTPORT 4 - A CLARIFICATION
In January 1989's Computer Merchandising Memo of the Month (page 10),
a chart is shown that describes the differences between
the Arnet Smartport 4 and the Tandy 4 Port Serial Adapter.
In reference to the Arnet card, the statement was made that the card
does not support local printing under Tandy XENIX
or the new SCO XENIX version 2.2.4.
Many of our customers
are successful in using this card with local printing.
However, it is not a feature which is officially supported by Arnet.
To insure your customer of future compatibility,
Radio Shack will evaluate any future versions of this card to verify that
this "unofficial" feature does not get broken.
Remember that this card is not supported by Radio Shack and this feature
is currently not supported by Arnet.
Encouraging or promoting its use as a system solution is a risk
you may not wish to expose your customer to. 
 
MOM-02-89
TANDY 1000 SL/TL GRAPHICS AS OPPOSED TO PREVIOUS TANDY 1000s
There appears to be some confusion about the monochrome and Hercules support
in the Tandy 1000 SL and TL as opposed to the
composite monochrome video mode in the previous Tandy 1000s.
The confusion is mainly why some software packages
that work on previous 1000s now appear not to work with the 1000 SL/TL.
The simple explanation is:
Previous Tandy 1000s (EX/HX/SX/TX) had a composite video mode
that would allow output to a simple low resolution black and white
monitor in 80 columns or a TV set in 40 columns.
This allowed software packages that were written for the color graphic modes
to show up in black and white on the VM-4 monitor.
Even though this appeared to be a true monochrome video mode, it wasn't.
All that was being displayed was color graphics in black and white on
a low resolution composite monitor.
On the SL and TL, we are now supporting the industry-standard monochrome video
modes;
monochrome text or MDA (which stands for Monochrome Display Adapter,
an IBM standard) and Hercules monochrome graphics (another industry standard).
By supporting these two standard modes, the higher resolution VM-5 can now
be used to display sharper and crisper monochrome text and graphics
on the screen.
Since the Tandy 1000 SL and TL no longer have the composite monochrome video
mode, but support MDA and Hercules graphics, the software must be told
to address one of these two industry-standard video modes before it
will work.
Today, most software programs will allow you to select what video mode
you are using.
Be sure to follow those instructions and you and your customer will not
experience any problems.
 
MOM-02-89
FORMATTING 20 AND 40 MEG HARD DISK CARDS
Ever since the 20 Meg hard disk cards started shipping,
we have been working on ways to make the installation and initialization
as easy as possible.
However, in trying to accomplish this,
we have had several changes in the formatting procedure.
We have received many calls from stores who have erased the installation
program from their 25-1032B/C and 25-4059 hard disk cards by running
HSECT or AUTOFMT before reading the Owner's Manual shipped with the product.
This chart briefly explains which formatting procedure should be used
with each type of hard disk card.
If you have any questions about which formatting procedure should be used,
be sure that you refer to the Owner's Manual BEFORE attempting to format the
hard disk card.
STOCK #   FORMATTING PROCEDURE
25-1029   AUTOFMT /B or follow the instructions as documented in the manual
25-1029A  Same as with 25-1029
25-1029B  Same as with 25-1029
25-1032   AUTOFMT /B, or follow the alternate instructions as documented in
          the manual.
25-1032A  Same as with 25-1032
25-1032B
          A NEW INITIALIZATION PROCEDURE STARTS HERE  ...
A NEW formatting procedure called "INSTALL" is used.  All files necessary to run this
new install program are already on the hard disk card.  Simply install the hard disk card
into the computer, type "C:INSTALL", and follow the prompts on the screen.  DO
NOT use AUTOFMT /B or any other procedure not documented in the hard disk card
Owner's Manual.
25-1032C  Same as with 25-1032B
25-4059   Same as with 25-1032B
The following information shows how the jumpers for the hard disk card should
be set for each Tandy 1000 computer.
STOCK #
25-1029/A/B
1000 & 1000A       As documented for a Tandy
1000 SX & 1000 TX  As documented for a Tandy
1000 SL & 1000 TL  As documented for a Tandy
25-1032/A
1000 & 1000A       1000 w/jumpers set for IRQ2
1000 SX & 1000 TX  1000 w/jumpers set for IRQ2
1000 SL & 1000 TL  3000 w/jumpers set for IRQ5
25-1032B/C
1000 & 1000A       As documented for a Tandy
1000 SX & 1000 TX  As documented for a Tandy
1000 SL & 1000 TL  As documented for a Tandy
1000 & 1000A       1000 w/jumpers set for IRQ2
1000 SX & 1000 TX  1000 w/jumpers set for IRQ2
1000 SL & 1000 TL  3000 or 1000 SL/TL
w/jumpers set for IRQ5
25-4059
1000 & 1000A       As documented for a Tandy
1000 SX & 1000 TX  As documented for a Tandy
1000 SL & 1000 TL  As documented for a Tandy
1000 & 1000A       1000 w/jumpers set for IRQ2
1000 SX & 1000 TX  1000 w/jumpers set for IRQ2
1000 SL & 1000 TL  3000 or 1000 SL/TL
w/jumpers set for IRQ5
 
MOM-02-89
DMP-2200 PRINTER RIBBONS
There still seems to be some confusion in the field about
ribbons for this printer.
The 26-1233 ribbon and 26-1234 refill have been DISContinued
and are no longer available from the warehouse.
You should sell all of your existing store inventory.
The ribbon has been replaced with a new item, stock number 26-2825,
which is a non-refillable ribbon cartridge.
The new cartridge ribbon has a lower retail price than the original ribbon
but still has the same character life.
It is available from the Force Feed Warehouse.
DO NOT TELL CUSTOMERS THAT RIBBONS ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE
SUPPLY THE 26-2825 RIBBON
 
MOM-02-89
JANUARY M.O.M. DESKMATE SURVEY...REVISITED
Keep those surveys coming in.
We don't necessarily expect all of you to take the time to fill one out,
but every opinion counts!
If you haven't already, take 5 minutes and a stamp, and send it in.
We will post some of the results in the next issue.
 
MOM-02-89
HARMONY LAN EXTENSIONS - VERSION 2.11
Open Systems has released Version 2.11 of the following modules:
90-1704    Harmony Accounts Receivable   LAN Extension
90-1705    Harmony Accounts Payable      LAN Extension
Registered owners will receive the upgrades DIRECT from Open Systems.
---- NETWORKS/COMMUNICATIONS
3+SNA - 90-1682
The target market for 3+SNA is typically a Fortune 1000 company
with an IBM mainframe.
They must have a NETBIOS LAN (preferably a 3Com 3+ LAN) installed.
The 3+SNA customer is looking for host connectivity.
The customer wants a reliable product,
and one that can be upgraded or has optional features that can be added later
as needed.
The product must be COST EFFECTIVE, and it must be flexible and easy to use.
Features:
High-Performance Multiple Host Access
The intelligent adapter provides a powerful communication "co-processor" for
the PC, allowing remote line speeds up to 56Kb.
True Multiple Concurrent Sessions
The 3+SNA software provides 32 sessions per gateway and up to 16 gateways
per LAN, a total of 512 sessions can be provided per LAN.
A single workstation's sessions can access one gateway
or all gateways on a LAN.
Full IBM 3270 Emulation
Full IBM 3270 emulation is included.
All screen sizes (model 2, 3, 4, and 5) for both 3278 and 3279
(monochrome and color) displays are supported.
For more information on this exciting product, contact your TSC.
They have all been provided with a "3+SNA Selling Guide & SNA Primer".
90-1682 3+SNA retails for $4995.00.
BLUELYNX/5250-11 (90-2168) AND 5250-12 (90-2169)
NOW you can offer your customer a low cost workstation with minicomputer
emulation.
These products allow you to connect a PC to an IBM 5250-12,
5294 control unit or directly to a System/3x minicomputer.
The PC can then process the same information
and produce the same results as if it were a real IBM 5250 device.
Virtual disk, file transfer and API support permit the use of all IBM S/36 and
S/38 office products for the IBM PC file transfer programs.
These two boards fit in the 1000 TL and 1000 SL and make excellent
alternatives for IBM terminals or anyone else's PC with an emulation board.
Previously, all emulation boards were the long (14") variety,
and a 3000 NL was the lowest cost workstation we could offer.
90-2168 BLUELYNX/5250-11 retails for $895.00,
and 90-2169 BLUELYNX/5250-12 retails for $795.00.
 
MOM-02-89
SCHOOLMATE - EDUCATIONAL NETWORK SOLUTION
We have combined the power of 3Com with the ease-of-use of the DeskMate user
interface to create SchoolMate (25-1241).
This industry-standard network includes four DeskMate Classroom Management
Applications - Roster, Grade Book, Lesson Scheduler and Exam Maker.
SchoolMate offers a total educational network solution,
including personalized student desktops and easy installation of 
third-party applications.
The Lesson Scheduler permits each teacher to schedule individual students
or groups of students with specific programs for particular time slots.
These teacher-chosen applications will appear on the student's
personalized desktop for his or her selection.
SchoolMate has many benefits for teachers, administrators, and students:
  Shared hardware and software resources
  Ease of use, including installation
  Flexibility
  Teacher control over student access to software
  Communications among school staff members
  Access to shared student information via shared applications
SchoolMate extends Radio Shack's DeskMate strategy
into the schools -- computer use will become more widespread
when people find computers easier to use.
Based on the DeskMate user interface,
SchoolMate provides schools with industry-standard networking capability
in an easy to use, menu-driven environment.
SchoolMate includes the 3Com 3+Share network server and station software
with a special menu-driven installation.
3Com introduced their 3+ Network in 1986.
This industry-standard network supports many different servers and stations
on several different network boards,
including EtherLink and TokenRing/TokenLink.
SchoolMate is MS-DOS 3.X/NetBIOS compatible
like Novell and IBM's PC-Net.
3Com provides high speed performance, IBM compatibility, remote connectivity
and enhanced functionality.
SchoolMate requires a dedicated server, PC compatible workstations,
MS-DOS 3.2 or later (3.3 or later with SL/TL stations),
and network cards including EtherLink, TokenRing, TokenLink and TandyLink.
The network card installed in your server and workstations must match.
For example, if your server has a TandyLink network card,
all workstations must also have a TandyLink card.
Servers:
768K Tandy 1000 TX/TL, one floppy disk drive and one 20 meg hard disk drive
640K Tandy 3000 or 4000, one floppy disk drive and one 20 meg hard disk drive
3Com Server
Workstations:
640K PC-compatibles with at least one floppy disk drive
Look to the M.O.M. for future information on a demonstration kit, curriculum 
software, and more coming up to help you sell SchoolMate.
SchoolMate is available now from TEW.
Catalog number 25-1241, $999.95.
It is being cycle-shipped to all 11s and 01Zs.
 
MOM-02-89
"SPECIAL NEEDS" PRODUCTS IN SPECIAL ORDER
Each year, Radio Shack publishes a catalog highlighting those products
in our consumer and computer product line which are suitable for people
with "special needs" (hearing or vision impairment, physical handicaps,
learning disabilities, etc.).
This catalog has featured such items as telephone amplifiers,
big button phones, talking clocks, educational software, etc.
Due to the growing potential of computers in this market and for large unit
sales to school systems on related peripheral devices, we have added to
Special Order Hardware a selection of specialized input devices to
complement our computers.
See the attached sheet labeled "Alternative Input for Disabled Computer
Users" at the end of this issue of the M.O.M. for details.
 
MOM-02-89
LIQUID TONER FOR EPC-150 COPIER
We currently stock two types of liquid toner at TEW (special order) for
the DISContinued 88-2040 Copier ("EPC-150"):
88-2043
Type A Starter
two bottles, 1500 ml each
88-2044
Type B Replentisher
four special molded bottles, 1000 ml each
The user filled the tray with the Starter, then would add the special
Replentisher reservoir to maintain the fluid level.
The actual toner solutions were basically the same except for
a small variation in the concentration.
We are now in the process of converting to a single, UNIVERSAL liquid
that replaces both of the previous two toners:
 88-2045  Carton of six bottles,  one quart each. 
The user can discard the special molded bottles (88-2044) and use the
new universal solution, both to initially fill and later to
occasionally "top up" the toner tray as required.
As 88-2043 and -2044 become DISContinued,
you will need to reenter your order for the newer 88-2045.
The retail price for the carton of six quart bottles is $24.95.
 
MOM-02-89
NEW PRODUCTS
SOFTWARE RELEASED SINCE RSC-20/20S/20E CATALOGS PRINTED
These items are in alphabetical order within categories,
and are MS-DOS unless otherwise specified.
 CATEGORY
CAT.    TITLE      SHORT DESCRIPTION                     PRICE    REFER TO:    Accounting
90-1289 Dac Easy Accounting Video Tutor/VHS visual tutor $49.95 February MOM
Accounting
90-1333 The CLAN Practical Accountant / Bookkeeping prog $79.95  February MOM
Bus./Pers. Mgmt
25-1252 DeskMate Thesaurus Companion/Thesaurus DeskMate  $29.95 RSC-20A 
Bus./Pers. Mgmt
25-1285 CheckFree Service Kit / Electronic Bill-paying   $29.95 February MOM
Bus./Pers. Mgmt
25-1286 J.K.Lasser's Your Income Tax / 1989 Tax program  $49.95 February MOM
Bus./Pers. Mgmt
90-1207 Great Chefs Master Collection / Recipe/Cooking   $65.00 January MOM
Bus./Pers. Mgmt
90-1300 Labels Unlimited  / Label making program         $59.95 November MOM
Bus./Pers. Mgmt
90-1301 Pocket Address Book  / Personal Address maker    $84.95 November MOM
Bus./Pers. Mgmt
90-1326 Byte Size Stock Portfolio / Tracks stocks        $24.95 December MOM
Bus./Pers. Mgmt
90-1327 Byte Size Mailing & Phone List / Lists           $24.95 December MOM
Bus./Pers. Mgmt
90-1330 Byte Size Home Inventory / Inventory tool        $24.95 December MOM
Bus./Pers. Mgmt
90-1358 Andrew Tobias' CheckWrite Plus / Check & Bkkpg   $49.95 February MOM
Bus./Pers. Mgmt
90-1373 Personal Tax Filer 1989 / Tax form printer       $19.95 February MOM
Communications
90-1307 Instant Terminal / Full Featured communications  $79.95 January MOM
Database (CoCo)
90-0915 VIP Database III / Database for CoCo 3           $69.95 January MOM
Database
90-1267 Data Manager / Database w/low memory requirement $39.95 January MOM
Desktop Publishing
90-2273 Font Effects  /  Add special effects to fonts    $95.00 Aug/Sept MOM
Desktop Publishing
90-2271 Laserfonts    /  Font Install for WordPerfect    $180.00 Aug/Sept MOM
Desktop Publishing
90-2272 WYSIFONTS!   /   Screen Font Installer           $95.00 Aug/Sept MOM
Entertainment (CoCo3)
90-0910 Alternate Reality - The City/ Graphic Adventure  $29.95 November MOM
Entertainment (CoCo3)
90-0912 Scenery Disk- #7/ Scenery disk for Flight Sim II $24.95 December MOM
Entertainment (CoCo3)
90-0913 Scenery Disk-Japan/Scenery disk Flight Sim II    $24.95 December MOM
Entertainment (CoCo3)
90-0914 Scenery Disk-Western Europe/Scenery Flight SimII $24.95 December MOM
Entertainment
90-1256 Star Flight  / was 25-1137                       $44.95 December MOM
Entertainment
90-1281 Grand Prix Circuit  /  Car Racing                $39.95 February MOM
Entertainment
90-1285 Zak McKracken   / Graphic Adventure              $39.95 February MOM
Entertainment
90-1286 The Train  /  Train Escape Adventure             $34.95 February MOM
Entertainment
90-1287 Rack'em    /    Game of Pool                     $39.95 February MOM
Entertainment
90-1288 Serve & Volley   /   Tennis Game                 $39.95 February MOM
Entertainment
25-1290 F-19 Stealth Fighter  /  Stealth Combat          $54.95 January MOM
Entertainment
90-1361 Double Dragon   /   Arcade Adventure             $40.00 February MOM
Entertainment
90-1362 Pete Rose's Pennant Fvr. / Baseball              $35.95 February MOM
Entertainment
90-1363 Jack Nicklaus Golf  /  Golf Game                 $49.95 February MOM
Entertainment
90-3139 The Games   /  Games (Summer Edition)            $49.95 February MOM
Entertainment
90-3140  4 X 4 Offroad race / 4 X 4 race on desert       $19.95 February MOM
Entertainment
90-3136 John Elway's QB / Football                       $29.95 January MOM
Entertainment
90-3137 Manhunter: New York / 3D Graphic Adventure       $44.95 December MOM
Entertainment
90-3216 Police Quest 2  /  Police Adventure              $44.95 February MOM
Entertainment
90-3251 Fantavision / Art and Animation creator          $54.95 November MOM
Entertainment
90-3313 Jordan Vs. Bird  /  Basketball                   $40.00 January MOM
Entertainment
90-3355 Three Stooges  / Graphic Adventure               $44.95 December MOM
Entertainment
90-3362 Defender of Crown / Graphic Adventure            $39.95 January MOM
Entertainment
90-3363 Rocket Ranger  / Graphic Adventure               $39.95 January MOM
Entertainment
90-3376 Tracon  /  Air Traffic Simulation                $44.95 February MOM
Graphics/Design
90-0282 Drafix 3-D Modeler / Design modeling tool        $295.00 November MOM
Graphics/Design
90-0284 Professional Arch. Symbols Library/Pre-drawn     $150.00 November MOM
Graphics/Design
90-0283 Professional Mech. Symbols Library/Pre-drawn     $150.00 November MOM
Graphics/Design
90-1370 Splash!    /  Drawing program                    $99.95  February MOM
Home Education
90-1279 Read 'N Roll  /  Reading drill                   $44.95 January MOM
Home Education
90-3359 Reading and Me  / Reading program for ages 4-7   $34.95 November MOM
Home Education
90-3361 PC-GLOBE +  / Geography                          $49.95 February MOM
Industry Specific
90-1357 Medisoft Patient Acctg / Medical A/R & Billing   $149.00 February MOM
Industry Specific
90-1585 Real World POS / SCO 386                         $1095.00 December MOM
Programming Tools
90-1302 Peter Norton's Assembly Language/Assy.Lang.Inst  $39.95 November MOM
Programming Tools
90-1344 Norton's DOS Guide / DOS guide book              $19.95 February MOM
Programming Tools
90-1346 Getting Started w/PCs... / PC guide book         $19.95 February MOM
Programming Tools
90-1348 Communications & Networking/Intro/Reference book $22.95 February MOM
Programming Tools
90-1583 LPI COBOL 386 / SCO 386 Compiler                 $1595.00 December MOM
Programming Tools
90-1584 LPI FORTRAN 386 / SCO 386 Compiler               $995.00 December MOM
Spreadsheets
90-1265 SwiftCalc  /  SS w/low memory requirement        $39.95  January MOM
Utilities (CoCo3)
90-0911 Printer Drivers / for Home Publisher 26-3273     $19.95 December MOM
Utilities
90-1304 PC Tools Deluxe / HD utility                     $74.99 December MOM
Utilities
90-1305 PathMinder / DOS utility                         $59.95 Aug/Sept MOM
Utilities
90-0514 PC-Fullbak / HD Backup utility                   $49.95 Aug/Sept MOM
Utilities
90-1349 Take Charge  /  Information Mgr                  $139.95 February MOM
Utilities
90-1350 Paul Mace Utilities/Data recovery/Disk optimizer $99.00 February MOM
Utilities
90-1351 Paul Mace hTest/hFormat / HD tester              $89.95 February MOM
Utilities
90-1356 PC-Fullbak Point & Shoot / HD Backup             $129.95 January MOM
Word Processing (CoCo3)
90-0908 VIP Writer III / Word Processing                 $79.95 December MOM
Word Processing (CoCo3)
90-0909 Telewriter-128  /  Word Processing               $79.95 December MOM
Word Processing
90-1264 The Resume Kit / Resume Compiler Aid             $39.95 January MOM
Word Processing
90-1266 WordWriter  / WP w/low memory requirement        $39.95 January MOM
Word Processing
90-2219 Carets OCR / for Ricoh RS-320 Scanner            $495.00 Aug/Sept MOM
Education - CD-ROM Apps
90-5605 PC-SIG Library / Shareware/Public Domain         $295.00 November MOM
Education - CD-ROM Apps
90-5604 Science Helper K-8 / Science Lesson Plans        $195.00 November MOM
Education - Vocational
90-5609 Jr. Drafter CAD Training / CAD Training          $995.00 January MOM
Education - Vocational
90-5516 WordPerfect 5.0 / WP @ School Price              $168.75
November MOM
 
MOM-02-89
J. K. LASSER'S INCOME TAX 1989 - 25-1286
Now it's easier than ever to prepare your own taxes.
Give yourself the professional edge!
Never before has it been so easy to fill out forms, calculate
your tax liability, and assess how to increase your after-tax income.
Here's how J.K. Lasser's Your Income Tax 1989 software
(Manufacturer's Suggested Retail $75.00, Radio Shack price $49.95)
can help make this season less taxing for you:
  Let 52 years of experience work for you.
The J.K Lasser Institute has served tax preparers for more than half a century.
  An indispensable tax preparation kit to the rescue.
The J.K.  Lasser software and tax guide are packaged as a set and
are keyed to work in unison.
  Prints all forms and schedules - including the 1040 - ready
for submission
(1040 requires printer graphics support).
  Reads Quicken files.
  Ability to prepare an unlimited number of returns.
  Tax planning feature, using this year's tax return to forecast
next year's tax liability.
  Pull-down menu system that simplifies every step of the process.
  Expanded analysis for choosing the correct filing method.
  Improved help text, on-line IRS instructions for each of the forms
and paragraph references to appropriate sections in the J.K. Lasser
Tax Guide for 1989.
  Unique on-line interview system, fast and easy data entry,
pop-up calendar and note pad.
INCLUDES BOTH 3.5 INCH AND 5.25 INCH DISKETTES, Tax Alert
Hotline for telephone support, and a 3-month subscription to
the J.K. Lasser Monthly Tax Service Newsletter.
Minimum System requirements: 512K RAM and two floppy drives,
Tandy printer using IBM Proprinter driver in IBM graphics mode recommended.
 
MOM-02-89
DESKMATE WORKGROUP COMPANION - 25-1251
The DeskMate Workgroup Companion supplements DeskMate 3 (25-1250) and
provides connectivity and resource sharing for workgroups of two or
more people.
This product is a tremendous enhancement over Professional DeskMate,
and will be a great boon to the small business person.
There are new features and new applications.
(Refer to the training video titled "Personal Computers and DeskMate"
for more details.)
Selling it should be as easy as ... "DeskMate"!
A quick demonstration of the Shared Phone list, Telephone message
center, and the shared calendar should have your customers wondering
how they've done without it in the past.
It is a $149.95 add-on sale that every small business customer can really use,
and only requires an RS-232 cable for two users
or a TandyLink or 3Com board for more than 2 users.
Here are the highlights of its features:
 Calendar -
The Workgroup Companion Calendar offers the capability of time management
and scheduling via a shared database for members of the workgroup.
It will even tell you when there is a schedule conflict.
It works much like the regular calendar in DeskMate 3.
 Mail -
The Mail program offers electronic correspondence with special notification,
return receipts, forwarding and many other features.
 Host -
The Host program lets you remotely connect two machines via
modems and perform file management functions across the connection.
A great feature for the person on the go.
 Print Redirection -
The print redirection capability of Workgroup Companion allows a user
to automatically route printed output from any application to the
specified printer server.
The hardware savings here alone can pay for the cost of the software
many times over.
 Remote Program Loading -
DeskMate programs and accessories can be loaded from the server machine,
thus eliminating program disk swaps on a floppy system.
Even without a hard disk a machine can perform as one in the network.
 Address Book/Phone List -
A shared address book/telephone list minimizes lost time in searching
for commonly used phone numbers.
New entries can easily be added by any user.
 Forum -
The Workgroup Companion's Forum program is an electronic messaging
system built on top of a database, much like a computer bulletin board
system.
Open forum topics can be created and continuing dialogs can be carried
on within the topic.
Additionally, actions items which can be tracked by deadline dates,
subject, time spans, etc., can be sent to users.
 Central -
Telephone Central is an online in/out board and telephone message
center designed to aid the functions of a receptionist.
A telephone message can be sent to the appropriate workgroup member
in the format of the familiar "while-you-were-out" slip.
 Talk -
Much like an intercom, Workgroup members can carry on a live conversation
across the network by typing in their dialog.
This allows additional communication within the workgroup while a
telephone line is tied up.
Additionally, network messages can be simultaneously broadcast to all
workgroup members.
 
MOM-02-89
DMP-300 DOT MATRIX PRINTER - 26-2818
The long-awaited DMP-300 Dot Matrix printer is now available
from the regional warehouses.
This printer is a high quality 24-wire printer in narrow carriage format.
It makes an excellent choice for word processing applications
as well as desktop presentation and general data processing printing
applications.
The printer's specifications include:
 1)  Tandy DMP-2110 emulation
 2)  IBM Proprinter X24 emulation with AGM mode
(Alternate Graphics Mode - similar to many of the EPSON graphics emulations).
You should note that this printer is the first new Tandy printer
to be shipped with this as the default emulation mode right out of the box.
 3)  Push tractor with automatic paper advance to tear off position
at the end of printing,
and return to print position when printing starts again.
 4)  One button paper park of the fanfold paper in the push tractor
when the user wants to use single sheet paper.
 5)  Printing speeds of 270 CPI in 12 CPI draft mode, 225 CPS in utility mode,
and 75 CPS in NLQ mode.
 6)  Prints original and 3 copies
 7)  A configuration menu that prints on the printer paper for easy setup
of printer parameters.
 8)  Easy front panel push buttons and display panel for menu selection,
font selection, and many other printer controllable items.
NO MORE DIP SWITCHES TO SET!
 9)  High resolution 360x180 graphics modes.
10)  Semi-automatic Sheet Feeder (SASF) for loading single sheet
or fanfold paper.
11)  Optional One Bin Cut Sheet Feeder (CSF-300 available
by June 1989).
12)  12k built in print buffer, 32k downloadable font memory,
64k total working RAM.
13)  Includes a standard Tandy parallel interface.
But it also has internal jumpers for those customers that demand to use
their IBM printer cables with their other PC compatibles.
The parallel interface can be modified by a Tandy Repair Center to match
a standard IBM parallel port (Repair charges for this modification).
All this and it even does WINDOWS!
Using the new Bitstream Fontware Library and taking advantage of
the IBM Proprinter X24 emulation you can produce some outstanding results
from  any of the Microsoft Windows applications.
Priced at only $649 it is sure to be a winner!
 
MOM-02-89
ITHACA PcOS MODEL 52 POINT OF SALE RECEIPT PRINTER - 90-2297
By popular request, we have added this top of the line receipt printer
for use with the many Point Of Sale software packages that we sell.
The Model 52 printer is a 160 CPS  receipt printer
that uses 3 1/4" wide two ply paper to provide the user
with a record of customer transactions as well as a receipt for the customer.
It includes a Centronics compatible parallel port
and provides cash drawer driver output.
Ithaca has earned an outstanding reputation for supplying its customers
with fast, rugged printers at a competitive price.
And this printer is by far the most popular
standalone journal/receipt printer in the industry.
 
MOM-02-89
THE ROUNDTABLE
CHECKFREE - NATIONWIDE PERSONAL ELECTRONIC BANKING
What is CheckFree (25-1285)?
CheckFree is a PC based electronic banking service.
Through CheckFree, you can pay all bills through your personal computer.
You no longer need checks, stamps, envelopes, and the time every month
to write out and pay the same bills - over and over.
CheckFree software automatically records each payment, adjusts your balance,
and sends payment information to the CheckFree processing center
via burst transmission.
Another Home Banking Service? 
CheckFree is a truly unique service!
It does not require you to change banks
and does not require a sign-up procedure for your bank.
Other "home banking" services are tied to your local bank or
financial institution with a limited range of services and benefits.
Reports concerning the failure of these local "home banking" services
are common due to dependence on a specific local bank
and the limitations of a local market.
 Bank and Payment Related Questions 
Will CheckFree Work With Any Bank and/or Payee?
CheckFree will work with any financial institution in the United States.
Because CheckFree utilizes the Federal Reserve's highly secure network,
all financial institutions are already linked to CheckFree.
What Bills Can I Pay?
You can pay anyone with CheckFree, whether it is a large company,
small company, or even another individual.
All you do is enter basic information for a new merchant on the payment record
and transmit to the CheckFree processing center.
How Are Bills Paid?
CheckFree has an extensive database that has been built up over
the past five years.
CheckFree has the ability to pay anyone in the U.S. through
its sophisticated systems and the Federal Reserve -- the same network
used by banks from coast to coast.
CheckFree knows where to send payments because you will enter
required merchant information in designated sections of your software.
When this information is received,
it is stored in the CheckFree database and used to pay your subsequent
bills to that merchant.
What If The Merchant Is Not Listed In Your Database?
In the event that the merchant does not accept electronic payment,
CheckFree will pay that merchant by check.
CheckFree utilizes its laser printing facility to create a check draft
that is MICR encoded identically to the consumer's own check.
This draft is sent directly to the merchant,
with the remittance data printed directly on an attached memo form.
This draft is identical to a check and clears in the normal
manner: it is deposited by the merchant and funds cleared
directly from the payee's bank to the deposit bank.
Date of Payment?
You control the payment date and can schedule these dates to
maximize interest earnings.
What About Records and Payment History?
Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) regulations require that the
original authorizations for consumer payments be maintained
up to 6 years after a consumer discontinues the service.
Payment transaction history is required for two years.
CheckFree's policy is to keep all payment transaction history
on line for 60 days; on immediately retrievable microfilm for
one year; and on filed microfilm for permanent storage.
Does CheckFree Actually Handle My Funds?
During the funds transfer process, your funds do not pass
through CheckFree bank accounts at any time.
Payments take place by creating a "zero balance" transaction where the
consumer's bank is charged for the amount of the transaction
and the merchant's bank is issued a corresponding deposit or bank draft.
 Security Related Questions
What About Security?
Transmissions to the CheckFree processing center contain only
payment information.
Your CheckFree account number and your checking account number
are never transmitted to CheckFree.
The software is password protected and all data entry takes place off line.
This allows you to make sure all of the data is accurate
before transmitting it to CheckFree.
What Experience Does CheckFree Have In This Area?
CheckFree has been processing commercial payments for the business community
for over five years.
In 1987, CheckFree moved over one quarter billion dollars in payments.
CheckFree's corporate directed consumer payment processing services
operate at a substantially lower error rate than any known
billing/check processing system.
This record has been established over the past three years
and more than fifteen million consumer payments.
Am I Protected Against Unauthorized Access?
In the unlikely event that you suspect unauthorized access or theft
of your system, all you have to do is notify CheckFree within 48 hours.
Much like credit card protection laws,
under federal law your maximum liability is $50.00.
 Proof of Payment Related Questions
How Do I Provide Proof of Payment?
Payments processed by CheckFree appear on your monthly bank
statements -- just as your paper checks do now.
In addition, a description of who was paid is included on the bank
statement along with the check number and amount.
This serves as a valid receipt for all of your payments.
Are Paper Receipts Available?
Paper receipt are available if you wish.
However, there is a slight charge for receipt production and mailing.
What About The Check Register?
The CheckFree software will provide a check register very similar
to your paper checkbook.
Your transactions are recorded by the CheckFree software
and your balance is adjusted for each bill you pay or deposit you make.
 Error and Dispute Related Questions
What If I Make An Error?
CheckFree's well designed system has built in safety devices
which look for errors such as mis-placed decimal points, payment duplication,
and uncommon changes in the amount of payments.
A red flag is raised if the system identifies anything which looks unusual
and a CheckFree representative will investigate the transaction.
How Are Non-Sufficient Funds Handled?
These are handled just as they are now with your regular checking account.
You will be notified by your bank of the overdraft
just as your checking account works now.
If you have overdraft protection from your bank, CheckFree will work the same
way it works with your standard checking account.
 Transmission and Software Related Questions
How it Works/Telecommunications
All data entry is performed off line.
You go on line when you are ready to transmit payment information.
The software automatically dials into the CheckFree processing center via
a local access number and transmits your information.
There are no telecommunication charges.
What If The Transmission Fails?
Transmission is performed in a batch process using
the reliable XMODEM protocol.
If any errors occur during the transmission,
the CheckFree software will begin the transmission again.
A message will appear on your computer screen
indicating the status of your transmission.
How Do I Prevent Loss of Data?
If you follow the recommended backup procedures, losing data will be avoided.
If you should lose data altogether,
CheckFree will have a record of all payments processed.
 Pricing Questions
Is There A Monthly Service Charge From My Bank?
If your bank no longer processes your checks,
your bank may not charge you for check processing.
However, each bank has its own policy on this matter.
What Is The Charge if No Payments Are Made?
With the CheckFree system your account will be charged a flat rate
every month -- even if you don't make payments for that month.
What Is The Monthly Charge?
CheckFree is only $9.00 per month for 20 transactions.
For payments over 20 transactions per month,
there is a nominal surcharge of $3.00 for every additional ten transactions.
Your first month of service is FREE with the purchase of the software.
Minimum System requirements: 256K RAM, (1) 720K floppy or (2) 360K
floppy drives, and modem.
 
MOM-02-89
LATE DATES
Listed below are the new items that appear in Catalogs RSC-20, RSC-20S,
and RSC-20E which have not yet arrived at the warehouses.
Also included are the dates the merchandise is expected to be available
at the warehouses.
The dates listed in this section are based on the latest available information,
and are updated monthly.
While they may not be 100% accurate, they are the best estimate we have
at this time.
The dates listed here should be your ONLY reference for availability of
cataloged items.
Ft. Worth Customer Service or Ft. Worth Computer Merchandising
will not have any dates other than the ones shown here.
25-1234  Music Studio                             3/31/89
25-1237  Children's Writing and Publishing        3/31/89
25-1246  Quicken                                  2/28/89
25-1247  Memory Mate                              2/15/89
25-1249  Venture                                  2/28/89
25-1266  HomeWord II                              2/28/89
25-1515  1400 LT Tech. Ref. Manual                2/28/89
25-6050  ESDI-HD Controller-MC                    3/31/89
90-1527  Microsoft Word                           2/28/89
90-1570  SCO XENIX 386-MC                         2/28/89
90-1571  SCO XENIX Dev. System-MC                 3/31/89
90-1578  SCO Image Builder                        2/30/89
90-3263  Byline                                   2/28/89
90-3348  Computer Mad Libs                        3/31/89
90-3365  Kidtalk                                  3/31/89
90-3367  First Shapes                             3/31/89
90-3368  Smoothtalker                             3/31/89
90-3369  First Letter & Word                      3/31/89
90-3377  Mathtalk Fractions                       3/31/89
90-5551  SuperPrint                                 CANC
90-5574  Crater                                     CANC
25-3515  Internal 20 Meg for 1400 LT                AVAIL
  Repair Center Item ONLY
     (Installation Required)
 
MOM-01-89
THE FRONT LINE
Welcome to THE FRONT LINE, the first in a series of monthly columns
dedicated to discussing merchandising and customer care concepts
relating to our computer product line.
 
LET'S START WITH THE BASICS . . . CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
 
The concept of "customer satisfaction" is simple:
take care of our customers the way we'd expect to be taken care of
so that we increase the size of our most valuable asset - 
our base of satisfied customers.
 
If you accept that, then you must agree that customer satisfaction
is more than giving an unhappy customer a refund.
It literally means making sure that each customer leaving your store is
pleased with all aspects of their experience.
How do we do that with software customers?
Here are some hints:
 
Sale of software
 
First of all, most of our software packages are sealed when
the customer buys it.
The obvious reason is to insure that the customer gets
a brand-new piece of merchandise that contains
all the pieces we want them to get,
including all manuals, key templates, diskettes etc.
There is no reason for you to open this package
unless the customer wants to see it first.
THERE IS CERTAINLY NO REASON FOR YOU TO REMOVE ANYTHING FROM THAT PACKAGE
PRIOR TO OR AT THE TIME OF THEIR PURCHASE.
 
Support
 
"O.K. fine.", you say.
"My customer just wants to know how to make Softwiz Word Processing underline
while using the Russian alphabet.
Now what do I do?"
The first step is - don't pass them off to someone else!
Here's a list of places you can go to get help for your customer:
 
Back issues of Computer Merchandising Memo of the Month
 
Radio Shack Customer Service if it's a Radio Shack computer product
(Get the store-only 800 number from your S.O.M.)
 
For non-Radio Shack products, provide your customer with the name of the
manufacturer of the product and their phone number
(See the software package label or the December 1988 Issue
of the M.O.M. for vendor phone numbers.)
 
Your local Training and Support Center
 
Your District Sales Manager, who has additional resources,
including the ability to call Computer Merchandising in an emergency.
 
Refunds
 
Nobody likes refunds.
But remember, we want our customers to be satisfied with their purchase.
Just think of it this way - 
when you satisfy the customer,
you stand a much better chance of enhancing your reputation.
 
Software should be treated the same as any other product we sell.
"O.K.", you ask,
"How do I go about selling a piece of software that's been opened?" or
"But what if the customer buys the software,
copies it and then returns it?"
or "But it was a special order item; I don't get any inventory credit".
 
The responses to these concerns are simple.
It isn't your customer's problem how you're going to sell
a returned piece of software.
Our margins are designed so that if you sell four software packages,
you can take one back for a refund, sell it for a few dollars less
as a used package, and your profitability will not be hurt.
Special order software that has been unwrapped may be returned for partial
credit.
 
And about those few dollars that it did cost....
That is what you paid to maintain your good reputation.
Without that good reputation,
you would only have been able to sell one or two in the first place!
 
Software "piracy" is not the problem it once was.
You must realize that as with most other abuses,
only a very few customers "abuse the system".
The vast majority are honest customers
who are just dissatisfied with their purchase.
By telling your customer that "we don't take opened software back",
you are first of all,
not stating company policy accurately and second of all, you are
implying that the customer might be guilty of dishonest behavior.
I don't know about you,
but I'd be pretty unhappy if a salesperson said that to me!
 
Radio Shack has proven over and over that the person most likely
to buy from us is someone who has already bought from us.
So satisfy your customers!
'Nuff said?
 
MOM-01-89
VENTURE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION'S PERCENT OF OWNERS CHART
A recent study conducted by Venture Development Corporation provides
some terrific statistics that you'll be pleased to see.
The chart is titled "Brand Ownership of Desktop Personal Computers
(percent of owners)".
 
             [CHART IS INSERTED HERE.]
 
Source: Venture Development Corporation's 1988/89 Electronic Home Office
Products Planning Service.
 
Reprinted with permission of Venture Development Corporation.
 
Charles Tandy, when asked how much of a share we desired of a particular
market group, was quoted as saying, "We want ALL OF IT."
We still have a ways to go!
Good Selling!
 
Future Issues.......
 
If you have any comments or suggestions about what you'd like to see
in future Front Line columns, write to:
 
The Front Line
Radio Shack Computer Merchandising
1500 One Tandy Center
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
 
MOM-01-89
TANDY 4000 NOW FCC CLASS B
 
The Tandy 4000, 25-5000, that is currently shipping from TEW has
been granted FCC Class B certification and is suitable for use
in a residential area without causing radio interference.
Please be sure to sell out your existing inventories of the older
versions of the Tandy 4000 and restock with the new!
Until you do so, be sure to inform your customers of the FCC rules
for Class A computing devices, which state:
 
"Operation of this equipment in a residential area is
likely to cause interference in which case the user at his own
expense will be required to take whatever measures may be
required to correct the interference."
 
Once you have informed your customer and he chooses to purchase
a Class A Tandy 4000, be sure to write "Class A Informed" on the sales
receipt.
 
MOM-01-89
SCO XENIX NOT YET AVAILABLE FOR TANDY 5000 MC
We're hearing that many of you are trying to sell the Tandy 5000 MC
with the 90-1570 SCO XENIX listed in the 1989 Tandy Computer Catalog (Page 5).
This is the XENIX for the Tandy 5000 MC, but please be aware that
this product is NOT YET SHIPPING.
 
Keep watch in the Late Date listing in Memos of the Month for current
information on the availability of this and all future catalog products.
 
MOM-01-89
VM-5 MONOCHROME MONITOR
The 25-3011 VM-5 monochrome monitor is out of stock at TEW and is
DISContinued.
Please sell out your existing inventory of 25-3011 in preparation
for the arrival of the new 25-3012 VM-5 monitor
which will retail for the same price - $149.95.
This new version of the VM-5 will be available through the regional
warehouses beginning in February 1989.
 
Contact your Regional or District Sales Manager if you need
further information.
 
MOM-01-89
2PC-3/8 PRINTER AND CASSETTE INTERFACE
As the 26-3591 Printer and Cassette Interface for the PC-3 and
PC-8 Pocket Computers continues to receive Where-Is-As-Is
promotion in January, it is useful to realize that this accessory
is also compatible with the following models from Sharp:
 
PC1246S  PC1248  PC1250A
PC1262  PC1270  CE125
 
MOM-01-89
COLOR COMPUTER
Both the Color Computer 2 and the Color Computer 3 are supported by more than
180 software titles consisting of games, home education, word processing,
databases, languages, and other productivity tools.
Refer the customer to the Software Buyer's Guide, pages 67 through 82.
If you don't have a particular product on your shelf,
the chances are that it is sold by Consumer Mail.
 
The Color Computer is an ideal and affordable computer for someone who
wants to get into computers but does not want to spend a lot of money.
 
And remember that many new Color Computer owners will be shopping your
operation for software and accessories for their new machine.
Be helpful and make that sale grow.
 
MOM-01-89
DESKMATE - RAIN CHECKS
Sales have been brisk for 25-1250 DeskMate
with sales demand greatly outstripping product availability.
We are building product as quickly as possible to fill your orders.
To help you satisfy your customers, we have eliminated the expiration
date on the DeskMate Upgrade Promotion for existing owners.
 
When your customers need a copy of DeskMate, issue them a raincheck.
This will insure that they'll get their copy of this hot new product
when you replenish your stock.
 
MOM-01-89
MICROSOFT EXCEL UPGRADE COUPONS
Early in November, 01Z stores and Computer Centers received
upgrade coupons to attach to existing inventory of
25-1185 Microsoft Excel version 2.01.
These coupons allow purchasers of Excel to upgrade for free
to the new 2.10 version which includes:
 
Enhanced printer support - 66 additional printers
Up to 45K more memory addressed (i.e. Excel has been made smaller)
A new dialog box editing utility
Macro translation for Multiplan files
 
For any of you who have not received sufficient coupons to cover
your inventory of Excel, have your District Sales Manager call
Computer Merchandising at 817/390-3800 to request extras.
Do not call Merchandising directly!
 
This coupon is NOT FOR STORE UPGRADES - it must be sent in
by the customer.
Use the adhesive strips on the coupons to stick them to the top
of each copy of Excel you have in inventory.
 
IMPORTANT: As indicated on the coupons, this free upgrade offer
expires May 1, 1989, so don't waste time moving out your old Excel stock.
Watch for promotional pricing in newspaper ads for January and February
to help your sales.
Any future copies of Excel you receive from TEW will be
version 2.10 (with a version number sticker on the top of the box).
 
MOM-01-89
MODEL III/4 PAYROLL - UPGRADE OFFER
As previously reported, Model III/4 Payroll WILL NOT
accommodate the government requirements for reporting of Tip
Income for Tax Year 1988.
An upgrade offer has been mailed to the registered customer
base for the following software:
 
26-1543 Payroll Model III/4
70-2242 Payroll Model III diskettes
 
A COPY OF THE LETTER MAILED TO MODEL III/4 PAYROLL CUSTOMERS
IS ENCLOSED WITH THIS ISSUE OF THE M.O.M.
FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH THIS UPGRADE OFFER,
AVAILABLE DURING JANUARY AND FEBRUARY, 1989.
Important Items To Remember!
1) The new tax law affects only those employers that MUST REPORT TIP INCOME.
The software functions correctly for all other tax reporting.
 
2) Even though upgrading is not mandatory,
Model III/4 Payroll customers who do not require Tip Income reporting
may wish to take advantage of this upgrade to new technology
and the host of MS-DOS applications available.
 
3) Suggest peripherals and add on software titles for those
customers taking advantage of this offer.
 
4) The special pricing on the Dac Accounting Bonus Pack is available
only through Dac Software, as a direct purchase by the customer.
 
DO NOT ORDER THIS ITEM THROUGH EXPRESS ORDER.
 
MOM-01-89
JANUARY EXPRESS ORDER SOFTWARE FLYER CORRECTION
The following titles are advertised in the January Express Order
Software Flyer.
These packages are NOT RECOMMENDED for the Tandy 1000 SL or Tandy
1000 TL.
 
90-1350   Paul Mace Utilities
90-1351   Paul Mace hTest/hFormat
 
Future versions of these utilities will accommodate ROM based
machines such as the Tandy 1000 SL and 1000 TL.
 
MOM-01-89
RETAIL POINT OF SALE SOLUTIONS
The Trac Line software series is no longer available through Express Order.
Listed below are the alternative Retail Point Of Sale software
solutions currently available through EOS:
 
STOCK #   DESCRIPTION            OPERATING ENVIRONMENT
 
90-1561   OSAS Retail POS        SCO XENIX 286/386
90-1585   Real World POS         SCO XENIX 286/386
90-3119   Great Plains OE-POS    MS-DOS  3Com
90-3279   Real World POS         MS-DOS
90-3322   MICA Wizard of POS     MS-DOS  3Com
 
MOM-01-89
RSC-20 CATALOG REPRINTS NOW AVAILABLE (RSC-20A)
 
Reprints of the RSC-20 1989 Tandy Computer Catalog are now available from
the Circulation Department in Ft. Worth.
 
These are marked as RSC-20A,
and most of the corrections listed in the
December 1988 "1989 CATALOG CORRECTIONS" sheet
have been made to this printing.
 
To order, call (817) 390-3681.
You will be asked to specify how many you need.
Please order the reprints only if you are out of stock on your existing
RSC-20 catalogs.
 
MOM-01-89
ADDITION TO CATALOG CORRECTIONS
Please add the following line to your latest Catalog Corrections Sheet
(which should be December 1988)
under Express Order Software Buyer's Guide RSC-20S:
PAGE  CAT. # PRODUCT DESCRIPTION   CLARIFICATION    CORRECTION
63   90-1523 BASmark BASIC Compiler (SCO XENIX)Min. Sys. Requirements: requires SCO XENIX Development System.
 
PRICE CHANGES
CAT. #   DESCRIPTION       OLD PRICE     NEW PRICE
25-1079  256K Memory Kit   $129.95       $199.95
 
CANCELED
STOCK #   DESCRIPTION
25-1208   Harmony Purchasing
90-1708   Harmony Purchasing-LAN
90-5585   SuperPrint Early Learning
90-5586   SuperPrint U.S. Maps
90-5587   SuperPrint World Maps
 
DISCONTINUED
STOCK #   DESCRIPTION
26-2590   PC Applications I
26-2592   PC Applications II
90-3224   Telepaint
90-3248   Telepics
 
MOM-01-89
ARNET SMARTPORT 4 SERIAL BOARD & TANDY 4 PORT SERIAL BOARD
PRODUCT FEATURE COMPARISON
          ARNET                                 TANDY
          90-2185                               25-4031
 
Can expand to 8 ser. ports by adding | Cannot add ports to existing board;
a 4 Port Module sold by Arnet.       | must use additional slots if additional ports
                                     | are desired.
                                     |
Special Order Hardware Product.      | Retail Product.
Must rely on vendor's support.       | Supported by Radio Shack.
                                     |
Does not reliably support DCE config | Reliably supports DCE configuration,
therefore, you must use null modems  | eliminating the need for null modems.
when connecting directly to terminals| 
(thereby increasing the cost).       |
                                     |
Uses shareable hardware interrupts   | Specific interrupt request lines are required
which alleviates interrupt conflicts | for each Tandy 4 Port board installed
with other hardware.                 |
(Interrupts 10, 11, and 12).         |
                                     |
A primary and alternate address may  | Only one Base I/O Address is given for 
be chosen from for the Base I/O      | each Tandy 4 Port Board installed.
Address.                             |
                                     |
Has an external connector box for    | Cables are connected at the rear of the
convenience of installation.         | computer to the cables protruding from
                                     | the Tandy 4 Port Board.
                                     |
Uses an Intel chip set which requires| Uses a Z80 chip set which does not require
additional support chips resulting in| a special set of support chips.
a higher per unit cost.              |
                                     |
Does not support local printing from | Does provide full support of local printing
connected terminals as provided in   | under these operating environments.
Tandy XENIX or SCO XENIX 386         |     
Version 2.2.4                        |
Retails for $995                     | Retails for $299.95
 
MOM-01-89
SCO XENIX AND THE TANDY 4000 LX
Recent testing in our facilities has shown that SCO XENIX V/386
Version 02.02.04 cannot be run on a Tandy 4000 LX at the 10 MHz bus speed.
The symptom experienced here was excessively slow printing.
 
To obtain acceptable system performance, use the 8 MHz bus speed.
The system does, however, work at the 20 MHz CPU speed.
 
MOM-01-89
ADDING A SECOND 3.5" 720K FLOPPY TO A TANDY 1000 SX, TX, OR SL
In the past, to install a 3.5" 720K floppy drive inside a 5.25" device slot,
you had to use catalog number 25-1065 (a 3.5" floppy drive, 32mm in height)
and 25-1066 (a 3.5" to 5.25" disk drive adapter kit).
This is still true for all of the remaining inventory you have.
 
Currently, 25-1066 is SOWG and 25-1065 is to be used for adding a second
floppy drive inside a Tandy 1000 HX.
But to solve the requirement for installing a 3.5" floppy drive inside a 5.25"
device slot, we will now use two other catalog numbers:
 
25-1075 3.5" 720K floppy drive, 1" in height
25-1076 3.5" to 5.25" disk drive adapter kit for 1" height drives only
 
Again, while inventory remains, you can still use the 25-1065 and 25-1066
combination to add a 3.5" floppy drive inside a Tandy 1000 SX, TX, or SL.
But once the inventory of 25-1066 has been depleted, you must use
the 25-1075 and 25-1076 combination to add a 3.5" floppy drive to
a Tandy 1000 SX, TX, or SL.
 
Here's are two quick reference charts to help you decide
which are the correct items to use:
 
                        | 25-1065  |  25-1065 & |  25-1075  | 25-1075 &
1000s                   |          |  25-1066   |           | 25-1076
------------------------+----------+------------+-----------+--------
2nd 3 1/2" Drive in HX  |   X      |            |           |         
2nd 3 1/2" Drive in SX  |          |   X or     |           |     X
2nd 3 1/2" Drive in TX  |          |   X or     |           |     X
2nd 3 1/2" Drive in SL  |          |   X or     |           |     X
2nd 3 1/2" Drive in TL  |          |            |    X      |        
------------------------+----------+------------+-----------+--------
 
                           |25-1065 |25-1075 |25-1075 |25-4053 |25-4053
3000s/4000s/5000 MC        |25-1066 |        |25-1076 |        |25-1076
---------------------------+--------+--------+--------+--------+-------
2nd 3 1/2" Drive in NL     |        |   X or |        |    X   |       
2nd 3 1/2" Drive in HL     |   X or |        |    X or|        |  X @
2nd 3 1/2" Drive in 4000/LX|   X or |        |    X or|        |   X
2nd 3 1/2" Drive in 5000 MC|        |  X or  |        |    X   |   
---------------------------+--------+--------+--------+--------+-------
@ - requires 25-4060 Controller
 
MOM-01-89
80MEG SCSI HARD DRIVE
The 25-4160 80MB SCSI Hard Drive is a 5.25" drive with
an average access time of 28ms.
Beginning February 1st,
a new version of this product (25-4160A) will be available
that has a smaller form factor of 3.5" and a faster access time of 19ms.
The really good news is that this new version of the 80MB SCSI hard drive
will be available for the same price - $1499.00.
 
Note that the August RSC-20 catalog (page 9) lists the 5.25" product,
while the January RSC-20A reprint (also page 9) describes
the soon-to-be-available 3.5" form factor.
There is, however, an error in the January reprint which erroneously describes
the average access time of this 3.5" product to be 28ms.
Be sure to note the higher speed access on this
new 3.5" 80MB SCSI hard drive as 19ms.
 
MOM-01-89
HERE'S THE LATEST ON THE TANDY 6000 MMU
The last time we spoke about the MMU (in the October 1988 M.O.M.),
we told you that the part was in test and that anticipated availability
was in late December.
Well, parts for this product are now being produced, and we
expect that it will be available in late January 1989.
 
The 6000 MMU will be handled as a repair center item.
This means that the part will need to be ordered through a Radio Shack
Service Center, and the old CPU board must be turned in.
The board to be exchanged must be   #1) a Tandy 6000 board (that is, an 8 MHz
processor board), and   #2) in good working condition.
 
With a good exchange board, the retail cost of the MMU will be $324.99,
plus a $60 upgrade labor charge by the Service Center.
Please note that this upgrade must be performed by the Service Center because
the condition of the 6800 board must be verified,
and the Service Center must verify that all necessary modifications
to run the MMU are in place on the computer.
 
The MMU includes cables which support memory expansion across two add-in
memory cards (not three, as we had previously reported).
Two fully populated 1MB memory cards (26-6015) would therefore permit memory
expansion to 2MB.
And, we intend to carry 2MB memory cards through Special Order Hardware,
two of which would support the full 4MB of memory expansion.
 
As noted in previous articles on this subject, Version 3.2 of XENIX is
required to take advantage of the MMU.
 
MOM-01-89
dBASE III+ TO dBASE IV UPGRADE
For your dBASE III+ customers who inquire about upgrading to
dBASE IV (901-1268), here is the customer upgrade policy
outlined by Ashton Tate:
 
Copies of dBASE III+ purchased between 02/17/88 and
10/31/88 can be upgraded for $30.00 (to cover media and
handling).
Copies purchased before or after this time period
can be upgraded for $175.00.
In either case, customers should call the Ashton Tate customer
support number, (213) 389-9989, for assistance.
They must be able to provide proof of purchase and a dated
sales receipt.
 
dBASE III+ (25-3191) will be advertised in January's "Where Is As Is"
sale for $400.00 (that's $325.00 off the normal retail price),
so you can still save your customers a cool $150.00 by selling them
dBASE III+ and letting them upgrade to dBASE IV directly through Ashton Tate.
 
MOM-01-89
EXCEL, PAGEMAKER AND HIGH CAPACITY MEDIA
For those who are not aware, both Microsoft Excel (25-1185)
and Aldus PageMaker (25-4112) ship with 720K 3 1/2 inch diskettes
and 1.2 megabyte (high density) 5 1/4 inch diskettes.
 
Customers who need to run/install these packages using 360K 5 1/4
inch drives must fill out an exchange coupon, found inside either package,
and return it to the vendor in order to obtain the proper diskettes.
(NOTE: The high density 5 1/4" diskettes are used in both
vendors' standard packaging scheme - this is not unique to Radio Shack.)
 
MOM-01-89
PAGEPERFECT NOW CALLED IMSI PUBLISHER
 
Future copies of 90-1229 PagePerfect ordered from Express Order
will be packaged as IMSI Publisher, not as PagePerfect, due to a
decision by the vendor to change the product's name. 
The software contained in either package is identical.
 
MOM-01-89
MICROSOFT WORD PERSONAL COPIES - UPDATE
For those of you who ordered personal copies of Microsoft Word 4.0
back in September and October and haven't received them,
Microsoft has decided to hold these orders until they can fulfill them
with the new 5.0 version (due out by the end of January),
since there will be no upgrade path for personal copy holders.
 
MOM-01-89
DOW JONES MARKET ANALYZER - PHONE NUMBER CHANGE
The new toll free telephone number for Dow Jones
Customer Service for 25-1147 Dow Jones Market Analyzer is 
(800) 522-3567.
The toll free telephone number listed in the documentation
was disconnected in August 1988,
and calls to that number are no longer being referred to the new number.
The toll number listed in the software documentation, (609) 452-1511,
is still in service.
 
MOM-01-89
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON PC/NOS
The announcement of the availability of the low cost PC/NOS (90-1698)
network operating system last month stirred quite a lot of interest
in the product throughout the country.
Corvus has been receiving many questions about the operating
system and how it works.
Here are two of the most asked questions with answers from Corvus.
 
Q) With PC/NOS, can multiple users access the same program at the same time?
 
A) Yes, with PC/NOS many different users can access the same
program at the same time.
PC/NOS supports DOS file and record locking so users can even
update different files or records associated with the given
program simultaneously, provided that the application program is
a multi-user or network version.
 
Q) Do you have to backup the data and reformat hard disks before
installing PC/NOS?
 
A) No.  PC/NOS uses the standard DOS format, so you don't have to
reformat your hard disk before installing PC/NOS.  Your data is safe.
When you install PC/NOS,
the simple menu-driven installation program will make a PC/NOS directory,
copy PC/NOS files into it and add the PC/NOS driver to the CONFIG.SYS file.
Installing PC/NOS is simple, easy, and can be done in about ten minutes.
 
CORRECTION
 
Last month's article stated that PC/NOS supports 64 nodes.
PC/NOS network node support is only limited by the hardware used.
On the TandyLink network, this number is 32, NOT 64.
 
MOM-01-89
PC APPLICATIONS STUDENT MANUALS
The last of the student manuals for the PC Applications courses
(26-2590 and 26-2592) are now at TEW.
Student manuals are still in demand but reprinting the manuals is
too expensive.
Schools that use the PC Applications course should be encouraged
to buy their student manuals as soon as possible.
 
26-2591 PC Applications Part I Student Manual
26-2593 PC Applications Part II Student Manual
 
MOM-01-89
TANDY ANNOUNCES TECHNOLOGY SCHOLARS PROGRAM
Tandy Corporation, in cooperation with Texas Christian University
in Fort Worth, Texas,
has announced a major education initiative, "Tandy Technology Scholars,"
at a press conference at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. 
 
The outstanding math or science teacher at each participating high school
in the U.S.A. will be recognized, and the top 100 will each receive a cash
stipend of $2,500 for their contribution inside and outside the classroom.
The top 2% of high school students will also be recognized
for academic excellence,
and the top 100 math and science students will receive
a $1,000 cash scholarship.
 
"Our goal is simple:  to focus attention on and recognize the
students and teachers who through diligence and commitment
will make a difference in our future technological excellence.
We hope the program motivates thousands of students and teachers to
make a difference and to declare champions in the classroom that,
in our opinion, society has not done frequently enough,"
said John V. Roach, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Tandy Corporation.
 
The program has been endorsed by The National Association of
Secondary School Principals. 
 
The Tandy Technology Scholars program will be administered by
Texas Christian University.
The university, with the help of a national panel of educational leaders,
is developing the criteria for qualification of the high schools
and the selection of both students and teachers.
Tandy Corporation will not participate in the selection of the awardees.
 
The initial awards will be based on teacher's contributions
in the 1988-89 school year and student's achievements in 11th grade this year.
Awards and public recognition will be during the 1989-90 school year. 
 
For additional information contact:
 
Tandy Technology Scholars
P.O. Box 32897 TCU Station
Fort Worth, TX 76129
(817) 924-4087
 
MOM-01-89
TANDY PRODUCT PROFILES AND EDUCATIONAL PROFILES UPDATE
The most recent quarterly update (FC-367, November 1988) to the
Tandy Product Profiles has been drop shipped
to everyone who was listed on the drop shipment for the original
FC-352 Tandy Product Profiles.
Remember that if you ordered FC-352 (the two-volume set) separately from one
that you received as a drop shipment, you will need to order FC-367
to keep it up-to-date.
 
Also, an update (FC-368, November 1988) to the Tandy Educational
Product Profiles has been drop shipped to everyone who was drop shipped
the original FC-353 Tandy Educational Product Profiles.
If you ordered FC-353 separately from one that you received as a drop
shipment, you will need to order FC-368 to keep it up-to-date.
 
So far, all the numbers you need to know to keep your Tandy Product Profiles
and Tandy Educational Product Profiles current are:
 
STOCK # DESCRIPTION     DATED
 
FC-352  Tandy Product Profiles - 2nd Edition (2 volume set)  November 1987
FC-362  1st Update to Tandy Product Profiles                 February 1988
FC-363  2nd Update to Tandy Product Profiles                 May 1988
FC-364  3rd Update to Tandy Product Profiles                 August 1988
FC-367  4th Update to Tandy Product Profiles                 November 1988
 
Also avail:
 
FC-353  Tandy Educational Product Profiles - 2nd Edition     April 1988
FC-368  1st Update to Tandy Educational Product Profiles     November 1988
 
MOM-01-89
NOTES ABOUT FC-367 4th Update:
On the backside of the cover page where you're advised to delete PagePerfect
from the Integrated section in Volume 2, the stock number specified is
incorrect.
We printed "25-1229", but the stock number to remove is actually "90-1229".
 
Also, in two places on this page we refer to the 4th Update as FC-365.
This is incorrect, and the number should have been printed as FC-367.
 
MOM-01-89
TIMEWORKS SERIES NOW AVAILABLE
 
This low cost, high performance software trio from TimeWorks
is the perfect solution for price sensitive users who still
need professional-level features in a spreadsheet, word
processor, or file manager.
 
All 3 products use the same interface,
with easy pull-down menus and plain English commands.
Combine 2 or all 3 products to do mail merges and form letters,
or incorporate numerical or filed data into documents,
using data that only has to be entered once.
 
SwiftCalc's (90-1265) features include
automatic insertion of sequential headings, cell locking,
search and replace, graphing, and sideways printing.
Retail price $39.95.
 
WordWriter (90-1266) has print preview, spell checking
(with personal dictionary), a thesaurus, a built-in full function calculator,
headers/footers, document chaining and mail merge.
Retail price $39.95.
 
Data Manager (90-1267) contains quick-search and quick-sort functions,
print preview of reports, graphics, and sample databases
illustrating mailing list, personnel tracking, sales analysis,
and general ledger applications.
It even comes with a pre-formatted name and address list for handling
mailing labels.
Retail price $39.95.
 
Best of all, all 3 products require only 256K and
one double-sided floppy drive to run - great for your Tandy 1000 HX customers.
 
MOM-01-89
THE ROUNDTABLE
THE NEW 80386sx MICROPROCESSOR
 
When is a 386 not a 386?
When it's an 80386sx.
 
This new microprocessor by Intel offers a reduced chip set support
that is attractive to many equipment manufacturers
because it permits them to build lower cost and more compact computers.
 
But what is the trade-off?
Fundamentally, the 80386sx microprocessor supports a full 32-bit
CPU cycle - just as the 80386 does, but is limited
to a 16-bit memory and expansion bus.
This means the 80386sx microprocessor can run 32-bit software such as
Windows 386,
but memory and I/O must be accessed twice for each CPU cycle.
 
The 16-bit limitation imposed on the expansion bus of an 80386sx system
does not result in any significant difference in I/O performance
from that of most 80386 "AT" bus architecture systems today.
For card compatibility, most 80386 based systems are designed with
16-bit ISA, "Industry Standard Architecture", AT-style expansion slots,
just as we have in the Tandy 4000 & 4000 LX.
 
While limiting I/O performance in the interest of compatibility,
most manufacturers, including Tandy, choose instead to enhance the
performance of their 80386 machines by taking advantage of the 80386's
32-bit bus support to design proprietary memory expansion slots.
In the area of memory access, the 80386sx, with its limit to a
16-bit memory bus, is 50% slower than most full blown 80386 based systems.
Performance is also potentially impacted under SCO XENIX 386
or any math-intensive applications that must use
the a math co-processor - the 80387sx is 50% slower than the 80387.
 
To illustrate the difference in memory performance, note the benchmarks
of the Tandy 4000 as compared to the 16MHz 1MB Compaq DeskPro 386s.
The math coprocessors were not included in the systems tested
so that only the difference between the 32-bit memory addressability
of the 80386 as opposed to the 16-bit of the 80386sx would be shown.
The following test results were generated using the Power Meter by the Data
Base Group of Upland, CA. The Sieve, MIPS, and Whetstone tests are
traditional in the area of CPU and Memory efficiency.
 
The Sieve test measures the system's abilities to do CPU intensive
integer calculations such as in business accounting applications.
For this test, less is best.
The MIPS test is the standard for computer power as compared to
the VAX 11/780.
Obviously, here greater is better.
The Whetstone is the area which exemplifies the difference between the
80386sx and 80386.
This tests the system's CPU/Memory performance.
Greater is greater!
 
               SIEVE   MIPS     WHETSTONE
 
Tandy 4000     1.326   2.539     40.396
Compaq 386s    1.387   2.526     22.849
 
Because of these performance constraints, most 80386sx computer manufacturers
are positioning their product against 80286 based systems at the high end
of the ever increasing "single user, single-tasking" market.
Currently, it is proving out that this market is still well
served by the cost-effective 80286 machines.
When 80386sx-based systems are cost competitive with 80286,
then perhaps more users will take advantage of its added processing capability.
Power-users are still more
interested in full 80386 based systems, but some are rather hesitant
about 32-bit bus architectures, Micro-Channel & Apple's NuBus, and
willing to live with the 16-bit performance hit on the I/O for the sake
of "AT" card compatibility.
 
It should be interesting to see who buys the 80386sx.
And, in the future,
whether power-users will move on to 32-bit bus architectures
(and if so, of which kind?) when they are also presented the option of
the "Extended Industry Standard Architecture" (EISA) a 32-bit bus that
is to be fully backward compatible to ISA.
 
MOM-01-89
WHAT IS VP/IX? - DOS UNDER UNIX
 
Many of you have inquired about a product carried by
the Santa Cruz Operation entitled VP/ix.
 
With SCO VP/ix you can run both XENIX and MS-DOS applications simultaneously
and transparently on the same machine.
SCO XENIX 386 running SCO VP/ix creates a virtual "PC AT" environment
to run MS-DOS applications in.
This arrangement allows customers to run their multi-user XENIX applications
without having to give up or segregate their MS-DOS applications.
 
SCO VP/ix is positioned to accommodate occasional MS-DOS users
on a XENIX system.
A XENIX system can support up to four DOS users
with the addition of the SCO VP/ix product.
For connecting multi-user XENIX systems to more than four MS-DOS users,
LAN products are the best solution and provide the added benefit of
supporting future expansion.
 
SCO VP/ix comes with MS-DOS 3.2 and
runs on the Tandy 4000 and 4000 LX.
Hardware required includes a minimum of 2 megabytes of RAM,
with one additional megabyte for each additional MS-DOS session
to be run simultaneously.
 
SCO VP/ix is capable of simultaneously running multiple copies of MS-DOS, 
although MS-DOS graphics applications are only supported on the 386 console
where the appropriate hardware must be installed.
Character mode applications which will operate
on a standard monochrome video adapter card, however,
can be executed from and will run on standard serial terminals.
 
The usability of VP/ix is limited to XENIX installations where an
occasional MS-DOS application or two are to be run.
While it is not intended to replace LAN products where MS-DOS applications
predominate,
there appears to be a common misconception amongst users that VP/ix
eliminates having to choose between multi-user XENIX and LANs.
This, combined with the large RAM requirements, limited MS-DOS graphics
support, and the processing overhead required to support VP/ix,
are the overriding reasons why Tandy does not carry VP/ix today.
 
MOM-01-89
40 & 80MB SCSI PERFORMANCE IMPROVED IN DRIVES TODAY!
 
Rapid technological advancements in microcomputers are placing
increased performance demands on hard disk drives.
Manufacturers of hard disk drives are offering performance
improvements in their products while also decreasing the size
of the drives to the emerging 3 1/2 inch standard.
Reduced seek times and transfer times are two readily observable
disk drive advances, with some 3 1/2 inch hard disk drives
such as our 40MB SCSI (25-4159) and 80MB SCSI (25-4160)
now featuring average seek times of less than 20 milliseconds.
 
In the past, disk drive enhancements have tended to come from physical
hardware developments, including the use of rare earth magnets and
improved actuator design, along with the use of LSI circuits and LSI circuitry.
There is currently also tremendous potential for performance
enhancements from improvements in disk drive software.
In particular, caching, typically a software feature associated
with system-level memory management, is receiving increasing
attention as a tool to enhance disk drive performance.
 
Disk Drives and Caching
 
In general, caching offers a means to reduce the throughput
bottleneck traditionally associated with the interface between
a disk drive and the system.
It involves the use of high-speed RAM (Random Access Memory)
between two system components with differing access times.
In the case of disk drives, caching addresses the access time
differential between the drive and the CPU.
Differences in access times among functional elements of a
computer system can lead to non-optimal system performance.
 
In disk drive applications, caching facilitates improvements in average
access times by addressing two fundamental mechanical delays
associated with disk drive operation: seek time and rotational latency.
Seek time is the time required for a read/write head to position
itself over the correct cylinder.
Rotational latency is the delay involved in waiting for the
desired sector to rotate under the read/write head.
 
For 3 1/2 inch drives, average seek times range from 16 to 80 milliseconds,
and rotational latency is approximately 8 milliseconds.
These delays dominate typical disk transactions when compared with the
average 500 microseconds required for the actual transfer
of a 512K-byte sector of data.
With a successful caching scheme, these time-consuming transactions
are not required on every read, allowing average access times
to be significantly reduced.
 
Caching Schemes
 
Although based on similar principles, caching schemes can be implemented
in a variety of ways.
Most users will use a driver to accomplish this with extended memory.
Some system designers are of the opinion that caching is best left
to the operating system, some think it should be on the controller/adapter,
and others that it should be on the drive itself.
 
There is no single caching approach that is optimum across all environments.
Implementing a cache in system memory ties the approach to MS-DOS.
XENIX and OS/2 do not have the mechanisms to allow the user to
set up cache in the operating system.
They both provide a simple buffering mechanism which increases
system throughput and precludes system caching.
Similarly, most implementations of cache on the controller/adapter
have been targeted toward MS-DOS and are also limited to
specific assumptions about the hard drive being used.
 
Putting the cache on the drive itself allows the hard drive manufacturer
to tailor the cache to the performance characteristics of the hard drive.
Disk caching schemes are typically characterized by four key parameters:
total cache size, prefetch strategy, replacement strategy, and cache block size.
 
The disk caching scheme implemented in the 25-4159 40MB SCSI and the
25-4160 80MB SCSI drives uses 64K bytes of RAM as cache memory
and anticipates future host requests using a look-ahead prefetch strategy.
When the cache memory is full, blocks are replaced using a Least-Recently-Used
algorithm.
The cache block size is variable and depends on the logical block size
of the host system.
The cache resides entirely in high-speed RAM,
which is directly addressable by the disk drive's microprocessor.
 
Look-Ahead Prefetch
 
This prefetching scheme takes advantage of the fact that
typically 50 percent or more of all disk requests are sequential.
When reading data from the disk,
the drive continues to read subsequent data after transferring
the data requested by the host.
This extended read operation (look-ahead prefetch) terminates
when a specified amount of data has been read into the cache.
When requested data are in the cache,
no seek or rotational delay is required;
the information can be accessed in microseconds from RAM
instead of milliseconds from the disk.
In typical applications, this pre-fetching scheme reduces
average access times by 35 percent.
 
This look-ahead approach has proven particularly useful in
applications involving a high percentage of sequential reads.
In addition, a look-ahead prefetch can provide significant performance
improvements in multi-user or multi-tasking environments.
In such environments, there may be very short intervals between commands,
or commands may be queued while the drive completes a prior request.
The hard drive will access and store cache data for all processes,
dramatically reducing the need for seeks.
In fact, the most dramatic performance improvements resulting
from a look-ahead prefetch are realized in these multiple-process environments.
 
System Efficiency
 
The disk caching scheme of the 40MB and 80MB SCSI drives is designed
to maximize system performance by performing all prefetch reads
when the drive would otherwise be idle.
Thus, disk drive performance is improved with no cost in terms
of command overhead or interference with other system activities
or disk operation.
In addition,
this caching scheme complements rather than duplicates system-level caching.
System-level caches typically use demand prefetching,
storing data in the cache memory as they are requested.
This requires both a large cache and a significant amount of overhead.
By pre-fetching adjacent data,
a look-ahead prefetch provides additional performance improvements
for systems which employ demand prefetch caches at the system level.
 
Fast Data Transfer
 
Other high performance features provided by the 40MB and 80MB SCSI
hard drives include high interface transfer rates and data zone recording,
which increase both the capacity and the transfer rate.
 
These drives include integrated SCSI controllers which provide
synchronous as well as asynchronous transfers to the SCSI bus.
With asynchronous transfers, a REQ - ACK handshake between the host
and the disk drive is required for each byte of data transferred.
Synchronous SCSI ties the REQ and ACK signals to a common clock,
and data is transferred within a predetermined time period.
This permits faster data transfer and allows more efficient use of the SCSI bus.
The 40MB and 80MB SCSI drives feature synchronous data transfers to
the SCSI bus of 4.0 MB/sec.
This greatly enhances the performance of systems and is most important
in applications such as CAD/CAM which require frequent transfers
of large amounts of data.
 
Data Zone Recording
 
Data zone recording, or notched drives,
involves recording at a constant bit density across the disk surface,
increasing both the disk capacity and the data transfer rate.
Without data zones, the number of sectors per track is determined
by the number of flux changes per inch on the inner track.
Each track has the same number of sectors, so the data rates
(disk to buffer, buffer to disk) are constant across all tracks.
The 40MB and 80MB SCSI drives use two data zones with a different
number of bytes (and sectors) per track.
There are more sectors/track in the outer data zones,
which utilize the disk surface more efficiently,
increasing the formatted capacity of the disk.
It also means that the outer data zone can be written to, or read,
at a faster rate, increasing the overall data transfer rate of the drive.
 
Exceptional Reliability
 
In addition to these performance enhancing features, the 40MB and 80MB SCSI
disk drives provide superior reliability which is critical
in high performance systems.
Their 50,000 hour specified MTBF is significantly higher than
the MTBF of other available 3 1/2 inch drives.
 
Performance and reliability are essential for today's high
performance personal computers and workstations.
Incorporating the latest drive technology, the 40 and 80MB SCSI hard drives
provide a combination of exceptional performance and reliability
that is unmatched in the industry today.
 
MOM-01-89
CUSTOMER "REVIEW" OF PRINT MAGIC
 
We downloaded this from Compuserve's Forum and thought you might be
interested.  It's about Print Magic which we sell as 25-1265:
 
"I just got to try out Print Magic from Epyx.
I have always thought that (competing products) were all over priced...
their graphics are poor and features lame. 
I've been waiting for a good one to come along and my wait is over. 
Print Magic is great.
It's DeskMate interface makes it a joy to run.
Using a mouse to position graphics and text on the WYSIWYG
type screen is a breeze.
If you're interested in printing cards and such with fine
graphics instead of blocks, check it out."
 
MOM-12-88
MICROSOFT WINDOWS PROMOTION
 
Provide Microsoft Windows FREE with each purchase of a Tandy 3000
or 4000 series computer or new 5000 MC!
This offer, which extends through November, December and January, includes:
 
With the purchase of a Tandy 3000, 3000 HL, or new 3000 NL -
Microsoft Windows 286 (25-4111) at NO CHARGE
 
                         OR
 
With the purchase of a Tandy 4000, new 4000 LX, or 5000 MC -
Microsoft Windows 386 (25-5111) at NO CHARGE
 
Microsoft Windows adheres to many of the same conventions as DeskMate,
providing your customer with an easy-to-use graphical user interface with
drop-down menus, dialog boxes, and icons for simple point-and-select operation.
Designed specifically for 80286 and 80386 machines, Windows takes advantage
of the advanced architecture of these systems to allow your customer to
work with several applications at a time, whether standard MS-DOS based
programs or applications developed to take advantage of Windows' graphical
user interface.
Perhaps the most valuable feature of Microsoft Windows version 2.03 is the
ease by which text and graphics data can be shared between applications evoked
under this environment, eliminating the need for clumsy and often costly
conversion programs.
Whether between Windows applications or even standard MS-DOS applications,
data interchange is as simple as select, point, and click!
 
Consistency - the Key to Future Growth
 
Tandy 1000 customers receive, at no charge, the benefit of the consistent,
easy to use graphical user interface of DeskMate.
Now with this free promotion of Microsoft Windows, Tandy 3000, 4000, and
5000 MC customers can also experience the ease of a consistent user interface
plus added application integration features and a wide support of peripherals!
 
Consistency is not confined within each separate environment.
The user interface of Windows is consistent with the conventions your customer
has grown accustomed to in using DeskMate.
Once your customer grows familiar with DeskMate, learning Windows is a snap!
DeskMate users can easily upgrade to take advantage of Windows' extensive
MS-DOS application support and enhanced data interchange capabilities!
 
An investment of your customer's time in learning DeskMate or Windows
is an investment in the future.
As your customers' business needs grow they may wish to consider a
multi-tasking operating environment in which several processes
can run simultaneously to improve overall system throughput,
reduce network traffic, and support real time transaction processing
in accounting and database systems.
Windows utilizes the same user interface as the Presentation Manager
interface for OS/2 version 1.1,
therefore reducing the learning time for eventually moving to this
new powerful operating environment.
 
All customers receiving Microsoft Windows version 2.03 from Radio Shack
can optionally upgrade to the new Microsoft Windows 2.10 at no charge!
Windows 2.10 is faster than ever before with increased memory availability
for 50% faster application execution.
For information on how to receive the upgrade, call:
 
Microsoft Corporation  1-800-426-9400
 
MOM-12-88
MS-DOS/GW-BASIC NO LONGER INCLUDES PROFESSIONAL DESKMATE
 
The 1989 Tandy Computer Catalog (RSC-20) shows 25-4109 MS-DOS/GWBASIC as
a standalone package, no longer including the Professional DeskMate
that used to be bundled with this stock number.
In fact, TEW is now shipping only the new 25-4109s that do NOT include
Professional DeskMate.
Be sure to sell out all store-stocked quantities of the 25-4109 that
DID include Professional DeskMate with MS-DOS/GWBASIC.
 
Should you have a customer or bid commitment that calls for Professional
DeskMate to be included with MS-DOS, you should first check stores nearby
for availability of the older version.
If there are none available, you may include the standalone version of
Professional DeskMate, 25-1178, at no extra charge to your customer -
after receiving your District Manager's authorization.
Since there will be no price protection, DSM's are urged to monitor
this closely.
 
By the time you sell out of your existing inventory of 25-4109's, the new
DeskMate Workgroup Companion 25-1251 should be available.
The DeskMate Workgroup Companion has many new features, all of which will be
outlined next month in this memo.
For those customers requiring the shared advantages of using DeskMate
applications under 3Com and TandyLink network environments immediately,
sell the Professional DeskMate discussed above.
 
MOM-12-88
DESKMATE WORKGROUP COMPANION
The DeskMate Workgroup Companion supplements DeskMate 25-1250
and provides connectivity and resource sharing for workgroups of
two or more people.
Individual and workgroup productivity is enhanced through communications
and resource sharing.
 
Although it was promised in an S.O.S. memo that the features of
the DeskMate Workgroup Companion would be detailed in this M.O.M,
we felt that this information would be more useful if provided closer to
the release of the actual software, so look for the specific features list
in the next M.O.M.
 
MOM-12-88
SPECIAL OFFER FROM THE PRESIDENT OF RADIO SHACK ... REVISITED
The letter that was sent out to registered DeskMate owners
last month has generated a large number of letters to Ft. Worth.
The two main issues have been the time limit of the offer and the
lack of merchandise in the field.
 
The upgrade policy is our standard one,
and there is currently no time limit on the upgrade offer.
The time limit implied in the letter was to encourage customers
to come in right away, and not wait.
 
If you are having difficulties getting your copies of DeskMate,
reassure your customers that you are working
diligently to get them their copy, and that they shouldn't worry about
the time limit.
The offer will be good for as long as it takes to get them their software.
 
Furthermore, you should mention that DeskMate sales
have been very brisk, exceeding everyone's expectations,
and that it is going to take us a little while to catch up with the demand.
 
MOM-12-88
HOMEWORD II DELAYED
HomeWord II, 25-1266, which runs underneath the DeskMate interface,
was originally planned to be available by November.
This product has been delayed until February 28, 1989.
Watch for details in upcoming issues of the Memo of the Month.
 
MOM-12-88
TANDY 1400 LT MODEM BONUS
The 25-3510 1200 bps modem for the Tandy 1400 LT is a terrific 1400 LT add-on.
To help you increase sales, here's some help:
Effective immediately, you may include
- at no charge -
the 700-1255 PC-Link bonus package - a $29.95 value
with this modem
Just one more reason why there is no better value in personal computers!
 
MOM-12-88
VM-4 AVAILABILITY
As indicated during the annual meetings, the 25-1020 VM-4 composite
monochrome monitor is being dropped from the product line.
Therefore, you will not be able to offer a monochrome solution for the
Tandy 1000 HX and 1000 TX.
 
For those customers who want a monochrome solution, you can sell the
new Tandy 1000 SL or 1000 TL with a 25-3011 VM-5 monochrome monitor.
But the trend today is toward color, and with the enhanced color 
capability of the Tandy 1000's, your customers will appreciate the vivid
educational and entertainment applications that are available.
 
So remember to point out to your customers all the advantages of a color
solution.
They will appreciate it, and so will you.
 
MOM-12-88
PFS:FIRST CHOICE OUT OF STOCK
PFS:First Choice 2.0, 25-1228 is out of stock at TEW.
It will be replaced by version 3.0, expected to be available by
late December.
Keep selling your existing inventory by assuring your customers
who request version 3.0 that Software Publishing will upgrade them for free.
 
MOM-12-88
CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEA - PRINT BUFFER
At $89.95 our 26-1269 PTC-64 Print Buffer has sold better than it ever has.
Now that the DISContinued price has dropped to $45.40, we should be able 
to sell every last one from the storeroom.
You should make an attractive table display with your
other Christmas Gift ideas and mark the special price in BIG letters.
Print buffers are selling well in the industry
and at $45.40 you have the absolute lowest price the customer
will ever find on a 64K print buffer.
 
MOM-12-88
LOW, LOW PRINTER PRICES!
 
Do you have a special customer that is always looking for a terrific
price on a printer?
If you do, you should contact that person and offer
them the opportunity to buy at exceptional pricing.
These prices are the DISContinued prices and there are units in the field.
If you don't have one in your store to sell to your customer,
then contact your Regional Manager who will help you find one.
 
26-1277 DMP-430 Dot Matrix Printer   $396.05
26-1279 DMP-2200 Dot Matrix Printer  $308.55
 
MOM-12-88
2 TANDY 1000 SOFTWARE  A demo is your best selling tool!
You will be receiving with the POP sign kit three software demos.
These are from Sierra On-Line, Microprose and Spectrum Holobyte.
These should add to your collection of the Rabbit series demo
(sent last year) from The Learning Company.
 
Please don't leave your Tandy 1000 machines with blank screens.
You should have these self-running demos continuously on the screen.
Rotate the demos appropriately to attract the attention of your
customers.
 
MOM-12-88
CUSTOM FORMS PROGRAM UPDATE
The comprehensive "custom forms brochure" is now available from TEW:
FC-3034, $4.96 unit cost per pack of 25.
One pack will be cycle shipped to each RSCC and 01Z,
but all stores are eligible to participate in the forms program.
The brochure contains complete information on pricing and how to order.
 
This brochure is a selling piece and is intended for
distribution to each and every potential customer who uses any of our
Radio Shack or strategic Express Order accounting software.
Distribute them freely
during both outbound sales calls and as clients come through the Center
or store, and you will quickly find that the effort more than
pays for itself.
(Note that the program now includes coverage of Harmony,
Open Systems, and RealWorld accounting software and new lower sell
prices throughout.)
 
While the brochure carries an illustration of each basic type of form,
do realize that there may be some minor cosmetic variation in the actual
form shipped to the customer during the time our printer makes the
transition to the new line of laser-printed forms.
This is particularly
important to bear in mind when the new Forms Sample Kit (FC-3035)
becomes available in early December.
The basic layout of the form and
its compatibility with the software will remain unchanged, whether the
form is the old or new design.
Your order numbers at the forms company are:
All-States Business Products
National     (800) 527-0625
Texas only   (800) 492-5232
 
MOM-12-88
TANDYFAX 1000 SALES AIDS
Merchandising has prepared and sent out several items to assist you in
selling the TANDYFAX 1000. Have you received everything?
 
1.8" X 10" sales counter easel
2.TANDYFAX VS COMPETITORS - FAX machines comparison chart
3.Pack of 25 fact sheets
4.TANDYFAX 1000 video sales-training tape
 
If you haven't received  any  of these, drop a speed memo to:
 
Joel Guskin
1500 One Tandy Center
Ft. Worth, TX  76102
 
MOM-12-88
PRICE CHANGES
CAT. #  DESCRIPTION          OLD PRICE     NEW PRICE
90-5506 GEOdisc U.S. Atlas   $990.00       $595.00
 
MOM-12-88
PRODUCTS CANCELED, DISCONTINUED AND REPLACED
CANCELED
STOCK #   DESCRIPTION
90-3366   Mathtalk
90-5566   MicroWorks Math
90-5567   MicroWorks English
90-5568   MicroWorks Science
90-5569   MicroWorks Social Studies
 
DISCONTINUED
STOCK #  DESCRIPTION         STOCK #  DESCRIPTION
MS-DOS                       COLOR COMPUTER
90-5080  Computer Prep. SAT  26-3282  Pitstop II (DISC from Consumer Mail)
90-5405  Trigonometry
 
MS-DOS ACCOUNTING                   TANDY 6000 ACCOUNTING
90-0377 Trac Line Integrated Acct.  90-0373 Trac Line Integrated Acct.
90-0380 Trac Line Distributing      90-0374 Trac Line Retailing
90-3170 Trac Line Alternate Invent  90-0375 Trac Line Branch Store
90-3171 Trac Line Purchase Order    90-0376 Trac Line Distributing
90-0379 Trac Line Branch Store      90-1511 Trac Line Alternate Invent
90-0378 Trac Line Retailing
 
TANDY 3000 ACCOUNTING  TANDY 4000 ACCOUNTING
90-1535 Trac Line Integrated Acct.   90-1530 Trac Line Integrated Acct.
90-1536 Trac Line Distributing       90-1531 Trac Line Distributing
90-1539 Trac Line Purchase Order     90-1533 Trac Line Purchase Order
90-1538 Trac Line Retailing          90-1534 Trac Line Retailing
90-1532 Trac Line Alternate Invent
 
MOM-12-88
warehouse location changing from REGIONAL to TEW
Effective June 1, 1989:
 
CAT NO   DESCRIPTION            NEW CODE  WILL LOSE INVENTORY CREDIT
                                          11   01Z   01Y
26-1413 LP 1 Printer Ribbon     17                    X
26-2834 DMP 2120 Ribbon - black 15                    X
26-2836 DMP 2120 Ribbon refill  15                    X
 
MOM-12-88
BROCHURES/INFORMATION SHEETS ACCOMPANYING THIS M.O.M.
Q & A DEMO MATERIALS -
This month's Memo includes several demo tools for Q&A (25- 1225).
This integrated file manager and word processor from Symantec
has received top awards from PC Magazine (Editor's Choice),
PC World ("Best Buy" rating), Software Digest (#1 File Manager
AND #1 Simplified Word Processor) and Infoworld's highest rating
ever awarded a 9.6 rating against other file managers. Q&A has beat
out all competitors - including PFS: Professional File/Write and
Webster's New World Writer - in every comparison.
 
The QADEMO disk is a colorful rolling demo which covers the functions
and benefits of Q&A.
The QATUTOR disk provides a menu-driven, self-guided tour through
all the parts of Q&A, and can be used by you to demo the product,
or by your customers to take a look at the specific parts they may be
interested in.
There are also fact sheets and brochures to hand out to your customers.
 
Why all the fuss?
In January and February we will be offering Q&A free with the purchase
of a Tandy 1000 TX - that's $349.00 worth of software FREE.
Take a minute to sit down with these materials and familiarize yourself
with Q&A - this promises to be the hottest promotion of your '89 selling year!
 
A complete list of items accompanying this memo
and their distribution is:
 
ITEM                           DISTRIBUTION
Q&A brochure                   all stores
Q&A fact sheet                 all stores
Q&A 3 1/2" demo disk           all stores
Q&A 5 1/4" demo disk           all stores
SubLOGIC letter                all stores
Davidson envelope w/letter
& Math Blaster fact sheet      all stores
Real World tri-fold brochure   all stores
Andrew Tobias Financial
Calculator fact sheet          11s,TSCs, 01Zs
Telebit cover sheet            11s and TSCs
TrailBlazer Plus brochure      11s and TSCs
MICA Acct. Software brochure   11s and TSCs
Wizard of POS fact sheet       11s and TSCs
Corvus PC/NOS brochure         11s, TSCs, 01Zs
Corvus PC/NOS Tandy Link Demo  11s, TSCs, 01Zs
Connect Magazine               11s, TSCs, DSMs
 
MOM-12-88
SCSI ADAPTER - WHEN ADDITIONAL DRIVERS ARE NECESSARY
We're hearing reports of some confusion in the field about running some
software in a hardware configuration that includes SCSI hard drives.
This is not difficult, and there is an errata sheet included with the
25-4161 SCSI host adapter that explains the situation. As stated in the
February 26, 1988 issue of the Computer Merchandising Memo of the Month
(page 6) that introduced SCSI technology:
 
 "... note that you will need 700-4161 (16 bit SCSI 386 Drivers - no charge)
when used in conjunction with any software that uses the virtual 386 mode of
the microprocessor.  Some examples of this include: Windows 386, MON386,
TEMM.SYS, DesqView 386." 
 
A more complete explanation is included on the Errata sheet, and for your
information, some pertinent parts of this explanation are repeated here:
 
"The Tandy 16-bit SCSI host adapter performs first party DMA 16-bit
data transfers on the system bus to maximize performance.
This type of high performance can cause certain software incompatibilities.
 
"Any program that is run on the Tandy 4000 that utilizes the 80386 virtual
memory mode may corrupt data or lock up the system when run with any device
that performs first party DMA data transfers.
The software driver SCSIHA.SYS allows this type of program to run properly
with the Tandy 16-bit SCSI Host Adapter.
Below is a list of currently known programs that utilize the virtual memory
mode of operation on the Tandy 4000.
 
Windows 386
Desqview 386
TEMM.SYS
MON386
CACHE
 
"If you are planning on running any of the above programs, other programs
that use the 80386 virtual memory mode, or that transfer data from disk
directly to video memory, you will need to use the software driver SCSIHA.SYS.
Please contact your local Radio Shack Computer Center and order part number
700-4161."
 
If you do an installation for a customer of a SCSI hard drive and the 25-4161
SCSI host adapter, verify if the software they will be using will include
software that fits into one of the above categories.
If so, include 700-4161 as a part of your installation.
In any case ,
BE SURE TO LEAVE A COPY OF THE ERRATA SHEET with the customer.
 
MOM-12-88
AVR MEGASCAN SYSTEM - HANDY HINT
Did you know that when you sell an AVR MegaScan System (90-2210) and a
LP 1000 Laser Printer together that you are also selling your customer
his own personal copy machine? Since the MegaScan scanner has a direct
video interface to the LP 1000 you can use the "COPY A PAGE" menu function
to scan and immediately print in less time than it takes to walk to the
office copy machine.
 
MOM-12-88
TANDY 1000 SL/TL VIDEO SET-UP
We have heard several complaints concerning video display problems
on the Tandy 1000 SL and TL.
The symptoms encountered have caused many of you to send
the computer to repair.
The symptoms described (rolling or unreadable video)
indicate that the unit is in the wrong video mode.
That is, a color monitor is being used with the computer in the monochrome
mode or visa versa.
Should you encounter such symptoms,
try changing the video mode by pressing <SHIFT> <CTRL> <ALT> "V", before
contacting the repair department.
For more information,
refer to the  First Things First
brochure and the computer owner's manual (the section labeled  Changing
the Computer Defaults ).
 
MOM-12-88
SENDING LP 1000 LASER PRINTER IN FOR SERVICE
Now that there are more and more LP 1000 Laser Printers in
customer hands, we are seeing one particular problem appear
when these printers are brought in to a store and then sent to a
service center.
It's been described this way:  "Can you imagine what would happen if
you removed the top from a bottle of toner, threw the bottle into your
clothes dryer, and then pushed the 'on' button?"
Can you imagine?
This image translates into reality for those repair techs who open up
a laser printer that was shipped without having
the toner cartridge removed first.
Yech!
The techs don't appreciate the extra hours they have to spend trying to
clean up the inside of the printer, and the customer doesn't appreciate
finding toner in unexpected places after they get the printer back.
 
Before you send an LP 1000 ANYWHERE, be sure the toner cartridge has
been removed! Your repair techs and customers will thank you.
 
MOM-12-88
CLASS "A" MONITORS 
FCC regulations restrict selling a Class "A" monitor with a Class "B" CPU.
(Class "A" Monitors currently in our product line are:
 
    ( 25-4041 VGM-200, and 25-4042 VGM-300. )
 
If a customer insists on purchasing this combination of equipment after being
informed of this policy,  "CLASS A INFORMED"  must be written on the sales
receipt so that it appears on all copies.
Any client interested in purchasing this combination should be informed of the
FCC rule which states:
 
"Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause
interference in which case the user at his own expense will be required
to take whatever measures may be required to correct the interference."
 
The 25-4040 VGM-100 is certified as a Class "B" monitor.
 
MOM-12-88
EXPANSION RAM FOR TANDY 200
The October Where-Is-As-IS closeout of the 26-3866 expansion RAM for the
Tandy 200 was successful.
There is no remaining inventory at TEW, and the item is DISContinued.
Furthermore, National Parts has also sold out of the small inventory
that it carried.
We will not be reordering this item for
either location since it is readily available from aftermarket suppliers,
including:
 
Traveling Software (Bothell, WA)  (800) 343-8080
in Washington state               (206) 483-8088
 
Purple Computing (Camarillo, CA   (800) 732-5012
in California                     (805) 987-4788
 
MOM-12-88
PRINTER RIBBON COMPATIBILITY CHART
As you are aware, many of our printer ribbons for the Tandy printers will
fit other printers as well.
Attached to this Memo of the Month you will find
a PRINTER RIBBON COMPATIBILITY CHART that indicates
some of the printers that can use our ribbon cartridges.
 
While this list was prepared with great care and research,
you must remember that each printer has its own characteristics
and sometimes even different versions of the printer with the same name.
Therefore there may be occasions when a listed ribbon/printer combination
will not work.
Also please note that the character life printed on our box is valid
only for our Tandy printers and when the ribbon is used on
a compatible printer there may be significant differences
in character life and performance.
 
Overall you  should find the list to be most helpful in obtaining
new revenues from non-Tandy printer customers.
And when the need arises you should CHEERFULLY refund the purchase price
to a customer that has a problem with ANY of our ribbons,
whether it was used on a Tandy printer or another compatible.
 
MOM-12-88
SOFTWARE PC-LINK PERSONAL COPY OFFER
Now you can get your own copy of PC-Link at a special price!
Between now and January 31, 1989 you can order a special version
of PC-Link for only $3.00.
 
To order, call 1-800-545-6572 and ask for extension 3070.
 
You will be asked for your name, store number, social security number,
and home address.
You may pay by personal check or by credit card.
DO NOT SEND CASH!
 
Checks should be made payable to Quantum Computer Services, Inc.
(When you call the toll free number, you will be given the mailing address
for your checks.)
 
MOM-12-88
MICROSOFT WORD PERSONAL COPY OFFER ENDED
The offer to purchase personal copies of Microsoft Word 4.0
expired October 31st.
Please do not send orders in to Ft. Worth; they will only be returned to you.
 
MOM-12-88
DESKMATE VERSION 3 AND MS-DOS
Contrary to popular belief, DeskMate (25-1250) does run under MS-DOS 2.11.
In fact, on 384K machines it is the  preferred  operating system,
because 2.11 uses less memory than 3.X.
The only limitation of using DeskMate with MS-DOS 2.11
is that you cannot task switch.
 
DESKMATE AND MEMORY CONSIDERATIONS FOR 384K MACHINES
 
We are in the process of updating the 25-1250 DeskMate box to reflect the
following information:
 
DeskMate requires 384K (640K recommended to run all applications)
 
On page A-9 of the DeskMate reference manual, there is a short list
of things that will not run in a non-ROM 384K environment.
This list applies to any Tandy 1000s running a 2.X version of MS-DOS
(early 1000s, 1000As, 1000 HXs).
 
Here is a list of items you should be aware of and that you should advise
your customers of before they leave your store:
 
1) The Spell Checker accessory requires 512K.
Spell checking in TEXT using the PROOF option works in 384K.
 
2) The Alarm accessory requires 512K
 
3) The Task Switch accessory requires MS-DOS 3.2 and 512K
 
4) The Add field option in Text (to make form letters) requires 640K
 
5) ASCII and Daisy wheel printer drivers are the ones you can use in
Calendar and Form Setup unless you have more than 384K
(IMPORTANT NOTE: You can use the ASCII driver with any printers -
DMP, DWP, Laser, or others.)
 
6) The Phone List accessory requires 512K to dial, however you can autodial
in the address book with only 384K
 
If the customer is running 3.X in a 384K machine (such as a 1000 SX or
other non-ROM PC-compatible computer), the following additional items
are known to not work:
 
7) Autoproofing in Text
 
8) The Calendar program
 
 
With 640K of memory, all of the above problems go away regardless of MS-DOS
version.
It is important to keep these facts in mind when selling a customer
a copy of DeskMate.
 
MOM-12-88
PFS:FIRST PUBLISHER MEMORY REQUIREMENT
The barcode stickers on your copies of 25-1264 First Publisher state
the memory requirement as 640K RAM. This is incorrect.
The packaging itself, as well as the descriptions in RSC-20 and RSC-20S
correctly state the RAM requirement as 512K.
 
MOM-12-88
TANDY XENIX ACCOUNTING SUPPORT FOR SCO XENIX
The following Tandy XENIX Accounting modules are now supported under
SCO XENIX:
 
25-4301   General Ledger
25-4303   Payroll
25-4304   Accounts Receivable
25-4305   Accounts Payable
25-4307   Order Entry/Inventory Control
25-4308   Sales Analysis
 
These modules are packaged with 5.25 inch media.
All requests for 3.5 inch media should be directed to TSA Warranty
Exchange per established procedures.
 
Installation of these modules under SCO XENIX  REQUIRES  the
following  ADDITIONAL SOFTWARE :
70-1505 RM/COBOL Runtime & Tandy/SCO Pre-Installation Set
 
MOM-12-88
TANDY LABEL PAYROLL SOFTWARE UPDATE
The following payroll modules will be enhanced to accommodate
the new IRS regulations for the reporting of Tip Income:
 
70-2076 (26-6203)    Payroll Model 6000
25-4303              Payroll Model 3000/4000
 
Upgrade availability will be announced in future editions of
the Computer Merchandising Memo of the Month.
 
The following payroll modules will not be enhanced and SHOULD
NOT BE SOLD TO ANY CUSTOMER REQUIRING TIP INCOME REPORTING:
 
25-1146              Quartet
26-1543              Payroll Model 4
26-1539              W-2 Writer Model 4
 
MOM-12-88
VIANET AND TANDYLINK
The ViaNet Upgrade (700-2505) is for existing ViaNet installations
who wish to upgrade their network to the latest version of ViaNet.
This is NOT a mandatory upgrade. 
If customers do upgrade, you need to make sure you sell them
one copy per machine on the network.
 
Now  IS  an appropriate time, however, to shift your customers
away from any  NEW  ViaNet installations
and point them toward a TandyLink solution.
Teamed up with Professional DeskMate, this solution gives your customers
the ability to share a calendar, share files and send E-Mail.
If that is not enough, you can add PC/NOS and get all the functionally that
ViaNet offered at a fraction of the cost.
 
Look at it this way,
A TandyLink board (26-5601/2) costs $119.95,
Professional DeskMate (25-1178) costs $149.95, and
PC/NOS (90-1698, see article in  NEW PRODUCTS  section of this M.O.M.)
costs $695.00 for a network (no matter what the size, up to 64 nodes).
If you have 10 nodes, that is $205.00 per node
compared with ViaNet at $345.00 a node. 
 
DeskMate 3 (25-1250), when teamed with the soon-to-be-released
Workgroup Companion, can be used instead of Professional DeskMate
in this solution.
 
We do  NOT  want to encourage any new ViaNet network but we  DO  want
NEW TandyLink networks.
 
MOM-12-88
TANDY 6000 ACCOUNTING SOURCE CODE - ORDER INFORMATION
The following guidelines apply when ordering the following Model 6000
Accounting Source Code:
 
70-5050  General Ledger         70-5053  Accounts Payable
70-5051  Payroll                70-5054  Order Entry/ICS
70-5052  Accounts Receivable    70-5055  Sales Analysis
 
1) Stores may order source code by forwarding the MBSI
Licensing Agreement (From the Manual) and proof of
purchase of the object code (corresponding 26 series) to:
 
Software Coordinator - Source Code
400 Atrium - One Tandy Center
Fort Worth, TX 76102
 
2) If a copy of the sales receipt is not available and the
customer is not listed in the Software Registration
database, a letter from the customer on company letterhead
is required, indicating the approximate date of purchase
and the store involved.
 
3) Source code will be shipped to the store via UPS.
Any other method of shipping will be charged to the store.
 
All source code has been updated to reflect the current
version of the software.
 
MOM-12-88
CORRECTION TO ARTICLE - EARL WEAVER BASEBALL WITH SL/TL KEYBOARD
In last month's Computer Merchandising Memo of the Month
(November 1988),
the article on Page 9 contained two errors.
Two values in the first two PATCH lines were entered incorrectly.
(The third PATCH line was correct.)
 
For the "IF YOU HAVE ONLY ONE DISK DRIVE" section,
the PATCH line in step "6)" should read:
 
PATCH WEAVER.EXE,37D,E4,C3
 
For the "IF YOU HAVE MORE THAN ONE DISK DRIVE" section,
the PATCH line in step "6)" should read:
 
A:PATCH B:WEAVER.EXE,37D,E4,C3
 
For the "IF YOU HAVE A HARD DISK" section,
the PATCH line in step "6)" was correctly shown as:
 
PATCH A:WEAVER.EXE,37D,E4,C3
 
We apologize for any inconvenience this misprint may have caused.
 
MOM-12-88
ZERO K MEMORY BOARD FOR 3000 NL - 254027
 
The 25-4027 Zero K Memory Board for the 3000 NL is now available at TEW.
There is a small documentation error that you should be aware of to avoid
any confusion.
On the chart on page 3 of the documentation that comes with 25-4027,
the 640K memory configuration erroneously shows the base 512K of memory
as moved to an expansion board.
This is incorrect, simply add 128K more (25-4082) to the main
logic board to reach 640K.
 
MOM-12-88
LOTUS VALUE PACK - FC-0018 - AVAILABLE
It's here!
The 1-2-3 Lotus Value Pack, which offers
copy protection removal for Lotus 1-2-3 release 2.0 (yes, you read
it right), PostScript printer and EGA/VGA support, Lotus Speedup (speeds
up recalcs by only calculating the cells that need it), Lotus Learn
(create macros by typing in the commands themselves rather than macro
instructions), and 6 months of FREE Lotus Prompt Hotline support, is
available free from TEW.
 
Use this package to close sales on
the Lotus 1-2-3 Small Business Kit (25-1223),
or on any remaining copies of Lotus 1-2-3 Release 2 you may have (25-1175).
It's also a good way to get customers who already own Release 2
back into your store.
The Value Pack comes on 5 1/4" diskettes.
 
MOM-12-88
WHAT'S NEW IN MODEMS
25-1037 2400 bps Half Card -
Still expected to be available in early December.
Note that, per the addendum to the owner's manual, this version is not
recommended for XENIX or 3Com since it defaults to ignore DTR
and to force Carrier Detect.
A fix is in progress, and instructions on how to get a corrected ROM
for XENIX and 3Com applications will be issued in the next M.O.M.
 
90-2207 WORLDPORT 2400 Portable -
A 2400 bps version of the popular Worldport 1200 portable modem (90-704)
from Touchbase Systems.
Operates off of a single 9v. battery and with same compact form factor -
about the size of a pack of cigarettes - as the earlier item.
For international use: V.22 bis for 2400 bps, V.22 for European 1200 bps,
and Bell 212A/103 for U.S. 1200/300 bps.
The connector on the modem is a male DB25 (with the 1400 LT,
use the 26-265 port adapter).
The 2400 sells for $299, while the 1200 version continues at $199.
Both carry two-year warranties.
 
90-2214 ZOOM "MX2400" External -
Standard V.22 bis/Bell 212A, Hayes-compatible external modem with
two-year warranty at $179.
 
90-2177 CTS "24M" Internal -
2400 bps in 10" card form factor. 
Corresponds to the previous CTS 2400 AMH External (90-2178).
With MNP level 4 error correction for applications where data integrity
is essential.  Not recommended for use with XENIX.
Same two-year warranty and $369 sell price for either
internal or external models.
 
XENIX Compatibility
Due to the way many standard consumer modems ignore DTR and force
Carrier Detect, they cannot be made compatible with XENIX
which requires true DTR/true carrier be honored.
Software workarounds in XENIX are essentially impossible.
In a future issue of the Computer Merchandising Memo of the Month,
we plan to issue a complete chart of active modems
and their suitablility for use on XENIX and 3Com.
The new Telebit Trailblazer (90-2172) is recommended for high speed
applications.
 
MOM-12-88
TELEBIT TRAILBLAZER PLUS MODEM - 90-2172
Telebit brings the speed and performance previously associated with
leased-line modems and dedicated lines to the dial-up environment.
 
Supports 19,200 bps over dial-up lines
 
Operates at 2400 bps(V.22 bis), 1200 bps(V.22 and Bell 212A)
and 300 bps (Bell 103J)
 
Compatible with the industry standard modem command set and
supports MNP error correction
 
Operates with a full range of third-party communications software
 
For high-speed data transmission in a XENIX environment,
there is only one choice - Telebit - the world's fastest dial-up modem.
Just how fast is it?
Try 19,200 bps on voice-grade telephone lines.
That's six to ten times faster than other modems operating with  uucp .
Imagine using remote  vi  as fast as your direct connections!
Built-in error detection and correction also ensure data integrity.
 
The 90-2172 Telebit TrailBlazer PLUS modem is available from Special
Order for $1345.00.
 
For more information, contact Telebit at:
 
Technical support  (800) TELEBIT
Sales support      (214) 746-4343
 
MOM-12-88
PC/NOS NETWORK OPERATING SYSTEM FOR TANDYLINK - 90-1698
The 90-1698 PC/NOS network operating system provides a low-cost easy-to-use,
easy-to-install network operating system for use with TandyLink
network boards.
 
Unlike many competitive products,
PC/NOS can be installed by the customer in about 10 minutes per node 
and it requires no disk reformatting, so existing data is safe.
Network connections are easy to make using the simple NetView interface,
and once connections are made, they can be set to recur automatically
every time the user logs on.
 
Only one copy of PC/NOS is required for the entire network,
and PC/NOS supports 64 nodes on the network.
Any number of servers,
workstations, printers, or other peripherals can be shared no matter
where they are located on the network.
 
PC/NOS comes on 5 1/4" and 3 1/2" disks and is fully compatible with
25-1178 Professional DeskMate and 25-1250 DeskMate.
Potential customers are existing Professional DeskMate users as well as new
customers interested in a true low-cost network.
 
Matched with the low, low price of the TandyLink board (26-5601 or 26-5602),
networking PCs has never been so affordable.
 
The PC/NOS Network Operating System for TandyLink is 90-1698, and it
is available from Special Order for $695.00.
 
For more information, contact Corvus at 800-4-CORVUS.
 
MOM-12-88
PRINT MAGIC NOW AVAILABLE
Many of you have already received your Christmas drop-ship of 25-1265
Print Magic, from Epyx.
This product uses the DeskMate interface to let you produce
the same kinds of output as The Print Shop - signs, banners, invitations,
greeting cards, report covers, certificates, letterhead - but with far
superior graphics, typefaces and editing capabilities.
Like DeskMate, Print Magic is easy to use from the keyboard, and
really takes off with the addition of a mouse.
 
Print Magic includes a multitude of its own art images, or you can import
art from the Graphics Scrapbook collection (90-3244, -3245, and -3246)
or any Print Shop or Newsroom compatible disk.
 
The product comes with both 3 1/2 and 5 1/4 inch diskettes, and requires
640K RAM and one floppy drive to run.
Radio Shack retail price is $54.95.
 
MOM-12-88
SOFTWARE RELEASED SINCE RSC-20/20S/20E CATALOGS PRINTED 
These items are in alphabetical order within categories.
 
CATEGORY        CAT. #  TITLE                       SHORT DESCRIPTION
                PRICE    REFER TO:
 
Bus./Pers. Mgmt 90-1300 Labels Unlimited             Label making program
                $59.95   November MOM
Bus./Pers. Mgmt 90-1301 Pocket Address Book(Sr Ed)   Personal Address maker
                $84.95   November MOM
Bus./Pers. Mgmt 90-1326 Byte Size Stock Portfolio    Tracks stocks
                $24.95   December MOM
Bus./Pers. Mgmt 90-1327 Byte Size Mail & Phone List  Lists
                $24.95   December MOM
Bus./Pers. Mgmt 90-1330 Byte Size Home Inventory     Inventory tool
                $24.95   December MOM
Desktop Pub.    90-2273 Font Effects           Add special effects to fonts
                $95.00   Aug/Sept MOM
Desktop Pub.    90-2271 Laserfonts            Font Install for WordPerfect
                $180.00  Aug/Sept MOM
Desktop Pub.    90-2272 WYSIFONTS!             Screen Font Installer
                $95.00   Aug/Sept MOM
Entertain(CoCo3) 90-0910 Alternate Reality-The City   Graphic Adventure
                 $29.95   November MOM
Entertain(CoCo3) 90-0912 Scenery Disk - #7   Scenery disk for Flight Sim II
                 $24.95   December MOM
Entertain(CoCo3) 90-0913 Scenery Disk-Japan  Scenery disk for Flight Sim II
                 $24.95   December MOM
Entertain(CoCo3) 90-0914 Scenery Disk-West EuropeScenery disk for Flight Sim II
                 $24.95   December MOM
Entertain(MS-DOS) 90-1256 Star Flight             was 25-1137
                  $44.95   December MOM
Entertain(MS-DOS) 90-3137 Manhunter: New York    3D Graphic Adventure
                  $44.95   December MOM
Entertain(MS-DOS) 90-3251 Fantavision          Art and Animation creator
                  $54.95   November MOM
Entertain(MS-DOS) 90-3355 Three Stooges            Graphic Adventure
                  $44.95   December MOM
Graphics/Design   90-0282 Drafix 3-D Modeler      Design modeling tool
                  $295.00  November MOM
Graphics/Design   90-0284 Profess Arch Symbols Lib   Pre-drawn Arch. symbols
                  $150.00 November MOM
Graphics/Design   90-0283 Profess Mech Symbols Lib   Pre-drawn Mech. symbols
                  $150.00 November MOM
Home Ed.(MS-DOS)  90-3359 Reading and Me         Reading program for ages 4-7
                  $34.95  November MOM
Industry Specific 90-1585 Real World POS                 SCO 386
                  $1095.00 December MOM
Programm Tools    90-1302 Peter Norton's Assem Lang   Assy Lang Instruct Book
                  $39.95  November MOM
Program Tools     90-1583 LPI COBOL 386                 SCO 386 Compiler
                  $1595.00 December MOM
Program Tools     90-1584 LPI FORTRAN 386               SCO 386 Compiler
                  $995.00  December MOM
Word Proces(CoCo3) 90-0908 VIP Writer IV                   Word Processing
                   $79.95   December MOM
Word Proces(CoCo3) 90-0909 Telewriter-128                  Word Processing
                   $79.95   December MOM
Word Processing    90-2219 Carets OCR              for Ricoh RS-320 Scanner
                   $495.00  Aug/Sept MOM
Utilities(CoCo3)   90-0911 Printer Drivers        for Home Publisher 26-3273
                   $19.95   December MOM
Utilities          90-1304 PC Tools Deluxe                   HD utility
                   $74.99   December MOM
Utilities          90-1305 PathMinder                        DOS utility
                   $59.95   Aug/Sept MOM
Utilities          90-0514 PC-Fullbak                   HD Backup utility
                   $49.95   Aug/Sept MOM
Ed - CD-ROM Apps   90-5605 PC-SIG Library           Shareware/Public Domain
                   $295.00  November MOM
Ed - CD-ROM Apps   90-5604 Science Helper K-8          Science Lesson Plans
                   $195.00 November MOM
 
MOM-12-88
THE ROUNDTABLE  WHAT IS DESKMATE?
Is DeskMate a user interface?
Is DeskMate a collection of useful applications?
Is DeskMate a set of pop-up accessories?
Is DeskMate a programming system supported by third party software
developers?
And what does all of this mean?
Actually, DeskMate is all of the above.
And here's what it's all about.
 
The DeskMate Graphical User Interface (GUI) 
 
Probably the single most important aspect of DeskMate is what has come to
be known as the DeskMate Graphical User Interface (or GUI for short).
A User Interface is exactly what it sounds like - a way for a user to
work with the computer.
Graphical User Interfaces make this much easier, since it is more
modern looking and is able to represent items in three dimensions,
as well as in color.
 
The DeskMate Interface is comprised of pull down menus, pop-up dialog boxes,
push buttons and a common look from screen to screen.
Using the computer is easy and consistent whether the keyboard or
a mouse pointing device is used.
For example, look at this screen:
 
                    [INSERT deskmate menu SCREEN HERE]
 
The top two lines of the screen form the common look and feel of DeskMate,
as all DeskMate applications will have this appearance.
From here, all you need to do is 'pull down' a menu with a function key
or by pointing the mouse and clicking on the appropriate menu bar,
and you will see the various selections available 'under' that menu.
With these selections, you can control filing, editing, printing,
and other functions.
 
Any DeskMate application will have this similar look, and operate the same.
This is what makes the computer easy to use - since once the operation
of the DeskMate Interface is learned, understanding and operating new
applications is a snap.
 
The DeskMate Applications
 
The DeskMate system - as delivered with the Tandy 1000 SL and 1000 TL
computers, or sold separately as catalog number 25-1250 - is comprised of
several parts.
Of course, the DeskMate Interface is apparent in all aspects,
as each application uses the DeskMate Interface.
 
The applications included with the DeskMate system are:
 
Text         A word processing program
Calendar     A scheduling/calendar program
Draw         An easy to use paint and draw program
Address      An address book program
PC LINK      The new and innovative on-line information service
Worksheet    A spreadsheet program
Filer        A simple database program
Form Setup   A utility to design Filer screens and reports
Telecom      An all purpose communications program
Hangman      The age old word game
 
And when you first enter the DeskMate system, you are greeted by
what is called the DeskMate Desktop.
 
                       [INSERT deskmate menu SCREEN HERE]
 
The Desktop is simply the opening screen where the different DeskMate
applications are organized and can be executed.
In addition to gaining access to DeskMate and other applications,
the DeskMate Desktop allows you to execute typical DOS commands such as:
 
DISKCOPY     Backup diskettes
FORMAT       Format new diskettes
COPY         Copy files between diskettes
DELETE       Remove files
RENAME       Rename files
RUN          Execute files and programs
CHANGE       Change Directory
CHKDSK       Checks Disk storage space
CREATE       Create a new directory
 
and much more ...
 
In essence, the Desktop is the heart of the DeskMate system allowing you
to control the various programs in your computer system.
 
DeskMate Accessories
 
Another aspect of DeskMate is the common set of accessories that are
available from any DeskMate application.
These accessories are:
 
Alarm         Allows various events to 'sound' an alarm
Calculator    A pop up five function calculator
Corkboard     A simple note pad
Month         Look up any date in a snap
Phone List    An easy and accessible phone directory
Setup         Allows you to customize the DeskMate system
Spell Checker Allows words to be spell checked
Task Switch   Makes switching between different applications easier and quicker
 
Also available from anywhere within the DeskMate system is a Help facility.
By simply pressing the F1 key any time, you will be able to get help on
various topics about DeskMate.
 
There are even three tutorials that teach you the fundamentals of
operating within the DeskMate system.
 
And the DeskMate Interface is gaining industry support
 
What does this mean, and why is it important?
Well it is clear that making computers easier to use is both necessary
and desirable.
Because DeskMate is so easy to use, we have made the necessary programming
information available to software developers so that they can produce
applications that work just like the DeskMate applications in the
DeskMate system.
 
So customers can have the DeskMate system which includes the Desktop to
organize different applications, the 10 DeskMate applications and 7
accessories that are included in the DeskMate system, and then are able
to buy additional applications from a multitude of software companies
that they will already know how to use!
 
And because the DeskMate Interface is similar to and uses many of the
same conventions that are found in Microsoft Windows,
IBM Presentation Manager, and many other Graphical User Interfaces
(there's that GUI again!), it will make using applications between
different computer systems easy to use as well.
Having a computer at the office, school or home is becoming more and
more common, so this is important.
 
The DeskMate System  -- There you have it.
The DeskMate system is an impressive collection of easy to use
applications, a set of accessories, a Desktop organizer - and the
DeskMate Graphical User Interface.
And this DeskMate Interface is being used by many software companies
for additional applications as well.
 
In fact, probably the most important part of the DeskMate system is the
DeskMate Interface.
It is this GUI that will make computers easier to use as more and more
software programs become available that use it.
 
MOM-12-88
60 MB FASTAPE EXTERNAL TAPE BACKUP SUBSYSTEM BY ARCHIVE
An Unbeatable Value!
The 90-2059 Archive 60MB Fastape tape backup subsystem offers unbeatable value
to Tandy users who wish to backup their MS-DOS or XENIX systems.
Consider these cost estimates, based on an industry survey by
Archive Corporation, for replacing 20 MB of lost business data:
 
Sales and Marketing   19 days   $17,000.00
Accounting Data       21 days   $19,000.00
Production Data       32 days   $28,000.00
Engineering Data      42 days   $98,000.00
 
Consider also the advantages of an external tape backup not only when
computer device slots are full, but also to move data between computers.
It's no wonder then that the small investment in an external tape
backup system offers such unbeatable value!
 
Included with the Fastape subsystem is a 60MB external drive,
controller board, Fastape utility software for MS-DOS, XENIX drivers,
manuals, cable and a 1 year warranty.
The Fastape subsystem is compatible with the Tandy 1000, 3000, and 4000
series of computers, requiring only one 8-bit slot for the controller.
The tape subsystem records on the DC600XTD tape cartridge, catalog 26-204.
 
For customers desiring to move the Fastape between computers,
an extra controller is now available!
90-2061, Archive Extra 499 Controller, retails for only $255.
 
MS-DOS users will find the Fastape utility software to be a straight-forward,
menu-driven utility which allows image, selective, and incremental
file backups to be performed.
File selection may be made by wildcards and date/time as full filename.
Files are backed up at 5.4 MB/minute.
Multiple backups per tape and multi-tape backups are supported.
 
XENIX users will find that the XENIX drivers included permit the use of
tar and cpio  utilities to backup files.
The XENIX drivers supplied were jointly developed by Archive and
SCO for use on XENIX 286 and 386 versions 2.2.2 and 2.2.4.
A memory buffering scheme incorporated in the drivers optimize
streaming backup.
 
Archive "backs up" its Fastape with a 1 year warranty and offers
a technical support hotline 1-800-237-4929 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Pacific Standard Time.
 
The Archive Fastape subsystem is available at TEW, catalog 90-2059,
for $1050 retail.
 
MOM-12-88
25-4067 70 MEGABYTE HARD DRIVE
The Manufacturer Wants You to Know ...
The 25-4067 is a fast access, 5.25" half height, rigid disk drive
combining 70 megabytes of formatted storage capacity with the
industry standard ST 506/412 interface.
 
The 25-4067's space-efficient half height configuration allows your
customers to upgrade performance while increasing disk storage
to as much as 140 megabytes by using two drives in the space
normally reserved for a single full height drive.
 
Enhancement capabilities like these make the 25-4067 ideal for
Tandy 3000 and 4000 systems in the demanding data base management
and file server applications.
 
FAST ACCESS TIME -
The 70 megabyte 25-4067 features an average seek time of 28 milliseconds.
Its balanced rotary voice coil head actuator is controlled by a closed
loop servo system that obtains accurate positioning signals from a
dedicated surface.
This allows fast, precise access to data recorded at 1,100 tracks per inch
on 1224 cylinders.
Speed and precision are available throughout the entire specified range of
temperature and vibration because of advanced materials and
design technologies.
 
VERSATILE STANDARD ST506/412 INTERFACE -
For full compatibility, the 25-4067 features an industry standard
ST506/412 interface that allows drives to be daisy-chained off a
single controller to facilitate exceptionally high system capacity
in a small package.
 
PACKAGING EFFICIENCY/QUIET OPERATION -
Owing to advanced surface mount design and proprietary LSI circuitry,
the 25-4067 electronics are contained on a single, compact, multi-layer
printed circuit board.
 
Similar attention to engineering, materials specification and the
limit of operational parts affords the 25-4067 an extremely low
audible noise level of 45 decibels during seek, ideally suited for
the office or laboratory environment.
 
CONSERVATIVE DESIGN, RUGGED CONSTRUCTION, HIGH RELIABILITY -
The 25-4067 is engineered with a conservative design philosophy that
makes reliability a top priority.
A low average power dissipation figure of 18 watts affords a significant
increase in design life by reducing component ambient temperature.
 
Anti-vibration mounts are positioned within a sturdy outer frame to
dramatically reduce shock, vibration, and mounting stress while supporting
the Head/Disk Assembly.  The unit is completely shielded from contamination
and electrical noise thanks to sealed, all metal construction.
 
And for comprehensive protection of sensitive data areas during transportation,
the 25-4067 features automatic head park and lock, and
dynamic braking during power down.
 
These features combined with the reduced parts count design and careful
attention to manufacturing process control give the
25-4067 a MTBF of 20,000 power on hours.
 
TWO-TIERED QUALITY CONTROL -
The 25-4067 drives are monitored from their conception by a two-tiered
quality control system.
Under this system, each drive is tested at every important juncture
in production - including multiple 100% certification of heads and media.
The quality control system itself is continually evaluated to assess
the validity of its specifications and effectiveness of its quality checks.
The production quality and yield of critical component vendors are
closely monitored to insure consistent high quality.
The result is a plug and play rate in excess of 99%.
 
And from Computer Merchandising...
 
The manufacturer has made great strides to improve the quality the 70MB hard
disk drive,
including totally replacing all existing inventory with product heavily 
scrutinized by their new quality control system which they claim is modeled
after Tandy Electronics and Radio Shack Quality Control's own.
 
Today we can with confidence deliver a high performance,
high capacity, industry standard hard drive solution to our customers that
measures up to Tandy/Radio Shack's high quality standards.
 
Let's get the good word out,
and bring this solution to the folks that turn to us for products they
can rely on!
 
MOM-12-88
LATE DATES 
Listed below are the new items that appear in Catalogs RSC-20, RSC-20S,
and RSC-20E which have not yet arrived at the warehouses.
Also included are the dates the merchandise is expected to be available
at the warehouses.
 
The dates listed in this section are based on the latest available information,
and are updated monthly.
While they may not be 100% accurate, they are the best estimate we have
at this time.
The dates listed here should be your ONLY reference for availability of
cataloged items.
Ft. Worth Customer Service or Ft. Worth Computer Merchandising
will not have any dates other than the ones shown here.
1989 Tandy Computer Catalog #RSC-20
25-1037  2400 bps Half Card Modem            12/15/88
25-1234  Music Studio                        1/30/89
25-1237  Children's Writing and Publishing   2/28/89
25-1241  SchoolMate                          12/30/88
25-1246  Quicken                             12/30/88
25-1247  Memory Mate                         12/30/88
25-1249  Venture                             12/30/88
25-1251  Workgroup Companion                 12/15/88
25-1262  Instant Pages                       12/15/88
25-1266  HomeWord II                         2/28/89
25-1515  1400 LT Tech. Ref. Manual           12/30/88
25-1516  1000 SL Tech. Ref. Manual           12/30/88
25-1517  1000 TL Tech. Ref. Manual           12/30/88
25-3515  Internal 20 Meg for 1400 LT         12/15/88
25-4029  2MB Memory Kit for 3000 NL          12/30/88
         For now, substitute 25-5033
25-4151  140MB ESDI HD Kit                   12/30/88
25-6050  ESDI-HD Controller-MC               12/30/88
25-6060  SCSI-HD Controller-MC               12/30/88
26-3241  The Last Ninja                      CANC
90-1570  SCO XENIX 386-MC                    12/30/88
90-1571  SCO XENIX Dev. System-MC            12/30/88
90-3348  Computer Mad Libs                   12/30/88
90-3365  Kid Talk                            12/30/88
90-3366  Math Talk                           CANC
90-3367  First Shapes                        12/30/88
90-3368  Smooth Talker                       12/30/88
90-3369  First Letter and Word               12/30/88
90-3377  Math Talk Fractions                 12/30/88
90-5504  Microsoft Small Bus. Consultant     12/30/88
90-5509  Microsoft Stat Pack                 12/30/88
 
     1989 Express Order Sftwr Buyer's Guide #RSC-20S
 
25-1234  Music Studio                        1/30/89
25-1237  Children's Writing & Publishing     2/28/89
25-1241  SchoolMate                          12/30/88
25-1246  Quicken                             12/30/88
25-1247  Memory Mate                         12/30/88
25-1249  Venture                             12/30/88
25-1251  Workgroup Companion                 12/15/88
25-1262  Instant Pages                       12/15/88
25-1266  HomeWord II                         2/28/89
26-3241  The Last Ninja                      CANC
90-1209  RM/COBOL 85 OS/2                    CANC
90-1241  Time Line 3.0                       12/30/88
90-1244  PC Paintbrush Window                CANC
90-1268  dBASE IV                            12/15/88
90-1527  Microsoft Word                      12/15/88
90-1529  Unify 386                           12/15/88
90-1578  SCO Image Builder                   2/30/89
90-1580  R Word Plus (286 XENIX)             CANC
90-1581  R Office Plus (286 XENIX)           CANC
90-3263  Byline                              12/30/88
90-3348  Computer Mad Libs                   12/30/88
90-3365  Kidtalk                             12/30/88
90-3366  Mathtalk                            CANC
90-3367  First Shapes                        12/30/88
90-3368  Smoothtalker                        12/30/88
90-3369  First Letter & Word                 12/30/88
90-3377  Mathtalk Fractions                  12/30/88
90-5504  Microsoft Small Bus. Consultant     12/30/88
90-5509  Microsoft Stat Pack                 12/30/88
 
    1989 Radio Shack Educational Products Guide #RSC-20E
 
25-1241  SchoolMate                           12/30/88
90-5504  Microsoft Small Business Consultant  12/30/88
90-5509  Microsoft Stat Pack                  12/30/88
90-5551  SuperPrint                           1/15/89
90-5552  A.I. - Artificial Intelligence       12/30/88
90-5566  MicroWorks Math                      CANC
90-5567  MicroWorks English                   CANC
90-5568  MicroWorks Science                   CANC
90-5569  MicroWorks Social Studies            CANC
90-5574  Crater                               1/15/89
90-5585  SuperPrt Early Learn. Graphics Act   1/30/89
90-5586  SuperPrint U.S. Maps Graphics Act.   1/30/89
90-5587  SuperPrint World Maps Graphics Act.  1/30/89
90-5600  PC Assisted Keyboard                 12/30/88
 
MOM-11-88
TANDY 1000 SL / TL PROMOTION
The holiday season will soon be upon us once again and we need
to start preparing ourselves to sell!
 
You should be very excited about the approach we've taken this year.
To start the season off right, we've given the entire Tandy 1000
family special pricing to make you and your customers' Christmas extra merry.
As you know, the HX special pricing is already in effect.
Holiday sale pricing for the SL and TL started with the November flyer
(#435) which had an in-home date of 10/19 and all Tandy 1000 sale pricing
will end with the last December flyer (#437) on 12/24.
 
The line-up for the value-packed Tandy 1000 SL and TL is:
 
                             REGULARLY    ON SALE FOR
 
Tandy 1000 HX   (25-1053)      $699          $499
Tandy 1000 SL   (25-1401)      $899          $799
Tandy 1000 TL   (25-1601)      $1299         $1099
 
System pricing is as follows:
 
                                      REGULAR     SALE
 
Tandy 1000 HX         (25-1053)       $ 699.00    $ 499.00
CM-5 Color Monitor    (25-1043)       $ 299.95    $ 299.95
                                      ---------   ---------
                                      $ 998.95    $ 798.95
 
                REGULAR SALE
 
Tandy 1000 SL         (25-1401)       $ 899.00    $ 799.00
CM-5 Color Monitor    (25-1043)       $ 299.95    $ 299.95
                                      ---------   ---------
                                      $1198.95    $1098.95
 
                REGULAR SALE
 
Tandy 1000 TL          (25-1601)      $1299.00    $1099.00
CM-5 Color Monitor     (25-1043)      $ 299.95    $ 299.95
                                      --------    --------
                                      $1598.95    $1398.95
 
Also, this is the easiest time to add dollars to the sales ticket.
You know that every customer will want additional software, a modem,
a mouse and diskettes when they purchase their new computer.
And of course all SL and TL customers will want to purchase a microphone
for use with the fantastic sound capabilities of the 1000 SL and 1000 TL.
 
And be sure to show and talk to your customers about the differences between
the CM-5 and CM-11 Color Monitors.
In all the Tandy 1000 family systems, your customers can upgrade to
the higher resolution CM-11 Color Monitor for only an additional $100.00.
This should be an easy sale, especially for those TL customers who
want the best product at the right price.
Remember the phrase, "one picture says a thousand words",
and by adding dollars to the ticket with the sale of the CM-11,
it adds dollars to your pocket.
 
We're spending 60 million dollars to bring customers into your stores.
Here's how we're doing it:
 
 
MOM-11-88
TANDY 1000 TX PROMOTION
The Tandy 1000 TX (25-1600) continues to be an excellent value as the ideal
personal computer for home, office at home, education and small business.
Since there are still plenty of Tandy 1000 TX's available,
you can continue to sell the TX for $899.95,
or $1,199.00 with a CM-5 Color Monitor, indefinitely.
This is a tremendous buy for a 640k 286-based PC.
This is a continuing sale price, and not a permanent markdown.
You may not discount further off the $899.95 price.
So keep on selling the TX through the Christmas quarter,
and see your computer sales soar!
 
AND ADD AN EXTRA $49.95 TO EACH 1000 TX SALE - 
After you have told your customer how great the Tandy 1000 TX is and
how great Personal DeskMate 2 is, and you have closed the sale,
show them the extra added benefits of the new DeskMate and
offer them the upgrade price right there.
It should be an easy way to add a quick $50 to each and every 1000 TX purchase.
 
MOM-11-88
TANDY 1400 LT AVAILABILITY
The Tandy 1400 LT is now available in ample supply.
Production has been substantially increased, and the product can now be
ordered by all stores for inventory credit.
Also, we have removed the limits on order quantities, and you can offer
large quantities to volume buyers as well as compete for multiple unit bids.
 
The Tandy 1400 LT represents an excellent opportunity for you to gain
extra sales during the holiday season.
At $1799, the Tandy 1400 LT is the best priced MS-DOS laptop on the market
today.
With it's brilliant blue backlit LCD, users can easily read text and
information during any time of the day or night.
It's full complement of features, memory, storage capacity, and
portability put the Tandy 1400 LT in a class by itself.
When comparing the 1400 LT with the competition, it's easy to see that
there is no better value in laptops than the Tandy 1400 LT.
 
MOM-11-88
THE POPULARITY OF DESKMATE IS OVERWHELMING
Thank you for making DeskMate one of the best selling software products
last month!
Your enthusiasm had exceeded our expectations and some of
you may have found 25-1250 out of stock in some of your warehouses.
Fear not!
DeskMate will be back in stock by the time you read this.
Also remember to order FC-1250, the DeskMate fact sheet.
It is a great selling tool for both the Tandy 1000 SL and TL as well as for
selling DeskMate by itself.
 
MOM-11-88
"SPECIAL OFFER FROM THE PRESIDENT OF RADIO SHACK"
This is the phrase on the outside of the envelope 283,000 registered
DeskMate owners will receive this month.
Inside they will find a letter and the DeskMate fact sheet.
The letter will encourage them to come into their local Radio Shack store
and upgrade their software for $49.95.
Be sure to have plenty of DeskMate on hand.
 
MOM-11-88
SPECIAL PC-LINK CONTEST!  WIN AN ALL-EXPENSE PAID TRIP TO HAWAII!
 
Now through January 15th, every sale of PC-Link is a potential chance
at winning one of many fantastic prizes.
The details are attached.
Managers you can win too! Here is how the contest works:
 
1) Every time a customer buys a product that includes PC-Link,
give them a copy of the form which is attached to this issue of the
M.O.M (be sure to make plenty of copies of the form first!).
 
2) On the form, put the store number, the manager's name and the
sales person's name.
 
3) The form contains instructions to the user about how they can
enter a contest and win a $1000 spending spree at Radio Shack.
Part of those instructions include entering your names into PC-Link. 
 
MANAGERS NOTE: Each time your salespeople sell PC-Link you get entered too!
Make sure all of your personnel know about PC-Link and can sell it effectively.
 
Read the additional information attached to this Memo of the Month
for more contest details.
 
PC-Link is included in DeskMate with the 1000 TL and 1000 SL, in the
stand-alone version of DeskMate (25-1250), as a separate package (25-1255),
and with regularly priced 1200 bps modems.
(Don't forget to sell your customers a modem for PC-Link!)
 
MOM-11-88
PC-LINK BENEFITS
Many favorable reviews of PC-Link have been printed in the trade press
over the last few weeks, and articles about a service called Prodigy
are also appearing.
These articles have increased public awareness about information services.
When your customers come in and ask about an information service,
talk about the benefits of an information service, and then sell
the PC-Link (25-1255) or DeskMate (25-1250), which includes PC-Link.
 
Here are a few of the added benefits that PC-Link has over
other services:
 
PC-Link has the DeskMate interface, which means it is easy to use.
Pull down menus, dialog boxes, and you can even use a mouse online!
 
PC-Link is only $9.95 a month for unlimited usage of the basic service
between 6pm - 6am during the week and all hours on weekends and holidays.
 
Services like EAASY SABRE, the Hollywood Hotline, stock quotes,
and Grolier's Academic Encyclopedia are included in the basic service.
 
The first month of PC-Link and two hours of "Plus" time are free.
 
Here are two tools to help you make both modem and PC-Link sales.
 
1) Through February 1989, every customer who purchases a 1200 baud modem
is entitled to a copy of PC-Link.
Order 700-1255, a cost-reduced version of PC-Link which saves you $2.15
over the cost of the standalone version, to give to your modem purchasers.
There is no order limit on this 700-number.
Be sure to have the software available for your customers.
It's a great way to build customer relations and to encourage modem sales.
 
2) "Meet your Tandy computing expert, teacher, business partner,
personal shopper, friend and guide to fun."
This is the opening line on the front of the PC-Link Take-One brochure.
It is a bright, effective promotional piece, which is one of the many
selling tools available in FC-1255.
And more importantly, FC-1255 is free.
This sales-training kit for PC-Link also includes a self running PC-Link demo.
Order this kit and use it to your advantage, for it was designed to help you
sell the product.
FC-1265, a PC-Link fact sheet, is also available.
 
PC-Link is reason enough to buy a computer.
Make sure your customers are offered the opportunity to enjoy this exciting
service.
 
MOM-11-88
MONITOR PLATFORMS
The new monitor platform (26-1329) shown in the catalogs and in the
Christmas flyers is not yet available.
 
However, we have ordered sufficient quantities of the current platform
(26-210) to cover our needs.
 
The 26-210 platform retails for the same price as the future 26-1369 -
$19.95 - and is the appropriate substitute until the new item appears.
 
MOM-11-88
UPGRADE SCO XENIX 386 VERSION 2.2.2 TO VERSION 2.2.4!
Now SCO Xenix 386 2.2.2 users can obtain the new version, 2.2.4.! 
Version 2.2.4 offers all the standard features of version 2.2.2 including:
 
Menu-driven System Administration
Multi-screens
Support for SCO Applications
Plus..........
Local Printing
Special Forms Handling
Support for Profile 286 and Scripsit 286
Support for 4 Port User Card (25-4031)
Support for Internal 20MB Disk Cartridge (25-4064)
And..........
New SCSI Device Support!!
 
The 2.2.4 Update consists of 1 set of 2.2.4 diskettes and
one copy of 2.2.4 release notes.
 
To obtain.........
 
CALL    SCO Customer Service at (800) 626-4381
 
ASK     for update UX013-TY32
 
COST    $195
 
PAYMENT  By credit card or check
 
REQUIRES  Proof of 2.2.2 ownership
          (Simply send in the 2.2.2 "N1"
          disk with your payment.)
 
MOM-11-88
FREE UPGRADE FOR PFS:PROFESSIONAL FILE, FILE/WRITE VALUE PACK
For those of you with leftover copies of either 25-1171 PFS:Professional
File 1.0, or the 25-1222 File/Write Value Pack, let your customers know
that by purchasing these versions and taking advantage of Software Publishing's
free upgrade program, they can save big dollars off the price of the new
2.0 versions.
Any copy of Professional File or Professional Write purchased after
August 1988 can be upgraded for free by having the customer (stores cannot
participate) send in their title page and dated sales receipt to:
 
Software Publishing Corporation
Attn: SPC Upgrades
P. O. Box 58139
Santa Clara, CA  95052-8139
 
Just how much can they save?
 
Product                 RS Price for 1.0   Mfg. SRP for 2.0  Savings
Prof. File              $129.95            $199.00           $169.05
Prof.File/Write         $165.00            $498.00           $333.00
 
MOM-11-88
WORDPERFECT 4.2 UPGRADE TO VERSION 5.0
Good News!
We've put together a way for you to exchange your unsold copies of
WordPerfect (25-1176) for version 5.0 (25-1268).
 
The procedure is similar to what was used to exchange Microsoft Word
back in July/August.
Here's how it
works:
Gather up all COMPLETE copies (they don't have to have shrink-wrap,
just all diskettes and documentation) of WordPerfect 4.2.
Include a cover letter indicating how many copies you are returning
and specifying that these copies are to be exchanged for MS-DOS
version 5.0 of WordPerfect (this is IMPORTANT - without a cover letter
they won't necessarily know that you want to exchange merchandise.)
Fill out the standard Repair/Exchange Memo (form F-52) according to the
instructions found in your store operating manual, page II/12.
Be sure to enclose both the Vendor's Copy and the Packing Slip Copy
of the Repair/Exchange Memo when you ship the merchandise to:
 
Attn: Returns
WordPerfect Corp.
315 N. State St.
Orem, Utah   84057
 
NOTE: use UPS to send the old merchandise freight prepaid to WordPerfect,
and they will pay the freight for your exchange copies of version 5.0.
 
For your CUSTOMERS who have inquired about upgrading their version 4.2
product to version 5.0, here's the procedure:
Customers must send the title page of their manual, plus a cover letter
indicating name and address, the printer(s) and size of floppy drive
they will be using, to
 
WordPerfect Corp.
329 N. State St.
Orem, Utah  84057
 
If they purchased 4.2 between 2/1/88 and 4/30/88, the upgrade is free
(include dated sales receipt with the above information).
If 4.2 was purchased before or after this time period,
the upgrade costs $60.00.
For additional details, customers can call WordPerfect's
customer support number, 1/800/321-4566.
 
MOM-11-88
TANDY 1000 SOFTWARE
By now you should have received your Christmas drop shipment of
these regular stock items:
 
25-1125 F-15 Strike Eagle
25-1151 Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?
25-1182 Earl Weaver's Baseball
25-1183 Thexder
25-1186 The FUNdamentals HX/TX
25-1188 Typing Tutor IV
25-1196 Chuck Yeager's Advanced Flight Trainer
25-1200 Math Blaster Plus
25-1215 Microsoft's Flight Simulator 3.0
25-1216 (Talking) Reader Rabbit
25-1217 Writer Rabbit
25-1219 Gunship
25-1220 Space Quest II
25-1229 Police Quest
25-1230 GFL Championship Football
25-1231 King's Quest IV
25-1235 Future Magic: Sentinel Worlds
 
The following additional titles for Tandy 1000/PC are a one-time buy and
drop ship.
If you have customers who still want these titles after you have sold out,
you can order them from the Express Order warehouse
using the following catalog numbers.
All of these Christmas drop-ship items take advantage of the 16 color graphics
of the Tandy 1000.
 
90-1217 Pirates
90-1270 Ultima V
90-3259 Ancient Art of War at Sea
90-1215 Ikari Warriors
90-3287 Falcon
90-3353 Test Drive
90-1255 The Last Ninja
 
You will also be receiving a new rotating software display,
which can hold from 24 to 32 titles.
Place this display next to your Tandy 1000 TL or HX.
Put the MS-DOS games, home education titles, and productivity software
you are receiving on this rack.
Encourage your customers to pick up the packages, read the information,
and make their own purchase decisions.
 
MOM-11-88
COLOR COMPUTER SOFTWARE
By now you should have received the drop-ship of the items listed below.
All of the ROM cartridge games have built-in self running demos.
Aways have a demo running on your store display setup,
and encourage your customers to play these games.
 
ROM CARTRIDGE
 
26-3054 Silpheed                           Color Computer 2/3
26-3148 Math Tutor                         Color Computer 2/3
26-3161 Soko-Ban                           Color Computer 2/3
26-3162 Rad Warrior                        Color Computer 3
26-3163 Tetris                             Color Computer 3
26-3171 Super Pitfall (a Nintendo classic) Color Computer 3
26-3172 GFL Championship Football II       Color Computer 3
 
MOM-11-88
DISK SOFTWARE
The King's Quest series of software for the Tandy 1000 family of computers
have always been some of the hottest selling entertainment titles.
You can now offer one of these King's Quest titles to your Color Computer 3
owners.
King's Quest III (26-3285) has been drop shipped to your stores;
make sure that your Color Computer 3 customers have a chance to buy
this great game.
 
Please note that 26-3241 The Last Ninja (for the Color Computer 3) has been
canceled.
 
MOM-11-88
APPLICATIONS SOFTWARE BOOKS - SALES TIPS
The new books from QUE Corporation ("Using Microsoft Word, 2nd Edition" -
90-1226, "Using WordPerfect 5.0" - 90-1227, "Using 1-2-3, Special Edition"
- 90-1228) have been an instant success in Express Order.
For those of you who haven't considered the sales potential for books,
here are some ideas:
 
Customers who aren't sure they want to lay out a few hundred dollars
for a software application probably wouldn't mind spending $20.00-25.00
to learn a little more about it first.
 
Customers who already own the software may be looking for help in
further accessing its potential
 
Reference books provide an added support tool for the software
(reducing the number of support inquiries you get)
 
MOM-11-88
PRICE CHANGES
CAT. #   DESCRIPTION            OLD PRICE   NEW PRICE
90-1652  Thin EtherNet module   230.00      295.00
90-1655  PairTamer Set          325.00      395.00
90-2182  Kodak Datashow         1025.00     799.00
 
MOM-11-88
90-2182 Kodak Datashow Price Reduction - 
Effective immediately, the sell price of the Kodak Datashow Projection 
System (90-2182) has been reduced from $1025.00 to $799.00.
This unit is CGA compatible and includes "Showmaker" software
and remote control.
Keep this new price in mind when calling on school systems.
 
MOM-11-88
PRODUCTS CANCELED, DISCONTINUED AND REPLACED
 
          DISCONTINUED
STOCK #  DESCRIPTION        REPLACED BY
90-1658  EtherLink Board    Now under 26-5435
90-3307  TurboTax 1040      -------
 
The original EtherLink board from 3Com has been moved from Special Order
to 26-5435.
This board is very popular with Novell installations.
Continue to sell the 26-5501 EtherLink II for 3Com installations,
but if your customers request the original EtherLink, sell them 26-5435.
Oh by the way, you don't get inventory credit for this.
 
       CANCELED
STOCK # DESCRIPTION
26-3241 The Last Ninja (CoCo3)
90-1209 RM/COBOL 85 OS/2
90-1244 PC Paintbrush for Windows
 
 
AVAILABILITY CODE CHANGES
 
On the dates shown, the following products will undergo availability
code changes to become more restricted in types of stores stocking for credit.
The chart shows which store types DID get inventory credit, but no longer will.
Use this information to recognize those products that may be in
your store which you need to sell because you will no longer get
inventory credit.
 
Effective March 1, 1989:
 
CAT NO   DESCRIPTION                     NEW CODE  WILL LOSE INVENTORY CREDIT
                                                         11    01Z    01Y
25-1065  3 1/2" 720K Internal Disk Drive    18            X      X      X
25-4034  Serial Parallel Adapter            18                   X
Also, warehouse location changing from REGIONAL to TEW
 
Effective June 1, 1989: 
 
CAT NO   DESCRIPTION             NEW CODE    WILL LOSE INVENTORY CREDIT
                                                 11     01Z    01Y
 
26-1413  LP 1 Printer Ribbon        17                           X
26-2834  DMP 2120 Ribbon - black    15                           X
26-2836  DMP 2120 Ribbon refill     15                           X
 
MOM-11-88
TANDY 3000 NL EXPANSION LIMITS
 
The Tandy 3000 NL makes use of a standard 135 watt switching power supply
which, as specified, is more than adequate to meet the 
requirements imposed by the majority of users.  The Tandy 3000 NL in its
base configuration demands only 15.05 watts from the power supply:
This leaves almost 120 watts available for future expansion by the 
customer.
The Tandy 3000 NL should clearly be able to support
any reasonable combination of expansion boards and mass storage
options.
 
The power consumption characteristics of some of the more popular
expansion adapters and mass storage options have been determined,
documented, and are being provided to your local Training and
Support Center should you or your customer have any questions
regarding expansion.
 
MOM-11-88
CONFIGURING HARD DISK CARD FOR USE WITH TANDY 1000 SL & TL
When you have customers who want to install a 25-1029, 25-1029A, or 25-1032
20 Meg Hard Disk Card in a Tandy 1000 SL or Tandy 1000 TL,
make sure they know that they must set the Hard Disk Card's default
interrupt jumper according to the Tandy 3000 instruction section
of their Hard Disk Card manual before installing the cards into their
computer (i.e., the default interrupt must be changed from IRQ 2 to IRQ 5).
This is true ONLY for the 25-1401 Tandy 1000 SL or the 25-1601 Tandy 1000 TL
members of the Tandy 1000 family.
 
MOM-11-88
TANDY 200 ACCESSORIES MOVED TO NATIONAL PARTS
26-3866  24K RAM Upgrade              (becomes AX-2603866)
26-3861  Technical Reference Manual   (becomes MT2603861)
 
MOM-11-88
150 MB SCSI TAPE - KEEP TAPE CARTRIDGE IN DRIVE
When a 25-4169 150 MB 1/4" SCSI Tape system is installed into a Tandy 4000
with numerous option boards installed,
improper cooling may occur unless a tape is inserted into the tape drive.
 
This is due to the fact that the opening for the tape drive is rather
large and allows most of the airflow to be routed through the tape
drive instead of through the slots in the front of the card cage.
 
Please advise your customers that they should keep a tape cartridge
inserted in the tape drive so that the normal airflow design of the
Tandy 4000 is not altered.
 
MOM-11-88
LP 1000 LASER PRINTER AND B & F EMULATION SOFTFONTS
Included with each 26-2804 LP 1000 printer shipped since July 1st is
the FONT DOWNLOAD UTILITY software.
This software, which is also sold separately as stock number 25-1305,
allows the LP 1000 to be used just like a LaserJet with a
B or F cartridge installed.
Attached to this Merchandising Memo is an instruction sheet
that gives 12 simple instructions for installing the software
on a hard disk and loading the softfonts to the LP 1000 printer.
The last instruction is to configure the software for a LaserJet Plus
printer with a B or F font cartridge installed.
 
Since this package is included 'free' with the LP 1000 you 
need to make sure you add the cost of a comparable softfont or cartridge 
when you are doing cost comparisons with an HP LaserJet or other printer.
You should make sure to install these softfonts on your 
demonstration computer system so you can show the customer the 
versatility of the printer and just how easy it is to use.
 
MOM-11-88
LP 1000 LASER PRINTER 2 MEGABYTE UPGRADE
The 26-2804 LP 1000 Laser Printer is capable of supporting
up to 2 megabytes of internal RAM.
 
Customers that need lots of downloaded fonts or large point size fonts
available in the printer are your target customers.
Customers that have been experiencing out of memory errors
while downloading softfonts will be your prime prospects.
 
NOTE:  The average laser customer will never need more than
the standard 1.5 megabytes of memory already in the LP 1000.
You will not observe a noticeable increase in speed or any other
increase in performance by adding this memory upgrade other than to make
way for many large softfonts to be available in the printer at one time.
 
The parts to do the upgrade are available from National Parts as
part number AX-0169.
Two of these parts are required to make the upgrade to 2 megabytes.
The retail price of each kit is $88.89 and they must be installed
by a Tandy Service Center.
 
MOM-11-88
COLOR RIBBON BONUS PACK
The 26-1237 Color Ribbon Bonus Pack is a set of three color ribbons
for the DMP-130/DMP-130A/DMP-132 printers.
Colors include individual ribbon cartridges of red, blue and green
for the Christmas season.
 
Also included is a BONUS software program called PRINTPOWER
that can be used to design and print signs, cards, stationery,
banners and more in one of the colors provided.
A comparable retail value would be above $50 and you can sell
this complete package for $24.95.
 
This product is now available in limited quantities
at your regional warehouse.
You should order your November requirements immediately
and re-order for December in mid-November.
The product is packaged in an attractive 4 color display box
that can be displayed with either the front or back showing.  
You should display it right beside your sale priced DMP-132 and offer it 
to all your customers both new and old alike.
 
MOM-11-88
RIBBON CARTRIDGE FOR THE DMP-2200 PRINTER
The 26-2825 Ribbon Cartridge replaces the 26-1233 ribbon cartridge
previously sold for the DMP-2200 printer.
 
The new cartridge is not refillable so do not sell the 26-1234 refill
for it (it will not work).
Sell the 26-1234 refill only for the 26-1233 cartridge
(which is currently out of stock at the warehouse and will not be replaced).
There is an ample supply of the old refills
for those customers still using the older cartridges.
 
The new Ribbon Cartridge (26-2825) retails for $22.95 and will be
available in November.
 
MOM-11-88
PRINTER FUSE REPLACEMENT EXPLANATION
Remember that there are no user serviceable parts inside of our printers.
Make sure that if a customer calls about a fuse for our printers
that they be reminded that the fuse should be replaced by
a qualified Radio Shack technician.
 
You might get some questions by the customers as to why they have to pay
to have a fuse replaced - the answer is very simple.
Something caused that printer to blow the internal fuse and
just replacing the fuse may cause additional problems and in some cases
may cause complete destruction of the internal main logic board.
This is not a problem with the printer or the design of the printer - a fuse
is there to protect the rest of the electronics and it should never be
replaced without knowing the cause of the problem.
That's why we put the fuse inside the case where the customer can't get to it.
The service center will check the unit for the cause and not only
replace the fuse, but check for the cause of the failure and fix it also.
 
MOM-11-88
COMPATIBILITY BETWEEN THE NEW DESKMATE AND PREVIOUS VERSIONS
With all of the upgrading that has been  going on with the new DeskMate
many of you have asked about compatibility.
There are a few simple rules to keep in mind that might help you out.
 
1) All versions of text are upward compatible.
A few special characters may have to be manually deleted in the file while in
the new DeskMate, but the whole file will move up.
 
2) Except for the shared calendar in Professional DeskMate, the data files
in the graphic versions of DeskMate (i.e. Personal DeskMate, Personal
DeskMate 2, Professional DeskMate) are also upward compatible.
 
3) Older versions of DeskMate's data files (in DeskMate, DeskMate II, and
DeskMate PC) are not compatible.
 
If you keep these facts in mind, you should be safe.
 
MOM-11-88
FC-0931 DELUXE PAINT DEMO DISK
This 3.5 inch demonstration diskette contains a software error
in the executable file.
The following error message occurs when attempting to run
the demo, "Error In EXE".
The remaining warehouse stock has been frozen, please destroy
all store copies of this demo.
Electronic Arts is working on a correction and will provide new software
under the same stock number.
 
MOM-11-88
SOFTCRAFT LASER FONT SOFTWARE PROGRAMS
The SoftCraft family of softfont enhancement products are now available
from the Special Order Warehouse.
(Stock #s 90-2271, 90-2272, 90-2273.)
 
These products will help you sell LP 1000 Laser Printers
and give your customers the flexibility of using their softfonts
with word processing and desktop publishing software packages
and taking advantage of the capabilities of the LP 1000.
 
MOM-11-88
PAGEMAKER 3.0 - PERSONAL COPY OFFER
Enclosed with this month's M.O.M., for Computer Centers and
Plus Computer Centers, is an order form for personal copies
of 25-4112 PageMaker 3.0.
 
As with previous personal copy offers, this is a special, limited-time offer.
Each center or store manager should fill out the names of
participating employees, and enclose either a check or
credit card information for each employee.
Do not send cash.
Checks should be made payable to Aldus Corporation, NOT to Radio Shack.
Orders will be processed through Radio Shack Computer Merchandising
and forwarded to Aldus for fulfillment.
 
Copies must be purchased by employees from their own personal funds; they
may not be expensed or in any way paid for by Radio Shack.
They may not be resold.
 
NOTE: This offer expires November 30, 1988.
Orders received after that date will be returned.
 
MOM-11-88
PERSONAL INCOME TAX SOFTWARE UPDATE
There have been several requests for tax year 1988 personal income tax
software packages.
The Internal Revenue Service does not finalize tax forms,
reporting requirements, and regulations until mid-November.
Vendors of income tax software prepare pre-production versions of the software
based on the information currently available, but DO NOT PRODUCE
the software until the IRS announcement in November.
 
The top selling personal income tax software packages will be featured
in our product line when available.
Efforts are being made to insure that these products are available early
in the tax season.
Product availability will be published in future issues of the
Computer Merchandising Memo of the Month.
 
MOM-11-88
PAYROLL SOFTWARE - TAX LAW UPDATE
Recent tax laws have changed the method in which tip income is handled
for the purpose of calculating employer tax liability and W-2 reporting.
The new requirements are summarized in the following paragraph
and apply to all tips received (and wages paid) on or after January 1, 1988.
 
Employer FICA must be calculated on ALL tips, not just up to the minimum wage.
ALL wages plus ALL tips (up to the applicable limit) must be reported
in Box 10 and Box 13 of the W-2 form.
All tips (up to the applicable limit) must be reported in Box 14.
 
Tandy label payroll software currently figures Employer FICA on all wages
and the amount of tips required to raise the employee's wages to the
minimum wage.
Only those employers that must report tip income are affected by this change.
 
The following payroll packages SHOULD NOT BE SOLD TO ANY CUSTOMER THAT
MUST ACCOMODATE TIP INCOME!
26-1543 Model 4 Payroll
26-1539 Model 4 W-2 Writer
25-4303 Payroll (Model 3000)
70-2076 Payroll (Tandy 6000)
25-1146 Quartet
 
Additional information on this issue will be published in the Computer
Merchandising Memo as it becomes available.
 
MOM-11-88
HARMONY PAYROLL AND OSAS PAYROLL
An October 1988 maintenance round has begun for
25-1203 Harmony Payroll and 90-1554 OSAS Payroll
to incorporate recent changes made by the Internal Revenue Service.
The new release will comply with all current
government requirements and feature improved, flexible-format
state unemployment reporting.
Upgrade information will be provided when available.
 
MOM-11-88
MATH TUTOR REQUIRES 64K
26-3148 Math Tutor (ROM Cartridge) requires a minimum of 64K.
The manual says that the requirement is 16K.
For your Color Computer customers with 16K machines sell
26-3201 Color Math (Tape program).
 
MOM-11-88
USING TANDY 1000 SL / TL KEYBOARD WITH EARL WEAVER BASEBALL
Problem: If you try to play Earl Weaver Baseball, the game
does not recognize the keyboard on the Tandy 1000 SL/TL.
 
Follow these steps to correct the problem:
 
1) Boot your Tandy 1000 TL or SL.
 
2) Exit DeskMate if necessary.
 
3) Follow the instructions in the Quick Reference card to make a
backup copy of your Earl Weaver Baseball diskette.
 
 
IF YOU HAVE ONLY ONE DISK DRIVE
 
4) Insert the system disk that comes with the Tandy 1000 TL into
the drive (for the Tandy 1000 SL insert the diskette labeled
"Operating Diskette").
 
5) Type the following command:      COPY A:PATCH.COM B:
You will be prompted to swap disks.  At that time put the Earl
Weaver backup disk in drive A.  When the copy is complete, leave
the Earl Weaver disk in the drive.
 
6) Type this command:            PATCH WEAVER.EXE,37D,4E,3C
 
The program will now work with the SL / TL keyboard.
 
 
IF YOU HAVE MORE THAN ONE DISK DRIVE
 
4) Insert the system disk that comes with the Tandy 1000 TL into
drive A (for the Tandy 1000 SL insert the diskette labelled
"Operating Diskette").
 
5) Insert the Earl Weaver backup disk in drive B.
 
6) Type this command:            A:PATCH B:WEAVER.EXE,37D,4E,3C
 
The program will now work with the SL / TL keyboard.
 
 
IF YOU HAVE A HARD DISK
 
4) Make sure that patch.com has been copied from your system disk
to your hard disk.
 
5) Insert the Earl Weaver backup disk into drive A.
 
6) Type this command:    PATCH A:WEAVER.EXE,37D,E4,C3
 
The program will now work with the SL / TL keyboard.
 
MOM-11-88
VIANET UPGRADE TO VERSION 03.06.18
Tandy continues support of ViaNet customers with this 700-2505 upgrade.
Although not a required upgrade, the benifts of this upgrade are noteworthy
to your customers.
The most significant feature is the ability to print to a "Print Server"
from within an application.
No more messy MACASGN's to the printer.
Of course, in ViaNet, a "Print Server" can be any node on the network.
Other features include more compatibilty with applications,
more flexibility, and more speed.
 
This upgrade is a per node upgrade.
In other words, if the customer has 5 machines on their network
you need 5 copies.
If they have 10 machines, they need 10 copies, and so on.
Currently, there is no driver available for the Tandy 2000.
WORDPERFECT 5.0 SPECIAL PRICING FOR SCHOOLS
The latest version of WordPerfect - 5.0 - is now available to education
accounts for $135.00!
Through special arrangements with The Software Group, WordPerfect and Software
Publishing, Radio Shack salesmakers may offer the following products at
significant savings to educators:
 
STOCK #  PRODUCT TITLE   ORIGINAL RETAIL  EDUCATION PRICE    SAVINGS
90-5444  Enable 2.0           695.00      175.00             75%
90-5500  WordPerfect 4.2      495.00      125.00             75%
90-5516  WordPerfect 5.0      495.00      135.00             73%
90-5542  First Choice 2.0     159.00      85.00              47%
90-5543  First Publisher 2.0  129.00      70.00              46%
90-5544  Personal Graphics    39.00       20.00              49%
 
These education prices include the standard 20% education discount.
They CAN NOT be discounted further to schools.
 
When you receive a purchase order from the recognized, licensed or accredited
educational institution forward it to Contract Administration at
1400 One Tandy Center, Fort Worth, Texas 76102.
 
They will verify that the institution on the purchase order
is accredited.  Then Contract Administration will have the warehouse release
the product to your center.
Be sure the catalog number on the purchase order is correct and NOT any other
catalog number from Radio Shack for the above listed products.
 
MOM-11-88
SUPPORT FOR TANDYFAX 1000
Starting November 1, 1988, Computer Customer Service will begin support
of the 43-1200 TANDYFAX 1000.
The support number for direct customer support will be (817) 338-2394.  For
store support use same phone number as Communicatons/Cellular Phone support
(that number is in your Store Operating Manual and is for store use only).
 
MOM-11-88
AVAILABLE NOW AT TEW - 170MB AND 344MB SCSI HARD DRIVES
Now available at TEW are the 170MB and 344MB SCSI Hard Drives.
 
The 170MB SCSI Hard Drive (25-4162) is a high performance disk drive
with embedded SCSI controller.
A full 170MB of disk capacity is guaranteed by over 20MB of extra capacity
which is set aside for reassignment of flawed sectors.
The drive uses zone bit recording where concentric areas of the disk are
recorded at higher and higher speeds as the head moves inward
permitting 170MB capacity in a half-height form factor.
A rotary voice coil actuator delivers 18ms average seek and 2.5
megabytes/second data transfer, for over 5 times the data transfer of
ST-506 drives.
 
The 344MB SCSI Hard Drive (25-4163) is a full height 5.25" drive with
embedded SCSI controller.
The drive delivers 16.5ms average access at 1.5 megabytes/second
data transfer.
 
Note: The current SCSI Host Adapter (25-4161) limits the formatted capacity
of this drive to 255MB.
A new version of this adapter will be available early next year which
supports formatting of this drive to a full 344MB.
Owners of the current SCSI Host Adapter will be able to obtain an updated
BIOS to support formatting to 344MB at that time.
 
MOM-11-88
THE ROUNDTABLE
STRATEGIC ALLIANCE - TANDY AND DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORPORATION
 
The following is the text of the October 6, 1988 announcement
regarding strategic agreements with one of America's premier computer
companies, Digital Equipment Corporation.
This should be mutually beneficial to both companies as we jointly develop
microcomputers to be manufactured by Tandy and marketed by Digital.
 
Radio Shack will benefit indirectly through economies of scale
in manufacturing, increased technology resources in product development,
and the pride of knowing your company is the leading manufacturer
in units of PC-Compatible computers.
From your perspective, you'll continue to sell the Radio Shack line of
Tandy branded product and Digital will market a Digital brand line of
Tandy manufactured products.
 
There are still a lot of details to be worked out concerning our overall
relationship with DEC.
Until this relationship is fully defined,
you should not have any direct contact with DEC personnel.
You should refer all questions relating to the Tandy/DEC relationship
to Bob Myers, or in his absence, Mark Yamagata.
 
One of our strategic objectives as a corporation has been to develop
alternative channels of distribution.
This strategic alliance with DEC is a significant step in meeting
that objective.
 
Robert L. Price                 Mark M. Yamagata
Digital Equipment Corporation   Tandy Corporation
(508) 493-4297                  (817) 390-3568
 
 
DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORPORATION AND TANDY CORPORATION ANNOUNCE AGREEMENTS
FOR JOINT DEVELOPMENT, MANUFACTURING, TECHNOLOGY EXCHANGE AND SERVICE
 
Fort Worth, TX - October 6, 1988.  Digital Equipment Corporation and
Tandy Corporation today announced a comprehensive set of agreements which
cover manufacturing, service, and exchange of technology.
The agreements provide for Tandy to manufacture microcomputers to be
marketed by Digital, under its brand name, and for Digital to service
Tandy-brand products owned by Digital's customers.
 
"Digital today provides a totally integrated environment from the desktop to
the datacenter," said Dom Lacava, Digital's Vice President of low end systems.
"With this agreement, we will broaden and further enhance that full range
of products.
As a result of these agreements, we will offer our customers,
especially those who prefer a single vendor solution, industry-standard PCs
with Digital's worldwide service and support."
 
According to John Rose, manager of Digital's personal computer systems
group, "Personal computer products will be developed to Digital's
specifications, and manufactured by Tandy.
Digital will have the full marketing responsibility.
The technology exchange agreement will assure that products marketed by
both Digital and Tandy can be readily integrated into networks installed by
Digital's customers."
 
"This agreement is another important step in Digital's network
applications support program, in which we are able to offer our customers
a range of choices of desktop devices for their individual users,
while providing full access to all computing resources throughout
the enterprise," he said.
Customers will also have the option of complete service and support for
mixed Tandy and Digital environments from Digital.
 
"Digital's vision of integrated computing of the future for the
enterprise encompasses personal computers, and we are pleased to join
with them to enable the industry to have the benefit of the strengths of
both companies, "said Dr. John Patterson, senior Vice President of
Tandy Computers.
 
"Since early this year, Digital has announced a series of important
milestones," said Rose.
"With this announcement we are showing that Digital is uniquely positioned
to supply the solution on the desktop which best matches our customers'
computing requirements."
 
Digital Equipment Corporation, headquartered in Maynard, Massachusetts,
is the world's leading manufacturer of networked computer systems and
associated peripheral equipment, and is the leader in systems integration
with its networks, communications, software, and service products.
 
Tandy Corporation is the leading manufacturer of PC-Compatible
personal computers.
Tandy's desktop computers are designed and produced in Fort Worth, Texas.
Tandy's technology and manufacturing base is in audio, video, telephony,
personal computers and magnetic media.
 
MOM-11-88
HARMONY ACCOUNTING - PRODUCT NEWS
We thought you might be interested in some recent reviews we've seen
on the Harmony product line:
 
PC Magazine, August 1988, by Price Waterhouse
 
"Harmony ... a fine integrated package that's sleek in both
appearance and structure."
 
"A number of comprehensive learning and reference aids to help keep
training to a minimum."
 
PCM Magazine, September 1988
 
"Whether you are involved in small or large business, Harmony may easily
be the only piece of software you will need for some time to come."
 
Computers in Accounting, August 1988 - 
Review of Inventory Software Packages
 
"Harmony contains one of the best pricing schemes available
in any microcomputer package."
 
"Harmony is a sophisticated inventory package providing new
features and powerful flexibility."
 
MOM-11-88
BYTE MAGAZINE BENCHMARK TESTS
Byte Magazine Laboratory Benchmarks are a well publicized measure of
performance of competing computer systems.
New this year, Byte released their second generation of benchmarks
which are designed to measure "real-world" computer usage rather than
optimum system performance.
Below is a chart which shows the Tandy business systems as compared to
Byte's measurements of selected IBM and Compaq systems.
Brief descriptions of the system configurations are given below, unfortunately
Byte did not indicate the video or drive type for the IBM and Compaq systems. 
 
1.  Tandy 3000 NL with SCSI 40 Meg Quantum Hard Drive & EGM-1
2.  IBM PCAT with 30 Meg ST-506 Hard Drive
3.  Tandy 4000 16 MHz CPU with SCSI 80 Meg Quantum Hard Drive & VGM-300
4.  Tandy 4000 LX 20 MHz CPU, 8 MHz Bus with a 40 Meg ST-506 Hard Drive & VGM-300
5.  Tandy 4000 LX 20 MHz CPU, 10 MHz Bus with a 40 Meg ST-506 Hard Drive & VGM-300
6.  Tandy 5000 MC with a 85 Meg ST-506 Hard Drive & VGM-300
7.  IBM PS/2 Model 80 with a 40 Meg Hard Drive (Unknown Type)
8.  Compaq Deskpro 386/20 with a 300 Meg Hard Drive (Unknown Type)
 
                1       2      3     4       5       6       7      8
                3000NL  PCAT   4000  4000LX  4000LX  5000MC  IBM80  Compaq
CPU TESTS:
 
Matrix:         9.50    11.69  4.43  3.61    3.63    3.10    4.75   3.06
String move:
Byte-wide:      102.95  80.41  37.88  29.88  29.79   31.72   39.31  26.11
Word-wide(odd): 83.32   80.41  37.44  29.70  29.66   32.39   39.09  31.01
Word-wide(even):51.52   40.26  18.97  14.92  14.92   15.87   19.66  13.07
Sieve:          61.46   73.65  30.96  22.45  22.43   19.10   29.11  23.18
Sort:           51.03   84.39  21.66  19.84  19.75   14.32   33.11  26.89
 
FPU TESTS:
 
Math:           30.22   40.46  33.40  7.84   7.84    7.56    10.77  7.01
Sin(x):         12.11   20.05  13.53  3.53   3.53    3.46    4.61   3.30
e^x             10.84   17.20  11.86  3.45   3.45    3.32    4.50   3.06
 
DISK TESTS:
                1       2      3     4       5       6       7      8
                3000NL  PCAT   4000  4000LX  4000LX  5000MC  IBM80  Compaq
DOS seek:
Sector read:    12.07   11.66  12.23 1.15    1.17    6.63    9.98   2.07
8-Sector read:  4.27    24.33  2.32  9.05    9.08    9.15    20.54  10.80
File I/O:
Seek:           0.36    0.22   0.23  0.07    0.15    0.19    0.12   0.13
READrate:sec/Kb 0.01    0.02   0.01  0.01    0.01    0.02    0.02   0.01
WRITErate:sec/Kb0.02    0.02   0.01  0.01    0.01    0.01    0.02   0.01
One megabyte:
Write:          4.39    8.92   4.89  6.19    6.13    5.06    5.14   3.48
Read:           2.91    8.16   2.98  8.88    8.85    5.56    5.67   2.88
Hard disk seek:
Outer track:    4.87    3.28   0.71  0.22    0.22    3.31    3.34   3.34
Inner track:    4.93    3.30   0.75  0.22    0.20    3.35    3.35   3.31
Half Platter:   7.96    11.30  0.73  0.27    0.22    6.65    10.00  6.66
Full Platter:   8.21    16.59  0.72  0.20    0.18    10.01   14.17  9.98
 
VIDEO TESTS:
                1       2      3     4       5       6       7      8
                3000NL  PCAT   4000  4000LX  4000LX  5000MC  IBM80  Compaq
VGA mode test:
Text:
  Mode 0:       18.09   11.55   5.81  5.82   5.57    9.15     4.73  3.76
  Mode 1:       18.11   11.53   5.82  5.83   5.58    9.14     4.73  3.77
  Mode 2:       17.85   13.15   5.59  5.65   5.55    9.39     5.00  3.88
  Mode 3:       17.94   13.13   5.58  5.66   5.54    9.39     4.96  3.85
Graphics:
  Mode 4:       4.65    4.69    2.38  1.81   1.76    1.48     1.98  1.33
  Mode 5:       4.67    4.69    2.36  1.81   1.75    1.47     1.96  1.38
  Mode 6:       4.90    5.11    2.46  1.93   1.87    1.65     2.27  1.40
  Mode 13:      7.08    NA      4.29  3.63   3.24    3.51     3.68  3.35
  Mode 14:      7.74    NA      4.63  3.90   3.53    4.03     4.41  3.57
  Mode 16:      7.73    NA      4.59  3.90   3.53    3.99     3.85  3.48
  Mode 18:      8.08    NA      NA    4.05   3.68    4.16
  Mode 19:      5.06    NA      NA    1.92   1.87    1.59
 
The Byte benchmarks are designed to test system components: the main processor
and memory, floating-point processor, disk subsystem, and video subsystem. 
In comparing the systems listed, a simple rule of thumb is that the
lower the number, the better a system performed in that benchmark.
 
Explanation of the benchmark tests performed:
 
There are four  CPU  benchmarks: matrix, string-move, sieve, and sort.
 
The  matrix  benchmark exercises the kinds of operations that must
take place to manipulate matrices - specifically two-dimensional arrays.
The matrix benchmark also tests integer math operations.
The  string-move  benchmark essentially measures how long it takes to move
lots of bytes from one place to another.
The  sieve  benchmark makes use of arrays, comparison operations,
and simple math to test CPU intensive integer calculations like those
used in accounting applications.
The  sort  benchmark consolidates the time to sort using three different
sorting algorithms, quicksort or recursive, shell-sort or repeating-loop,
heapsort which uses repetitive calls to a subroutine.
 
The  floating point  benchmark first tests the speed of the floating-point
processor to perform four basic math operations, add, subtract,
multiply and divide.
The second part performs a rather complex algorithm to solve two functions
that is used to test accuracy as well as speed.
 
Disk I/O  benchmarks measure the performance of the disk drive
in combination with the cpu, the controller, and the disk driver.
The  DOS seek  benchmark uses explicit device calls of MS-DOS, rather than
the file-system and is therefore generic across various system types.
The  File I/O  benchmark measures performance as a customer experiences it,
a combination of the operating system (in this case MS-DOS 3.3), disk,
and controller.
The  1MB  benchmark is the most simplistic, measuring the time it takes to
first write and then read a 1MB file.
The  Hard Seek  attempts to isolate the performance measurement to only
the disk/ controller combination giving the average seek time.
A note of caution in using this comparison to measure SCSI drive performance.
According to Byte, "our BIOS-level test will simply not translate to the
SCSI environment".
 
The  Video  benchmarks measure several basic video operations: writing
characters (text), positioning the cursor, and manipulating pixels.
These benchmarks measure a variety of of modes MDA, CGA, EGA, MCGA, VGA,
and Hercules graphics.
 
MOM-10-88
YOU'VE COME A LONG WAY, IBM 
On Tuesday September 13th, IBM announced their first AT bus compatible
personal computer with a 10MHz bus.
This new addition to their PS/2 family of computers, the Model 30 286,
drives three AT style (16-bit) expansion slots as well as the 80286
CPU at 10MHz.
The system includes one 3.5" 1.44MB floppy drive and may be ordered with
or without a 20MB hard drive.
With a 10MHz bus and a base suggested retail price of $1995, the Model 30 286 is
compared on the next page (but is not necessarily comparable) with the 3000 NL.
 
According to IBM, "...IBM Personal Computer, Personal Computer XT, and
Personal Computer AT memory upgrades and graphic adapters are not
supported."
Furthermore, IBM states that the Model 30 286 is not software compatible
with personal computer software with timing dependent features.
These disclaimers are necessary because the Model 30 286 is limited to a
10MHz CPU and bus speed, and does not provide the user the option, and
assurance, of backward compatibility like that included with the
Tandy 3000 NL's switchable speed utility.
 
With the 3000 NL's SPEEDNL utility, a user may individually toggle the CPU
and I/O bus speed between 10MHz and 8MHz to insure optimum performance and
full compatibility with timing dependent cards and software.
It seems ironic that the company that developed the XT and AT computer
standards around which so many cards and software have been developed would
not insure compatibility with those standards.
 
The Model 30 286 has many built-in features, but is limited in expandability.
Only 3 AT slots are available on the Model 30 286 as compared to the
3000 NL's seven - 4 AT plus 3 XT.
In addition to the card expansion afforded by these seven bus slots, the
3000 NL has an additional memory slot that permits memory expansion
(without utilizing a bus card slot) to as much as 8MB of 1MB SIMMs.
 
Memory expansion beyond 1MB on a Model 30 286 requires that memory be
removed and replaced with more expensive high capacity RAM at a time when
memory prices preclude simply throwing away memory.
The 3000 NL, by contrast, permits memory expansion to 2MB by moving the
existing motherboard memory to an add-in memory board and simply adding
additional memory.
 
On the Model 30 286, memory expansion beyond 4MB requires the
addition of a multi-function adapter in a 1 wait state bus slot.
On the 3000 NL, memory expansion up to 8MB can be done in a dedicated
memory slot that interleaves memory at .7 wait state to achieve an estimated
30% faster memory access over the Model 30 286.
 
The Model 30 286's multi-function adapter, which will not be available until
December, provides the customer a lot of extras they may not want - an
additional parallel port, a 9-pin serial port, but no memory - for
a rather hefty price of $445.
The customer must add to this the cost of memory which can be expanded to
12MB on this board.
For this add-in card to support memory expansion, note that all memory above
512K must be removed from the motherboard.
A second board can be added, but the total amount of memory supported across
two of the multi-function adapters is limited to 15MB, for an actual maximum
memory expansion on the Model 30 286 of 15.5MB,
contrary to the maximum system specifications.
 
The Model 30 286 is limited to only two 3.5" device slots.
The system can be ordered preconfigured with or without a hard drive.
The floppy based Model 30 286 is configured with a single 3.5" 1.44MB
floppy drive, leaving one 3.5" device slot open for expansion.
The addition of the hard drive precludes any further internal device
expansion.
 
Currently the only hard drive option included in the support list for the
Model 30 286 is a 20MB hard drive with a slow access speed of 80ms.
The hard drives available for the 3000 NL start with a 65ms 20MB and range
up to 344MB in capacity.
The 3000 NL offers internal device expandibility to meet a business' needs
now and as they grow.
With 4 device slots, the 3000 NL provides space for internal 3.5" or 5.25"
floppies, half or full height hard drives, tape or disk cartridges.
The 5.25" slots provide for both backward compatibility with larger form
factor devices and expandability to new ultra-high capacity drives to 344MB.
 
While IBM is extremely competitive in the suggested pricing of the
Model 30 286, the 3000 NL still compares favorably in terms of card
compatibility, expansion, and performance.
              MODEL 30                286  3000 NL
CPU           80286                   80286
Speed         10MHz                   10MHz / 8MHz
Base Memory   512K                    512K
Memory Expan to 1MB w mem addition    to 2MB w mem addition
             to 4MB on motherboard    to 640K on motherboard
             to 4MB with mem replace  to 8MB w mem replacement
             maximum memory 16MB      maximum memory 16MB
Memory Access Speed           
             1 wait state             .7 wait state
Expansion Slots
             3 AT (16-bit)            4 AT (16-bit) + 3 (8-bit)
Bus Speed(s) 10MHz                    10MHz / 8MHz
Storage
Floppy            1 - 3.5" 1.44MB          1 - 3.5" 1.44MB
Open device slots 1 - 3.5"                 1 - 3.5" plus 2 - 5.25"
Hard drive        20MB 80ms - none open    optional 20MB through 344MB
Open device slots none                     1 - 3.5" plus 1 - 5.25"
Video         VGA                          optional MDA/CGA/EGA/VGA
 
Ports        Bidirectional Parallel        Bidirectional Parallel
             RS-232 Serial (25-pin)        RS-232 Serial (9-pin)
             Mouse port                    ---------
Other        Enhanced 101 Key Keyboard     Enhanced 101 Key Keyboard
             Real-time clock               Real-time clock
             optional 80287-10MHz          optional 80287-10MHz
Power        90 watts                      135 watts
HxWxD        4 x 16 x 15.6                 6.25 x 17 x 15.75
Weight       19 lbs                        33 lbs
FCC          Class B                       Class B
Retail (floppy only)  $1995                $1699
With 20MB Hard Disk   $2595                $2499
 - 3000 NL w VGA                           $2849 
 
 
IBM's announcement of the Model 30 286 comes behind and reinforces Tandy's
positioning of the 3000 NL with 10MHz 80286 and 512K memory standard.
By carefully comparing the features of the two systems, it is very
apparent that the 3000 NL affords the compatibility, expansion capability
and options that give it the flexibility to be configured to meet your
customers needs today, with minimum reinvestment, and to grow as your
customers needs grow in the future.
Add to this the 3000 NL performance edge with 30% faster memory access, and
its easy to see IBM has once again proven that Tandy systems are better.
 
MOM-10-88
COMPAQ'S LATEST - PRIMARILY COSMETIC 
September 19th - Compaq announced the discontinuance of the
Deskpro 386 and Deskpro 386/20 and introduced the replacement,
the new Compaq Deskpro 386/20e.
 
Compaq's positioning of this new product is a little unclear.
The 386/20e is described as the "solution for growing performance
requirements of the sophisticated users of 286-based personal computers
who are ready to make the move up to the 386 generation",
while Compaq's June announcement of the 80386sx based Deskpro 386s
is touted as the "affordable entry point into Compaq's 386 family".
 
According to McGraw Hill News, Compaq's new product announcement lacks
sizzle because the 386/20e consists of "cosmetic rather than technical
changes".
The Deskpro 386/20e is indeed a hybrid of existing features
found in other Deskpro's.
 
Not only does the new 386/20e overlap the 386s' entry-level position,
but the two computers look identical with the same small chassis measuring
(HxWxD) 5.9"x 15.8"x 14.8".
Compaq has also added to the 386/20e many of the bells and whistles
introduced into their line with the 386s, i.e., the built-in VGA and
integrated fixed disk drive interface.
 
Where the 386s and 386/20e differ is under the hood.
In this regard, the 386/20e is essentially the same as the
Compaq Deskpro 386/20,
made to fit the smaller chassis by the elimination of two card slots
(for a total of 4) on the new 386/20e.
Like the 386/20 it replaces, the 386/20e has a 20MHz 80386 processor
and an 82385 memory cache controller.
This memory cache improves performance of memory access,
but until the introduction of the 386/20e,
Compaq missed the boat in truly maximizing performance with the very thing
the 80386 processor was designed to deliver - a full 32-bit data path -
as we've designed into the Tandy 4000 & 4000 LX.
In addition to new 32-bit access, the memory slot on the 386/20e
supports memory expansion to 16MB.
 
The 386/20e has device slots for four 5.25" devices which can be ordered
preconfigured in three ways:
Model 1 is floppy-based, with a 1.2MB 5.25" floppy drive;
Model 40 & Model 110 come with ESDI hard drives in 40
and 110MB capacities respectively.
 
To best assess how the Tandy 5000 MC stacks up against the new Deskpro 386/20e,
be sure to review the revised 386 Computer Product Comparison chart attached
to this M.O.M.  Note Compaq's "entry-level" 386 may have comparable
performance features but comes with less memory, affords less expansion,
and maintains a higher price than our top of the line 5000 MC!
 
MOM-10-88
SALES OPPORTUNITY - RADIO SHACK AND H & R BLOCK AGREEMENT 
 
We are now shipping the H & R Block Tandy 1000 TL configurations.
Once they receive these special systems they become your clients.
Answer their questions and help with any areas of concern they may have.
Also, let them know that as a valued client of Radio Shack's,
they can take advantage of the 15% discount on accessories, peripherals,
and supplies.
Should they need another computer other than the Tandy 1000 TL to help
run their business, you can extend a 15% off retail pricing.
 
All units are identified with H & R Block stickers on the outside of the
box.  These units are to be delivered to H & R Block locations only.
We are shipping the Tandy 1000 TL's with a 20 Meg hard disk card installed.
All units should be tested to be sure the hard disk card was not
displaced during shipment.
Instructions are included on each Tandy 1000 TL box.
 
Should you have further questions, please refer to Bernie Appel's memo
of July 28, 1988, or call National Accounts (Catherine Williamson) at
(817) 390-2164.
 
Control #23701 Corporate and #23702 Employee Purchase Agreement.
All purchases must have the proper control number for each transaction. 
 
MOM-10-88
TANDY SUPPORTS EISA 
Tandy Corporation announced on Tuesday, September 13, 1988, that it joined
eight other PC manufacturers in supporting the Extended Industry Standard
Architecture (EISA), a new 32-bit extension of the industry standard bus.
EISA will offer new capabilities not previously possible, while
maintaining compatibility with the millions of industry-standard
XT and AT personal computers in use today.
 
The EISA architecture includes support for high-speed, 32-bit data transfer,
enhanced interrupt sharing for multiple ports on a single expansion board,
support for memory beyond 16 megabytes and automatic configuration of
expansion boards.
 
This announcement was not a "product announcement", but a statement of
direction for technology to be used in certain future business computers.
Tandy is committed to offering the customer a choice and the flexibility of
bus structures, video, storage options, etc.
We recognize that the industry-standard architecture (ISA) and IBM
Micro Channel architecture each has its own market segment.
Since we offer and will continue to support both architectures, the new
EISA is consistent with our strategy of serving both markets and providing
the customer a choice.
 
The net effect is that we will continue to offer both AT and IBM Micro Channel
machines today, and that we will offer EISA machines in the future.
We are clearly committed to offering the customer complete flexibility in
configuring their computing solution.
 
MOM-10-88
TANDY ACCOUNTING/PRODUCTIVITY UPGRADE ROLLOUT 
A major marketing program targeted at the existing Model II/12/16 TRSDOS
and Model 6000 XENIX customer base will be rolled out to
Radio Shack Computer Centers and 01Zs during the first two weeks of October.
 
This program is an excellent opportunity to generate additional hardware,
software, and support sales by upgrading loyal Radio Shack customers
to industry standard, state-of-the-art hardware and software
under the MS-DOS and SCO XENIX 386 platforms.
 
The upgrade program features many incentives:
 
Outstanding discounts on leading accounting and
productivity software packages under MS-DOS and SCO XENIX
 
Data migration path for a majority of the software
packages from both TRSDOS and XENIX 3.X to MS-DOS and SCO XENIX 386
 
Industry standard hardware and operating systems, plus
an extended range of peripherals
 
Wide range of software solutions including industry
specific and vertical market applications not previously
available under TRSDOS and XENIX 3.X
 
A complete rollout kit will be provided by Business Products Marketing
during the first two weeks of October;
including promotional pricing, data conversion information, product
enhancement overviews, and checklists.
 
Due to the large number of prospects, this program will be in
effect from October 1st through December 31st.
 
THIS IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO PROVIDE YOUR CUSTOMERS WITH THE
LATEST IN TECHNOLOGY AT VERY AFFORDABLE PRICES! 
 
MOM-10-88
IBM AND SEARS ROLL OUT PRODIGY 
Many of you may have seen this headline in the September 20th issue of
USA Today.
You may also have customers coming in with the article to ask you about it.
When they do, please keep the following in mind:
 
It is a regional product only available in 7 cities right now. 
 
It is the same price as PC-Link's basic service,
yet it is an advertiser-supported service. 
The majority of the service is targeted to shop-at-home users.
There is some overlap in the features offered, but PC-Link has
a much greater mix of services.
 
PC-Link has many two-way features, such as online tutors,
file up and down loading, and people connection. 
Prodigy offers electronic mail as the only type of comparable service.
 
Prodigy uses a videotext mode,
PC-Link uses the DeskMate graphic interface. 
PC-Link is much faster in bringing the information to the screen.
 
Keep watch for more information on Prodigy in upcoming issues.
 
MOM-10-88
NEW FC NUMBERS AVAILABLE THIS MONTH 
FC-1250 DeskMate Brochure
FC-1260 DeskMate Fact Sheet
FC-1265 PC-Link Fact Sheet
 
Each of the above pieces has been designed to help you
sell more products.
The brochure is a nice promotional piece to help you sell the
DeskMate interface and show some of the other companies producing
DeskMate products.
The fact sheets are an inexpensive way of showing the features
of both DeskMate and PC-Link.
 
You recently received copies of these pieces in a September all 
store mailing. Each of these are packed in quantities of 25.
Order them now and happy selling!
 
MOM-10-88
PC-LINK STANDALONE AVAILABLE THIS MONTH 
It has finally arrived!
The standalone version of PC-Link, 25-1255,
will be orderable from your regional warehouses this month.
 
Fill your backorders and be sure to order more
to cover the extra Christmas season needs.
Don't get caught out of stock on this one, because
you will be seeing more and more of PC-Link.
It is being promoted in many computer publications
during this Christmas season.
Be sure to also order FC-1255, which contains a demo disk and
PC-Link brochures to help you sell the service.
 
MOM-10-88
PFS:FIRST PUBLISHER ADD-ON PROMOTION 
Now through December 31st, Software Publishing is helping you to add
extra dollars to your PFS:First Publisher (25-1264) sales
by offering a rebate on any of
the First Publisher art libraries (90-3235, 90-3326 to 90-3333 - see
pg. 22 of RSC-20S for descriptions).
 
Each copy of 25-1264 contains a coupon good for a $10.00 rebate
on any single PFS:First Publisher graphics library.
Customers simply fill out the original coupon (no photo copies),
mail it in with their dated sales receipt,
and receive a $10.00 rebate direct from Software Publishing.
 
MOM-10-88
THE PRINT SHOP - SPECIAL HOLIDAY PACKAGE 
Between now and December 31st, Broderbund is including a free
graphics library disk in each copy of The Print Shop (25-1304).
 
The graphics library disk contains over 100 additional images and
borders to enhance your flyers, letterhead, signs, and invitations.
Your next order of The Print Shop should include this special disk,
identified by a red and black banner on the outside of the box.
To help you sell your existing stock and take advantage of this promotion,
let your customers know that they can obtain the extra disk free of
charge by calling Broderbund's customer support number, (800) 527-6263.
They should indicate that they purchased The Print Shop through Radio Shack,
and wish to receive the free graphics library.
No proof of purchase is required.
 
Broderbund will be promoting this special offer in the November, December,
and January issues of  Personal Computing ,  Home Office Computing ,
and  A+  magazines, so stock up now.
 
MOM-10-88
TANDY 2000 SOFTWARE STILL AVAILABLE 
Although they are not referenced in the index, several
software titles for the Tandy 2000 have been continued in the
1989 Express Order Software Buyer's Guide:
 
filePro 16                 90-0120  pg. 21
filePro 16 Plus            90-0426  pg. 21
filePro 16 Plus Upgrade    90-0424  pg. 21
Smart Software System      90-0314  pg. 43
WordPerfect 4.1            90-0100  pg. 52
Varsity SCRIPSIT           25-1174  pg. 51
Custom Font System         25-1158  pg. 53
 
There are also plenty of copies of 25-1155 SCRIPSIT 1000/2000 still at
TEW, for your customers who need them.
(See 1988 Computer Catalog for a description.)
 
MOM-10-88
SCO IMAGE BUILDER DELAYED 
Due to problems with the software, SCO Image Builder (90-1578) will not
be available until late January/early February 1989.
 
MOM-10-88
PRODUCTS MOVED TO NATIONAL PARTS 
The following products are no longer available at TEW, and will now be
sold through National Parts.
 
WAS CAT. # DESCRIPTION                     NATIONAL PARTS#
 
25-4063    EXT. HD Cable                   AX2504063
26-5126    15MB HD Cable                   AX2605126
26-6018    6000 Disk Cartridge Interface   AX2606018
70-3017    2nd HD Cable                    AX7003017
 
MOM-10-88
PRICE CHANGES 
 
CAT. #   DESCRIPTION            OLD PRICE   NEW PRICE
 
26-5552  3S/401 386 Server      $14,495.00  $14,995.00
90-1231  File Rescue Plus       44.95       24.95  
90-1600  3+Route                1,250.00    1,500.00
90-1601  3+Remote               495.00      750.00
90-1610  3+NetConnect           1250.00     1,500.00
90-1625  3S/400                 12,495.00   12,995.00   
90-1628  Mem Exp 3S/400         1,795.00    1,995.00
90-1614  TokenLink PLUS         895.00      945.00
90-1616  1.3.1 Share            2,100.00    2,495.00
90-1640  Type 3 MAU             395.00      425.00
90-1641  Power Supply           75.00       95.00
90-1642  Media Filter           60.00       75.00
90-1651  MultiConnect Repeater  1,095.00    1,295.00
90-1652  Thin Module            230.00      250.00
90-1653  Thick Module           175.00      250.00
90-1656  LANSCanner             995.00      1,495.00
90-3083  Real World 4-in-1      595.00      249.95
90-3262  RapidFile              325.00      250.00 **
 
On October 1, the 3S/401 386 Server's unit cost (store cost) will
go to $7,175.00, reflecting the last price increase, and
the 3Station will go to $1,207.25 unit cost.
 
The promotional price in Express Order Flyer #88ES10 (in homes October 12)
is incorrectly listed at $44.95.
The manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (SRP) is incorrectly
listed at $49.95; the correct mfg. SRP is $29.95.
 
** The promotional price in Express Order Flyer #88ES10 (in homes October 12)
is incorrectly listed at $290.00; the correct promotional price is $225.00.
The mfg. SRP is incorrectly listed at $395.00; the correct mfg. SRP is $295.00.
 
MOM-10-88
PRODUCTS CANCELED, DISCONTINUED AND REPLACED 
    DISCONTINUED 
 
STOCK # DESCRIPTION
90-3090 Championship Boxing
90-3167 DacEasy Report
90-3168 DacEasy Mate
 
MOM-10-88
VAILABILITY CODE CHANGES 
On the dates shown, the following products will undergo availability
code changes to become more restricted in types of stores stocking for credit.
The chart shows which store types DID get inventory credit, but no longer will.
Use this information to recognize those products that may be in
your store which you need to sell because you will no longer get
inventory credit.
 
Effective March 1, 1989: 
 
CAT NO   DESCRIPTION                    NEW CODE  WILL LOSE INVENTORY CREDIT
                                                     11   01Z   01Y
 
25-1065  3 1/2" 720K Internal Disk Drive   18         X     X     X
25-4034  Serial Parallel Adapter           18               X
25-4060  Hard Drive Controller             18         X     X
 
Also, warehouse location changing from REGIONAL to TEW
 
MOM-10-88
BROCHURES/INFORMATION SHEETS ACCOMPANYING THIS M.O.M. 
PC-FULLBAK AND PATHMINDER DEMO DISKETTE -  
Included in this month's mailing (11's and 01Z's) is a 3 1/2"
diskette containing a full working copy of 90-0514 PC Fullbak
and a self-running demo for 90-1305 Pathminder.
 
MOM-10-88
Installation of Demo Software 
Place the 3 1/2" inch diskette in Drive A.
At C: type the following commands:
 
 
MD FB <enter>
CD FB <enter>
COPY A: FB *.* <enter>
CD  <enter>
COPY A: *.* <enter>
 
Running PC-Fullbak 
 
The PC-Fullbak software is a complete NOT FOR RESALE version of
the software available through EOS.
At C: type the following:       FB_DEMO <enter>  .
A copy of the manual is included with this mailing.
To exit the software, go to the main menu and type <Q> to Quit.
 
MOM-10-88
Pathminder Self-Running Demo 
The Pathminder self-running demo is a 15 minute continuous loop demo version.
At C: type the following:       RDEMO PM <enter>  .
You may exit the demo at any time by typing <CTRL> <BREAK>.
 
A complete list of items accompanying this memo
and their distribution is: 
 
ITEM  DISTRIBUTION
 
Drafix 1 Plus CAD demo                 11s and 01Zs
CO/SESSION info sheet                  11s and 01Zs
PC-FullBak Product Summary sheet       11s and 01Zs
PathMinder Product Summary sheet       11s and 01Zs
PC-FULLBAK Booklet                     11s and 01Zs
PathMinder/PC-FullBak Demo Diskette    11s and 01Zs
R:Base booklet                         11s and 01Zs
Microrim Letter                        11s and 01Zs
Smart One 2400 B modem                 11s and 01Zs
More Baud, Less Bucks Zoom modem sheet 11s and 01Zs
 
SCENARIO Suggested Price List          all stores
 
MOM-10-88
CORRECTION TO 3000 NL MEMORY EXPANSION CHART 
 
The Memory Expansion Chart for the 3000 NL printed in the August/September
issue of the Memo of the Month was slightly incorrect.
Memory expansion on the 3000 NL above 4MB goes from 4MB to 5MB, and then
to 8MB.
(The 6MB configuration is therefore invalid and should be 5MB instead.)
Below is the corrected chart.
 
3000 NL  - Expand from 512K to:
 
     640K         1MB*      2MB*       4MB        5MB        8MB
Main Logic Board  25-4082
Memory Adapter    25-4027+  25-4027+   25-4027+   25-4027+   25-4027+0
Add to Adapter    25-4028   3X25-4028  2X25-4029  2X25-4028  4X25-4029 
                                                             2X25-4029 
* For memory expansion to 1MB or 2MB, memory on the main logic board
must be moved to the adapter board,
i.e. remove the base 512K and move it to the adapter board,
then add 1 25-4028 for memory expansion to 1MB. 
25-5033 may be substituted for 25-4029
The 3000 NL can be expanded beyond 8MB
in 2MB increments on the 16 bit expansion slots by populating the
25-4030 Memory Expansion Adapter with 4 X 25-3062s per card.
The 3000 NL supports a maximum of 16 MB.
 
MOM-10-88
FCC ON TANDY 4000 
The new 1989 Tandy Computer Catalog shows the Tandy 4000 as being FCC
Class B certified.
While this is true for current factory production,
there is still a quantity of Class A verified units in the warehouse 
and in the field.
 
To be certain that there is no confusion - only computers
that are  labeled  Class B certified are in fact Class B certified.
 
Make sure that your customer is aware that the Tandy 4000s you are
currently delivering are Class A devices, and are not Class B certified.
When the remaining Class A Tandy 4000s are out of the warehouse,
we will begin shipments of the Class B units.
 
This will present you little if any problems,
as the Tandy 4000 is a business computer and should be sold for use in
a commercial environment.
Remember, if a customer indicates that a Class A computer is to be used
in a home or apartment building, then the salesmaker must do two things:
 
1) advise the customer in clear, unmistakable terms that the computer
is not recommended for home use because it might interfere with
his or his neighbor's television or radio receiver, and
 
2) show the customer the "The FCC Wants You to Know" notice found
near the front of the owner's manual.
 
MOM-10-88
INCREASING STEP RATE OF 20 MEG HARD DISK CARD 
The original 25-1032 Hard Disk Cards were configured to have
a 100ms step rate.
There is now a utility available which will change this step rate to
approxixmately 85ms, thus increasing the speed of the hard drive.
(Please note, this utility is NOT intended for use with the 25-1029
Hard Disk Cards, or for the 25-1032A Hard Disk Cards.)
You can advise your customers who may need it that "STEP FIX",
as this utility is called, is now available from their local
Training and Support Center.
 
MOM-10-88
UPDATE ON TANDY 6000 MEMORY MANAGEMENT UNIT (MMU) 
You may think this topic is beginning to sound like another
sequel to a "Rocky" movie, but the good news is that we ARE making progress
on the development of the 6000 MMU board - although not as fast as we
had originally anticipated.
To recap, in March of this year, we confirmed that we would offer a
Memory Management Unit for the Tandy 6000.
We also stated that we would offer a 2MB memory board in support of those
requiring more than 1MB of RAM user space under Xenix 3.2.
 
In the July MOM, we predicted availability in late September.
The product is currently in test and looking good, however the
anticipated availability of this product has been moved to December
to insure compatibility with another new product that will allow a
full 4MB of memory expansion.
 
The Memory Management Unit includes cables which support memory expansion
across 3 add-in memory cards.
Three fully populated 1MB memory cards (26-6015), would therefore
permit memory expansion to 3MB.
 
In addition, we intend to carry 2MB cards through Special Order Hardware,
two of which could support the full 4MB of memory expansion.
To insure compatibility with these 2MB cards, the availibility of
the MMU has slipped. 
 
As long as there are loyal 6000 customers, we will continue to support
the product.
 
This year alone we have enhanced and upgraded our 6000 offering
with the release of XENIX 3.2.
Soon the MMU will be available, along with the new 2MB memory card to support
6000 memory expansion to 4MB.
 
Also coming for the Tandy 6000 is the 3.2 upgrade version of the
XENIX Development System, and the XENIX 3.2 Configuration Kit. 
 
MOM-10-88
NATIONAL PARTS AVAILABILITY OF SOME KITS 
The following list of kits are stocked at Tandy National Parts and are
available through your normal ordering processes.
The kits listed in Category II have limited quantities available.
Contact Tandy National Parts if you have further questions.
 
 CATEGORY I - ACTIVE PRODUCTS 
 
PART #     DESCRIPTION                          PRICE (retail)
 
AXX-7139   Single bin Sheet Feeder for 26-2811     345.00
AXX-7122   Single bin Sheet Feeder for 26-2810     345.00
AXX-7146   Double bin Sheet Feeder for 26-2811     695.00
AXX-7147   Triple bin Sheet Feeder for 26-2811     895.00
AXX-7130   Tandy 1000 Min/Mode Daughter Bd-Rev.    39.95
AXX-7126   Tandy 3000 Cartridge/HD Cooling Kit     62.76
AXX-7119   CoCo 3 Satellite Board Kit for 26-3124  6.51
AXX-7123   CoCo 3 PAL Chip kit for 26-3024         8.25
AXX-7149   A0 MHz Oscillator for 25-4072           26.25
 
MOM-10-88
CATEGORY II - PRODUCTS AVAILABLE IN LIMITED QUANTITIES 
PART #       DESCRIPTION                                   PRICE (retail)
 
AXX-7102     5V Expansion Upgrade kit for 25-1000          3.75
AXX-7034     Printer Interface Cable for 26-1154/59/1411   14.94
AXX-7026     Video Monitor for 26-1001/3/4/6/1201          39.95
AXX-7078     Model III Network 3 Student Station Upgr Kit  35.00
AXX-7084     Old to New Keyboard conver.kit 26-3001/2/2A/4 15.00
AXX-7092     CC2 Video modification kit 26-3126/27/28      49.95
AX-260-1102  Model III 16K RAM Kit                         29.95
AX-260-3017B CC2 64K RAM Kit                               59.95
AX-260-3018A CC2 Extended Color BASIC RAM Kit              14.95
AX-260-3910  Tandy 600 96K RAM Kit                         299.95
AX-260-5125  Tandy 2000 10 Meg Hard Disk Kit               1000.00
 
MOM-10-88
DESKMATE 3.0 MEMORY CONSIDERATIONS 
Before your customer purchases 25-1250 DeskMate 3.0,
please be sure to point out to them that some DeskMate features
will not function correctly if they do not have 640K. 
 
These restrictions are described in detail in the DeskMate 3.0
manual (Appendix A, page A-9).
 
Your customer will appreciate knowing this BEFORE
leaving your store with DeskMate 3.0.
 
MOM-10-88
DESKMATE 1.1 FOR THE ORIGINAL TANDY 1000 
We are still receiving a number of Software Registration cards from
Tandy 1000 owners who are registering for the original DeskMate program
that was released with this computer, Version 1.0.
The 1.1 version is the only currently supported version of this DeskMate,
so these customer were, and still are, advised to go to their local Radio Shack
and make arrangements to have the new version of the program
backed up onto their original DeskMate diskette.
The 1.1 version was distributed on a diskette to stores and Centers as FC-213.
 
FC-213 is no longer available in TEW, and it appears that many stores
and Centers no longer have their copy since more and more requests
for it are now coming in to Customer Service.
THESE REQUESTS SHOULD BE HANDLED IN THE FIELD!
If you do not have a copy of FC-213, please obtain one from
your available resources - other stores or Centers, your DM or DSM,
or a Training and Support Center.
 
Or better yet, offer these customers an upgrade to our newest DeskMate.
Remember that all these customers need to do is bring the cover of the
manual of  any  version of DeskMate they currently have into your store and
pay $49.95 for the new product.
You will then give them a copy of DeskMate 3.0 (25-1250).
Your sales ticket should indicate the purchase of 25-1250 at $99.95,
followed by this statement: "DeskMate upgrade discount 50.00."
The price to the customer will be $99.95 - 50.00, or $49.95.
 
MOM-10-88
XENIX V/286 VERSION 2.1 NOW AVAILABLE 
New at TEW is Xenix V/286 Version 2.1 Upgrade (700-4201).
This new version now provides support for:
 
25-4002 12MHz 3000
3 1/2" floppy devices
EGA - Enhanced Graphics Video
HoneyDanBer uucp (the latest version of uucp from AT&T)
Better memory management
 
MOM-10-88
EXCEL PERSONAL COPY OFFER HAS EXPIRED! 
The Excel Personal Copy offer from Microsoft, which allowed
Computer Center employees to purchase their own copies of
Excel, expired on June 30th.
 
Please do not continue to send checks to Ft. Worth - they will
only be returned to you.
 
MOM-10-88
MAKING PLANPERFECT GRAPHICS COMPATIBLE WITH WORDPERFECT 5.0 
To make 90-3181 PlanPerfect 3.0 graphics files compatible with
25-1268 WordPerfect 5.0, a GSS*CGM Metafile driver is needed.
Customers may order the driver free of charge by calling
WordPerfect Corporation's Information Services Department at
(801) 225-5000.
 
MOM-10-88
DBASE III+ LAN PAK STILL AVAILABLE 
Although not listed in the new Express Order Software Buyer's Guide (RSC-20S),
both 25-3191 dBASE III+ and the 90-1631 dBASE III+ Lan Pak are still available,
and will be continued until dBASE IV is available and shipping.
 
MOM-10-88
MICRO CHANNEL COMMUNICATIONS PRODUCTS 
All AST communication products have the accompanying Micro Channel equivalent.
In the product description of AST products in the catalog and on your
stock file, the "A" after the name designates a Micro Channel product.
 
For example, on page 31 of the 1989 Tandy Computer Catalog, you will find
two products which have Micro Channel "versions", the AST-3780 and AST-5251/12.
The AST-3780 is the AT version and is stock number 90-2049;
the AST-3780 A  is the Micro Channel version and is stock number 90-1691.
The AST-5251/12 is the AT version and is stock number 90-2044;
the AST-5251/12 A  is the Micro Channel version and is stock number 90-1692.
 
MOM-10-88
3S/201 SERVER REPLACED BY 3S/202 
The 90-1661 3S/201 has been replaced by the the  90-1662 3S/202 Server.
The only differences are that the tape backup unit in the 3S/202 Server
is a 150MB (use 26-204 tapes) and the included version of 3+ Share is 1.3.1.
The price is $10,495.
 
MOM-10-88
3STATION MEMORY UPGRADES 
The memory in a 26-5551 3Station, you should first contact
your BPSC, who will in turn contact Tech Support.
This is because several jumpers must be added.
 
The 3Station comes with 1MB of memory, and you can expand to 2.5MB or 4MB.
To get 2.5MB, add two 25-5033 1MB SIMMS.
To get 4MB, you must replace the 256K SIMMS with 25-5033 1MB SIMMS
(when you can get them).
 
MOM-10-88
3COM SOFTWARE - CHART SHOWING CURRENT VERSIONS 
This is a matrix of the current versions of 3Com software.
Customers participating in the 3Com Software Subcription Service
will receive their 1.3.1 upgrades in October.
 
PRODUCT  SHARE LEVEL
                   1.2     1.2.1/1.2.2     1.3     1.3.1
Share User         1.2     1.2/1.2.1       1.3
                   1.2     1.2.1           1.3     1.3.1
Menus              *       *               *       *
Mail               1.1     1.2.1           1.3     1.3
Route              1.1     1.2.1           1.3     1.3
Remote Server      1.0     1.2.1           1.3     1.3
Remote Workstation 1.1.1   1.2.1           1.2.1   1.2.1
Backup             1.2     1.2.1                   1.3.2
NetConnect         1.1     1.2.1           1.3     1.3
TurboShare         1.2     1.2.1                   *   
Mac Server         -       1.2.1           -       1.3
3+ Mac Client      -       1.2.1           -       1.3.1
Start              1.2     1.2.1                   1.3  
* Bundled with 3+Share      Preinstalled on Dedicated Servers
 
Note: Version 1.3.1 of 3+Mail, Route, Remote Server, NetConnect
and 3+Mac will be rolled to existing catalog numbers as it
becomes available from 3Com.
 
MOM-10-88
TALKING TEXT WRITER - THE PROGRAM THAT TALKS AS IT TEACHES 
 
Scholastic brings you a highly effective beginning reading and writing
program backed by five years of testing and research. Talking Text Writer
(25-1240) combines the best features of a word processor and a speech
synthesizer. You choose the mode of presentation -- students may type and
hear their own words spoken simultaneously, or the program will read
all the text on the screen.
 
Preschoolers can explore letter sounds and words, hearing what they write.
Primary school children can write their own stories, experimenting with
sounds, words, and ideas in an environment that encourages exploration with
language.
The infinitely patient Talking Text Writer is ideally suited to building
skills and self-confidence in the learning disabled, bilingual or trainable
retarded student.  Grades P-6.
 
Talking Text Writer includes the Echo 1000 Speech Synthesizer from Street 
Electronics for $249.95, a savings of $87.45!
An Echo 1000 board repeats aloud whatever a child types into it -- the
richest reinforcement of all.
 
The Plus Upgrade Adapter (25-1016) is required with the Tandy 1000 SX/TX/SL/TL,
and 3000.
 
MOM-10-88
NETWORK 4 MASTER 
The 26-1136 Network 4 Master is no longer available through TEW.
We will not be re-ordering it immediately, however,
since there are still quantities of this product in store inventory.
We will not re-order it for warehouse stock until store stock
is significantly reduced.
 
If you have a sale for this item and have no store inventory, check with
your closest Computer Center.
 
MOM-10-88
SCENARIO, TOOLS FOR THE MIND 
Techbyte is advertising Scenario's availability through Radio Shack in the
following October magazines:
 
T.H.E. Journal          SPA Bulletin
Home Office Computing   Classroom Computer Learning
PC Computing            Media & Method
PCM                     Electronic Learning
 
Radio Shack is the only distributor for Scenario products in the  U.S.,
therefore, there will be many inquiries about the products.  See the
Educational Products Guide (RSC-20E) and the information sheet
included with this M.O.M. for more information on Scenario.
 
MOM-10-88
TANDY PRODUCT PROFILES (FC-352 AND THE FC-364 UPDATE) 
The most recent quarterly update (FC-364, August 1988) to the
Tandy Product Profiles has been drop shipped
to everyone who was listed on the drop shipment for the original
FC-352 Tandy Product Profiles.
 
Remember that if you ordered FC-352 (the two-volume set) separately from one
that you received as a drop-shipment, you will need to order FC-364
to keep it up-to-date.
 
So far, all the numbers you need to know to keep your Tandy Product Profiles
current are:
 
 STOCK #  DESCRIPTION  DATED 
 
FC-352  Tandy Product Profiles - 2nd Edition (2 vol. set) November 1987
FC-362  1st Update to Tandy Product Profiles              February 1988
FC-363  2nd Update to Tandy Product Profiles              May 1988
FC-364  3rd Update to Tandy Product Profiles              August 1988
Also avail:
FC-353  Tandy Educational Product Profiles - 2nd Edition  April 1988
 
MOM-10-88
ACOUSTIC COVERS FOR SPECIAL ORDER
Due to continuing field requests for acoustic printer covers,
we have added three quality products from Ring King to Special Order:
 
CAT. NO. DESCRIPTION    FAN  INSIDE SIZE        PRINTERS     SELL
                             (W x D x H)
 
90-2187  all 80-column  No   18 x 14 x 8 3/4    DMP 105/106  99.95
                                                DMP 130/132
 
90-2188  low profile    Yes  26 x 19 x 8 3/4    DMP 420      279.00
         132-column                             DMP 430/440
         dot matrix                             DMP 2200
 
90-2189  "tall" 24-wire Yes  27x22 3/4x15 5/8   DMP 2100     349.00 
         dot matrix and                         DMP 2110/2120
         all DW, incl                           DWP 220/230
         tractor                                DWP 510/520
Key selling features include: 
2 year warranty
Quality Sonex foam, high density board, and heavy duty acrylic lid
for maximum sound reduction and durability
Neutral putty color complementing office decor
High efficiency cooling fan with lighted switch and 10 foot
power cord (U.L. recognized) on both 132-column models
Full length anodized aluminum hinges for maximum lid support,
precision fit, and long life
Cord management system with grommets and foam-covered cable openings
Advanced paper guidance system for smooth paper flow - all models
with both rear and bottom feed paper slots
 
MOM-10-88
THE ROUNDTABLE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT RM/COBOL 85 
There are three products listed in RSC-20S which mention RM/COBOL 85:
 
900-0470  RM/COBOL 85 Development System - SCO XENIX 286
900-1208  RM/COBOL 85 Development System - MS-DOS
900-1568  RM/COBOL 85 Development System - SCO XENIX 386
 
Here is some background information you might find useful.
 
What Is RM/COBOL 85? -  
A new concept in ANSI (American National Standards Institute)
standard COBOL compilers - a single product that meets both
the 1974 and 1985 standards at the touch of a switch.
A single product that maintains continuity with the past,
yet provides growth to the future.
 
 Is RM/COBOL 85 a GSA Certified Compiler? -  
Yes, error-free both at the 1974 High and 1985 Intermediate levels.
Government certification is a useful, independent validation
that a given compiler complies with the ANSI standard.
 
 How Is RM/COBOL 85 Different From Previous Versions of RM/COBOL? -  
Differences fall into three major categories: performance,
program capacity, and language features.
 
 Performance:  Enhancements in I/O handling and object code
structure enable RM/COBOL 85 to execute programs an average
of five times faster.
Compilation speed has also been increased,
so RM/COBOL 85 programs compile about twice as fast as the previous version.
 
 Program Capacity:  Permits compilation and execution of
programs of virtually unlimited size.
In general, RM/COBOL 85 programs are limited only by available
machine memory and any restrictions imposed by the operating system.
 
 Language Features:  Supports ANSI 85 and ANSI 74 features.
To enable PC's to support existing mainframe COBOL applications,
RM/COBOL 85 includes the language extensions often found in
mainframe implementations of the COBOL language.
 
 
 Can I Run My RM/COBOL Applications Under RM/COBOL 85? -  
Yes.  RM/COBOL applications, however, must be recompiled to
run under RM/COBOL 85, because of the new high speed runtime.
Differences between ANSI 74 and ANSI 85 standards (new
reserved words, for example) may make some RM/COBOL programs
not source code compatible with RM/COBOL 85.
These differences can be handled by a switch in the RM/COBOL 85
compiler which causes it to ignore language features which
might interfere with compiling RM/COBOL code.
Once recompiled with RM/COBOL 85, existing applications can take advantage of
the higher execution speed.
 
 Can I Use My RM/COBOL Version 1.n and 2.n files under RM/COBOL 85? -  
Not in their current format.
RM/COBOL version 1.n and 2.n files must be converted to the
RM/COBOL 85 file format before they can be used with RM/COBOL 85 programs.
A series of easy to use utilities provided with RM/COBOL 85 convert version
1.n and 2.n indexed, relative, and sequential files to the
RM/COBOL 85 file format.
 
MOM-10-88
WHO'S USING PARADOX? 
Yoplait USA, a Division of General Mills, for one.
 
Through an outside developer,
the company's refrigerated warehouse has a system set up to track the storing,
receiving and moving of Yoplait yogurt and raw materials.
 
Both preprogrammed and ad hoc reporting provide managers
with the information tools they need to improve shipping turnaround,
reduce waste and increase profits.
 
The system enables QC and Operations personnel to ensure that products
are shipped only within the permitted expiration date windows - of
critical importance when dealing with such highly perishable goods.
 
Development of the system was exceptionally short and helped considerably
by the power of Paradox and PAL.
What used to take 10 to 20 hours of operator training now takes only 2 to
2 1/2 hours, and Yoplait USA estimates that their investment
in the system will pay for itself within six months.
 
(Paradox 2.0, catalog number 25-1187)
 
MOM-10-88
LATE DATES
Listed below are the new items that appear in Catalogs RSC-20, RSC-20S,
and RSC-20E which have not yet arrived at the warehouses.
Also included are the dates the merchandise is expected to be available
at the warehouses.
 
The dates listed in this section are based on the latest available information,
and are updated monthly.
While they may not be 100% accurate, they are the best estimate we have
at this time.
The dates listed here should be your ONLY reference for availability of
cataloged items.
Ft. Worth Customer Service or Ft. Worth Computer Merchandising
will not have any dates other than the ones shown here.
 
 
Late Merchandise - 1989 Tandy Computer Catalog #RSC-20 
 
25-1037  2400 BPS Half Card Modem  10/30/88
25-1075  3.5" 720K Disk Drive (1" in HT)  10/30/88
25-1078  128K Memory Kit  12/30/88
25-1232  Speller Bee  10/30/88
25-1233  The FUNdamentals TL  10/15/88
25-1234  Music Studio  10/30/88
25-1236  The FUNdamentals SL  10/15/88
25-1237  Children's Writing and Publishing  10/30/88
25-1241  SchoolMate  11/30/88
25-1246  Quicken  11/30/88
25-1247  Memory Mate  11/30/88
25-1249  Venture  11/30/88
25-1251  Workgroup Companion  11/30/88
25-1260  Professional File 2  11/30/88
25-1262  Instant Pages  11/30/88
25-1265  Print Magic  11/30/88
25-1266  Homeword II  10/30/88
25-1401  Tandy 1000 SL  10/15/88
25-1515  1400LT Tech. Ref. Manual  10/30/88
25-1516  1000SL Tech. Ref. Manual  10/30/88
25-1517  1000TL Tech. Ref. Manual  10/30/88
25-3515  Internal 20 Meg for 1400 LT  11/30/88
25-4029  2MB Memory Kit for 3000 NL  CANC
25-4040  VGM-100 Monochrome Monitor  10/30/88
25-4041  VGM-200 Color Monitor  10/30/88
25-4053  3.5" FD Kit - 3000 NL/5000 MC  11/15/88
25-4151  140MB ESDI HD Kit  10/30/88
25-4162  170MB SCSI HD Kit  11/15/88
25-5131  2MB Memory Kit for 4000 LX  10/15/88
25-6030  Zero K Mem. Expan. Adpt. 5000MC  10/30/88
25-6050  ESDI-HD Controller-MC  12/30/88
25-6060  SCSI-HD Controller-MC  11/30/88
26-1329  Monitor Platform  10/30/88
26-1336  Keyboard Cover  10/15/88
26-1365  Computer Pwr Cntr (4 outlet)  11/15/88
26-3241  The Last Ninja  10/15/88
70-2505  ViaNet  10/15/88
90-1559  OSAS Mfg. Job Cost.  10/30/88
90-1570  SCO Xenix 386-MC  12/30/88
90-1571  SCO Xenix Dev. System-MC  12/30/88
90-1706  Harmony Client Acctg - LAN  10/30/88
90-2221  Apple 5 1/4" Compatible Drive  12/30/88
90-3298  Paradox 386  10/15/88
90-3348  Computer Mad Libs  10/30/88
90-3365  Kid Talk  10/30/88
90-3366  Math Talk  10/30/88
90-3367  First Shapes  10/30/88
90-3368  Smooth Talker  10/30/88
90-3369  First Letter and Word  10/30/88
90-3377  Math Talk Fractions  10/30/88
90-5503  Grolier's Electronic Encycl.-CD  11/15/88
90-5504  Microsoft Small Bus. Consultant  1/15/89
90-5509  Microsoft Stat Pack  12/15/88
 
 
Late Merchandise - 1989 Express Order Software Buyer's Guide #RSC-20S 
 
25-1232  Speller Bee  10/30/88
25-1233  The FUNdamentals TL  10/15/88
25-1234  Music Studio  10/30/88
25-1236  The FUNdamentals SL  10/15/88
25-1237  Children's Writing & Publishing  10/30/88
25-1241  SchoolMate  11/30/88
25-1246  Quicken  11/30/88
25-1247  Memory Mate  11/30/88
25-1249  Venture  11/30/88
25-1251  Workgroup Companion  11/30/88
25-1260  Professional File 2  11/30/88
25-1262  Instant Pages  11/30/88
25-1265  Print Magic  11/30/88
25-1266  Homeword II  10/30/88
26-3241  The Last Ninja  10/15/88
70-1505  RM/COBOL Runtime  10/30/88
90-1208  RM/COBOL 85 Develop  10/30/88
90-1209  RM/COBOL 85 OS/2  11/30/88
90-1241  Time Line 3.0  11/30/88
90-1244  PC Paintbrush Window  11/30/88
90-1246  COBOL 3.0 (DOS-OS/2)  11/30/88
90-1256  Starflight  10/15/88
90-1259  King's Quest III  10/15/88
901-1268  dBASE IV  10/30/88
90-1527  Microsoft Word  10/30/88
90-1528  XENIX Multiplan  10/30/88
90-1529  Unify 386  10/30/88
90-1559  OSAS Mfg. Job Cost  10/30/88
90-1578  SCO Image Builder  2/30/89
90-1580  R Word Plus (286 XENIX)  CANC
90-1581  R Office Plus (286 XENIX)  CANC
90-1673  WordPerfect 5.0 Ntwk Ver.  10/30/88
90-1674  WordPerfect 5.0 Workstation  10/30/88
90-1706  Harmony Client Acctg - LAN  10/30/88
90-3263  Byline  12/30/88
90-3298  Paradox 386  10/15/88
90-3348  Computer Mad Libs  10/30/88
90-3365  Kidtalk  10/30/88
90-3366  Mathtalk  10/30/88
90-3367  First Shapes  10/30/88
90-3368  Smoothtalker  10/30/88
90-3369  First Letter & Word  10/30/88
90-3377  Mathtalk Fractions  10/30/88
90-5503  Grolier's Electronic Encycl. - CD  11/15/88
90-5504  Microsoft Small Bus. Consultant  1/15/89
90-5509  Microsoft Stat Pack  12/15/88
 
 
Late Merchandise - 1989 Radio Shack Educational Products Guide #RSC-20E 
 
25-1241  SchoolMate  11/30/88
90-5503  Grolier's Electronic Encyclopedia  11/15/88
90-5504  Microsoft Small Business Consultant  1/15/89
90-5509  Microsoft Stat Pack  12/15/88
90-5513  The Bible Library  11/15/88
90-5551  SuperPrint  11/30/88
90-5552  A.I. - Artificial Intelligence  11/30/88
90-5553  Integrade  11/15/88
90-5566  MicroWorks Math  11/30/88
90-5567  MicroWorks English  11/30/88
90-5568  MicroWorks Science  11/30/88
90-5569  MicroWorks Social Studies  11/30/88
90-5574  Crater  10/30/88
90-5585  SuperPrint Early Learn. Graphics Act.  11/30/88
90-5586  SuperPrint U.S. Maps Graphics Act.  11/30/88
90-5587  SuperPrint World Maps Graphics Act.  11/30/88
90-5600  PC Assisted Keyboardy 11/30/88
 
MOM-08-88
IBM RAISES PRICES ON THEIR MODEL 30 
Well the elephant has gotten hungry and needs more peanuts!
The August 1, 1988 issue of PC Week printed the news that
effective immediately IBM has raised the suggested retail prices
of the dual floppy drive Model 30 from $1,695 to $1,775, and on the
20 MB hard drive Model 30 from $2,295 to $2,395.
 
Because of this price increase on IBM's Model 30, the Tandy 1000 TX
that is on sale represents even more of a value for your customer.
This value can be measured in many ways such as better performance,
greater expansion, nationwide service and support,
and of course, a better price. 
 
Looking at the comparison below, you will see that the 1000 TX floppy based
system represents a $675.15 savings over IBM's floppy based Model 30.
But the real saving comes with the hard drive system.
When the 1000 TX is configured with a 20 Meg Hard Disk Card, it is
an incredible $896.05 less than IBM's hard drive version of the Model 30.
With IBM's recent price increases, it's even easier than ever to say:
Tandy Computers - there is NO better value!
 
 Floppy Drive Price Comparison 
 
Tandy 1000 TX  $899.95  IBM Model 30     $1,775.00
(1 - 3.5" drive)        (2 - 3.5" drives)
2nd 3.5" drive
& Adapter       199.90
                =========                =========
             $1,099.85                   $1,775.00
 
 Hard Drive Price Comparison 
_
Tandy 1000 TX      $899.95      IBM Model 30         $2,395.00
(1 - 3.5" drive)                1 - 3.5" drive &
20 Meg Hard Disk    599.00      20 Meg Hard Drive)
            Card  ========                           ==========
                 $1,498.95                           $2,395.00
 
MOM-08-88
DESKMATE UPGRADES FOR FLYER 433 
The September flyer (433) includes the offer (explained in the July Memo of
the Month) for customers to take their existing version of DeskMate
and upgrade it to the new version, DeskMate 3.0.
 
DeskMate 3.0 features a new spell checker, an address book with
mail merge capabilities, a calendar that can remember key dates
from year to year, and, of course, the new online communication service
software, PC-Link, with a month of service free.
In addition, DeskMate 3.0 includes the DeskMate interface that is being
used by a number of software developers to develop new applications.
 
We anticipate that many customers will want to get DeskMate 3.0.
All they need to do is bring the cover of the manual of any version
of DeskMate thay they currently have into a Radio Shack store
and pay $49.95 for the new product.
You will then give them a copy of DeskMate 3.0 (25-1250).
Your sales ticket should indicate the purchase of 25-1250 at $99.95,
followed by this statement:  "DeskMate upgrade discount 50.00."
The price to the customer will be $99.95 - 50.00, or $49.95.
 
You may now order from your regional warehouse the quantities of
25-1250 DeskMate 3.0 you need to fill customer demand.
(Note that the Tandy 1000 HX minimum memory requirement is 384K.)
 
MOM-08-88
PC-LINK and FLYER 433 
The September flyer includes an offer of PC-Link software at no charge
to Radio Shack customers who purchase 1200 bps modems.
As explained in the July Memo of the Month, PC-Link is an online
communication service that is designed with the Tandy Computer user in mind.
The offer includes one month of free service.
 
If a customer purchases any of these modems:
 
  25-1018  plus 1200 bps modem
  25-1013  1200 bps modem board
  26-1385  DCM-212 smart modem
 
and does not already own PC-Link (either through the purchase of
DeskMate 3.0 or a new Tandy 1000 TL or SL),
you are to give the customer a copy of PC-Link at no additional cost.
The PC-Link software product that you will give to the customer is a 
specially packaged version of PC-Link (700-1255).
 
You should already have ordered quantities of PC-Link (700-1255)
from TEW to satisfy your customers' purchases of modems.
If you haven't - DO IT NOW!
While you were limited to two copies of 700-1255 per store until the end of
August, now you may order quantities as you need them.
 
MOM-08-88
PC-LINK SALES TRAINING KIT NOW AVAILABLE 
Catalog number FC-1255 is now available from TEW.
This packet contains all of the information you need to help sell PC-Link.
Premier issues of the PC-Link magazine, "Take One" brochures,
and a 3.5" self-running demo are included.
 
MOM-08-88
DELUXE PAINT - DEALER KIT AVAILABLE !! 
(25-1306) Deluxe Paint Dealer Kits are now available as FC-0931.
This interactive demonstration software really shows off
the Tandy extended CGA capabilities and Deluxe Paint's easy-to-use style.
These kits are now available from TEW at no cost to the store.
ORDER ONE COPY PER STORE - NO DROP SHIPMENT WILL BE MADE.
 
MOM-08-88
REAL WORLD ACCOUNTING - SCO XENIX 386 VERSIONS 
The following Real World Accounting modules for the SCO XENIX 386 platform
are now available through Express Order.
These modules are packaged with 3 1/2" media and include an exchange coupon for
5 1/4" media.
 
90-1540 RW Accounts Receivable     795.00
90-1541 RW Accounts Payable        795.00
90-1542 RW Payroll                 795.00
90-1543 RW General Ledger          795.00
90-1544 TW Order Entry - Billing   795.00
90-1545 RW Inventory               795.00
90-1546 RW Job Costing             795.00
90-1547 RW Purchase Order          795.00
90-1548 RW Sales Analysis          400.00
 
PRICE CHANGES 
 
CAT. #  DESCRIPTION                            OLD PRICE  NEW PRICE
90-0351 Basic Builder Bid Estimating           500.00     700.00
90-0379 Trac Line Branch Store Retailing (DOS) 595.00     995.00
90-3242 MoneyMate                              149.95      49.95
 
MOM-08-88
PRODUCTS CANCELED, DISCONTINUED AND REPLACED 
25-4038 ENHANCED KEYBOARD -  
The 25-4038 Enhanced Keyboard is now out of stock at TEW and will be
discontinued.
There will be a replacement for this product sometime in October that
will be the same as the new enhanced keyboard announced on the new computers.
You will be informed when this keyboard is available.
In the meantime, sell out the stock that you have in your stores and Centers.
 
DISCONTINUED 
STOCK #  DESCRIPTION
25-4038  Enhanced Keyboard
 
CANCELED 
STOCK #   DESCRIPTION
90-1580   R Word Plus (286 XENIX)
90-1581   R Office Plus (286 XENIX)
 
AVAILABILITY CODE CHANGES 
 
On the dates shown, the following products will undergo availability
code changes to become more restricted in types of stores stocking for credit.
The chart shows which store types DID get inventory credit, but no longer will.
Use this information to recognize those products that may be in
your store which you need to sell because you will no longer get
inventory credit.
 
Effective October 1, 1988: 
 
CAT NO   DESCRIPTION                NEW CODE  WILL LOSE INVENTORY CREDIT
                                               11    01Z    01Y
25-4052  3 1/2" 1.44 MB Disk Drive      18      X      X
 
MOM-08-88
BROCHURES/INFORMATION SHEETS ACCOMPANYING THIS M.O.M. 
Q&A AND Q&A WRITE MATERIALS -  
Computer Centers and 01Z stores will find sales and demo materials included
in this Memo of the Month for Q&A 3.0 (25-1225), and Q&A Write (90-3265).
You also received coupons at the Business Products meeting
earlier this month which allow customers who purchase either product
to get a free copy of the WordFinder Thesaurus from Microlytics (terms of
the offer are on the coupon).
This is a $79.95 value.
 
Q&A has been rated the #1 file manager by both Software Digest and PC
Magazine, and Q&A Write was chosen as "Editor's Choice" by PC Magazine.
By combining the Word Finder offer with our low price on Q&A - $299.00
versus $349.00 manufacturer's suggested retail price - you can offer
your customer $428.95 worth of power for only $299.00.
 
A complete list of items accompanying this memo and their distribution
is:
 
ITEM                                              DISTRIBUTION
 
"HOW SAFE ARE VIDEO TERMINALS? (Fortune reprint)  11s
Q&A Demo Diskette                                 11s & Zs
Q&A Brochure                                      11s & Zs
Q&A "What They Say..."                            11s & Zs
PageMaker Feature Focus sheets                    11s & Zs
Yellow "If The Features..." Celebrity sheet       11s & Zs
The Accounting Partner 3 brochure                 11s & Zs
Nutri-fit sheet                                   11s & Zs
Kodak Datashow system folder                      11s & Zs
Accolade information sheet                        all stores
Microsoft Newsline                                all stores
Microsoft Newsline addendum                       all stores
"Are Computer Screens Safe?" (Newsweek reprint)   all stores
 
MOM-08-88
PRODUCT UPDATE -- HARDWARE 
25-4072 3000 NL - NOW AVAILABLE AT TEW 
The Tandy 3000 NL is now shipping from TEW.
Besides the information provided to you in the July Memo of the Month about
this computer, here are a few items of which you need to be aware.
 
The 3000 NL is shipped with the CMOS battery disconnected.
When the battery is connected, there is some low-level power drain.
To insure maximum battery life, the battery should remain disconnected
until the unit is sold.
The Owner's Manual provides directions for connecting the battery,
which can be easily done when the chassis is removed for installation
of a video adapter.
 
For the initial shipments of the 3000 NL, the fit is tight when
simultaneously plugging in both the new shielded parallel (26-227C)
and new shielded serial cables (26-269).
This will be addressed as a running change to the unit.
In the interim, any difficulty can be remedied by
"shaving" the plastic shielding at the connector slightly.
 
Customers requiring a math co-processor on the 3000 NL should use
the 10MHz 80287 (90-2192).
Support for this math co-processor requires the installation of a
10MHz oscillator, available through National Parts (AXX7149).
Both the math co-processor and oscillator include instructions for
easy installation by the customer.
Important note: 
For the initial shipments of the 3000 NL, this math co-processor is only
supported when both the CPU and bus speeds of the 3000 NL are set to 10MHz.
 
The CPU and bus speeds of the 3000 NL are set by default to 10MHz.
Each can be individually toggled to 8MHz with the SPEEDNL utility
provided on the 3000 NL Utility disk.
 
Below are listed add-in memory cards which require the slower 8MHz bus speed
because they use 200 nanosecond DRAM:
 
90-2053 AST Rampage AT
90-2051 AST Advantage AT
90-2028 STB Grand Byte
 
The initial shipments of the 3000 NL do not support the Internal 40MB
Tape Backup System (25-4069).
We are looking into what is required to correct this and
will keep you informed in the M.O.M.
In the interim, customers desiring tape backup may wish to consider
the Archive Scorpion (90-2060), a 40MB internal tape system available
through Special Order Hardware.
 
A new 0K (zero K) Memory Expansion Adapter has been designed
exclusively for the 3000 NL and is available as 25-4027.
(The original design goal was to utilize the same card as the 5000 MC,
but we discovered to maximize the performance of the 3000 NL a unique design
was required.)
25-4027 is not listed in the catalog, but retails for the same price
as 25-6030, $99.95.
 
When expanding to 1MB or beyond, it is not necessary to expand to 640K first.
When expanding memory to 1MB or 2MB, the base 512K on the motherboard
must first be moved to the memory expansion adapter 25-4027,
and then the extra memory added.
(See the memory chart included in this issue of the Memo of the Month
to help clarify memory expansion.)
 
MOM-08-88
BUSINESS SYSTEM MEMORY EXPANSION 
First - an explanation . . .
 
Main Logic board Expansion -  
Only two computers in our business line support memory expansion
on the main logic board without add-in memory cards - the 3000 NL and the 4000.
 
The 3000 NL comes standard with 512K which may be expanded to 640K using
the 128K Memory Kit, 25-4082.
Memory expansion to 640K is not required before adding
a memory expansion adapter.
 
The 4000 comes standard with 1MB which may be expanded to 2MB using
the 1MB Memory Kit, 25-5031.
The memory on the main logic board of the 4000 can be replaced with 1MB SIMMs
for expansion to 8MB.
 
Memory Expansion Adapters -  
The 3000 NL, 4000 family, and 5000 MC each use a different memory expansion
adapter.
All of these have been left unpopulated to allow for memory expansion
with either 256K SIMMs or 1MB SIMMs.
There are 8 sockets on each of these memory boards.
Fully populating any of these cards with 256K SIMMs results in 2MB
of added memory, while filling them with 1MB SIMMs results in 8MB.
The 0K (zero K) unpopulated memory cards are:
 
25-4027 for the 3000 NL
25-5029 for the 4000 & 4000 LX
25-6030 for the 5000 MC
 
The main logic board of the 4000 and 4000 LX must be fully populated
with memory before further expansion can be made on the memory adapter.
For example, the 4000 comes with 4 X 256K SIMMs for a total of 1MB,
an additional 4 X 256K SIMMs (25-5031) must be added to the main logic board
prior to additional memory expansion on 25-5029.
 
(Note that the 4000 BIOS version 1.3.2 or earlier requires that the main
logic board of the 4000 must be fully populated with  1MB SIMMs  before
1MB SIMMs  can be added on the memory expansion adapter.)
 
Memory Kits -  
Each system has different specifications for the minimum speed of
the memory required.
You can always put in  faster  memory during scarce times (such as now),
but this will not result in any improvement in memory access when
memory is interleaved as it is on these systems.
The minimum memory speed requirements for the systems are:
150 nanoseconds  for the 3000 NL
100 nanoseconds  for the 4000
80 nanoseconds   for the 4000 LX
100 nanoseconds  for the 5000 MC
Chip sets for the various systems are:
3000 NL (150 nanosecond or faster)  25-4028 512K  2 X 256K SIMMs
                                    25-4029* 2MB  2 X 1MB SIMMs
4000 (100 nanosecond or faster)     25-5031 1MB   4 X 256K SIMMs
                                    25-5033 2MB   2 X 1MB SIMMs
4000 LX (80 nanosecond)             25-5131 2MB   8 X 256K SIMMs
5000 MC (100 nanosecond or faster)  25-5031 1MB   4 X 256K SIMMs
                                    25-5033 2MB   1 X 1MB SIMMs
* 25-5033 may be substituted for 25-4029
Due to industry availability, we do not carry 
80 nanosecond 1MB SIMMs at this time.
Now for the chart . . .  The most important thing to remember is:
DO NOT MIX THE MEMORY SPEEDS AND CAPACITIES ON THE MEMORY EXPANSION ADAPTER.
 
3000 NL  - Expand from 512K to:
                 640K    1MB*     2MB*       4MB        6MB        8MB
Main Logic Board 25-4082
Memory Adapter           25-4027+ 25-4027+   25-4027+   25-4027+   25-4027+
Add to Adapter           25-4028  3X25-4028  2X25-4029  3X25-4029  4X25-4029 
* For memory expansion to 1MB or 2MB, memory on the main logic board
must be moved to the adapter board,
i.e. remove the base 512K and move it to the adapter board,
then add 1 25-4028 for memory expansion to 1MB. 
25-5033 may be substituted for 25-4029
The 3000 NL can be expanded beyond 8MB
in 2MB increments on the 16 bit expansion slots by populating the
25-4030 Memory Expansion Adapter with 4 X 25-3062s per card.
The 3000 NL supports a maximum of 16 MB.
 
4000  - Expand from 1MB to:
                  2MB      4MB       8MB         10MB        16MB
Main Logic Board  25-5031  25-5031+  4X25-5033   4X25-5033+  4X25-5033+
Memory Adapter             25-5029+              25-5029+    25-5029+
Add to Adapter             2X25-5031             2X25-5031   4X25-5033
 
4000 LX  - Expand from 2MB to: 4MB
Memory Adapter   25-5029+    Note: at this time we do
Add to Adapter   25-5131     not carry 80 ns 1MB SIMMs
 
5000 MC  - Expand from 2MB to:
                                  4MB        8MB         16MB
Replace memory in unit            4X25-5033  4X25-5033
2nd Memory Adapter                25-6030+               25-6030+
Add to 2nd Mem. Adapter           2X25-5031              4X25-5033
 
MOM-08-88
4000 LX AND 5000 MC BENCHMARKS 
Below is shown the 4000 LX and 5000 MC compared in traditional benchmark
tests with competitve systems.
The Power Meter from the Data Base Group, Inc. was used in these tests to
measure and compare computer performance.
The Sieve, MIPs, Whetstone tests are traditional in the area of CPU and
memory effeciency.
 
The Sieve test makes use of the standard Sieve of Erastosthenes algorithm
which calculates a predetermined series of prime numbers.
This test is a good measure of the system's ability to do CPU intensive
integer calculations such as in business accounting applications.
 
The MIPS test executes the Dhrystone algoritm.
This measures performance by estimating the rate of instruction execution
in millions of instructions per second (MIPS).
For reference, a VAX 11/780, an older super mini-computer, executes at 1 MIPS.
 
The Whetstone test is a measure of CPU/Memory performance.
It tests the ability of the system to perform floating point calculations. 
 
 SYSTEM       SIEVE      MIPS               WHETSTONE 
              (seconds)  (Mil.Instr./sec)   (K Whets/sec)
                         w/20MHz 80387
4000 LX       .825       3.314              707.228
IBM 80/111    .850       3.483              687.286
IBM 70/121    .855       3.537              672.033
 
The 4000 LX, IBM 80/111, and IBM 70/121 are all 20MHz 80386 machines
without cache memory.
The benchmarks are comparable with the 4000 LX exceeding both IBM systems
in memory performance due to the page interleaved memory.
 
To best understand the performance to be gained by page interleaved memory,
consider how you look up a number in a telephone book.
First, you find the page and then find the entry on that page.
To find a second number you can close the book and start all over as before,
or you check to see if it is on the same page or the facing page, in order to
save time.
Since programs and data are sequentially stored in RAM,
this concept of looking on the same or facing page for the next memory address
is a very effective memory technique resulting in 80%
of all searches being found on the memory pages.
By using page interleaving, the 4000 LX approachs 0 wait state performance.
 
SYSTEM          SIEVE      MIPS 
                (seconds)   (mil. inst./sec)
5000 MC         .637        4.651
Compaq 386/20   .590        4.591
 
Note: Whetstone test information is not available for comparison of
the Compaq 386/20.
 
Both the 5000 MC and the Compaq 386/20 are 20MHz 80386 machines with
an Intel 82385 memory cache controller, and predictably the performance
is comparable. 
 
The memory cache in these systems is 32K of high speed memory containing
the most recently used memory locations.
Because of the iterative "looping" design of software,
the most recently used instructions tend to be the most frequently used.
85% to 90% of memory access is from the high performance cache memory on most
applications, resulting in near 0 wait state performance on these systems.
 
The Whetstone of the 5000 MC with a 20MHz 80387 is 750.235 Whets/sec.
When compared with the Whetstone benchmark of the 4000 LX, it is evident
that the addition of the memory cache to the 5000 MC results in a
6% performance increase in memory access.
 
Compaq's and IBM's latest 25MHz 80386 based systems with memory cache
are shown here for reference.
 
              SIEVE      MIPS              WHETSTONE 
SYSTEM        (seconds)  (Mil.Instr./sec)  (K Whets/sec)
                         w/20MHz 80387
IBM 70/A21    .475       5.740             941.860
Compaq 386/25 .480       5.552             1023.886
 
The performance improvement of these systems is roughly 20% greater
than the 5000 MC, at a cost increase of 35% for the IBM 70/A21 and
46% for the Compaq 386/25.
 
It is clear that our 20MHz machines are very competitive in terms of
performance and well exceed that of our competition in price/performance.
 
MOM-08-88
SCSI PERFORMANCE 
Below is a chart which compares the performance of SCSI hard drives
under MS-DOS and XENIX with that of standard ST-506 hard drives.
 
The percentages given below illustrate the performance to be gained with
the various SCSI hard drives over an ST-506 hard drive with a
transfer rate of 285 KB/sec.
 
Drive   Form   Type     Average     MS-DOS         Xenix
Size    Factor          Access  Read    Write   Read    Write
40MB    3 1/2" HH       SCSI    19ms    500%    200%    166%     63%
80MB    5 1/4" HH       SCSI    28ms    336%    205%    114%     64%
170MB   5 1/4" HH       SCSI    18ms    366%    366%    103%    103%
344MB   5 1/4" FH       SCSI    18ms    366%    366%    103%    103%
 
These percentages of performance improvement are only approximate
and reflect the data transfer sizes used in these benchmarks for the
two operating systems.
A size of 16K was used for MS-DOS, and a transfer size of 1K was used
for Xenix.
As an example, the chart could therefore be interpreted: the 40 MB SCSI
drive reads 16K of data 5 times faster than an ST-506 drive under MS-DOS.
 
Simply measuring the relative data transfer performance of the
SCSI hard drives does not reflect the overall performance gain
to be achieved with SCSI devices.
SCSI provides an intelligent interface that relieves the CPU of the overhead
of data transfer to and from the disk;  the result,
a reduction in CPU overhead of approximately 50%.
Multiple commands may be queued and multiple devices supported
simultaneously under SCSI, further enhancing the overall system throughput. 
 
A note of caution in benchmarking SCSI hard drives.
Standard MS-DOS based benchmark tests may not effectively measure
the data transfer performance gains that can be achieved with SCSI drives.
This is due to the SCSI architecture which reads and writes in data
blocks rather than using the head, sector, and cylinder addressing of MS-DOS.
 
You should be aware that under MS-DOS,
the highest capacity that our SCSI adapter will support on a single drive
is 255 MB.
 
MOM-08-88
ARNET SMARTPORT BOARDS SUPPORT DTE COMMUNICATIONS 
For customers who are purchasing Arnet Smartport boards for use with a
Tandy 4000 running SCO XENIX, please note that null modem adapters are
required for any Arnet port connected directly to a terminal.
 
While the documentation for the Arnet Smartport boards indicates that
changing jumper settings will allow the use of straight-through cables,
it is not possible to configure the Arnet external box to achieve a
true DCE state.
Because of this, if your customer intends to directly connect terminals to
the Arnet Smartport ports, they should leave the external box's jumpers
with the factory (i.e. DTE) settings, and use null modem adapters between
the port and the RS-232 cable.
Other configurations may be unreliable.
 
So, if you have existing customers using this system configuration who are
experiencing problems, your first recommendation should be to have them put
a null modem adapter in each line between the board and the terminal.
Any system configuration you sell where a terminal will be used on any Arnet
Smartport port should include a null modem adapter for each of those ports.
 
MOM-08-88
BACKUP POWER SUPPLY WITH VARIOUS SYSTEMS 
Here's a chart that shows the ability of the BPS 250 Backup
Power Supply (26-250), rated at 250 watts, to support some of our more
popular system configurations.
 
Note:  Measurements were taken during normal CPU operation.  Cold start-ups
create readings higher than those shown;  however, it is intended that the
backup power supply be used to maintain a running system and not to boot up
a cold system during a period of power outage.
 
CPU     CONFIGURATION   MONITOR  PERIPHERALS              POWER DRAW 
1000 TL Minimal         CM-5     None                     24 watts
1000 TL Loaded          VGM-300  25-1078  128K Memory
                        25-4042  25-4043  VGA Card
                        25-1063  2nd 5-1/4" Drive
                        25-1075  3rd 3-1/2" Drive         53 watts
                        25-4059  40 MB Hard Card
                        25-1037  2400 bps Modem
                        90-2161  Memory
1400 LT  Minimal        N/A      Charging battery         16 watts
1400 LT  Loaded, batt.  N/A      25-3510  1200 bps Modem  12 watts
         fully charged  25-3515  20MB Hard Drive
3000 HD  Minimal        CM-11    None                     145 watts
3000 HD  Loaded         EGM-1    25-4037  EGA Card
                        25-5030  2MB Memory
                        25-4050  1.2MB 5-1/4" Drive       200 watts
                        25-1037  2400 bps Modem
                        25-4060  26-4174 70MB Hard Disk Drive
4000    Minimal         CM-11    None                     103 watts
4000    Loaded          EGM-1    25-4037  EGA Card
                        25-5030  2MB Memory
                        25-4050  1.2MB 5-1/4" Drive       175 watts
                        25-1037  2400 bps Modem
                        25-4061  40MB Hard Disk
                        25-4060  26-4174 70MB Hard Disk Drive
5000 MC Minimal         VGM-100  25-6040 ST506 HD Controller  133 watts
                       (25-4040) 25-4141  80MB HD
5000 MC Loaded          VGM-300  25-6040  ST506 HD Controller
                        25-4141  80MB HD x 2
                        25-4050  5-1/4 Drive                  205 watts
                        90-2198  VenTel 2400 bps Modem
                        25-6030  16MB Memory x 2
                        90-1670  3COM EtherLink
                        90-2116  Microsoft Serial Mouse
6000 HD Minimal         N/A      None                          147 watts
6000 HD Loaded          N/A      25-3062  x 2 (total 512K)
                        26-6013  RS232C Card                   200 watts
                        26-4174  70MB Hard Drive
        Some selected            26-6052  DT-100 Terminal      34 watts
        separate items:          90-1611  3Server3             124 watts
                        26-4174  70 MB Ext. Hard Disk Drive    44 watts
 
MOM-08-88
26 AND 61-SERIES POWER CONDITIONING DEVICES 
The following chart provides comparison between various spike 
protector/filter units in the 26 and 61 series, along with selected
other power strips for reference: 
 
CAT.                    SPIKE           FILTRA-
NO.     RETAIL  OUTLETS PROTECTION      TION    OTHER
WALL TAPS
61-2791 $ 7.95  1       1 Leg            0
61-2792   9.95  1       1 "heavy duty"   0
61-2793  14.95  3       1                0
26-1395  18.95  2       3                3
61-2786  24.95  6       2                1
POWER STRIPS
61-2620  15.95  4       0                0
61-2619  21.95  6       0                0
61-2780  29.95  6       2                1
26-1365  39.95  4       3                1      New
61-2781  49.95  6       3                2      New, Auto-Sense
26-1396  69.95  6       3                3      Auto-Sense, Drop
                                                out Protection
26-203   99.95  6       3                3      Power Director
                                                w/Swivel Base
 
MOM-08-88
TANDY 102 UPGRADE TO 32K 
The new catalogs advertise the Tandy 102 with 32K memory at $599.00.
This 26-3803A version is simply the previous 26-3803 with the 8K RAM
expansion slot already populated.
We began receiving the 32K version in late spring, but will continue
to ship the remaining 24K units first until they are gone.
 
You should upgrade any 24K units to 32K with 26-3817 RAM expansion kits
and sell the upgraded unit for $599.00, with no charge on the upgrade
to the customer.
(You will also note that this gives you more gross margin than the
previous 24K version at $499.00.)
 
MOM-08-88
CABLE CONSTRUCTION TO BUILD 26-3014 CABLE 
Since the 26-3014 cable is now discontinued, the following procedure
may prove useful to those who want to create a cable to allow connection
from the serial port on the back of a Color Computer (1, 2, or 3)
to a modem having only a DB25 type connector.
 
Required                             Stock # 
4-pin DIN to 4-pin DIN cable         26-3020
"D" Submini Male Connector (DB25)    276-1547
 
Remove one end from the cable and connect the DB25 connector:
 
White wire  ->  Pin 2 (TD)       Red wire     ->  Pin 7 (GROUND)
Green wire  ->  Pin 3 (RD)       Yellow wire  ->  Pin 8 (CD)
 
This cable will provide the necessary connections for communication.
Some modems or some functions of some modems may require additional
pins to be held high (voltage present) or low (connected to ground).
See the documentation for the modem for that information.
 
MOM-08-88
PAGEMAKER UPGRADE INFORMATION 
Version 3.0 of PageMaker (25-4112) is now available from TEW.
Move out your remaining inventory of 25-4110 (version 1.0a)
by letting your customers know that they can save over
$100.00 by purchasing this version and contacting Aldus
Customer Support for a full upgrade - new documentation and
diskettes - to version 3.0.
 
Here's how it works: A customer purchases 25-4110 from you for $699.95.
They then contact Aldus Customer Support at (206) 628-2320 to arrange an
upgrade to version 3.0, for a handling fee of $15.00.
By doing this instead of purchasing 25-4112 for $835.00,
they save themselves over $100.00.
 
NOTE: The customer must contact Aldus themselves and be able
to provide the serial number from the package, plus a sales
slip dated later than 11/2/87 as proof of purchase.
Your customer will also need to indicate which size media - 5.25"
or 3.5" - he/she will need.
(Customers who purchased 1.0a PageMaker prior to 11/2/87 can upgrade
for $110.00.)
 
You cannot upgrade the inventory that you have on your shelves.
Sell the 1.0a PageMaker product; your next order of PageMaker
will be the 3.0 version.
 
Version 3.0 includes pre-designed style sheets for 18 different kinds
of typical business documents, automatic text flow from one page to the next,
Bitstream Fontware with Dutch, Swiss, and Courier fonts,
as well as automatic text wrap-around, improved speed, and
enhanced support for long documents.
Combined with a Tandy 4000 and LP-1000 printer, 3.0 PageMaker is a powerful
solution for your customers who are serious about desktop publishing.
 
Along with this month's Memo are fact sheets (for 11s and Zs only)
for all of the new features in 3.0 PageMaker.
 
MOM-08-88
MEDIA FORMAT IN SOFTWARE PACKAGES 
Requests have been made to publish the media format for each MS-DOS product
available either through Radio Shack or through Express Order.
The information here reflects the current media status as of 8/19/88.
As new products and new packaging become available, this list will be updated.
 
In general, any MS-DOS software stocked in the stores (i.e., has a
25-series catalog number) contains BOTH 3.5 and 5.25 inch disk media.
The only exception to this are specific special promotions
such as 25-1222 Professional File and Write Value Pack
and 25-1221 Home Education/ Entertainment Value Pack.
These products may contain only a single size of media.
(Both special promotions mentioned contained only 3.5 inch media.)
 
The following list of Express Order products are MS-DOS products that
include both 3.5 and 5.25 disk media.
If an Express Order product is NOT on this list, the product contains
only 5.25 inch media but has a coupon for exchanging 5.25 inch media
for 3.5 inch disks.
 
90-0321 Golf's Best
90-0473 Microsoft Project
90-0717 Laplink
90-1205 OS/2 Toolkit
90-1210 Mixed-Up Goose
90-1213 Karnov
90-1214 Lock On
90-1216 Rampage
90-1221 Harvard Project Mgr
90-1238 Telemagic
90-1247 Managing Your Money
90-1248 Financial Calculator
90-1254 Maniac Mansion
90-1255 The Last Ninja
90-1258 Space Quest
90-1262 NewMaster II
90-1272 Questron II
90-1637 Q & A Lan Pack
90-1672 Professional Lan Pak
90-1700 Harmony SM LAN
90-1701 Harmony GL LAN
90-1702 Harmony IN LAN
90-1703 Harmony PA LAN
90-1704 Harmony AR LAN
90-1705 Harmony AP LAN
90-1706 Harmony CA LAN
90-1707 Harmony OE LAN
90-1709 Harmony IM LAN
90-1710 Harmony SS LAN
90-1711 Harmony WP LAN
90-1800 R:BASE OS/2
90-3056 RMP 500 Real Est
90-3067 King's Quest I
90-3077 Mica Inv Ctrl
90-3078 Mica Network Mgr
90-3087 Windows Filer
90-3094 ChessMaster
90-3109 MICA GL
90-3110 MICA AR
90-3111 MICA AP
90-3112 MICA Invoicing
90-3113 MICA JC
90-3114 MICA Appl Mgr
90-3115 MICA PR
90-3116 MICA Prod Interface
90-3143 PC Works
90-3144 Multiplan 3.0
90-3152 King's Quest II
90-3191 MICA C3
90-3218 Millionaire II
90-3235 PFS Personal Graphics
90-3237 Paradox Network
90-3242 Moneymate
90-3264 Word Perfect Executive
90-3265 Q & A Write
90-3273 MICA Order Entry
90-3277 ACT!
90-3278 Quincy Mailmate
90-3283 Might and Magic
90-3287 Falcon
90-3292 Microsoft Chart 3
90-3295 MS-Word Network
90-3297 Harvard Graphics 2.1
90-3298 Paradox 386
90-3305 Bedford Accounting
90-3312 Helicopter Simulator
90-3314 Once Upon a Time
90-3315 Stepping Stones I
90-3316 Stepping Stones II
90-3317 Tetris
90-3318 Mean 18 Golf
90-3322 MICA Wizard of P.O.S.
90-3324 R:BASE
90-3326 1st Publ. Publications
90-3327 1st Publ. Holidays
90-3328 1st Publ. Leisure
90-3329 1st Publ. Bus. Sym
90-3330 1st Publ. Exec. Font
90-3331 1st Publ. Dec. Font
90-3332 1st Publ. for Grins
90-3333 1st Publ. Christian
90-3336 Import Export
90-3338 Import Export-LAN
90-3347 TE Works
90-3350 Mavis Beacon Typing
90-3356 Personal Portfolio
90-3358 Sundial
90-3375 Learning Library
90-5300 Stickybear Math I
90-5302 Stickybear Reading
90-5535 Alcohol Choice
90-5536 Marijuana Keepoff
90-5537 Intro Psycho Drug
90-5538 Class Psycho Drug
90-5539 Support Group DB
90-5540 Aids Education
90-5549 Designasaurus
 
MOM-08-88
SARDINE PRODUCTS FOR TANDY 102/200 - CLARIFICATION 
Make sure your customers who are looking at the Sardine portable software
products (see pg. 64 of the Express Order Software Buyer's Guide)
understand the differences between the ROM and Disk versions.
The ROM versions include word processing and optional spell checking
for users who have a disk drive.
The Disk versions include only spell checking without word processing
capability.
 
MOM-08-88
PLANPERFECT AND MATHPLAN THE SAME (90-3181) 
If your customer orders a copy of PlanPerfect, 90-3181, and receives a copy
of MathPlan instead, they should not be alarmed.
Both products are exactly the same.
After they had already produced a substantial quantity of MathPlan,
WordPerfect Corp. decided to change the name to PlanPerfect
to better associate it with the rest of the WordPerfect product line.
The only difference is the name on the package.
 
MOM-08-88
TOKENLINK WORKS IN MORE THAN JUST OUR 3COM NETWORK 
The 90-1620 TokenLink board from 3Com in Special Order works not only in
our 3Com network but also in Banyan Vines version 1.2 and IBM's PC LAN Program.
 
MOM-08-88
NOVELL NETWORKS AND OUR ARCNET BOARDS 
All ARCNet products sold by Radio Shack are compatible with Novell
NetWare.
This includes the 26-1221 ViaNet boards as well as the 90-1685 ARCNet board in
Special Order.
 
MOM-08-88
3+SHARE VERSION 1.3.1 - KEY FEATURES 
We're listing here some Key features and benefits of 3+Share,
version 1.3.1 to enable you to more effectively sell the
3Com Software Subscription Service through our TSCs.
 
More platforms for Macintosh Service. 
With this release, 3+ for the Macintosh is supported on both the 3S/202
and 3S/401 with Localtalk or Ethernet connections,
and comes preinstalled for ease of administration.
 
Use services installed in 386 based machine's high memory. 
Use of 3Com's new Extended Memory Management driver allows you to use
services which are installed in 386 based machine's high memory.
The services that can be loaded into high memory are CIOSYS, Locator and
Monitor.
This allows MORE services to be installed in a 386 based server
(File, Print, Name and Mail for example).
 
3+Turboshare is now incorparated into the 3+Share product. 
 
It supports the LIMM 4.0 standard now. 
 
8086 and 8088 machines are no longer supported as PC servers - 
only as workstations. 
 
MOM-08-88
SCENARIO, TOOLS FOR THE MIND 
Techbyte is advertising Scenario's availability through Radio Shack in
the following magazines:
 
AUGUST
T.H.E. Journal
Home Office Computing
PC Computing
 
SEPTEMBER
T.H.E. Journal
Home Office Computing
PC Computing
Classroom Computer Learning
Media & Method
Electronic Learning
 
RADIO SHACK IS THE ONLY DISTRIBUTOR FOR SCENARIO PRODUCTS IN THE U.S.;
therefore, there will be many inquiries about the products.
See the Educational Products Guide (RSC-20E) for more information on Scenario.
 
Scenario Talk & Text - 90-5582, $39.95, Grades 4-up -  
Create powerful, animated programs that talk.  No limit on program size.
Educational, entertainment and commercial applications.
No special hardware required.
 
Scenario Toolbox - 90-5583, $89.95, Grades 8-up -  
Integrated text graphics with music, sound effects, animation and voice.
Perfect for creating stories, personalized lessons and games.
 
Scenario Work-station - 90-5584, $489.95, College/University -  
Work with text, color graphics, simulations, sound, music, answer analysis,
overlays, external software and interactive video.
Complete comprehensive package for developing outstanding educational and
commercial programs.
 
MOM-08-88
RICOH RS-320 SCANNER - 90-2215 
The Ricoh RS-320 Flat-bed Scanner System is a complete low-cost scanning 
solution for many different types of customers.
It supports dithered halftone reproduction of 16 grey scales with
21 degrees of resolution from 60 DPI to 360 DPI.
The system includes a Bidirectional parallel interface that can be
used in the Tandy 1000 series of computers as well as our long slot CPU's.
Also included with the system is ScanDo, a Windows based software program
for scanning images.
 
NOTE:  Microsoft Windows 1.03 or above is required to operate ScanDo.
Additional software (like Aldus Pagemaker, PC Paint, or other
graphics oriented software) is required to print the output.
ScanDo supports the popular scanned image file formats such as
TIFF, PCX, and MSP.
It will also support additional OCR software from various sources.
 
With a retail price of $1495.00 and all the features supported,
it is one of the best buys in the marketplace for a low-cost,
full-featured scanner.
 
MOM-08-88
CARETS OCR SOFTWARE - 90-2219 
CARETS is a trainable OCR (Optical Character Recognition) software package
for the Ricoh RS-320 Scanner System (90-2215).
It comes pre-trained for several common office fonts including some
dot matrix printer fonts.
 
MS-DOS 3.0 or higher, Ricoh RS- 320 Scanner System,
640k and a hard disk is required.
An 80286 CPU is recommended.
A math co-processor will also increase the training operations of new fonts.
 
Many different word processor output formats are supported including
WordPerfect, Wordstar, Multimate, and direct ASCII files.
 
Priced at $495.00 through the Special Order Hardware warehouse ordering system.
 
MOM-08-88
SOFTCRAFT SOFTWARE PRODUCTS 
LASER FONTS (90-2271) -  downloads fonts into the LP-1000 Laser Printer
and automatically configures Word Perfect, Microsoft Word and Microsoft
Works to use the downloaded fonts.
 
This is the perfect way to support your older word processing customers
that do not want to upgrade to the new versions of their word processors.
Also includes a utility that allows graphics and Lotus graphs to be
combined with text in these word processors to create versatile documents.
Includes Font Editing Option, Laser Graphics, and Starter Font Pack.
Supports most all bit mapped fonts in landscape and portrait orientations.
 
It is available through the Special Order Hardware warehouse ordering system
at $180 retail.
 
WYSIfonts! (90-2272) -  automatically installs fonts for printers and
screens for Ventura Publisher, and Windows applications such as
PageMaker, Excel, Write and more.
 
Installs any HP compatible bit mapped softfont and includes automatic kerning.
Many customers have a library of softfonts for printing but do not have
the screen version for use with their desktop publishing software.
This program gives them the true WYSIWYG screen version and makes
installation extremely simple.
Includes an Olde English 20 point softfont and supports
Windows version 1 and 2.
 
It is available through the Special Order Hardware warehouse
ordering system at $95 retail.
 
FONT EFFECTS (90-2273) -  allows for an almost endless variety of effects
to both HP compatible softfonts and TIFF image files.
It can be used for application of special effects,
variable enlargement and reduction, emboldening, slanting,
and to change font attributes such as baselines and margins.
Use it for special effects such as contours, stripes,
shadows, outlines, 3 dimensional and variable patterns.
Font Effects can even be used for multi-pass multi-color fonts.
 
With CGA/EGA/Hercules monitors you can preview the modifications
right on your monitor before making the changes.
It can work with any size character or image up to approximately 2x2 inches
depending on computer memory.
Also includes a utility to convert between many popular image file formats.
 
This program is a must for any serious desktop application or for the person
that just wants to make his printed documents stand out.
It is available through the Special Order Hardware warehouse ordering system
at $95 retail.
 
MOM-08-88
THE ROUNDTABLE  "WHEN DO I SELL ..."? 
The following chart is intended as a guide in configuring the Tandy 4000
for optimum performance under 25-5200 SCO XENIX 386 Version 2.2.4.
Note that simultaneous use beyond 16 users may result in some performance
degradation depending on the application.
 
(NOTICE - NOTICE - NOTICE !!!!  Anyone getting this file will need to put
bullets or asterisks or something in where the spaces are in this chart.  Check
the paper copy, also, for correct placement !!!)
 
STOCK #  OPTIONS             4USER  8USER  12USER  16USER  20USER 32USER
25-4159  40 MB SCSI            *              *       *       *         
25-4160  80 MB SCSI                   *       *       *                 
25-4162  170 MB SCSI                                          *         
25-4163  344 MB SCSI                                                 *  
25-4169  150 MB SCSI Tape                     *       *       *         
90-2131  80387 Math Co-proc    *      *       *       *       *      *  
25-4034   4 Port Serial Adap    *      *       *                         
90-2186  8 Port Serial Adap                           *       *      *  
         2 MB Memory           *                                        
         4 MB Memory                  *       *       *                 
         10 MB Memory                                         *      *  
   Requires 700-1502            See Memory Expansion Chart for Tandy 4000 elsewhere in this issue
 
MOM-08-88
SO YOU NEED A SPECIAL/EXPRESS ORDER VENDOR'S PHONE NUMBER? 
We've gotten quite a few calls lately from some of you who've had a
question for a Special Order or Express Order vendor.
You indicate you'd be happy to contact the vendor but say
you don't know what phone number to use.
 
Well, those of you who have the Tandy Product Profiles (FC-352)
and Tandy Educational Product Profiles (FC-353) have the solution already
in your hands!
(Those of you who don't have Profiles in your store can contact your
local Training and Support Center - they do have them.)
 
There is a section in the Tandy Product Profiles called
"VENDOR QUICK REFERENCE" designed for just this purpose and it's updated
every time you receive an update to FC-352.
(So far these updates have been numbered FC-362 (February 1988) and
FC-363 (May 1988).)
 
If you'll look in this section in Volume 1 (just look for the tab), you'll see
that the first page reads "VENDOR QUICK REFERENCE - Vendor Order".
This listing is in order by vendor name.
 
All pages after this one are labeled "VENDOR QUICK REFERENCE -
Description Order".
On these pages you'll find ALL current 90 series products (and some 25
and 26 numbers as well), listed in order by description (name).
This listing is NOT limited to only those products for which an
actual Product Profile has been printed, but lists ALL current 90 series
products with the vendor name and phone number.
 
This is a 16+ page section that we print quarterly so you'll have an
up-to-date listing at your fingertips.
If you find errors in this list, please let us know by WRITING to us at:
 
Tandy Product Profiles
Radio Shack Computer Merchandising
1500 One Tandy Center
Ft. Worth, TX  76102
 
The Tandy Educational Product Profiles contain a "VENDOR QUICK REFERENCE
LIST" as the last page of the INTRODUCTION section.
This is an alphabetic listing of vendors who have educational software and/or
hardware products in our Special Order program.
 
MOM-08-88
PUBLIC CONCERN OVER VDT/CRT SCREENS 
Recent television and written coverage of a California research study,
which indicated a higher incidence of miscarriages for those VDT/CRT
operators spending more than 20 hours per week at the terminal, has
generated growing public concern, labor union activity, and regulatory
response.
 
This bulletin, along with the accompanying article from NEWSWEEK,
(reprinted with permission and enclosed to all stores) is an effort
to put this "scare" into reasonable perspective.
Know the facts, and realize that there is no clear evidence to date to
justify indictment of either computer or monitor.
 
The California group and most other researchers up to this point seem to
feel that environmental/ergonomic conditions at the workstation, rather
than any "radiation" from the screens, is the probable explanation:
 
  unreasonable workloads and stress
  lack of variety in work tasks
  lack of variable break periods
  long hours in a physically cramped position
  stiff keyboards at wrong height and without palm rests
  lack of adjustable seating
  inability to adjust screen angle and height
  glare and reflections on screen from improper lighting
  uncorrected visual problems contributing to eyestrain
 
The initial U.S. legislative response (Suffolk County, New York) has
been to address these very issues by mandating regular eye exams at
employer expense for VDT operators, fully adjustable equipment (chair,
CRT, keypad, and copyholder), improved lighting and optional glare
screens, limited operating sessions and flexible breaks, and operator
training.
 
These developments will present immediate opportunities for us to market
productivity accessories such as monitor pedestals, workstation furniture,
and anti-glare screens.
It will also doubtlessly create additional product opportunities for
future development.
 
Research is continuing.
Computer Merchandising will continue to track this issue and report
on any significant new developments while also bringing you new products
where appropriate.
 
Note:  Centers will also be receiving an additional article on this subject
from  Fortune Magazine  (reprinted with permission from the
August 29, 1988 issue).
 
MOM-08-88
HARD DRIVE EVOLUTION 
This is a historical picture of what has happened with the evolution
of hard drives vs the CPU speeds.
 
As you can see, the original PC only had a data transfer rate
of about 100KB/sec.
This was due to the interleave factor (6:1) of the ST-506 hard drive.
When the CPU speed was bumped to 6Mhz, the data transfer rate
went up to about 125KB/sec.
Again, this was only due to a better interleave (4:1).
 
About the time the 8Mhz CPU's became available, ESDI started to emerge
and ST-506 got another increase in its interleave to (3:1).
ESDI was running at a 2:1 interleave.
This yielded a data rate for ST-506 of 185KB/sec and for ESDI, 500KB/sec.
 
When the 16Mhz CPU's started shipping the data rates for both interfaces
improved by another increase in the interleave.
(ST-506 2:1/ESDI 1:1).
At this time ESDI peaked in performance, but it wasn't until the
20MHz CPU's became available that the ST-506 interface peaked at 500KB/sec.
 
We all know CPU speeds will increase again and ESDI/ST-506 have peaked
in performance.
So what do we do?
SCSI is the next generation of high performance
products for the next generation of CPU's and for today's CPU.
With a 80386 operating at millions of instructions per second, it
seems a shame that the operating systems should have to deal with such
slow drive interfaces.
 
With SCSI, we have taken the first step into the future.
With a data rate of up to 2.5MB/sec, our current generation of
SCSI products represent the most advanced hard disk technology available
today.
And there is plenty of room for growth.
The SCSI specification for data rates is limited to 5MB/sec.
We have just started to realize only half of the true potential of
this technology.
Our committment to this technology is unsurpassed in the industry.
We are continuing to work with our vendors to extract every bit
of performance we can from this interface.
 
As you can surmise from this chart, hard drive technology is far behind
the performance capability of the current generation of CPU's.
To bring true mainframe power to the desktop requires more than a fast CPU,
it also requires the SCSI technology to make it complete.
 
     [THIS CHART WON'T COME OUT IN ASCII - SEE -> mom aug/sept 1988 ]
 
MOM-08-88
UNDERSTANDING BUSINESS - THE MANUFACTURING ENVIRONMENT 
Manufacturing and accounting expertise are not prerequisites
for proposing and selling accounting solutions to business.
However,  it is foolish to assume that an adequate solution
can be proposed without a basic understanding of the business
environment you are working in.
 
The information provided herein is not intended to be
technical and all encompassing, it is a basic overview of how
a manufacturing business operates and explains some of the
basic terminolgy used in the industry. Familiarity with the
language and concepts will build confidence in your ability
to provide the correct solution for your client.
 
Management and control of costs associated with the
production of goods or services is an essential component of
business operations. As a company grows and production volume
increases, effective cost management must keep pace to
maintain both efficiency and profitability. As internal
expansion of the business occurs, the manual system that
worked so well in the past becomes insufficient to handle the
new demands placed upon it.
 
A computerized cost management system will assist management
in several important areas:
 
  Product pricing decisions
  Materials purchasing
  Identifying production problem areas
  Meeting delivery schedules
 
The Three Basic Steps in the Manufacturing Cycle:
1. Buying Component Inventory Items   RAW MATERIALS
2. Assembly Stage                     WORK IN PROCESS (WIP)
3. Completing the Assembly            FINISHED GOODS
 
Step 1 - Buying Component Inventory Items - RAW MATERIALS 
 
A BUILD-TO-ORDER manufacturer produces goods on the demand of
a customer order.  A BUILD-TO-STOCK manufacturer sells product
from current finished goods inventory and manufactures
product to replenish this inventory.
 
When a manufacturing order is received it is usually logged
in as a WORK ORDER or JOB. The BILL OF MATERIAL provides
information on what materials are required to produce the
quantity of FINISHED GOODS ordered. Inventory requirements
are compared against the current inventory on hand and raw
materials are ordered from suppliers if the on hand quantity
is not sufficient.
 
Purchasing of RAW MATERIALS and sub-assemblies is a critical
phase in the manufacturing process. On hand inventory levels
must be balanced against demand, inventory is cash that could
be utilized in other areas of the business. Planned
purchasing of materials should take full advantage of vendor
discounts for volume purchases, getting the best price
available, quick delivery by the vendor, and the best payment
terms available.
 
A computerized accounting system provides the information
required to simplify the complicated task of purchasing and
maintaining inventory levels:
 
Purchase History              Vendor History
Open Orders                   Backorder Tracking
Inventory Movement Analysis   Price Lists
Material Requirements         On Hand Reporting
 
Step 2 - Production Process - WORK IN PROCESS 
 
A computerized manufacturing system emulates the activities
that will occur on the shop floor, tracking the progress of
WORK ORDERS as they move through the manufacturing process.
 
A PRODUCTION SCHEDULE is prepared for the WORK ORDER
depending on resources available and the current workload on
the shop floor. The WORK ORDER is then routed through the
appropriate WORK CENTERS and the production process begins.
 
At each WORK CENTER, employees REQUISITION parts and
materials required to complete the assigned task. These
quantities are removed from INVENTORY and assigned to WIP
under the designated WORK ORDER. TIME TICKETS are also
completed at each WORK CENTER indicating the employee and the
number of hours expended to complete the assigned task. These
TIME TICKETS are charged to the WORK ORDER that was
processed.
 
A computerized accounting system provides a means of tracking
WORK IN PROCESS, MATERIALS, and LABOR during the
manufacturing cycle.
 
Production Schedule    Job Schedule
Production Status      Materials Requisition
Work Order             Work Center Where-Used
Work-In-Process        Bill of Material
 
Step 3 - Completing the Assembly - FINISHED GOODS 
 
Upon completion of the manufacturing process, WORK IN PROCESS
is transferred to FINISHED GOODS inventory. The product is
now available for shipping to fulfill a customer order or
stocking to fulfill future orders.
 
Since all activity has been tracked during the manufacturing
process, the computerized accounting system can provide
management with critical information necessary to analyze the
process and identify weaknesses. This is often referred to as
VARIANCE ANALYSIS.
 
Labor Productivity - Compares the ACTUAL performance of
employees against the STANDARD times that you have
established for tasks performed at each WORK CENTER.
 
Material Requirement Variance - Compares the ACTUAL materials
used in production at each WORK CENTER against the STANDARD
material requirement you have established.
 
Standard Cost Variance - Compares total STANDARD COSTS
against ACTUAL COSTS for a specified product. Regular
unfavorable variances indicate that the standards established
were to optimistic or that problems exist in the
manufacturing process. In either case, an unfavorable
variance reduces your bottom line profit. A regular favorable
variance may indicate that your pricing of the product could
be reduced and the standards lowered.
 
MOM-08-88
The Software Solution - OSAS for SCO XENIX 386 
The Open Systems Accounting Software (OSAS) under SCO XENIX
386 provides a comprehensive solution for the manufacturing
industry.  Catalogs RSC-20 and RSC-20S provide a complete
listing of the OSAS software modules available.  Consult your
Product Profiles, sales literature, and your local Training &
Support Center for additional product information.
2
 
MOM-08-88
GLOSSARY OF INDUSTRY TERMS 
BILL OF MATERIAL (BOM) -  
The BOM is essentially a blueprint or list of items
and the quantity required to produce a FINISHED GOOD.
A BOM may contain several different LEVELS, as the levels increase,
the amount of detail described on the report is increased.
The BOM may also contain the WORK CENTERS that the product
must pass through during the manufacturing process.
A COSTED BOM shows the total amount of time and MATERIAL, LABOR, OVERHEAD,
and total costs to build one FINISHED GOOD.
 
DIRECT COSTS -  
The direct cost of manufacturing a product consists of
LABOR and MATERIAL costs.
 
DIRECT LABOR STANDARDS -  
DIRECT LABOR COST must be established for each phase in the production process.
This involves the pay rates and time required for employees to complete
the assigned task at each phase of production.
 
FINISHED GOODS -  
The completion of the manufacturing process, the product is ready
for sale to the customer.
 
MATERIAL STANDARDS -  
Establishing standard costs for RAW MATERIALS and purchased parts is
relatively easy as purchase cost history is readily available.
 
OVERHEAD -  
Generally defined as costs that cannot be attributed to a particular job.
For example: administrative expenses such as office salaries and supplies,
equipment depreciation and maintenance costs, taxes, utilities, etc.
OVERHEAD STANDARDS are allocated to each phase of the production process
using several acceptable methods of calculation.
The process used to allocate overhead costs is
beyond the scope of this article.
 
STANDARD COSTING -  
Standard costs are simply your best estimate as to what you expect costs to be.
Standards must be established for MATERIAL, LABOR, and OVERHEAD
for each phase of the process to manufacture a FINISHED GOOD.
STANDARD COST MANAGEMENT is the comparison of the STANDARD COSTS with
the ACTUAL COSTS of producing a FINISHED GOOD.
Deviations between the STANDARD and ACTUAL COSTS alert management
to problems in the production process, raw materials purchasing,
product pricing, etc.
Establishing accurate standards is a critical process that will determine
how useful these comparisons will be to management.
 
WORK CENTER -  
A location on the shop floor where a specific task is performed
during the production cycle.
Examples of WORK CENTERS might include drill press, lathe, assembly,
painting, etc. Each WORK CENTER has associated LABOR, MATERIAL,
and OVERHEAD COSTS that are allocated to the product.
A product may pass through several different WORK CENTERS during
the production cycle.
WORK IN PROCESS is the term used to describe products that are in the
production process.
 
WORK-IN-PROCESS -  
Products and material on which some work processing has been performed.
These are no longer raw materials, labor and overhead dollars have been
expended during the manufacturing process,
the value placed on WIP is the sum of LABOR + RAW MATERIALS + OVERHEAD.
 
MOM-08-88
LATE DATES   
Late Merchandise - 1989 Tandy Computer Catalog #RSC-20 
Listed below are the new items that appear in Catalogs RSC-20, RSC-20S,
and RSC-20E which have not yet arrived at the warehouses.
Also included are the dates the merchandise is expected to be available
at the warehouses.
The dates, possibly not 100% accurate, are based on the latest available
information.
 
 
25-1037  2400 BPS Half Card Modem  10/15/88
25-1075  3.5" 720K Disk Drive (1" in HT)  10/30/88
25-1078  128K Memory Kit  12/30/88
25-1231  King's Quest IV  9/15/88
25-1232  Speller Bee  10/30/88
25-1233  The FUNdamentals TL  10/15/88
25-1234  Music Studio  10/30/88
25-1235  Future Magic  9/15/88
25-1236  The FUNdamentals SL  10/15/88
25-1237  Children's Writing and Publishing  10/30/88
25-1241  SchoolMate  10/30/88
25-1246  Quicken  10/30/88
25-1247  Memory Mate  11/30/88
25-1249  Venture  10/30/88
25-1251  Workgroup Companion  11/15/88
25-1255  PC-Link  10/30/88
25-1260  Professional File 2  11/30/88
25-1262  Instant Pages  11/30/88
25-1265  Print Magic  11/30/88
25-1266  Homeword II  10/30/88
25-1268  WordPerfect 5.0  10/30/88
25-1401  Tandy 1000 SL  9/30/88
25-1515  1400LT Tech. Ref. Manual  10/30/88
25-1516  1000SL Tech. Ref. Manual  10/30/88
25-1517  1000TL Tech. Ref. Manual  10/30/88
25-1601  Tandy 1000 TL  9/30/88
25-3515  Internal 20 Meg for 1400 LT  10/15/88
25-4029  2MB Memory Kit for 3000 NL  UNSCHED
25-4040  VGM-100 Monochrome Monitor  9/30/88
25-4041  VGM-200 Color Monitor  9/30/88
25-4053  3.5" FD Kit for 3000 NL/5000 MC  9/30/88
25-4151  140MB ESDI HD Kit  10/30/88
25-4162  170MB SCSI HD Kit  9/30/88
25-4169  150MB SCSI Tape  9/30/88
25-5029  Zero K Mem. Expan. Adapter  9/30/88
25-5100  Tandy 4000LX  9/30/88
25-5131  2MB Memory Kit for 4000 LX  9/30/88
25-6030  Zero K Mem. Expan. Adpt. 5000MC  8/30/88
25-6040  ST506-HD Controller-MC  9/15/88
25-6050  ESDI-HD Controller-MC  10/30/88
25-6060  SCSI-HD Controller-MC  10/15/88
26-1329  Monitor Platform  10/30/88
26-1336  Keyboard Cover  9/15/88
26-1365  Computer Power Center (4 outlet)  10/30/88
26-3054  Silpheed  9/30/88
26-3161  Soko-Ban  9/30/88
26-3162  Rad Warrior  9/15/88
26-3163  Tetris  9/15/88
26-3171  Super Pitfall  9/15/88
26-3172  GFL Football  9/30/88
26-3241  The Last Ninja  10/15/88
26-5615  TandyLink Cable Extender  9/30/88
43-1200  Tandy FAX - 1000  9/30/88
70-2505  ViaNet  9/15/88
90-1559  OSAS Mfg. Job Cost.  10/30/88
90-1561  OSAS Retail P.O.S.  9/30/88
90-1570  SCO Xenix 386-MC  9/30/88
90-1571  SCO Xenix Development System-MC  9/30/88
90-1616  3+Share 1.3.1  9/15/88
90-1662  3S/202  9/15/88
90-1673  WordPerfect 5.0 Network Version  10/30/88
90-1674  WordPerfect 5.0 Workstation  10/30/88
90-1706  Harmony Client Acctg - LAN  10/30/88
90-3298  Paradox 386  10/30/88
90-3348  Computer Mad Libs  10/30/88
90-3365  Kid Talk  10/30/88
90-3366  Math Talk  10/30/88
90-3367  First Shapes  10/30/88
90-3368  Smooth Talker  10/30/88
90-3369  First Letter and Word  10/30/88
90-3377  Math Talk Fractions  10/30/88
90-5503  Grolier's Electronic Encycl.-CD  10/30/88
90-5504  Microsoft Small Bus. Consultant  10/30/88
90-5509  Microsoft Stat Pack  10/30/88
 
Late Merchandise - 1989 Express Order Software Buyer's Guide #RSC-20S 
 
 
25-1231  King's Quest IV  9/15/88
25-1232  Speller Bee  10/30/88
25-1233  The FUNdamentals TL  10/15/88
25-1234  Music Studio  10/30/88
25-1235  Future Magic  9/15/88
25-1236  The FUNdamentals SL  10/15/88
25-1237  Children's Writing & Publishing  10/30/88
25-1241  SchoolMate  10/30/88
25-1246  Quicken  10/30/88
25-1247  Memory Mate  11/30/88
25-1249  Venture  10/30/88
25-1251  Workgroup Companion  11/15/88
25-1255  PC-Link  10/30/88
25-1260  Professional File 2  11/30/88
25-1262  Instant Pages  11/30/88
25-1265  Print Magic  11/30/88
25-1266  Homeword II  10/30/88
25-1268  Word Perfect 5.0  10/30/88
26-3054  Silpheed  9/30/88
26-3148  Math Tutor  9/15/88
26-3161  Soko Ban  9/30/88
26-3162  Rad Warrior  9/15/88
26-3163  Tetris  9/15/88
26-3171  Super Pitfall  9/15/88
26-3172  GFL Football  9/30/88
26-3241  The Last Ninja  10/15/88
26-3285  King's Quest III  9/15/88
70-1505  RM/COBOL Runtime  10/30/88
90-0282  3D Modeler  9/30/88
90-0283  Mech. Symbols Library  9/30/88
90-0284  Arch. Symbols Library  9/30/88
90-1208  RM/COBOL 85 Develop  10/30/88
90-1209  RM/COBOL 85 OS/2  11/30/88
90-1215  Ikari Warriors  9/30/88
90-1218  Word Attack Plus  9/30/88
90-1241  Time Line 3.0  11/30/88
90-1244  PC Paintbrush Window  9/30/88
90-1246  COBOL 3.0 (DOS-OS/2)  11/30/88
90-1256  Starflight  10/15/88
90-1259  King's Quest III  10/15/88
901-1268  dBASE IV  10/30/88
90-1300  Mailing Labels  9/15/88
90-1301  Sr. Pocket Address  9/15/88
90-1302  Norton Assembler  9/30/88
90-1303  Norton Inside IBM PC  9/30/88
90-1527  Microsoft Word  10/30/88
90-1528  XENIX Multiplan  10/30/88
90-1529  Unify 386  10/30/88
90-1559  OSAS Mfg. Job Cost  10/30/88
90-1561  OSAS Retail POS  9/30/88
90-1568  COBOL 85 SCO 386  10/30/88
90-1578  SCO Image Builder  10/30/88
90-1580  R Word Plus (286 XENIX)  CANC
90-1581  R Office Plus (286 XENIX)  CANC
90-1673  WordPerfect 5.0 Ntwk Ver.  10/30/88
90-1674  WordPerfect 5.0 Workstation  10/30/88
90-1706  Harmony Client Acctg - LAN  10/30/88
90-3263  Byline  11/30/88
90-3298  Paradox 386  10/30/88
90-3326  First Publisher Publication  9/15/88
90-3327  First Publisher Holidays  9/15/88
90-3328  First Publisher Leisure  9/15/88
90-3329  First Publisher Bus. Symbols  9/15/88
90-3330  First Publisher Executive Font  9/15/88
90-3331  First Publisher December Font  9/15/88
90-3332  First Publisher for Grins  9/15/88
90-3333  First Publisher Christian  9/15/88
90-3348  Computer Mad Libs  10/30/88
90-3365  Kidtalk  10/30/88
90-3366  Mathtalk  10/30/88
90-3367  First Shapes  10/30/88
90-3368  Smoothtalker  10/30/88
90-3369  First Letter & Word  10/30/88
90-3377  Mathtalk Fractions  10/30/88
90-5503  Grolier's Electronic Encycl. - CD  10/30/88
90-5504  Microsoft Small Bus. Consultant  10/30/88
90-5509  Microsoft Stat Pack  10/30/88
Late Merchandise - 1989 Radio Shack Educational Products Guide #RSC-20E 
25-1241  SchoolMate  10/30/88
90-5311  Story Mix 1  9/30/88
90-5312  Story Mix 2  9/30/88
90-5313  Facts Match Addition  9/30/88
90-5314  Facts Match Subtraction  9/30/88
90-5315  Facts Match Multiplication  9/30/88
90-5316  Facts Match Division  9/30/88
90-5320  Number Match It  9/30/88
90-5503  Grolier's Electronic Encyclopedia  10/30/88
90-5504  Microsoft Small Business Consultant  10/30/88
90-5509  Microsoft Stat Pack  10/30/88
90-5513  The Bible Library  10/30/88
90-5551  SuperPrint  10/30/88
90-5552  A.I. - Artificial Intelligence  10/30/88
90-5553  Integrade  10/30/88
90-5566  MicroWorks Math  10/30/88
90-5567  MicroWorks English  10/30/88
90-5568  MicroWorks Science  10/30/88
90-5569  MicroWorks Social Studies  10/30/88
90-5570  Little Mike  9/30/88
90-5571  Able & YoYo  9/30/88
90-5572  The Tallest Boy  9/30/88
90-5573  My House  9/30/88
90-5574  Crater  9/30/88
90-5585  SuperPrint Early Learn. Graphics Act.  10/30/88
90-5586  SuperPrint U.S. Maps Graphics Act.  10/30/88
90-5587  SuperPrint World Maps Graphics Act.  10/30/88
90-5592  Fantavision School Edition  9/30/88
90-5593  Science Toolkit  9/15/88
90-5594  Science Toolkit Module 1  9/15/88
90-5600  PC Assisted Keyboard  10/30/88
 
MOM-07-88
STORE INSTALLATION OF UPGRADES/KITS 
In the spirit of customer satisfaction, installation of customer 
installable upgrades are sometimes made at the store.  REMEMBER, WE DO 
NOT CONDONE INSTALLATION OF UPGRADES AND KITS THAT ARE NOT CUSTOMER 
INSTALLABLE.
When customer installable upgrades (hard disk card, Smartwatch, memory 
card, etc.) are installed at the store, it is absolutly necessary to 
insure that you put ALL pieces back together and insure that the 
customer gets back all extraneous parts.  An example would be that after 
installing a hard disk card in the Tandy 1000 TX, make sure that you
put back the metal shield.
By not doing this, you may be in jeopardy of not complying with legal 
and regulatory laws.  It is also good customer relations that you do 
this, so that the customer does not feel that he is missing something 
at a later time.
Customer satisfaction will insure repeat business.  And that is GOOD 
business!
SHOWING DESKMATE TO POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS IS IMPORTANT ! ! ! 
A recent survey of 1000 HX and 1000 TX owners has shown us that only 53% were
shown DeskMate before their purchase.
We also found out that 13% bought their computer because of DeskMate alone.
What this means is that 13% of the 47% not shown DeskMate are  lost computer
sales. 
Be sure to demonstrate the product.  It can make a difference!
 
MOM-07-88
MEMORY KITS - AVAILABILITY 
All backorders for 25-1079 and 25-3062 have been canceled.
Effective immediately, there will be no further backorders accepted
for these two stock numbers.
Until further notice, you will need to fill customer orders
from field inventory.
In cases of extreme urgency and/or customer complaints, contact
your Regional Manager for assistance.
TANDY 4000A WITH 80387 MATH COPROCESSOR SUPPORT NOW SHIPPING 
Effective immediately, all Tandy 4000s shipping from TEW 
support the 16MHz 80387 math co-processor.
These new versions are identified by an 'A' suffix after the
catalog number (25-5000A).
The addition of this math co-processor results in a 2 X
performance increase in floating point
calculations over a 4000 with a 10MHz 80287.
Be sure to systematically sell your in-stock and demonstration units of the
original Tandy 4000 and replace them with this new performance version. 
25-4002 TANDY 3000 / 12 MHz 
The 25-4002 12 MHz Tandy 3000 is out of stock at TEW and is no longer
available.
Any backorders created will not be filled.
Fill all remaining customer orders and commitments from field stock.
If need be, sell out your demo units.
Now is the time to upgrade potential Tandy 3000/12 MHz customers
to the Tandy 4000.
For only $600.00 (retail), they get 1 MB RAM (vs 640K) and a 16MHz 80386
that gives them all the compatibility of the 286 but with far more
speed and power, as well as the comfort of having a machine with the
processor of the future.
They will continue to have the flexibility
of configuring the floppy and hard drives of their choice.
For those customers that just are not ready to invest in 386 technology
for the future, offer them the Tandy 3000 8 MHz (25-4001).
For only $1,599 (retail), the price performance of a 286 workhorse is clear.
Finally, the ever-popular Tandy 3000 HL remains the favorite all-around
286 workstation of choice.
 
MOM-07-88
20 MB DISK CARTRIDGE SYSTEM 
Announcing the "re-introduction" of the 20MB Disk Cartridge Drive (25-4064).
Since its initial introduction, the drive has undergone intense scrutiny
and numerous improvements and upgrades by Iomega, the result being a mature,
reliable product ready to be taken confidently to a marketplace that
is fast recognizing the emergence of removable storage as an extremely
viable solution to today's and tomorrow's storage needs.
With the ever-increasing storage needs of the personal computer user,
the realization of that user that back-up must be addressed,
and with a number of respected vendors (Iomega, Tandon, Plus, and others)
validating the removable cartridge marketplace, the time is right
to really hit this market strong with a Tandy labeled and supported solution.
Backed by the support and service of the Tandy organization,
the 20 MB Disk Cartridge is the best solution to your customer's needs
for removable storage.
One of the most important aspects of understanding how to sell this removable
solution is that the BENEFITS MUST BE SOLD!
Without a good understanding of the benefits of removable cartridge mass
storage in general, and of the specific benefits of the Bernoulli
Technology solutions in particular, the end user will most likely not
consider the purchase of such a system.
To help with your sales efforts of this product, we have undertaken to 
outline some of the more salient points of the 20 MB
Disk Cartridge system.
The benefits and applications are numerous, and, with the ever-increasing
storage and memory needs of personal computer users, are becoming
more viable all the time.
Product Description - 25-4064 20 MB Disk Cartridge System 
Internal 20 MB Disk Cartridge System
5 1/4" half-height form factor
Product includes interface card, software, and user installation and
instruction manuals
Benefits 
 
INFINITE STORAGE
Never run out of "hard disk" storage ... just add another inexpensive
Data Cartridge.
21.4 MB of user available storage per cartridge ... at less
than $5 per MB.
SALES TIP:  With help from your customer, anticipate his storage needs for
the next few years ... then figure out the cost per MB by simply adding more
cartridges versus either buying a very large hard disk now (and there's
no guarantee he or she won't outgrow it) or having to go through the
expense and agony of buying more hard disk storage to replace the old one.
Then throw in the fact that they now have a "free" backup system as well ...
and one with many more benefits than tape!
 
SECURITY
The ultimate in physical security ... simply lock the cartridge in a
desk, vault, safe, etc.
(No worry about remembering passwords, or having someone guess it.)
For government extra-secure applications:
No need to roll an entire hard-disk PC into a vault for storage.
In case of security break, no acid baths for hard disks.
 
TRANSPORTABILITY
Can be safely carried or mailed.
More reliable and more secure than electronic transfer.
Cartridges are guaranteed interchangeable among drives ...
in the office or across the country!
Share data simply and easily with other systems.
 
RELIABILITY
Bernoulli Technology eliminates head crashes.
Bernoulli Technology in a nutshell:  Inside the protective plastic
cartridge, there are two flexible disks.
When these disks spin, they spin beneath the read/write heads
on an air bearing positioned to with +/- on millionth of an inch!
Head crashes and disk contamination (the bane of hard disks) are virtually
impossible, and data is accessed and transferred at hard disk rates.
System down? ... Data isn't! ... simply take the cartridge (and drive
if needed) to another system.
 
PERFORMANCE
40ms average access time comparable to hard disk speed.
Backup 20 MB of data from a hard disk in about 5-7 minutes (depending on
backup utility used).
Dual drive cartridge backup of 21.4 MB in about 3 minutes.
Zero restore time for backed-up data ... it's already in useable primary
format.
 
SYSTEM AND DATA MANAGEMENT
Maximize hard disk performance, space and usage:  store applications
on hard disk and keep data on your Data Cartridges.
Keep data organized as your customer's needs dictate, by cartridge:
Insure client confidentiality by having a separate cartridge per client.
For desktop publishing, have art libraries and/or specific projects on
separate Data Cartridges - especially useful for scanned images which
take up large chunks of data.
For CAD/CAE/CAM, keep individual projects on separate Data Cartridges.
 
COST
Cost per megabyte decreases as storage increases ... just add
another Data Cartridge.
No need for a backup system ... every drive is a complete primary
and backup solution.
Bernoulli cartridges are four times faster than the average backup tape.
Backup data and primary data are one and the same.
No need for time-consuming restoration procedures associated with
tape backups.  Allows user to rotate cartridge usage for maximum
efficiency, reliability, and data security.
A single Disk Cartridge System is a better value and more versatile
than a hard disk plus tape.
Applications 
Everyday primary AND back-up storage ... with exceptional benefits for
(among others):
Desktop Publishing
CAD/CAE/CAM
Financial, Accounting, Legal, Medical - Client files and sensitive information
Government and other security conscious applications
Anywhere data storage is a concern!
 
MOM-07-88
DMP-130A DOT MATRIX PRINTER - SOWG AND REPLACED BY DMP-132 
The DMP-130A dot matrix printer (26-1280) is now SOWG at $299.95.
There are sufficient quantities of this unit still in the field
to fill current customer orders.
Please contact your Regional Manager to fill any customer needs.
The DMP-132 dot matrix printer (26-2814) has been released to the
warehouse for shipment.
With the DMP-132, the customer can select fonts from the front panel
selection switches.
Power consumption for the new printer is considerably lower, which
lowers operating costs.
The DMP-132 printer continues to use the same ribbon cartridge and ribbon 
refill as the DMP-130/130A.
And, since the emulation mode of the DMP-132 is the same as was the
DMP-130/130A, all software which utilizes Tandy mode or IBM Graphics Printer
emulation will operate just as it always has on the DMP-130 line of printers.
The catalog price for the DMP-132 is $379.95.
 
MOM-07-88
OPEN SYSTEMS ACCOUNTING SOFTWARE (OSAS) 
You now have available to you a broad selection of accounting applications
for SCO XENIX 386.
These are proven applications from Open Systems.
Selling them will make both you and your customer happy.
OSAS Software available for SCO 286/386 XENIX 
Stock #   Description                         Price 
90-1549   OSAS Resource Manager 286           695.00
90-1550   OSAS Resource Manager 386           995.00
90-1551   OSAS General Ledger                 795.00
90-1552   OSAS Accounts Receivable            795.00
90-1553   OSAS Accounts Payable               795.00
90-1554   OSAS Payroll                        795.00
90-1555   OSAS Inventory                      795.00
90-1556   OSAS Sales Order Processing         695.00
90-1557   OSAS Human Resource Manager         895.00
90-1558   OSAS Materials Management III       1,795.00
90-1562   OSAS Time Billing                   995.00
90-1563   OSAS Purchase Order                 695.00
90-1564   OSAS Fixed Assets                   695.00
90-1565   OSAS Project Estimating             395.00
90-1566   OSAS Report Writer                  595.00
90-1567   OSAS Job Costing                    695.00
 
MOM-07-88
VALUE PACK (25-1221) PRICE CHANGE 
The 25-1221 Value Pack's retail price has changed from $154.80 to $49.95.
At this price it's a terrific deal offering customers two very popular
3-D graphic adventures (Space Quest and King's Quest II), and four
home education software packages aimed at pre-school children.
Take this great opportunity to sell your store inventory of Value Packs.
 
MOM-07-88
PRICE SET FOR PROFESSIONAL FILE/WRITE VALUE PACK (25-1222) 
Effective immediately, the retail value of the PFS:File/Write
Value Pack, 25-1222 is $165.00, less than half
its retail value of $398.00.  This product was part of the
March Tandy 1000 TX promotion.  Use this low price to sell
out your remaining units of 25-1222.
 
MOM-07-88
RIGHTWRITER BROCHURES INCLUDED WITH THIS M.O.M. FOR 11s & Zs 
This month's mailing includes brochures for 90-3299 RightWriter, the
top-selling style and grammar checker which supports all
popular word processors (see description in the June
Memo of the Month).  On the back of the brochure is a coupon
to receive a free dealer demo copy of RightWriter, a retail
value of $95.00.  If you did not receive a brochure, simply
call RightSoft, Inc. at (800) 992-0244 to request your dealer
demo copy.
 
MOM-07-88
MICROSOFT WORD - UPGRADE TO STORE STOCK 
Now through August 30th, Microsoft Corporation is offering an opportunity
for you to upgrade, free of charge, any old version of Microsoft Word
that is still in the original shrink-wrap for version 4.0.
This includes copies of any of the following versions:
 
250-1153 Microsoft Word for Tandy 1000
250-1162 Microsoft Word for Tandy 1000/1200/3000 (Version 2.0 or 3.1.1)
250-5314 Microsoft Word for Tandy 2000
 
In order to make the exchange, get a count of how many old copies you
have and what versions they are, then contact Tammy Roark at
Microsoft Dealer Support - (800) 227-4679.
Let her know how many copies you will be returning, and she will assign
you a Return Authorization Number (RMA) and address for your return.
Use this information to fill out the standard repair/exchange memo
(Form F-52) according to the instructions found in your Store Operating
Manual, Page II-12.
Be sure to enclose both the vendor's copy and the packing slip copy
of the repair/exchange memo when you ship the merchandise to Microsoft.
 NOTE:  Use UPS to send the old merchandise freight prepaid to Microsoft,
and Microsoft will pay the freight for your exchange copies of Version 4.0. 
For any old versions of Word that are not in the original shrink-wrap,
Microsoft will send you either an update letter or update assembly to put
with your package - call Tammy for details.
Be sure to have your information - store number, address, and number of
copies to return and version numbers - ready before you call.
 This is a limited time offer, so get busy and trade in your old Word stock
for product you can sell. 
All units of 25-1162 Microsoft Word ordered from TEW now will be Version 4.0.
 
MOM-07-88
PRICE CHANGES 
26-5501   EtherLink II                            495.00     445.00
26-5510   3+Share 1.2.1 (Five user only)        1,045.00     595.00
26-5551   3Station                              1,895.00   2,195.00
26-5552   3S/401 386 Server                    13,995.00  14,495.00
90-1626   3S/401 Disk Expansion Unit            5,295.00    4995.00
90-1627   3S/401 Disk Option                    3,995.00    3495.00
90-1661   3S/201                                9,745.00  10,245.00
90-1620   TokenLink                               650.00     595.00
90-2020   ITI LinkUp Coax                         700.00     650.00
 
MOM-07-88
PRODUCTS CANCELED, DISCONTINUED AND REPLACED 
DISCONTINUED
STOCK #   DESCRIPTION        
90-3306   Microtax 1040 Gold
90-0474   Microsoft Access
90-0325   Versacad Advanced Model 2000
90-0234   Disk Plus
 
MOM-07-88
BENCHMARKS FOR TANDY COMPUTERS 
This first chart shows the  Norton Utilities 4.0 "SI" Computing Index (CI) 
which is an indication of the efficiency relative to the IBM/XT Computer
(1.0) with a CPU Clock speed of 4.7 MHz.
(The main factors affecting the results are CPU Clock Speed and DRAM wait
states.)
 
SYSTEM                  NORTON 4.0 SI (CI)
Tandy 1000 HX           1.4 (7.16 MHz)
Tandy 1000 SX           1.4 (7.16 MHz)
Tandy 1000 SL           1.8 (8 MHz)
Tandy 1000 TX           7.1 (8 MHz)
Tandy 1000 TL           7.1 (8 MHz)
Tandy 3000 NL (1 Meg)   11.2 (10 MHz)
Tandy 4000 (1 Meg)      16.6 (16 MHz)
Tandy 4000 (2 Meg)      17.6 (16 MHz)
Tandy 4000 LX (2 Meg)   22.0 (20 MHz)
Tandy 5000 MC (2 Meg)   24.2 (20 MHz)
 
The chart on the next page shows other performance benchmarks of the Tandy 
3000 NL and 4000 as compared with that of the competition.
This list does not
include every possible configuration, but should give you an indication of
relative performance.
To perform these tests, we used The Power Meter from
the Data Base Group, Inc., which is an excellent tool
for measuring and comparing computer performance.
The Sieve, MIPS, and Whetstone tests are traditional in the area of CPU
and Memory efficiency.
The Sieve test makes use of the standard Sieve of Erastosthenes algorithm
which calculates a predetermined series of prime numbers.
This test is a good measure of the system's ability to do CPU intensive
integer calculations such as in business accounting applications.
The MIPS test executes the Dhrystone algorithm.
This is the standard for computer power with the VAX 11/780 as the
reference (1.000).
The Whetstone test is a measure of CPU/Memory performance.
It tests the ability of the system to perform floating point calculations.
 
                                               WHETSTONE
                                              (K Whets/sec)    
SYSTEM                    SIEVE  MIPS        NO MATH WITH MATH
                          (sec.) (Mil.Instr) CO-PROC CO-PROC
TANDY                            (/seconds )
3000NL (10 MHz, 640K)     2.235  1.596       24.888  248.092 (10 MHz 287)
3000NL (10 MHz, 1 Meg)    1.793  1.550       27.268  254.602 (10 MHz 287)
3000 NL (10 MHz, 2 Meg)   1.685  1.565       28.678  260.781 (10 MHz 287)
4000 (16 MHz, 1 Meg)      1.326  2.539       40.396
4000 (16 MHz, 2 Meg)      1.095  2.623       43.78   255.644 (8 MHz 287)
4000 (16 MHz, 2 Meg)      1.095  2.623               284.786 (10 MHz 287)
4000 (16 MHz, 2 Meg)      1.164  2.749               561.727 (16 MHz 387)
 
IBM
Model 50 (10 MHz)         2.265  1.574               255.579 (10 MHz 287)
Model 50Z (10 MHz)        1.574  2.002       31.303
Model 80/041 (16 MHz)     1.106  2.874       44.972
Model 80/041 (16 MHz)     1.123  2.845               543.400 (16 MHz 387)
 
As you can see by the chart, the performance of the 3000 NL is comparable
to that of the IBM family of Model 50's, edging out the Model 50 (which is 
a 1 MB machine) in Sieve and MIPS measurements.
If we configure the 3000 NL with 1 MB, note the performance improvement
to be gained by interleaving memory - the Sieve and
MIPS benchmarks far exceed the Model 50, and floating point calculations are
comparable with a math co-processor.
As the 3000 NL is expanded to 2 MB,
the enhanced performance to be gained from Tandy innovation is self-evident.
The 3000 NL at 2 MB rivals even the IBM Model 50Z, a zero-wait state
machine, in CPU and memory performance.
An added tidbit: the 3000 NL at 1MB
or better has the same Norton Utility Computing Index (11.2) as that of the
Model 50Z!
To see how the 3000 NL stacks up in comparison with these two machines,
review the attached feature comparison chart for the 80286 based machines.
I'm sure you'll agree in compatibility, expandibility, features, as well
as price/performance, the 3000 NL is a winner!
A similar performance gain as memory is added is evident in the benchmarks
for the 4000 as compared with the IBM Model 80/041.
Designed for growth, the 4000 provides greater
price/performance as memory is added in support of
powerful multi-tasking and multi-user operating environments such as MS OS/2,
3Com, and SCO XENIX 386.
The 4000 with 2 MB of memory delivers higher
performance than the Model 80/041 where it counts, for integer intensive
business applications measured with the Sieve test.
For only the $300 difference in price
between a 10MHz 80287 and the 16MHz 80387, your customer can double
the CPU and memory performance of the 4000 and far exceed the performance of
IBM Model 80/041.
Compare the features and expansion options of these systems
on the attached comparison chart of 80386 machines.
The 4000 delivers 80386
power with outstanding price/performance in relation to the competition
without forsaking your customer's investment in AT & XT card options.
The 4000, a good value now, with even greater price/performance as your
customer's needs grow!
Next month look for the benchmark comparisons of our top of the line business
systems, the 4000 LX and 5000 MC, with our competition.
 
MOM-07-88
DMP130A - LET SERVICE CENTERS DO FUSE REPLACEMENT! 
National Technical Support has defined a problem with the DMP-130A 
printer (26-1280A) and replacement of fuses.
Some printers that fail and blow the main fuse on the printer
actually have developed internal power supply problems.
Replacing the fuse can cause complete destruction of the main logic board.
THEREFORE - STORE PERSONNEL AND CUSTOMERS 
SHOULD BE INFORMED NOT TO TRY TO REPLACE THE FUSE,
but to submit the unit to a Service Center for testing and repair.
 
MOM-07-88
PRINTER SHEET FEEDERS 
We now have a complete line of sheet feeders for the DMP-2120 
printer.  Be sure to tell your customers.  These feeders can be 
ordered through National Parts:
Single Bin   #AXX-7139    $345.00
Double Bin   #AXX-7146    $695.00
Triple Bin   #AXX-7147    $895.00
 
MOM-07-88
DMP-2120 PRINT DRIVER IN COLOR MODE 
Are your customers tired of printing in black and white with their
DMP-2120 printer?
If so, RIX Software (the makers of 90-3272 EGA PAINT 2005)
has announced a COLOR DRIVER for the DMP-2120.
Current owners of EGA PAINT 2005 should contact RIX Software directly for
details of the upgrade required.
This driver is not currently in place on their program diskettes so
you must request the driver separately.  The phone number to call is:
      1-800-233-5983  Inside California
      1-800-345-9059  Outside California
 
MOM-07-88
SMARTWATCH MOVING FROM TEW TO REG 
Smartwatch (25-1033) has been moved from TEW to the regional warehouses.
Ample supplies of the Smartwatch are available
to meet the demands of customers who need a perpetual
clock calendar with battery backup at a very attractive price.
Starting now, be sure to place your orders for the Smartwatch with your
REGIONAL WAREHOUSE and not TEW.
 
MOM-07-88
TAPE CARTRIDGES NOW AVAILABLE FOR 3S/401 386 SERVER 
The 26-5552 3S/401 386 Server from 3Com contains a 150 MB backup tape unit
for automated backup of the file server.
We now have in stock the tape cartridges for use in this unit.
They're catalog # 26-204, and retail for $44.95.
(No other tape from Radio Shack may be used in this tape unit.)
A two-week supply of tapes for a 3S/401 server customer is about 14 cartridges.
 
MOM-07-88
POCKET COMPUTER SERVICE 
Effective August 1, 1988, Pocket Computers and accessories requiring service
will be sent to:
    Radio Shack 01-0221
    Business Products Repair Depot
    2501 East Loop 820 North  #13
    Fort Worth, TX  76118
    ATTN:  POCKET COMPUTER SERVICE
    (817) 595-2414
Each unit sent for service must be documented on a service invoice that
clearly shows the unit number of the sending store and a clearly written
description of the problem with the unit.  The sending unit will be billed
a flat rate of $20.00 plus parts into Account 5971.
The following Pocket Computers and their peripherals will be accepted
for service:
PC-1  26-3501
PC-2  26-3605
PC-3  26-3590
PC-3A 26-3589
PC-4  26-3650
PC-5  26-3670
PC-6  26-3672
PC-7  26-3673
PC-8  26-3655
 
MOM-07-88
TANDY 6000 XENIX 3.2 AND MEMORY MANAGEMENT UNIT 
In March of this year we told you that we would offer a Memory Managment
Unit (MMU) and a 2 MB memory board in support of Tandy 6000 users requiring
more than 1 MB of RAM user space under XENIX 3.2.  This product is currently
in development and availability is not anticipated until late September.
 
MOM-07-88
SCO XENIX 
We are now shipping 25-5200 SCO XENIX 386 Version 2.2.4 (with it's 
companion Development System 25-5201 and Text Processing System 25-5202).
This chart should clear up some apparent confusion about which
hardware and software products will and won't work with it
and with the 2.2.2 Version of SCO XENIX 386 we sold in Express Order as 90-1502.
(Also please note that both 90-1502 SCO XENIX 386 Ver. 2.2.2, and 90-1507
SCO XENIX 386 Development System will be DISContinued.)
 
ITEM         |EXPLANATION                       |900-1502 SCO  |250-5200 SCO
             |                                  |XENIX 2.2.2   |XENIX  2.2.4
------------- ---------------------------------- -------------- ----------------
SCSIHardDrive|As boot devices,or in combination |Cannot support|Support included
25-4159 40MB |with ST-506 drives. (in the       |SCSI drives in|
25-4160 80MB |combination situation, the SCSI   |any way.      |
25-4162 170MB|drives become the slave devices.) |              |
25-4163 344MB|                                  |              |
------------- ---------------------------------- -------------- ----------
SCSI Tape    |This is a 150MB tape device that  |Cannot surport| Surport
             |must be set as target ID 2. Use   |SCSI drives in| included
25-4169 150MB|'mkdev tape'and select a Cartridge|any way       | 
             |Tape drive. NOTE: This tapedrive  |              |            
             |can READ the TCS-100 tapes but    |              |           
             |cannot write to them.             |              |           
------------- ---------------------------------- -------------- -------------
TCS-100 Tape |There is no support for theTCS-100|  NO support  | NO support
(25-3020)    |                                  |              |            
------------- ---------------------------------- -------------- -------------
4 Port Card  |Up to 3 of these cards can be     |RequiresDevice|RequiresDevice
             |installed.                        |driver disk   |driver disk
 (25-4031)   |                                  | 700-1502     |  700-1502  
------------- ---------------------------------- -------------- --------------
DiskCartridge|Support is provided for the 10 MB |RequiresDevice|RequiresDevice
System       |DCS(26-1245),the 20+20 DCS 25-4066|driver disk   |driver disk   
             |and theInternal 20MB DCS 25-4064/A|  (700-1502)  | (700-1502)
             |To boot from a Disk Cartridge Syst|              |
             |requires 25-4081, DCS Boot Adapter|              |
------------- ---------------------------------- -------------- --------------
Floppy Tape  |There is no support for the 40MB  |NO support    |NO support
 (25-4069)   |floppy tape.                      |              |
------------- ---------------------------------- -------------- --------------
Tandy        |2.2.4 will support all Tandy      |Requires      |Included
Applications |Applications out of the box,      |Applications  | 
             |including local printing.         |supplemental  | 
             |                                  |disk 700-1504*| 
             |NOTE: Profile 286 requires PATCH  |(contact TSC) |(contact TSC)
             |NOTE: Acctg packages require      |              |
             |RM COBOL Runtime                  |(700-1505*)   |(700-1505*)
------------- ---------------------------------- -------------- -------------
 
Express Order Options 
Don't forget that we also provide two other multi-port serial cards through
Express Order which include drivers in support of SCO XENIX 386.
These are the Arnet Smartport 4 (90-2185) and the Arnet Smartport 8 (90-2186)
cards.
Also, the Archive Scorpion tape backup (90-2060) is supported under both
version 2.2.2 and version 2.2.4 of SCO XENIX 386.
This tape backup system can be installed internally in a 5.25" device slot
and supports either 45 MB (26-1391) or 60 MB (26-204) tapes.
The product may come with either a full-size controller card or a new 6"
short card.
As it comes, the short card does not function properly with SCO XENIX 386,
but the vendor will provide a corrected driver.
Just call Archive at (714) 966-5580 and ask for Karen Herrera.
Tell her you need the new device driver for the 6" SC499 card.
 
Stay Tuned for Coming Attractions: 
In the near future, we plan to provide other tape options that will fully
functional with SCO XENIX 386.  (Don't  call  us, we'll  tell  you.)
As we add new tape options to the line, we will notify you in
future editions of the Memo of the Month.
 
Memory Considerations 
Another issue has become apparent relative to configuring systems to run
under this XENIX.  It appears that many of our field personnel are still
under the impression that you must have lots and lots of memory to fully
configure a multi-user XENIX system.  Please note this rule of thumb:
 A Tandy 4000 that is intended for use with up to 13 users does not
require more than 4MB of memory. 
Apparently some of you are losing potential sales because you have the
idea that you need 1MB per user.
You must understand that a demand page, virtual Operating System such as this
does not need that much physical memory to operate in.  For instance,
SCRIPSIT, a popular application, uses 20K of
physical memory during its use.  Obviously, quite a few 20K
programs will run in 2MB of user memory.
 
Additional Note: 
The combination of an 80287 math co-processor with SCO XENIX 386
on the 25-5000 Tandy 4000 should be avoided, since heavy floating point
use may cause problems.
The combination of an 80387 math co-processor
with SCO XENIX 386 and
the 25-5000 A  Tandy 4000 is, however, an excellent configuration.
 
MOM-07-88
DAC SOFTWARE - VERSION 3.0 
Dac Software recently announced the release of version 3.0 for their
entire product line.
We are in the process of evaluating the new versions
as they are received from the vendor.
An agreement has been reached with Dac Software providing for
the upgrade of Radio Shack customers from version 2.0 product
to version 3.0 for a shipping & handling charge of $7.50.
The upgrade is available for all products purchased through
Express Order after May 1, 1988.
Although this offer expires August 31st for the general public,
Radio Shack customers will continue to receive the $7.50 upgrade beyond the
expiration date.
The upgrade will include a complete version 3.0 product,
documentation for the conversion of 2.0 data to 3.0,
and a data conversion program diskette.
To order the upgrade, the customer must contact the Dac Software
sales department at (800) 992-7779.
A copy of the Radio Shack sales receipt is required for the $7.50 upgrade.
This upgrade offer applies to the following EOS products:
90-0150 Dac Easy Payroll
90-0431 Dac Easy Accounting
90-3165 Dac Easy Accounting Tutor
90-3166 Dac Easy Payroll Tutor
90-3169 Dac Easy Bonus Pack
25-1269 Dac Easy Accounting 2.0 contains a coupon providing details of the
upgrade detailed above.
 
MOM-07-88
ALL EXPRESS ORDER 386 SOFTWARE TO SHIP WITH ONLY 3 1/2" MEDIA 
Since all Tandy 386-based computers ship with 3 1/2 inch
disk drives, all Express Order products which require a 386
microprocessor will ship with only 3 1/2 inch diskettes.
This includes both DOS and XENIX products.
 
MOM-07-88
MICA WIZARD OF POS - VIANET SUPPORT 
Due to certain limitations of the operating environment,
Micro Associates cannot support Wizard of POS (90-3322)
Inventory/Point of Sale on ViaNet.
Micro Associates will continue to support all other MICA Accounting modules
available through Express Order on ViaNet.
 
MOM-07-88
NEW MULTI ACCESS UNIT (MAU) PRODUCTS 
There are two types of hardware setups under which the 3Com network will
operate.  These two types are Ethernet (26-5501 EtherLink
and 26-550 EtherLink Plus boards)
and TokenRing (90-1620 TokenLink and 90-1614 TokenLink Plus boards).
You have the capability to sell both types of hardware, and it is
possible to use "twisted pair" or telephone wiring on both types of hardware.
To use telephone wiring on an Ethernet setup requires the use of PairTamers
(90-1655) and MultiConnect repeaters (90-1651).
To use telephone wiring on a TokenRing setup, the following products,
now available from Radio Shack, are required:
 
90-1640   Multi Access Unit (MAU)
90-1641   MAU Power Supply
90-1642   Type 3 Cable Media filter
 
The MAU will hookup workstations on telephone wiring (also known as IBM
type 3 wiring).
Each MAU will connect 4 workstations,
and you can dasiy chain MAU's for up to 72 workstations.
One MAU Power Supply is needed for every five MAU's.
The Type 3 Media Filter must be used with the TokenLink PLUS board
because it provides the RJ-11 telephone connector (necessary for hooking
up the telephone wire).
The regular TokenLink board already has the RJ-11 telephone connector
incorporated into the board, so it does NOT require the media filter.
 
MOM-07-88
VIANET WITH THE NEW SMC PC-110 ARCNET BOARD 
When using the new SMC Arcnet PC-110 Board (90-1685) with our
ViaNet software, be aware that there is a difference in the switch
settings and jumpers with this board compared to the older Arcnet boards.
 
                         PC-110        PC-100
Setting/Jumper           (90-1685)     (Older boards)
                                       (i.e. 26-1221)
------------------------ ------------- --------------------
Node ID Select           S1  1-8       S2  1-8
Base I/O Port Address    S2  1-6       S1  1-6
Memory Buffer Address    S2  7-10      S1  7-10
IRQ 2                    JP 3          JP 5
IRQ 3                    JP 4          JP 4
IRQ 4                    JP 5          JP 3
IRQ 5                    JP 6          JP 2
IRQ 7                    JP 7          JP 1
 
MOM-07-88
NEW VERSION OF DESKMATE AVAILABLE  ( 3.0 )
A new version of DeskMate (version 03.00.00) will be arriving in your
stores in the next several weeks.
The catalog number is 25-1250, and the retail price is
$99.95.  Here is the description:
 
With Text
        , you'll find an easy-to-use text entry and editing system. 
Some of the features include a spelling checker, headers, footers, boldface
and underline!  You can merge the information from the Address Book to add
that personal touch to form letters or just print mailing labels.
 
Calendar
lets you schedule appointments and keep track of important annual events such
as birthdays and anniversaries.
Once the annual event is entered, it will automatically appear each year.
The Draw application allows you to cut, copy, and paste clip art into text
documents as well as flip, rotate and zoom-in on your work.
Worksheet gives you a simple 99-row by 99-column spreadsheet, and
with Filer and Form Setup you can create a personal database to keep
track of home inventory, recipes, a videotape library and such.
And for the pure fun of it, you test your skill with the Hangman word game.
DeskMate also has built-in help, and three separate tutorials to help
you get started.
The DeskMate desktop is fully configurable
and allows you to easily run all of the DeskMate applications as well as
those written by other software publishers.
Here is a breakdown of the applications and accessories:
 
New Applications          Enhanced Applications    No Change
 
Address Book              Calendar                 Worksheet
PC-Link                   Filer                    Telecom
Hangman                   Text
Form Setup
Draw
 
New Accessories           Enhanced Accessories     No Change 
 
Spell Checker             Phone List               Clipboard
Alarm                     Help                     Corkboard
Setup                                              (Notepad renamed)
Task Switch
 
Also included is  PC-Link 
(additional information is located below), an innovative and informative
online service that helps you maximize the power of your personal computer.
With PC-Link and a modem you can chat live with PC owners from around the
country, pose questions to leading software publishers, and get fast direct
answers.  And with a modem and the Phone accessory you can quickly look up and
automatically dial important phone numbers from within any part of DeskMate.
With DeskMate 3.0, home and small office productivity was never this easy.
 
MOM-07-88
DESKMATE UPGRADE POLICY ANNOUNCED 
Effective August 15, 1988, any current owner of any version of DeskMate
can upgrade to the new version for $49.95.
To do so, the customer brings in the cover of their DeskMate manual
(regardless of version) and purchases catalog number 25-1250 for $49.95.
The sales ticket is filled out in the exact same format as the 10% stockholder
discount.  The item is written on the ticket at the full retail price of $99.95.
The DeskMate upgrade discount is noted, and $50.00 is placed in brackets.
The customer pays $49.95 plus tax for the DeskMate upgrade.
The cover is kept by the store.
Remember, this policy will be effective August 15, 1988.
2
 
MOM-07-88
NEW PC-LINK SOFTWARE AVAILABLE 
In the coming months you will be seeing and hearing a lot about this product.
It is catalog number 25-1255, and it's retail price is $29.95.
PC-Link is also included with DeskMate 3.0 (see article above).
PC-Link is an easy-to-use, affordable on-line information service created
for Tandy and PC-Compatible computer users.
It is the first product available written under the DeskMate
graphical user interface, and that means it is easy to use.
The cost is only $9.95 a month for unlimited usage of the PC-Link service
during the hours of 6 pm - 6 am during the week, and all day weekends and
holidays.
Some of the things included in the PC-Link service are:
                                  Grolier's Academic Encyclopedia
                                  EAASY Sabre reservation system
                                  Hollywood Hotline
                                  15 minute delayed stock quotes
 
Also included is a special area called  Tandy Headquarters .
In this area users can find a database of most frequently asked questions
and answers, as well as the Tandy Hotline.
The Tandy Hotline provides a 48 business hour turnaround on customers questions.
This area is for those unusual or specific questions
that cannot be found in the "frequent questions" database area.
As Hotline questions show any type of frequency, they will be added to the
database, so you can expect the database to grow over time.
(Questions that require a lot of research may take longer than 48 hours
to research, but the user will be notified that their question is being
looked into.)
Included with PC-Link is an offline demo, so users can see what to
expect while they're on the service.
 
MODEM SALES SHOULD SKYROCKET!  - With PC-Link you have eliminated the
unfriendliness of telecommunications (what other service allows the use
of a mouse while online?).  AND, the first month of PC-Link is free!
You have made it affordable, and you have provided a useful application
for the modem.
PC-Link adds another dimension to personal computing.
As subscribers of PC-Link, users will receive a monthly
magazine called "PC-Link Update", which contains feature stories
as well as tips for new users.
An FC number has been created which will be distributed at no charge to you.
Watch for this number in the next issue of the Memo of the Month.
 
MOM-07-88
TANDY 5000 MC  (25-6000)   Base Price $4999 
The new 80386-based 5000 MC is our most powerful computer ever - and the
first to offer both IBM Micro Channel style architecture and a memory cache
controller for top performance.
The 5000 MC's IBM compatible Micro Channel device expansion provides high
speed data transfer for quick throughput of data intensive applications
such as desktop publishing and database management. Micro Channel
architecture also provides a future capablility known as "Bus Master" mode
to simultaneously support multiple processors on add-in device controllers
in much the same manner as today's mini-computers.  Once add-in processors
are developed to take advantage of this architecture, we'll be there with
the latest in technology. With a 20MHz 80386 processor combined with the
memory cache controller, the 5000 MC can achieve zero wait state performance
for processor intensive compilers and Computer Aided Software Engineering
development tools. Add a 20MHz 80387 math co-processor and the 5000 MC is
the ideal platform for statistical analysis, and with VGA color selection
and clarity, CAD/CAM and 3D art graphics never looked better.
 
The 5000 MC supports MS-DOS 3.3 today and is fully compatible with IBM's
OS/2.  In September, look to Tandy's version of MS OS/2 to provide support of
not only Micro Channel architecture, but high performance SCSI device support
as well.  The power of the 5000 MC makes it the computer of choice in support
of mutiple-users today as 3Com network server.  In September, we will add
support of a special version of SCO XENIX 386 tailored to this new Micro
Channel architecture to deliver the power and performance of the 5000 MC
in an economical XENIX multi-user environment as well.
Because of Tandy innovation, the 5000 MC can provide all this power,
performance, features, and expandibility in a small desktop chassis the
size of the 3000 HL.
 
TANDY 5000 MC SPECIFICATIONS 
* 80386 Microprocessor
* 20MHz speed
* Intel 82385 Memory Cache Controller 
   - with 32K of 35 nanosecond Static RAM
   - 95% of processor requests at zero wait state
* 2MB memory standard
   - 2 Tandy designed high performance 32 bit memory slots
   - memory expansion to 16 MB using 100 nanosecond 1MB SIMMs
* 5 IBM Micro Channel Expansion Slots 
   - 2 32bit, 3 16bit
   - Video Extension feature on 1 of the 16 bit Micro Channel slots
     supports video capabilities beyond standard VGA
* VGA (Virtual Graphics Array) graphics standard 
   - simultaneous support of 256 colors from palette of 256,000
   - 64 shades of grey
* 3.5" 1.44MB internal floppy standard
   - 3 additional front accessible slots, 1 - 3.5" plus 2 - 5.25"
   - for addition of floppy or hard drives, tape, disk cartridge 
* New ergonomic 101 Enhanced Keyboard with tactile feedback
* Real-time clock with battery backup
* 9-pin RS-232 serial port
* Bidirectional parallel port
* Microsoft Mouse port
* System keylock
 
 
TANDY 5000 MC Options
 
Catalog #    Description                           Price     Availability 
90-2193      20MHz 80387 Math Co-processor         $1095.00  Now
             Memory 
25-6030      Zero-K Memory Expansion Adapter       $99.95    mid-August
25-5031      1MB Memory Kit (4 X 256K SIMMs)       $649.00
 
             Floppy Drives 
25-4051      5.25" 360KB Disk Drive                $199.95
25-4050      5.25" 1.2MB Disk Drive                $299.95
25-4053      3.5"  1.44MB Disk Drive               $299.95
 
             Micro Channel Card Options 
25-6040      ST-506 Hard Drive Controller          $379.95   September
25-6050      ESDI Hard Drive Controller            $429.95   September
25-6060      SCSI Host Adapter                     $499.95   September
90-1670      3Com EtherLink/MC                     $595.00   August
90-2198      Ven-tel 2400 BPS Modem                $449.00   Now
90-2286      Computone Intelliport - 8             $1295.00  Now
 
             Hard drives 
             5000MC can be ordered pre-configured (controller included):
25-6001      40MB 19ms acc ST-506 3.5"1/2Height    $6499.00  Now
25-6002      84MB 19ms acc ST-506 3.5"1/2Height
                (formatted capacity 80 MB )        $6999.00  Now
 
             Other Hard Drive options 
25-4151      140MB ESDI 5.25" 1/2 Height           $1999.00  September
 
             SCSI 
25-4159      40MB  3.5"  1/2 Height                $999.00   Now
25-4160      80MB  5.25" 1/2 Height                $1499.00  Now
25-4162      170MB  5.25" 1/2 Height               $2499.00  September
25-4163      144MB 5.25" Full Height               $3499.00  September
25-4169      150MB SCSI Tape Backup                $1299.00  September
 
             Video 
25-4040      VGM-100 Monochrome Monitor            $199.95   September
25-4041      VGM-200 Color Monitor .42mm dot pitch $499.95   September
25-4042      VGM-300 Color Monitor .31mm dot pitch $629.00   Now
 
MOM-07-88
4000 LX  (25-5100)   Base Price $3999
MS-DOS users who anticipate that they will utilize expanded capacity and
performance from the start, as well as MS OS/2 and SCO Xenix 386 users,
will want the latest addition to the 4000 family, the 4000 LX. 
 With new VGA video and new SCSI drive technology combined with enhancements
to achieve even greater performance, the 4000 and 4000 LX can serve a wide
spectrum of business needs without reinvestment in new Micro Channel devices.
 
For Database Management and spreadsheet analysis, the 4000 family provides a
powerful platform whether single-threaded under MS-DOS with a Tandy 4000, or
multi-tasked as the busy executive often operates under MS OS/2 with a 4000 LX.
With VGA and the high speed 80387 math co-processor, the 4000 serves
specialized power needs such as CAD/CAM, statistical analysis, or desktop
publishing.  For multiple users, the 4000 provides high speed data transfer
as a server in a 3Com office workgroup.  The 4000 LX, with 20MHz
speed and 2MB of RAM, comes standard with the performance and memory to
support the power of new SCO XENIX 386 version 2.2.4 (25-5200).  Add the
highest performance disk subsystem available, SCSI, for the highest
performance AT compatible XENIX system in the industry, from the company
with the largest installed base of XENIX systems in the world.
 
TANDY 4000 LX SPECIFICATIONS 
* 80386 microprocessor
* 20MHz speed
* 2MB memory standard, expandable to 16MB
* 8 Expansion slots - 6 AT, 2 XT
* 1 additional 32 bit memory expansion slot
* 3.5" 1.44 internal floppy drive 
* 2 additional 5.25" front accessible device slots 
  - for addition of both 3.5" or 5.25" floppy or hard drives,
    tape, cartridge
* Real-time clock with battery backup
* Parallel/serial card
* 101 Enhanced keyboard 
* System Keylock
Catalog #   Description                       Price        Availability 
90-2193     20MHz Math Co-processor           $1095        Now
 
See the  Tandy 4000 LX / Tandy 4000 Options  chart located after
the Tandy 4000 Specifications block.
 
MOM-07-88
TANDY 4000  (25-5000)   Base Price $2,599 
We've continued to apply innovation to better the Tandy 4000.  Just as last
year, the 4000 delivers 80386 power at a price well below that of the
competition.  And just as last year, the 4000 comes standard with all the
performance, features, capability, and compatibility to address the needs
of MS-DOS power users - 16MHz performance, 1MB RAM standard, plus full AT
DMA and interrupt compatibility.  New this year we have added support for a
16MHz 80387 math co-processor.  The addition of this math co-processor results
in a 2 X performance increase in floating point calculations over a 4000 with
a 10MHz 80287.
Below are the Whetstone benchmark test results which measure the ability of
the system to perform floating point calculations comparing the performance
of the 4000 with an 80287 versus an 80387.
 
Tandy 4000 w 10MHz 80287    284.786 K Whets/sec
Tandy 4000 w 16MHz 80387    561.727 K Whets/sec
 
Sell this new level of performance to customers using math-intensive
applications such as spreadsheets, statistical analysis, CAD.
 
Catalog #   Description                  Price   Availability 
90-2131     16MHz Math Co-processor      $750    Now
 
As your customer's business needs grow, the 4000 provides expansion
opportunities to meet their needs with even greater performance.  As memory
is added beyond 1MB, the 4000 is designed to interleave entire "pages" of
memory at a time to achieve zero wait state performance.  The 4000 has 3
front-accessible device slots same as last year, but new this year 
customers can optionally add a 4th, 3.5", non-front-accessible device,
such as a 3.5" hard drive, via a new mounting bracket which must be
purchased separately (watch future issues of the Memo of the Month
for more information about this mounting bracket).
New this year, the 4000 offers unprecedented expandility.  A VGA graphics
adapter can be added to support the same monitors and same 256 color selection
and clarity as available on the 5000 MC.  All the SCSI drive options available
for the 5000 MC are available for the 4000 as well.  Essentially 3 times the
number of drive options your customers had to choose from last year at
capacities up to 5 times greater than last year's top of the line 70 MB.
 
TANDY 4000 SPECIFICATIONS 
* 80386 microprocessor
* 16MHz speed
* 1MB memory standard, expandable to 16MB
* 8 Expansion slots - 6 AT, 2 XT
* 1 additional 32 bit memory expansion slot
* 3.5" 1.44 internal floppy drive 
* 2 additional 5.25" front accessible device slots 
  - for addition of both 3.5" or 5.25" floppy or hard drives,
    tape, cartridge
* Real-time clock with battery backup
* Parallel/serial card
* 101 Enhanced keyboard 
* System Keylock
 
                  TANDY 4000 LX / TANDY 4000 Options
 
Catalog #  Description                              Price     Availability 
           Memory 
25-5029    Zero-K Memory Expansion Adapter          $179.95   mid-August
25-5031    1MB Memory Kit (4 X 256K SIMMs)          $649.00   Now
25-5131    2MB Memory Kit (8 X 256K SIMMs)          $1499.00  mid-August
 
           Floppy Drives 
25-4051    5.25" 360KB Disk Drive                   $199.95   Now
25-4050    5.25" 1.2MB Disk Drive                   $299.95   Now
25-4052    3.5" 1.44MB Disk Drive                   $299.95   Now
 
           Hard Drives 
           ST-506 
25-4058    ST-506 Hard Drive Controller             $249.95   Now
25-4062    20MB 65ms access 5.25" 1/2 Height        $599.00   Now
25-4057    40MB 40ms access 5.25" 1/2 Height        $799.00   Now
25-4061    40MB 28ms access 3.5"  1/2 Height        $999.00   Now
25-4067    70MB 28ms access 5.25" 1/2 Height        $1499.00  Now
 
           SCSI 
25-4161    SCSI Host Adapter                        $299.95   Now
25-4159    40MB  3.5"  1/2 Height                   $999.00   Now
25-4160    80MB  5.25" 1/2 Height                   $1499.00  Now
25-4162    170MB  5.25" 1/2 Height                  $2499.00  September
25-4163    344MB 5.25" Full Height                  $3499.00  September
25-4169    150MB SCSI Tape Backup                   $1299.00  September
 
           Video 
           Monochrome  (see also VGA)
25-3046    Deluxe Text Display Adapter              $99.95    Now
25-3011    VM-5 Monochrome Monitor                  $149.95   Now
 
           CGA/EGA 
25-3048    EGA/CGA Adapter                          $249.95   Now
25-1043    CM-5 Color Monitor (CGA)                 $299.95   Now
25-1024    CM-11 Color Monitor (CGA)                $399.95   Now
25-4035    EGM-1 Color Monitor (EGA)                $699.00   Now
 
           VGA 
25-4043    VGA Adapter                              $399.95   September
25-4040    VGM-100 Monochrome Monitor               $199.95   September
25-4041    VGM-200 Color Monitor .42mm dot pitch    $499.95   September
25-4042    VGM-300 Color Monitor .31mm dot pitch    $629.00   Now
 
           Multi-User Options 
25-4031    4-User Serial Adapter                    $299.95   Now
90-2185    Arnet SmartPort 4                        $995.00   Now
90-2186    Arnet SmartPort 8                        $1295.00  Now
26-1198    Serial/Parallel Converter                $99.95    Now
26-6052    DT-100 Terminal                          $695.00   Now
 
           Other 
25-4034    Serial/Parallel Board                    $149.95   Now
25-4039    Dual Port Serial Board                   $99.95    Now
25-4069    40MB Tape Backup                         $549.00   Now
25-4064    20MB Disk Cartridge System               $1299.00  Now
 
MOM-07-88
TANDY 3000 NL  (25-4072)   Base Price $1699
Tandy is best at providing economical solutions to our customers computing
needs.  This year we've applied our innovation to give added performance
and expandibility to our 80286-based solution without losing sight of the
what we do best.
The innovation designed into the 3000 NL for improved performance is
something to brag about.
The 80286 processor and the expansion bus of the NL have been speeded up
to perform at 10 MHz.
In addition to the new high speed card expansion slots,
a memory expansion slot has also been added.
This high performance memory slot
uses the same technology as the 5000 MC memory slots.
These run at the speed of the processor and interleave memory.
The result is a 30% performance improvement in memory access
on the 3000 NL over memory
added in a regular 16 bit expansion slot at 8MHz bus speed 1 wait state.
According to the Norton (SI) Computing Index version 4.0, this performance
gain in memory access alone gives us an 11.2 performance rating on the
3000 NL, equivalent to the new IBM Model 50 Z with zero wait state
performance.
With the faster performance of the 3000 NL CPU, bus and memory access,
added device expandibility, new hard drive and VGA options, plus full AT DMA
and interrupt compatibility, the 3000 NL is better positioned than any of
the previous 3000 family to serve the needs of business.
For small businesses, the 3000 NL has the performance to manage productivity
applications and the power to multi-task these under MS OS/2.
With the new 10 MHz bus, the 3000 NL performs exceptionally high speed
data transfer as a powerful workstation or workgroup communications server.
 
TANDY 3000 NL SPECIFICATIONS 
 
* 80286 microprocessor
* 10 MHz speed
* 7 Expansion slots
   - 4 16 bit, 3 8 bit
   - 10MHz bus speed, user configurable to 8MHz
* 1 additional Tandy designed high performance memory expansion slot
   - supports memory expansion to 8MB using 1MB SIMM's
   - interleaved memory for high performance 
* 512K RAM standard
   - expand to 640K on motherboard for MS-DOS users
   - expand directly to 1MB on add-in high performance memory board
* Full 16MB memory supported
   - 8MB on dedicated memory slot, another 8MB on 16 bit slot
* Full AT DMA (8 channel) and interrupt compatibility
* Floppy controller supports 2 high-capacity floppy drives or tape
* 3.5" 1.44MB internal floppy standard
   - 3 additional front accessible slots, 1 - 3.5" plus 2 - 5.25"
   - for addition of floppy or hard drives, tape, disk cartridge 
* New ergonomic 101 Enhanced Keyboard with tactile feedback
* Real-time clock with battery backup
* 9-pin RS-232 serial port
* Bidirectional parallel port
* System keylock
 
                TANDY 3000 NL Options
Catalog #  Description                             Price      Availability
90-2192    10MHz 80287 Math Co-processor           $450.00    Now
 
           Memory 
25-4082    128K Parity Memory Kit                  $79.95     Now
25-4027    Zero-K Memory Expansion Adapter         $99.95     mid-August
25-4028    512K Memory Kit (2 X 256K SIMMs)        $349.95    mid-August
25-4029    2MB Memory Kit for 3000 NL              $1299.00   mid-August
           (8 X 256K 150 nanosecond SIMMs)
 
           Floppy Drives 
25-4051    5.25" 360KB Disk Drive                  $199.95    Now
25-4050    5.25" 1.2MB Disk Drive                  $299.95    Now
25-405     3.5"  1.44MB Disk Drive                 $299.95    Now
 
           Hard Drives 
           ST-506 
25-4058    ST-506 Hard Drive Controller            $249.95    Now
25-4062    20MB 65ms access 5.25" 1/2 Height       $599.00    Now
25-4057    40MB 40ms access 5.25" 1/2 Height       $799.00    Now
25-4061    40MB 28ms access 3.5"  1/2 Height       $999.00    Now
25-4067    70MB 28ms access 5.25" 1/2 Height       $1499.00   Now
 
           SCSI 
25-4161    SCSI Host Adapter                       $299.95    Now
25-4159    40MB  3.5"  1/2 Height                  $999.00    Now
25-4160    80MB  5.25" 1/2 Height                  $1499.00   Now
25-4162    170MB  5.25" 1/2 Height                 $2499.00   September
25-4163    344MB 5.25" Full Height                 $3499.00   September
25-4169    150MB SCSI Tape Backup                  $1299.00   September
 
           Video 
           Monochrome  (see also VGA)
25-3046    Deluxe Text Display Adapter             $99.95     Now
25-3011    VM-5 Monochrome Monitor                 $149.95    Now
 
           CGA/EGA 
25-3048    EGA/CGA Adapter                         $249.95    Now
25-1043    CM-5 Color Monitor (CGA)                $299.95    Now
25-1024    CM-11 Color Monitor (CGA)               $399.95    Now
25-4035    EGM-1 Color Monitor (EGA)               $699.00    Now
 
           VGA 
25-4043    VGA Adapter                             $399.95    September
25-4040    VGM-100 Monochrome Monitor              $199.95    September
25-4041    VGM-200 Color Monitor .42mm dot pitch   $499.95    September
25-4042    VGM-300 Color Monitor .31mm dot pitch   $629.00    Now
 
           Other 
25-4034    Serial/Parallel Board                   $149.95    Now
25-4039    Dual Port Serial Board                  $99.95     Now
25-4069    40MB Tape Backup                        $549.00    Now
25-4064    20MB Disk Cartridge System              $1299.00   Now
 
MOM-07-88
TANDY 1000 TL  (25-1601)   Base Price $1,299
A new low-end 80286 based MS-DOS computer that offers six times the
performance of the IBM PC or PC XT and over three times the performance
of IBM's PS/2 Model 30, for significantly less.
Small- to medium-sized businesses
and professionals who work at home (Home Office) will find the performance,
compatibility, and expandability totally irresistible.
But 1000 TL doesn't stop just there,
you will find a lot of new and exciting features that will
also position the 1000 TL into the educational and high-end home markets.
Features such as the 101-key enhanced keyboard, a built-in clock/calendar
to keep the system updated with the correct date and time, MS-DOS 3.3 and
DeskMate built into ROM so the user doesn't have to deal with cryptic MS-DOS
prompts, are sure to be accepted in any market.
And the most exciting feature of them all is the
enhanced sound and speech capabilities.
When you use
DeskMate's sound editor, you will be able to record and edit speech,
music, TV - any analog source - onto diskettes.  The enhancement of sound
and speech capabilities will add a new dimension to the development of
educational and entertainment software products.
DeskMate has also been
enhanced to create a consistent user interface and now includes 10 applications.
All of these new and exciting features in the Tandy 1000 TL, the service and
support, and DeskMate are proof that with Tandy Computers - there is no better
value.
 
TANDY 1000 TL SPECIFICATIONS 
 
80286 Microprocessor, 8 or 4 MHz clock speed
640K RAM (Expandable to 768K)
1 - 3.5" 720K disk drive built-in
Internal floppy expansion to 3 drives
 (2 - 3.5" 720K, both 1" in height and 1 - std. 5.25" 360K)
5 - 10" PC compatible 8 bit expansion slots
On board video support for :
   Monochrome Text (MDA)
   Hercules Monochrome Graphics
   CGA
   Tandy 1000 enhanced graphics
MS-DOS 3.3 and DeskMate in ROM
Enhanced 101-key keyboard
Clock/Calendar with battery backup
Enhanced Sound and Speech
Microphone/Audio-In Jack
Headphone Jack with Volume Control
Parallel Printer port
RS-232 Serial port
2 Joystick ports
DeskMate 3.0
 
 
TANDY 1000 TL ACCESSORIES 
 
25-1043    CM-5 Color Monitor                     299.95
25-1024    CM-11 Color Monitor                    399.95
25-3011    VM-5 Monochrome Monitor                149.95
25-1032    20 Meg Hard Disk Card                  599.00
25-4059    40 Meg Hard Disk Card                  799.00
25-1063    5.25" 360K disk drive                  169.95
25-1075    3.5" 720K disk drive (1"HT)            169.95
25-1040    Tandy Serial Mouse                     49.95
26-3012    Deluxe Joystick                        29.95
90-2191    80287 Math Coprocessor                 410.00
25-1078    128K RAM Upgrade                       69.95
25-1013    1200 bps PC Modem                      99.95
25-1037    2400 bps PC Modem                      179.95
 
MOM-07-88
TANDY 1000 SL  (25-1401)   Base Price $899 
A new and exciting design for 1989 carries a family look from the top of
the line Tandy 5000 MC to the 1000 SL. The 1000 SL includes many added
features that are perfectly oriented for the educational and home markets.
Representing the latest in technology for a PC/XT class computer, the 1000 SL
uses an 8086 microprocessor that has enough horsepower to outperform it's
competition who are using the 8088 microprocessor.  In fact, the 1000 SL is
using the same microprocessor that IBM is using in their PS/2 Models 25
and 30.
But, what IBM and the rest of the competition are missing, is
innovation and EASE-OF-USE.  This is where the Tandy 1000 SL excels.
With MS-DOS 3.3 and DeskMate in ROM, a user will never have to deal with
cryptic MS-DOS prompts again, and DeskMate will provide that common interface
to their software applications.
But the most innovative feature is the enhanced sound and speech capabilities.
When you use DeskMate's sound
editor, you will be able to record and edit speech, music, TV - any analog
source - onto diskettes.
The enhancement of sound and speech capabilities
will add a new dimension to educational and entertainment software never
experienced before. 
 
TANDY 1000 SL SPECIFICATIONS 
 
8086 Microprocessor, 8 or 4 MHz clock speed
384K RAM (Expandable to 640K)
1 - 5.25" 360K disk drive built-in
Second Internal floppy expansion
 (3.5" 720K or 5.25" 360K)
5 - 10" PC compatible 8 bit expansion slots
On-board video support for:
   Monochrome Text (MDA)
   Hercules Monochrome Graphics
   CGA
   Tandy 1000 enhanced graphics
MS-DOS 3.3 and DeskMate in ROM
Enhanced 101-key keyboard
Enhanced Sound and Speech
Microphone/Audio-In Jack
Headphone Jack with Volume Control
Parallel printer port
RS-232 Serial port
2 Joystick ports
DeskMate 3.0
 
               TANDY 1000 SL ACCESSORIES 
 
25-1043   CM-5 Color Monitor                          299.95
25-1024   CM-11 Color Monitor                         399.95
25-3011   VM-5 Monochrome Monitor                     149.95
25-1033   Smartwatch                                  39.95
25-1032   20 Meg Hard Disk Card                       599.00
25-4059   40 Meg Hard Disk Card                       799.00
25-1063   5.25" 360K disk drive                       169.95
25-1065   3.5" 720K disk drive (32mm HT)              169.95
25-1066   3.5" to 5.25" Adapter Kit                   29.95
          (For 32mm Height Drives)
25-1040   Tandy Serial Mouse                          49.95
26-3012   Deluxe Joystick                             29.95
90-2121   8087 Math Coprocessor                       250.00
25-1078   128K RAM Upgrade                            69.95
          (SL requires 2 kits to get 640K)
25-1013   1200 bps PC Modem                           99.95
25-1037   2400 bps PC Modem                           179.95
 
MOM-07-88
TANDY 1000 HX  (25-1053)   Base Price $699
The most affordable PC-Compatible on the market today continues with
no changes.
The Tandy 1000 HX with its low-cost and ease of use makes it
ideal for the home and educational markets.  Its high tech design is
complemented by a 720K 3.5" disk drive, MS-DOS in ROM, Personal DeskMate 2
and many other features making the 1000 HX the perfect low-cost entry into
the MS-DOS world of computing.
 
TANDY 1000 HX SPECIFICATIONS: 
8088-2 Microprocessor
7.16 and 4.77 MHz clock speed
256K memory (expandable to 640K)
One 720K 3.5" disk drive built-in 
A second internal 3.5" drive can be added
MS-DOS 2.11 Operating System in ROM
        (loads automatically)
2 Joystick Ports
Parallel Printer Port
Has 1/8" headphone joack with volume control
Uses PLUS style expansion boards
Personal DeskMate 2
 
TANDY 1000 HX ACCESSORIES 
 
25-1043   CM-5 Color Monitor                             299.95
25-1020   VM-4 Monochome Monitor                         129.95
25-1024   CM-11 Color Monitor                            399.95
25-1031   Serial Adapter                                 59.95
25-1033   Smartwatch                                     39.95
26-3125   Deluxe Color Mouse                             49.95
26-3012   Deluxe Joystick                                29.95
25-1060   External 360K 5.25" Drive                      249.95
25-1061   External 720K 3.5" Drive                       279.95
25-1062   Memory PLUS Expansion Adapter                  149.95
25-1079   256K RAM memory kit                            129.95
25-1065   Internal 720K 3.5" Drive (32mm)                169.95
25-1018   PLUS 1200 BPS PC Modem                         99.95
 
MOM-06-88
TANDY PRODUCT COMPARISON
Recently our competitors announced several new products
and pricing actions.
Attached to this Memo of the Month are two charts comparing our products
feature-for-feature and dollar-for-dollar with
the entire business line of micro-computers offered by IBM & Compaq.
Of the 80286 machine architectures, IBM
introduced two new Model 50's pre-configured with hard drive storage
capacities of 30 & 60 megabytes.  In response to criticisms of the
slow performance of last year's Model 50, IBM pushed the processor of
these two new configurations to achieve 0 wait state performance.
However, the 95 watt power supply of the Model 50 could prevent users
from adding extra memory since each megabyte of memory requires extra
power.  These new configurations are still limited to 3
Microchannel expansion slots.  By comparison, the 3000HL offers
the flexibility of several hard drive options and greater power (135
watts), while maintaining the industry-standard AT/XT bus architecture
for add-in device expandability across 7 slots.  Compaq continues to sell
its Deskpro 286 into this market with a new price reduction on the 40
megabyte configuration.  Even with this peripheral cost reduction, the
Deskpro 286 is still well above the 3000 (12MHz) in price while limiting
memory and add-in card expansion.
At the higher end 80386 architecture, Compaq has introduced
a new Deskpro 386s which features the new Intel 386sx chip, a cost-
reduced 386 processor.  Even with this lower cost architecture, the
machine cannot rival the 4000 in price or expandability.  Nor can the new
IBM Model 70/E61, preconfigured with only the 60MB hard drive and
limited to three microchannel expansion slots.  The features of IBM's new
70/121 should sound familiar with a couple of major elements
missing.  The 5000MC has a 32K Memory Cache controller which allows
the 5000MC to operate a zero wait state performance, over 20% faster
than the Model 70/121 or older Model 80/111.  5 Microchannel expansion
slots are available on the 5000MC, beyond the two Tandy designed 32-bit
memory slots that support up to 16 Megabytes of high speed memory.  Many
hard drive options are available for the 5000MC as well, to 344MB
capacity, while Model 70/121 customers are locked in to a 120MB ESDI
hard drive.
At the top of the line, our competitors have introduced new
25MHz 80386 based machines.  The new Compaq Deskpro 386/25MHz is touted as
being 80% faster than the IBM Model 80/111, but has a very high price
tag to go along with it.  One new feature of this machine that Compaq
is very proud of is their new "multiple bus approach",
essentially combining both XT and AT expansion slots on the machine, to
provide support for a wide variety of
peripherals.  What a concept!  It's one that Tandy has incorporated since
the introduction of the Tandy 3000 in 1985.  The new IBM Model 70/A21,
in spite of the 64K Memory Cache, is expected to perform between 30 to
50% faster than the Model 80/111.  It appears that potential customers
may have a difficult time determining which machine to select from IBM,
a faster machine with limited expandability or a slower machine with
greater expandability.  The 5000MC can provide the best of both, 20%
faster than the Model 80/111, yet twice the expansion of the Model 70/
A21 and at prices well below that of the competition.
 
MOM-06-88
LOTUS 1-2-3 SMALL BUSINESS KIT POINT OF SALE SIGN (FC-296)
AVAILABLE
If you haven't already received one, don't forget to order
your tent cards to promote the Lotus 1-2-3 Small Business Kit
(25-1223).  The card is a reprint of our spring magazine ads
for the product, featuring a photo which includes all of the
Small Business Kit's components and a story outlining how it
can help any small-to-medium size business analyze and
improve profitability.  Unit cost $0.80.
26-5510 3+SHARE VERSION 1.2.1 IS NOW $595.00
To more aggressively target small, DOS-only networks in larger
organizations, 3+Share's price has been reduced to
$595.00 and the number of users supported in the product has
been reduced from unlimited to five.  For unlimited user
support, (90-1616) 3+Share version 1.3.1 is required and is priced at
$2,100.00.
Customers who have previously purchased 3+Share version 1.2.1
either 1-5 user or unlimited user will be offered a migration
path to 3+Share 1.3.1 via the Software Subscription Service.
TurboShare functionality is now included in the new 1.3.1
version at no additional charge.
 
MOM-06-88
PRODUCTS CANCELED, DISCONTINUED, AND REPLACED 
DISCONTINUED PRODUCTS 
90-3045 Turbo Gameworks
90-3046 Turbo Database
90-3047 Turbo Tutor
90-3044 Turbo Editor Toolbox
90-0368 ABTab
90-0483 Microsoft COBOL (DOS)
90-0517 1040 Bronze
90-0516 1040 Silver
90-0353 Pronto Model 4
90-0192 TCad Model 3
DISCONTINUED AND REPLACED PRODUCTS 
90-3201 SQZ!
Replaced by 90-1243 SQZ! Plus
 
MOM-06-88
20 MEG BERNOULLI CLEANING KIT RECALL - Revisited
Last month we gave you all the information on this program, but we
published the incorrect phone number.  This month we're running the story
again, but with the correct phone number.
Our vendor on the Bernoulli Cleaning Kit, 26-1382, has recently discovered
through its quality control program that the cleaning cartridge, if not
inserted straight, can bend the pin in the drive mechanism that is used
to open the cartridge shutter.
A bent pin then may not allow proper insertion of recording cartridges,
resulting in drive operating failure or damage.
Our vendor, Iomega, has therefore redesigned the cleaning cartridge,
providing a wider pin slot.
All cartridges currently being shipped from TEW are of the improved type.
However, in the interest of avoiding any possible field problems from
bent shutter pins,
Iomega has instituted a field recall program to EXCHANGE all old cleaning
cartridges.
In other words, Iomega wants all old style cleaning cartridges back from
your customer or store, whether they are new or used and whether Tandy
or Iomega branded.
The procedure is to call Iomega at this toll-free number:     (800) 777-4123.
They will provide you with a return material authorization number (RMA)
and the appropriate shipping address.  It is sufficient to return the
cartridge itself (without the fluid or extra cleaning pads) to get the
new replacement cleaning kit.
 
MOM-06-88
KURTA DIGITIZER TABLETS
Kurta has made available a central location that customers may call
to obtain replacement cursors for the older Series One/Two tablets that
were sold through our Express Order Hardware Program.  They can order
direct from:
AMCAD
1325 Whitlock Lane
Suite 314
Carrollton, Texas 75006
Phone 1-800-722-6223
 
MOM-06-88
DELUXE TEXT DISPLAY ADAPTER REWORKED
The Deluxe Text Display Adapter (25-3046) has now been modified to work with
the standard VM-5 monochrome monitor (25-3011).
Reworked adapters are indicated by a "C" suffix (25-3046C) and have
a new low price of $99.95.
Remember that the 25-3046C is a text-only adapter.
(Professional DeskMate requires a graphics adapter, i.e., it will not work
with the 25-3046 or 25-3046C adapter.)
 
MOM-06-88
REPLACEMENT BACKUP BATTERY FOR TANDY 3000/4000
The new 23-174 alkaline computer battery (to be stocked by all stores) 
DOES NOT FIT ANY TANDY COMPUTER, but rather is intended as a replacement 
for the IBM "AT," Compaq, and some other clones. Do not attempt to sell 
this battery for or install it in the Tandy 3000 or 4000.  
Early production Tandy 3000 and 3000HD (25-4001/4010/4011 thru Jan. 87) 
used a clock/memory backup 6.8v lithium battery which is stocked by 
National Parts as item code ACS-0020 (current sell is $40.50).
Later production Tandy 3000s (25-4001/4010/4011 plus 25-4002 and -4071)
shifted to a 3.6v lithium battery which is also used
in the Tandy 4000 (25-5000/A).
This smaller battery is stocked likewise at National Parts: ACS-0040
(current sell is $13.50). 
 
MOM-06-88
ETHERLINK AND ETHERLINK II
If a customer asks for a 3com Etherlink board, make sure that you order the 
board he really wants.  Find out if the customer is expecting an Etherlink II
(260-5501) or the old Etherlink Board (900-1658).
Most third party network products like Decnet, Novell, Data General
and so on, only come with drivers for the old Etherlink Board (900-1658) or
are referred to as the 3Com 501 Etherlink Board.  Make sure the customer
gets the board he wants and needs.
 
MOM-06-88
DAISYWHEEL SHEETFEEDERS AND TRACTOR FEEDS
The National Parts warehouse has limited quantities of the below items.
You should place your orders direct with them for shipment.
STOCK #      DESCRIPTION               PRICE
AX-2601260   DWII Envelope Feeder      299.95
AX-2601448   DWII Sheet Feeder         399.95
AX-2601443   Tractor Feed for DWP-210  129.95
Also check with them for sheet feeders for other printers,
including the DMP-2110 and the DMP-2120.
 
MOM-06-88
MICROSOFT EXCEL DISKETTES
Be aware that while Excel (25-1185) contains both 5 1/4" and 3 1/2"
diskettes, the 5 1/4" diskettes are high density (1.2 meg).
If your customer has a computer with 360K 5 1/4" drives, they will need
to contact Microsoft Customer Service to exchange their diskettes.
The 3 1/2" diskettes are 720K.
 
MOM-06-88
MICROSOFT EXCEL AND 3COM LANs
The following information was provided by Microsoft's system
engineering staff:
PC Excel (25-1185), Microsoft's new spreadsheet for the PC environment,
was designed with networks in mind.  The package that is 
purchased for stand-alone use can also be installed on a 
network file server and shared by many users.  There is no 
additional cost for a file server copy.  The license agreement
does require that Node Packs be purchased for the maximum
number of simultaneous users.  The Node Packs have a retail
price of $250 and contain a complete set of documentation for
the user, providing a very cost effective solution for people 
wanting to move to this new high end spreadsheet.
(Note: the Excel Node Packs will be available through Express 
Order as catalog number 90-3296.)
Along with the obvious advantages of sharing expensive, high
quality output devices such as laser printers and plotters,
installing Excel on a network also helps increase user
productivity through the use of shared files and templates.
Excel can be executed from a network directory, saving 
considerable storage space for individual users.  Additional
performance improvements can be gained by copying the 
executable files to a RAM disk at the node and running the
program from there.  This will significantly reduce network
traffic.
Excel contains a provision for storing user preferences such 
as printers, font sets, screen types and colors.  These
settings are stored in a file called WIN.INI.  This file
should be located in the user's network directory that is
first in their path.  When Excel starts to load it will look
in the default directory (present directory), then search the 
user's path until it finds a file by this name.  If there is
a common configuration for all users this file can be set up
in the Excel directory.
Data protection is one of the most important considerations
in a Local Area Network environment.  Excel provides a very 
effective solution in this area, since it is designed with
the ability to open files in read only or read/write access.
If a file is already open in read/write mode and a second 
user tries to access it, they receive a message stating that 
they can only open it in a read mode.
Password protection is also provided.  Documents can be 
completely protected by a password, or the user can password
protect individual cells.  You can also use this mechanism to
control editing of templates or hide parts of a spreadsheet
from being viewed by unauthorized users.
Excel is easily installed to a network directory by running
the standard setup program and specifying the drive letter
and path that it should be installed in.  The most difficult
part of installing Excel in a network environment is insuring
that enough free RAM is available, at the node, to allow the
program to start.  The basic limitation goes back to the 
operating system, DOS, only having 640K to load programs.  Of
this 640K Excel will need to find 440K (appr. 450, 560 bytes)
free.  This number is difficult to obtain in a network
environment.  DOS 3.3 alone will require between 40K and 50K,
depending on how the system is configured.  3Com network 
drivers can use an additional 120 to 140K.  Therefore, with
only DOS and the necessary 3Com drivers to get up on the
network, you're very close to Excel's limit of 440K.  Loading
3Com's Menu system can take an additional 15K, pushing you 
beyond the amount of memory required to load Excel.
Most additional memory is taken by statements in the file
called CONFIG.SYS, used to load programs (including the
network drivers) into memory immediately after DOS loads.
Anything that is not absolutely necessary should be removed
from this file to conserve space.  Many times networks are
configured with the worst-case user in mind and all other
users inherit the additional overhead.  To minimize memory
usage, take statements like "lastdrive=z" and cut it down to
actual last drive used by the user.
One particularly large driver associated with some 4000 Tandy
systems is called TEMM.SYS.  This driver is used to access
extended memory but will occupy approximately 66K of the 
conventional 640K of memory.  While this driver allows
programs to store data in areas beyond the 640K limit, its 
size will still prevent Excel from loading if it is installed
in conjunction with 3Com's network drivers.
Other statements that should be kept to a minimum are the
FILES, BUFFERS and FCBS statements.  With nothing stated in 
CONFIG.SYS, the number of files will default to 8.  Each
additional file will take 48 bytes of available RAM.  Each
buffer that is set up will take 528 bytes of RAM.  On any
system with more than 512K of RAM, BUFFERS will default to
15.  In this situation you may want to use BUFFERS in the
CONFIG.SYS file to bring this number down, saving additional
RAM.  FCBS (file control blocks) will default to 4 and take
48 bytes for each one.
3Com has an alternative solution in their EtherLink+ board.
This board contains 256K of RAM which can be used to load the
3Com driver when used with the Link+ Optimizing software.
Moving the network driver software onto this board will
effectively free that space in the lower 640K for 
applications and other device drivers to load.
Although many of these components don't seem to be using a
lot of space individually, it can all boil down to a matter
of bytes in determining whether or not Excel can be run
successfully from a network node.  In trying to put all the
pieces of a complex system together, you have to pay close 
attention to where every byte is being used.
(One other alternate solution is the 3 Station from 3Com 
(diskless workstation) #26-5551, $1895 less monitor.)
 
MOM-06-88
MICROSOFT PROGRAMMING TOOLS AND LANGUAGES
The following products are currently under evaluation and are
not yet available for sale to the customer.  All backorders
have been cancelled - DO NOT ORDER THESE PRODUCTS until
notification has been made of their acceptance.
 
90-1200  Microsoft C Compiler
90-1202  Microsoft BASIC Compiler
90-1203  Microsoft FORTRAN Compiler
90-1204  Microsoft PASCAL Compiler
The following Microsoft products have been approved and are
now available through TEW:
90-1201 Microsoft Macro Assembler
90-1205 Microsoft OS/2 Programmer's Toolkit
This series of Microsoft languages and programming tools
provides support for both MS-DOS and OS/2 operating systems.
 
MOM-06-88
BPI ACCOUNTING SERIES
The following BPI Accounting modules are no longer available.
No further orders will be accepted for these products.
90-0370  BPI Payroll
90-0371  BPI Inventory
90-0372  BPI Accounts Payable
90-0369  BPI Accounts Receivable
The following products are recommended replacements for the
BPI series.  These products provide full functionality at an
excellent price point for the small business.
 
90-3305 Bedford Integrated Accounting  $249.00  - 
 
Consists of General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Accounts
Receivable, Inventory, Job Cost and Payroll modules.
Permits retention of transaction data for entire year,
subject to disk space available.  System requirements are
384K RAM and (2) floppy drives.
 
90-3321 Accounting Partner 3  $349.00  - 
 
Integrated system featuring General Ledger, Accounts
Receivable, Accounts Payable, Purchasing, Inventory,
Payroll, and Spreadsheet.  Also includes On-Line-Help,
pop-up Calculator and Calendar, and memory resident account
lookups.  System requirements are 512K RAM and hard disk.
 
MOM-06-88
TANDY PRODUCT PROFILES (FC-352 AND THE FC-363 UPDATE)
The FC-363 2nd update to the Tandy Product Profiles has been drop shipped
to everyone who was listed on the drop shipment for the original FC-352
Tandy Product Profiles.   Remember that if you ordered FC-352 (the two
volume set) separately from one that you received as a drop-shipment,
you will need to order FC-363 to keep it up-to-date.  So far, all the
numbers you need to know to keep your Tandy Product Profiles current are:
STOCK # DESCRIPTION                                          DATED
FC-352  Tandy Product Profiles - 2nd Edition (2 volume set)  November 1987
FC-362  1st Update to Tandy Product Profiles                 February 1988
FC-363  2nd Update to Tandy Product Profiles                 May 1988
Also available:
FC-353  Tandy Educational Product Profiles - 2nd Edition     April 1988
 
MOM-06-88
NEW "SPECIAL NEEDS" PRODUCTS IN EXPRESS ORDER
Each year, Radio Shack publishes a catalog highlighting those products
in our consumer and computer product line which are suitable for
people with "special needs" (hearing or vision impairment, physical
handicaps, learning disabilities, etc.).  This catalog has featured such
items as telephone amplifiers, big button phones, talking clocks,
educational software, etc.
Due to the growing potential of computers in
this market and for large unit sales to school systems on related
peripheral devices, we are adding to Express Order Hardware a selection
of specialized input devices to complement our computers:
 90-2190 "PC Serial Aid"  from Designing Aids for Disabled Adults
(DADA) is an interface box that bridges a standard CPU DB25 serial
port to a variety of specialized input devices, including the Unicorn
Expanded Keyboard and TASH Ability Switches, described below.  It will
also accept input from scanning, morse code and other input devices
to allow non-keyboarded computer entry.  Requires 256K RAM and a
serial port (can run either COM 1 or 2).  Runs transparent to most
applications software.  Includes hardware unit, utility software (with
both 3-1/2 and 5-1/4" diskettes), and manual.  $300.00.
 90-2199 Unicorn Expanded Keyboard  from Unicorn Engineering is an
oversized (20" wide, 10" high), 128 "key" touchpad which allows easy
keyboard use by impaired, one-finger or stylus typists.  Overlays can
be programmed which allow each of the 1-1/4" square keys (arranged in
an 8 row, 16 column grid) to represent not only single characters
but also entire words, phrases, or command sequences.  Keys can be
grouped to form larger target areas.  Although workable with any
applications software, it does require the DADA "PC Serial Aid" for
connection to the CPU serial port.  Washable surface.  Includes a 6 ft.
ribbon cable (connects to PC Serial Aid), an assortment of printed
overlay sheets, and manual.  (The software required comes with the PC
Serial Aid.)  $325.
 "Ability Switches"  from Technical Aids and Systems for the
Handicapped Inc (TASH) allow very basic computer entry for the highly
disabled.  All require the DADA "PC Serial Aid" for connection to the
CPU serial port.
 90-2201 Dual-Action "Pneumatic Switch":   Operated by sipping or
puffing on a straw-like tube to generate two separate computer input
signals.  Internal saliva trap which can be cleaned.  (Requires CA-2
Adaptor, 90-2205, described below.)  $220.
 90-2205 CA-2 "Connector Adaptor":   Used to connect a dual-action
switch to the PC Serial Aid.  $27.50.
 90-2203 "Cup Switch":   1.8" diameter pressure switch in a plastic
"cup" base.  $40.70.
 90-2204 "Mini Cup Switch":   Similar to above, but 1" diameter.  $33.
 90-2202 "Square Pad Switch":   Large 5-1/2" square target area on
top surface pressure switch.  $77.
 90-2194 "Plate Switch":   Low profile membrane switch with 3-1/2"
round red target zone.  $55.
 
MOM-06-88
NEW NETWORK PRODUCTS
90-1651 MultiConnect Repeater  $1,095.00 -  
MultiConnect is a modular, multiport repeater that allows you
to connect multiple segments of your network together.
Remember, the maximum segment lengths in 3Com are 1000 feet,
so to go beyond this you will need to use this repeater.
The base repeater contains slots for up to 15 "modules". The
modules can be either of two types; "Thin" or "Thick".
 90-1652 Thin Ethernet Module  $230.00 -  
The Thin Ethernet Module is the most popular.  It is used for
connecting "thin" Ethernet segments.  If you had a cable run
of 2000 feet, you would order one MultiConnect repeater and
two thin Ethernet Modules.  The MultiConnect repeater would
be located in the middle of the two 1000 foot segments.
 90-1653 Thick Ethernet Module  $175.00 -  
The Thick Ethernet Module is needed when standard or thick
Ethernet cable is used.  An external transceiver (90-1617) is
used to connect the cable to the repeater via a transceiver
cable (90-1618).
 90-1626 150MB Disk Expansion Unit  $5,295.00 -  
This hard disk expansion unit adds 150MB to an existing
3S/401 for a system total of 300MB.
 90-1627 150MB Disk option  $3,995.00 -  
This hard disk option adds another 150MB to the 150MB Disk
Expansion Unit for a system total of 450MB.
 90-1680 3+Macintosh  $495.00 -  
This product allows a Macintosh to be connected to a 3S/201
server on a 3Com network using the Localtalk port on the
3S/201.  Server and workstation software provides Macintosh
workstation access to File/Print services on the 3Server
running 3+Share.  Also includes Macintosh user software for
File/Print and Name services, and network administration.
 
MOM-05-88
MEMRORY SITUATION - LISTEN UP!
Even with all the memos and SOS messages concerning the current memory
situation, backorders have been building at an extraordinary rate.
Also, it seems that you still have not gotten the message that the
25-3062 kit is for the 25-4030 Tandy 3000 memory card, and older Tandy
3000's, and not for use with the Tandy 1000 SX.
The correct memory upgrade kit for the Tandy 1000 SX is 25-1079.
Effective on May 11, all backorders of the 25-3062 and 25-1079 have
been canceled. For bonafide customer orders for upgrading of Tandy
CPU's, you will need to place a new order with TEW.
Please make sure that you order only bonafide customer requirements,
and not for general stock. Otherwise, you can expect the canceling of
backorders to be a common occurrence.
 
MOM-05-88
20 MEG BERNOULLI CLEANING KIT RECALL
Our vendor on the Bernoulli Cleaning Kit, 26-1382, has recently
discovered through its quality control program that the cleaning
cartridge, if not inserted straight, can bend the pin in the drive
mechanism that is used to open the cartridge shutter. A bent pin then
may not allow proper insertion of recording cartridges, resulting in
drive operating failure or damage.
Our vendor, Iomega, has therefore redesigned the cleaning cartridge,
providing a wider pin slot:
All cartridges currently being shipped from TEW are of the improved
type. However, in the interest of avoiding any possible field problems
from bent shutter pins, Iomega has instituted a field recall program to
EXCHANGE all old cleaning cartridges. In other words, Iomega wants all
old style cleaning cartridges back from your customer or store, whether
they are new or used and whether Tandy or Iomega branded.
The procedure is to call Iomega at this toll free number: (800)
778-4123.
They will provide you with a return material authorization number (RMA)
and the appropriate shipping address. It is sufficient to return the
cartridge itself (without the fluid or extra cleaning pads) to get the
new replacement cleaning kit.
 
MOM-05-88
3COM SOFTWARE SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE
There will no longer be any FREE upgrades offered by 3COM. For a
customer to be up to date on current versions of 3Com's network
software, they must sign up for 3Com's Software Subscription Service
(SSS). Once the customer signs up for the SSS they are entitled to ALL
releases of 3+Share (and any other services such as 3+Route, 3+Mail,
3+Start, and so on) from 3Com for a one year period.
SSS is now available through the Training and Support Centers for
$300.00.
If the customer is currently on version 1.2.1 the cost is $300.00. If
they're on a previous version (1.1) the cost is $1000.00. No Tandy
customer should have to pay the $1000.00 because all TSC's can upgrade
a customer's site to version 1.2.1.
3Com is about to release version 1.3.1. This version will become the
current version 60 days after it is released. In other words, it will
cost the customer $1000.00 to buy the SSS 60 days after 1.3.1 is
released because 1.2.1 will no longer be the current version. The TSC
will NOT be able to upgrade the customer to 1.3.1. ONLY BY BUYING THE
SSS WILL THE UPGRADE BE AVAILABLE.
So every time you sell a 3COM network, sell a SSS to make sure the
customer will remain on the most current version of the network
software.
 
MOM-05-88
DCM-212 MODEM WITH NOT FOR RESALE LABEL
About January 1987, a small number of 26-1385 DCM-212 1200 baud modems
marked with a colored label that reads "NOT FOR RESALE" were sent to
new stores as an interim measure for use in the S.O.S. system. They
were not for sale to the public.
If you are now using one of these modems in your S.O.S system, please
contact Store Computer Services at (817) 390-2795 for instructions on
how to return it for replacement.
 
MOM-05-88
TANDY 3000/HL/4000 ACCESSORY LISTS ATTACHED
Attached to this Memo of the Month are several accessory lists for the
Tandy 3000/4000 line. This by no means includes all possible add-ons,
but you can use them as a sales tool to configure systems and
illustrate the basic options.
 
MOM-05-88
PRODUCTS DISCONTINUED
 
DISCONTINUED
90-3051 Rags To Riches Receivables
90-3052 Rags To Riches Payable
90-3053 Rags To Riches Ledger
90-3054 Rags To Riches 3 Pack
90-0153 BPI General Accounting
90-0327 Great Plains Crop Management
90-0415 XMenu (Model 6000)
90-3211 XENIX Tutor
 
AVAILABILITY CODE CHANGES
On the dates shown, the following products will undergo
availability code changes to become more restricted in types of stores
stocking for credit. 
The chart shows which store types DID get inventory credit, but no longer
will. Use this information to recognize those products that may be in your
store which you need to sell because you will no longer get inventory credit.
Effective July 1, 1988:
 
MOM-05-88
STANDARD MICROSYSTEMS ARCNET PC-110 BOARD 90-1685
An ARCNET board is available though EOH at 295.00 as 90-1685. This
board is compatible with our previous ARCNET board
 
MOM-05-88
EASY PRINT 3 FROM SERVER TECHNOLOGY 90-1690
Are people waiting to share your laser printer? How many hours per
week do PC users lose while they wait in line with their print jobs on
a diskette to use the only laser printer or wide carriage printer?
Sharing a printer provides excellent productivity and economic benefits
to a workgroup.
PC Magazine reviewed EasyPRINT as the "Best Bargain in Printer
Sharing". Included with this Memo of the Month (for Computer Centers)
is an EasyPrint brochure that descibes the product. Additional
EasyPRINT brochures are available, plus an EasyPRINT Sales/Training
guide. Call the manufacturer Server Technology toll free 800-835-1515
to receive them.
90-1690 EasyPRINT is in stock and available for $349.95 though EOH.
 
MOM-05-88
MICROCOM AX/9624C MODEM FOR 3COM - 90-2183
Through Express Order, we are now offering our first truly
high-performance, 3COM-ready modem: the Microcom AX/9624C. Although
this is not a V.32 modem, it does offer throughput of up to 19,200 bps
on dial-up lines with MNP level 5 data compression and level 6 error
correction, and it is able to drop down to 2400 bps (V.22 bis) and 1200
bps (Bell 212A/103) and to connect with non-MNP modems. It is also
capable of synchronous operation. Sell price is $1299.
Keep the following points of caution in mind when considering this
modem:
1. To take advantage of the potential of this modem, it must be used at
both ends of the link.
2. For optimum performance under 3COM with a pair of AX/9624c modems,
the following settings:
 
FRONT PANEL BACK PANEL
1 UP DOWN
2 DOWN UP
3 DOWN UP
4 DOWN DOWN
5 DOWN UP
6 UP DOWN
7 DOWN DOWN
8 DOWN DOWN
)
For 3+ Remote or 3+ Route, user and server settings are:
MODEM TYPE: Trailblazer
SPEED: 19,200
3. While it works well with 3COM, it is NOT effective for XENIX.
Current
versions do not handle the Xenix data packets effectively, and
throughput
is badly retarded.
4. The MS-DOS operating system with most communications software is not
really suitable for the high-speed data flows encountered at 9600 and
above. For example, COM 1 or 2 under DOS are limited to 9600 bps and
easily overrun at high speeds. Additionally, MS-DOS applications in
OS/2
compatible mode is only suitable for speeds of 4800 bps and below.
 
MOM-05-88
AVR MEGASCAN II SCANNER - 90-2210
The MegaScan II Scanner System is a complete scanning system that
includes a sophisticated scan oriented paint software program which
includes support for GEM applications, A RAM disk called MegaDisk, a
screen capture utility, a simple text editor called MegaWrite, a Tool
Kit for software engineers, additional softfonts for the LP 1000 Laser
Printer, an AVR-302 FlatBed Scanner, 1.3Meg RAM MegaBuffer Interface,
LP 1000 Laser Printer Interface, 32 level gray scale image capability,
and many more features.
It has support for the optional MegaRead OCR program (90-2211). By
capturing, manipulating, and printing images directly from the 1.3 Meg
RAM MegaBuffer card you get scan to print in less than 20 seconds in
most cases. This speed in processing sets it apart from the normal
scanners on the market.
The AVR Megascan II Scanner retails for $3290.00.
Included with this Memo of the Month for Computer Centers and Zs is a
page with more information on this full feature scanning system.
 
MOM-05-88
AVR MEGAREAD OCR PROGRAM - 90-221
MegaRead OCR is used only in conjunction with the AVR MegaScan II
Scanning System (90-2210, see above). It provides Optical Character
recognition (OCR) for the MegaScan II that allows the Tandy 3000/4000
computer line to "read" typewritten documents. Documents can be read
into WordPerfect, Wordstar, and ASCII formats. In addition the package
is user trainable to read additional symbols and fonts. (NOTE: Not all
fonts and typestyles are readable. Check with the vendor before selling
for other than standard typewriter fonts.)
The AVR Megaread OCR Program is available for $495.00.
Included with this Memo of the Month for Computer Centers and Zs is a
page with more information on this full feature scanning system.
 
MOM-05-88
26-3651 CASSETTE INTERFACE FOR PC-6
Although neither 26-3651 Cassette Interface nor 26-3652 Printer for
the PC-6 Pocket Computer are now available at the warehouse, both have
been reordered for arrival about 9/1/88. In the meantime, customer
orders should be filled from the large inventory that remains in the
field.
Effective July 1, 26-3651 becomes availability code 18 (Special Order),
same as 26-3652. When additional inventory becomes available at the
warehouse, it should be ordered only to fill specific customer orders.
In other words, although the PC-6 is stocked by all store types, the
related accessories will not be.
 
MOM-05-88
3000 HL DEMO - FC-330
Nothing speaks better of price/performance and potential of the
3000 HL as a stand alone or as a network workstation than demonstrating
it with the graphics of the 3000HL demo FC-330. Unit cost only $23.24.
For your more technically literate customers the 3000 HL Technical
Reference Manual (25-4105) proves beyond a doubt that Tandy is not just
another "clone" manufacturer, but a technology innovater.
 
MOM-05-88
DELUXE TEXT DISPLAY ADAPTER AND VM-5 MONITORS
GOOD NEWS! The 25-3046 Deluxe Text Display Adapter ($99.95) has
been reworked and now available to support the 25-3011 VM-5 ($149.95)
monochrome monitor.
 
MOM-05-88
25-4060 HARD DISK CONTROLLER
The 25-4060 Hard Disk Controller supports both hard disks and the
higher access speeds needed to support 1.4 MB 3.5 inch or 1.2MB 5.25
inch floppy disk drives on the 3000 HL (25-4071).
When selling the 3000 HL as a stand alone system, the customer will
appreciate that you have anticipated both their potential growth
requirements and "pocket book" selecting a hard disk controller that
can support high capacity removable storage. As a workstation, the
25-4060 on a 3000 HL can initially provide high capacity removable
storage and a follow-up sale of a hard disk.
 
MOM-05-88
EXTERNAL 720K 3 1/2" DISK DRIVES WITH TANDY 1200 HD
If you have a Tandy 1200 HD customer who wishes to purchase and install
a 90-2134 external 720K 3 1/2" Manzana disk drive, please make them
aware of the following information:
If the Tandy 1200 they have is a 7-slot motherboard with a full height
Tandon 5 1/4" disk drive, an accessory internal cable is needed to hook
the Manzana drive.
If the customer needs this cable, they can order it from Manzana
Microsystems directly (P. O. Box 2117, Goleta, CA 93118) for a cost of
$15.00. The customer should ask for the "Tandy 1200 HD Accessory Kit".
 
MOM-05-88
KURTA DIGITIZER TABLETS (90-2195/90-2196)
These two tablets are shipped from the vendor with a 4 button
cursor already in the package. You do not need to order a separate
cursor for the tablets that you order. The 4 Button Cursor (90-2197) is
a replacement cursor only in case the original cursor is lost or
broken.
Note also that the 4 button cursor can only be used with
90-2195/90-2196 tablets and cannot be used with the older Series I
tablets we sold through Express Order.
 
MOM-05-88
SCO XENIX DEMO - FC-277
Is your potential customer seeking a low cost multi-user solution,
but has heard how "unfriendly" XENIX can be? Show them the
power/price/performance of XENIX on a Tandy 4000 with FC-0004 SCO XENIX
386 demo. Unit cost only $110.00.
 
MOM-05-88
HARMONY PAYROLL - STATE TAX ROUTINES
All registered owners of Harmony Payroll (25-1203) are entitled to
an initial set of the most up-to-date state withholding tax routines at
no charge. Complete the order form enclosed in the package and place a
check mark beside the states in your affected area.
The initial set of tax routines is provided at no charge directly from
Open Systems. This set of tax routines will be up-to-date at the time
they are shipped to the customer. Open Systems provides a state tax
update service for a $150 per year charge for subsequent updates.
Once the initial set of tax routines is installed, the state and
federal tables are easily modified by the end user or Training &
Support personnel to reflect changes for the new tax year.
Please remind your Harmony Payroll customers to REGISTER THE SOFTWARE
with Open Systems. This will insure that the customer is notified of
any changes in W-2 forms, magnetic media requirements, and any other
changes in government reporting requirements.
 
MOM-05-88
VIANET 26-1221 AND 26-1220
We have discontinued the current version (03.05.23) of ViaNet for
the 2000 and the PC version is SOWG. This version of ViaNet will be
discontinued, but as continued support of ViaNet an upgrade will be
offered that has improved performance.
 
Features of the new ViaNet version are:
 
Maximum number of files open is increased from 99 to 255
Local performance has been improved by:
Converting ViaNet from C to assembler
Servicing foreground tasks more efficiently
Allowing DOS to handle local FCB requests
Performance across the network was improved by:
Rewriting the MACASGN utility
Minimizing network traffic
Printing was improved by:
Print redirection from within applications
Prints faster when an applications are running on the ViaSpool node
A greater number of applications are supported
The network drive is configureable (previously set to Z:)
Allows nested MACASGN's
Sell off all copies of ViaNet, including any demo copies, and all
ViaNet related products like the 26-6504 passive hub and the 26-6508
active hub.
We will advise you when the new version of ViaNet is available.
 
MOM-05-88
3+MAIL VERSION 1.3
The latest greatest version of 26-5515 3+Mail $595.00 is 1.3 and
this version is required when used on a 3S/401 386 Server. Some new
features of this new version are Return Receipt mail, Search and Sort,
"Hot Key" to DOS, and multiple folders.
The previous version of 3+Mail (26-5511) is $100.00 cheaper and still
works on PC-Servers and 3S/201 servers.
 
MOM-05-88
OPEN SYSTEMS ACCOUNTING SOFTWARE - OSAS
The following modules are now available through Express Order:
90-1549 Resource Manager 286 695.00
90-1550 Resource Manager 386 995.00
90-1551 General Ledger 795.00
90-1552 Accounts Receivable 795.00
90-1554 Payroll 795.00
90-1555 Inventory 795.00
90-1556 Sales Order Processing 695.00
90-1557 Human Resource Manager 895.00
90-1558 Materials Management III 1795.00
90-1562 Time Billing 995.00
90-1564 Fixed Assets 695.00
90-1565 Project Estimating 395.00
90-1567 Job Cost 695.00
Please note that Resource Manager 286 (90-1549) or Resource Manager 386
(90-1550) IS REQUIRED FOR INSTALLATION.
The OSAS Resource Manager contains the Extended Business BASIC (BBx)
interpreter, modifiable windows, installation utilities, printer
definitions, and system maintenance utilities. Users of the 386 version
will realize a 40 percent increase in speed over the 286 version.
All OSAS modules will run on either SCO XENIX 286 or 386. Both 5 1/4
and 3 1/2 inch media is included with each package.
 
MOM-05-88
TRSCROSS - CORRECTION TO RSC-19
In RSC-19, the hardware requirements for 90-3212 TRSCROSS are
listed incorrectly.
 
These are the correct minimum hardware requirements: PC-Compatible, DOS
2.11 or greater, one 5 1/4 inch floppy, 384K RAM and DMA.
 
MOM-05-88
EGA PAINT 2005 - DEMO INSTRUCTIONS
RIX Softworks has provided a self running demonstration of 90-3272 EGA
Paint 2005 for all stores in this months mailing. The demo software is
contained on (4) 360K format diskettes and has been customized for
Radio Shack stores.
Demo Minimum System Requirements: 384K RAM, 1 Floppy Drive, Hard Disk,
and EGA adapter.
Installation Instructions
1) At the "C:" prompt type: MD EGA <ENTER>
CD EGA <ENTER>
2) Insert diskette 1 of 4 in Drive A or B and type:
COPY A:*.* <ENTER> OR COPY B:*.* <ENTER>
Repeat the above command for each of the 4 diskettes.
3) To begin the software demo, type the following. Or you can create a
batch
file to execute these commands:
CD \EGA <ENTER>
EGADEMO <ENTER>
EGA Paint 2005 is priced at $129.00. A winner of the PC Tech Journal
Award for Excellence in Program Design, EGA Paint 2005 makes drawing
fun for everyone. Product features include 33 fonts, dual brush system,
variable spray airbrush tool, and image resolution support from 640 x
200 to 800 x 600.
Minimum System Requirements: 384K RAM, 2 Floppy Drives or 1 Floppy and
Hard Disk, and EGA adapter.
 
MOM-05-88
TANDY EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT PROFILES - FC-353
The Tandy Educational Product Profiles - 2nd Edition is now
available from TEW. The new edition is being drop-shipped (1 each) to
GEMM's, TSC's, 11 Centers, and 01Z Stores. Extra copies will be
available for order for a limited time.
The 2nd Edition has both revised and new Product Profiles. It is
designed to completely replace the previous edition. The information on
the Profiles has been re-verified, any necessary corrections applied,
and consistency with the catalogs checked.
We think you'll like the new layout and organization of the manual.
Each category section is organized by stock number, and there's a scope
and sequence chart summarizing CPUs, grade levels, and learning areas
(where appropriate) for each product. Now you only need to know a
product's stock number and category to find it -- no more bothering
with page numbers!
 
Other features include:
Alphabetical Index
Hardware Index
Vendor Quick Reference
Category Tabs
2 inch "D" Ring Binder
Special Needs Information
We're are excited about the 2nd Edition of the Tandy Educational
Product Profiles. Let us know what you think!
 
MOM-05-88
TRACKSTAR 128 TEST RESULTS UPDATE
The latest test results of the 25-1028 Trackstar 128 conducted by
Dr. Chris Templar as of May 12, 1988 are now available.
425 Apple software products were tested. The percentage which ran on
the Tandy 1000 TX and SX were:
94.59% 25-1600 Tandy 1000 TX (5 1/4" disk drive is required)
98.22% 25-1052 Tandy 1000 SX (Test results of SX's currently shipping)
FPBASIC is required to run some of the Apple programs with Trackstar.
If your customer does not already have a copy of FPBASIC, Diversified
Software Research, Inc. sells a program called Diversicopy ($30). This
program disk has the FPBASIC file on it. The one time $30 fee is a
school district wide license. Customers may order this program from:
 
Diversified Software Research, Inc.
34880 Bunker Hill
Farmington, MI 48331-3236
(313) 553-9460 (3-5 pm EST)
(800) 835-2246 EXT. 127 (orders only)
 
The test results are being sent to the GEMM's, and Education Support
Specialists.
 
MOM-05-88
AUDIO PLAY FOR HITACHI CD-ROM DRIVE
Below is shown a BASIC program that lets our Hitachi 1503S CD-ROM
drive play audio discs. The user places the audio disc in the drive and
runs the program by typing BASIC PLAY or BASICA PLAY.
Headphones with one-eighth inch plugs can plug directly into the stereo
headphone jack in the front of the drive.
For a small inexpensive MONO amplifier, the user can connect these
items and plug them into the headphone jack in the front of the drive:
277-1008 Audio Amplifier with Built-In Speaker $11.95
420-2420 Mini Phone Plug to Mini Phone Plug Cable 2.29
A third alternative is connecting a standard audio amplifier to the
audio line output jacks on the back of the drive.
The BASIC program causes the audio disc to play from beginning to end.
While the audio is playing, the user can do anything else with the
computer, even reboot it, without interfering with the audio. The user
can turn off the computer power without affecting the audio, but
turning it on stops the audio. Pressing the Door Open switch on the
CD-ROM drive will stop the audio and open the door.
 
3 REM  SHORTPLAY for Hitachi CDR1503S CD-ROM Drive twr09Mar88
100 KEY OFF:CLS:PRTA=&H300:PRTC=&H302:OUT &H303,130:CMD=1:NOCMD=0:GOSUB
3200
101 REM \ Define I/O Address, Set Mode of PortA to out
200 CLS:SYSTEM
3000 OUT PRTC,NOCMD:OUT PRTA,255:OUT PRTC,CMD:GOSUB 3050:RETURN
3001 REM \ Clear Command Counter
3050 ACK=INP(&H301):IF ACK<>2 THEN GOTO 3050
3051 REM \ Wait for Drive to Acknowledge command
3060 OUT PRTC,NOCMD:RETURN
3061 REM \ Set command line to no cmd
3200 GOSUB 3000:OUT PRTA,232:OUT PRTC,CMD:GOSUB 3050
3201 REM \ Send Track play command
3210 OUT PRTA,1:OUT PRTC,CMD:GOSUB 3050
3211 REM \ Send Start Track in BCD
3220 OUT PRTA,153:OUT PRTC,CMD:GOSUB 3050:RETURN
3221 REM \ Send Ending track of 99 after conversion to BCD 99>BCD>153
32000 REM \ Drive Will play all tracks of audio CD and pause
32001 REM \ For shortest version, eliminate rems, and make a batch file
PLAY.BAT with contents:
32002 REM \ BASICA PLAY.BAS
 
MOM-05-88
TANDY 1400 LT - SOFTWARE REGISTRATIONS NEEDED
When the Tandy 1400 LT was first released, we did not include Software
Registration Cards in them for the MS-DOS/BASIC that is shipped with
this unit. This situation has now been remedied, but we still need your
help to get the names and addresses of those customers who purchased
1400 LTs without the registration cards. This information will be
necessary in the event we want to notify these customers of any kind of
upgrade to their operating system software.
Please write the names and addresses of your Tandy 1400 LT customers on
a store letterhead and send it to:
Radio Shack Computer Customer Service
Tandy 1400 LT Software Registration
400 Atrium, One Tandy Center
Ft. Worth, TX 76102
 
MOM-04-88
INTRODUCING THE TANDY 5000 MC PROFESSIONAL SYSTEM
On April 21, 1988, at the Hotel Pierre in New York City, Tandy
Corporation announced its next move in personal computers - the Tandy
5000 MC Professional System, our most powerful 386 based personal
computer ever.
The Tandy 5000 MC will be available in limited quantities in June for
evaluation by certain large customers (these orders will be coordinated
through your Regional Managers). Volume deliveries will commence in the
third quarter.
The Tandy 5000 MC is targeted at the following markets:
 
CAD/CAM
With its high-speed processing power and VGA graphics
capability, the Tandy 5000 MC makes the ideal CAD/CAM workstation.
 
COMPUTER AIDED ENGINEERING
Because of its 20 MHz clock,
high-speed memory caching and 80387 co-processor support, the 5000 MC
is perfect for all types of Computer Aided Engineering in a variety of
fields.
 
DESKTOP PUBLISHING
The ever increasing demands placed on desktop
publishing solutions - more memory and disk storage, high-quality
display graphics and high-performance processing power - all add up to
the features found in the Tandy 5000 MC.
 
LOCAL AREA NETWORKS
As the hub of a LAN, the 5000 MC complements
the Tandy Workgroup solutions offered by Tandy and 3Com(R). Very high
throughput on the bus, as well as overall system performance, make the
Tandy 5000 MC ideally suited for networking solutions.
POWER USER
Large database manipulation, spreadsheet and other
data/numeric intensive applications will operate with maximum throughput.
 
MULTIUSER ENVIRONMENTS
Imagine a whole department connected to a
Tandy 5000 MC - all accessing and updating information via low-cost
data terminals. The SCO(TM) XENIX(R) 386 operating system makes it
possible. With UNIX(R) based applications for accounting, database and
engineering, the Tandy 5000 MC is a powerhouse in multiuser
environments.
 
COMPATIBILITY
Of course, for those customers making significant
investments in the 80386, VGA and IBM(R) Micro Channel(TM)
architecture, the Tandy 5000 MC is the best alternative from a leader
in computer technology: Tandy Corporation.
While the new Tandy 5000 MC will appeal to select corporate customers
and some industry specific end-users, the vast majority will be more
than satisfied with our current 286 and 386 offerings like the Tandy
3000 HL, Tandy 3000 and our extremely successful Tandy 4000. We now
offer our customers a choice in high performance personal computing
systems made possible by Tandy technology.
When available, the Tandy 5000 MC will be stocked by Radio Shack
Computer Centers, and will be available for special order (but not
stocked) by 01Zs.
We will begin accepting CUSTOMER ONLY backorders effective immediately
on the following items:
 
Stock # Description               Retail Price
25-6000 Tandy 5000 MC base system $4999.00
25-6001 Tandy 5000 MC with 40 MB Hard Drive <19ms $6499.00
25-6002 Tandy 5000 MC with 84 MB Hard Drive <15ms $6999.00
25-4040 VGM-100 Monochrome Analog Monitor $ 199.95
25-4041 VGM-200 Color Analog Monitor (.42 dot pitch) $ 499.95
25-4042 VGM-300 Color Analog Monitor (.31 dot pitch) $ 629.00
 
Additional options and accessories will be forthcoming.
(3Com/Reg. TM 3Com Corp, SCO/TM the Santa Cruz Operation, XENIX/Reg. TM
Microsoft Corp., UNIX/Reg. TM AT&T, IBM/Reg. TM and Micro Channel/TM
IBM Corporation)
 
MOM-04-88
TANDY THOR-CD - MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH IN OPTICAL MEDIA
On the next page is the text of a press release concerning Tandy's
THOR-CD announcement on April 21. This is a 'breakthrough' announcement
that shows off Tandy Technology at its highest. While of long-term
importance, please understand that what was announced was the
technology to read, record and erase optical discs. No products were
announced. It will be 18 to 24 months before products using this
technology will appear on the market.
 
MOM-04-88
TANDY THOR-CD (TM)
Tandy Corporation announced on April 21, 1988, a revolutionary
development in optical disc media: TANDY THOR-CD. With the introduction
of Tandy THOR-CD technology, it is now possible to record and erase
digital information on a CD-compatible optical disc.
Using a laser beam, TANDY THOR-CD can repeatedly record, playback,
store and erase music, data or video on a disc that can be used with
all existing CD audio and CD-ROM players.
Just as important, TANDY THOR-CD will be an inexpensive media. It is
expected to be less expensive than alternate digital audio formats,
including digital audio tape (DAT).
"TANDY THOR-CD will have applications in several fields of
electronics," stated John V. Roach, President, CEO and Chairman of the
Board of Tandy Corporation. "TANDY THOR-CD's commercialization in audio
should be rapid, its applicability in mass memory is long sought after,
and it may have video applications as well."
TANDY THOR-CD playback technology follows the same technique used in
conventional optical discs: using a laser beam to read a series of
microscopic pits in a light reflecting disc.
What makes TANDY THOR-CD the technological breakthrough in optical
media is that the pits, while environmentally stable and permanent in
nature, can be erased, allowing editing and re-recording, over and over
again.
According to Robert McClure, President of Tandy Electronics
Manufacturing, "The first commercial use of TANDY THOR-CD will be
CD-audio. The next likely commercial product is a data storage device.
TANDY THOR-CD technology will fit well in the high-density storage
field with storage capabilities in the hundreds of megabytes per
five-inch disc."
"Tandy," stated Roach, "is actively working with key electronics
innovators around the world to license this technique for use in
hardware and for production of media. The likelihood that very low cost
mechanisms to implement the technique will be developed makes it highly
attractive."
Organizations interested in participating in the development and
production of TANDY THOR-CD Technology should contact:
TANDY THOR-CD Technologies
1300 One Tandy Center
Fort Worth, TX 76102
Telephone: (817) 390-3693
(TANDY THOR-CD is a trademark of Tandy Corporation)
 
MOM-04-88
DRAM MEMORY SITUATION UPDATE
The following is the text of an article from PC-Week Magazine that will
help give you perspective on the current DRAM memory situation.
It is imperative that you understand this situation and endeavor to
insure that you are able to satisfy your CPU customer upgrade needs.
Our memory kits are currently on allocation to all stores. You should
try to fill your CPU customer needs from field stock.
 
MOM-04-88
WHEN THE CHIPS ARE DOWN, USERS PAY
(Reprinted with permission of PC Week, March 15, 1988.
1988 Ziff Communications Company.)
 
For many PC buyers and users, dealing with shortages and price hikes
for memory chips and circuit boards is a new experience.
For a long time, computer manufacturers have told their customers
low-cost memory technology is one of the key historical factors that
have made it possible for hardware engineers to create machines that
are ever more powerful and compact, yet affordable.
The semiconductor industry seems to be gainsaying the prospects for
continued price/performance improvements in computer hardware with the
chip-price increases that started six months ago. Industry analysts say
shortages and higher prices are likely to continue at least through the
end of summer.
This has developed just as PC manufacturers are trying to introduce new
computers with greatly increased memory, processing and graphics
capabilities. OS/2 users need at least 2M bytes of RAM just to use the
new operating system with enough memory left to run their applications.
PS/2x and high-end DOS machines have been designed to give users access
to up to 16M bytes of memory.
Such powerful products require scarce and expensive 256K- and 1M-bit
DRAM (dynamic random-access memory) chips. The latest news indicates
that shortages are also developing for 64K-by-4-bit chips used on PC
video graphics boards.
If chip prices continue to spiral, PC buyers may have a hard time
justifying the expense. However, many organizations will buy the chips
and the products at whatever the price, because they are essential for
their current projects and business goals.
PC users can rest assured that the semiconductor business is no
different from any other, experiencing market cycles of growth and
decline. Semiconductor-industry analysts know that chip makers have
long experienced a five-year cycle of demand-boom and bust. The slump
they experienced through 1985-86 was exacerbated because it occurred
early in the five-year cycle, caught makers with exceptionally large
inventories and started in the midst of cutthroat international
competition.
Increases in demand and prices have encouraged U.S. chip manufacturers
to warily get back into the market for 256K-bit chips that they had all
but totally conceded to the Japanese. Most of the production for these
chips is still centered in Asia.
 
The higher prices can be attributed in part to trade restrictions and
the low international value of the dollar, which have discouraged
Japanese chip manufacturers from dumping their surplus stocks on the
U.S. market.
Chip manufacturers realize they live a symbiotic existence with
computer makers. The shortages and high prices can't last for long. PC
buyers enduring slow delivery of products can be confident that as chip
makers increase production and their yields of 256K-bit and the
relatively new 1M-bit chips, prices and supply will stabilize.
In the meantime, semiconductor engineers will continue to develop
high-capacity memory chips to ensure that low-cost memory supports the
creation of ever more advanced and economical microcomputers.
 
MOM-04-88
HARMONY ACCOUNTING SERIES - SALES SUPPORT TOOLS
FC-0154 Harmony Product Flyer ($3.30 - Pkg of 10) - Six page
brochure in full color, provides an overview of Harmony features and
benefits by application.
FC-0155 Harmony Product Specification Sheet ($10.23 - Pkg of 10) -
Product specification sheets, each describing the features of an
individual Harmony module.
FC-0156 Harmony Qualified Installer Brochure ($4.62 - Pkg 10) - Full
color brochure describing the Harmony Qualified Installer Program.
FC-0335 Harmony Videotape ($8.09) - Provides an overview of accounting
and business operations. Sales techniques are covered in detail for the
Harmony product line.
 
MOM-04-88
BROCHURES INCLUDED WITH THIS MONTH'S M.O.M.
90-3268 Graph-in-the-Box
Enclosed with this month's Memo of the Month you'll find a self-running
demo, brochure and cover letter for Graph-in-the-Box from New England
Software. This RAM-resident presentation graphics utility lets you
capture numerical and text data directly from the screen of virtually
any program, then instantly display and print graphs in ten different
formats.
 
25-1225 Q & A
Rated number 1 by Software Digest, InfoWorld and PC Magazine,
Symantec's integrated file manager/word processor now is even better.
Along with this month's Memo of the Month you'll find brochures to help
you demonstrate the benefits of 3.0 Q & A to your customers. (Note:
these brochures also contain information on Symantec's Q & A Write
product, our catalog number 90-3265).
See the April 1988's Best listing at the end of this Memo of the
Month for more information on both of these products.
 
MOM-04-88
PRICE CHANGES
Stock # Product             Old Price  New Price
90-0412 VersaCAD Advanced 4.0 $1995.00 $395.00
90-0193 T.CAD Professional Mod 4 245.00 145.00
90-0238 Amortizer III 89.00 49.95
 
 
MOM-04-88
PRODUCTS CANCELED, DISCONTINUED AND REPLACED
 
CANCELED PRODUCTS
90-2140 PLUS Hard Drive Controller for Tandy 1000 EX/HX
 
DISCONTINUED AND REPLACED/MOVED
25-4033 80287-8 Math Co-processor (Replaced by 90-2191 at $410.00)
26-3904 BASIC ROM Model 600 (Now available at Tandy Consumer Mail
Center)
90-0215 Accounting Partner Plus (Replaced by 90-3321 Accounting Partner
90-2154 EMS5150 with 256K on board (Replaced by 90-2161 EMS5150T with
0K (zero K),
priced at $229.95 on board, priced at $199.99)
 
DISCONTINUED
26-5403 Programmer's Reference Guide Tandy 2000
26-6212 Query-16
90-0428 Fiscal Financial
90-0430 Fiscal Inventory/POS
90-0429 Fiscal Payroll
SOLD OUT WHEN GONE
90-0307 VENIX 86 System V
90-2021 GPIB-PC2000 Card
90-2022 GPIB-PC DOS Software
90-2113 PC-Mouse Serial
90-2114 PC-Mouse Bus
 
AVAILABILITY CODE CHANGES
On the dates shown, the following products will undergo
availability code changes to become more restricted in types of stores
stocking for credit. 
The chart shows which store types DID get
inventory credit, but no longer will.
Use this information to
recognize those products that may be in your store which you need to
sell because you will no longer get inventory credit.
Effective July 1, 1988:
 
MOM-04-88
THE COMPLETE HAND SCANNER - 90-2108
The Complete Hand Scanner scans graphic images to put into MS-DOS PCs.
It can scan an image up to 2 1/2 by 10". It includes Soft Stationery
software which displays the image as it is scanned and saves the image
to a variety of formats. Once saved in a paint program, the image can
be edited and put into a publishing program. See the attachment at the
end of this Memo of the Month for more information.
 
MOM-04-88
THE COMPLETE FAX - 90-2109
The Complete FAX is an add-in board for MS-DOS personal computers which
serves as a facsimile machine compatible with any Group III facsimile
machine in the world. Using its on-board microprocessor, The Complete
FAX digitizes the document to be FAXed and stores it on the computer's
hard disk. See the attachment at the end of this Memo of the Month for
more information.
 
MOM-04-88
"MUART" 4 PORT MIDI INTERFACE - 90-2119
The "MUART" 4 Port MIDI Interface and "SPIRIT" Sequencing Software
is now available!
Music hobbyists can now record and playback professional music using
the same techniques used by most of today's recording artists. Using
"M.I.D.I." (musical instrument digital interface) connectors found on
most electronic musical instruments today, you and your PC-compatible
can produce quality arrangements, music backgrounds for your home
videos, and "sing along" accompaniments.
The MuART MIDI interface is the only one that allows up to four
musicians to record at the same time into one computer! It comes
complete with a PC controller card, midi junction box, "SPIRIT"
software, cable and step by step owner's manual. Everything comes ready
to easily install into your computer of 256K of memory or more. See the
attachment at the end of this Memo of the Month for more information.
 
MOM-04-88
TOKENLINK AND TOKENLINK PLUS BOARDS NOW AVAILABLE
Large corprate customers have been demanding TokenRing products and we
have responded. We now carry in Express Order the 3Com Tokenlink
(90-1620) and TokenLink Plus (90-1614) boards. These boards are
completly compatible with IBM's TokenRing boards.
 
MOM-04-88
PRACTICAL GUIDE TO PERSONAL DESKMATE 2 - NEW BOOK BY DR. LIEN
The best selling author who taught you everything you need to know
about MS-DOS and BASIC has done it again for DeskMate! Inside "A
Practical Guide to Personal DeskMate 2" you'll find easy-to-understand,
step-by-step instructions for most every aspect of our versatile,
all-in-one productivity boosting program.
Personal DeskMate 2 users will learn about: Text, Filer, Worksheet,
Telecom, Calendar, Note Pad, Music, and Paint.
Professional DeskMate users will learn about: Text, Filer, Worksheet,
Telecom, Calendar, Note Pad, Draw, and Mail.
Catalog number 250-1509 is available now through the Regional Warehouse
system. Retail $19.95
 
MOM-04-88
OPEN SYSTEMS ACCOUNTING SOFTWARE FOR SCO XENIX 286/386
The Open Systems Accounting Software (OSAS) series, available
through Express Order, is the Radio Shack strategic accounting solution
for SCO XENIX 386.
OSAS is well suited for small and medium sized businesses requiring a
multiuser solution. The breadth of the product line, consisting of
seven general accounting modules and eleven industry specific
applications, can meet the needs of the most sophisticated user. Open
Systems Accounting Software (OSAS) will address your vital accounting
and business operation needs. Especially if you are on a fast growth
track, or you are interested in controlling costs, improving
productivity, and securing your financial position.
Radio Shack Training & Support personnel will provide pre-sale
marketing support for this product line beginning in May. Training
classes for the product line commence April 25th. The Open Systems
network of non-reseller Qualified Installers, consisting of companies
like Arthur Young and other independent consultants, will initially
provide installation and support services. A directory of thesse
participating installers is currently being compiled and will be
provided to all Computer Centers. Sales support literature and
demonstration software will be drop shipped to all Computer Centers.
Demonstration software will be drop-shipped to all Training and Support
Centers.
Minimum System Requirements: 1MB RAM, 40MB Hard Drive, SCO XENIX 2.2 or
greater, OSAS Resource Manager 286 or 386 is required. Both 5.25" (360K
tar format) and 3.5" (720K tar format) are included.
The listed modules are currently in stock at TEW. Additional modules
will be shipped upon completion of the software evaluation process.
 
90-1549 OSAS Resource Manager 286 $695.00
90-1550 OSAS Resource Manager 386 995.00
90-1551 OSAS General Ledger 795.00
90-1552 OSAS Accounts Receivable 795.00
90-1554 OSAS Payroll 795.00
90-1555 OSAS Inventory 795.00
90-1556 OSAS Sales Order Processing 695.00
 
MOM-04-88
HARMONY PAYROLL VERSION 2.05 NOW AVAILABLE
The 2.05 version of 250-1203 Harmony Payroll has been approved by
Software Quality Assurance. Registered owners of version 2.03 will
receive a no charge upgrade to version 2.05 directly from Open Systems.
Please INSURE THAT YOUR CUSTOMERS HAVE REGISTERED THEIR SOFTWARE WITH
OPEN SYSTEMS.
The upgrade is required due to changes in the programs, the help and
tutorial screens, sample data, and file definitions. The Payroll User's
Guide has been reprinted to reflect all changes.
 
MOM-04-88
UPGRADES FOR MODEL 6000 ACCOUNTING SERIES
These items are now available: 700-2076 Payroll (26-6203) version
3.2 $25.00
700-3351 COBOL 2.1 Conversion 125.00
*700-2071 Module Upgrade .00
(*) Available ONLY from R/S Training & Support Centers
NOTE the asterisk just above. The 700-2071 Module Upgrade IS NOT
available for order by all stores. A limited quantity was produced and
delivered to Training and Support Centers. Registered customers have
been directed to their nearest TSC to get a BACKUP of the appropriate
parts of this 700 number, or to have the appropriate modules applied to
their systems by the TSC. Centers and stores ARE NOT to order or
distribute 700-2071. 
All backorders for this stock number have been canceled.
 
MOM-04-88
FLOPPY DISK DRIVE SUPPORT ON THE TANDY 1000, 1000A, 1000 SX
1000 SX (either 25-1051 or 25-1052), here is what is
required to support an internal 720K 3.5" Floppy Disk Drive:
1. 25-1065, 3.5" 720K Floppy Disk Drive
2. 25-1066, 3.5" to 5.25" Disk Drive Adapter
And that is it!!
On a Tandy 1000 and 1000A, here is what is required to support an
internal 720K 3.5" Floppy Disk Drive:
1. 25-1065, 3.5" 720K Floppy Disk Drive
Before installing the 3.5" drive it must be configured electrically
as the correct drive you want it to be (Drive A or Drive B). See
the documentation that's included with the drive.
2. 25-1066, 3.5" to 5.25" Disk Drive Adapter
As documented, this adapter has two connectors for the disk drive
cable to plug in. Be sure to use the left connector for the Tandy
1000 or 1000A.
3. AW-3349, Disk Drive Cable (from National Parts)
A longer disk drive cable.
4. 25-1170, MS-DOS 3.20.22 upgrade for Tandy 1000's
The command "DRIVPARM=/D:x" must be added to a CONFIG.SYS file
(x specifies the logical drive number of the 3.5" drive, Drive A=0,
Drive B=1, and so on). Refer to the MS-DOS Reference manuals
(25-1508) for more information.
As long as you are using the MS-DOS that was supplied for the Tandy
1000 SX or an upgraded version of MS-DOS that was supplied for the
Tandy 1000 SX you will have no problems in getting this drive to
function correctly.
 
MOM-04-88
DO NOT USE THE MS-DOS FOR THE TANDY 3000/4000/5000 LINE WITH THE TANDY
1000 FAMILY OF COMPUTERS! Though the version numbers are similar, the
products ARE NOT THE SAME! If you do try to use any other version of
MS-DOS on the 1000s than the one(s) supplied for the 1000s, you may
very well run into problems, such as the 3.5" drive acting like it is a
360K drive and not a 720K drive.
 
MOM-04-88
PLUS HARD DISK CONTROLLER FOR 1000 EX/HX CANCELED
The 90-2140 Plus HD Controller for the Tandy 1000 EX and HX has been
canceled and WILL NOT be a product. Technical and FCC issues were
driving the cost up, and it has now been decided that it would not be a
cost-effective product.
We continue to strive for a reasonable solution, but until then, the EX
and HX will not be able to support a hard drive.
 
MOM-04-88
128K EXTENDED MEMORY BOARD AND KIT MOVING TO NATIONAL PARTS
The 26-5161 128K External Memory Board (expands a 256K Tandy 2000 to
384K, and includes sockets for an additional 128K RAM) is moving to
National Parts. It will be orderable as Part # AXX-7140 and will cost
$295.00.
The 26-5162 128K Memory Kit (used in the AXX-7140 mentioned above) is
also moving to National Parts. It will be orderable as Part # AXX-7142
and will cost $129.95.
 
MOM-04-88
DISK EXPANSION AND DISK OPTION FOR 3SERVER3 AND 3S/201
If you have a 3S/201 customer that requires more than 100 MB, you must
use a 90-1612 Disk Expansion Unit. This Disk Expansion Unit contains a
106 MB drive just as a 3S/201 does. The Disk Expansion Unit is
physically the same size and shape as the 3S/201 Server, and in fact,
looks just like the server.
If you have a 3S/201 customer that requires more than 200 MB, order a
90-1613 additional disk along with the 90-1612 Expansion Unit. This
additional disk fits right into the Disk Expansion Unit for a total of
300 MB.
If you have a 26-5550 3Server3 Complete customer who requires
additional disk storage, you can order the same Disk Expansion Unit and
additional disk as above, but the disks are 70 MB instead of the 100 MB
you get when used with the 3S/201.
 
MOM-04-88
LINKPLUS OPTIMIZER FOR 3COM
Ever have a customer complain that 3Com takes up too much memory? Using
the EtherLink PLUS or TokenLink PLUS card and LinkPlus optimizer, a
workstation can gain back as much as 140K (100K is typical), because
the optimizer loads the drivers onto the card itself. LinkPlus
optimizer is included with 26-5502 Etherlink Plus boards and with all
90-1614 TokenLink Plus cards.
The LinkPlus optimizer requires 256K on the board. While current TEW
stock of EtherLink Plus boards contain 256K, earlier versions of the
EtherLink PLUS contained only 128K. If you need to upgrade an EtherLink
PLUS board to 256K, order 25-1079.
 
MOM-04-88
ETHERLINK AND ETHERLINK II
The regular EtherLink board from 3Com is NOT being discontinued
from 3Com. We will carry this board in Express Order.
The EtherLink II board that now ships as 26-5501 works fine in 3Com
networks. It is perfectly acceptable to mix and match EtherLink's and
EtherLink II's.
Note that Novell has just released a driver for Etherlink II.
 
MOM-04-88
3 1/2" DISKETTES FOR SOME TANDY 1000 SOFTWARE
The following software in your stores may not have the 3 1/2" diskette
included.
25-1130 Mickey's Space Adventure
25-1131 Donald Duck's Playground
25-1132 Winnie The Pooh
25-1135 Robot Odyssey
25-1139 Rockey's Boots
fFor this software, exchange the 5 1/4" disks for 3 1/2" media using
the following, already established, procedure:
1. When the customer needs a 3 1/2" diskette, remove the 5 1/4"
diskette
from the software package.
2. Send the 5 1/4" diskette to this address. 
MARK THE DISKETTE THAT
IS TO BE
EXCHANGED
(separately from other returns, etc.). Be sure to include your
center/store number.
 
3.5 Exchange
Tandy Software Assembly
205 N. W. 7th Street
Ft. Worth, TX 76106
ATTN: Orville Sewall
3. The Exchange program will send the 3 1/2" diskette to your store by
return mail.
4. Your store will be charged a $5.00 disk shipping and handling fee by
an ICST.
 
MOM-04-88
COLOR COMPUTER 3 SOFTWARE FOR DISPLAY
The folllowing ROM cartridge games for the Color Computer 3 should
make very good window attractions. Don't leave your Color Computer
screens empty!
26-3072 Thexder (also has a demo mode)
26-3078 Springtser (strategy game)
26-3084 Shanghai (most addictive game)
 
MOM-04-88
PERSONAL DESKMATE AND THE TANDY SERIAL MOUSE
The 25-1050 and 25-1165 Personal DeskMate software (this is the
original Personal DeskMate, not Personal DeskMate 2) will NOT work with
the 25-1040 Tandy Serial Mouse. The 700-2616 Serial Mouse Drivers DO
NOT correct this problem. For the earlier DeskMates, the 26-3125 Color
Mouse should be used instead of the 25-1040 Tandy Serial Mouse.
 
MOM-04-88
OSAS THIRD PARTY QUALIFIED INSTALLERS
Pending the release of the Third Party Qualified Installer
Directory for Computer Centers, please call the Open Systems
representative listed below if you require the services of an OSAS
Qualified Installer. Open Systems will provide information on the
non-resellers in your area that offer installation services for the
OSAS product line.
North Central & Southeast Barbara Merkle (513) 871-3706
Western & Northeast Paul Offerman (612) 829-0011
Central Terry Murphey (612) 829-1417
 
MOM-04-88
90-3072 VERSACAD UPGRADE TO "3D"
TEW is currently shipping version 5.3 of this product.
This is the "2D" version of the product. VersaCAD offers an upgrade to
the "3D" version of the product. The upgrade is available directly from
the VersaCAD Corporation.
2
 
MOM-04-88
SOFTWARE PUBLISHING SPECIAL PRICING FOR SCHOOLS
Through special arrangements with Software Publishing, Radio Shack
salesmakers may now offer the following products at significant savings
to educators:
ORIGINAL EDUCATION
 
STOCK # PRODUCT TITLE       RETAIL    PRICE   SAVINGS
90-5542 FIRST CHOICE        159.00    85.00   47%
90-5543 FIRST PUBLISHER     99.00     50.00   49%
90-5544 PERSONAL GRAPHICS   39.00     20.00   49%
 
These are the procedures to follow:
When you receive a purchase order from the recognized, licensed or
accredited educational institution, forward it to our Contract
Administration Department.
Contract Administration
1400 One Tandy Center
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
Contract Administration will verify that the institution on the
purchase order is accredited. Then Contract Administration will have
the warehouse release the product to your Center.
The product you receive from the warehouse will be marked "NOT FOR
RESALE" to ensure to The Software Group that this special priced copy
will not be sold to anyone but an educational institution.
Be sure the catalog number on the purchase order is correct and NOT any
other catalog number from Radio Shack for First Choice, First Publisher
or Personal Graphics.
We're pleased to have established this program with Software
Publishing. Many of you have requested this pricing, so we're
optimistic about future sales. We appreciate your cooperative efforts
in following the above instructions to get this product to the school
as quickly as possible.
Remember --- P.O. to Contract Administration. These education prices
include the standard 20% education discount. These sales CAN NOT be
discounted further to schools.
 
MOM-04-88
TRACKSTAR 128 BROCHURE AVAILABLE
A new brochure on the Trackstar 128 board is now available. It's FC-629
and is shipping from TEW.
The Trackstar 128 enables users to run software written for the Apple
II family of computers on the Tandy 1000 TX or SX. This makes Trackstar
128 especially popular in the school market, so be sure to have plenty
of brochures on hand during this school selling season.
 
MOM-04-88
COPYING DISKETTES ON TANDY 1000 COMPUTERS
Copying software from 3.5" to 5.25" or visa versa can be confusing if
you don't use the proper command. Both the BACKUP and DISKCOPY commands
in MS-DOS expect the disk drive types to be the same size (that is,
both Drive A and Drive B to be 5.25" or both Drive A and Drive B to be
3.5").
So how do you solve this problem?
There is a command in MS-DOS 3.2 called XCOPY which is basically a
combination of BACKUP and DISKCOPY, but which can copy all files
between diskettes of different sizes. (Unlike BACKUP, however, XCOPY
will not split a file in two).
 
TO COPY 5 1/4" DISKETTE(S) TO 3 1/2" DISKETTE
Copying files from a 5.25" diskette (Drive B) to a 3.5" diskette (Drive
A) is easy because you can put the equivalent of two 5.25 diskettes on
one 3.5. With the 3.5" MS-DOS diskette in drive A and the 5.25"
diskette in drive B, simply type this command at the A> prompt, "xcopy
b:*.* a: /w". You will be given a chance to replace the 3.5" MS-DOS
diskette in drive A with a 3.5" diskette of your choice.
 
TO COPY 3.5" DISKETTE TO 5.25" DISKETTE(S)
Here are the steps necessary to copy a 3.5" diskette onto two 5.25"
diskettes. This one is a bit more difficult because, if the 3.5"
diskette is full, it will take two 5.25" diskettes to hold all the
information. For this example, we're assuming the 5.25" is drive B and
the 3.5" is drive A.
1. Boot MS-DOS 3.20.22.
2. At the A> prompt, type in "format b: /s" <ENTER>. This will format
install MS-DOS onto one of your blank 5.25" diskettes.
3. Still at the A> prompt, type "copy attrib.* b:". This will enable
system to find and execute the attrib command once you remove the
MS-DOS
diskette from Drive A.
4. Next, format the second 5.25" diskette by putting it in Drive B and
typing
"format b:" <ENTER>. Now you should have 2 formatted 5.25" diskettes,
one with
the MS-DOS operating system (and the ATTRIB command) on it and one
blank one.
5. Now we want to set the archive bit to the ON position for all the
files on
the 3.5" diskette (the one you want to copy to 5.25"). You do this with
ATTRIB command. Make sure you have the 5.25" diskette which was just
formatted
to have MS-DOS and the ATTRIB command on it in Drive B and the 3.5"
diskette
which you are wanting to copy in Drive A. Type "b:" <ENTER>, and at the
B> prompt, type "attrib +A a:filename" (where "filename" is a specific
file on
the diskette) or "attrib +A a:*.*" (for all files on the 3.5"
diskette).
6. Insert the 3.5" MS-DOS diskette into Drive A (keep the 5.25"
diskette which was
just formatted to have MS-DOS on it in drive B). Type "a:" <ENTER> and
the A> prompt type "xcopy a:*.* b: /m/w <ENTER>". The /m switch tells
system to copy only those files that have the archive bit set. The /w
switch
tells the system to wait before the copying begins. This will give you
opportunity to replace the 3.5" MS-DOS diskette that's in drive A with
the 3.5"
diskette that you want to copy.
As the copying begins, the archive bit will be turned to the OFF
position for
each file that is successfully copied. When there is no more room on
the 5.25"
diskette, the copying will stop with an insufficient disk space
message. This
means there were some files NOT copied.
7. To copy the rest of the files, reinsert the 3.5" MS-DOS diskette
into Drive A
and the second blank formatted 5.25" diskette in Drive B and type the
XCOPY
command again. When prompted, remove the MS-DOS diskette in Drive A and
replace
it with the same 3.5" diskette that you are copying from. This time it
will
only copy the remaining files that still have the ATTRIB bit set to
on.)
If this message did not appear, the copying process has been completed.
Once completed, you have sucessfully copied a 3.5" diskette onto two
5.25" diskettes.
 
MOM-03-88
RADIO SHACK ENTERS THE CD-ROM MARKET
On March 1, 1988, at Microsoft's Third Annual CD-ROM Conference,
Radio Shack announced the availability of the Hitachi CDR-1503S CD-ROM
drive and two CD-ROM applications through the Express Order program.
90-2156 Hitachi CDR-1503S Drive $995.00
90-5501 Microsoft Bookshelf $295.00
90-5506 GEOdisc U.S. Atlas $990.00
+WHAT IS CD-ROM?
CD-ROM is the compact disk technology that offers 550 megabytes of data
retrieval capacity for personal computers. This technology represents a
significant breakthrough in the amount of information that can be
distributed and used with a personal computer. Called CD-ROM (for
Compact Disk, Read-Only Memory), a single 4.7" disk is laser read and
can store the equivalent of 1,800 floppy disks, or as many as 270,000
typed pages.
 
TANDY'S PRIOR PARTICIPATION IN THE CD-ROM INDUSTRY
Tandy Corporation has followed the CD-ROM market since its inception
with an eye toward participating in it. In fact, we are already
participating in several ways:
We actively support CD-ROM applications developers
We market Education Systems Corporation's Integrated Learning System
which uses a CD-ROM drive as the main storage device on the central server
We plan to offer several CD-ROM applications later this year
 
MOM-03-88
THE HITACHI CDR-1503S CD-ROM DRIVE
Hitachi is a front-runner in optical technology. They have been
extremely active in the laser/optical marketplace. The drive we have
selected to carry in Express Order Hardware is the CDR-1503S. This
drive incorporates the latest state-of-the-art miniaturized
opto-electronic technology to ensure long-term reliability under
varying operating conditions. It is a slim-line stand-alone drive with
a self-contained power supply. The CDR-1503S features audio circuitry
capable of playing audio compact discs, and the user can daisy-chain up
to 4 drives using one controller card.
As packaged for Radio Shack, the unit includes the CD-ROM drive,
instruction manual, the interface card for Tandy computers (1000 SX/TX,
3000 and 4000) and compatibles, the drive cable, and Microsoft CD-ROM
extensions with documentation. (MS-DOS 3.1 or greater is required to
run on Tandy 1000s.)
 
MOM-03-88
CD-ROM APPLICATIONS SUPPORT
Many CD-ROM applications vendors support the Hitachi CDR-1503S drive.
Here is a partial list of them:
 
Bowker Electronic Publishing The Library Corporation
Brodart Automation McGraw-Hill Publishing Company
Dialog Information Services Microsoft Corporation
Disclosure Information Group Online Products Corporation
General Research Corporation PC-SIG
Geovision, Inc. Quantum Access, Inc.
Grolier Electronic Publishing, Inc. Silver Platter Information Services
Knowledge Access, Inc.
 
We selected the Hitachi CDR-1503S drive because of Hitachi's
long-standing position in the industry, their quality products, and the
outstanding applications support this particular drive has received.
We are marketing this drive with the Hitachi label through Express
Order because this gives us the broadest product marketing distribution
in the shortest amount of time. It also gives us the best flexibility
in managing rapidly-evolving technology.
The significance of this announcement cannot be overstated. For the
first time, there are thousands of retail outlets through which CD-ROM
technology is available. For the first time, applications developers
and marketers can say "you can get a CD-ROM drive from your local Radio
Shack."
 
MOM-03-88
THE SCHOOL MARKET FOR CD-ROM DRIVES
The most natural school use of CD-ROM drives is in school libraries
where users can benefit from reference CD-ROM applications such as
Grolier's Electronic Encyclopedia and McGraw-Hill's CD-ROM Science &
Technical Reference Set. Libraries can also use Follett's library
software (which interfaces with some of The Library Corporation's
Bibliofile CD-ROM product) to automate circulation.
Many guides and cross references used by university libraries are also
available on CD-ROM. For example, Bowker offers Books in Print Plus,
Ulrich's Plus, Books in Print Plus with Book Reviews Plus, and Books
Out of Print Plus. Dialog Information Services offers DIALOG Ondisc
ERIC which corresponds to two print indices: Resources in Education and
Current Index to Journals in Education. General Research Corporation
markets LaserQuest which contains records of 4.6 million library books,
serials, visual materials, etc. from over 1000 libraries on four CD-ROM
discs.
Geovision's 
GEOdisc U.S. Atlas
(90-5506) geographic database and
the companion Windows/On the World software, allows the user to access,
display, and manipulate the vast amount of geographical data contained
in the CD-ROM database. All of the data is separated into layers (i.e.,
state and country boundaries, highways, waterways, railroads, etc.).
The database also contains latitude and longitude data which allows
accurate location and positioning of any of the over 1,000,000 entities
in the database. In addition to the large educational market for this
mapping package, the opportunities for inexpensive but effective
geographic information systems exist in dozens of vertical markets
including real estate, mineral exploration, transportation, hazardous
waste management, local and state government, and many others. System
requirements: Tandy 3000 or 4000, 640K, Microsoft Windows, hard disk
drive, CD-ROM drive, EGA, VGA or equivalent graphics card and monitor,
and mouse.
 
MOM-03-88
Microsoft Bookshelf
(90-5501) is a library of 10 useful reference
works and tools for writing on one CD-ROM disc:
The American Heritage Dictionary
Roget's II: Electronic Thesaurus
The 1987 World Almanac and Book of Facts
Bartlett's Familiar Quotations
The Chicago Manual of Style
Houghton Mifflin Spelling Verifier and Corrector
Forms and Letters
U.S. ZIP Code Directory
Houghton Mifflin Usage Alert
Business Information Services Directory
As a memory-resident program, Microsoft Bookshelf runs in conjunction
with 14 leading word processing programs, including Microsoft Word,
WordPerfect 4.2, and WordStar Professional 4.0, to make writing more
creative and accurate. System requirements: Tandy 1000, 3000 or 4000,
640K or 512K with a hard disk, MS-DOS 3.1 or greater, two double-sided
disk drives or one disk drive and a hard disk, CD-ROM drive, Microsoft
MS-DOS CD-ROM Extensions, and mouse (optional). 256K and two
double-sided disk drives are required for stand-alone use.
The Hitachi CDR-1503S CD-ROM Drive gives schools electronic access to
large amounts of information without time charges required by similar
online systems. This technology is available now from Radio Shack.
 
MOM-03-88
MEMORY PRICES INCREASE
The recent worldwide RAM situation has caused us to increase prices on
some products, and we are unable to fill large quantity orders. The
products affected are:
STOCK # DESCRIPTION OLD PRICE NEW PRICE
25-1079 256K RAM Kit (for T1000s) 79.95 99.95
25-3048 EGA Adapter 199.95 249.95
25-3062 256K RAM Kit (for 25-4030) 79.95 119.95
25-4030 Memory Expansion Board 499.95 599.00
25-4082 128K RAM TX/HL 49.95 79.95
25-5030 2 MB Memory Board T4000 799.00 1199.00
25-5031 1 MB SIMM Kit 429.95 599.00
We have gotten several requests for "special treatment" to fill large
quantity orders, and we have had to refuse. When the situation eases
we'll let you know, but for now, please do not call with a special
request to fill a large order for any of our RAM products. We will not
be able to comply.
 
MOM-03-88
CLASS A & CLASS B COMPUTING DEVICES
You have seen two SOS messages in the last six weeks about this
subject. We want to be sure you understand which computers fall into
each of these classifications.
CLASS A - items for sale and use in a BUSINESS environment ONLY
Tandy 3000 25-4001 & 25-4002
Tandy 3000 HD 25-4010 & 25-4011
Tandy 3000 HL 25-4070 (no front keylock)
Tandy 4000 25-5000
Model 4D 26-1070
Tandy 6000 26-6022
CLASS B - items OK for sale and use in a HOME environment
Pocket/Color/Portable Computers all types
Tandy 1000 all types
Tandy 1400 LT 25-3500
Tandy 3000 HL 25-4071 (DOES have front keylock)
If a customer indicates that a CLASS A certified computer is going to
be used in a home or apartment building, you should show the customer
the "The FCC Wants You to Know" notice in the Owner's Manual for these
computers and advise that the computer is not recommended for home use
because it might create interference with nearby radios and
televisions.
YOUR FAILURE TO DISCLOSE THAT OUR CLASS A ONLY CERTIFIED COMPUTERS ARE
NOT CERTIFIED FOR HOME USE COULD RESULT IN THE CORPORATION BEING FINED
$10,000! Such a fine would have a devastating effect on the store's
profit. If you need additional motivation, know that personnel
violating this policy WILL BE disciplined. You were recently provided
with labels to place in a highly visible location on each Tandy 3000
(25-4001 & 25-4002) and Tandy 3000 HL (25-4070 only) computer displayed
in your store (and to put on those that may arrive without these labels).
Use these labels as a reminder to discuss these FCC Class A and B
classifications with your customers.
 
MOM-03-88
STATIONERY PROGRAM
Many Computer Centers and Z Departments recently participated in a
pilot program to sell continuous stationery, mail labels, and
postcards. Based on what we learned from that test, we are
reestablishing this program for 11 and 01Zs. It now consists of these
materials:
FC-3031 Pack of 25 Sales Brochures (TEW, $4.14)
FC-3033 Stationery Sample Kit (TEW, $1.91)
FC-3027 Pack of 50 Order Forms and Instructions (TEW, $5.20)
Our vendor, Standard Register, has installed two new 800 lines to
handle the program:
Order line - (800) 458-8589
Customer Service - (800) 458-8590
In Connecticut - (203) 875-0731
The Sales Brochure is a complete and colorful presentation of the
entire product line which can be left during an outbound sales call or
at the time of a related sale in a store. Logical candidates would be
anyone owning word processing software with a printer. Word processing
is the number one applicaton for the microcomputer, and there are many
prospects for attractive continuous letterheads and envelopes. It's
also profitable repeat business for your Center or Department.
 
MOM-03-88
PARTYWARE SAMPLE INVITATIONS
Included with this Memo of the Month is a party checklist and
invitation created with PartyWare, 25-1311. Use them to show your
customers what PartyWare (on sale during April for just $12.95,
regularly $14.95) can do! In addition to invitations, they can create
their own signs, prizes, banners, placemats, and placecards!
 
MOM-03-88
PRODUCTS CANCELED, DISCONTINUED AND REPLACED
fThe 90-2136 Netcomm Q2400 modem by Omni-Tel has been CANCeled.
The PC Mouse products - 90-2113 (Serial) and 90-2114 (Bus) - are going
SOWG.
ArcticFox, which was 25-1190, is now carried as 90-3311.
Two Microsoft languages, 90-0480 Fortran and 90-0481 Macro Assembler,
have been DISContinued. Microsoft will begin shipping a combined OS/2
and DOS version of these products within the next few months.
Version 4.20 of BBS-PC is now available as 90-3335 with a retail price
of $ 249.95. (The previous version of this product (3.02), which sold
as 90-0352 has been DISContinued.) The minimum system requirements for
version 4.20 are 256K RAM, MSDOS 2.1 or greater, one floppy and one
hard disk drive.
 
26-5501 EtherLink replaced by EtherLink
When you order 26-5501 you will receive an
Etherlink II board instead of the Etherlink previously shipped as
26-5501. There is no change in the use of this board in a 3Com network,
but customers may notice a performance gain. Please note that if
EtherStart PROMS are used with the Etherlink II board, you should order
the EtherStart II PROMS (90-1619).
 
MOM-03-88
LOTUS 1-2-3 SMALL BUSINESS KIT - 25-1223 - BROCHURES, ETC.
Included with this Memo of the Month are brochures and ad
reproductions that will tell you more about what the Lotus 1-2-3 Small
Business Kit can do for the user who doesn't have time to learn all
about spreadsheets, but still needs answers right away. Small Business
Kit retails for $595.00, contains both 5 1/4" and 3 1/2 " diskettes,
and requires 256K memory.
See the "March 1988's Best" list at the end of this Memo of the Month
for more information on this product.
 
MOM-03-88
TRAC LINE NOW AVAILABLE FOR 3000 XENIX AND SCO 286/386
The following TRAC LINE modules are now available through Express
Order:
Description Price 3000 Xenix SCO 286/386
Integrated Accounting 2495.00 90-1535
Integrated Accounting* 2995.00 90-1530
Retailing 795.00 90-1538 90-1534
Distributing 795.00 90-1536 90-1531
Purchase Order 595.00 90-1539 90-1533
Alternate Inventory 495.00 90-1532
* includes bundled RMCOBOL runtime
 
MOM-03-88
HARMONY NETWORK MODULES AVAILABLE
The following Harmony LAN Extension Kits are now available:
90-1707 Order Entry - LAN Extension $ 200.00
90-1702 Inventory - LAN Extension $ 200.00
 
MOM-03-88
PC-6 PRINTER & CASSETTE INTERFACE
The 26-3652 Printer for the PC-6 Pocket Computer (26-3672) is
temporarily out of stock at TEW, and backorders are NOT being
accumulated. There is currently sufficient inventory in the field to
support customer sales by interstore transfer until the next shipment
arrives in early August.
NOTE: The companion 26-3651 Cassette Interface should be handled in the
same way until its next shipment also arrives in early August.
26-3018/A EXTENDED BASIC UPGR KITS FOR COLOR COMPUTER
 
The 26-3018 Kit works in:
26-3001 4K Color Computer (original)
26-3002 16K Extended Color Computer
26-3003 32/64K Color Computer (large case)
26-3004 16K Standard Color Computer
26-3026/3134 16K Standard Color Computer 2
This 26-3018 Kit is now DISContinued, but National Parts still has
inventory of repair parts (ie: the Extended BASIC ROM) in stock. Note,
however, that the cost for the repair part is higher than the old kit
price.
The 26-3018A Kit works only in the 26-3134B 16K Color Computer 2 which
uses two
16K X 4 RAMS. This kit is still available from National Parts.
There is evidently some confusion in the field as to which part number
to order when the customer wants the Extended BASIC ROM. Ordering just
any Extended BASIC ROM for a Color Computer 2 will not necessarily get
you the compatible part you or your customer needs. Since these kits
are advertised as requiring installation (and are not intended to be
user installable), the practice of ordering the individual part should
be discouraged. However, understanding that some CoCo customers would
rather void their warranty and do the installation themselves, here is
some additional information to insure that they receive the correct ROM
for their machine.
The best rule of thumb is to find out if the customer has a 26-3134B
(this is the 16K Standard Color Computer 2 which uses two 16K x 4
RAMs). If so, that machine will require the 26-3018A KIT. Any other 4K
or 16K Standard Color Computer will require the Extended BASIC ROM only
(the one which used to ship in the 26-3018 kit). Additional information
is available in Tech Bulletin CC:28.
Again, keep in mind that the Extended BASIC ROM supplied in the 26-3018
kit will NOT work in a 26-3134B, and the Extended BASIC ROM supplied in
the 26-3018A kit will NOT work in any of the other computers listed
above.
Repair Centers are best qualified to determine which kit/part is needed
for the upgrade, and your customer should be advised to follow Radio
Shack's recommendation for required installation of this upgrade.
 
MOM-03-88
3S/401 386 SERVER 26-5552
You need to be aware that the 26-5552 3S/401 386 Server (retail
$13,995) does NOT contain an uninterruptable power supply.
You may hear something about a power fail security system which 3Com
co-developed with Elgar Corporation. This is designed to protect the
server from power fluctuations. In the event of uneven power to the
server, Elgar's intelligent power supply automatically triggers 3+ to
broadcast a warning to workstations that the server is running on
reserve power.
Radio Shack Does not sell this particular system, but some customers
will desire the added protection afforded by a backup power supply. We
recommend that you sell the 900-2151 SAFE 1200 watt backup power supply
for this purpose. It retails for $1,395.00. This will not, of course,
provide the the added features that the Elgar system delivers.
Do NOT sell 26-5511 3+ Mail (version 1.1, 1.2 or 1.2.1) with a 3S/401
server. We will soon have a 1.3 version available.
150 Meg Tapes for the Tape Backup unit are NOT currently available from
Radio Shack. Your customer may obtain them from a 3M supplier directly
by ordering Part # 600-XTD. Your customer may use the 26-1361 60 meg
tapes by making a line change in config.sys to read: device = tape.sys
/120. This gives the customer a 120meg backup.
 
MOM-03-88
BACKGROUND INFORMATION - HARD DISK TYPES
Mass storage interfaces and hard disks for personal computers fall
into four basic types. These include ST-506, RLL, ESDI, and SCSI.
 
ST-506
: This controller type includes our 25-4058 and 25-4060 hard
disk controllers. This interface permits hard drives with up to 127.5
megabytes of data, with a maximum of two drives (of this type) per
system. Data flows between the controller and drive at 625K per second.
Because the bit stream also includes information needed by the
controller, the actual throughput is 510K maximum.
 
RLL
: The RLL interface is a type of ST-506. This system simply uses
data encoding/decoding to pack more data onto the same hard disk. The
use of the RLL interface gains 50% more data per drive but there are
data loss risks sometimes associated with RLL. Because of this, drives
are usually certified as RLL.
 
ESDI
: ESDI (Enhanced Small Device Interface) was designed to
overcome some problems associated with the ST-506 interface. It
basically doubles the amount of data that can be stored on a disk
without the associated risks of RLL. Also, the data transfer rate is
about double that of ST-506. Current ESDI drives transfer data to the
controller at 10 megabits per second (or 1 megabyte per second). This
is faster than an XT or PC system can accept. But, 286 and 386 systems
are much faster than ESDI can push. This technology is currently used
in the IBM PS/2 (high end) and Compaq (high end).
 
SCSI
: SCSI (Small Computer Systems Interface) is the most recent
computer interface standard, and is a radical departure from its
predecessors. These devices can be "daisy-chained" along a parallel bus
connected by a single cable. SCSI does parity checking on the data that
traverses the bus, further increasing the accuracy of data transfers
between the disk and RAM. This means that the drive itself performs all
the tasks associated with storing and retrieving data. For practical
purposes, the maximum capacity of a SCSI drive is unlimited. The
current maximum data transfer rate is over five megabytes per second
(four times faster than ESDI). This is the technology used in our
25-4161 SCSI Host Adapter and the 25-4160 80-Meg SCSI Hard Drive Kit.
 
MOM-03-88
ALDUS PAGEMAKER, MORE 1.0A to 3.0 UPGRADE CARDS
In last month's Memo of the Month, we distributed coupons and envelopes
so customers who go ahead and buy 1.0a PageMaker now can upgrade to
version 3.0 later, saving $85.00 off the retail price of 3.0. We have
mailed additional quantities of these materials to Business Product
District Sales Managers. If you need extra coupons or envelopes,
contact your DSM. Remember, customers cannot get the upgrade without
the coupon.
 
MOM-03-88
ASHTON TATE - TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR STORES, TSCs
Because of Ashton Tate's policy of answering technical questions only
for registered owners and authorized dealers, some of you have had
difficulty getting answers to your technical questions. We have now
established personnel in Central Support (Ft. Worth) as "authorized
dealers" with Ashton Tate.
If you have a question regarding any Ashton Tate product, you will need
to call the appropriate support group in Ft. Worth and ask your
question of them (you'll find the correct 800 number in your Store
Operating manual). They will contact Ashton Tate, get an answer to your
question, and call you back.
 
To avoid delays, please have a detailed description of the
problem/question ready when you call Central Support.
 
MOM-03-88
SPRINGBOARD SOFTWARE 3.5" MEDIA AVAILABLE 
Springboard's Desktop Publishing programs are now available on 3.5"
media free of charge.
90-5507 The Newsroom Clip Art Collection, Volume 1
90-5508 The Newsroom Clip Art Collection, Volume 3
90-5510 Certificate Maker
90-5511 The Newsroom
90-5512 Certificate Library
 
MOM-03-88
TANDY 1000 SCHOOL EDITIONS
Special School Editions of some of the most popular education
software are available through Express Order.
Broderbund 's School Editions include a teacher's guide and a backup
disk. Written and reviewed by experienced educators, the guides give
you dozens of practical ways -- including lesson plans, extension
activities, and reproducible worksheets -- to integrate the software
into curriculum.
GRADE CATEGORY STOCK # PRODUCT
K-12 Desktop Publishing 90-5529 Print Shop $69.95
4-9 Social Studies 90-5530 Where/World is Carmen Sandiego? 49.95
4-9 Social Studies 90-5531 Where/USA is Carmen Sandiego? 54.95
5-12 Business Education 90-5532 Type! 59.95
The Learning Company 's School Editions enrich curriculum and make
learning more fun for students. Two program disks, lesson plans,
comprehensive teacher's guide, student evaluation tools and blackline
masters are included. Detailed scope and sequence charts make it easy
to integrate the software into the curriculum.
 
GRADE CATEGORY       STOCK #     PRODUCT   PRICE
4-UP Problem Solving 90-5454 Rocky's Boots 69.95
2-4 Language Arts 90-5475 Writer Rabbit 69.95
1-6 Language Arts 90-5476 Magic Spells 59.95
K-4 Problem Solving 90-5478 Gertrude's Secrets 59.95
3-7 Problem Solving 90-5479 Gertrude's Puzzles 59.95
 
Scholastic's School Editions include a Teaching Guide, a Reference
Guide, and Student Activities. The pfs: School Editions include both
the 64K program disk and 128K program disk. The 64K version is
available only from Scholastic.
 
GRADE CATEGORY     STOCK #     PRODUCT
7-12 Social Studies 90-5290 pfs:file & report 124.95
2-12 Language Arts 90-5292 Bank Street Writer III 124.95/NW 4 90-5297 624.75
5-12 Computer Literacy 90-5293 Success With Typing 87.45
6-12 Language Arts 90-5294 First Draft 87.45
7-12 Language Arts 90-5295 pfs:write 124.95
6-9 Mathematics 90-5296 Math Shop 87.45/ Network 4 90-5299 437.25
 
MOM-03-88
ENABLE FOR SCHOOLS (FOR $175.00)
Through special arrangements with The Software Group, Radio Shack
salesmakers may now offer the current PC Compatible 2.0 version of
Enable to schools for $175.00. This is a fantastic offer for schools.
$175.00 instead of the regular price of $695.00 for the same package!
This represents a savings of 75%!! The school version catalog number is
90-5444.
These are the procedures to follow:
When you receive a purchase order from the recognized, licensed or
accredited educational institution forward it to our Contract
Administration Department.
Contract Administration
1400 One Tandy Center
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
Contract Administration will verify that the institution on the
purchase order is accredited. Then Contract Administration will have
the warehouse release the product to your center.
The product you receive from the warehouse will be marked "NOT FOR
RESALE" to ensure to The Software Group that this special priced copy
will not be sold to anyone but an educational institution.
Be sure the catalog number on the purchase order is 90-5444 and NOT any
other catalog number for Enable from Radio Shack.
We're pleased to have established this program with The Software Group.
Many of you have requested this pricing, so we're optimistic about
future sales. We appreciate your cooperative efforts in following the
above instructions to get this product to the school as quickly as
possible.
Remember --- P.O. to Contract Administration. These education prices
include the standard 20% education discount. These sales CAN NOT be
discounted further to schools.
 
MOM-03-88
TANDY 1400 LT - SOFTWARE REGISTRATIONS NEEDED
When the Tandy 1400 LT was first released, we did not include Software
Registration Cards in them for the MS-DOS/BASIC that is shipped with
this unit. This situation has now been remedied, but we need your help
to get the names and addresses of those customers who purchased 1400
LTs without the registration cards. This information will be necessary
in the event we want to notify these customers of any kind of upgrade
to their operating system software.
Please write the names and addresses of your Tandy 1400 LT customers on
a store letterhead and send it to:
Radio Shack Computer Customer Service
Tandy 1400 LT Software Registration
400 Atrium, One Tandy Center
Ft. Worth, TX 76102
 
MOM-03-88
TANDY 6000 XENIX 3.2 AND MEMORY MANAGEMENT UNIT (MMU)
We are now sending letters to registered owners of the Tandy 6000 XENIX
Operating system to inform them of the availability of the XENIX 3.2
upgrade. There is a note at the bottom of these letters which reads:
"IMPORTANT NOTE: XENIX 3.2 supports more than 1 Meg of RAM as user
space;
however, doing this requires a memory management unit modification. If
senses more than 1 Meg of contiguous memory it assumes the modified MMU
is in place. If it is not, the system WILL NOT RUN."
 
This was explained in the November 24, 1987 issue of the Memo of the
Month (when the upgrade was first released. At that time we said that
since we did not currently have the MMU available, you would have to
advise your Tandy 6000 customers that they would need to have only 1
Meg of memory in place to upgrade to XENIX 3.2. This is still true, but
since customers are now being informed of this directly, you will
naturally begin to get more questions about what our plans are about
providing this MMU.
We do plan to offer the Memory Management Unit for the Tandy 6000 as a
retail product. We will also be making available, through Express
Order, a 2 MB memory board for the Tandy 6000. Expected availability is
approximately end of May. We'll keep you updated as these releases get
closer.
 
MOM-03-88
TANDY PRODUCT PROFILES (FC-352 AND THE FC-362 UPDATE)
The FC-362 update to the Tandy Product Profiles has been drop shipped
to everyone who was listed on the drop shipment for the original FC-352
Tandy Product Profiles 2nd Edition.
Since this drop ship started, we've gotten several calls indicating
that some stores never received FC-352, despite being listed on the
drop ship memo. TEW evidently zeroed some stores at random. If you did
not receive FC-352 (the box of two binders, tabs, and pages) but you
DID receive FC-362 (additional pages), you will just need to order
FC-352.
Also, as mentioned before, if you ordered FC-352 separately from one
that you received on a drop shipment, you will need to order FC-362 to
keep it up-to-date.
When you put the additional and replacement pages in your manuals, you
will notice that there are three Table of Contents replacement pages
missing (for the Integrated, Workgroup/Network and Input Devices
sections), and there was no Correction sheet included for Volume 2. Our
apologies. These will be included the next time an update is done.
 
MOM-03-88
PHONE CALLS TO CUSTOMER SERVICE ABOUT OUR DESKMATE PRODUCTS
We've been asked by Customer Service here in Ft. Worth to pass this
information on:
On a typical day, the MS-DOS support group has to tell twenty or more
people that they have called the wrong number for help/information on
DeskMate. So you will know, and so you can pass this information on to
your customers, here's who to call:
TELCOM on ANY type of DeskMate Communications support
(see your SOM)
DeskMate and DeskMate II \
Personal DeskMate and Personal DeskMate 2 > Database/Vertical Market
support
Professional DeskMate / (see your SOM)
DeskMate and DeskMate 3 for Color Computer
Language II/Home Software support
(817) 338-2395
 
MOM-02-88
END OF EXCHANGE PROGRAM FOR DEFECTIVE
BERNOULLI CARTRIDGES
The October Memo of the Month announced a field exchange program with
our vendor and TSA on any defective Bernoulli cartridges: 26-1372,
26-220, and 26-221. This program will end March 15, 1988, so make a
final check for any defective cartridges which fail to format properly.
The exchange procedure, once again, is to return the defective
cartridge(s), postage prepaid and accompanied by a standard "Repair and
Exchange Memo" to: Warranty Exchange Dept., Tandy Software Assembly,
205 N.W. 7th Street, Fort Worth, TX 76106.
Your Center/Department will be billed $5 by TSA for handling and
postage on each cartridge exchanged. There is no return for credit
under this program. Any units received without proper shipping
documentation (store number and address, etc.) will be discarded
without exchange.
 
MOM-02-88
FC-375 PROFESSIONAL DESKMATE AND TANDYLINK
FACT SHEET NOW AVAILABLE
A fact sheet for TandyLink and Professional DeskMate has been
created to help you sell these products as a workgroup solution. The
fact sheet is double-sided with key sales benefits and full color photo
on one side, and descriptions of the Workgroup features on the back. It
can be given to potential customers, and you can use it as a sales tool
to help make sure you've covered all of the Workgroup features. Each
FC-375 comes with 25 sheets and costs $2.38.
 
MOM-02-88
1ST UPDATE TO TANDY PRODUCT PROFILES
Since the Tandy Product Profiles (FC-352) were printed in November of
last year, several new products have been released, and some have been
discontinued. To provide you with the latest information in your
Profiles, the 1st Update to the Tandy Product Profiles has been printed
and is now in TEW. Included are new profiles, new price lists and
updated Indexes and Table of Contents pages.
The 1st Update is  FC-362 , and it is being drop-shipped to everyone
who was drop-shipped the original Product Profile binders. If you have
ordered the FC-352 Product Profiles, you will need to also order the
FC-362 Update.
Important note about this update:
The Industry-Specific Table of
Contents page dated February 1988 IS NOT CORRECT. Many of the products
that include profiles in this section are not listed on this page. We
suggest you keep the Table of Contents page dated November 1987 and
just write in the one product that has been added to this section:
90-3271 Easy Finder
A correct Table of Contents page for this section will be shipped the
next time an update to the Profiles is done.
2
 
MOM-02-88
ALDUS PAGEMAKER - UPGRADE COUPONS
Aldus Corporation some time ago announced their upcoming version
3.0. To help you keep up sales of 25-4110 PageMaker in the meantime,
we've included with this month's Memo of the Month mailing coupons and
envelopes which will allow purchasers of 1.0a PageMaker to upgrade to
3.0 (targeted availability - end of May).
This is a great deal for your customers. The new version of PageMaker
will cost $100.00 more at retail than the current version ($799.95 for
3.0 vs $699.95 for 1.0a). By buying now, they will be able to upgrade
for only $15.00 - that's an $85.00 savings over version 3.0's list
price of $799.95.
Terms for ordering the upgrade are explained on the coupon, and
purchasers must send in a coupon to get the upgrade. More coupons will
be included with the March Memo of the Month.
 
MOM-02-88
KODAK DATASHOW PRICE REDUCTION
Effective immediately, the sell price on the 90-2182 Kodak Datashow
System is reduced from $1270.00 to $1025.00. This will make the product
even more attractive to corporate accounts needing a quality overhead
projection system to display computer images. Education accounts that
qualify for the standard 20% education discount can buy the Datashow
for only $820.00.
 
MOM-02-88
DCM212 1200BPS MODEM - 26-1385
The much-delayed 1200 bps external modem is now shipping from TEW. It
has dual command sets:
1) Tandy protocol (as used in the old DC2212 and compatible with XENIX,
etc.)
2) Hayes
It features menu-driven operation and is Bell 212A compatible. Sell
price is $199.95.
 
MOM-02-88
INTRODUCING SCSI TECHNOLOGY
This month we are pleased to be able to introduce SCSI technology for
our Tandy 3000/4000 line of products. In particular, the 25-4161 SCSI
Host adapter is a true technology breakthrough. It is a 16-bit "AT"
style adapter supporting data transfer rates in excess of 1.2
Megabytes-per-second (as opposed to 180 KILOBYTES-per second on our
standard hard drive controllers)! As you can easily see, this is more
than 10 times the performance throughput of our current products. When
used in conjunction with our new 25-4160 80-Megabyte Hard Drive Kit,
the disk-related performance is more than 25% greater than the ESDI
solutions offered by Compaq and IBM.
At this moment, the SCSI products are supported by MS-DOS and 3Com
products. We will be introducing solutions for SCO XENIX and MSOS/2 in
the near future. For now, sell this solution only into an MS-DOS or
3Com environment where disk speed is of utmost importance.
Also note that you will need 700-4161 (16 bit SCSI 386 Drivers - no
charge) when used in conjunction with any software that uses the
virtual 386 mode of the microprocessor. Some examples of this include:
Windows 386, MON386, TEMM.SYS, DesqView 386. Note that Digital
Research's Concurrent DOS 386 is not supported at all under SCSI.
Pricing is as follows: 25-4160 80-Meg SCSI HD Kit $1799.00
25-4161 SCSI Host Adapter $ 299.95
We will keep you informed as our supported product network continues to
grow toward this revolutionary SCSI technology.
 
MOM-02-88
20 MEG HARD DISK CARD - 25-1032
The $599 Hard Disk Card is finally here and available for order at
TEW. The 20 Meg Hard Disk Card has been a very successful product for
Radio Shack, but at $599 (which is $200 off the original 25-1029 Hard
Disk Card) this product should explode.
 
MOM-02-88
ECHO PC  SPEECH SYNTHESIZER CARD  90-2162
The Echo PC < ($149.95) speech synthesizer card brings high-quality speech
to the MS-DOS market. The Echo PC  adds a natural sounding female voice
and an unlimited vocabulary in a robotic-type voice to the Tandy 1000 SX
and 1000 TX. The Echo PC 's fixed 720-word vocabulary words have been
encoded in
their entirety to produce a natural sounding female voice. The words
are easily added to BASIC programs using the Echo PC 's word editor.
The Echo PC  also features an unlimited vocabulary in a robotic
sounding voice. The text-to-speech system will pronounce any text
printed to the Echo PC . In this mode voice output can be easily
added to any user-constructed program. Four Berta-Max programs,
 
ALPHABET Read Along (90-5317)
COUNTING Read Along (90-5318)
FEET Read Along (90-5319)
Telling Time (90-5310)
 
can be used with the Echo PC to produce sound on the Tandy 1000 SX
and 1000 TX.
 
MOM-02-88
TRAC LINE NOW AVAILABLE FOR 3000 XENIX
TRAC LINE Integrated Accounting (90-1535) is now available through
Express Order.
 
MOM-02-88
HARMONY NETWORK MODULES AVAILABLE
The following Harmony LAN Extensions are available through Express
Order:
 Stock # Description Price
90-1701 General Ledger LAN Extension 200.00
90-1704 Accounts Receivable LAN Extension 200.00
90-1705 Accounts Payable LAN Extension 200.00
90-1709 Information Manager LAN Extension 100.00
90-1710 Spreadsheet LAN Extension 100.00
90-1711 Word Processor LAN Extension 100.00
90-1700 Network System Manager 99.00
These modules are upgrades that permit network use of the software. The
single user version of the module is required before installation of
the network extension module.
To INSTALL a NEW Harmony network accounting system of General Ledger
and Accounts Receivable you would need:
90-1700 Network System Manager
25-1201 General Ledger
90-1701 General Ledger LAN Extension
25-1204 Accounts Receivable
90-1704 Accounts Receivable LAN Extension
To UPGRADE an EXISTING Harmony accounting system of G/L and A/R to a
network version, you would need:
90-1700 Network System Manager
90-1701 General Ledger LAN Extension
90-1704 Accounts Receivable LAN Extension
 
MOM-02-88
STAND-ALONE VERSION OF PERSONAL DESKMATE 2 NOW
AVAILABLE
Personal DeskMate 2 (250-1177) is now available from TEW. At $99.95
this product is a great repeat-sale item for the original Tandy 1000
and Tandy 1000 SX installed base. Personal DeskMate 2 offers many
features over DeskMate II (such as underline and boldface in TEXT), as
well as provides an attractive and versatile user interface that can be
used to run many non-DeskMate programs. These non-DeskMate programs can
be launched from the DeskTop and return to the DeskTop upon completion,
thus practically eliminating the user from having to see the DOS
prompt. In addition, DeskMate II TEXT files are upward compatible with
Personal DeskMate 2.
 
MOM-02-88
STAND-ALONE VERSION OF PROFESSIONAL DESKMATE
NOW AVAILABLE
Professional DeskMate (250-1178) is now available from TEW. At
$149.95, this product is loaded with features not found in comparable
products. The perfect interface for DOS, Professional DeskMate can be
used to launch almost every business program. Using the Build option
from the DeskTop, users can create and display boxes for almost any
application.
In a small office environment, an RS-232 cable and two TandyLink boards
are all that is necessary to take advantage of Professional DeskMate's
many Workgroup features (see the January Memo of the Month for a
detailed description of the Workgroup features). Because Professional
DeskMate supports the most common video modes (Tandy 1000, EGA,
Hercules, and Plantronics), this product can be sold across the entire
Tandy and PC-Compatible product line.
 
MOM-02-88
FORMTOOL INTRODUCTION PLAN
FormTool, 90-3267, from BLOC Development has been on dealer's and
distributor's top-selling lists for several months. FormTool takes
advantage of your laser or high quality dot matrix printer's
capabilities to produce any kind of form - expense reports, phone
message pads, employment applications, invoices, log sheets, calendars
- any form you need can be laid out quickly and easily.
A product brochure is included with this month's mailing. We will be
sending out demo kits in March, with complete software, a set of sample
forms, and step-by-step demonstration instructions to let you and your
customer see how quickly FormTool can go to work for you.
The vendor will be running full page ads in the March, April, and May
issues of leading industry publications, in addition to a direct mail
campaign. FormTool retails for $95.00, comes with 5 1/4 inch diskettes
(3 1/2 inch available from vendor), and requires 256K memory.
 
The software products in the rest of this section have become
available this month.
See the "February 1988's Best" attachment for information
on these new titles.
 
MOM-02-88
NEW SOFTWARE PRODUCT LIST
25-1305 Font Download Utility $195.00
90-3214 Grolier Encyclopedia $49.95
90-3267 FormTool $95.00
90-3272 EGA Paint 2005 $99.00
90-3273 MICA Order Entry $795.00
90-3277 ACT! $395.00
90-3279 Synchronics Point of Sale MS-DOS $995.00
90-3305 Bedford Integrated Accounting $249.00
90-3307 TurboTax Personal 1040 $75.00
 
MOM-02-88
25-1034 2400BPS MODEM CANCELED
This full-featured internal 2400 bps modem with "Hayes" error
correction has been canceled. There are several options in Express
Order at 2400 bps with error correction:
1) 90-2178 CTS "2424AMH" external with level 4 MNP at $495
2) 90-2145 MICROCOM "AX/2400" external with level 4 MNP at $699
3) 90-2146 MICROCOM "AX/2400c" external with level 5 MNP compression
for 4800bps throughput at $799
2
 
MOM-02-88
REPLACEMENT PLOTTER PENS
The replacement plotter pens for our full size plotters have all
been moved to the Consumer Mail Center. This includes the
26-1343, -1344, -1345, -1346 for the FP 215
26-1460 thru -1466, 26-1470 thru -1476 for the Multi Pen Plotter
26-2831, -2832, -2833 for the PC 695 Plotter
The packaged quantities will probably change (ie: sold individually as
opposed to packaged 3 or 4 per package), so be sure to look for the
Consumer Mail announcement soon to be sent to you.
The replacement pens for the CGP 115 continue to be available from the
Force Feed warehouse.
 
MOM-02-88
CASSETTE INTERFACE FOR PC-6 BEING REORDERED
Effective immediately, the correct sell price for the 26-3651 PC-6
Cassette Interface is $39.95. Although it was previously discontinued,
it is now being reordered and will reappear in next year's catalogs (at
$39.95). Continue to handle customer requests by interstore transfers
until additional inventory arrives in early August.
 
MOM-02-88
DMP-130A MANUAL AND TANDY 1000 EX/SX PRINTER CABLE
Page 17 of the DMP-130A manual (26-1280A) states that the printer cable
comes with both the Tandy 1000 EX and SX. While this was true at one
time, it is no longer the case.
When these units were first released, we did not have a shielded cable
in our product line. To meet FCC guidelines for Radio Frequency
Interference (RFI), the Tandy 1000 EX and SX must be used with a
shielded printer cable. To make sure our customers had a shielded
cable, we included a four-foot cable until January of 1987. At that
time, two shielded cables were added to our product line.
The DMP-130A manual will be corrected for future printings, however, no
addendum will be added in the interim. To keep customers from feeling
that something was missing from their computer when they bought it, you
should advise your customers of the correct information when they
purchase the DMP-130A.
 
MOM-02-88
MEMORY UPGRADES FOR TANDY 1000/3000
Currently, the 256K Memory Kit (25-3062) consists of 9 chips (8 memory
chips and 1 parity chip). The parity chip is not required in the Tandy
1000 SX or the Memory PLUS Expansion Adapter, so a new stock number has
been assigned to a 256K RAM kit which does not include the parity chip.
This is stock number 25-1079, and it should be used with the Tandy 1000
SX and the Memory PLUS Expansion Adapter for the 1000 EX/HX.
Starting April 1, the 25-3062 256K Memory Kit should only be used for
the Memory Expansion Board (25-4030). This board requires the use of
the parity chip which is included in this kit.
Note, too, that beginning July 1, 1988, the Availability Code on the
25-3062 kit will be changed so that only 11s and 01Zs can stock the
item for inventory credit. Be sure to sell your inventory of 25-3062
and don't get caught holding the merchandise.
 
MOM-02-88
25-1029 HARD DISK CARD REPLACED
This 20 Meg Hard Disk Card is out of stock at TEW and all
backorders have been canceled.
The 25-1029 has been replaced by the 25-1032 Hard Disk Card - see 
 
MOM-02-88
HARD DRIVES AND MEDIA ERROR MAPS
This article was printed in the February 1987 Memo of the Month. From
the reports we hear from some store personnel about "bad" hard drives,
it appears it's time to reiterate:
"It appears that it is not unusual for the media error map that comes
with our hard drives to be disregarded when formatting the hard drive
for use. This can lead to what appear to be "hardware problems" which
are really nothing more than bad tracks being encountered when running
the hard drive. PLEASE! Make sure that whenever you format a hard drive
for a customer, you lock out the bad tracks. Make sure that your
customers are advised to do the same.
When the hard drive is one of those that are installed by our service
centers, this media error map can be found taped to the top of the
drive itself. On an external drive, the map will be located on the
bottom of the drive."
NOTE: On the 20 Meg Hard Disk Card (either 25-1029 or 25-1032), whether
you are using AUTOFMT (use the /B option) or HSECT, you should BE SURE
to enter "bad sector" information or flag "defective tracks", whichever
is appropriate.
 
MOM-02-88
MODEL 4 HARD DISK CONTROLLER - AVAILABILITY
The Model 4 Hard Disk Controller (26-1138), which was recalled and
changed to a special order only item (not stockable) IS being reordered
and more merchandise should be available in 90-120 days. Backorders
were deleted, so if you have a valid sale, you'll need to resubmit the
order.
 
MOM-02-88
PREVIOUSLY AVAILABLE KURTA TABLETS BEING REPLACED
The Express Order Kurta tablets (90-2000, 90-2001) and the 4 button
cursor for those tablets (90-2002) have ceased being produced by Kurta.
The replacement units are currently under evaluation by our engineering
department and should be released for warehousing in the near future.
We're looking at the 12 x 12 and 12 x 17 tablets, with an optional 4
button cursor. Watch your stock file for the new SKU's when available.
 
MOM-02-88
ASHTON TATE - TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR STORES, TSCs
Because of Ashton Tate's policy of answering technical questions only
for registered owners and authorized dealers, some of you have had
difficulty getting answers to your technical questions. We have now
established personnel in Central Support (Ft. Worth) as "authorized
dealers" with Ashton Tate.
If you have a question regarding any Ashton Tate product, you will need
to call the Database support group in Ft. Worth and ask your question
of them (you'll find the correct 800 number in your Store Operating
manual). They will contact Ashton Tate, get an answer to your question,
and call you back.
To avoid delays, please have a detailed description of the
problem/question ready when you call Central Support.
 
MOM-02-88
SUPPORT PHONE NUMBER FOR VIP PRODUCTS (COLOR
COMPUTER) CHANGED
The support phone number for Color Computer products from VIP has
changed. The products involved are: 90-0139 VIP Terminal, 90-0140 VIP
Database, 90-0141 VIP Writer, 90-0143 VIP Calc, and 90-0213 VIP
Integrated Library.
Support for these products is handled by S D Enterprises, and the new
phone number is (503) 663-2865.
 
MOM-02-88
LANGUAGES IN EXPRESS ORDER - CURRENT VERSIONS
The following is an update on the versions now shipping from TEW:
Stock # Description Version
90-0484 C Compiler (MSDOS) 5.0
90-0480 Fortran (MSDOS) 4.01
90-0481 Macro Assembler (MSDOS) 5.0
90-0482 QuickBASIC Compiler (MSDOS) 4.0
90-3043 Turbo Pascal 4.0
 
MOM-02-88
WORDPERFECT FOR SCHOOLS - SPECIAL PROCEDURE FOR SCHOOL PRICE
Through special arrangements with WordPerfect Radio Shack salesmakers
may offer the current PC Compatible 4.2 version of WordPerfect to
schools for $125.00 (net to Education price). This is a fantastic offer
for schools. $125.00 instead of the regular price of $495.00 for the
same package! This represents a savings of 75%!! The school version
catalog number is 90-5500.
Follow the procedure listed below to order the school version of
WordPerfect:
1. When you receive a purchase order from a recognized, licensed or
accredited educational institution forward it to our National Bid
Department.
National Bid Department
1400 One Tandy Center
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
2. National Bid will verify that the institution on the purchase order
is accredited. Then the National Bid Department will have the warehouse
release the product to your Center.
3. The product you receive from the warehouse will be marked "NOT FOR
RESALE" to ensure to WordPerfect that this special priced copy will not
be sold to anyone but an educational institution.
4. Be sure the catalog number on the purchase order is 90-5500 and NOT
any other Radio Shack catalog number for WordPerfect.
We're pleased to have this program with WordPerfect. We appreciate your
cooperative efforts in following the above instructions to get this
product to the school as quickly as possible.
 
MOM-02-88
CORRECTION TO EDUCATION SOFTWARE - 3.5" MEDIA CHART
On this chart which was included with the January Memo of the
Month, we incorrectly stated that 3.5" disks were available for 90-5123
Boppie's Great Word Chase from DLM Teaching Resources. 3.5 disks are
NOT available for this product. Please correct your copy of this sheet.
And, be aware that this product will not be available after April 30,1988.
Also, all Berta-Max products do not include 3.5"
media as previously indicated, an exchange coupon is included instead.
 
MOM-01-88
DISKETTE EXCHANGES - 90 SERIES NOT THROUGH TSA!
There is evidently a misunderstanding on the part of many stores about
how Express Order Software diskettes are exchanged (for warranty or for
the 3 1/2" size). Computer Merchandising and Tandy Software Assembly
constantly get inquiries about how this is done. This is costing lost
time, money, and customer goodwill as diskettes go back and forth in
the mail. Here's the rule:
 
IF IT'S A 90 SERIES PACKAGE, THE ORIGINAL VENDOR HANDLES
ANY DISKETTE EXCHANGE, NOT RADIO SHACK!
DO NOT send 90 series diskettes to Ft. Worth! If you have any questions
about what Tandy Software Assembly can exchange for you, call them at
(817) 336-1330 (ask for Warranty Exchange).
 
MOM-01-88
EGA ADAPTER REPLACED BY EGA/CGA ADAPTER
The 25-4037 EGA Adapter is no longer available. It has been replaced
with the 25-3048 EGA/CGA Adapter. This new product is $199.95 retail,
and it actually adds functionality at a substantial savings to your
customer.
All backorders for the 25-4037 have been converted to the new 25-3048.
This means that you will receive 25-3048s to cover your 25-4037
backorders, so DO NOT RE-ORDER FOR CURRENT BACKORDERS of 25-4037s!
 
MOM-01-88
SCO XENIX 386
SCO Xenix 386 (90-1502) for the Tandy 4000 is selling extremely well.
At this time, we are continuing to work with SCO on some enhancements
to this product. We will be incorporating some of the best features of
Tandy Xenix into the next release of SCO Xenix 386, features like our
unique "local print", and several others.
We are also working on a new 700 series product to enhance the current
90-1502, as well as the next release. This is a driver set which will
include drivers for our 4-Port Board (25-4031), our DCS products, and
Scripsit 286. This disk should become available by the end of February.
You should not sell any of the above-mentioned items with SCO Xenix 386
until this disk is available.
For multi-port boards for our current express order release of SCO
Xenix 386, you can use either the Arnet Smart-4 (90-2185) or the Arnet
Smart-8 (90-2186). Both provide super fast access for terminals.
We will keep you informed of updates involving other exciting new
products.
 
MOM-01-88
SOFTWARE DISPLAY - FC-0003
Thanks to you, the software display concept is a success! You sold most
of the software that was ordered for the display.
Many of the customers who bought the hardware for Christmas will be
coming back to you for more software. Take that opportunity to sell
Tandy 1000 entertainment and education software. If customers want more
than what you have to offer from the shelf, give them the Tandy
Computer Catalog and Software Reference Guide and direct their
attention to the broad offering of entertainment and home education
titles.
Keep your software display fully stocked with software from your
shelves for as long as the software display remains in good shape.
Also, there are some software displays (FC-0003) still left in the
warehouse. Please order right away if you need additional displays for
your store.
The disposition for the software which was on display is as follows:
25-1195 Winter Games has been DISContinued
25-1196 Chuck Yeager is a continuing item
all the rest of the titles either are or will be Express Order
 
MOM-01-88
PFS:PROFESSIONAL SERIES PROMOTION AND PFS:PROFESSIONAL PLAN
In February we are advertising a special promotional bundle
(25-1222) of PFS:Professional File and PFS:Professional Write with the
Tandy 1000 TX. While this combination represents an outstanding value
in itself, you can add extra dollars to the sale by promoting
PFS:Professional Plan (25-1173), Software Publishing's award-winning
spreadsheet, along with this system.
The flyer being sent along with this Memo of the Month describes just
some of Professional Plan's features: superb macro capture and editing,
formula auditing, presentation quality graphics output, network support
(for additional users under 3Com, PFS:Professional Network, 90-1630, is
required), easy pull-down menus and extensive on-line help screens for
beginners, and Lotus 1-2-3 file import and export.
Emphasize to your customers that by purchasing Professional Plan, they
will own a tightly integrated family of products - spreadsheets and
graphs can be exported from Plan directly into Professional Write to
integrate with text. You can also export Professional Plan's graphs to
Harvard Graphics (90-3260), for additional embellishments or to
incorporate into Harvard's slideshows.
PFS:Professional Plan's retail price has also been lowered to $99.00
from its old price of $199.00, making it the best spreadsheet value in
our MS-DOS line of software.
 
MOM-01-88
PRODUCTS CANCELED, DISCONTINUED, REPLACED
 
Stock # Description Status RSC-19 Replaced By
25-1192 World Tour Golf DISC 94 90-3121
70-6207 AR Source (26-1541) CANC N/A
70-6208 AP Source (26-1542) CANC N/A
70-6209 PR Source (26-1543) CANC N/A
90-0212 James Fixx: Running Program DISC 108
90-3058 Alice: The Personal PASCAL DISC N/A
 
Stock # Description Status RSC-19E
26-2793 Puzzles and Posters DISC 52
90-5321 Crossword Magic CANC 50
 
MOM-01-88
AVAILABILITY CODE CHANGES
On January 1, 1988, the 26-1138 Model 4 Hard Disk Controller
changed from Availability Code 17 to 18 and is no longer a stockable
item.
Effective March 1, 1988, the 
25-4052 3 1/2" 1.44MB Floppy Drive Kit
will change to Availability Code 20. This item will be special order
only and no inventory credit will be given after February 28, 1988.
 
Effective March 1, 1988, the Cassette Interface and Printer for
the PC3/8 (26-3591) will change to Availability Code 20.
 
Effective April 1, 1988, the 25-4038 Enhanced Keyboard will change
to Availability Code 20. This item will be special order only and no
inventory credit will be given after March 31, 1988.
 
MOM-01-88
3COM
3S/201 SERVER - 90-1661
The 3S/201 Server is now available through Express Order Hardware as
90-1661, at a retail price of $9,745.00. 
This product essentially
replaces the 3Server3 Complete (26-5550). It is the same as the
3Server3 in that it has all software installed except it does NOT come
with 3+MAIL (26-5511). 
 
If your customer requires
3+Mail you should sell two copies of 26-5511. It is highly
recommended that you quote 3+MAIL when you sell a 3S/201.
 
Although the 3Server3 is still available (and you should continue to
quote this), the 3S/201 in Express Order has 100 megs of disk storage,
and thus may be more desirable to many customers.
 
3COM 3STATION - 26-5551
 
The Network station from 3Com is available as catalog number 260-5551.
It sells for $1895 less monitor. Any Tandy monitor can be attached to
the 3Station - monochrome, CGA, EGA. This diskless workstation is ideal
for schools or wherever software security is of concern. It also
contains no FAN and is therefore great for low noise environments. The
3Station is easily set up and connected to a 3Com network.
The software products in the rest of this section have become
available this month.
See the "January 1988's Best" attachment for information
on these new titles.
 
MOM-01-88
NEW SOFTWARE PRODUCTS
 
90-0151 DAC Easy Word II $ 49.95
90-1635 SuperCalc4 LANPAK $495
90-3247 Quartet Access  $199
90-3264 WordPerfect Executive  $249
90-3265 Q & A Write  $199
 
NEW ENTERTAINMENT PRODUCTS
 
90-3253 Instrument Maker $49.95
90-3254 Music Championship $39.95
90-3280 T.V. Gameshows $25.95
 
NEW EDUCATION SOFTWARE
 
TITLES
90-5322 Balance of Power $59.95
 
MOM-01-88
NOVATION MODEMS 90-2170/2171 AND MODEL 100,
TANDY 102/200 AND TANDY 600
The Novation "Parrot" 1200 bps compact modems (90-2170 and 90-2171)
operate from current supplied by the host computer through the RS-232
serial cable, without need for its own batteries or AC adaptor.
Unfortunately, the Model 100, Tandy 102, Tandy 200, and Tandy 600 do
not provide the correct voltage or amperage via RS-232 for
compatibility with the Parrot. Do NOT sell the Parrot for use with
these four portable computers. Note however that the Parrot 
does work properly with the Tandy 1400LT.
 
If your customer requires a small portable 1200 bps modem for use with
the Model 100/Tandy 102/Tandy 200 or Tandy 600, you can still give them
the choice between the Touchbase Systems "Worldport" (90-704) for $199
or the Migent "Pocket Modem" (90-707) for $259. Both of these employ a
single 9 volt battery to provide the appropriate current levels.
11 and 01Z stores will receive, along with this Memo of the Month, a
flyer about the Novation Parrot modem and a non-functional case. This
case (marked "No Electronics") is being provided so you can show your
customers the actual size of this compact modem.
 
MOM-01-88
MS-DOS 3.3 WITH OLDER TANDY 3000 AND 4000'S
When you have a customer using MS-DOS 3.3 (25-4109) who has a Tandy
3000 or 4000 in which they want to use 3 1/2" drives, be aware that
they must also have BIOS version 01.03.01 or greater. The 3.3 DOS does
not include the DRIVEPARM command (which was used to recognize 3 1/2"
installed drives) because it is not necessary when the newer BIOS ROM
is installed in the computer.
 
MOM-01-88
FEDERAL INCOME TAX SOFTWARE AVAILABLILITY
The Tax Year 1987 versions of the following software will be available
Feb. 1, 1988:
90-0517 1040 Federal Bronze $ 395.00
90-0516 1040 Federal Silver $ 995.00
 
MOM-01-88
MODEL III AND MODEL 4 - NEW OPERATING SYSTEMS
AND SUPPORT
As mentioned in previous communications, there is a date limitation in
the Model III LDOS and Model 4 TRSDOS 6.2 operating systems (not being
able to enter a system date after December 31, 1987).
Many of you have been calling MISOSYS to order the new operating system
for the Model 4 - THIS IS NOT CORRECT!
To order the new operating system for the Model III, call MISOSYS at
(703) 450-4181.
To order the new operating system for the Model 4, call Logical Systems
at (303) 243-7070.
PLEASE NOTE: Support for the new Model 4 operating system,
LS-DOS 6.3, is provided by Radio Shack and Logical Systems.
If you have support-type questions about LS-DOS 6.3, you
should first call Ft. Worth Computer Customer Service at
the phone number shown in your Store Operating Manual.
 
MOM-01-88
MODEL 4 ACCOUNTING SOURCE CODE
Source codes for the following Model 4 accounting programs will not be
made available:
26-1541 Accounts Receivable
26-1542 Accounts Payable
26-1543 Payroll
Source code for General Ledger (26-1540) will continue to be available
as 700-6206.
 
MOM-01-88
DON'T CONFUSE COLOR COMPUTER 3 DISK & ROM SOFTWARE
Do you know that 26-3084 Shanghai and 26-3072 Thexder are ROM cartridge
games for Color Computer 3? These do not come in the plastic clam shell
like other ROM products but are packaged in a standard box. Please
don't mistake these for disk software.
 
MN-06-94
USE THE RIGHT SURROUND SOUND DEMO TAPE!
 
Stores that are still using the old Fox Studios Surround Sound demo tape
from last summer should stop using it immediately and destroy it in
accordance with copyright laws.  If you fail to do so, Radio Shack could
incur severe penalties from the copyright holder.
 
In the January 1994 Merchandising Newsletter, we reminded you to destroy
the old tape in a way that ensures it can't be viewed again, such as
smashing the case or pulling out the tape.  You should not retain the tape
in the store, take it home, or give it to a customer.
 
The only Surround Sound demo tape you should currently be using is the
Walt Disney/Touchstone tape you received earlier this year.  When you
receive another new tape this summer, you should destroy the Disney/
Touchstone tape.
 
 
MN-06-94
RAVE REVIEW FOR OPTIMUS RECEIVER
 
The April 1994 issue of Audio magazine contains high praise for our
Optimus STAV-3400 Digital Synthesized Audio/Video Stereo Receiver (Cat.
No. 31-3025, $599.99).
 
After an exhaustive test and evaluation process, Audio found the STAV-3400
"right on target for buyers who want [Surround Sound] without hassle or
bankruptcy."
 
Author Edward J. Foster reports that the STAV-3400 "does a good job of
decoding Dolby Surround sources and provides adequate power for viewing
rooms of average size." He found the receiver "competitive in its target
market...the first-time home-theater/audio buyer who wants decent
performance and a taste of surround sound with a minimum of hassle and
without breaking the bank.  In this arena, the STAV-3400 stands out for
the number of audio-video sources it accommodates and its generous power
performance."
 
 
MN-06-94
COMPUTERS -- Radio Shack Launches IBM Computer Test Program
 
The waiting is over and Radio Shack's IBM computer test program is now
underway.  As you read this, 23 stores in the Tucson area, plus a hundred
other selected stores, have begun selling non-Tandy computers -- two IBM
desktop CPUs and a monitor.  In addition, selected stores have been
marketing several IBM notebook computers.  (Read the all-store mailing
dated May 10, 1994, "Radio Shack to Sell IBM Notebook Computers," for all
the details.)
 
We're selling these items on a test basis in the selected stores only, so
for now, if you aren't selling them, you can't order them.  However, all
Radio Shack stores must be prepared to provide service in the event there
are problems, no matter where the unit was bought.  So, all Radio Shack
salesmakers need to be aware of the IBM warranty and repair procedures
included in the all-store mailing.
 
Here are some of the highlights:
 
WARRANTY
 
Every IBM computer we sell is warranted to the end user for 1 year from
date of purchase with a sales receipt.  Customers with problems should
call IBM Express Maintenance at (800) 765-4747.  IBM will diagnose the
problem and service the unit within 48 hours.  For IBM PS/Notes, the
customer should pack the notebook in the original box; IBM will arrange
UPS pick-up and pay the transportation charges.  For IBM PS/1 Desktops,
IBM will ship a replacement unit.  When the replacement arrives, the
customer will be instructed to return the defective unit to IBM.
 
Since Tandy Service is an Authorized IBM Service Center, it provides
another option for the customer who needs warranty service.
 
NEW AND DEFECTIVE
 
If a customer returns a new machine to your store as "defective," get a
copy of the sales receipt, all pertinent customer information, and a brief
description of the problem.  Ensure all pre-packaged materials (manuals,
diskettes, power pack, battery, etc.) are in the original IBM box, and
exchange a new machine for the defective.  (If any materials are missing,
take them from the new machine to ensure you return a complete unit.) Send
the defective unit in its original box to Tandy Service.  They will return
the repaired unit to your store for resale.
 
DEFECTIVE DEMOS
 
If you have a defective demo unit, call IBM PS/1 Retail Support at (919)
543-1743.  They will send you a replacement within 48 hours.  Return the
defective part to IBM in the replacement part's box.  Again, IBM pays all
transportation charges.
 
As Radio Shack ventures into this new area of computer marketing, bear in
mind that the success of this program hinges on our ability to provide the
superior service our customers have come to expect from Radio Shack.  Even
though you might not be selling the IBM products, know where to find the
answers to your customers' questions on the program before they arise.
 
 
MN-06-94
COMPUTERS -- NEW Tandy Computers Arrive
 
In the same mailing as this Merchandising Newsletter, you'll find data
sheets for two of our newest computers, the Tandy 3200 computer (Cat. No.
25-1633, $1,299.00) and the Tandy 4100 MT Professional Series mini-tower
computer (Cat. No. 25-5160, $1,499.00). Keep these sheets handy to help
you respond to bid requests, "power user" inquiries, RFQs, etc.
 
An ideal entry-level computer, the Tandy 3200 replaces the popular Tandy
3100 system.  It features an Intel 486SX/33 CPU, 4 MB RAM, local bus
video, and a 210 MB hard drive.  Most important, the Tandy 3200 ships with
a version of WinMate preinstalled on the hard drive! (WinMate is an
excellent, simple-to-use, intuitive interface for your first-time computer
customer.) Take time now to become familiar with our newest Tandy computer
and the special "value added" features, functions, and applets that
WinMate gives your customers.
 
The Tandy 4100 MT is a field-configurable 486DX2/66 computer at just
$1,499!  It ships with 4 MB RAM and a 3 1/2-inch 1.44 MB floppy drive.
Although no hard drive is included, MS-DOS 6.21 and Windows 3.11 diskettes
and documentation are provided.  We anticipate that most of these units
will be configured in the field (either at the store, at a Service Center,
or by your customer) with one or more of these peripherals:
 
     Cat. No.   Description
 
     25-0100    212 MB Hard Drive (field inventory)
     25-0101    340 MB Hard Drive
     25-0102    420 MB Hard Drive (field inventory)
     25-0103    540 MB Hard Drive
     25-0200    Creative Labs Discovery 16 Multimedia Kit
     25-0201    Creative Labs SoundBlaster 16 Audio Kit
     25-0202    Creative Labs OmniCD 2x CD-ROM Kit
     25-3027    2400/9600 Fax/Modem
     25-4050    5 -inch 1.2 MB floppy drive (CMC or field inventory)
     25-4054    3 1/2-inch 1.44 MB floppy drive (CMC)
 
Additional system RAM, external cache memory, and video memory are all
available from Tandy National Parts.
 
 
MN-06-94
COMPUTERS -- Western Digital Offer for Radio Shack Employees
 
Merchandising has made arrangements for Radio Shack employees to be able
to purchase Western Digital hard drive kits at substantial savings.  The
limit is one kit per employee, for your personal use only -- no resale.
You'll find the order form enclosed with this issue.
 
 
MN-06-94
COMMUNICATIONS -- Defective Microphones On 21-1590 CBs
 
A recent manufacturing change to the microphone on the 21-1590 Mobile CB
with DSP causes muffled audio on transmit.  The audio quality is
significantly degraded -- there's no mistaking it!
 
It appears that all recent shipments are involved.  The product is on NQC
hold at all warehouses and a fix is in the works.  It looks like we will
be able to rework some inventory at each warehouse very soon and get the
product off hold.
 
Check your inventory now before you make the sale.  Connect a unit to a 12
VDC supply and listen to the transmitted audio on a PRO-2006 or a Walkie
Talkie.
 
Sorry for the inconvenience, and thanks to the many store managers that
let Merchandising know the minute they sensed the problem.  Watch future
issues of the Merchandising Newsletter for further details.
 
 
MN-06-94
COMMUNICATIONS -- TV and Print Help Sell Radio
 
RADIO MAKES NEWS
 
Don't miss out on opportunities to let mass media events provide "free
advertising" you! In recent months, for example, news viewers and
listeners have stayed up to date on the situation in embattled Gorazde,
Bosnia, by listening to broadcasts from a ham operator in the city -- an
example of radio's immediacy and power.
 
This summer, NBC-TV will air footage of a scanner enthusiast demonstrating
scanner and shortwave operation to a novice user in a Radio Shack store,
with the store manager present.  The show should pump up interest in
radio, which can translate into sales for you!
 
RADIO! MAGAZINE GIVEAWAY
 
Here's a chance to score points with your customers who purchase
communications products.  Give them a free copy of the inaugural issue of
Radio! Magazine.
 
Initial favorable response to the new publication is exceeding
expectations, and we think we have a winner.  But we still have customers
across our broad Communications customer base -- from hams to scanner
enthusiasts to CB users -- who aren't aware of Radio! 's existence.  We
feel this special promotion will help build customer awareness and
interest.
 
Don't forget, when you give a customer who purchases a communications
product their free copy, you still need to scan the magazine's UPC code
with the POS wand and enter a cost of 0 (the same way you do with giveaway
flashlights).
 
 
MN-06-94
COMMUNICATIONS -- DC Adapters for Passport Radar Detectors
 
Radio Shack Risk Management reports they've been processing 5-10 claims a
week from customers whose Passport radar detectors were damaged when used
with Radio Shack 12 VDC adapters.
 
Passport radar detectors conventionally use a 9 VDC adapter, not the
industry standard 12 VDC.  When a customer needs an adapter for a radar
detector, be sure to ask him or her the detector's brand name.  If it's
Passport, recommend a 9 VDC adapter such as our Universal DC-to-DC Adapter
(Cat. No. 270-1560, $12.99) or our High-Current DC Adapter (Cat. No.
270-1562, 16.99).
 
Thanks to Todd Katon (01-2310), manager in Winston-Salem NC, for bringing
this to our attention.
 
 
MN-06-94
COMMUNICATIONS -- More About Hamfests
 
The response to the first Merchandising Newsletter article on selling at
hamfests ("Extra Day (Or Two) of Sales," May 1994), has been nothing short
of overwhelming.  Here are some answers to common questions we've received
about hamfest sales.
 
Is it worth it? You decide.  The Dayton hamfest is the biggest nationally,
a 2 1/2 day event, but local stores did about $165,000 in sales this year,
in spite of heavy rain every day.  Even small towns have hamfests -- all
it requires is a local ham club to get it started.  Most hamfests draw
1,000 to 2,000 people; a few attract 5,000 or more.  Stores that have
attended local hamfests with our new promotional pricing are getting
anywhere from $10,000 to $15,000 in sales for every 5,000 people in
attendance!
 
How hard is it to sell there? Selling at a hamfest is actually very easy--
very much like a flea market.  You buy space or tables, so you need to
decide how much space you need.  Try to get tables along the outside wall
if the event is inside.  If it's outside, consider renting a tent (so
customers will be in your tent rain or shine).  If 5,000 or more will
attend your hamfest, it will be big enough to attract some of the
manufacturers (ICOM, Kenwood, Alinco, Yaesu, etc.).  If they will be
there, consider getting booth space in the main area rather than out in
the flea market.  This will upgrade your image.
 
Make it obvious you are there.  Get the biggest banners available and hang
them up high, where people can see them as they enter the hall.  Use guyed
poles (or the tent) to hold the banner if you'll be outside.
 
How can I get the word out? Clubs run these events, so find out what club
member is the event chairperson.  Ask about getting an ad in the club
newsletter.  Ask if there is a special mailing to all hams in the area.
If they don't do one, you might suggest they do (and split the cost).
It's very cheap -- you can buy local hams' address stickers from
Buckmaster Publishing (the address in QST or CQ magazine) for a few cents
each.  Decide how far away you might attract customers (two hours' drive?
one hour?), then have Buckmaster print address stickers sorted by zip
code.  The zip code sort also allows you to bulk mail and save on postage.
Make up a pricing sheet and include it with the hamfest announcement in
the mailing.  Make it exciting!
 
What about logistics? Check with your DM on how you will handle POS.  At a
large hamfest, you might be able to get a phone line and operate POS with
full capabilities.  If a phone line is not available, decide how you will
authorize credit cards.  Take a cellular phone.  If it's a small hamfest,
you might take all product in and stack it up on the tables.  You'll need
pricing tags for everything; show both regular and hamfest special
pricing; save XX% or $XX (whichever is higher).  Take all the
communication products of course, but don't go overboard on CB -- it just
doesn't sell well at a hamfest, and displaying a lot of it sends the wrong
message to hams.
 
Who shall I take? It helps a lot if you can draw on local stores and get
employee-hams in the booth.  Make sure they are wearing a nametag with
their call letters.  Hams will show "favoritism" to other hams when it
comes to questions and purchases.  If it happens that you're not a ham or
can't have a ham there, it's no big deal, hams will still be happy to see
Radio Shack in support of Amateur Radio.
 
How do I get the special pricing authorized? Once you have a date, call
the Communications Buyer, Wayne Wilson, at (817) 390-3233 to obtain
pricing on all communications products.  Wayne can also help you get
pricing on certain test equipment.  Try to sell accessories at full price
or at reduced price with major purchase.  As an example, sell the 19-310
at $14.99 ($5 off) with purchase of HTX-202 or HTX-404 as an add-on --
you'll sell one with almost every HT! Round up disco/clearance merchandise
from local stores and sell that, too! Don't hesitate to call Wayne or send
E-mail to WWILSO1 if you have additional questions, and happy selling!
 
 
MN-06-94
COMMUNICATIONS -- Crystals at CMC
 
CMC carries crystals for CBs, scanners, Realistic Business Band
transceivers, even microprocessors! If you're looking for a crystal for
any brand of scanner, check with CMC.  We may already have what you need!
Here are a few tips to help you sell crystals.
 
CB CRYSTALS
 
CMC supplies transmit (CBT) and receive (CBR) crystals for all regular CB
channels (1-40).  Realistic CB Crystals are standard type and will work in
most CB/walkie-talkie transceivers that use small, plug-in type transmit/
receive crystals.  If a Realistic CB crystal doesn't work in your
customer's CB unit, the customer should contact the transceiver's
manufacturer.
 
SCANNER CRYSTALS
 
Scanner crystals are unique to the make and type of scanner.  The major
factor is the intermediate frequency (IF).  Most brands of scanners have
an IF of either 10.7 or 10.8 MHz.  CMC carries both types for the majority
of scanners sold since 1975.  The CMC part number consists of a three-
character prefix (indicating the type of scanner) followed by the
frequency.  Consult the chart below for the prefix of crystal for the
scanner's specified IF.
 
    Desired Frequency              10.7 IF         10.8 IF
 
    30,000 MHz-50,000 MHz          P77             BCT
 
    140,000 MHz-174,000 MHz        P77             BCT
 
    450,000 MHz-512,000 MHz        P05             BCT
 
So for example, the crystal part number for a 10.7 IF Realistic scanner
with a frequency of 162.550 MHz is P77-162.550.  The crystal part number
for a 10.8 IF Bearcat scanner with a frequency of 162.550 MHz is BCT-
162.550.
 
BUSINESS BAND TRANSCEIVER CRYSTALS
CMC stocks transmit and receive crystals for BXT-120 (Cat. No. 19-1201)
and BXT-121 (Cat. No. 19-1202) Business Band Transceivers.  Part numbers
for Business Band crystals consist of a prefix of BBR (for receive) or BBT
(for transmit), followed by the frequency.
 
So for example, a pair of transmit & receive crystals for frequency
151.250 are BBR-151.250 (for the receive crystal) and BBT-151.250 (for the
transmit crystal).
 
CMC's crystals only work in Realistic Business Band transceivers in the
frequencies 151.145-151.955 MHz (for the BXT-120) or 151.250-156.255 MHz
(for the BXT-121).  CMC does not carry crystals for any other make or
brand of Business Band transceiver.
 
See your current CMC price list for a complete listing of stocked
frequencies.  (Others can be special ordered.)
 
MICROPROCESSOR CRYSTALS
 
You can offer your customers a complete line of resonators used in
microprocessors, computers, clocks, and integrated circuits.  Realistic
microprocessor crystals are manufactured with low resistance for fast
starting and tight frequency tolerance for maximum stability.  They meet
or exceed all industry specifications for the highest quality.  To order
crystals, call the Telephone Order Center at (800) 433-2024.
 
 
MN-06-94
COMMUNICATIONS -- Scanners and Imaging
 
You may have had customers ask, "Why do I occasionally hear another signal
that isn't on the frequency I'm listening to when I tune to an 800 MHz
police or fire frequency on my scanner?"
 
To answer this question, we must explain something about how a radio
receiver works.  To begin with, all signals are present at the antenna.  A
mixer in the receiver mixes input signals from the antenna with another
signal called the Local Oscillator, or LO.
 
Tuning the radio shifts the LO frequency up or down so the Intermediate
Frequency or IF stage will accept the desired frequency.  The IF stage
filters and amplifies signals that go on to the rest of the receiver,
where we can hear them.  Two frequencies meet this requirement: the
desired frequency (the station you want to hear) and the IF image
frequency .
 
To calculate the IF image frequency, double the IF frequency and add this
number to the desired frequency.  Most of our scanners are "double
conversion" and have a first IF of 10.7 MHz:
 
    856.437              desired frequency
    21.4                 10.7 x IF x 2
    877.837              image frequency
 
It's conceivable that signals from other frequencies in the same band
might be heard, even though the receiver is tuned to 856.437 MHz.
 
Some receivers are designed to reduce the image frequency's signal to a
level where it can't be heard.  It's easy to do this in an AM or FM radio,
because they have narrow frequency ranges.  But, to do this in a radio
with a wider range, like a scanner, requires a much more costly scheme  --
"triple conversion."
 
We offer two scanners with "triple conversion." The PRO-43 (Cat. No. 20-
300, $349.99) and PRO-2006 (Cat. No. 20-145, 399.99) have a first IF of
610 MHz.  Using the same 856.437 MHz frequency example, the IF image would
be at 2,076 MHz (2 x 610 + 856.437).  Since a higher IF frequency spreads
the mixed signals further apart, and a signal at 2,076 MHz is less likely,
the triple conversion scheme is more immune to imaging problems.  It's
still important to remember that if a signal appeared at 2,076 MHz, it
would be heard.  All radios exhibit this phenomenon.  Changing the design
simply makes it more or less likely to occur.
 
It's not practical to make every scanner triple conversion; to do so would
inflate prices beyond many prospective hobbyists' price range.  But, by
understanding the features and value of both double and triple conversion
schemes, you can help your customers buy exactly what they need.
 
 
MN-06-94
SECURITY -- Installation Tips for 49-730 Car Alarm
 
Our Talking Vehicle Alarm (Cat. No. 49-730, $99.99) surpasses all
competitors in ease of installation.  There's only one wire to connect!
We're enjoying good sales with this item, with no more than a normal rate
of return.  However, most of even these returns could be avoided.
 
It seems that since the alarm is so easy to install, customer's aren't
reading or following the installation instructions in the Owner's Manual.
As a result, they aren't using all three of the supplied screws to secure
the alarm's base.  (One customer actually connected the 49-730 to his
vehicle's battery, then set it on a flat surface under the hood and drove
off without attaching the unit at all.)
 
It's important that 49-730 owners use all three screws to secure the
alarm's base because without a good mechanical connection, shocks to the
vehicle won't be transferred to the alarm, and the alarm won't sound when
it should.
 
Also, users must use the procedure on Page 6 of the Owner's Manual to set
the shock sensor.  With the alarm disarmed, they should hold Finder down
for at least two seconds until the alarm says, "Please set the shock
sensor now."  Then they should open and close the car door (or firmly tap
the hood or windshield) with the same amount of force they want the alarm
to respond to until the alarm says, "Thank you." (The alarm ignores all
current or shock violations for 45 seconds after it's armed.)
 
 
MN-06-94
SECURITY -- Consumer Reports Likes Our Alarms and Detectors
 
In its May 1994 issue, Consumer Reports evaluated burglar alarms and smoke
detectors, with some very favorable findings for Radio Shack products.
 
They gave a Safe House unit the highest rating for "versatility and
convenience" among wireless do-it-yourself home-security systems they
evaluated.  They also gave high marks for "performance and convenience" to
the Safe House smoke detector they included in their survey.
 
Although Consumer Reports prohibits the use of their findings in
advertising and sales presentations (so you shouldn't quote their article
to your customers), the results of their evaluation send a strong signal
that you can sell our products with confidence.
 
 
MN-06-94
VIDEO -- TNP Has Mast Mount Antenna Amp
 
Our Three-Piece TV/FM Hi-Gain Signal Amp (Cat. No. 15-1108, $35.99) mounts
on the mast of an outside TV/FM antenna.  It delivers a typical gain of 25
dB VHF and 20 dB UHF to improve TV reception.  Its remotely controlled FM
trap reduces interference.
 
In most cases, when a customer returns a 15-1108, it's because the mast
mount section has been damaged by static discharge caused by electrical
storms.  To help your customers get the most from their investment, rather
than giving them the whole assembly, Tandy National Parts carries the mast
mounted antenna amp as a stand alone unit.  Call the Telephone Order
Center at (800) 433-2024 and ask for the following:
 
     Part No.     Description               Retail Sell
 
     Z1314          Mast Mount Amp            $12.00
 
     TA0764         Inside Power Supply       $14.00
 
Be sure to return all defective units of the 15-1108 to Tandy Electronics,
200 Commerce St., Azle TX 76020, for repair/replacement.  We cannot learn
how to make our products better if we cannot learn from our mistakes.
 
 
MN-06-94
VIDEO -- Satellite Update
 
JUNE SATELLITE DISH SALE
 
Remember to tell your customers who want to enter the world of satellite
TV about the tremendous opportunity we're offering this month.
 
All this month, a complete 9-foot dish system (regularly $1,995.00) sells
for just $999.00.  The complete 5-foot dish system (regularly $799.00)
sells for just $599.00.
 
The "Satellite TV Systems" insert in your March 1994 Merchandising
Newsletter has all the information you need to sell more dishes!
 
CMC HAS ACCESSORIES
 
CMC has the accessories your customers need to complete their home
satellite systems.
 
Satellite Cable Kits (Cat. No. 16-2316, $99.99, for 100 feet, or Cat. No.
16-2317, $59.99, for 50 feet) are used to extend the 100-foot cable
supplied with each Home Satellite System.  Each kit includes: a 4-leg
(dual RG6) sweep tested to 1450 MHz; UL-listed cable; a can of urethane
foam; a 10-inch section of PVC plastic pipe; two disposable gloves; two F-
type screw-on couplers; six red and four blue crimp butt connectors; a
crimping tool; two plastic wire ties and four cable connectors.
 
For 9-foot satellite dish owners, CMC has a Ku-Band LNB low noise adapter
(Cat. No. 16-2318, $129.99) with block down converter that amplifies and
interprets 950-1450 MHz Ku-Band signals, and a Terrestrial Interference
Filter (Cat. No. 16-2319, $199.99) to filter out microwave interference.
 
Our 2-Way Splitter (Cat. No. 16-2320, 7.99) and 4-Way Splitter (Cat. No.
16-2321, $9.99) serve as power dividers and signal splitters for customers
who have several TVs/monitors.
 
Also available:
 
C/KU FEEDHORN ASSEMBLY (Cat. No. 16-2322, $169.99) -- collects signal
    broadcasts from satellites for combination C/Ku-Band systems.
 
KU LNB (TSS-25020-KUBLNB, $345.75) with block down converter -- amplifies
    and interprets 430-930 MHz signals from satellites.
 
DUAL ORTHO FEEDHORN (TSS-D-FHORNA, $129.95) -- gives customers with
    several TVs/monitors simultaneous access to 24 channels.
 
Call the Telephone Order Center at (800) 433-2024 for these or any other
CMC-stocked accessory items you need.
 
 
MN-06-94
VIDEO -- Universal Remote 15-1908
 
In Flyer 516 and insert 94E, we'll be promoting our preprogrammed 5-in-1
Remote (Cat. No. 15-1908, on sale for $24.99, regularly $29.99).  The last
time we promoted this item, in Flyer 513, it exceeded our sales
expectations.  We believe this will be a "repeat performance." To help you
make the sale, here are some facts which every prospective buyer needs to
know.
 
The 5-in-1 Remote controls up to five audio and video devices.
 
Because it's preprogrammed, it doesn't need to "learn" commands.
 
There's a toll-free number, (800) 883-4776, to answer any customer
question.
 
The "Punch Through" feature lets the user control two different devices
without having the press the device key for each one.
 
 
MN-06-94
VIDEO -- Universal Remote 15-1905
 
The April edition of Home Theater magazine contained a highly favorable
review of our preprogrammed 6-in-1 Remote (Cat. No. 15-1905, $39.99).  The
author particularly liked the "Punch Through" and "Sleep" features, and
the unit's low price.  Bottom line: the unit "was easy, fast, and it
worked."
 
Take some time to peruse the Owner's Manuals for these and our other
universal remotes, so you can be familiar with their many handy features.
 
 
MN-06-94
VIDEO -- "Black Boxes"
 
Where else but Radio Shack can a customer walk into a retail store and
find the selection of "black boxes" we have? Radio Shack has the
enhancers, editors, selectors, and converters your customers need!
 
In Flyer 516, we'll be advertising both our Video Processor (Cat. No. 15-
1962, on sale for $69.99, regularly $99.99) and Easy Home Video Editor
(Cat. No. 15-1963, on sale for $149.99, regularly $199.99).  Remember,
summer is vacation time and one of the hottest times of the year (for home
video, that is).  So be sure to have both units hooked up and operating in
your store during this sale.  Play with them! Demo them! Sell them!
 
 
MN-06-94
VIDEO -- Accessories for 16-829 and 16-861 Camcorders
 
CMC has accessories for our two new model camcorders -- the 8 mm Palm-type
(Cat. No. 16-861, $799.00) and Slim-Line Full-Size VHS (Cat. No. 16-829,
$799.00).  Call the Telephone Order Center at (800) 433-2024 to order the
ones your customers need.
 
MODEL 129 VHS CAMCORDER (Cat. No. 16-829)
 
  PAUSE REMOTE CONTROL (Cat. No. 16-2300, $29.99) --
    Operates the camcorder from up to 15 feet away.
 
  STEP-RING (Cat. No. 16-2301, $4.99) --
    43 mm to 45 mm
 
  LENS FILTER KIT (Cat. No. 16-2309, $29.99) --
    Contains three lenses:
      ND6X4 -- To prevent video washout outdoors or in bright light.
      UV Haze -- Lens protector and morning haze reducer.
      FD -- To correct blue-green light caused by fluorescent   lighting.
 
  320 mAh BATTERY (Cat. No. 16-2303, $39.99) --
    6 VDC lead acid battery.
 
  DC ADAPTER/CHARGER -- (Cat. No. 16-2304, $79.99) --
    Charges the battery.  Also works with the camcorder's auxiliary power
    cord to power the camcorder from a vehicle's cigarette lighter socket
    (in vehicles with negative-ground electrical systems).
 
  RF ADAPTER -- (Cat. No. 16-2323, $39.99) --
    Lets the user view a recording on a TV without Audio/Video jacks.
 
  CAR CORD/DC ADAPTER -- (Cat. No. 16-2326, $29.99) --
    Lets the user operate the camcorder from an automobile (or other 12
    VDC power source)'s cigarette lighter socket.
 
  12V LEAD ACID PORTABLE BATTERY PACK (Cat. No. 16-2336, $89.99) --
    10,000 mAh rechargeable, comes with padded Cordura case, carry handle,
    adjustable belt, and AC adapter.  Also works with portable TVs, CDs,
    radios, or other products that operate on 12 VDC power.  Requires 16-
    2326 DC adapter.
 
  Y ADAPTER (Part No. CCB-6610, $9.95) --
    Connects two different camcorder battery modules to one 6V 5-Hour
    Camcorder Battery Pack.
 
  6 V 5 HOUR CAMCORDER BATTERY PACK KIT (Part No. CCB-6630, $69.95) --
    Lightweight (under 3 lbs.), portable kit includes 6 V, 7.0 Amp
    battery, padded case with belt loop, adjustable belt, camcorder
    battery module, UL-approved AC charger.
 
  CAMCORDER BATTERY MODULE ONLY (Part No. CCB-6630M, $19.95) --
    Replaces BT30-type camcorder battery.
 
  12V NI-CD PORTABLE BATTERY PACK (Part No. T16-DV124, $89.95) --
    Powers a camcorder or other 12 VDC portable products with the
    appropriate DC power cord or adapter.  Comes with carry strap and 110
    VAC charger.
 
  12V LEAD ACID CAMCORDER BATTERY PACK (Part No. T16-DV127, $59.99) --
    7,000 mAh rechargeable, comes with padded Cordura case, carry handle
    or strap, adjustable belt, and AC charger.  Also works with portable
    TVs, ham or business band radios, cassette or CD players.
 
MODEL 160 MOVIECORDER (CAT. NO. 16-861)
 
  TELEPHOTO/WIDE ANGLE LENS SET (Cat. No. 16-2307, $99.99) --
    1.5 telephoto /.65 wide angle lens set (37 mm kit with 27 mm step
    ring).
 
  LENS FILTER KIT (Cat. No. 16-2302, $29.99) --
    Contains three lenses:
      ND6X4 -- To prevent video washout outdoors or in bright light.
      UV Haze -- Lens protector and morning haze reducer.
      FD -- To correct blue-green light caused by fluorescent lighting.
 
  CAR CORD/DC ADAPTER -- (Cat. No. 16-2327, $29.99) --
    Lets the user operate the camcorder from an automobile's (or other 12
   VDC power source) cigarette lighter socket.
 
  12V LEAD ACID PORTABLE BATTERY PACK (Cat. No. 16-2336, $89.99) --
    Same item as 16-829.  Requires 16-2327 DC cord/adapter.
 
  RF ADAPTER -- (Cat. No. 16-2337, $39.99) --
    Lets the user view a recording on a TV without Audio/Video jacks.
 
  2200 mAh BATTERY (Part No. CCB-1903, $59.99) --
    Replaces 23-184.
 
  Y ADAPTER (Part No. CCB-6610, $9.95) --
    Same item as 16-829.
 
  6V 5-HOUR CAMCORDER BATTERY PACK KIT (Part No. CCB-6651, $69.95) --
    Light-weight (under 3 lbs.), portable kit includes 6 V, 7.0 Amp
    battery, padded case with belt loop, adjustable belt, camcorder
    battery module, and UL-approved AC charger.
 
  CAMCORDER BATTERY MODULE ONLY (Part No. CCB-6651M, $19.95) --
    Replaces NP56, NP77, CCB-1903, or 23-184 camcorder battery.
 
  12V Ni-Cd PORTABLE BATTERY PACK (Part No. T16-DV124, $89.95) --
    Same item as 16-829.
 
  12V LEAD ACID CAMCORDER BATTERY PACK (Part No. T16-DV127, $59.95) --
    Same item as 16-829.
 
  BATTERY CHARGER (Part No. T16-MP200, $29.95) --
    Charges 6V lead acid or NiCd batteries from a 12 VDC power source with
a
    female cigarette lighter port. Also powers camcorder with an auxiliary
    power cord.
 
 
MN-06-94
VIDEO -- More Multi-System TV Q & A
 
Here's a question about our Model 36 Multi-System VCR for NTSC/PAL/MESECAM
(Cat. No. 16-706, $599.99) that wasn't answered in the "Multi-System TV Q
& A"
article in the February 1994 Merchandising Newsletter.
 
Q: Can you view PAL or SECAM tapes when the machine is hooked to a NTSC
   television, or is a multi-standard TV also required?
 
A: The reason we have this VCR is so you can watch PAL or SECAM tapes on a
   good old American TV that is NTSC.
 
Our thanks to Todd Allcock, manager (01-8525) in Mission, Kansas, for this
question.
 
 
MN-06-94
VIDEO -- Easy Home Video Editor Accessories
 
Our Easy Home Video Editor (Cat. No. 15-1963) just got even easier to use
(for customers who have camcorders with 5-pin DIN Control L jacks).  Now
CMC has S-VHS Cables for the editor -- Cat. No. 16-2334, $79.99, for units
with 2.5 mm Sony jacks, and Cat. No. 16-2335, $19.99, for units with 2.5
mm Panasonic jacks.
 
 
MN-06-94
VIDEO -- Hi 8 Video Tape
 
Some stores that ordered Hi 8 Metal Videotape (Cat. No. 44-458, $12.99)
from CMC might have received Zenith P6-120MP (which is standard 8 mm tape)
instead.  CMC reports that the mix-up occurred because the vendor sent the
wrong merchandise.  The mistake has been corrected, and once again you can
order 44-458 with confidence.
 
Our thanks to Ted Nothnagle (01-1140) in Bedford, Massachusetts, for
bringing this to our attention.
 
 
MN-06-94
TELEPHONES -- New Phone Products
 
Here's a rundown on some of the new phone products you'll be receiving in
June:
 
ET-182 Tone/Pulse Desk Telephone (Cat. No. 43-471 for beige or 43-472 for
almond, $39.99) -- after a long absence, these standard desk phones are
back.
 
ET-189 90-Memory Speakerphone (Cat. No. 43-619, $79.99) -- this attractive
replacement for the popular 43-618 has 15 priority memory locations (to
store numbers for one-button dialing), 15 lower priority locations (for
two-button dialing), and 60 indirect memories (for three-button dialing).
The ET-189 also features Call Screen Plus, so certain callers can use a
code to let your customer know they're calling when the TAD is set to
answer calls.
 
TAD-516 and TAD-517 Touch-Tone Remote Control Telephone Answering Systems
(Cat. Nos. 43-754, $79.99, and 43-756, $49.99) -- record both sides of a
conversation on the same tape.  Both feature "toll saver" to save your
customers money on toll charges when they call long-distance to check
their messages.
 
"Utopia" Desktop Fashion Phone (Cat. No. 43-833, $34.99) -- with a unique
dolphin shape that complements any decor.
 
 
MN-06-94
TELEPHONES -- Cordless Telephone Batteries
 
CMC now carries replacement batteries for 2 of our new cordless
telephones.  CTB-1900 ($9.99) is available for the ET-474 Cordless Handset
Telephone (Cat. No. 43-569, $139.99), and CTB-1903 ($9.99) is for use in
our ET-503 Big Button Cordless (Cat. No. 43-1006, $89.99).
 
CMC stocks a complete line of cordless telephone batteries for brands
other than Radio Shack.  Refer to your Blue Battery Book, FO-72, or call
(800) 433-2024 for information if you can't find the battery your customer
needs.
 
 
MN-06-94
TELEPHONES -- Don't Forget Tape for 43-273
 
Our TR-100 Telephone Cassette Recorder (Cat. No. 43-273, $99.99) stops and
starts recording when it's activated by voice or sound, and has an
optional tone to let the other party know the conversation is being
recorded.  Its speed control allows the user to choose from regular or
slow recording speed (to fit more messages on a tape).
 
Customers who buy the TR-100 also need a cassette tape to go with it,
since one isn't supplied with the unit.  So don't forget to suggest one
when you make the initial sale, to save them the frustration and
inconvenience of having to come back and buy one later.  (A 60-Minute
Leaderless Message Cassette, Cat. No. 43-410, $2.39, is ideal.)
 
 
MN-06-94
TELEPHONES -- Explaining the 43-908/909
 
You might have heard comments from some customers that our ET-303 Big
Button Slim-Fones (Cat. No. 43-908 for white, or 43-909 for almond,
$19.99) are not of a quality comparable to our other phones.  To explain
the difference between the ET-303s and our other phones, there are some
facts you need to know.  The ET-303s were added to our line specifically
to compete with the $10 one-piece or trim fones offered by some other
retailers.  They feature large buttons, choice of tone or pulse mode,
redial, and mute.  Since they were bought strictly on price, there are
some qualitative differences between these phones and the rest of our
line:
 
The ET-303s have no protection against interference from AM or CB radio
channels.  They come with a paper core speaker, which costs us half as
much as a regular receiver element.
 
They're manufactured from a less expensive grade of plastic, which may not
have the same weight and feel as our other phones.
 
If the customer wants an inexpensive phone but is willing to pay slightly
more than the price of an ET-303, direct him or her to our ET-273 Trim-
Fone (Cat. No. 43-591 for white, or 43-592 for almond, $24.99).
 
The 43-591 and 43-592, while inexpensive, meet all industry and Radio
Shack standards, including strict radio frequency interference (RFI) tests
and a 5-foot drop test onto tile-covered concrete (30 inches for base
units).  They come with good-quality switches and receiver elements that
provide sound equivalent to our $100 phones.
 
 
MN-06-94
TELEPHONES -- Universal Grip Mount for Portable Phones/Radios
 
Looking for a great add-on for any cellular or portable phone purchase?
Suggest our Universal Grip Mount (Cat. No. 17-510, $49.99).  The unit is
ideal for cellular or portable handsets.  It mounts quickly in any vehicle
and has a flexible neck to keep it out of the customer's way when they're
not using their phone.
 
In addition, your customers can use the grip mount to upgrade their
handheld radios for mobile use.  Suggest this upgrade to owners of our
HTX-202 2-Meter Ham Transceiver (Cat. No. 19-1120), HTX-404 440-MHz Ham
Transceiver (Cat. No. 19-1140), BTX-121 Business Transceiver (Cat. No. 19-
1202), TRC-226 40-Channel CB Walkie Talkie (Cat. No. 21-1665), or any of
our 20-series handheld scanners.
 
 
MN-06-94
ELECTRONIC REFERENCE -- Returning Franklin Products
 
(The following article is reprinted from the October 1993 Merchandising
Newsletter.)
 
All Franklin products carry a one-year warranty.  Defective products will
be xchanged for new, in-carton goods and returned to your store.  Return
defective products directly to Franklin at the following address:
 
     Franklin Electronic Publishers
     Attn: Service Department
     122 Burrs Road
     Mt.  Holly, NJ 08060
 
Make sure your Radio Shack address is legible.  Franklin cannot return
your product if they cannot read the address.  Merchandise is processed as
Radio Shack product, then returned to your store.  (Make sure you note the
customer's phone number, so you can call him or her when the product comes
back).
 
For faster processing and tracking, call Franklin for a Return
Authorization (RA) number at (609) 261-4800, extension 245.
 
 
MN-06-94
MISCELLANEOUS -- PPC 750 Copier Hint
 
When a customer orders a replacement cartridge for the PCC 750 copier
(Cat. No. 63-686, $119.97), and the old cartridge has been in use for
awhile, remind them to empty the drum reservoir which collects used toner.
 
Otherwise, when they cycle the toner for the new cartridge (which you
should be explaining with every cartridge sale, in case the customer fails
to read the directions) the new excess toner adheres to the drum,
producing black copies and complaints about the "defective" cartridge.
 
It's possible for the user to empty the reservoir, but it means removing
the drum and possibly cleaning it, a very delicate operation which is best
left to a skilled technician, unless someone in the store knows how to do
it without scratching the drum.  Point out to the customer that this
necessary periodic maintenance is required of most copying machines.
 
You can order replacement toner cartridges from CMC by calling the
Telephone Order Center at (800) 433-2024.  Choose from black (Cat. No. 63-
688, $99.99), blue (Cat. No. 63-689, $129.99) or red (Cat. No. 63-690,
$109.99).
 
Our thanks to Thom Ianniccari, manager (01-2629) in Bedford Hills,
New York, for sharing this hint.
 
 
MN-06-94
MISCELLANEOUS -- Telephone Order Center Puts It All Together
 
The Telephone Order Center gives you a single toll-free number for Tandy
National Parts, CMC, and Express Order order entry and order status calls.
The number is:
 
(800) 433-2024 or FAX (800) 821-1959
 
The Telephone Order Center hours are:
 
     M-F     8 AM - 9 PM    (Central)
     Sat     9 AM - 6 PM    (Central)
     Sun    12 PM - 5 PM    (Central)
 
 
MN-06-94
EXPRESS ORDER -- Express Order April Honor Roll
 
Top Regions and Districts in Sales $
 
    Region #        Regional Manager              $Sales
1.  24              Bill Clugsten                 $67,190.00
2.  13              Bill Ackerman                 $62,830.00
 
    District #      District Manager              $Sales
1.  01-0859         Andrea Leed                   $16,926.00
2.  01-0385         Mark Fox                      $16,709.00
3.  01-0347         Bill Nigro                    $14,399.00
 
Honorable Mention (Participation by All Stores in District)
 
    District #      District Manager              $Sales
1.  01-0874         Pete Donohue                  $12,214.00
2.  01-0518         Mike Rodman                   $10,878.00
3.  01-0864         Kevin Taylor                  $ 9,706.00
 
Top 20 Stores in Sales $
 
    Store           Location                      $Sales
 1.  01-1543         Bridgewater, NJ               $6,343.00
 2.  01-3863         Santa Rosa, CA                $6,284.00
 3.  01-9288         Austin, TX                    $6,234.00
 4.  01-1703         Danville, VA                  $6,022.00
 5.  01-1255         Enfield, CT                   $4,981.00
 6.  01-6201         Sheboygan, WI                 $4,558.00
 7.  01-2808         Brooklyn, NY                  $4,401.00
 8.  01-9724         Miami, FL                     $4,003.00
 9.  01-2059         Mechanicsburg, PA             $3,765.00
10.  01-2508         Westbury, NY                  $3,192.00
11.  01-6030         Rice Lake, WI                 $3,073.00
12.  01-9815         Jackson, MS                   $3,066.00
13.  01-4448         Groveport, OH                 $3,063.00
14.  01-2460         Bel Air, MD                   $3,030.00
15.  01-2679         Yonkers, NY                   $2,978.00
16.  01-3662         Hemet, CA                     $2,953.00
17.  01-4087         Phoenix, AZ                   $2,911.00
18.  01-1259         Horseheads, NY                $2,859.00
19.  01-9721         Miami, FL                     $2,637.00
20.  01-2447         Hagerstown, MD                $2,629.00
 
 
MN-06-94
EXPRESS ORDER -- Update Your Catalog!
 
Remove and destroy the Kool Glo Auto Neon Information Sheets from Section
6 of your Express Order Catalog.  These products are discontinued and are
no longer available.
 
Express Order is currently looking for another source for this type of
product.  Watch future Express Order updates in your P.O.P.  kit for more
information.
 
 
MN-06-94
AUDIO -- New Exchange Procedure for PRO-90 Headphones
 
We have established a new procedure for exchanging broken Optimus PRO-90
headphones (Cat. No. 33-1140) to the manufacturer, Koss Corporation, for
replacement.
 
When a customer brings back a pair of broken PRO-90s, exchange that pair
for a good pair from stock.
 
Then, pack the broken unit and return it to Koss.  Be sure to clearly mark
the quantity of broken PRO-90s being returned and your store number, both
on the outside of the shipping container and on a repair/exchange memo
inside.
 
Keep a copy of the repair/exchange memo in your file and ship the
defective unit (by UPS ground) to:
 
        Koss Corporation
        Attn: Dept.  13144
        4129 N.  Port Washington Ave.
        Milwaukee, WI 53212
 
It's extremely important that you clearly mark the box and include a
repair and exchange memo with the required information.  If you don't,
Koss might not be able to return the replacement unit to you.
 
 
MN-06-94
AUDIO -- 40-1359 Amplified Speaker Batteries
 
Some owners of our AMX-2 Amplified Magnetically Shielded Speaker System
(Cat. No. 40-1359, $29.99), designed for use with multimedia computer
audio systems, have been confused when they tried to use batteries to
power the system.
 
The reason? Both speakers have battery compartments.  However, only one
compartment has battery terminals inside.  Users need to know that the R
speaker (the one with the terminals) is the only one that requires
batteries for the system to operate using battery power.
 
This information is already included on Page 5 of the Owner's Manual.
Please emphasize it to your customers who purchase the AMX-2.
 
 
MN-06-94
AUDIO -- Timed Radio Recording
 
Do you ever have customers who want to program a cassette recorder to turn
on and off at certain times (the way people do with VCR's) so they can
record a favorite program at a certain time of the day? If you do, you
need to know about an undocumented feature of our SCR-57 Portable AM/FM
Cassette Recorder (Cat. No. 14-730, $119.99) that lets the user make timed
recordings.
 
By following these steps, your customer can set the SCR-57 to turn on and
off at a set time and record their favorite radio program, even when they
aren't near the radio when it's broadcast.
 
1.  Set POWER to SLEEP/OFF .
 
2.  Press TIMER ON .
 
3.  Press HOUR and MINUTE to set the turn on time.
 
4.  Press TIMER OFF .
 
5.  Press HOUR and MINUTE to set the turn off time.
 
6.  Set FUNCTION to RADIO .
 
7.  Load a tape in TAPE 2 .
 
8.  Press PLAY and RECORD on TAPE 2 .
 
9.  Set POWER to TIMER .
 
Note that this is an undocumented feature and this information is provided
for customer convenience only.
 
Radio Shack assumes no liability for exact performance of an undocumented
feature, and customers should be cautioned to try the above procedure and
adjust the on/off times as necessary.
 
 
MN-06-94
AUDIO -- Surround Speaker Placement
 
What's the ideal position for surround sound speakers? Contrary to popular
belief, it's not always behind the listener!
 
The "ideal" position depends on the listening room and the arrangement of
other furniture in it.  Experts like the ones at Dolby Labs suggest
placing the surround speakers to the sides of the listening position,
rather than in the rear corners of the room.  (But that isn't always true.
For customers who listen to a lot of DSP-enhanced conventional music, it's
preferable to have the speakers behind the listener.)  When setting up a
Dolby Surround system, the goal is to create depth and ambience without
being able to locate specific sounds at the speakers themselves.  If the
surround units tend to draw the listener's attention, reducing the
surround level (usually adjustable from the remote control) or the delay
time (in a small room) might improve the effect.  A third option:
repositioning one or both of the surround speakers, or aiming them at a
ceiling or the rear corners of the room.
 
These are just suggestions, not hard-and-fast rules.  Because so many
variables affect the sound in a room, your customers should to be prepared
to experiment until they find the optimum set-up for their listening
environment.
 
 
MN-06-94
AUDIO -- CMC Has Concertmate-1000 Sustain Pedal
 
Owners of the Concertmate-1000 (Cat. No. 42-4020, $299.99) can expand the
palette of sounds available with the SP-1 Sustain Pedal (Cat. No. 42-4021,
$29.99), available through CMC.  The player simply depresses the pedal to
extend sounds of one instrument and sustain notes or chords of other
instruments.  The pedal installs easily into the Concertmate's SUSTAIN
jack.
 
 
MN-06-94
WHO BUYS WHAT
 
Here is the current "Who Buys What" list.  There have been changes
recently, so take a careful look at the list.
 
CATEGORY    DESCRIPTION                                     BUYER
 
12          Auto Speakers                                   Wayne Wilson
12          Radios                                          Colin Meyer
12          Weather Radios                                  Colin Meyer
 
13          Music Systems                                   Keith Lashley
14          Portable Tape Recorders & Players               Colin Meyer
14          Tape Decks                                      Lee Brayn
15          TV Antennas & Accessories                       Keith Lashley
 
16          TV, VCR, Satellite, Camcorders                  Keith Lashley
17          Cellular Phones & Pagers                        Dennis Godfrey
19          2-Way Radios                                    Wayne Wilson
20          Scanners and Shortwave                          Wayne Wilson
 
21          CB Radios                                       Wayne Wilson
22          Radar Detectors                                 Wayne Wilson
22          Test Equipment                                  Tim Oldham
23          Batteries and Chargers                          Leon Lutz
 
25/26       COMPUTER HARDWARE/
            OPERATING SYSTEMS
 
            CD-ROM Drives                                   Joel Cohen
            Computer Connectors                             Ann Kennemer
            Furniture                                       Ann Kennemer
            Hard Drives                                     Joel Cohen
 
            Joysticks                                       Ann Kennemer
            Laptops/Notebook PCs/Accessories                Joel Cohen
            Mice                                            Ann Kennemer
            Modems                                          Joel Cohen
 
            Monitors                                        Joel Cohen
            Multimedia Upgrade Products                     Joel Cohen
            Paper/Labels                                    Ann Kennemer
            Personal Digital Assistants                     Gordon Dixon
 
            Printer Cables/Ribbons/Printwheels              Ann Kennemer
            Printers & Printer Supplies                     Ann Kennemer
            Serial Cables/Connectors                        Ann Kennemer
            Sound/Music Boards                              Joel Cohen
 
            Desktop CPUs                                    Joel Cohen
            Operating Systems                               Joel Cohen
 
25/26       COMPUTER SOFTWARE                               Ann Kennemer
 
270         Fuses, DC Adapters, Joysticks                   Tim Oldham
271         Resistors                                       Tim Oldham
272         Lamps & Capacitors                              Tim Oldham
273         AC Adapters/Transformers                        Tim Oldham
 
274         Plugs & Jacks                                   Tim Oldham
275         Switches                                        Tim Oldham
276         Semiconductors                                  Tim Oldham
277         Project Boards                                  Tim Oldham
 
278         Wire/RF Connectors                              Bryan Sewell
279         Phone Wiring Accessories                        Dennis Godfrey
28          Kits (Science Fair)                             Leon Lutz
31          Audio Receivers                                 Lee Brayn
 
 
32          PA Equipment                                    Keith Lashley
33          Headphones                                      Lee Brayn
33          Microphones                                     Keith Lashley
40          Audio Speakers                                  Lee Brayn
 
40          PA Speakers                                     Lee Brayn
40          Raw Auto Speakers                               Lee Brayn
40          Raw Speakers                                    Lee Brayn
42          Audio Accessories                               Lee Brayn
 
42          CD Players/Changers                             Lee Brayn
42          Keyboards                                       Lee Brayn
42          Lightshows                                      Lee Brayn
42          Turntables                                      Lee Brayn
 
43          Telephones, FAX, Intercoms                      Dennis Godfrey
44          Tape & Accessories                              Keith Lashley
49          Auto Alarms                                     Wayne Wilson
49          Home Security                                   Bryan Sewell
 
49          Pagers                                          Dennis Godfrey
50          Pre-Recorded Video Tape                         Keith Lashley
51          Pre-Recorded Audio Tape                         Lee Brayn
60          Toys                                            Leon Lutz
 
61          Electricals                                     Bryan Sewell
61          Flashlights                                     Bryan Sewell
61          Plug-N-Power/Other Controls                     Bryan Sewell
61          Seasonal                                        Bryan Sewell
 
62          Books                                           Leon Lutz
63          Clocks/Timers/Watches                           Mark Verdeyen
63          Copiers                                         Mark Verdeyen
63          Health Products                                 Mark Verdeyen
 
63          Metal Detectors                                 Mark Verdeyen
63          Other Electronic Aids                           Mark Verdeyen
63          Photo                                           Mark Verdeyen
63          Spell Checkers                                  Mark Verdeyen
 
64          Chemical Products/Magnets/Tape                  Bryan Sewell
64          Electrical Terminals                            Bryan Sewell
64          Hardware and Terminals                          Bryan Sewell
64          Soldering Equipment                             Bryan Sewell
 
64          Tools                                           Bryan Sewell
65          Calculators                                     Gordon Dixon
65          Databanks                                       Gordon Dixon
68          Premiums (flashlights)                          Leon Lutz
 
RADIO SHACK MERCHANDISE GROUPS
 
Rick Borinstein, Vice President, Merchandise Marketing
(817) 390-2736
 
COMMUNICATION/AUTOMOTIVE
Steve Penn, Merchandise Manager
390-2197
 
Dennis Godfrey, Buyer (390-3239)
 
17          Cellular Phones & Pagers
279         Phone Wiring and Accessories
43          Telephones, FAX, Intercoms
49          Pagers
 
Wayne Wilson, Buyer (390-3233)
 
12          Auto Sound
12          Auto Speakers
19          2-Way Radio
20          Scanners & Short-Wave
21          CB Radio
22          Radar Detectors
49          Auto Alarms
 
PERSONAL ELECTRONICS & PARTS
Joel Guskin, Merchandise Manager
390-2771
 
Tim Oldham, Buyer (390-2670)
 
22          Test Equipment
270         Fuses, DC Adapters
271         Resistors
272         Lamps & Capacitors
273         AC Adapters/Transformers
274         Plugs & Jacks
275         Switches
276         Semiconductors
277         Project Boards
 
Mark Verdeyen, Buyer (390-3132)
 
63          Clocks/Timers/Watches
63          Copiers
63          Health Products
63          Metal Detectors
63          Other Electronic Aids
63          Photo
63          Spell Checkers
Bryan Sewell, Buyer (390-3173)
 
278         Wire/RF Connectors
49          Home Security
61          Electricals
61          Flashlights
61          Plug-n-Power g/Other Controls
61          Seasonal
64          Hardware & Terminals
64          Tape/Chemical Products/Magnets
64          Tools
 
AUDIO/VIDEO & SEASONAL
Dick Donnelly, Merchandise Manager
390-3584
 
Lee Brayn, Buyer (390-3235)
 
14          Tape Decks
31          Audio Receivers
33          Headphones
40          Audio Speakers
40          PA Speakers
40          Raw Auto Speakers
40          Raw Speakers
42          Audio Accessories
42          CD Players/Changers
42          Keyboards
42          Lightshows
42          Turntables
51          Pre-Recorded Audio Tape
 
Keith Lashley, Buyer (878-6725)
 
13          Music Systems
15          TV Antennas & Accessories
16          TV, VCR, Satellite, Camcorders
32          PA Equipment
33          Microphones
44          Tape & Accessories
50          Pre-Recorded Video Tape
 
Leon Lutz, Buyer (390-3236)
 
23          Batteries and Chargers
28          Kits (Science Fair)
60          Toys
62          Books
68          Premiums (flashlights)
 
Colin Meyer, Buyer (878-6633)
 
12          Radios (Portable, Clock Radios)
12          Weather Radios
14          Portable Tape Recorders/Players
 
CELLULAR CARRIERS
Chuck Sizer, Cellular Marketing Manager
878-4141
 
COMPUTERS
Bob MacQuigg, Merchandise Manager
390-3208
 
Joel Cohen, Buyer (390-2873)
25/26       CD-ROM Drives
            Desktop CPUs
            FAX Modems
            Modems
            Multimedia Upgrade Products
            Peripherals
            Sound/Music Boards
            Hard Drives
            Laptops/Notebook PCs/Accessories
            Operating Systems
 
Ann Kennemer, Buyer (338-2331)
 
25/26       Accounting/Finance Software
            Backup Power Supplies
            Computer Connectors
            DeskMate
            Desktop Publishing Software
            Disk Cases/Accessories
            Diskettes/Media
            Educational Software (Home)
            Entertainment Software
            Furniture
            Gamecards
            Graphics Software
            Joysticks
            Mice
            Paper/Labels
            Printers & Printer Supplies
            Productivity Software
            Serial Cables/Connectors
 
Gordon Dixon, Buyer (390-2670)
 
25          Personal Digital Assistants
65          Calculators
65          Databanks
 
SOME IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
 
Here are the numbers for stores and customers to call with questions or
problems.
 
RADIO SHACK PRODUCT SUPPORT CENTER:
 
800-2TANDY4 (800-282-6394) --
 
   for store personnel who need technical support for consumer or computer
   products.  (Please note this number is for stores only and should not
   be given to customers.)
 
817-878-6875 --
 
   for customers who need consumer or computer technical support.  (You
   can also give customers the Faxback number, 800-323-6586, for their
   convenience.)
 
Note: Store personnel non-product related problems or questions should be
handled in accordance with the Customer Service/Service Recovery Program,
which was introduced in the mid-February 1994 satellite broadcast and the
memo from Joe Tanner dated April 12, 1994.
 
CUSTOMER RELATIONS, 817-390-3200 --
   for customers with non-product related problems or questions.
 
SPEED MAIL ADDRESSES
 
MERCHANDISE MARKETING ADDRESSES
 
Rick Borinstein VP  RBORIN1
 
MERCHANDISE GROUPS
 
Personal Electronics
Joel Guskin         Merchandise Manager           JGUSKI1
Tim Oldham          Buyer                         TOLDHA2
Bryan Sewell        Buyer                         BSEWEL1
Mark Verdeyen       Buyer                         MVERDE1
 
AUDIO/VIDEO
Dick Donnelly       Merchandise Manager           LDONNE1
Lee Brayn           Buyer                         LBRAYN1
Keith Lashley       Buyer                         KLASHL1
Leon Lutz           Buyer                         LLUTZ1
Colin Meyer         Senior Buyer                  CMEYER1
 
COMPUTERS
Bob MacQuigg        Merchandise Manager           BQUIGG1
Joel Cohen          Buyer                         JCOHEN1
Gordon Dixon        Buyer                         GDIXON1
Ann Kennemer        Buyer                         AKENNE1
 
COMMUNICATIONS/AUTOMOTIVE
Steve Penn          Merchandise Manager           SPENN1
Dennis Godfrey      Buyer                         DGODFR1
Wayne Wilson        Buyer                         WWILSO1
 
Cellular Carriers
Chuck Sizer         Manager,
                    Cellular Mktg                 CSIZER1
 
MERCHANDISING SUPPORT
 
June Wolff  VP  JWOLFF1
Pat Lillard Director, Rebuying  PLILLA1
 
STORE REPLENISHMENT
Syd Rauworth        Director                      SRAUWO1
Virgil Carson       Field Coordinator             VCARSO1
Jason Jeske         Manager                       JJESKE2
Randy Lunz          Manager                       RLUNZ1
Replenishment Specialists                         REPLEN1
 
OTHER DEPARTMENTS
 
ENGINEERING
Barry Stevens       Sr.  Director                 BSTEVE2
 
REGULATORY AFFAIRS (FCC, UL)
Mac Slayton         Manager                       MSLAYT1
Linda Dickerson     Secretary                     LDICKE1
 
CONSUMER MAIL CENTER
CMC1
 
NATIONAL PARTS
FAX Bob Thomas at (817) 870-5737
 
EXPRESS ORDER
Lynn McCullough     Senior Product Manager        LMCCUL1
 
CONSUMER SUPPORT
Cindy Davis         Supervisor                    CDAVIS3@CSS
Jeff Carman         Software Coordinator          JCARMA1@CSS
Jason Jarratt       Database Coordinator          JJARRA1@CSS
 
 
MN-07-94
FILLING LARGE QUANTITY ORDERS
 
We want to service Radio Shack customers by completing large quantity
orders whenever possible.  To achieve this, Merchandising has some new
guidelines and procedures for ordering large quantities of Radio Shack
SKUs.
 
You should route large quantity sales of active items in standard
packaging through your District or Regional office to Pat Lillard,
Director of Rebuying, at (817) 390-3266.  Route requests for products
without packaging, discontinued parts, or parts which require a secondary
source through Tandy National Parts.
 
PACKAGED GOODS
 
Parts and Accessories.  Orders of 500 pieces or less can generally be
supplied from current Distribution Center stock.  For larger quantities,
Rebuying will work with the store to provide merchandise from existing
supplies or subsequent deliveries, or by special ordering the goods, using
our normal lead times with vendors.  Large orders and special orders
aren't returnable to the Distribution Center, so you should have a
deposit, full payment, or a purchase order in hand before you order.
 
End Products.  Route requests for quantity orders through Pat Lillard, who
will coordinate availability with the responsible buyer.  Additional
purchases to fulfill such orders are at the buyer's discretion.
 
NON-PACKAGED GOODS
 
Parts and Accessories (Active or Discontinued).  Direct all requests to
Tandy National Parts at (800) 322-3690.
 
End Products.  Items commonly referred to in Radio Shack as "end products"
won't be available through Tandy National Parts.  However, some items
(such as headphones or telephone dialers) might fall into this category.
District or Regional Sales Managers should route requests for such non-
packaged items to Pat Lillard, who will handle each case individually.
 
NON-RADIO SHACK PARTS AND PIECES
 
If your customer wants to purchase a large quantity of a part (such as a
transistor, resistor, etc.) that isn't a Radio Shack SKU, contact Tandy
National Parts directly.
 
 
MN-07-94
VIDEO -- DSS Update
 
The latest word in total home entertainment is DSS -- the digital
satellite system.  DSS provides high-quality digital video and audio,
comparable to laserdisc and compact disc quality, via DBS-1, North
America's first high-powered Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS).
 
Radio Shack is up and running with DSS now.  Our supplier, Thomson/RCA,
has chosen initial launch markets for DSS.  Radio Shack has signed an
agreement with Thomson/RCA to participate in these markets.  We'll have
DSS in 100 stores by year's end.
 
Due to limited inventory availability, only selected stores in each market
where DSS is available will have DSS.  Store selection is based on antenna
sales, satellite sales, and store square footage (the DSS display requires
6 linear feet).  Personnel in the selected stores have received special
Thomson/RCA DSS training, including the use of DSS order and installation
forms and special POS entry procedures.  DSS kickoff consists of three
phases:
 
Phase 1 (25 stores)           Kickoff
 
Jackson, MS                   June 17
Shreveport, LA                June 21
Little Rock, AR               June 28
Albuquerque, NM               June 30
Tulsa, OK                     June 30
 
Phase 2 (25 stores)           Kickoff
 
Montgomery, AL                Late July
Louisville, KY                Late July
Roanoke, VA                   Late July
Winston-Salem, NC             Late July
Indianapolis, IN              Late July
Greenville, SC                Late July
Tri-Cities, TN                Late July
 
Nationwide (50 stores)
 
Late September -Early October
 
When the DSS system appears in the 1995 Radio Shack Catalog, the entry
will include a telephone number for customers to call to find out the
location of the closest Radio Shack which carries the DSS system.  Only
authorized stores will be able to sell DSS.  As this program progresses,
we'll monitor it closely to evaluate this product's viability in more
Radio Shack stores.  We'll provide you more information on DSS in future
Merchandising Newsletters.
 
 
MN-07-94
MISCELLANEOUS -- Product Support Center Extends Hours
 
Beginning July 1, the Radio Shack Product Support Center has extended its
Saturday operating hours to 5:00 PM Central time.  As before, Saturday
operation is staffed for store calls only.  Normal Support Center
operating hours are 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM Monday through Friday, for store
and customer support, and 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Saturdays and holidays for
store support.
 
On Saturdays, peak phone load seems to start around 11:00 AM and last
until about 3:00 PM.  You might want to avoid this time period if
possible, but if you have a customer in the store or need immediate
assistance, don't hesitate to call.  Operators always handle your calls as
quickly as possible.
 
Whenever possible, remember to take advantage of our FaxBack system.  It's
in operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  The service doesn't just
answer your questions and help you deal with problems; it also gives you
hard copy that you can hand to the customer to take home with them.  We
are currently faxing out about 16,000 documents monthly, usually within 2-
3 minutes after they're ordered.  And the FaxBack Catalog diskette you
received can save you time ordering catalogs of information before you get
to the number of the final document you need.
 
Remember the numbers for the Product Support Center: 800-2TANDY4 (for
store personnel), 817-878-6875 (for customers), and 800-323-6586 (for
FaxBack).
 
 
MN-07-94
MISCELLANEOUS -- Product Support Outside the United States
 
All of the products Tandy/Radio Shack manufactures (or has manufactured to
our specifications) are designed and sold with the assumption that they'll
be used in the United States.  They are not guaranteed in other countries.
When these products are used in other countries, several problems arise.
First, other countries' specifications and tolerances for voltage,
frequency and other necessary signals might not be the same as in the
United States.  This can cause faulty operation or complete component
failure.  Second, certain communication frequency ranges that are
available for public use in the United States are restricted and might
even be illegal for private citizens to use in other countries.  Third,
when merchandise bought from a Radio Shack store in the United States is
transported to another country, warranty service is not available.
 
Here are some examples of specific types of problems that can occur.
 
TELEPHONE PRODUCTS.  The 43 series telephone equipment will not be
supported when sold outside the United States.  Some of these components
use power supplies with an input power requirement of 110 volts AC, 60
Hertz power and will fail to work or be damaged if used in another country
with the wrong power supply.  The phone service provider might not match
the equipment's ringer voltage, line voltage and other requirements.  This
will cause improper operation or complete failure to operate.  Some
countries' regulatory requirements prohibit connection of privately-owned
telephone equipment.
 
The 17 series cellular phones will also not work properly in some
locations because they use the American AMPS standard, while other
countries use standards such as GSM, NMT, RMTS, TACS and JDC.  If you
attempt to use a cellular phone in an area that does not provide AMPS
service, the phone won't work.  If the customer uses a cellular phone in
another country and the country has the proper service so the phone works,
voltage differences can still cause problems with AC-powered accessories.
 
COMMUNICATIONS PRODUCTS.  Some communications equipment, such as 2-way
transceivers, might be capable of transmitting and receiving frequencies
which are reserved for government or military use in some other countries.
Private use of these frequencies might constitute a violation of local
law. Again, AC-powered accessories might not work in other countries due
to power supply voltage and frequency differences.
 
TELEVISION PRODUCTS.  Some television products will have power supply
requirement problems if used in another country.  Most U.S.  television
receivers use the standard 60 Hertz power input to develop and synchronize
the screen display, and won't work correctly if the power supply's input
freuency is other than 60 Hertz.  The type of television signal that the
station sends out from the transmitting antenna also might not be
compatible.  There are different formats -- NTSC (used in the United
States) as well as PAL and SECAM (used in Europe).  A television receiver
designed to receive NTSC format won't work correctly in other countries
using formats other than NTSC.  This is also true of VCRs.  AC power
supply voltage and frequency differences can cause faulty or no operation
or damage to the unit.
 
Satellite System Products.  Satellite systems have the same power supply
requirement considerations as televisions.  Our satellite receivers are
designed to receive satellite signals that are either vertically or
horizontally polarized and are within a certain frequency range.  Not all
satellite transmissions are alike.  Some are above or below the required
transmission frequencies and so cannot be decoded.  Other satellite
signals have a circular polarization and cannot be received by Radio Shack
satellite receivers.  Satellite receiving antennas need to be properly
aimed to work correctly.  The position and aiming angle information will
vary based on the physical location of the receiving antenna dish.  This
information is not available for satellites other than the ones for the
continental United States.
 
As you can see, it's impossible to predict whether a product designed for
use in the United States will work properly, or at all, if taken abroad.
If you suspect a customer is purchasing a product for use outside the
United States, advise them of the possible problems they might experience
and suggest they wait until they arrive at their destination to purchase
the item locally.  This will prevent legal problems caused by the use of
products that are restricted by law in that location, any maintenance or
repair issues (both in and out of warranty), and will ensure the customer
receives the best possible service by purchasing from a local store.
 
 
MN-07-94
MISCELLANEOUS -- New CMC Price List Coming
 
The Summer 1994 CMC Price List arrives this month in P.O.P.  Kit #518.  Be
sure to update your red binder immediately! There's an error on Page H-1
of the Security section.  Watch for a corrected Page H-1 to arrive in a
store mailing the week of July 25.
 
 
MN-07-94
MISCELLANEOUS -- Science Fair Booklet
 
Although school's out, smart parents know that kids still need
constructive, fun activities to fill out their summer days.  You can help,
by recommending the booklet Science Fair : Ticket to Your Future (Cat. No.
680-2005, $.50).
 
Written in an engaging style by noted science author Forrest M.  Mimms,
III, and printed in a "user-friendly" comic book format, the booklet's 32
big pages explain how kids can learn and have fun by doing a science fair
project, and provide lots of practical guidance for budding experimenters.
The booklet features 15 actual projects they can try, in categories
ranging from earth science, zoology, and botany to computer science and
even physics.
 
You should have received stock of the booklet last spring.  If you need
additional copies, contact your District or Regional Sales Manager to see
about filling your needs from other stores in your area.
 
 
MN-07-94
AUDIO -- CD-3400: "Best Digital Sound You Can Get"
 
AUDIOPHILES RAVE
 
For the past few months, the "audiophile grapevine" has been buzzing with
praise for our Optimus CD-3400 (Cat. No. 420-5035, $179.99).  In a typical
review (from the June, 1994 issue of Stereophile magazine), author Sam
Tellig writes, "I don't know if this is the best digital sound you can
get...But I've never had a player or player/processor combination in my
system that's produced the same bloom and palpable sense of space."
 
Tellig continues, "the sense of instruments and performers in the room,
the illusion of the musical event happening live...seems to have been the
hardest thing for CD playback systems to get right.  In fact, I've never
heard a CD playback system get it right -- until now."
 
After experiencing the CD-3400, author Tellig returned to Radio Shack to
buy five more of the players.  Since his article appeared, over 5,000 have
been sold -- ten times the normal sales level.
 
GET 'EM WHILE THEY LAST!
 
The CD-3400 is advertised (at regular price) in the July flyer.  The
overwhelming demand for this product has totally depleted warehouse
stocks, so if you need additional units, contact your District Sales
Manager to see if there are any available locally.  Your customers who
know state-of-the-art sound will want to get a piece of this excitement
while it lasts -- because when the CD-3400s now in stock are gone, they're
gone.
 
ACCESSORIES AVAILABLE
To connect the CD-3400's digital output to a digital recorder (such as a
DCC or
DAC), use our RCA-to-miniplug adapter (Cat. No. 274-378, $2.49).  Also,
CMC has
digital coaxial cable (Cat. No. 420-2467, $39.99) for the CD-4300.  Be
sure to
suggest these items to CD-3400 buyers.
 
(If you need help fielding questions from audiophile customers, you can
call
HeadRoom Corporation, makers of the HeadRoom amplifier and purveyors of
headphones, custom digital cables, and other esoteric audiophile
accessories.  They'll be glad to help you answer your customers questions
if
you call them at 800-828-8184.)
 
 
MN-07-94
AUDIO -- Laser Lens Cleaner
 
Older stock of our CD Player Lens Cleaner (Cat. No. 420-0123, $14.99)
contained a warning that the product was not for use with magazine-type
changers or portable units.  The newer version, without the warning, is
approved for use with any CD player.
 
 
MN-07-94
AUDIO -- 400-1996 Rear Channel Speaker
 
Looking for a good, inexpensive set of rear surround speakers to recommend
to your Home Theater customers? Our XTS 35 Compact Speakers (Cat. No.
400-1996, $24.99 each) feature a 3-inch driver and give listeners 15 watts
RMS of power.  Brackets are available from CMC (Cat. No. 400-1997, $11.99
a pair).  See the June 1994 Merchandising Newsletter article on "Surround
Speaker Placement" to help your customers get the most from their rear
surround speakers.
 
 
MN-07-94
AUDIO -- Audio/Video Tripod Speaker Stand
 
CMC now carries a telescoping Tripod Speaker Stand (Cat. No. 320-3050
$89.99) for elevating wooden speakers.  The stand telescopes to
approximately 80 inches, and can hold a speaker weight of up to 65 pounds.
 
 
MN-07-94
AUTO SOUND -- Answers to 120-1728 Questions
 
Some customers have noted a difference between the wattage listed in the
Radio Shack 1994 Catalog and the one shown on the box, the product, and in
the Owner's Manual.  Others have reported experiencing blown woofers in
our 100 Watt, 8-Inch 2-Way Hatchback Box Speakers because their system was
"too powerful." Here's some clarification on these issues.
 
We rate the 12-1728 as 200 watts total, 100 watts maximum per channel.
The 1994 catalog incorrectly stated the capacity as 100 watts, but the
Owner's Manual and product labeling were correct.  The catalog error was
caught and corrected in each issue of the "Catalog Late Dates and
Corrections" report.  (This report is sent to the stores shortly after the
catalog is printed, then reprinted each month thereafter to advise you of
any corrections in the catalog or updates in late ship dates on new items
in the catalog.  The report is dropped when it ceases to have new
information.)
 
You need to understand that the 100 watts is a "max" rating and conforms
to somewhat loose industry guidelines.  A more standardized rating method
is RMS (Root Mean Square).  Max is typically 2 or 3 times the RMS value
(although some manufacturers stretch the spec and use 4 or even 5 times
RMS for max).
 
The 12-1728 is rated at 50 watts RMS per channel.  This means it can
tolerate 50 watts of continuous noise consisting of all (mixed)
frequencies for hours.  Considering that normal room listening level is 1
watt, you'd be right to think that you wouldn't want to be in the room
where they do these tests -- it's earsplitting!
 
But music is not continuous noise, so how can you decide what speaker to
buy? That's where the "max" rating comes in.  For talk and most music
sources, a speaker rated at 100 watts max will handle 100 watts of
continuous talk or music even though its RMS rating is 50 watts.  It can
handle much more power because there are pauses and breaks in the audio.
(In the RMS test, the audio is continuous noise with absolutely no
breaks.)
 
However, rock music is often compressed during recording to heighten its
impact.  Typically, the recording engineer records the music, then re-
records it, this time limiting audio peaks and expanding the average
volume.  The result is that 100 watts of rock music played through a 100
watt max speaker can damage the speaker.
 
There are other variables.  One especially damaging variable is the level
of distortion.  Most listeners couldn't stand to be in a car with even 50
watts of audio.  The few that can are probably pushing their system to its
limits.  Distortion or clipping "squares off" the audio peaks.
 
Introducing distortion causes problems because it's difficult for the
speaker to track the squared off audio.  At any given moment, the cone
might be traveling in one direction, then the voice coil tries to make it
reverse instantly when the audio clips.  The tracking error generates
additional heat in the speaker's voice coil.  With enough heat, the coil
can break down and destroy the speaker.
 
So for most music sources, match the amplifier rating with the speaker's
max rating.  For the customer who listens to rock music (or any loud
music), match the amplifier's RMS value with the speakers' RMS (not max).
 
Our thanks to Steve Huey (01-9941) in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, and Stephen
Mealey (01-1140) in Bedford, Massachusetts, for raising this issue.
 
 
MN-07-94
COMPUTERS -- New From National Parts
 
MEMORY UPGRADES
 
Tandy National Parts has memory upgrades, available now at new competitive
prices.
 
     Part No.      Description         For
 
     AX2501631      4 MB Upgrade        4255X-HD
     AX2503504      2 MB Upgrade        3800-HD
     AX2503507      1 MB RAM Board      2810
     AX2503508      2 MB Upgrade        3830 SL/3820 HD
     AX2503527      6 MB Upgrade        3830 SL/3820 HD
     AX2505136      8 MB Upgrade
     AX2505137      2 MB Memory Kit     3100
     AX2505138      1x32 70 ns SIMM     Sensation/MMPC
     AX2509999      256K x 16 70 ns     4100 MT
 
Since memory prices are reviewed frequently to insure correct pricing,
call (800) 433-2024 for current prices.
 
LASER PRINTER DRUM
 
National Parts also has a replacement drum (Part # AX2602895, $119.99) for
the LP-400 (Cat. No. 260-2888), LP-410 (Cat. No. 260-2889), and LP-800
(Cat. No. 260-2890).
 
 
MN-07-94
COMPUTERS -- Correction
 
On Page 2 of the June 1994 Merchandising Newsletter, we incorrectly stated
that data sheets for the Tandy 3200 computer (Cat. No. 250-1633, $999.00)
and the Tandy 4100 MT Professional Series mini-tower computer (Cat. No.
250-5160, $1,499.00) were included in the same mailing as the newsletter.
 
In fact, the data sheets were not mailed until June 22.  If you still
haven't received the sheets, contact your DSM or RSM.  We're sorry for any
confusion that resulted from this error.
 
 
MN-07-94
COMPUTERS -- New IBM Retail Support Number
 
There's a new retail support number for stores which carry the IBM
notebooks (Cat. Nos.  25-300 and 250-0301), desktops and monitor (Cat.
Nos.  250-0400, 250-0401, and 250-0402).  If you have marketing or
technical questions regarding the IBM machines, call (919) 248-3143, 12:00
noon to 9:00 PM EST, Monday through Friday.  Please note that this number
is for Radio Shack salesmakers only -- do not give this number to your
customers!
 
 
MN-07-94
COMPUTERS -- More Items Moved to CMC
 
More computer items are now available from CMC! Call (800) 433-2024 to
order, and watch future Merchandising Newsletters for additional items.
 
                                                                   Retail
     Cat. No.   Description                                        Price
 
     250-1061    3.5" 720K External FDD for T100 EX or HX           $89.99
     250-3105    Pocket Modem 2400 BPS (for Z-PDA)                  99.99
     250-3106    Serial Cable (Modem to PDA)                        19.99
     250-3109    PalmConnect PC connection software                 119.99
     250-3542    2400 BPS Modem Send/Rec Fax for                    199.99
                 T4800/T4860 HD
     250-4050    5.25" 1.2 MB Internal FDD                          119.99
     260-0255    6' VGA Monitor Extension Cable                     14.99
     260-0257    6' CGA Monitor Extension Cable                     14.99
     260-0284    Min-DIN to DIN Joystick Adapter                    4.99
     260-0308    20 Min. Deluxe Cert. Computer Memory Storage       3.79
                 Cassette
     260-1409    Printer Cable for Model 100/102/200/600            14.95
     260-1410    Modem Cable Kit for T102/200                       19.95
     260-1419    3/PK Multistrike Ribbon for DWII, DWP 410/510      19.99
     260-2894    Toner Cartridge for LP 400/800                     23.99
     260-3953    Lift-Off Correction Tape for WP-100/101            3.99
 
 
MN-07-94
COMPUTERS -- Special Price on VGM-500
 
Our VGM-500 15-Inch SVGA Monitor (Cat. No. 250-4095, $599.99) displays
highresolution (0.28 mm dot pitch) characters and graphics with a
virtually limitless selection of colors in a 13.7-inch viewable area.
It's compatible with a wide array of video standards, and its Very Low
Magnetic Frequency MPR II design reduces the possibility of health risks.
And now we're offering customers a chance to save $100 when they buy the
VGM-500 with any of our CPUs!
 
In line with industry standards, we're now using two numbers to refer to
our monitors' display sizes.  Traditionally, we've used the CRT tube's
diagonal measurement before it's treated with phosphor and placed in the
bezel -- 15 inches on 25-4095.  A more accurate measurement is based on
the screen's actual viewable size, excluding the black border and any
portion where the pixels are unaddressable or distorted -- 13.7 inches on
25-4095.
 
 
MN-07-94
COMMUNICATIONS -- Fee Changes for Business Band and GMRS Users
 
Since the PRS-100 (Cat. No. 190-0900, $229.99) and BTS-120 (Cat. No. 190-
1202, 149.99) transceivers' Owner's Manuals were written, there have been
some fee changes your customers need to know about.
 
First, the bad news.  Effective July 18, the FCC is increasing the basic
GMRS and Business Band license fee from $35 to $45.  They've also
instituted a $7 per year user fee.  Since these are 5-year licenses, this
change means that customers must now include a check for $80 made payable
to the FCC with their applications.
 
Now, the good news.  NABER has lowered their fee for Business Band
frequency coordination from $75 to $60.  The GMRS doesn't need frequency
coordination and has no coordination fee.
 
Finally, NABER's help line has a recording specifically for owners of
Radio Shack Business Band radios.  Customers call (800) 759-0300 and ask
to hear the Radio Shack recording.  The recording gives general
information and tips for filling out the FCC license application form.
 
 
MN-07-94
COMMUNICATIONS -- Remove F0-508 Adapter Cables!
 
Be sure to remove the F0-508 14-pin to 5-pin wire harness adapter when you
sell an Auto Cassette Receiver out of the display! The receiver's gift box
should contain the required harness.  Store orders for additional F0-508s
indicate that many salesmakers don't realize the F0-508 is part of a store
fixture; we've depleted a 6-month supply in as many weeks! Merchandising
is expediting shipment to have the adapters back in stock by late August.
 
 
MN-07-94
COMMUNICATIONS -- Using a Handheld Transceiver As a Base Station
 
In the past, when customers wanted to use a handheld CB or Ham transceiver
as a base station, we've recommended a rather difficult procedure which
involves soldering wires on a DC barrel plug, then connecting the barrel
plug to a 12 VDC power supply.  Here's an easier method which requires no
soldering or checking with a multimeter.
 
To start with, the customer needs the following:
 
     *   12 VDC regulated power supply  (Cat. No. 220-0120)
     *   12 VDC accessory outlet        (Cat. No. 270-1539)
     *   Heavy-Duty 12 VDC Fused Cord   (Cat. No. 274-0335)
 
The 270-1539 is a cigarette-lighter socket you can add anywhere.  Just
connect the outlet's red lead to the power supply's positive (+) terminal
and the black lead to the power supply's negative (-) terminal.  Plug the
fused cord into the outlet, and the cord's barrel plug into the
transceiver.
 
The cord's plug and polarity match most of our handheld CB and Ham
transceivers.  Another benefit: customers can use the cord to power their
transceiver from a vehicle by simply unplugging it from the accessory
outlet and carrying it out to the car.
 
 
MN-07-94
COMMUNICATIONS -- HTX-202/404 Power Save Feature
 
Although the instructions for the power save feature on Page 31 of the
Owner's Manual for the HTX-202 (Cat. No. 190-1120, $259.99) and and on
Page 33 of the manual for the HTX-404 (Cat. No. 190-1140, $299.99, on sale
in Flyer 517 for $229.99) are correct, the description of how the feature
works isn't.  Pressing F+SAVE until SAVE is displayed sets the transceiver
to save power.  Then, when the transceiver isn't scanning, it turns the
receiver on for about 32 milliseconds (to check for a signal), then off
for an interval controlled by the power save menu setting.  You can set
the power save menu option to -2, -4, -8, or -16 for 1/2, 1/4, 1 /8, or
1/16 of normal power usage.  (The factory default is 1/16.)
 
 
MN-07-94
COMMUNICATIONS -- New Business Band Phone Numbers
 
On Page 3 of the Owner's Manual for our BTX-120 VHF-FM Business
Transceiver (Cat. No. 190-1202, $149.99), the telephone number for NABER
is listed as (800) 759-0300.  The correct number is (301) 271-4626.  Later
on the same page, the number for the FCC is listed as (717) 337-1212.  It
should also be (301) 271-4626.
 
Customers who want to begin using their 190-1202's immediately can contact
the FCC at (202) 632-3676 and ask for Form 572-C.  Filing this form gives
them authority to operate on the itinerant frequencies for 180 days
(giving them time to have their regular FCC license processed).
 
 
MN-07-94
COMMUNICATIONS -- 21-1647 Output: 4 Or 5 Watts?
 
( The following article is reprinted from the March 1994 Merchandising
Newsletter.)
 
If you noticed that the face plate on our TRC-225 5-Watt, 40 Channel
Walkie-Talkie (Cat. No. 210-1647, $99.99, on sale in Flyer 517 for $79.99)
states that it is a 4-watt unit, while the box says 5 watts, you might
feel confused.  But there's no need to be -- both ratings are correct! The
5-watt rating conforms to older standards, and describes the total power
input to the final (amplifier) stage of the transmitter.
 
In the days of vacuum tube amplifiers, power was most easily measured by
monitoring the voltage and current supplied to the final tube.  Two
controls called "plate" and "load" were adjusted for maximum power output,
consistent with the tubes' ratings and maximum allowable power.  For
example, with aplate voltage of 100 volts DC, you could adjust for up to
50 mA of platecurrent, for 5 watts input power to the tube.  The formula
is P = IE, where Power (watts) = Current (amps) x Voltage (volts).  In
this case, P = 100volts x 0.050 amps, so P equals 5 watts.
 
The switch to transistorized equipment and the availability of meters that
could read power directly from the transmitter's antenna lead made the old
measurement obsolete.  The FCC mandated a new, simpler scheme to rate
legal power limits by measuring output power directly.  As a result, legal
power limits had to be adjusted to account for the difference between the
old (input power) and the new (output power) rating systems.  Since no
amplifier is 100% efficient, output power was reduced to 4 watts maximum
to correct for typical losses in the final amplifier, even though the
actual power allowed remained the same.
 
Whichever system you use, the actual legal power limit remains the same.
If you say 5 watts, be sure to explain that it's input power to the final
amplifier stage.  If you say 4 watts, make clear that it's maximum
allowable output power.  (The expression used in most current advertising
is "maximum legal power.")
 
Our thanks to Charles Johnson (01-9584), manager in Plant City, Florida,
for bringing this to our attention.
 
 
MN-07-94
SECURITY -- Programming Vehicle Alarm System Remotes
 
Here's some help for your customers who believe they might have received a
defective remote control with one of our Vehicle Alarm Systems (Cat. No.
490-0720, 490-0721, or 490-0722).  All three systems use the same remotes.
The user must program the security system to accept the code for each
remote immediately upon connecting the system to power.  Instructions are
included in each Owner's Manual (on Page 11 of the 490-0720's, Page 13 of
the 490-0721's, and Page 15 of the 490-0722's).
 
It's easy to do: as soon as the system is powered, the user should hit any
button on one of the remotes, then hit any button on the other remote.
The alarm system will now work with both remotes.  If the user hits a
button on one of the remotes, then hits another button on the same remote,
the system learns the same code number twice, making the other remote
useless.  (This is the procedure described in all three manuals for
forcing the system to only recognize one remote!) If a customer
inadvertently does this, tell them to disconnect the system from the
battery, then reconnect it.  Tell them to have both remotes handy, hit one
button, then hit a button on the other remote.  Then everything will work
fine!
 
Our thanks to Hal McMahan, manager (01-8773) in Cleveland, Tennessee, for
raising this question.
 
 
MN-07-94
TELEPHONES -- Caller ID: Who's Got It? Who's Getting It?
 
Caller ID service is currently available in 40 states and Washington, D.C.
When your area gets the service, remind your DSM to inform Replenishment,
so you can begin receiving caller ID products.
 
Here's a list of areas in the United States where the service is available
now.  In states with both name and name and number service, areas with
name and number service are indicated by an asterisk (*).  In states with
visual message waiting indicator (VMWI) service, areas with VMWI are
indicated by a double asterisk (**).
 
STATE     AREA
TYPE
 
AR        West Memphis, Arcadelphia, Hot Springs*,                N & *N/N
          Conway, Mayflower, Ashdown, Camden,
          Jessieville, Marion, Parkin, Earle,
          Crawfordsville, Nashville, Benton,
          Complex, Strong, Hutting, Little Rock,
          Chidester, Stephens, Fort Smith, Van Buren
 
AL        Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Mobile,                                N
          Montgomery, Huntsville
 
AZ        Phoenix                                                      N/N
 
CO        Denver, Boulder, Ft Collins, Colorado                        N/N
          Springs, Pueblo
 
CT        Hartford, Bridgeport, Stamford, New Haven,                     N
          Waterbury
 
DC                                                                N & VMWI
 
DE        Greater Wilmington area                                 N & VMWI
 
FL        Most of Southern FL, Orlando*, Miami*, Ft.              N & *N/N
          Lauderdale*, W.  Palm Beach*, Melborne*,
          Gainesville*, Jacksonville*, Ocala,
          Leesburg, Punta Gorda
 
GA        Most of the state, Albany*, Athens*, Macon*,            N & *N/N
          Augusta*, Columbus*, Savannah*, Atlanta*
 
IA        Council Bluffs, Des Moines                                   N/N
 
ID        Boise, Coeur D'Alene, Idaho Falls, Pocatello                 N/N
 
IL        Chicago area, Waukegan, Arlington Hts,                       N/N
          Aurora, Deerfield, Elmhurst, Wilmetta
 
IN        Indianapolis area*, Anderson, Lebanon,                       N/N
          Bloomington, Gary, Hammond, Kokomo, Peru
 
KS        Lawrence, Topeka, Wichita, Kansas City                         N
 
KY        Bowling Green, Elizabethtown, Lexington,                N & *N/N
          Louisville, Georgetown*, Sadieville*,
          Stamping Ground*, Henderson*, Shelbyville*,
          Oak Grove*, Evansville
 
LA        Alexandria, Avondale, Baton Rouge, Jesuit                    N/N
          Bend, LaFayette, Lafitte, Lake Charles,
          Monroe, New Orleans, Shreveport, St.
          Bernard
 
MA        North Shore and South Shore, Hyde Park,                        N
          W.  Roxbury, Arlington, Bedford, Belmont,
          Concord, Lexington, Amherst, Greenfield,
          Northampton, Sagamore, Vineyard Haven,
          Bryantville, Hanover, Marshfield,
          Middleboro, Needham, Plymouth, Wareham,
          Rockland, Framingham, Nobscot, Marlboro,                       N
          Medfield, Milford, Sudbury, Walpole,
          Westboro, Andover, Lawrence, Boston area
 
MD        Most of the state                                              N
 
ME        Bath, Brunswick, Portland, Samford, Bangor,                    N
          Ellsworth, Augusta
 
MI        Detroit area, Flint, Ann Arbor, Dearborn,               N & *N/N
          Livonia, Pontiac
 
MO        Joplin, St.  Louis, Sikestown, Poplar Bluff,                   N
          Eldon, Flat River, Cape Girardeau, Hannibal,
          Kansas City
 
MN        Mankato                                                        N
 
MS        Natchez, Biloxi, Gulfport, Pascagoula, Pass              N & N/N
          Christian, Jackson, Tupelo, Columbus,
          Hattiesburg, Brookhaven
 
NC        Hickory, Lincolnton*, Shelby*, Winston*,                N & *N/N
          Salem*, Burlington*, Greensboro, Raleigh*,
          Charlotte*, Wilmington, Asheville, Gastonia*,
          Kings Mt.*, Salisbury*, Statesville*
 
NE        Hastings, Lincoln, Omaha                                 N & N/N
NH        Laconia, Raymond                                               N
 
NJ        Most of the state                                              N
 
NM        Albuquerque, Santa Fe                                        N/N
NV        Las Vegas, Reno                                                N
 
NY        Rochester, Poughkeepsie, Rockland County,                      N
          Long Island, Staten Island, Brooklyn,
          Queens, Bronx, Manhattan, Westchester,
          Binghamton, Buffalo, Syracuse, Albany,
          Scarsdale, Tarrytown
 
OH        Cincinnati, Columbus                                           N
 
OK        Muskogee, Tulsa, Oklahoma City                                 N
 
OR        Portland, Salem                                              N/N
 
SC        Aiken*, Charleston*, North Augusta,                     N & *N/N
          Greenville, Columbia*, Florence,
          Charlotte*
 
TN        Chattanooga*, Memphis*, Nashville*,                     N & *N/N
          Knoxville*, Oak Ridge, Powell,
          Clarksville*, Maryville, Jackson*
 
TX        Austin*                                                     *N/N
 
VT        Bennington, Burlington                                         N
 
VA        Most of the state, *Richmond                                   N
 
WA        Vancouver, Seattle, Everett, Tacoma,                         N/N
          Olympia, Colby, Crosby, Bremerton,
          Essex
 
WV        Most of the state                                              N
 
WY        Cheyenne, Casper                                             N/N
 
Here's a list of areas that are due to start caller ID service
in July and August 1994.
 
Date           Location                                               Type
 
 
6/3 -          Wilmington/Alton, IL                                      N
7/18/94        (5 new exchanges)
 
6/16 -         Mt.  Vernon/Bluford/Harmony, IL
N/N
7/15/94        (5 new exchanges)
 
7/1 -          Athens/Fulton/Gladwyn/Olivet/Plainwell/
7/31/94        Richland/Scotts/Southfield, MI (24 new
               exchanges)                                                N
 
7/1 -          Michigan City, IN (5 new exchanges)                       N
7/31/94
 
7/8 -          Braidwood/Sterling, IL (1 new exchange)                 N/N
8/11/94
 
7/12 -         Elwood, IL (5 new exchanges)                            N/N
8/17/94
 
7/30 -         Burton/Columbus/Fowler/Liberty/Payson/
8/30/94        Quincy, IL (10 new exchanges)                           N/N
 
8/1 -          Flat Rock, MI (2 new exchanges)                         N/N
8/31/94
 
8/5 -          Mooresville/Bedford, IN (4 new exchanges)                 N
9/4/94
 
8/6 -          Glen Ellyn, IL (4 new exchanges)                          N
9/5/9
 
8/13 -         Catlin/Danville/Fairmount/Fithian/
9/12/94        Georgetown/ Indianola/Oakwood/Ridgefarm/
               Roundlake/ Westville, IL (16 new
               exchanges)                                                N
 
8/15           -Manhattan, IL (1 new exchange)                           N
9/14/94
 
8/20 -         Beardstown/Centralia/Greenville/Iuka/
9/19/94        Kell-Dix/Kinmundy/Salem/Vandalia, IL
               (11 new exchanges)                                        N
 
8/20 -         Chicago/Monroe, IL (4 new exchanges)                      N
9/26/94
 
8/22 -         Bad Axe/Bay City/Fairgrove/Farewell, WS                   N
9/21/94        Gagetown/Owendale/Portage Lake/Ubley/
               Unionville, MI (16 new exchanges)
 
8/30 -         W.  Bloomfield, MI (6 new exchanges)                      N
9/29/94
 
6/29 -         Wisconsin                                                 N
8/28/94
 
5/1 -          Toledo/Cleveland/Dayton, OH                               N
7/15/94
 
5/1 -          Austin, TX                                                N
8/1/94
 
7/1/94         St.  Louis, MO (adding name delivery)                   N/N
 
Q3 -           U.S.  West Territory (introducing
Q4/94          VMWI)                                                   N/N
 
7/1/94         Owensboro, KY                                             N
 
Q3/94          Greensboro, NC (adding name delivery)                   N/N
 
Q3/94          Lenoir/Morgantown/Boone/Forest City/
               Blowing Rock, NC (adding name delivery)                 N/N
 
7/1 -          Indiana (5 new exchanges)                               N/N
7/31/94
 
7/13/94        Buffalo, NY (1 new exchange)                              N
 
7/16/94        Brooklyn, NY (5 new exchanges)                            N
 
7/21/94        Albany, NY (1 new exchange)                               N
 
7/30/94        Brooklyn, NY (5 new exchanges)                            N
 
8/1/94         Las Cruces/White Rock/Santa Fe/
               Albuquerque/ Mountain Air/Academy/
               Bernalillo/Southwest San Mateo/
               Rio Rancho/Corrales/Vacant/ Tijeras/
               Estancia/Santa Fe/Los Alamos/Belen/
               Los Lunas, NM                                           N/N
 
8/1/94         Pennyslvania                                       N & VMWI
 
8/1/94         Binghamton/Syracuse/Buffalo/Albany, NY                    N
               (57 new exchanges)
 
8/5 -          Indiana (4 new exchanges)                               N/N
9/4/94
 
8/9 -          Battle Creek, MI (1 new exchange)                         N
9/6/94
 
8/13/94        Syracuse/Queens, NY (4 new exchanges)                     N
 
 
8/18/94        Albany, NY (1 new exchange)                               N
 
8/24/94        Buffalo, NY (1 new exchange)                              N
 
We'll update this list periodically as more areas get the service.
 
 
MN-07-94
F.Y.I.  -- Cordless Phone Connector Hint
 
Here's a hint to help customers who own GE cordless telephones.  These
phones use the same connector as our Cordless Telephone Battery Pack (Cat.
No.230-0196), but the polarity of the connectors is reversed.  You can use
a small screwdriver to release the locking tab in the connectors.  This
will allow you to reverse the polarity so our battery pack can be used
with the phone.
 
Our thanks to Martin Schwabe, manager (01-1819) in Exton, Pennsylvania,
for sharing this idea.
 
 
MN-07-94
F.Y.I.  -- Fone-Flasher 2 Replacement Lamp
 
Our Fone-Flasher 2 activates a built-in strobe light and ringer whenever
the phone rings, either together or separately.  To order replacement
lamps for the Fone-Flasher 2, call (800) 433-2024 and order Part # L-2039.
 
 
MN-07-94
F.Y.I.  -- Cellular Phone Antenna Clip
 
Need an antenna cable for a hand-held cellular phone such as the CT-302,
CT-350, or CT-351 (Cat. Nos. 170-1051.  170-1060, and 170-1061)? Call CMC!
The Val-Clip Extension Cable (Cat. No. 170-0326, $14.99) has a 3-foot
RG174 cable with a female TNC connector and a clip to attach to an
automobile antenna.
 
 
MN-07-94
ELECTRONIC REFERENCE -- Flashdisk Memory Cards
 
The Flashdisk memory cards available from CMC for the Tandy Z-PDA (Cat.
No. 250-3100) are also compatible with other brands of personal digital
assistants.  Here's a list of what's available:
 
     250-3107    1.8 MB Flashdisk PCMCIA Storage Card        $249.99
     250-3120    2.6 MB Flashdisk PCMCIA Storage Card         309.99
     250-3121    5.2 MB Flashdisk PCMCIA Storage Card         439.99
     250-3122    10.6 MB Flashdisk PCMCIA Storage Card        639.99
     250-3123    20 MB Flashdisk PCMCIA Storage Card         1199.99
 
And here's a list of other compatible platforms.  Call SunDisk Technical
Support at (408) 562-3400 for compatibility with other platforms not
listed here.  You can also call their Bulletin Board Service (BBS) at
(408) 986-1186.
 
Manufacturer        Model
 
AST                 Gridpad 2390
 
Casio               Z-7000
 
Compaq              Aero, Concerto, LTE Lite
 
EO                  440, 880
 
Gateway             HandBook
 
Grid                Convertible 486
 
HP                  100LX,
                    Omnibook 300/425/430
 
IBM                 350, 500, 710T
                    720, 750, PS/2E (Require PC-DOS 6.1 or higher)
 
NCR                 3115, 3150, 3180
 
NEC                 Versa
 
Sharp               PT900D
 
Toshiba             Dynapad T100X/T200, T1900, T1910, T1950,
                    T3400, T4500, T4600, T4700, T4800, T6600 (All
                    require Toshiba Card Manager 1.0 or higher.
                    If missing, call Toshiba BBS at 714-837-4408,
                    or their Technical Support.)
 
 
MN-07-94
ELECTRONIC REFERENCE -- Scientific Calculator Cross-Reference Coming
 
Even though school's out, don't forget next year's "back to school" needs.
Be sure you're prepared when students come searching for a scientific
calculator comparable to a recommended national brand model.  (We'll run
an updated list in next month's Merchandising Newsletter.)
 
 
MN-07-94
ELECTRONIC REFERENCE -- TI Calculators In Express Order
 
Express Order will be carrying four Texas Instruments calculators.
Product information sheets will be included in the July P.O.P.  kit.
(These are mail order prices for your customers' convenience.)
 
Express Order #     Description                       Price
 
10451474            BA II Plus                       $39.99
10451441            TI-81 Graphics Calculator         89.99
10451458            TI-82 Graphics Calculator        119.99
10451466            TI-85 Graphics Calculator        149.99
 
 
MN-07-94
STORE REPLENISHMENT -- A Replenishment Quiz for Store Managers
 
Since we introduced the customized replenishment system two months ago,
you have received training to help you better understand the replenishment
partnership at Radio Shack.  Now here's a short quiz to help you test what
you've learned.
 
TRUE OR FALSE? If an item isn't core for a store, then the only way the
store will have the item is if the store manager orders it.
 
   FALSE! If the store has a good sales history on the item, then the item
   will be modeled and replenished for the store.
 
TRUE OR FALSE? A store manager cannot redesignate a select item as a core
for the store, based on sales.
 
   TRUE! The Fort Worth merchandising group sets the core designation for
   each item and store volume class.  This designation doesn't change
   according to individual store sales of an item.
 
TRUE OR FALSE? All the core designation for an item means is that a store
will be forced to have a minimum model of one or two units on that item.
 
   TRUE! If an item is core for a store volume class, all stores in that
   class are forced to stock one or two units of that item.  If sales
   history warrants higher levels, they will be modeled and replenished
   for more units.
 
TRUE OR FALSE? A store will only be replenished for an item if there is a
C next to the regular MQ value on their POS system.
 
   FALSE! A store is replenished for all regular MQs whether or not there
   is a C next to the MQ.  C only indicates that the item is core.
 
TRUE OR FALSE? A store with a zero MQ on a particular item can usually
earn a MQ on that item and be automatically replenished for it.
 
   TRUE! If the store builds a sales history on the item, the system will
   give the item a MQ and begin automatic replenishment.  This will happen
   with as few as two units sold in a one to two month period.
 
TRUE OR FALSE? A store manager should place ESS orders once a week, just
before the Distribution Center cuts off orders for shipping.
 
   FALSE! ESS orders are exception stock orders, and should be placed
   whenever exceptions are found.  Placing several ESS orders in a week is
   acceptable.
 
TRUE OR FALSE? In deciding whether to order an item with a zero MQ, a
store manager should consider how the item fits with other items on hand
in the same category.
 
   TRUE! The store manager should use the Stock Review Report to
   understand how the item will fit in with both discontinued and active
   items that are already on hand.
 
TRUE OR FALSE? The main purpose of the Stock Review Report on the POS is
to make cycle counts.
 
   FALSE! You should use the Stock Review Report to periodically review
   merchandise and ensure stock is in a ready-to-sell condition.  Use it
   to see if everything is on display, priced and signed correctly, and
   ready to demonstrate.  Occasional counts checks are a side benefit of
   this activity.
 
TRUE OR FALSE? You should always order every new item when it first
appears on the stock file.
 
   FALSE! Not every new item is right for every store.  In such cases,
   even one unit might take months to sell off.  If a new item has a zero
   MQ, it means a similar item didn't sell well in your store.
 
TRUE OR FALSE? When the Green sheet for an ad arrives at a store, the
store manager should do a detailed needs analysis for every item listed on
the sheet.
 
   FALSE! You should scan the Green sheet for an ad and do a detailed
   review for ESS needs of only the most important items.  Since this
   should involve fewer than 15 items (often as few as four or five), this
   review shouldn't take much time.
 
If, after taking this quiz, you feel you need more information, here's a
list of material you might find useful:
 
1.  Store Operation Manual, Section IV.
 
2.  "Making Replenishment Work," Merchandising Newsletter, July 1993.
 
3.  "Demystifying Store Spending Limits," Merchandising Newsletter,
    January 1994.
 
4.  "A Few Tips on ESS Orders," Merchandising Newsletter, March 1994.
 
5.  "Q and A on MQs," Merchandising Newsletter, April 1994.
 
6.  Skit by Mike Dryden and Chris Shaia, DSM Satellite Broadcast, April
    25, 1994.
 
7.  "Replenishment and Perpetual Count Errors," Merchandising Newsletter,
    May 1994.
 
8.  SOS Memo, "The Customized Replenishment System," May 3, 1994.
 
9.  SOS Memo, "Increased Store Spending Limits for ESS Orders," May 10,
    1994.
 
 
MN-09-94
SCANNER NO-NO
 
All managers and associates must remember that it is absolutely against
Radio Shack's policy to mention modification of scanners, or anything
involving reception of cellular telephone signals, to your customers.
 
Our policy has not changed, but it's imperative that everyone be reminded
of this and that you all  comply with this policy .
 
 
MN-09-94
CD-3400 AVAILABILITY IN DOUBT
 
Since we reported in the August 1994 Merchandising Newsletter that the
acclaimed Optimus CD-3400 (Cat. No. 42-5035, $179.99) would be back in
stock in time for Christmas, there have been new developments.  Our vendor
indicates that it is doubtful we will receive any product for this
Christmas.  Watch future Merchandising Newsletters for further details.
 
 
MN-09-94
DSS UPDATE
 
DSS sales have been great!  Unfortunately, demand is greater than current
supply.
 
Due to Thomson/RCA production limitations for the rest of 1994, we will
only have DSS product in the 50 stores that are already carrying it.  This
was a decision we had to make, since it wouldn't make sense for use to put
DSS in additional stores when we can't supply inventory for sales.
 
Although DSS is featured in the Radio Shack 1995 Catalog, the catalog
includes a disclaimer stating that DSS isn't available in all Radio Shack
stores, and lists a phone number for customers to call to find the store
closest to them which does have DSS.  The number is (817) 878-6875.
 
 
MN-09-94
273-1659 NOW AT CMC
 
The AC Adapter (Cat. No. 273-1659, $17.99) for portable CD players
converts 120 volt AC power to 3 volt DC power.  It's no longer available
in stores, but you can obtain it through CMC by calling the Telephone
Order Center at (800) 433-2024.  (It's also available from Express Order
as EO# 10449106.)
 
 
MN-09-94
VIDEO -- 50 REASONS TO OWN A HOME SATELLITE SYSTEM
 
 1. Choose from over 15,000 movies per year.
 
 2. Watch programs not available anywhere else  -- at any price.
 
 3. Experience unsurpassed video quality as good as (if not better than)
    laser discs.
 
 4. Listen to digital stereo and surround sound broadcasts of your
    favorite shows.
 
 5. Tune into over 100 satellite radio stations at no extra charge.
 
 6. See all the new channels, network shows, and new programs before
    they ever make it to cable or regular TV.
 
 7. Unlike cable, you can buy your programming from many different
    suppliers.  Competition keeps your programming costs low!
 
 8. Choose first run movies and sports events from over 18 different
    pay-per-view channels.
 
 9. Pay for one premium service, yet choose from multiple channels: 5 HBO
    channels, 3 Cinemax and 3 Showtime channels, each with different
    program schedules  -- all for less than you'd pay for just one premium
    cable channel.
 
10. Watch live news events as they happen, before they're cut and
    edited.
 
11. Have total flexibility of viewing times  -- watch late-night programs
    in the early evening.
 
12. A satellite TV system increases the resale value of your home.
 
13. Choose from over 140 free and 116 subscription channels
 
14. Watch network programming from NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, and PBS from
    stations all over the country.
 
15. Be the envy of your neighbors who only have cable TV or less.
 
16. Receive all cable TV channels, including those your cable TV system
    doesn't offer.
 
17. Sit behind the plate at 1,900 baseball games per year.
 
18. Enjoy more children's programming than from any other source.
 
19. Receive sports, entertainment, and news programming in Korean,
    French, Chinese, Russian, Spanish, Arabic; and from all around the
    world.
 
20. Watch TV newscasters and other celebrities  "primp " before air time.
 
21. Go shopping on more channels than you can count.
 
22. Receive text and data services like stock market reports.
 
23. Enjoy multiple PBS channels, plus other educational services available
    nowhere else.
 
24. Watch three different episodes of your favorite shows, all on the same
    day.
 
25. Sit on the 50 yard line at over 1,250 football games per year.
 
26. Receive over 1,200 hours of free programming every week.  (Cable TV
    has no free programming.)
 
27. Save time and money by never having to pick up and drop off movie
    rentals.
 
28. Worship with anyone from Dr. Gene Scott to Pat Robertson.
 
29. Sit rinkside at over 800 hockey games per year.
 
30. Take university courses for credit at home.
 
31. Receive subscription programming for a fraction of what it would
    cost on cable TV.
 
32. On-screen displays tell you the title of the program, its running
    time, its rating (G, PG, etc.), and even the title of the program to
    follow.
 
33. Have more control than ever before over what you and your family
    watch.
 
34. Choose what you want to watch and when you want to watch it.
 
35. Record the highest quality tapes of movies and other programs using
    one VCR.
 
36. Watch live business and service organization teleconferences.
 
37. Receive unique sports programming available nowhere else.
 
38. Add, change, or cancel subscription services anytime you wish.
 
39. Sit center court at over 3,000 basketball games per year.
 
40. Have new subscription services switched on instantly with a single
    phone call.
 
41. Watch pictures free of  "ghosts, "  "lines, " and other interference.
 
42. Receive programming the whole family can watch 24 hours a day.
 
43. Password protected parental lock-out allows you to prevent children
    from viewing any program or entire channels above a set rating (G,
    PG-13, PG-17, R, etc.).
 
44. Own your video delivery equipment instead of renting it forever as you
    do with regular cable TV.
 
45. Receive a variety of music television channels for all interests.
 
46. Order pay-per-view programming automatically with the push of a
    button.
 
47. Save money by enjoying theater-like realism in the comfort of your own
    home.
 
48. Receive crucial weather and agricultural information available nowhere
    else.
 
49. Benefit from more dependable and uninterrupted service than regular
    cable TV.
 
50. It's the best TV available anywhere, at any price.
 
 
MN-09-94
VIDEO -- OMNIDIRECTIONAL TV ANTENNA TIPS
 
A quality TV can produce a picture and sound only as good as the signal
supplied to it.  This means you need the appropriate antenna and/or
distribution system to fully enjoy your TV.  This article explains how the
Radio Shack amplified omnidirectional TV antenna (Cat. No. 150-1618,
$99.99) works, how TV signals travel, what  "ghosting " is, how to
correctly install an F-connector, and how to troubleshoot the antenna.
 
HOW THE ANTENNA WORKS
 
Since the 15-1618 is omnidirectional, it receives signals from all
directions, unlike a normal yagi-type antenna, which receives only those
stations it's pointed towards.  This illustration shows the difference
between the two types of antennas.  The yagi-type antenna only receives
station #2, while the omnidirectional antenna receives all three stations.
 
The omnidirectional antenna receives and amplifies a good signal from any
TV station within a 35 to 40 mile radius, as long as there are no
obstructions to the signal's path.
 
Omnidirectional antennas are designed for urban areas with several
transmitters located in different locations within 35-40 miles.  They do
not perform well in fringe areas or where ghosting is a problem.
 
HOW TV SIGNALS TRAVEL
 
Unlike low frequency AM radio signals, which follow the earth's curvature,
TV and FM signals tend to travel in a tangent to the earth.
 
If the antenna is installed behind a hill or mountain, down in a valley,
or behind some other large obstruction, the signal might travel right over
it.  This is why the installation's height and reception affect reception.
In the illustration, the antenna located higher on the house or a remote
antenna located on the hill would provide adequate signal interception.
When an antenna is installed inside a house (in an attic, for example),
the house's walls and roof attenuate or reduce the signal strength by as
much as 50%.
 
GHOSTING
 
"Ghosts" (multiple images) appear when a broadcast signal arrives at the
antenna by more than one path.  Ghosting is usually caused by
obstructions, such as high-rise buildings or water towers, that interfere
with the broadcast signal.  This happens most often in large cities.  The
signals which are reflected by the large obstructions arrive a split
second later than the main signal.  A yagi-type antenna with good side and
rear signal rejection can reduce or eliminate ghosting.
 
SYSTEM LAYOUT
 
Do not install devices (such as splitters, A/B switches, etc.) between the
power supply and the 15-1618.  The antenna needs the 14 VAC from the power
supply to run its preamplifier.  Devices installed along this path
eliminate or diminish the voltage below the requirement.
 
HOW TO INSTALL AN F-CONNECTOR
 
Incorrectly installed F-connectors are the cause of most antenna problems.
Follow these steps to correctly install an F-connector.
 
1. Strip the outer cover back  1/2 inch from the end of the cable.  Fray
   the braid back as far as the outer cover will allow.
 
2. Trim the braid close to the outer cover and remove 1/4" of inner
   insulation, being very careful not to nick the center connector.  Make
   sure no foil or braid can touch the center connector.
 
3. Slide the connector tip between the braid and inner insulation, and
   push the cable's connector as far as it will go.  Use a proper crimping
   tool to crimp the built-in ferrule.  (A hex connector requires a hex
   crimping tool.)
 
Be careful not to crush the cable; using our Economy Crimping Tool (Cat.
No. 278-220, $2.99) instead of pliers can make the difference between a
good and a bad connection.  Remember, we also have TWIST-ON connectors, a
Coax Cable Stripping Tool (Cat. No. 278-0240, $12.99), a Cable Cutter
(Cat. No. 278-0244, $5.99), and even Self-Fusing Silicone Tape for
weather-proofing (Cat. No. 640-2336, $1.99).
 
TROUBLESHOOTING
 
Follow these steps if reception with the 150-1618 is poor:
 
1. Verify that the station transmitters are not more than 35-40 miles
   away.
 
2. Verify that there are no obstructions to the signal path.  If there
   are, move the antenna.
 
3. Verify that the TV is operating correctly (hook up to VCR, cable,
   etc.).
 
4. Verify that the power supply LED lights when plugged in.  If it does
   not, check to see that connectors are properly installed and there are
   no sharp bends in, or staples through the download.
 
5. Move the antenna to different locations.
 
If these actions don't improve reception, use a larger yagi-type antenna.
Because the yagi-type antenna is directional, it has a higher gain than
omnidirectional antennas.  If all the station transmitters are not in the
same direction, use a rotor to rotate the yagi-type antenna toward the
various locations.
 
 
MN-09-94
VIDEO -- EASY HOME VIDEO EDITOR CURES VACATION VIDEO BLUES
 
You've heard the story before  -- a family returns from their summer
vacation with four tapes of vacation footage.  They make popcorn and
arrange themselves in their comfortable viewing chairs.
 
Then, basic filming mistakes (too-quick pans from one scene to another;
other scenes that last much too long; the ever popular 10-minute shot of
the sky or someone's feet when the operator forgot to turn the camcorder
off) combine to produce the vacation video blues.  Before long, people are
yawning,  no one  wants to watch, and the tapes wind up gathering dust on
the shelf.
 
Our Easy Home Video Editor (Cat. No. 15-1963, $199.99) is the cure for the
"vacation video blues."  The simple, clear instructions in the Owner's
Manual make setting up the editor with an 8mm camcorder and VHS VCR a
breeze.
 
The instant editing technique, described in the manual, makes editing as
easy as watching the original camcorder footage and pressing a button.
Pressing the "thumbs up" button on the editor causes the VCR to record
"good" footage on a new tape.  Pressing the editor's "thumbs down" button
pauses the VCR, so it won't record the "bad" footage.
 
The Easy Home Video Editor lets your customers to "fade to black" instead
of cutting straight from one scene to another.  They can even put a black
leader and trailer on their tape, just like the professionals.
 
Suggest the Easy Home Video Editor to all your customers who want to make
watching their vacation videos as much fun as the vacation itself!
 
 
MN-09-94
VIDEO -- WHAT'S AN ITZA?
 
What's brightly-colored, simple and easy to use, and will be in your store
in time for Christmas?  ITZA Remote!
 
We're talking about the ITZA Remote Control (Cat. No. 150-1912/1913/1914,
$19.99) -- a new Radio Shack exclusive 3-in-1 remote control.  ITZA lets
customers control a TV, VCR, and cable box with just one remote, and comes
in unique hot colors that make it easier to find than other remotes.
 
ITZA was designed for simple, easy operation, with only the functions
customers use the most.  Its large, uniquely-shaped keys are easy to find
even in dim light.  And its infrared beam is stronger than most other
remotes', for superior performance.
 
So if a customer asks you, "What's an ITZA?," tell them, "ITZA Remote!"
 
 
MN-09-94
VIDEO -- 16-861 MOVIECORDER ACCESSORIES
 
Now CMC has accessories for our Model 160 Moviecorder (Cat. No. 160-0861,
$799.99, on sale in Flyer 519 for $99.99).  Call the Telephone Order
Center at (800) 433-2024 to order any of these items:
 
TELEPHOTO/WIDE ANGLE LENS SET (37 mm) (Cat. No. 16-2307, $99.99) --
    1.5 telephoto/.65 wide angle lens set; 37 mm kit with 27 mm step ring.
 
LENS FILTER KIT (37 mm) (Cat. No. 16-2309, $29.99) --
    Contains three lenses:
      ND6x4    -- Used outdoors or in bright light to prevent video
                  washout.
      UV Haze  -- Lens protector and morning haze reducer.
      FD       -- Used indoors to correct blue-green tinge from
                  fluorescences lighting.
 
CAR CORD/DC ADAPTER (Cat. No. 16-2327, $29.99) --
    Lets the user operate the Moviecorder from a vehicle battery or 12V
    Portable Battery Pack.
 
12V LEAD ACID PORTABLE BATTERY PACK (Cat. No. 16-2336, $89.99) --
    This 12V (10,000 mAh) lead acid rechargeable battery pack offers
    maximum power and complete portability.  A padded Cordura case, carry
    case, adjustable belt, and AC charger are included.  Battery has a
    female cigarette lighter port.
    Requires DC cord/adapter (Cat. No. 16-2327).  Also powers other
    electronic products with the appropriate DC adapter.
 
RF ADAPTER (Cat. No. 16-2337, $39.99) --
    Provides a convenient method of viewing a recording on a TV set that
    does not have audio/video jacks.
 
2200 mAh BATTERY (Part No. CCB-1903, $59.95)  --
    6V nickel-cadmium battery.  Replaces Cat. No. 23-184.
 
6V, 5 HOUR CAMCORDER BATTERY PACK KIT (Sony NP/NP77 Type) (Part No. CCB-
6651, $69.95) --
    Powers the camcorder up to five hours without recharging.  Lightweight
    (less than 3 lbs), lead acid battery is completely portable.  Kit
    includes 6V, 7.0 Amp battery, padded case with belt loop, adjustable
    belt, camcorder battery module, and UL approved AC charger.
 
CAMCORDER BATTERY MODULE ONLY (Part No. CCB-6651M, $19.95) --
    For use with 6V, 5 Hour Camcorder Battery Pack only.  Replaces NP55,
    NP77, CCB-1903, or 23-184 type batteries on camcorder.
 
Y ADAPTER (Part No. CCB-6610, $9.95) --
    Connects two different Camcorder Battery Modules to one 6V, 5 Hour
    Camcorder Battery Pack.
 
DC BATTERY CHARGER  (Part No. T16-MP200, $29.95).
 
 
MN-09-94
COMMUNICATIONS -- 210-0900 Flexible Antenna
 
A store recently inquired about the performance of the Flexible Antenna
(Cat. No. 21-900, $19.99 from CMC, also available from Express Order as
EO# 10279719) for our TRC-226 Citizens Band Walkie-Talkie (Cat. No. 21-
1665, $139.99).  They reported that in-store Standing Wave Ratio (SWR)
tests showed a high SWR with this unit.  They also wondered if the 21-900
wasn't really a cellular antenna, since it uses a TNC connector.
 
Although the 210-0900 features a TNC connector like those used on cellular
telephones, it's not a cellular phone antenna -- it's a CB antenna,
designed especially for use with the TRC-226.
 
The pull-up antenna for the TRC-226 is a full 51 inches long!  The
flexible "rubber duck " antenna is a more reasonable length (about 10
inches), but both antennas use the transceiver case as a counterpoise.
Separating the antenna from the case dramatically affects the antenna's
performance and makes any SWR measurement invalid.
 
Because of the difference in their lengths, you can't expect the same
performance from the flexible antenna that you get from the much longer
pull-up antenna.  It's like two camera lenses:  a tiny lens won't admit as
much light as a bigger lens, so it doesn't allow as good a picture.  But,
the camera with the smaller lens is much easier to carry than the bigger
one, and in most cases, its performance is just fine. If your customer is
looking for convenience, the Flexible Antenna is the way to go!
 
 
MN-09-94
COMMUNICATIONS -- HTX-202 NOTES
 
NO MODIFICATION!
 
Rumors persist in the field that it's possible to modify our HTX-202
2-Meter Ham Transceiver (Cat. No. 19-1120, $259.99) to allow operation
outside the 144-148 MHz 2-meter ham band.  These rumors are  absolutely
false !
 
The "modifications" involve cutting a handful of surface mount parts from
the circuit boards.  This renders the HTX-202 absolutely dead!  Don't
hesitate to debunk these rumors when you hear them, and don't encourage
your customers to try to modify their units for any  reason!
 
A WORD OF CAUTION
 
Customers might ask if our HTX-202 is made by ICOM, because its battery
pack looks similar to the battery packs on some of their models.
 
While it's not Radio Shack's policy to name manufacturers, you can tell
them that the HTX-202 is made for us (to our specifications, with our name
and warranty) by another manufacturer, not ICOM. It's a Radio Shack
product.  Make sure you never represent that one of our products is made
by anyone other than us.
 
POWER JACK FACTS
 
You might have noticed that the HTX-202 still operates from its internal
AA batteries if you insert a DC power connector which isn't connected to
12 VDC.  This isn't a design flaw.
 
When you plug into the power jack of the HTX-202 or HTX-404 (Cat. No. 19-
1140, $299.99), you're simply making electrical connection to the power
circuits.  When you apply a voltage that's less than the batteries'
voltage (plus 0.7 volts, which is the drop across one diode junction),
your HTX-202 electronically switches to the DC input and isolates the
battery.
 
Only when you apply a voltage greater than the batteries' voltage does the
circuit switch to the DC input jack.  At that point, a diode going to the
battery becomes "back biased" and won't conduct.  This electronic
switching takes the battery out of the circuit.  The battery doesn't
charge (or overcharge, which would actually be the case).
 
This feature improves reliability, since there's no mechanical switch
built into the jack.  And since the switching is instantaneous, the radio
never loses power!
 
 
MN-09-94
COMMUNICATIONS -- BEST BET SHORTWAVE BROADCASTS
 
One of the biggest lures of shortwave radio is listening to foreign
broadcasts.  Here's a list of some international shortwave stations that
broadcast in English and generally provide good reception to North
American listeners.
 
Also shown are the best times to listen, indicated in Universal Time
Coordinated (UTC).  UTC is five hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time, so
make the necessary adjustment for your time zone.
 
 Station                Time (UTC)      Frequencies
_
Radio Austria           0530            6015
Radio Canada            0100            9755, 11845, 11949
Croatian Radio          0500            7315, 9495
Radio Havana            0001-0700       6010, 9510
HCJB, Ecuador           0030            9745, 11925, 17490
Deutsche Welle          0100, 0300,     0500    6120, 9640, 11715
Radio Japan             0300, 1100      6120, 15210, 17810
Radio Netherlands       0030            6020, 6165, 9840
Voice of Free China,
  Taiwan                0200            5960, 9680
Voice of America        24 hrs          5995, 9760, 13710,
                                        15205, 15580
 
A much more complete list will be published in the Fall 1994 edition of
Radio! magazine (Cat. No. 620-1201, $1.95), available this month.  An
updated list will be a regular feature in future issues of Radio!
 
 
MN-09-94
SECURITY -- 49-730 HOT LINE
 
Some customers have experienced problems with the remote controls from
our High-Tech Talking Car Alarm System (Cat. No. 49-730, $99.99).
Although the vendor, Bulldog Security, says the remotes should be
effective at ranges up to 200 feet away from the vehicle, some customers
have reported that the remotes were ineffective at ranges over 10 feet.
 
To help you help your customers, Bulldog Security has set up a "hot line"
that you can call whenever a customer has problems with their 49-730
remotes.
 
Call George Vain at (800) 878-8007.
 
 
MN-09-94
SECURITY -- TUBULAR KEYS FOR 49-450/475 SECURITY SYSTEMS
 
Now, customers who use the Lock Switch (Cat. No. 49-523) with our Two-Zone
Burglar Alarm Control Center (Cat. No. 49-450) and our Four-Zone Burglar
and Fire Alarm Control Center (Cat. No. 49-475) can order spare tubular
keys from National Parts.  You must know the lock number to get the
correct key.  The lock number is engraved on the lock, and also indicated
by a sticker on the display card.
 
 Stock Number   For Lock    Stock Number    For Lock
 
   HK-0042      06005          HK-0047      03402
   HK-0043      04003          HK-0048      045039
   HK-0044      03002          HK-0049      07806
   HK-0045      02001          HK-0050      06705
   HK-0046      02301          HK-0053      07006
 
 
MN-09-94
SECURITY -- 49-416 BATTERY CONTACT PROBLEM
 
Some customers might experience problems with "dead" units of our Personal
Alarm (Cat. No. 49-416, $9.99).  Because of the way the 49-416's battery
compartment is designed, some "N" batteries might not make contact,
rendering the alarm inoperative.
 
Tandy National Parts has a replacement battery contact for the compartment
which will correct this problem.  These are to be given, at no charge, to
customers who report problems with the 49-416 alarm.  Call (800) 433-2024
and order Part No. XX0046.
 
 
MN-09-94
SECURITY -- VIDEO OBSERVATION SYSTEM ACCESSORIES
 
CMC now has accessories for our Video Observation System (Cat. No.
49-2501).  Here's what's available:
 
100 FOOT CABLE (Cat. No. 49-2525, $44.99).
 
CABLE ADAPTER (Cat. No. 49-2523, $9.99) --
    Use to join two 100-foot cables (49-2525).
 
300 FOOT CABLE (Cat. No. 59-2526, $129.99)
    (Note that video quality is sacrificed in runs over 300 feet.)
 
 
MN-09-94
SECURITY -- 49-2010 SECURITY SYSTEM
 
The base of our Wireless Alarm System (Cat. No. 49-2010, $249.99) has
holes that can be used to mount the unit on a wall (although the Owner's
Manual does not contain wall mounting instructions).  However, to get the
best reception from a wall-mounted unit, the user must pull the antenna
out 90  from the base so the antenna is parallel to the floor.
 
 
MN-09-94
TELEPHONES -- "SELL BETTER MERCHANDISE" IN CORDLESS PHONES AND TADS
 
Each month, we'll be highlighting the promotional products in our cordless
phone and TAD lines, so you and your associates can become more familiar
with the different features of each product.  This will help you tell your
customers the whole story of what
you have to offer.
 
Did you know that  60%  of today's customers are buying cordless phones
and TADs for the second time?  Many of them are looking for an item with
more features than the one they previously owned.  Although we'll still
sell more opening price point units, we owe it to our customers to also
show them the items with more features, so  they  can choose.
 
We'll have several choices of cordless phones and TADs, with a variety of
features for your customers, on sale each month.
 
 
MN-09-94
TELEPHONES -- SELL THE RIGHT THERMAL FAX PAPER
 
Because you asked for it, here's a chart showing which thermal fax machine
paper matches each of our fax machines.
 
        Fax Machine                       Thermal Fax Paper
Cat. No.        Description             Cat. No.        Price
 
430-1201        TANDYFAX 1040           430-1260        $5.49
430-1202        Radio Shack TFX 1030    430-1264         6.79
430-1205        TANDYFAX 1010           430-1260         5.49
430-1207        TANDYFAX 1020           430-1260         5.49
430-1215        TANDYFAX 1500           430-1265         6.79
430-1216        TANDYFAX 1505           430-1265         6.79
 
Our fax paper is some of the highest quality around and it works
exceptionally well in other brands or fax machines as well.
 
And don't forget our Fax Clean Sheet (Cat. No. 43-1251, $2.19), which
removes dust and oily film from  any  fax machine.
 
 
MN-09-94
TELEPHONES -- 43-1000 CORDLESS PHONE LOCKUP
 
Owners of our ET-900 Cordless Telephone (Cat. No. 43-1000, $249.99, on
sale in Flyer 519 for $159.99) need to know that their phone might lock up
during a power surge.  To clear the lock up, they should simply disconnect
AC power from the base unit and unplug the battery pack from the handset
unit, then reconnect both units.
 
 
MN-09-94
TELEPHONES -- CALLER ID:  WHO'S GOT IT? WHO'S GETTING IT?
 
Caller ID service is currently available in 42 states and Washington, D.C.
When your area gets the service, remind your DSM to inform Replenishment,
so you can begin receiving caller ID products.
 
Here's a list of areas in the United States where the service is available
now.  If a state has both name and name and number service, areas with
name and number service are indicated by an asterisk (*).
 
State   Area                                                          Type
 
AR      West Memphis, Arcadelphia, Hot Springs*,                  N & *N/N
        Conway, Mayflower, Ashdown, Camden,
        Jessieville, Marion, Parkin, Earle,
        Crawfordsville, Nashville, Benton,
        Complex, Strong, Hutting, Little Rock,
        Chidester, Stephens, Fort Smith, Van
        Buren
 
AL      Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Mobile,                                  N
        Montgomery, Huntsville
 
AZ      Phoenix N/N
 
CO      Denver, Boulder, Ft Collins, Colorado                          N/N
        Springs, Pueblo
 
CT      Hartford, Bridgeport, Stamford,                                  N
        New Haven, Waterbury
 
DC      N
 
DE      Greater Wilmington area                                          N
 
FL      Most of Southern FL, Orlando*, Miami*,                    N & *N/N
        Ft. Lauderdale*, W. Palm Beach*,
        Melborne*, Gainesville*, Jacksonville*,
        Ocala, Leesburg, Punta Gorda
 
GA      Most of the state, Albany*, Athens*,                      N & *N/N
        Macon*, Augusta*, Columbus*, Savannah*,
        Atlanta*
 
IA      Council Bluffs, Des Moines  N/N
 
ID      Boise, Coeur D'Alene, Idaho Falls,                             N/N
        Pocatello
 
IL      Chicago area, Waukegan*, Arlington                             N/N
        Hts*, Aurora*, Deerfield*, Elmhurst*,
        Wilmetta*, Edwardsville*, Wilmington,
        Alton, Mt. Vernon*, Bluford*, Harmony*
 
IN      Indianapolis area, Anderson, Lebanon,                            N
        Bloomington, Gary, Hammond, Kokomo,
        Peru, Crown Point, Cedar Lake,
        St. John, Gary, Miller, Hammond East,
        Kokomo Main, Bunker Hill, Burlington,
        Converse, Greentown, Russiaville,
        Lebanon, Shelbyville, Fishers,
        Fleetwood, Melrose, Walnut, Clifford,
        Liberty, Axminster, State, Twinbrook
 
KS      Lawrence, Topeka, Wichita, Kansas City                           N
 
 
KY      Bowling Green, Elizabethtown,                             N & *N/N
        Lexington, Louisville, Georgetown*,
        Sadieville*, Stamping Ground*,
        Henderson*, Shelbyville*, Oak Grove*,
        Evansville, Owensboro
 
LA      Alexandria, Avondale, Baton Rouge,                             N/N
        Jesuit Bend, LaFayette, Lafitte,
        Lake Charles, Monroe, New Orleans,
        Shreveport, St. Bernard
 
MA      North Shore and South Shore, Hyde Park,                          N
        W. Roxbury, Arlington, Bedford,
        Belmont, Concord, Lexington, Amherst,
        Greenfield, Northampton, Sagamore,
        Vineyard Haven, Bryantville, Hanover,
        Marshfield, Middleboro, Needham,
        Plymouth, Wareham, Rockland,
        Framingham, Nobscot, Marlboro,
        Medfield, Milford, Sudbury, Walpole,
        Westboro, Andover, Lawrence,
        Boston area
 
MD      Most of the state                                                N
 
ME      Bath, Brunswick, Portland, Samford,                              N
        Bangor, Ellsworth, Augusta
 
MI      Detroit area*, Flint*, Ann Arbor*,                        N & *N/N
        Dearborn*, Livonia*, Pontiac*,
        Buchanin
 
MO      Joplin, St. Louis, Sikestown,                                    N
        Poplar Bluff, Eldon, Flat River,
        Cape Girardeau, Hannibal,
        Kansas City, Outstate
 
MN      Mankato, Minneapolis, St. Paul                                   N
 
MS      Natchez*, Biloxi*, Gulfport*,                             N & *N/N
        Pascagoula*, Pass Christian*,
        Jackson*, Tupelo*, Columbus*,
        Hattiesburg, Brookhaven
 
NC      Hickory, Lincolnton*, Shelby*,                            N & *N/N
        Winston*, Salem*, Burlington*,
        Greensboro, Raleigh*, Charlotte*,
        Wilmington, Asheville, Gastonia*,
        Kings Mt.*, Salisbury*,
        Statesville*
 
NE      Hastings, Lincoln, Omaha                                   N & N/N
 
NH      Laconia, Raymond                                                 N
 
NJ      Most of the state                                                N
 
NM      Albuquerque, Santa Fe                                          N/N
 
NV      Las Vegas, Reno N
 
NY      Rochester, Poughkeepsie, Rockland                                N
        County, Long Island, Staten Island,
        Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Manhattan,
        Westchester, Binghamton, Buffalo,
        Syracuse, Albany, Scarsdale,
        Tarrytown, Yonkers
 
OH      Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleveland,                                 N
        Toledo, Dayton
 
OK      Muskogee, Tulsa, Oklahoma City                                   N
 
OR      Portland, Salem, Eugene, Springfield,                          N/N
        Medford
 
SC      Aiken*, Charleston*, North Augusta,                       N & *N/N
        Greenville, Columbia*, Florence,
        Charlotte*
 
TN      Chattanooga*, Memphis*, Nashville*,                       N & *N/N
        Knoxville*, Oak Ridge, Powell,
        Clarksville*, Maryville, Jackson*
 
TX      Austin, Houston, San Antonio                                   N/N
 
UT      Salt Lake City, Provo                                          N/N
 
VT      Bennington, Burlington                                           N
 
VA      Most of the state, *Richmond                                     N
 
WA      Vancouver, Seattle, Everett, Tacoma,                           N/N
        Olympia, Colby, Crosby, Bremerton,
        Essex, Spokane
 
WI      Sussex, Evansville, Janesville,                                  N
        Richmond
 
WV      Most of the state                                                N
 
WY      Cheyenne, Casper                                               N/N
 
Here's a list of areas that are due to start caller ID service
in September and October 1994.
 
DATE            LOCATION                                              TYPE
 
8/30-9/29/94    W. Bloomfield, MI (6 new exchanges)                      N
 
9/1/94          Portchester/Tuckahoe, NY                                 N
                (18 new exchanges)
 
9/1/94          Pennsylvania                                             N
 
9/1/94          Burlington, MA                                           N
 
9/10/94         New York City, NY (11 new exchanges)                     N
 
9/11/94         Binghamton, NY (5 new exchanges)                         N
 
9/12/94         Washington                                             N/N
 
9/12/94         Portland, OR                                           N/N
 
9/19/94         Red Granite/Omro, WI                                     N
 
9/22/94         Albany, NY (1 new exchange)                              N
 
9/24/94         Westchester County/New York City, NY                     N
                (8 new exchanges)
 
9/25/94         Buffalo, NY (10 new exchanges)                           N
 
Q4/1994         Charlotte, NC (adding name delivery)                   N/N
 
Q4/1994         Gary/Hendersonville/Maiden/Newton/                     N/N
                Asheville, NC (adding name delivery)
 
Q4/1994         Chapel Hill, NC (adding name delivery)                 N/N
 
Q4/1994         Greensboro, NC (adding name delivery)                  N/N
 
10/1/94         Queens/Westchester County, NY (18 new                  N/N
                exchanges)
 
10 or 11/94-    Florida statewide
12/94 or 1/95   (Free lease for 30 days)
 
10/8/94         Westchester County, NY (10 new                           N
                exchanges)
 
10/8/94         West Bend, WI                                            N
 
10/10/94        Green Lake, WI                                           N
 
10/12/94        Buffalo, NY (1 new exchange)                             N
 
10/16/94        Syracuse, NY (1 new exchange)                            N
 
10/18/94        Houlton/Hudson, WI                                       N
 
10/19/94        Buffalo, NY (1 new exchange)                             N
 
10/22/94        New York City, NY (4 new exchanges)                      N
 
10/22/94-       Green Bay, WI                                            N
12/31/94
 
10/24/94        Albany, NY (1 new exchange)                              N
 
10/29/94        Syracuse, NY (7 new exchanges)                           N
 
10/30/94        Buffalo, NY (11 new exchanges)                           N
 
We'll update this list periodically as more areas get the service.
 
 
MN-09-94
TELEPHONES -- CORDLESS PHONE BATTERIES: LOOKS CAN BE DECEIVING
 
When you sell a battery pack for a cordless phone, remember:  things that
look alike can be very different!
 
Even though a battery pack might look like the one that came out of your
customer's phone, the plugs or wiring on the "identical" battery packs
might be different.   Don't assume that because two battery packs look
alike, they must be the same.  Use your battery cross reference list to
verify that you're selling the right one!
 
If the cross reference list indicates a battery pack is the correct one
and a customer says it won't work in their phone (or other product), get
their name and phone number, as well as the catalog number of the product
and all the nomenclature off the battery pack (even if it doesn't appear
important to you).  Send the information to Leon Lutz by speed mail at
LLUTZ1.
 
 
MN-09-94
TELEPHONES -- ET-397 REPLACEMENT BATTERY
 
The replacement battery (Part. No. CTB-1901, $9.99) for the ET-397
Cordless Telephone (Cat. No. 43-568) is now in stock at CMC.  CMC is
constantly expanding the battery line, so don't hesitate to call (800)
433-2024 if you can't find the one your customer needs.
 
 
MN-09-94
TELEPHONES -- BATTERY CHARGER FOR CT-350/351 CELLULAR PHONES
 
Our new Battery Rapid Charge/Discharge Cycler (Cat. No. 17-615, $59.99
from CMC, also available from Express Order as EO# 10010007) is ideal for
use with our CT-350 (Cat.  No. 17-1060) and CT-351 (Cat. No. 17-1061)
Cellular Phones.  The battery in these cellular phones works best and
lasts longer if the user occasionally (about once a month) lets it
completely discharge.  The 17-615 has a special discharge feature that
completely discharges the battery, then automatically recharges it.
 
 
MN-09-94
AUDIO -- SPEAKER WATTAGE
 
You might have noticed that the new fact tags for our raw speakers list
higher wattage ratings than the speakers' gift boxes and Owner's Manuals.
That's because the new fact tags list  maximum  power ratings, which
conform to some very loose industry guidelines.  The current gift boxes
and Owner's Manuals state RMS power ratings.
 
An RMS rating measures the input wattage a speaker can tolerate,
consisting of continuous noise from all frequencies.  But that's not the
way people really use their speakers.  We listen to talk and music, and
that's where maximum power ratings are useful.
 
A maximum rating is the peak short-term power a speaker can handle without
damage.  A speaker's maximum rating is 2 or 3 times greater than its RMS
rating (although some vendors state their maximum ratings as being 3 or 4
times greater than RMS), so a speaker rated at 10 watts RMS can handle 20
watts of talk or music.
 
Since most of the industry uses maximum ratings, Radio Shack would risk
confusing our customers and losing sales if we insisted on stating  only
the RMS value.  In the future, the gift box and fact tag for every speaker
we sell will state the maximum rating, while the label and Owner's Manual
will state both RMS and maximum values.
 
For more information on this topic, see the July 1994 Merchandising
Newsletter ("Answers to 12-1728 Questions") and the February 1994 issue
("Speaker Ratings Can Fool You").
 
 
MN-09-94
AUDIO -- HALLOWEEN FUN WITH THE SOUND EFFECTS GENERATOR
 
Have some frightfully good fun this Halloween and sell more products using
our Sound Effects Generator (Cat. No. 32-1116, $129.99) and any stereo
system that has phono input jacks.  By connecting the Sound Effects
Generator's inputs to the auxiliary input of any stereo system, you can
get insane laughs, blood-curdling screams, and sounds that go bump in the
night.
 
Friends, customers, ghosts and goblins will all be amazed by the Sound
Effects Generator!  Home movie makers can even use it to produce their own
scary Halloween video.  It's simple:
 
SETTING UP
 
1. Connect the Sound Effects Generator's AUDIO OUT jacks to the stereo's
   auxiliary input.
 
2. Slide the Sound Effects Generator's AUDIO MIXER control to set the
   volume to the desired level.
 
   Note:  You can control the volume from both the Sound Effects Generator
   and the stereo.
 
3. Set the stereo's input to the auxiliary input.
 
SAMPLING SOUNDS
 
Use the Sound Effects Generator's number keys to enter 01 for a creaking
door, or 12 for a scream.  Or enter 92 for a monstrous scream.  There are
many sounds to choose from, and you can sample any of them at a higher or
lower frequency.  Try the laugh (07) at a lower frequency to get the sound
of a mad scientist.  Or enter 83 to hear all the sounds in random order,
at different frequencies.
 
HALLOWEEN SEQUENCE
 
The Sound Effects Generator can hold a sequence of sounds so you can
create an "audio play" like this one to amuse your customers:
 
1. Use the number keys to enter:
   88  04  88  03  88  04  88  01  02  07  92  12  20  33  33 32  92
 
You'll hear footsteps, a creaky door, a frightening laugh, a scream,
gunshots, and falling glass.
 
2. To play the sequence, you can repeatedly push the Sound Effects
Generator's forward or reverse button to hear the sequence at your own
pace.  Or, use the number buttons to enter 85 and hear the whole
sequence.
 
 
MN-09-94
AUDIO -- HOME THEATER Q&A
 
Q:  If I have an A/V receiver with Dolby Surround, what do I need in order
    to get surround sound?
 
A:  Any source that can deliver a stereo signal -- Hi-Fi VCRs, laserdisc
    players, and IRD satellites -- can give you surround sound if your AV
    receiver has Dolby Surround.  Most satellite TV programs and many
    broadcast TV shows (especially movies) are recorded in Dolby Surround.
    By connecting the source's audio output to a surround sound A/V
    receiver, you can hear the programs in surround sound.
 
Q:  If I need five speakers for a Dolby Pro-Logic system, do all the
    speakers have to be the same size?
 
A:  The two surround speakers don't need to be as large as your three
    front speakers, because they receive less power and fewer frequencies
    from the A/V receiver.  Small bookshelf speakers will usually do.  The
    center channel speaker doesn't have to match the front stereo speakers
    exactly, but their quality should be similar.
 
Q:  Can I place the center channel speaker directly on top of a direct-
    view television?
 
A:  You can, as long as the speaker is magnetically shielded.  Radio Shack
    makes magnetically shielded center channel speakers just for this
    purpose.  An unshielded speaker, however, can distort the TV image.
 
 
MN-09-94
AUDIO -- PRO 4000 MANUAL CORRECTION
 
The specifications in the Owner's Manual for our Optimus PRO 4000 3-Way
Speaker System (Cat. No. 40-4040, $299.99 each) incorrectly state that the
speakers have midrange and high level frequency controls.  Be sure to tell
your customers who purchase the PRO 4000s that there are no level
controls.
 
Thanks to Joseph Cashman, manager (01-2154) in
Cape May, New Jersey, for pointing out this inaccuracy.
 
 
MN-09-94
ELECTRONIC PARTS -- FOREIGN ELECTRICITY CONVERTERS AND ADAPTER PLUGS
 
Electrical appliances built for use in the United States and Canada are
designed to operate on 110 volts AC.  Most other countries operate on 220
volts AC.  Your customers who want to use a favorite appliance while
traveling overseas need to convert 220 volts to 110 volts AC. Otherwise,
their appliance could be seriously damaged or even destroyed.
 
We sell four products for just this purpose:  our 50-Watt Foreign Travel
AC Converter/Transformer (Cat. No. 273-1401, $16.99), our 1600-Watt
Foreign Travel AC Converter (Cat. No. 273-1404, $19.99), our 1000-Watt
Foreign Travel AC Converter (Cat. No. 273-1402, $17.99) and our Dual-Power
Foreign Travel AC Converter (Cat. No. 273-1410, $34.99).
 
These voltage converters are designed to be used for short periods while
traveling with personal appliances.  They shouldn't be used with any large
appliances, power tools, or any permanently installed equipment.  In those
cases, you should recommend a step down transformer (CMC has them -- see
the article "Overseas Voltage Converters" in the August 1994
Merchandising Newsletter ).
 
(Remind your customers that American appliances operate at 60 cycles,
while most foreign electricity operates at 50 cycles.  While this might
cause appliances, such as clocks, to run slightly slower than normal,
even with a voltage converter, it won't harm them in any way.)
 
TWO TYPES  -- WHICH DO YOU NEED?
 
Transformer-type voltage converters (such as the 273-1401) reproduce a
true sine wave output that's identical to normal household electricity,
and can be used with any small electrical appliance.  Solid state
voltage converters (such as the 273-1404) don't produce a sine wave
output; they can only be used with heating appliances.
 
273-1401 -- Designed for use with 110 volt appliances rated 50 watts or
less.  It uses a step-down transformer to reduce 220 volts to 110 volts.
Use it to power low wattage appliances such as battery chargers,
calculators, camcorders, contact lens disinfectors, curling irons, oral
hygiene devices, notebook computers, portable cassette/CD players, radios,
shavers and trimmers.
 
(Note that the 273-1401 has a maximum rating of 50 watts, and always check
the appliance's identification label for its wattage rating before using
any voltage converter.)
 
273-1404 -- A solid state voltage converter.  It's designed for use with
110 volt heating appliances rated up to 1600 watts, such as coffee makers,
food/bottle warmers, hairdryers, hair roller sets, heating pads/blankets,
hot plates, irons, lamps, steamers, and toasters.
 
Don't use the 273-1404 with auto start/shutoff coffee makers and irons,
or electronically-controlled blankets or toasters.  All of these items
contain electronic components and  must  have a transformer-type voltage
converter.  Because these appliances usually have high wattage ratings,
the transformers they need weigh several pounds and might not be practical
for overseas travel.
 
273-1402 -- Same function as 273-1404, but rated 1000 watts maximum.
 
273-1410 -- Combines the features of the 273-1401 and 273-1404.  Its
selector switch allows your customer to use the 273-1410 with low wattage
appliances rated up to 50 watts, or high wattage heating appliances rated
up to 1600 watts.
 
USE THE RIGHT ADAPTER PLUG
 
Electrical outlets in different countries vary in shape, assortment, and
arrangement of plug holes.  Some countries even have more than one type of
outlet.  Our Plug Adapters (Cat. No. 273-1405, $7.99 for a set of four)
enable foreign outlets to accept the converter's plug.
 
The illustrations and table below show which adapter to use in 130
countries around the world.
 
A: 2 Flat Parallel Blades
B: 2 Round Pins
C: 2 Flat Angled Blades
D: 3-Prong Rectangular blades
 
 
Country                     Outlet(s)       Voltage
 
Afghanistan                     B           220
Algeria                         A,B,D       110/220
Angola                          B           220
Antigua                         A,D         110/220
Argentina                       B,C         220
Australia                       C           220
Austria                         B           220
Azores                          B           110/220
Bahamas                         A           110/220
Bahrain                         B,D         220
Bangladesh                      B           220
Barbados                        A           110/220
Belgium                         B           220
Belize                          A           110/220
Bermuda                         A,D         110/220
Bolivia                         A,B         110/220
Botswana                        B,D         220
Brazil                          A,B         110/220
Bulgaria                        B           220
Burma                           B,D         220
Canada                          A           110
Central African Republic        B           220
Chad                            B           220
Chile                           B           220
China, People's Republic of     B,C         220
Colombia                        A           110
Costa Rica                      A           110
Cyprus                          B,D         220
Czech Republic                  B           220
Denmark                         B           220
Dominican Republic              A           110
Ecuador                         A           110/220
Egypt                           B,D         110/220
El Salvador                     A           110
England                         B,D         220
Ethiopia                        B           220
Fiji                            C           220
Finland                         B           220
France                          B           220
Germany                         B           220
Ghana                           B           220
Gibraltar                       D           220
Greece                          B           220
Greenland                       B           220
Guatamala                       A           110
Guinea                          B           220
Guyana                          A,B,D       110/220
Haiti                           A           110
Honduras                        A           110
Hong Kong                       D           220
Hungary                         B           220
Iceland                         B,C         220
India                           B           220
Indonesia                       B           220
Iraq                            B,C         220
Ireland                         B,D         220
Israel                          B,C         220
Italy                           B           220
Ivory Coast                     B           220
Jamaica                         A,B,D       110/220
Japan                           A           100
Jerusalem                       B,C         220
Jordan                          B           220
Kenya                           B,D         220
Korea, Republic of              A           110
Kuwait                          B,D         220
Laos                            A,B         220
Lebanon                         B           110/220
Liberia                         A           110/220
Libya                           B           110/220
Luxembourg                      B           220
Macao                           B           220
Madeira                         B           220
Majorca Island                  B           220
Malawi                          B,D         220
Malaysia                        B,D         220
Malta                           B,D         220
Martinique                      B           220
Mexico                          A           110
Monaco                          B           220
Morocco                         B           110/220
Mozambique                      B           220
Nepal                           B           220
Netherlands                     B           220
Neth. Antilles                  A,B         110/220
New Zealand                     C           220
Nicaragua                       A           110
Niger                           B           220
Nigeria                         B,D         220
Norway                          B           220
Okinawa                         A           100
Oman                            B,D         220
Pakistan                        B           220
Panama                          A           110
Paraguay                        B           220
Peru                            A,B         220
Philippines                     A,B         110/220
Poland                          B           220
Portugal                        B           220
Puerto Rico                     A           110
Romania                         B           220
Russia                          A,B         220
St. Lucia                       D           220
St. Vincent                     D           220
Saudi Arabia                    A,B         110/220
Scotland                        B,D         220
Senegal                         B           110
Singapore                       B,D         220
Slovakia                        B           220
South Africa, Union of          B,D         220
Spain                           A,B         220
Sudan                           B           220
Swaziland                       B           220
Sweden                          B           220
Switzerland                     B           220
Syria                           B           220
Tahiti                          A           110
Taiwan                          A           110
Tanzania                        B,D         220
Thailand                        A           220
Trinidad                        A,B,D       110/220
Tunisia                         B           110/220
Turkey                          B           110/220
Uganda                          B           220
Upper Volta                     B           220
Uruguay                         B,D         220
Venezuela                       A           110
Viet Nam                        A,B         110/220
Virgin Islands (U.S.)           A           110
Wales                           B,D         220
Yemen (Aden)                    A,B         220
Yemeni Arab Rep.                B           220
Yugoslavia                      B           220
Zaire                           B           220
Zambia                          B,D         220
Zanzibar                        B,D         220
Zimbabwe                        B,D         220
 
 
MN-09-94
MISCELLANEOUS -- R/C CAR COMPARISON CHART
 
Here's a chart that shows our radio controlled car lineup for the 1994
Christmas season.
 
This year, four of our models are digital proportional (D/P), and most
come in different frequencies, so your customers can buy two of the same
model and have them race against each other.
 
Use the scale speeds and skill levels to help you sell every R/C car
customer a model that's appropriate for the child (or adult) who'll be
using it.  Note the battery requirements and be sure to add them onto the
sale.
 
+------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Cat.    |  Freq. | Remote | Length   |  Speed   |             | Skill  |
| No.     |  (MHz) | Func.  | (Inches) |Scale/mph | Batteries   | Level* |
+---------+--------+--------+----------+----------+-------------+--------|
| 60-4108 |   27   |   3    |   13     | 40 / 2.5 |   9V,  6 AA |   2    |
| 60-4113 |  27/49 |   7    |   13     |52.8/ 4.4 | 2 9V,  4 C  |   3    |
| 60-4119 |   49   |   2    |    6.5   | 40 / 3.4 |   9V,  4 AA |   1    |
| 60-4120 |   27   |   3    |    9.5   | 61 / 3.4 | 2 9V,  4 AA |   1    |
| 60-4122 |   27   |   2    |    8     | 68 / 2.4 |   9V,  6 AA |   1    |
| 60-4124 |  27/49 |   7    |    9     | 82 / 4.1 |   9V,  6 AA |   2    |
| 60-4125 |  27/49 |   7    |   11.5   |113 / 7.5 |   9V,  8 AA |   2    |
| 60-4126 |  27/49 |   7    |   13     |132 / 8.8 |   9V,  8 AA |   3    |
| 60-4127 |  27/49 |   7    |   13     |105 / 7.5 | 2 9V,  8 AA |   3    |
| 60-4128 |  27/49 |   7    |   16     |132 / 11.6|   9V,  8 AA |   3    |
| 60-4129 |   27   |  D/P   |   15     |168 / 12  | 9.6V,  6 AA |   4    |
| 60-4130 |  27/49 |   7    |   16     |160 / 15.8| 7.2V, 10 AA |   4    |
| 60-4131 |   27   |  D/P   |   16.5   |159 / 15.9| 7.2V, 10 AA |   4    |
| 60-4132 |   27   |  D/P   |   19     |106 / 13.3| 7.2V, 10 AA |   4    |
| 60-4133 |   27   |  D/P   |   17.1   | 80 / 4.4 | 7.2v,  6 AA |   4    |
| 60-4134 |  27/49 |   7    |   13.5   | 81 / 5.8 |   9V,  6 AA |   3    |
| 60-4135 |  27/49 |   7    |   11     |109 / 6.8 |   9V,  8 AA |   2    |
| 60-4136 |  27/49 |   7    |   12.5   | 57 / 4.1 |   9V,  8 AA |   2    |
| 60-4137 |  27/49 |   7    |   13     |123 / 10.2|   9V,  8 AA |   2    |
| 60-4138 |  27/49 |   7    |   14     |133 / 10.2|   9V,  8 AA |   3    |
+------------------------------------------------------------------------+
 
 * Skill Levels :  4 = Expert, 3 = Advanced, 2 = Intermediate, 1 = Novice
 
 
MN-09-94
ELECTRONIC PARTS -- NATIONAL PARTS HAS NEW LINES
 
A recent mailing from Tandy National Parts brought you a packet of
information on our new lines of repair and replacement parts, which can be
used with many brands of cordless telephones, calculators, and VCRs.
 
Your packet contains a short cross reference sheet for cordless telephone
antennas, a cross reference booklet for calculator ink ribbons and
rollers, and a red sheet with instructions for ordering the VCR belt cross
reference.
 
National Parts continues to stock several thousand of these money-making
items, which you can order through the Telephone Order Center by calling
(800) 433-2024.  For special orders and large quantities from these
vendors, you can call National Parts direct at (800) 322-3690.
 
 
MN-09-94
ELECTRONIC PARTS -- KIDDIE CAR BATTERY
 
Customers who need a replacement battery for children's ride-on cars (like
Power Wheels and Power Drivers) can now get one through CMC.  The 6V, 12
mAh, rechargeable lead-acid battery (Cat. No. 23-119, $29.99) is the one
they've been looking for!
 
 
MN-09-94
ELECTRONIC PARTS -- SUPPORT LIBRARY CD-ROM DISK AND FAXBACK CATALOG
 
By now you should have received your new Support Library CD-ROM disk and
FaxBack catalog from your District Manager.  If you haven't, contact your
DM as soon as possible.
 
If your store doesn't have a computer with a CD-ROM drive, ask your DM
to make you a disk containing the FaxBack Catalog pages that can be run
on a Windows-based machine.  Stores that no longer sell computers will
receive a paper version of the FaxBack Catalog soon.
 
 
MN-09-94
AUTO SOUND -- AMPLIFIER RATINGS
 
You might have noticed that our car stereo amplifiers (such as Cat. No.
120-1970, 120-1971, and 120-1967) are listed as having a Total Harmonic
Distortion (THD) of 10%, while comparable units are typically rated at 1%
or lower.
 
So what do these numbers mean?
 
Since there are different ways of listing THD that might affect the way
a customer perceives a product, you need to help your customers understand
THD's significance for them as listeners.
 
Distortion or clipping only occurs at or near the amplifier's maximum
rating.  It's generally accepted that the human ear begins to sense
distortion in music with a number of voices or instruments (like most of
the music your customers listen to) when the THD reaches 10%.  Distortion
on a single tone is easier to perceive -- you can hear it at only 1% THD.
 
Here's a chart which shows output ratings for our amplifiers at 0.5% and
10% THD.  Notice how wattage per channel is lower at 0.5% THD.
 
            Output Power               Output Power
Cat. No.    at 0.5% THD at 10% THD
 
12-1970     2 x 19 W                    2 x 25 W
12-1971     2 x 40 W                    2 x 50 W
12-1967     2 x 65 W                    2 x 85 W
 
(For the best sound, tell your customers to start by turning the receiver
in their vehicle all the way up.  Next they should turn up the amplifier's
gain until they hear distortion, then back it off until the distortion
becomes inaudible.  This will give them maximum distortion-free audio
output  -- easier on the ear, and safer for speakers, too!)
 
Our thanks to John Werenski (01-6932) in Jackson,
Michigan, for bringing this to our attention.
 
 
MN-09-94
AUTO SOUND -- SUPPRESSING AUTO SOUND NOISE
 
Noise can be a problem with auto sound systems.  This chart should help
you diagnose and solve your customers' auto sound noise problems.
 
   SYMPTOM                         POSSIBLE SOLUTION
 
   Whine that changes pitch        Install alternator or
   when engine changes speed.      generator suppressor
                                   (Cat. No. 272-1085).
 
                                   Check all grounds (engine,
                                   antenna, radio/tape player)
                                   and electrical connections.
 
                                   Be sure all antenna
                                   connections are properly
                                   shielded.
 
   Static only when vehicle is     Make sure antenna is
   moving.                         secure.
 
                                   Check connections in
                                   vehicle's electrical
                                   system and stereo's
                                   wiring.
 
                                   Replace antenna and
                                   cable.
 
   Noise on FM  only.              Reroute the antenna cable.
 
   Sharp popping noise that        Use a filter choke
   changes when engine             (Cat. No. 270-030 or
   changes speed.                  270-051) on the stereo
                                   power lead.
 
                                   Use ignition coil and
                                   distributor noise
                                   suppressors (Cat. No.
                                   270-030).
 
                                   Use spark plug noise
                                   suppressors (Cat. No.
                                   270-012).
 
                                   Secure stereo and antenna
                                   connections and grounds.
 
   Static sound that changes       Use a voltage regulator
   when headlights turn on or      suppression capacitor
   off.                            (Cat. No. 272-1085).
 
 
MN-09-94
COMPUTERS -- THREE NEW PORTABLES ARE HERE
 
Radio Shack is proud to announce three new portable computers:  the IBM
TP2604C2V Subnote (Cat. No. 250-0302, $1,899.00), the IBM 2619-K20
ThinkPad (Cat. No. 250-0303, $2,599.00), and the Packard-Bell Statesman
200C (Cat. No. 250-0304, $1,899.00).  All three will be in selected stores
by mid-September. f your store isn't one of those authorized to stock
the new models, but you need one to fill a customer's order, work with
your Regional Sales Manager to have one released.
 
Here's a comparison chart showing the new models' capabilities and
features:
 
Feature         25-302              25-303          25-304
 
Processor       IBM Intel           Cyrix
                486BL2-50           486SL-33        486SLC-50
 
CPU Cache       16K                 8K              1K
 
Memory          4/20MB              4/20MB          4/12MB
 
Hard Drive      200MB               170MB           200MB
 
Floppy          1.44 ext (incl)     1.44 int        1.44 int
 
Color Display   7.7 " STN           9.5 " D-STN     9.5 " D-STN
 
                Enhanced
Battery Type    NiMH                NiMH            NiCd
 
Battery Life    2 1/2-8 hrs         3 hrs           2 hrs
 
Weight (lbs)    4.0                 5.7             6.5
 
Size (inches)   10.1                9.5             8.5
 
Slots           PCMCIA              PCMCIA Type     PCMCIA
                Type I or II        I, II or III    Type I or II
 
Data/Fax
Modem           via PCMCIA          24D/96S/48R     via PCMCIA
 
Pointing        TrackPoint II       TrackPoint II    "J " Mouse
Device
 
Software        Prodigy/AOL         DOS 6.21        MS-DOS
                Lotus cc:MAIL       WIN 3.1, WKS    Windows
                Lotus Organizer     Faxworks        Works
                Lotus Screencam     Prodigy/AOL     Money
                Sofnet Faxworks     TP-Fitness/     Productivity
                OAG Flightdisk         Index           Pack
                IBM Online  OAG     Flightdisk      Entertainment
                   Housecall        Housecall          Pack
 
IBM and Packard-Bell will drop-ship POP displays directly to those stores
authorized to carry the new models.
 
Service and support will be handled by the vendors, so there's no store
in-warranty expense.
 
Three-year Tandy Service Plans for the two IBM units are also available
(25-302, $159.95, and 25-303, $199.95).  Packard-Bell will provide
out-of-warranty service for the Statesman 200C.
 
CMC will be carrying PCMCIA modems for the IBM machines.  Watch for
more details in a future  Merchandising Newsletter .
 
 
MN-09-94
COMPUTERS -- PSION POCKET COMPUTER TEST
 
Just in time for back-to-school, 450 Radio Shack stores nationwide have
begun an exciting market test.  They'll be selling the PSION Series 3A
Pocket Computer (Cat. No. 25-3200, $399.00), which combines the simplicity
of an organizer with the compatibility of a computer.
 
The PSION Series 3A features a Windows-like graphical interface, Lotus 1-
2-3 compatible spreadsheet, Microsoft Word compatible word processor, and
a business contact file.  There's a world time feature with alarm, a memo
pad and to-do list, optional computer and printer links, scheduler, voice
recording capability, optional fax capability, and scientific calculator. 
Customers can even add an optional expense manager program, software, or
extra memory.
 
Best of all, PSION absorbs all repair or replacement costs during the
initial one-year warranty, and has their own support (by phone or fax).
Look for more information on the exciting PSION Series 3A in a future
Merchandising Newsletter .
 
 
MN-09-94
COMPUTERS -- CMC HAS PRINTER ACCESSORIES
 
These printer ribbons and toner cartridges are now in stock at CMC:
 
Cat. No.    Description                                 Price
 
26-1283     Re-Inking Ribbon for DMP 110               $ 8.99
26-1299     Multi-Strike Ribbon for DMP 220             24.99
26-1442     Fabric Cartridge for DMP 2100/2100P/2110     9.99
26-1482     Fabric Cartridge for DMP 500                13.99
26-2809     Fabric Cartridge for DMP 440                34.99
26-2874     Black Inkjet Cartridge for JP250            29.99
26-2841     Toner Cartridge for LP950/990               64.99
26-2846     Black Ribbon for DMP2130                    34.99
26-2869     Ribbon for DMP 2104                         16.99
26-2907     Color Ribbon Pack for DMP 202/203/206       19.99
 
 
MN-09-94
COMPUTERS -- SMITH CORONA WORD PROCESSOR UPDATE
 
TSP NOW AVAILABLE
 
Stores that carry the Smith Corona Model PWP 5000 Word Processor (Cat. No.
26-3980, $399.00) can now offer customers a Tandy Service Plan (TSPs) to
cover the units after the vendor's 1-year warranty expires.  Plans are
available at the low cost of only $59 for three years,
or $99 for five years.
 
CMC HAS ACCESSORIES
 
Now you can make sure your PWP 5000 customers have plenty of supplies on
hand -- through CMC!  You can order Lift-Off Correcting Tape (Cat. No.
26-3982, $4.99) and Black Ribbon (Cat. No. 26-3981, $8.99 for 2).
 
 
MN-09-94
COMPUTERS -- DISPLAY HELP
 
Your customers might inadvertently "rearrange" the look of your Program
Manager.  Follow this simple procedure to keep it from being changed
permanently.
 
1. Arrange Program Manager the way you want, and save it by using SAVE
   SETTINGS UPON EXIT, then restart Windows.
 
2. Under the main Windows icon, double click MS DOS Prompt.  Then type
   EDIT PROGMAN.INI.
 
3. After the first group (Settings), type:
 
   restrictions
   nosavesettings=1
   editlevel=4
 
4. Save PROGMAN.INI and completely restart Windows.
 
This procedure disables your save settings on EXIT. Be sure to delete the three lines you typed in Step 3 and resave Progman.ini when you sell the CPU!)
 
Thanks to Monty Amick (01-8517) and David Merril
(01-8596) in Topeka, Kansas, for sharing this tip.
 
 
MN-09-94
COMPUTERS -- 5 VOLT VS. 3 VOLT PENTIUM CHIPS
 
When you order a Pentium chip for a Tandy computer, be sure to specify the 
5 volt  version of the chip. lthough most Pentiums and DX4s on the
market today are 3 volt chips, all Tandy/Radio Shack computers that take a
Pentium chip require the 5 volt version.
 
 
MN-09-94
COMPUTERS -- 25-300/301 IBM NOTEBOOK DEMO FIX
 
The IBM Notebook Computers (Cat. Nos. 25-300 and 25-301) have an option
to reset the PS/Note software to original factory settings.  In some
cases, this option fails to reset all Windows settings properly.
 
If you or any of your customers experience this problem, follow these
steps to correctly reset PS/Note:
 
1. Close Windows and get to a DOS C: prompt.
 
2. Enter CD RECOVERY to go to the RECOVERY subdirectory.
 
3. Enter PS1UNZIP C:.
 
4. Enter Y (for "Yes") in reply to both warning messages when they appear.
 
It will take several minutes for the PS/Note to reset.  Once completed,
the system will be set to the original factory settings.
 
Thanks to David M. Taylor, manager (01-8837) in
Orlando, Florida, for bringing this to our attention.
 
 
MN-09-94
COMPUTERS -- DISK MASTERING
 
Anytime you sell a computer, remember to explain to the customer that
they'll need to make their disk masters from the Mastering Utility on
their hard drive the first time they use the computer.
 
This gives you a great opportunity to add on diskettes to the sale.  It
will also prevent your customers from experiencing the frustration of
deleting information from their hard drive when they have no diskette to
reinstall it.
 
 
MN-09-94
COMPUTERS -- CORRECTION TO NATIONAL PARTS MEMORY UPGRADE LIST
 
In the July 1994 Merchandising Newsletter, the article "New from National
Parts" incorrectly stated that the 2 MB Memory Kit (Part No. AX2505137)
was for the 3100, and the 1x32 70 ns SIMM (Part No. AX2505138) was for the
Sensation and MMPC only.  In fact, the 3100 takes the same chips as the
Sensation and MMPC, and AX2505137 is for the  2100 .
 
We're sorry for any inconvenience this might have caused.
Here's the complete list, corrected:
 
 Part No.    Description        For
 
AX2501631    4 MB Upgrade       4255X-HD
AX2503504    2 MB Upgrade       3800-HD
AX2503507    1 MB RAM Board     2810
AX2503508    2 MB Upgrade       3830 SL/3820 HD
AX2503527    6 MB Upgrade       3830 SL/3820 HD
AX2505136    8 MB Upgrade
AX2505137    2 MB Memory Kit    2100
AX2505138    1x32 70 ns SIMM    3100/Sensation/MMPC
AX2509999    256K x 16 70 ns    4100 MT
 
 
MN-09-94
COMPUTERS -- ANOTHER Z-PDA ITEM AT CMC
 
Palm Utilities (Cat. No. 25-3115, $39.99 from CMC) provide several
convenient tools for the Z-PDA.  Your customers can use it to:
 
  Back-up PDA documents to a PCMCIA storage card.
 
  Combine any two address or notebook documents into a single
  document.
 
  Display a floating alarm clock anywhere on the screen.
 
  Free storage space and improve performance by cleaning up unnecessary
  system files.
 
  Import ASCII text and convert it into a notebook document.
 
The package includes a Palm Utilities diskette, manual, and User License
agreement.
 
 
MN-09-94
COMPUTERS -- REPLACEMENT BATTERY FOR CORDLESS MOUSE
 
CMC has a 3.6V, 60 mAh Replacement Battery (Cat. No. 25-2007, $5.99) for
our Cordless Mouse (Cat. No. 25-2006).  Call the Telephone Order Center
at (800) 433-2024 to order.
 
 
MN-09-94
ELECTRONIC REFERENCE --  ELECTRONIC DATA ORGANIZER CROSS-REFERENCE
 
In the Radio Shack 1995 Catalog, you'll find a line of electronic
organizers and schedulers to meet all of your customers' information
management needs.  They'll save time and eliminate paper with our popular
and convenient Rolodex directories.
 
You have fact tags that list the most important features for every
organizer we sell.  Take some time to familiarize yourself with fact
tags and the product descriptions in the catalog.  Then you'll feel
confident when you recommend the model with the features that match
each of your customer's requirements.
 
Our line includes models that are comparable with the most popular
Casio products.  Take a look at this table that to see the national
brand equivalents (where they exist) for all of our current data
organizers.
 
Most models will be available for the holiday selling season.  Check
your catalog late date list.
 
Cat. No.     Description     Price     Comparable With
 
65-830       EC-212          $39.99    Royal DM 118
65-831       EC-362          39.99     Casio JD3000
65-832       EC-363          59.99     Casio JD5000
65-833       EC-364          99.99     Casio JD6000
65-840       EC-348          149.99    Rolodex EL128K
65-841       EC-359          139.99    N/A
65-852       EC-353          34.99     N/A
65-860       EC-342          69.99     Rolodex EL48KSP
65-861       EC-344          11.99     Rolodex RNA-2
65-863       EC-354          19.99     Rolodex RPP3
65-864       EC-355          29.99     N/A
65-865       EC-356          79.99     Casio SF4600B
65-866       EC-357          59.99     Casio SF4300B
65-869       EC-361          119.99    Casio SF5300B
65-871       EC-365          49.99     N/A
65-939       EC-339          99.99     Rolodex EL64K
65-944       EC-328          12.99     Casio DC200S
65-948       EC-331          19.99     N/A
 
Here's a comparison chart with promotional and discontinued pricing for
last year's models.
 
                            Regular        Sale
Cat. No.    Description     Price          Price          Comparable With
 
65-847       EC-442         79.99          69.97          Casio SF4600
65-849       EC-439         129.99         *88.88         No equivalent
65-855       EC-334         19.99          *13.88         No equivalent
65-856       EC-335         89.99          *39.99         Rolodex EO-100
65-862       EC-346         59.99          47.97          Casio SFA-10
65-940       EC-340         129.99         59.97          Rolodex EL64KPL
 
* On sale at this price in September
 
 
MN-09-94
EXPRESS ORDER -- Express Order July Honor Roll
 
Top 20 Stores in Sales $
 
    Store #      Location                 $Sales
 
 1. 01-8847     Sarasota, FL            $23,656
 2. 01-8445     N. Little Rock, AR        8,805
 3. 01-9724     Miami, FL                 6,542
 4. 01-3863     Hilo, HI                  5,033
 5. 01-9709     N. Miami Beach, FL        4,858
 6. 01-9135     Baton Rouge, LA           3,818
 7. 01-2348     Durham, NC                3,679
 8. 01-3870     Lihue, HI                 3,484
 9. 01-1536     S. Burlington, VT         3,203
10. 01-4709     Dayton, OH                2,704
11. 01-4402     Richmond, IN              2,629
12. 01-1266     Waterford, CT             2,490
13. 01-1314     Springfield, MA           2,463
14. 01-6112     Rochester, MN             2,361
15. 01-2679     Yonkers, NY               2,269
16. 01-4693     Mt. Hope, WV              2,266
17. 01-2118     Doylestown, PA            2,242
18. 01-3662     Hemet, CA                 2,179
19. 01-8996     Charlotte Amalie, VI      2,137
20. 01-3605     Glendale, CA              2,029
 
Honorable Mention (Participation by All Stores in District)
 
    District #  District Manager         $Sales
 1. 01-1518     Mike Rodman             $11,185
 2. 01-0864     Kevin Taylor             10,965
 3. 01-0512     Vic Alexander             9,407
 
 
MN-10-94
RADIO SHACK STAYS OUT OF TI "PRICE WAR"
 
You might have heard that some of our competitors are selling TI graphic
scientific calculators for less than our Express Order prices.  It's true;
a number of major retailers are currently advertising TI graphic
scientifics at prices at or below their cost.
 
We make the TI graphic scientifics available through Express Order for
your customers' convenience.  With the product information sheets you
received in July, you can help each customer select the model with the
best mix of features for their needs.  You can tell your customers that
while these  "price wars" are going on, our price might not always be the
lowest, but we feel the advantages we offer make our price a great value.
 
 
MN-10-94
160-0861 CORRECTION
 
On Page 6 of the September 1994 Merchandising Newsletter, we incorrectly
stated that the Model 160 Moviecorder (Cat. No. 160-0861) movie camera
was on sale in Flyer 519 for $99.99.  In fact, the moviecorder was not
listed in the flyer at all, and the listed price was for the TRC-226
Citizen's Band Walkie-Talkie (Cat. No. 21-1665) in the next article.
We're sorry if this error caused any inconvenience for you or your
customers.
 
 
MN-10-94
F.Y.I.  -- NATIONAL PARTS HAS NEW LINES
 
A recent mailing from Tandy National Parts brought you a packet of
information on National Parts' new repair and replacement parts lines,
which can be used with many brands of cordless telephones, calculators,
and VCRs.  Your packet contains a short cross reference sheet for cordless
telephone antennas, a cross reference booklet for calculator ink ribbons
and rollers, and a red sheet with instructions for ordering the VCR belt
cross reference.
 
National Parts continues to stock several thousand of these money-making
items, which you can order through the Telephone Order Center by calling
(800) 433-2024.  For special orders and large quantities from these
vendors, you can call National Parts direct at (800) 322-3690.
 
 
MN-10-94
VIDEO -- DSS Update
 
DSS sales remain strong, but limited inventory is still a problem.  DSS
will be available nationwide through various retailers by the end of
October.  Unfortunately, due to limited product availability, Radio Shack
will not be putting DSS in any additional stores this year.
 
Here's a listing of Radio Shack stores that have DSS.  If you're near one
of them, you can give this information to interested customers so, even if
you can't provide it directly, they can buy DSS from Radio Shack.
 
STORE #     LOCATION                        PHONE
 
            ALABAMA
01-8723     2833 E. South Blvd              (205) 281-1222
            Montgomery, AL  36116
 
            ARKANSAS
01-8484     104 Gregory Place               (501) 982-1186
            Jacksonville, AR  72706 
01-8485     Faulkline Plaza                 (501) 327-2485
            Conway, AR  72032
01-8488     Military Plaza                  (501)778-8499
            Benton, AR  72015
 
            INDIANA
01-6748     8811 Hardegan St.               (317) 888-4535
            Indianapolis, IN  46227
01-6736     1225 S. High School Rd.         (317) 243-7158
            Indianapolis, IN  46241
01-6740     6020 E. 82nd St.                (317) 842-0197
            Indianapolis, IN  46250
01-6703     8117 E. Washington St.          (317) 897-2646
            Indianapolis, IN  46219
01-6953     8806 N. Michigan Rd.            (317) 872-3983
            Indianapolis, IN
 
            KENTUCKY
01-4469     11322 Preston Hwy               (502) 968-4242
            Louisville, KY  40229
01-4560     4801-C 500 Outer Loop Rd        (502) 964-5840
            Louisville, KY  40219
01-4506     10379 Dixie Hwy                 (502) 937-2184
            Louisville, KY  40272
01-4525     118 Village Square              (502) 245-8808
            Louisville, KY  40243
 
            LOUISIANA
01-8482     1133 St. Vincent Ave.           (318) 221-6507
            Suite 160
            Shreveport, LA  71104
01-9116     1700 Old Minden Rd. #178        (318) 742-2928
            Bossier City, LA 71111
01-9151     1869 N. Market                  (318) 425-8946
            Shreveport, LA  71107
 
            MISSISSIPPI
01-8127     2460 Terry Rd.                  (601) 373-4120
            Jackson, MS  29304
01-9801     505 OB 155 North                (601) 956-4843
            Jackson, MS  39211
01-9815     1078 Metro Center               (601) 959-0850
            Jackson, MS  39209
 
            NEW MEXICO
01-8619     2264 Wyoming Blvd. NE           (505) 294-8275
            Albuquerque, NM  87112
01-8680     6600 Menval NE                  (505) 883-7004
            Albuquerque, NM  87110
01-8681     11008 Montgomery NE             (505) 293-1718
            Albuquerque, NM  87111
 
            NORTH CAROLINA
01-1910     105 Mayberry Mall Shopping Ctr  (910) 789-1700
            Mount Airy, NC  27030
01-2310     1285 Corporate Pkwy             (910) 725-5552
            Winston-Salem, NC  27127
01-2314     2581 Patterson Ave.             (910) 767-6660
            Winston-Salem, NC  27105
 
            OKLAHOMA
01-8411     15 S. Sheridan Rd.              (918) 836-3718
            Tulsa, OK  74063
01-9404     700 E. Charles Page Blvd.       (918) 245-2347
            Sand Springs, OK  74063
01-9408     5630 W. Skarry Dr.              (918) 446-3646
            Tulsa, OK  74107    
01-9420     126 W. Taft                     (918) 224-4260
            Sapulpa, OK  74066
 
            SOUTH CAROLINA
01-9613     205 W. Blackstock Rd.           (803) 576-7528
            Spartanburg, SC  29301
01-1746     621 Fairview Rd.                (803) 967-2008
            Simpsonville, SC  29681
01-9635     700 Haywood Rd. B-504           (804) 288-9426
            Greenville, SC  29607
 
            TENNESSEE
01-4935     2101 Fort Henry Dr.             (615) 246-3022
            Kingsport, TN  37664
 
            VIRGINIA
01-2182     606 New River Rd.               (703) 381-0719
            Christianburg, VA  24073
01-1751     4903 Williamson Rd.             (703) 563-4411
            Roanoke, VA  24012
 
 
MN-10-94
VIDEO -- LP ANTENNAS ARE DIFFERENT
 
Our LP-190 (Cat. No. 15-2165) and LP-210 (Cat. No. 15-2166) antennas are
designed to work in rural areas.  They receive VHF, UHF, and FM signals
from up to 190 and 210 miles away, respectively.
 
Their log periodic design eliminates Yagi-style elements and removes the
corner reflector.  They're built on a single plane, so they greatly reduce
wind loading.  And because they are on a single plane, they're great for
attic installations.
 
 
MN-10-94
VIDEO -- COAX AMP IMPROVES UHF RECEPTION
 
With the NFL on Fox, football fans are depending on Fox for a clear
picture.  Unfortunately, sometimes UHF needs some help.  You can provide
that help with our 20 dB Inline Coax Amplifier (Cat. No. 15-1115).  (It's
shown on Page 100 of the Radio Shack 1995 Catalog, with the satellite
equipment.)
 
The amplifier gives UHF a 20 dB boost -- which can mean the difference
between a sharp picture and no picture at all.  Take some time to
familiarize yourself with it, and with all of our accessories that can
enhance picture quality!
 
 
MN-10-94
VIDEO -- CHANGES TO VU ANTENNA LINE
 
Our new VU line of TV antennas (Cat. Nos. 15-2151 through 15-2157),
featured on Page 102 of the Radio Shack 1995 Catalog, represents the first
major change in this line in 15 years.  Our VU antennas have undergone
sweeping changes in design, manufacture, packaging, and documentation  --
all to benefit you and your customers.  Here are a few of the highlights:
 
Most of this year's VU antennas feature a bow-tie pick-up element on the
UHF corner reflector to provide more gain on UHF channels than last year's
models.
 
The antenna's corner reflector boom bolts on, to eliminate problems with
collapsing reflector booms that owners of earlier models experienced.
 
New VHF high band directors on the VU-110 XR, VU-120 XR, VU-160 XR, VU-190
XR, and VU-210 XR (Cat. No.s 15-2153 through 15-2157) improve those
antennas' VHF high band performance.
 
The plastic snap brackets have been redesigned so the elements fit better
and to allow the seam on the elements to face down, so water won't collect
and freeze there during the winter.
 
We've eliminated the yellow (gold) alodized finish from the antennas to
make the manufacturing process more environmentally friendly.  Tandy is a
leader in environmentally-safe antenna manufacturing.
 
Again this year, we're including a 300-to-75-ohm matching transformer,
required with newer-model TVs and VCRs, in the box.
 
The gift boxes for the antennas are smaller than previous models', saving
money in transportation and warehousing costs and allowing you to fit more
antennas in your back room.
 
We've also changed the gift box color from white to brown to make the box
more resistant to signs of wear (and reduce the production cost).  Some of
you have commented that the catalog or model numbers are hard to find on
the box's face panel.  We will add the stock and model numbers on two face
panels, starting with October's production.
 
The Owner's Manual for each antenna has been completely redone,
incorporating comments from years of antenna manuals to make the
instructions easier to read and understand.
 
This information should help you understand the reasons for the changes in
our VU line.
 
 
MN-10-94
SECURITY -- PC CONTROL INTERFACE
 
The PC Control Interface (Cat. No. 61-2617APL, $69.99), available by
special order through CMC, lets your customers use an Apple computer to
set up precise automatic control for household lights, appliances, heating
and cooling.
 
The interface's timer can be programmed from the computer, then
disconnected, so it doesn't tie up the computer for an extended period.
The interface lets users program up to 128 timer events and 256 X-10
modules to go on and off at specific times.  It even dims lights!
 
A cable and software for Windows are included.  It also requires a mouse,
remote modules, and a 9V backup battery (not included).
 
 
MN-10-94
SECURITY -- 490-0463 CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR
 
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that can
kill.  All fuel-burning appliances produce it -- furnaces, room heaters,
charcoal grills, ranges, water heaters, fireplaces, and automobiles.  In
recent years, CO poisoning has become more widespread, especially in the
northern United States, as homes have become better-insulated, trapping
more CO inside.
 
CO builds up slowly in the bloodstream, but a concentration as low as 200
parts per million (ppm) can cause headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and
nausea in healthy adults after two or three hours of exposure.  (Pregnant
women, unborn children, the elderly, people with heart or respiratory
problems, children, and smokers might experience symptoms at even lower
levels of exposure.)  A concentration of 400 ppm can be life-threatening
after just three hours of exposure, and exposure to 1200 ppm can cause
death in just minutes.
 
Our Carbon Monoxide Detector (Cat. No. 49-463, shown on Page 138 of the
Radio Shack 1995 Catalog) can help protect your customers and their
families from this invisible killer.  Its durable sensor lasts about 10
years, unlike less expensive units, which use sensors that must be
replaced every six months to two years.
 
To ensure reliable operation, the CO detector performs an internal self
test every 2 1/2 minutes (it also features a manual test button).  LED
indicators on its front cover let you see its status (ON, ALARM, or TEST)
at a glance.  Customers can use the supplied AC adapter to power the
detector at home, or use it in a camper, RV, or boat with an optional DC
adapter (Cat. No. 270-1528).
 
Some municipalities have already passed legislation requiring CO detectors
in new residences, and more plan to do so in the future.  But whatever the
legal requirements in your area, the Carbon Monoxide Detector can do a lot
to increase your customers' peace of mind.
 
 
MN-10-94
SECURITY -- REPLACEMENT CAMERA FOR 49-2500
 
A replacement camera (Part Number Z-6746, $149.95) for the Video
Surveillance System (Cat. No. 49-2500) is available now from Tandy
National Parts.
 
This is a replacement  only  and  not  an add-on; be sure customers who
order it understand that the 49-2500 isn't designed to handle more than
one camera.  Replacement monitors are not available.
 
 
MN-10-94
SECURITY -- POWER DOOR LOCK IN CMC
 
CMC now carries the Power Door Lock Module (Cat. No. 49-702, $49.99), for
use with our 49-721 and 49-722 auto alarms.  The module lets users open
their vehicle door with an auto alarm keychain remote.
 
The complete package includes module, wires, and installation
instructions.  It's also available through Express Order as 10455715.
 
 
MN-10-94
TELEPHONES -- PAGER UPDATE:  AIRTIME STARTER KIT
 
Please remember that you must sell an Airtime Starter Kit with each and
every MobileComm pager.  This has been in effect since September 21, and
is required for all MobileComm pagers that Radio Shack sells.  Radio Shack
will no longer sell pagers without this certificate .
 
Every time you enter a pager's SKU, the POS prompts you by asking "Does
this require activation?".  When you enter Y for "Yes", POS automatically
adds $29.95 to the customer's invoice through the Non-Merchandise Entry
screens.
 
The POS will ask you for the CAPCODE number, which can be found on a 1 1/2
x 2 inch label on the outside of the box, or on the back of the pager
itself.  The CAPCODE consists of 6 or 7 digits, typically starting with a
zero; it's usually the lowest set of numbers on the pager.
 
If a customer says they don't want the start-up kit because the pager is a
gift, explain to them that the certificate is still required.  It has no
expiration date, so the pager can be activated at any time the recipient
chooses -- days, weeks, even months from the sale date.
 
Remember, the Starter Kit was designed to make it as easy as possible for
customers to take advantage of  Instant Activation, so the customer does
not have to wait for MobileComm to receive their activation fee before
using their pager.
 
 
MN-10-94
TELEPHONES -- PAGER UPDATE:  PAGER SELLING AIDS
 
Dummies -- MobileComm will distribute "dummy" versions of the 17-7004 and
17-8001 to each store through your local MobileComm or affiliate office.
MobileComm intends to have the dummies distributed to all stores by
October 30, so you can have them on display to aid holiday selling.
 
Flip Chart -- MobileComm will also provide you with a flip chart which
outlines selling features of each pager we carry, as well as information
about coverage and services your customers can purchase.  Your local
office should have the flip chart to you by November 15.
 
If you don't receive your dummy pagers and flip chart by November 15,
contact your local MobileComm or affiliate office.
 
 
MN-10-94
TELEPHONES -- PAGER UPDATE: PGL-200/PGN-400: SPECIAL ORDER ONLY
 
In the Radio Shack 1995 Catalog (pg 26) and the August 1994 Merchandising
Newsletter ("New Pager Program for 1995"), you learned that the PGL-200
local pager is available by special order in colors besides the listed
Black and Teal.  Now here's "the rest of the story":  the catalog numbers
to order are 17-7002 (for Bimini Blue), 17-7003 (for Clear), and 17-7005
(for White).
 
These items and the PGN-400 nationwide pager (Cat. No. 17-9001) are
available by special order  only .  You can order them through your POS
special order system.  MobileComm will ship the PGL-200s you order
directly to your store.  Orders for the PGN-400 will be fulfilled from
Fort Worth Distribution Center stock.
 
 
MN-10-94
TELEPHONES -- TALKING PHONE DEMO
 
To generate some excitement around your phone display, you can activate
the talking feature of our new Dial-Talk  phone (Cat. No. 43-838).  Try it
now!
 
Just install two AA alkaline batteries and press DIAL.  Then, whenever
someone presses FLASH, STORE, REDIAL, or any number key, they can hear the
phone announce the button or number.
 
When someone dials a complete phone number, the phone announces the entire
number as it dials.  It also chimes when someone presses TONE, *, or #.
 
When you're through demonstrating, press DIAL again to turn off the
talking feature.
 
 
MN-10-94
TELEPHONES -- CORDLESS PHONE BATTERY UPDATE: PLUG CONNECTORS
 
The illustrations on Page 217 of the Radio Shack 1995 Catalog showing the
connectors for cordless telephone replacement battery packs are incorrect
and incomplete.
 
 
MN-10-94
TELEPHONES -- NEW IN CMC
 
CMC has batteries for our ET-900 (Cat. No. 43-1000) and ET-904 (Cat. No.
43-1014) cordless phones.  Order CTB-1902 for the ET-900, or CTB-1906 for
the ET-904.  These batteries are also available through Express Order as
10451763 for the ET-902, or 10457380 for the ET-904.
 
 
MN-10-94
ELECTRONIC REFERENCE -- DISPLAYING CALCULATOR TAGS
 
By now you should have received your 1995 Factag kit, including your new
calculator feature tags.  When you display the tags, place the Factag on
the shelf lip and the feature tag under or above the calculator. Use
velcro or security ties to secure the calculator to the shelf.
 
If you have problems with your calculator display, send your comments to
Gordon Dixon via E-mail at GDIXON1.
 
 
MN-10-94
ELECTRONIC REFERENCE -- SECRET SENDER REMOTE CONTROL MODE
 
My Magic Diary Secret Sender EC-364 (Cat. No. 65-833) has a built-in
universal remote control that works with most TVs and VCRs.
 
To demonstrate the remote control mode in your store, follow the
instructions in Chapter 16 (Pages 88-94) of the Owner's Manual.  When you
get to the section on "Registering the Manufacturer Names," select Gold
Star 1 from the list of manufacturer's names.
 
Be sure to try the remote control out with various TVs and VCRs in your
store before you attempt to demonstrate it to a customer.
 
 
MN-10-94
ELECTRONIC REFERENCE -- CMC HAS CALCULATOR PRINTER PAPER
 
Now CMC has 1 1/2-inch printer paper for many of our calculators. Call the
Telephone Order Center at (800) 433-2024 and order Cat. No. 65-712 to get
paper for our EC-3009 (Cat. No. 65-666).  The price is $2.49 for three
rolls.  It's also available through Express Order as 10457109.
 
Order Cat. No. 65-713 to get paper for our EC-3012 (Cat. No. 65-951),
EC-3013 (Cat. No. 65-953), or EC-3020 (Cat. No. 65-955).  The price
is $2.99 for three rolls, also available through Express Order as
10457117.
 
 
MN-10-94
COMMUNICATIONS -- 800 TECH HELP LINE FOR CAR STEREO
 
Our vendor for car stereo installation kits and wire harness adapters has
added a special phone line exclusively for Radio Shack stores and
customers.
 
Now you can call (800) 450-TECH, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (PST) Monday through
Friday and 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM Saturday, for advice and answers to
compatibility questions before the sale.  The number will appear inside
the packaging of newer installation kits and wire harness adapters, so
your customers can also call for solutions to any problems they encounter
during installation.
 
A group of some of the best technicians in the industry will answer your
calls, giving you another valuable resource to help close the sale.  You
can confidently tell your customers, "If you have any concerns about the
installation, I can call our tech help line to confirm you have everything
you need and everything you need to know.  Also, if any questions come up
during or after the installation, the same 800 number is available for
you."
 
We're buying from the vendor professional installers prefer -- and for
good reason.  Use this valuable resource to make yourself an "expert" in
car stereo!
 
 
MN-10-94
COMMUNICATIONS -- MOBILE ANTENNAS FOR HOME USE
 
Scanner users who live in communities that place restrictions on large
outside antennas can use our "through-glass" mobile antennas to solve this
problem.
 
The antennas will dramatically improve reception when they're mounted on
a window in an apartment or upstairs room.  Remind your customers that
if they have a window that's coated with metal film (like those in many
high-rise buildings), there must be an opening in the metal that's about
1/2-inch bigger than the antenna's coupler box.
 
Our thanks to Chris Riehl (01-2011) in Lancaster,
Pennsylvania, for sharing this idea.
 
 
MN-10-94
COMMUNICATIONS -- CRYSTALS AND REPEATER USE WITH GMRS RADIO
 
(The following article is adapted from one that appeared in the June 1993
Merchandising Newsletter)
 
Frequencies for the PRS-100 Handheld Transceiver (Cat. No. 19-900), a
General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) radio, are fixed and cannot be
altered.
 
Some stores have also asked about using the GMRS radio with repeaters, but
this radio is not compatible with GMRS repeaters.  The repeaters require a
CTCSS (Carrier Tone Coded Squelch System) tone on the carrier.
 
CTCSS prevents noise, unwanted signals, and even our 19-900 HT (Handy-
Talkie) from accessing a repeater.  Our radios were never intended to work
with repeaters.  However, these radios are perfect for their intended
purpose -- to permit reliable handheld-to-handheld GMRS communications!
 
 
MN-10-94
COMMUNICATIONS -- 19-1120 ERROR CODES
 
If the display on a customer's HTX-202 2-meter FM Ham transceiver (Cat.
No. 19-1120) shows  Er1, the radio's internal battery probably needs to
be replaced, although it can also be caused by static discharge or a
physical shock.  To clear the error, turn the transceiver off, then hold
down F and D and turn it on again.  If this happens often, send the radio
to a Repair Center to have the battery replaced.
 
An error code of ER2 indicates that the transceiver has lost PLL lock on
the tuned frequency.  This can occur due to faulty alignment, exposure to
temperature extremes, or damage to the antenna.  If turning the
transceiver off and on again does not correct the error, send the unit
to a Repair Center for realignment.
 
These codes are explained in the HTX-202's Owner's Manual.
 
Our thanks to Grady Yandell (01-4649) in Ashland, Kentucky for bringing up
this topic.
 
 
MN-10-94
AUDIO -- SURROUND MUSIC SAMPLER
 
By now, everyone knows that Home Theater is the best way to hear movies
at home.  But don't forget, it's also great for music!
 
Now Radio Shack, in cooperation with Dolby Laboratories and Kore Group,
brings you our first-ever Dolby-encoded music CD --  Surround Music
Sampler, Volume One.  Created exclusively for Radio Shack, the disc
features 12 selections designed to showcase the full potential of music in
Dolby Pro Logic Surround Sound, immersing the listener in a spectacular
and expansive field of sound.
 
You can use it in your store as a demonstrator to audition speakers, or to
give your customers yet another reason to buy a Dolby Pro Logic system.
And if they  really  like what they hear, they can take the  Surround
Music Sampler  home, too  -- it's also for sale as Cat. No. 51-1117 for
just $14.99!
 
 
MN-10-94
AUDIO -- WIDE ANGLE SPEAKERS "UN-BOX" SOUND
 
Radio Shack is proud to announce the newest additions to our speaker line
-- our Optimus  PRO LX-4 (Cat. No. 40-4060, $99.99), PRO X-77 (Cat. No.
40-2072, $129.99), and PRO LX-5 (Cat. No. 40-4061, $149.99) speakers.
 
These Wide-Angle Sound Speakers feature the Linaeum tweeter, which gives
them an incredibly large soundstage for such small speakers.  Because the
Linaeum tweeter has a wide dispersion, the LX-4, X-77, and LX-5 sound much
bigger than they really are.  The LX-5 has a 360  dispersion while the LX-
4 and X-77 have a 180  dispersion.
 
The new speakers' crossover networks are very simple, increasing
sensitivity and reducing distortion.  Their woofers are specially designed
to work with the Linaeum tweeter and their cast dual-port cabinets, to
assure the best possible bass response from speakers of their size.
 
The Linaeum tweeter looks different from any other tweeter, but the real
difference is in the way it sounds.  Normally, sound is most intense
directly in front of a speaker, decreasing on either side  -- if you
listen without looking, the sound seems to come from a box.
 
Our Wide Angle Sound speakers provide a mix of direct and reflected sound,
so the listener gets a more realistic effect.  The sound seems to be
spread out on a stage, so the speakers sound as good from the back as they
do from the front.  Encourage your customers to hear the "un-boxed" sound
of our Wide Angle Sound speakers today!
 
 
MN-10-94
AUDIO -- HOME THEATER Q&A:  ELIMINATING "BUZZ"
 
Q:  I just hooked up my Dolby Pro Logic decoder, connected my surround and
    rear channel speakers, and now my system sounds like it has bees in
    it!  I hear buzzing whenever there's a quiet section in a movie.
    What's the reason for this annoying buzz and how can I get rid of it?
 
A:   First, identify the source of the hum or buzz you're hearing.  Are
    there other appliances connected to the same AC line or circuit
    breaker as your audio system?  If possible, your audio system should
    be on a dedicated AC line and circuit breaker with no other appliances
    connected to it.  Never  plug other appliances into the same outlet as
    your audio system.
 
    If you hear the sound when you put your ear close to the speaker with
    the system on and nothing playing, the problem could be that one of
    your components isn't filtering out the 60 Hz signals from your AC
    power source the way it should.  Look at the back of your components.
    If the connecting cords are tangled and intermixed with the AC power
    cords from your components, rewiring your system  neatly  to separate
    them might solve the problem.  (So might using higher-quality cables.)
 
    If the problem persists, try this procedure:
 
    1. Turn your system on with the volume all the way down and no source
       material.  If you hear the noise, unplug the audio cables from each
       source component one by one to see if the noise goes away.  If the
       noise goes away when you unplug a certain cable, replace that
       cable.  If you still hear the noise after that, the component
       connected to the cable might need service.  If the noise is still
       significant when you have just your amplifier/receiver connected to
       the speakers, then your amplifier/receiver needs service.
    
    2. Turn the volume up.  If the noise increases with the volume and
       doesn't change when you select different inputs, reverse the AC
       plug on your amplifier/receiver, unless it's a polarized plug (with
       one blade wider than the other).
    
    3. If the noise increases with volume, but only when a certain input
       is selected, check the cable between the selected component and
       your amplifier/receiver for damage.  Replace the cable if
       necessary.  If the noise continues, reverse the AC plug on the
       component (unless it's polarized).  If the noise continues, the
       component might require service.
 
 
MN-10-94
AUDIO -- KARAOKE ADAPTER
 
With our Karaoke Mate adapter (Cat. No. 32-1153), your customers can add
another dimension of fun to their karaoke activities.
 
The adapter connects to the line output of any home stereo source, the way
an equalizer would.  Its Vocal Cancel feature reduces the vocals on most
tapes and CDs, so your customers won't have to buy special software to be
able to sing along with any of their favorite songs.  And it has two
microphone inputs, so they can sing solo or duet with a friend.
 
It's just the thing to brighten up any gathering!
 
 
MN-10-94
AUDIO -- KARAOKE VIDEO DEMO
 
the next few weeks, you'll be receiving a Karaoke demo video tape
featuring six songs from various artists.  Now you'll be able to
demonstrate video Karaoke in your store!  (Being able to sing helps, too!)
 
 
MN-10-94
AUDIO -- SPEAKER GRILL CLOTH
 
You can order speaker grill cloth for your customers from Tandy National
Parts.  Call (800) 322-3690 to order.  National Parts will ship the cloth
direct to the customer.
 
 
MN-10-94
AUDIO -- 3 1/2-INCH CD ADAPTER
 
Now CMC has an adapter (Cat. No. 42-207, $4.99) that will allow your
customers to play 3 1/2-inch single CDs on any CD player.  The adapter is
also available through Express Order as 10456598.
 
 
MN-10-94
AUDIO -- PA MIXER RACK ACCESSORIES
 
Now in CMC:  spacer and drawer accessories for our Desktop (Cat # 32-1035,
$199.99) and Rolling (Cat. No. 32-1036, $249.99) PA Mixer Racks.  Call the
Telephone Order Center at (800) 233-2024 to order:
 
SINGLE SPACE BLANK PANEL (Cat. No. 32-1037, $11.99) -- inch high, made of
heavy duty, 16-gauge steel, flanged for strength.  Its black textured
powder coat finish makes it durable and scratch-resistant in any
application.  Also available through Express Order as 10456556.
 
TRIPLE SPACE RACK DRAWER (Cat. No. 32-1038, $109.99) -- 5 1/4 inches high
with a storage height of 4  inches and inside dimensions of 15 7 / inches
wide by 14 inches deep.  Features black powder coat finish, fully enclosed
top to keep contents in, roller slides that smoothly extend 11 inches, and
customer-installed keylock option for security.  Also available through
Express Order as 10456564.
 
SINGLE SPACE RACK SHELF (Cat. No. 32-1039, $28.99) -- 1 inch high by 10
inches deep.  Mounts one or two pieces of half rack equipment horizontally
and features universal mounting hole pattern.  Mounting hardware included.
Also available through Express Order as 10456572.
 
 
SINGLE SPACE VENT PANEL (Cat. No. 32-1040, $12.99) -- 1 inch high, made of
16-gauge steel, perforated with 5-1/2 inch diameter holes, 68% open area,
flanged for strength.  One-piece construction with black powder coat
finish.  Also available through Express Order as 10456580.
 
 
MN-10-94
MISCELLANEOUS -- NEW, IMPROVED PRODUCT SUPPORT PHONE SYSTEM!
 
You should also know that since October 1st, there have been some changes
in Product Support's phone menu system, to improve service to you and your
customers.  The number of small, specialized support teams has been
reduced, and the phone system has been simplified by grouping together
several less frequently-used options.  Now, callers can speak to an agent
who's an expert in a certain  category  of products.  The improved system
also allows callers to transfer directly to the FaxBack system.
 
Another recent change is in Product Support's voice mail procedure.  After
you select "Speak to an agent," the system first checks for an available
agent in the area you selected.  If an agent isn't available, the system
next checks for an agent in one of the other teams.  If the system can't
locate one within 30 seconds, it asks you whether you would like to leave
a message or continue holding.  If you select "Continue holding," the
system lets you continue holding and won't question you again.
 
Some things haven't changed:  Product Support's phone numbers, and their
commitment to supporting you and your customers. Did you know that in
August, the Product Support Center handled  over 40,000 live phone calls
from customers and stores?  That's a record number!
 
To talk to a Product Support Agent, stores can call:
 
(800) 2TANDY4, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (CST),
Monday through Friday and
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturday
 
Customers can reach Product Support during the same hours at:
 
(817) 878-6875
 
Elsewhere in this Merchandising Newsletter, you'll find an insert showing
a graphic depiction of the Product Support voice menu system. On the other
side of the insert is a copy of the same information that you can
reproduce and give to your customers who really need it. (Be careful not
to copy the "store" version for your customers, as it has the "store-only"
number on it!)
 
 
MN-10-94
MISCELLANEOUS -- RC VEHICLE NOTES: NICADS ONLY IN 60-4128 AND 60-4138
 
Be sure to tell your customers that our Radio Controlled Flying Arrow
(Cat. No. 60-4128) and Flame Thrower II (Cat. No. 60-4138) take
rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries only.  National Quality Control
found the battery life too short when alkaline batteries were used.
(There is no danger to the customer or the product.)
 
Although it doesn't say so on the Flying Arrow's box, the requirement
is stated in the vehicle's Owner's Manual.
 
The box and Owner's Manual for the Flame Thrower II are correct, but the
rating label on the vehicle's remote control incorrectly states that
alkaline batteries can also be used.  A printed notice has been inserted
in the box with most shipments of the Flame Thrower II that have the
incorrect rating label, and the rating label will be corrected in future
shipments.
 
 
MN-10-94
MISCELLANEOUS -- RC VEHICLE NOTES: MIXING BATTERIES IN RC VEHICLES
 
Some radio-controlled vehicles that use rechargeable nickel-cadmium
batteries for power also require a 9-volt battery to power the vehicle's
receiver.  It's best to use an alkaline 9-volt battery for this
application.
 
Although most RC enthusiasts know that it's unsafe to mix rechargeable
nickel-cadmium batteries with alkaline or other types, in this case it's
safe, since the 9-volt battery is in a different circuit than the others.
Because the batteries  are  in different circuits, it's not possible to
charge a nickel-cadmium 9-volt battery in the car along with the other
batteries.
 
 
MN-10-94
MISCELLANEOUS -- LAB KIT REPLACEMENT PARTS
 
Customers who need replacement items for our 250 Project Lab Kit (Cat.
No. 28-193) can order them from Tandy National Parts.
 
The replacement parts kit (Part Number XX-0045) includes a scale base,
test tube clamps, plunger, funnel, large and small wheels, beaker, syringe
tube, hose, steel rod, glass and plastic tubing, and test tubes.
 
 
MN-10-94
MISCELLANEOUS -- BRAISING RODS FOR TORCH KIT
 
Braising rods for our pocket-size torch kit (Cat. No. 64-2165) are
available from Tandy National Parts.  Each package contains six braising
rods and one tube of flux.  Call the Telephone Order Center at (800) 433-
2024 and order part number AXX-9048.
 
 
MN-10-94
COMPUTERS -- PSION COMPUTER TEST A SUCCESS
 
Preliminary results of our PSION Series 3A Pocket Computer test are very
favorable.  Sales are good, and more stores will be participating -- we
hope to have the product in about 500 stores by the end of the year.
 
If you feel the demand in your store is great enough to justify your
inclusion in the program, talk to your District Sales Manager.  Even if
you don't feel you need to carry the product, your DSM can still tell
you a store in your area that does have it, so you'll never have to turn
away any customer who wants to buy the Series 3A from Radio Shack.
 
You can call PSION at (508) 371-0310 for answers to yout customers'
questions about the Series 3A.  If you have any questions about the
PSION test program, E-mail them to Gordon Dixon at GDIXON1.
 
 
MN-10-94
COMPUTERS -- CMC HAS PSION ACCESSORIES AND SOFTWARE
 
CMC now has a full line of accessories and software for the PSION Series
3A Pocket Computer (Cat. No. 25-3200).  In addition to what's listed here,
many more items are available by special order (with more still to come).
Call the Telephone Order Center at (800) 433-2024 to order, or to get more
information.
 
256K Flash Disk (Cat. No. 25-3203, $94.99) --
    Also available through Express Order as 10459998.
 
1MB Flash Disk (Cat. No. 25-3204, $194.99) --
    Also available through Express Order as 10460004.
 
 
Serial Link Cable with IBM Version Software (Cat. No. 25-3205, $119.99) --
    Links the Series 3A with other computers, modems, or serial printers.
    Includes RS232 Interface with built-in communications software
    (XMODEM, YMODEM, and full script language); additional software (3
    1/2- and 5 1/4-inch floppy disks) for IBM and compatible PCs that
    simplifies data transfer and offers direct remote access; and dual-
    headed cable (9 pin and 25 pin D-type plug) for IBM PCs.  Also
    available through Express Order as 10460012.
 
Parallel Printer Link/Cable (Cat. No. 25-3206, $59.99) --
    Works with any standard parallel printer.  Also available through
    Express Order as 10460020.
 
AC Adapter (Cat. No. 25-3207, $19.99) --
    Use with all links.  Also available through Express Order as 10460038.
 
Carrying Case (Cat. No. 25-3208, $19.99) --
    Vinyl exterior and padded interior protect the computer.  Also
    available through Express Order as 10460046.
 
Spell Checker/Thesaurus (Cat. No. T25-114409, 99.99) --
    Checks and corrects an entire document against a list of 100,000
    words, including common abbreviations and proper nouns.  Finds
    synonyms and definitions from a list of 660,000 synonyms and 40,000
    definitions.  Expandable dictionary.  Also available through Express
    Order as 10460186.
 
PSION Games 1 (Cat. No. T25-114638, $99.99) --
    Choose from seven games:  Pitch, Bomz, Rattler, Swarm, Biocycle,
    Pairs, and Tilt.  Also available through Express Order as 10460194.
 
Banker (Cat. No. T25-114900, $119.99) --
    Features unlimited accounts for your bank, credit cards, and
    cash/expense reports.  Password protection, unerase capabilities,
    reconciliation, pop-up calculator, personalized account names, sorting
    reports, printing, notepad, cash loan tracking, alarms, backup, and
    tidy.  Export data with ASCII, Quicken, Dif, and Packrat.  Also
    available from Express Order as 10460202.
 
3Flight Manager (Cat. No. T25-114950, $249.99) --
    An airline timetable ideal for planning or altering any trip.  Pick
    any two airports; 3Flight Manager tells you all the flights that are
    available and finds indirect connections if no direct connections are
    available.  Tells you departure time and date, arrival time, travel
    time, airline name, ticket restrictions and availability.  Prints your
    itinerary and can be linked into the Series 3 agenda.  Comes with a PC
    version to give your office an on-line airline timetable.  Also
    available through Express Order as 10460310.
 
 
MN-10-94
COMPUTERS -- PROGRAM MANAGER DISPLAY HELP CORRECTION
 
The instructions in the September 1994 Merchandising Newsletter article
"Display Help" (Page 18) were incomplete.  Here are complete, correct
instructions that will help prevent your Support Library CD icons (and all
other icons) from being deleted:
 
1.  Arrange Program Manager the way you want, then select OPTIONS from the
    pulldowns.  Select SAVE SETTINGS ON EXIT to save the Desktop.
 
2.  Exit Windows and return to the DOS prompt.  Then, restart Windows.
 
3.  Go to the "Main" Windows group and click on the MS-DOS icon.  This
    takes you to the DOS prompt.  From the Windows directory, type:
 
    edit progman.ini.
 
4.  You will see the first section labeled [Settings].  Place your cursor
    at the end of this section and type:
 
    [Restrictions]
    nosavesettings=1
    editlevel=4
 
    You will be placing the above between the [Settings] and  [Groups]
    sections.
 
5.  Save PROGMAN.INI by clicking on FILE and selecting the save option.
    Next, click on FILE and then EXIT to return to the DOS prompt.  Type
    Exit at the DOS prompt to return to Windows.  Click on FILE and exit
    Windows.
 
The next time you start Windows, you will notice the options NEW, COPY,
MOVE and DELETE are not selectable, as they have been greyed out.
 
If you need to make any other changes to your Desktop, you must first
delete the lines you entered in Step 3 from the PROGMAN.INI.  Also,
remember to delete these lines before you sell the machine.
 
This procedure protects icons from being deleted through the FILE
pulldown.  It does not prevent the Group box for the Support Library CD
from being deleted if you select the UN-INSTALL option from the Support
Library CD Group box.
 
Customer Service will change the UN-INSTALL option in the next release to
make it harder to accidentally un-install the Support Library.  For now,
delete the Trash Can icon from the Group box.  To do this, click once on
the Trashcan icon to select it.  Then click on FILE, then DELETE, then
YES.
 
When you are ready to remove the Support Library from your system, go to
the CD ROM directory (the default is C:\CSSROM).  From the Program
Manager, select FILE and then RUN.  Type in DESTROY.EXE.  This un-installs
the CD from the hard drive, removing all files associated with the Support
Library.
 
 
MN-10-94
COMPUTERS -- KEEPING PRODUCTS "UP TO DATE"
 
Some of you might have seen competitors selling versions of the same
Creative Labs CD ROM Kit (Cat. No. 25-202) that we sell with some
different software titles added.  Like most vendors of branded
peripherals, Creative constantly "refreshes" their products with different
software titles, different versions of software or hardware, etc.
 
The only way we can be sure to have the "latest" (really, just
"different") version of an item we stock is to turn our inventory as often
as possible.  There are three actions we can take to facilitate this.  The
first one is Merchandising's responsibility, but you can control the other
two:
 
1. Keep our warehouse inventory as tight and light as possible, so we
   don't accumulate large quantities of old merchandise.
 
2. Keep store stock as slim as possible (while maintaining adequate
   inventory to meet customer demand).
 
3. Always sell the older product on your shelves first.
 
Thanks to Lora Westfall, manager (01-4630) in
Cincinnatti, Ohio, for raising this issue.
 
 
MN-10-94
ELECTRONIC PARTS -- NEW IN NATIONAL PARTS
 
Several items that were discontinued by Radio Shack are now available
from Tandy National Parts.  Call the Telephone Order Center at
(800) 433-2024 and ask for the part number listed below.
 
Part #      Description                 Part #      Description
 
2200149     Tester Case                 2740713     Inline Motorola Jack
 
2700024     Auto Ctrl Nut/Wshr          2740715     Bind Post to BNC
 
2700272     Deluxe Enclosure            2740857     GP2 Con Mini Plug
 
2700287     Project Enclosure           2741574     Coax Pwr Supp Plug
 
2700365     Sq. Fuse Holder             2741578     5.5/2.5 Inline Jack
 
2701417     Cordless Phone Rod Ant       274435     Dial Cord Kit
 
2710313     200-OCS Chip Res            2750619     SPDT Momentary Sw.
 
2710340     20K Multiturn Pot           2750637     DPDT Momentary Sw.
 
2720705     Neon Lamps (2)              2751546     Midget DPDT SW
 
2721136     8 Volt Fuse Lamp            2760020     10 mm Red LED
 
2721167     PR-17 Lamp (2)              2760033     TLR 107 LEDs pkgs
 
2731515     18 VCT 2A Transfmr          2760046     Tombstone LED Res
 
2740027     8-Posn Inline DIN           2760050     Red LED w/Holder
 
2740029     7-Pin DIN Plug              2760099     Infrared Sensor
 
2740030     7-Pin Inline Jack           2760154     Dig Plug-in Crct Bd
 
2740204     4-Cond Inline Plug          2760162     INC LSI PC Board
 
2740205     4-Cond Inline Sink          2761594     IC Pin Aligner
 
2740393     1/4 Stereo Adapter          2761808     7490 Decade Counter
 
2750428     Sm. Blue/Gray Knob          2770302     LCD Counter Module
 
2740429     Md. Blue/Gray Knob          2780175     RF Adapter Mini VHF
 
2740430     Lg. Blue/Gray Knob          2780176     BNC Male/M UHF Adtr
 
2740667     Metal Ground Post           2790400     Tele Wire Stripper  
 
 
MN-10-94
AUTO SOUND -- SPEAKER SELECTOR SWITCH
 
Our Speaker Selector Switch is now available through CMC (Cat. No 270-045,
$5.99) or Express Order (10456200).  This 8-ohm switch lets the user
select either a separate stereo tape player or a radio.  Color coded
leads, along with the supplied mounting hardware and instructions, make
installation easy.
 
 
MN-10-94
EXPRESS ORDER -- EXPRESS ORDER AUGUST HONOR ROLL
 
Districts With 100% Store Participation
 
    District #  District Manager     Sales
 1.  01-0879    Jeff Brodsky        $21,698
 2.  01-0525    Steve Ramsey         14,309
 3.  01-0859    Andrea Leed          12,362
 4.  01-0874    Peter Donohue        12,611
 5.  01-0868    Keith Collins        11,412
 6.  01-0518    Mike Rodman          10,777
 7.  01-0362    Ted Urban            10,767
 8.  01-0566    Kurt Fisher           8,507
 9.  01-0524    Jim Vaughan           8,194
10.  01-0354    Nate Prevost          7,827
11.  01-0870    John Lanning          7,394
12.  01-0377    Patrick Grady         7,731
 
Top 20 Stores in Sales $
 
    Store #     Location             Sales
 1. 01-8445     N. Little Rock, AR  $10,397
 2. 01-9724     Miami, FL            10,175
 3. 01-1212     Torrington, CT        6,078
 4. 01-1117     Augusta, ME           5,243
 5. 01-8397     Denton, TX            5,080
 6. 01-3863     Hilo, HI              4,553
 7. 01-9721     Miami, FL             4,552
 8. 01-3870     Lihue, HI             4,379
 9. 01-2165     Vineland, NJ          4,020
10. 01-3946     Arcata, CA            4,005
11. 01-6008     West Des Moines, IA   3,629
12. 01-4308     Lackawanna, NY        3,526
13. 01-4935     Knoxville, TN         3,415
14. 01-9815     Jackson, MS           3,310
15. 01-9582     Lake Wales, FL        3,148
16. 01-1259     Horseheads, NY        3,075
17. 01-2664     Brooklyn, NY          3,060
18. 01-4098     Surprise, AZ          3,050
19. 01-4247     Middletown, NY        3,025
20. 01-1506     Ellsworth, ME         3,016
 
 
MN-10-94
STORE REPLENISHMENT -- STORE REPLENISHMENT IN THE GOLDEN QUARTER
 
The key to making replenishment work for you during the holiday season is
using the Customized Replenishment System (CRS) to your best advantage.
First, you need to remember the basic concepts of CRS:
 
   Core  -- Items with minimum MQ units of 1 or 2.
 
   RMQ   -- All regular MQs greater than 0 are replenished.
 
   0 RMQ -- Can become 2 with as few as 2 sales a month.
 
As part of the CRS program, store managers review all end product sales
each month.  Replenishment recommended a schedule for doing this in the
Golden Quarter meeting, and if you're following this schedule, you should
be nearing the completion of your first review now.
 
You'll still have time for another review before Thanksgiving, so by the
time the holiday season starts, you'll know your inventory, have
everything in a ready-to-sell condition, and have the right assortment for
your store.
 
From November 13th to December 10th, there will be increased spending
limits for ESS orders.  During this period, ESS spending limits will be
$2,500 for V stores, $4,000 for Y stores under $1 million, and $8,000 for
the special large store group.
 
While these limits are in effect, there are three critical time windows,
each with specific actions you need to take to build holiday sales.
 
WINDOW #1 (11/3-11/19):  ESS ORDERS FOR HOLIDAY SALES
 
Remember, this is an exception ordering process, so review only the most
important items.
 
There will be a lot of information available by this week:  ad MQs for all
Holiday events will be showing on POS; we'll mail a package of Green
sheets for all events to stores on Tuesday, November 8th; there will be a
DC out of stock report transmitted on POS on Monday, November 14th.
 
Use the December 1993 Stock Movement History Report, which shows both
current MQs and last year's history.  If your MQ is sufficient, don't
order, because Fort Worth will order that amount for you.  If you have
additional needs, this is the week to place exception orders!
 
WINDOW #2 (12/4-12/8): LAST MINUTE ESS ORDERS
 
This is the last week that your holiday spending limits are in effect!
 
Focus on the  hot items only.  Check a November 1994 Stock Movement
Report (for last month's sales) and Stock View Screens (for inventory
levels, MQs, and "month to date" sales).  Check Monday's DC out of stock
report so you don't waste time ordering what isn't available.
 
There will be updated AD MQs on POS to show you what Fort Worth is
"ordering up" to with the final AD orders.  If this MQ amount is not
sufficient, order what's needed for the last week of holiday sales.  All
orders transmitted by Thursday of this week should be shipped in time to
cover the last week of Christmas sales.
 
WINDOW #3 (12/11-12/15): PREPARE FOR A "S.W.A.T." PROGRAM
 
From this point on, forget about getting merchandise in time for the
holidays and focus 100% on selling the merchandise you have.
 
Move as much merchandise as possible out to the sales floor.  Organize
what's left in the stock room so you can find it quickly when you need it.
Don't worry about what you're out of, concentrate on getting the most out
of what you do have.
 
The action you take in this last time window will probably make more
difference to your sales than what you do in the first two.  Have this
action completed by Thursday, then "Sell What's Available Today" each day
until Christmas!
 
 
MN-11-94
RADIO! MAGAZINE GIVEAWAY
 
The holiday season is a great time to let your radio customers know about
Radio!  magazine (Cat. No. 620-1201).  In November and December, give a
free copy to any customer who buys a communications product.
 
 
MN-11-94
ENERCELL BATTERIES WEAR GOOD HOUSEKEEPING SEAL
 
The Good Housekeeping seal, long associated with quality and value, will
appear in promotional materials for our Enercell alkaline batteries,
recognizing what we at Radio Shack have always known -- you just can't buy
a better, longer-lasting battery!
 
 
MN-11-94
REPLENISHMENT ARTICLE CORRECTION
 
The article "Store Replenishment in the Golden Quarter" in the October
1994 Merchandising Newsletter contained an error.  You should begin the
activities described under "Window #1...ESS Orders for Holiday Sales" on
11/13, not 11/3 as the article stated.
 
 
MN-11-94
F.Y.I. -- NATIONAL PARTS HAS NEW LINES
 
Tandy National Parts stocks several thousand repair and replacement parts
for many brands of cordless telephones, calculators, and VCRs.  Your store
has cross reference sheet for cordless telephone antennas, a cross
reference booklet for calculator ink ribbons and rollers, and a red sheet
with instructions for ordering the VCR belt cross reference Place your
order through the Telephone Order Center, (800) 433-2024.  For special
orders and large quantities from these vendors call National Parts direct
at (800) 322-3690.
 
 
MN-11-94
VIDEO -- DSS UPDATE
 
DSS sales remain strong in the 48 stores that have the product.
Unfortunately, inventory limitations still prevent us from placing DSS in
any additional stores this year.  An SOS memo dated August 19 1994,
explains the current situation:  Many of you have inquired why the RCA DSS
System is not available for your store or by special order.  The reason is
simple.  RCA does not have the manufacturing capacity to handle the
current demand.  Because of this very limited product availability from
RCA, Radio Shack will not be putting DSS in any additional stores in 1994.
 
ONLY the stores that are currently authorized for DSS will be able to sell
DSS.  Special orders are not available on the DSS product.  There can be
no exceptions.
 
If a customer wants to know where they can get a DSS system, please have
them call (817) 878-6875 for the satellite hotline.  They will advise the
customer of the closest Radio Shack store that sells DSS.  However, please
be aware all of the stores currently have long waiting lists for this
product.  Please understand this problem is due to lack of product
availability from RCA, not Radio Shack's unwillingness to put it in
additional stores.  Please avoid calling or E-mailing as this will not
change the situation.
 
 
MN-11-94
VIDEO -- DEALER/FRANCHISE STORES HAVE DSS TOO!
 
In addition to the 01 stores listed in the October 1994 Merchandising
Newsletter, these dealer/franchise stores also carry DSS.  You can direct
customers to one near you if your store doesn't carry DSS.
 
Store No.      Location                        Phone
 
               ARKANSAS
 
22-S350        Comm. Electronics and Video     (501) 667-5422
               200 N. 3rd
               Ozark, AR  72949
 
22-7175        Vaughn Electronics              (501) 442-5264
               1702 N. College Ave.
               Fayetteville, AR  72701-3505
 
22-7179        Vaughn Electronics              (501) 442-8988
               Northwest Arkansas Mall
               Fayetteville, AR  72701
 
               INDIANA
 
22-P119        Lester K. Richardson, Inc.      (317) 342-7959
               339 Morton Av
               Martinsville, IN  46151-247
 
               MISSISSIPPI
 
22-A709        Bridges & Sheffield Electronics (601) 859-276
               1150 E. Peace St
               Canton, MS  3904
 
22-A690        Lamb's Furniture and Appliances (601) 947-819
               128 Main St
               Lucedale, MS  39452
 
22-G471        Music Mart                      (601) 746-838
               Old Hwy 49 South, Rt. 3 Box 596
               Yazoo City, MS  39194-059
 
               OKLAHOMA
 
22-S317        Joe's TV and Video              (918) 696-320
               18 S. First St
               Stillwell, OK  7496
 
22-7178        Muskogee Radio Shack            (918) 683-224
               800 W. Okmulgee
               Muskogee, OK  74401-6839
 
22-H399        N.E.O. Electronics              (918) 341-0987
               642 S. Lynn Riggs
               Claremore, OK  74017
 
               VIRGINIA
 
22-D156        Community TV Sales & Service    (703) 586-9704
               Walmart Shopping Center
               Bedford, VA  24523-2896
 
22-D296        Newberry Electronics            (803) 276-1640
               1831 Wilson Rd.
               Newberry, SC  29108-0000
 
22-D424        TEC 21
               16 VA-KY Reg. Shopping Center   (703) 679-3427
               Norton, VA  24273-0000
 
 
MN-11-94
VIDEO -- MAXELL AUDIO/VIDEO TAPE
 
By now, you know that Radio Shack has made a special purchase of audio and
video tape from Maxell -- a widely known and respected name in the
business.  Here's what's available:
 
Cat. No.       Description             Price
 
440-1810       T120 Video 2 Pk.        $3.99
440-1811       USII-110 Audio 2 Pk.     3.69
440-1812       USII-90 Audio 2 Pk.      3.29
440-1813       USII-60 Audio 2 Pk.      2.69
 
This special purchase comes as we make some major changes to our 44-series
tape category:
 
We're changing vendors for most of our audio and video tape.
 
We're redesigning and updating our video tape packaging.
 
In the next few months, you might experience some short out-of-stocks on
Radio Shack branded tape.  However, we'll have enough Maxell tape
available to fill any shortfalls.
 
In January 1995, you'll begin receiving the new Radio Shack branded audio
and video tape.  While there will be no change to our audio tape packaging
our video tape will change.  You'll receive the new information before the
new video tape ships
 
 
MN-11-94
VIDEO -- 16-862 MOVIECORDER ACCESSORIES
 
CMC now has accessories for the Model 161 Moviecorder (Cat. No. 16-862)
with more to come soon!
 
Now you can offer your customers a Car Battery Adapter/Charger (Cat. No.
160-2022 or Express Order No. 10456101, $109.99) that lets the user power
the Moviecorder or charge its battery pack from a vehicle battery (or 12V
portable battery pack)
 
With the A/V Pack (Cat.No. 160-2023 or Express Order No. 10456119, $29.99)
users can connect the Moviecorder to a TV that does not have audio/video
inputs.  The unit features MONITOR IN and AUDIO/VIDEO jacks.
 
 
MN-11-94
VIDEO -- STEREO KARAOKE DELAYED
 
The Dual Cassette Karaoke Music System (Cat. No. 32-1155) has been delayed
by the manufacturer.  We don't expect to have this product available until
January 1995.
 
Even with this delay, we have more than adequate new karaoke options for
the Golden Quarter:
 
130-1273    Music System with Karaoke
130-1274    Music System with Karaoke
320-1153    Karaoke Adapter
320-1154    Mono Karaoke System
 
MN-11-94
TELEPHONES -- MOBILECOMM STARTER CERTIFICATE REFUNDS
 
Because customers have complained of delays in obtaining refunds for their
Airtime Starter Certificates from MobileComm after they returned pagers to
Radio Shack, you can now refund the $29.95 certificate price at the same
time the pager is returned.
 
Only refund the $29.95 when the pager is also returned.  You can process
the refund even if the seal on the kit is opened. Use sealed kits for
future sales.  Discard previously opened kits.  To enter the refund on
POS:
 
 1. Enter the pager SKU on the merchandise screen.
 
 2. Answer "Yes" to "Does this pager require activation?"
 
 3. Press F3 for quantity and make the quantity negative.
 
 4. Answer "Yes" to "Did the customer activate this pager?"
 
 5. Enter the refund price of the pager.
 
 6. Press F1 (Options)
 
 7. Select item 2 (Non-Merchandise)
 
 8. Select F (Service Vendor)
 
 9. Select  MobileComm.  The price of $29.95 appears.  Make the amount
    negative.
 
10. Enter the CAP Code and proceed to the payment screen.  Finish
    processing the ticket using standard SOS/POS procedures
 
 
MN-11-94
TELEPHONES -- CT-300/301 MOBILE MOUNTING KIT
 
Recently moved to CMC:  the Mobile Mounting Kit (Cat. No. 170-0603 or
Express Order No. 10456127, $24.99) for the CT-300 (Cat. No. 170-2001 and
CT-301 (Cat. No. 170-1050) cellular telephones.  The kit lets users mount
their phone's charging stand in a vehicle.  It includes two DC power cords
and all mounting hardware.
 
 
MN-11-94
TELEPHONES -- TELEPHONE HEADSETS THROUGH TNP
 
Customers who need replacement headsets for Radio Shack phones can now
order them through Tandy National Parts by calling the Telephone Order
Center at (800) 433-2024.
 
 Phone          National        Express
Cat. No.        Parts No.       Order No.
 
430-0569          Z6041         11213469
430-0590          Z3235         11190279
430-0192          Z7259         11223823
 
 
MN-11-94
TELEPHONES -- NEW PAGER SAFETY CHAIN PRICES
Just in time for the holidays, CMC has reduced pager safety chain prices.
While the prices are lower,  these are still the same great quality chains
CMC has always carried.  They make great stocking stuffers!
 
Here's what's available.  Pager safety chains come in goldtone (G) or
gunmetal black (B).
 
   STYLE                   CAT. NO.       E.O. PART NO.    PRICE
 
   Small Figaro (G)        17-6049         10274165        $4.99
 
   Small Figaro (B)        17-6051         10436186         4.99
 
   Large Figaro (G)        17-6059         10432629         6.99
 
   Large Figaro (B)        17-6060         10274173         6.99
 
   Medium Gucci (G)        17-6050         10274173         5.99
 
   Medium Gucci (B)        17-6054         10436210         5.99
 
   Large Gucci (G)         17-6057         10436244         6.99
 
   Large Gucci (B)         17-6058         10436251         6.99
 
   Small Oval Cable (G)    17-6052         10436194         4.99
 
   Small Oval Cable (B)    17-6053         10436202         4.99
 
   Medium Curb (G)         17-6055         10436228         5.99
 
   Medium Curb (B)         17-6056         10436236         5.99
 
 
MN-11-94
TELEPHONES -- RADIO SHACK PHONES: CLASS 5 COMPATIBLE?
 
You might have had customers ask, "Are Radio Shack telephone products
compatible with phone company Class 5 Digital Switching Systems?"
Telephone companies are rapidly replacing their old switching equipment
with newer "Class 5" Digital Switching Systems, such as the AT&T #5ESS,
Northern Telecom DMS-100, Automatic Electric GTD5, and others.
 
The Public Utility Commission requires companies to notify their
subscribers when this change is made because their telephones might not be
compatible with the new switching equipment.  According to Radio Shack
Engineering, only two Radio Shack telephone products have had
compatibility problems:  the System 404 four-line telephone system (Cat.
No. 430-0451) and the Music-on-Hold Module (Cat. No. 430-0153).
 
The System 404 was designed just before many telephone companies began
using the Class 5 switches.  After it had been in production for about a
year, Radio Shack began receiving complaints that the System 404 wouldn't
properly indicate line-in-use status when connected to lines from a Class
5 switch.
 
The reason:  Class 5 switches aren't grounded at the phone company's
central office during some phases of a call.  The System 404 needed this
ground to make its line-in-use indicators work properly.
 
The Music-on-Hold Module had a similar problem.  The music would not turn
on and off properly when the module was connected to lines from a Class 5
switch.
Neither of these products is still in production.  You and your customers
can rest assured that all of our current phone products are compatible
with Class 5 Digital Switching Systems.
 
MN-11-94
TELEPHONES -- CT-352 UPDATE:  ATA INTERFACE
 
Customers who want to use their CT-352 Mini Handheld Cellular Phone (Cat.
No. 17-1062) to transfer data through a modem will have to wait until next
year to do so.  A PCMCIA card for the CT-352 will be available in February
or March 1995.  This will  not  allow data transfer direct to an RJ11
phone line.
 
 
MN-11-94
TELEPHONES -- 17-738 BATTERY NOT EXTENDED-LIFE
 
The vendor inadvertently packaged the wrong Owner's Manual with the first
shipments of the Standard Battery Kit (Cat. No. 17-738) for the CT-352.
They discovered the problem and corrected it.
 
All the information in the manual is correct, except the header at the top
that says reads "Extended-Life Battery Pack" when it is not.  (The catalog
number for the Extended Life Battery Kit, available through CMC, is 170-
0739.)  Be sure that your customers get the correct extra or replacement
battery for their CT-352.
 
 
MN-11-94
TELEPHONES -- NAM PROGRAMMING CORRECTION
 
The corrected "NAM Programming Instructions for CT-352 Cellular Telephone
(Cat. No. 17-1062)" that we published as an insert to the October
Merchandising Newsletter  contained an error in Step 10.
 
The instructions state that to change the Security Code, the user should
type CL CL CL CL CL, then "The display must now read:  911#* 911*0*."  In
fact, once the user clears the factory-installed Security Code (12345),
the display reads 911#*911#0*.  Please make this change to your copy of
the insert.  You can also change the displayed language from English to
French or Spanish.  When the display shows 911#*911#0*12345, the 0
indicates that English is currently selected.  To change the language,
press CL CL and ENTER 1 for French or 2 for Spanish.  Then press *, STO,
and type 01.  When the phone responds REPLACE CONTENTS?, press STO again
to store the new language.
 
 
MN-11-94
TELEPHONES -- SONY AND BELL SOUTH CORDLESS PHONE BATTERIES
 
CMC continues the expansion of its battery line with two very popular
items.
 
Our 3.6V, 350 mAh Cordless Telephone Battery (Part No. CTB-B600 or Express
Order No. 10457398, $8.95) has a two-socket connector and replaces the
Bell South B600 battery.  It works only with Bell South Southwind models
629, 636, 638, 639, 673 through 676, 698, 699, 721, 796, and 799 cordless
telephones.
 
Our 3.6V, 600 mAh Cordless Telephone Battery (Part. No. CTB-BPT18, or
Express Order No. 10457919, $19.95), has a three-socket connector and
works with the Sony SPP-ER1 cordless telephone.
 
 
MN-11-94
TELEPHONES -- HELPFUL HINTS FOR TAD-246 OWNERS
 
Here are some hints for customers who buy the TAD-246 Touch-Tone Remote
Control Microcassette Telephone Answering System (Cat. No. 430-0755).
Make sure they understand how important it is to insert the tape into the
unit carefully!  They must press the rear of the cassette down all the way
and push it back into place.  (This activate the black switch on the right
rear side of the cassette compartment.  Let them know that the initial
message they record for their callers is recorded in memory in the TAD's
microprocessor.  The tape won't function while they are recording the
message.  After recording, the TAD records a backup copy on the tape Also
tell them that since the machine uses the tape as its memory, it records
its own messages on the tape for use during operation or after a power
failure.  They must wait until the machine stops fast-forwarding,
rewinding, and playing before pressing another button.  If they don't
wait, the front panel buttons have no effect.  In addition, when they
erase the incoming messages, they must wait until after the tape stops and
the final beep sounds, then press STOP/ERASE within 8 seconds.  If they
don't wait for the final beep, or if they wait longer than 8 seconds after
the beep to press  STOP/ERASE, the messages won't be erased.
 
To erase messages which were saved earlier, they should press and hold
PLAY/FAST-F to fast-forward the tape.  Then when the tape stops and beeps
at the end of the messages, they simply press STOP/ERASE within 8 seconds.
Finally, if the machine doesn't work, they should try:
 
     Turning the tape over to the blank side
 
     Replacing the tape
 
     Erasing the tape (be sure to show them our bulk tape erasers)
 
 
MN-11-94
TELEPHONES -- CALLER ID:  WHO'S GOT IT? WHO'S GETTING IT?
 
Caller ID service is currently available in 42 states and Washington, D.C.
When your area gets the service, remind your DSM to inform Replenishment,
so you can begin receiving caller ID products.
 
Here's a list of areas that are due to start caller ID service in November
and December 1994.
 
DATE            LOCATION                                       TYPE
04/1994         Charlotte, NC (adding name delivery)           N/N
 
04/1994         Gary/Hendersonville/Maiden/Newton/             N/N
                Asheville, NC (adding name delivery)
 
04/1994         Chapel Hill, NC (adding name delivery)         N/N
 
04/1994         Greensboro, NC (adding name delivery)          N
 
11/94-          Florida statewide
12/94 or 1/95   (Free lease for 30 days                        N
 
11/01/94        Armonk Village, NY                             N
 
11/01/94        Ayer/Fitchburg/Leominster/Dorchester, MA       N
 
11/01/94        El Paso/Corpus, TX                             N & N/N
 
11/02/94        Buffalo, NY (one new exchange)                 N
 
11/03/94        Albany, NY (one new exchange)                  N
11/05/94        Bronx, NY (three new exchanges)                N
 
11/06/94        Syracuse, NY (one new exchange)                N
 
11/09/94        Albany, NY (seven new exchanges)               N
 
11/10/94        Cornell/Ladysmith/Stanley, WI                  N
11/15/94        Midland/Odessa, TX                             N
 
11/15/94        Eau Claire, WI                                 N
 
11/16/94        Buffalo, NY (one new exchange)                 N
11/19/94        New York City/Poughkeepsie, NY                 N
                (15 new exchanges)
 
11/30/94        New York City, NY (11 new exchanges)           N
 
12/01/94        Bedford/Exeter/Kingston/New Market/
                Pelham/Plaiston/Rye Beach/Seabrook, NH         N
 
12/01/94        Austin, TX                                     N/N
 
12/01/94        E. Greenwich/Narragansett/Newport/
                N. Kingstown/Portsmouth/Tiverton/
                Warwick/Westerly, RI                           N
 
12/03/94        New York City, NY (8 new exchanges)            N
 
12/05/94        Berlin, WI                                     N
 
12/10/94        New York City, NY (11 new exchanges)           N
 
12/15/94        Albany, NY (7 new exchanges)                   N
 
12/18/94        Lake Geneva, WI                                N
 
12/19/94        Winneconne, WI                                 N
 
12/22/94        Hurley/Washburn/Saxon, WI                      N
 
12/26/94        Stoughton/Chippewa Falls, WI                   N
 
12/29/94        Ellsworth, WI                                  N
 
12/31/94        Kewaunee/Roberts/Sturgeon Bay/
                Algoma/Green Bay/Jefferson, WI
 
We'll update this list periodically as more areas get the service.
 
 
MN-11-94
COMMUNICATIONS -- LOCAL SCANNER FREQUENCY LIST
 
Our Police Call radio frequency guides (Cat.Nos. 62-1041 through 62-1049)
are essential resources for every scanner hobbyist, but copying and
distributing pages out of the guides is a copyright violation.  So what
can you do if you want to develop a list of "scannable" frequencies in
your area to share with your customers  -- without violating copyright
laws?
 
It's easy.  Just ask your current scanner customers to bring you their
lists of frequencies, so you can compile them into a more complete list.
Tell them you'll be happy to give each contributor a free copy of the list
as it builds.  Everyone gains.
Keep the list behind the counter, and always mention it when discussing
scanners with customers.  Tell them you'll provide a copy with the
purchase of any scanner.  Then they'll have a guide to all the local
activity  -- everything figured out for them in advance.  It's a big
benefit.
 
Remember, a newcomer to the hobby is one of your best candidates for
selling a better scanner in the near future.  Encourage them to find a new
frequency or two and share it with the "club."  That helps them get
involved right away.
 
Asking,  "Do you have a recent copy of our scanner frequency list?" is a
great way to initiate a scanner sale -- even if the customer knows nothing
about the hobby.  You can "sell" the customer on scanner listening by
showing all the interesting activity that can be heard in your area.  (You
can also list things like Air Force One, the Blue Angels, FBI and NASA
downlinks, even the local fast food drive through -- most people don't
realize you can listen to those
things on a scanner you hold in your hand!)
 
Offering a list of local scanner frequencies gives you a "service" edge,
and makes you a valuable resource to your customers.  It's also a great
way to "network" customers, and makes your store the focus of local
scanner activity. Customers will get in the habit of stopping by
periodically to get an updated list. Then you can use your skills to sell
them something else!
 
Our thanks to Douglas Tyrrell, manager (01-3899) in Vacaville, California,
for bringing up this topic.
 
 
MN-11-94
COMMUNICATIONS -- NEW ACCESSORIES IN CMC
 
MAGNET MOUNT ANTENNA
 
Now CMC has a Magnet Mount Antenna (Cat. No. 19-341 or Express Order No.
0457075, $19.99) that easily connects to a customer's Business Band (Cat.
No. 190-1201/1202), personal (Cat. No. 190-0900), or amateur (Cat. No.
190-1120/1140) radio transceiver.
 
The antenna's 3-inch magnet-mount base has a "no scratch" finish to
protect vehicle exteriors.  It mounts securely almost anywhere on the
vehicle (using the supplied 12 feet of coaxial cable and BNC connector).
 
The antenna is rated 200 watts, and its stainless steel 19 1/2-inch whip
section can be trimmed for operation at any frequency from 1/4 inch on 2
meters up to 500 MHz.  A cutting chart is included with the antenna.
 
 
MN-11-94
COMMUNICATIONS -- CTCSS TONE BOARD
 
Also available through CMC:  a Continuous Tone Control Squelch System
(CTCSS) tone board for our PRO-2036 ham scanner (Cat. No. 20-412).  Call
the Telephone Order Center at (800) 433-2024 and order Cat. No. 20-0027 or
Express Order No. 10450468.  The retail price is $39.99.
 
 
MN-11-94
ELECTRONIC REFERENCE -- MORE ON SECRET SENDER REMOTE CONTROL MODE
 
In the October 1994 Merchandising Newsletter, we told you to select Gold
Star 1 from the list of manufacturer's names when you prepare to
demonstrate the remote control feature of My Magic Diary Secret Sender EC-
364 (Cat. No. 650-0833) in your store.
 
This should work for most of our newer TVs.  However, you might need to
select a different manufacturer to demonstrate the feature with some of
our older model TVs.  Let your customers know that they'll need to set the
Secret Sender to match the TV that they have in their home before they use
the remote control feature settings.
 
MN-11-94
ELECTRONIC REFERENCE -- REPLACEMENT CALENDARS
 
Replacement calendars (Cat. No. 650-0111 or Express Order No. 11265378,
$3.99) for our EC-334 (Cat. No. 650-0855) and EC-354 (Cat. No. 650-0863)
Rolodex Pocket Planners are available now in CMC.  Also available:
replacement calendars (Cat. No. 650-0115 or Express Order No. 11265386,
$8.99) for our EC-335 (Cat. No. 650-0856) and EC-365 (Cat. No. 650-0871)
Rolodex Executive Planners.
 
Call the Telephone Order Center at (800) 433-2024 to order these great
"stocking stuffers!"
 
 
MN-11-94
SECURITY -- SECURITY WAND UPDATE:  ONE-YEAR WARRANTY
 
You might be confused about the warranty for our Security Wand Body
Scanner/Metal Detector (Cat. No. 63-3010).  The POS price look up
originally showed that the Security Wand has a 90-day warranty, while the
Owner's Manual for early shipments of the product says its warranty is for
two years.
 
In fact, the wand has a one-year warranty.  The POS system was corrected
in September, and the Owner's Manual was corrected beginning with October
manufacturing.  Be sure to make a copy of the one-year warranty from your
Store Operating Manual for any customer who buys an older wand from your
store stock.
 
Our thanks to Vern Bostick (01-8213) in Gretna, Louisiana for bringing
this to our attention.
 
 
MN-11-94
SECURITY -- SECURITY WAND UPDATE:  FREE REPLACEMENT RUBBER GRIPS
 
In early shipments of the Security Wand, the cardboard packaging material
might have damaged the rubber grips on the handle.  This has been
corrected on newer shipments.
 
Now, for your customers whose grips were damaged, Tandy National Parts has
free replacement grips (Part No. XX-0047).  Call the Telephone Order
Center at (800) 433-2024 to order.
 
 
MN-11-94
AUDIO -- SETTING LEVELS WITH A SOUND LEVEL METER
 
To get the full benefit from a surround sound system, your customers will
want to be sure that all of their speaker levels are exactly balanced.
You can help, by suggesting our Sound Level Meter (Cat. No. 330-2050).
 
Every Dolby Pro-Logic Surround receiver/processor has an internal test
tone generator which sends a few seconds of pink noise through each
speaker, one at a time.  The Sound Level Meter shows which speakers need
to be turned up or down until they all play the pink noise at the exact
same level.
Here's how your customers can use the Sound Level Meter to calibrate their
speaker levels:
 
1. Start the test tone sequence, then go to your normal viewing/
   listening location (ideally, dead center between the left and
   right front speakers).
 
2. On the Sound Level Meter, set RANGE to 80 decibels, WEIGHTING to
   C, and RESPONSE to SLOW.
 
3. While holding the meter steady at arm's length, with its
   microphone pointed straight up toward the ceiling, adjust your
   system's master volume so the meter's needle registers 0 dB when
   the pink noise is coming from either the right or left channels.
 
The pink noise should be moving from speaker to speaker -- first left
front, then center, then right front, then both surrounds, then back to
left front, and so on -- staying in each position long enough for you to
get a reading of each speaker's level (and adjust it if necessary).  When
the meter shows 0 dB for all speakers when they're playing the pink noise,
the speakers are precisely matched.
 
 
MN-11-94
AUDIO -- SPEAKER SPROCKETS
 
Speaker grille sprockets for our Optimus PRO SW-10P Powered Subwoofer
(Cat. No.40-4070) are now available -- free! -- through Tandy National 
Parts. Call the Telephone Order Center at (800) 433-2024 and order Part 
No. XX-0048.
 
 
MN-11-94
AUDIO -- 31-3029 POWER CORRECTION
 
The Radio Shack 1995 Catalog entry and Page 2 of the Owner's Manual for
our Optimus STAV-3280 Digital Synthesized Audio/Video Surround Receiver 
(Cat.No.31-3029) both incorrectly state the receiver's power output as 
60 watts per channel (in stereo).  The catalog also incorrectly states 
that the receiver delivers 40 watts each to the front left, front right
and center channels in Dolby Pro Logic Surround mode.
 
In reality, the STAV-3280 delivers 65 watts per channel in stereo, and 45
watts each to the front left, front right, and center channel in Dolby Pro
Logic Surround mode (as stated in the Owner's Manual's "Specifications"
section). Future shipments will have Page 2 of the Owner's Manual corrected
 
 
MN-11-94
AUDIO -- HOME THEATER Q&A
 
Q:  My 31-2025 equalizer sounds great with music, but not so great when I
    try to use the Dolby Pro Logic surround mode on my 310-3031 stereo A/V
    receiver.  What am I doing wrong?  Can't I use my equalizer with Pro
    Logic?
 
A:  Equalizers are normally installed through a tape monitor loop.  But
    you should never connect an equalizer in front of Pro Logic!  If you
    do, the equalizer interferes with your receiver's ability to steer 
    the various frequencies to the correct channel (front, center, rear).
    Instead, try connecting your equalizer to your receiver's Tape 2 loop
    so you can easily switch it in and out of the circuit when you go from
    an sound source that's not Dolby-encoded to one that is.
 
 
MN-11-94
AUDIO -- 90-DAY WARRANTY ON 40-1364 SPEAKERS
 
There might be some confusion regarding the warranty on our Optimus AMX 20
wireless amplified speakers (Cat. No. 40-1364).  The speakers appear on
Page 69 of the Radio Shack 1995 Catalog, which also shows the five-year 
limited warranty on Optimus speakers.  But the warranty on the AMX-20s is
90 days, parts and labor.
 
Although Optimus speakers have a five-year warranty, the AMX 20 isn't
exclusively a home speaker; it's a specialty speaker that works indoors
and outdoors.  It requires electricity to power its built-in amplifier,
and can work with portable CD players and cassette decks.
 
 
MN-11-94
AUDIO -- PRO-90 HEADPHONE EXCHANGE PROCEDURE
 
If you have broken Optimus PRO-90 headphones (Cat. No. 33-1140) that need
to be returned to Koss Corporation for replacement, remember to follow the
proper procedure.
 
When a customer brings back a pair of broken PRO-90s, exchange that pair
for a good pair from stock.  Then, pack the broken unit and return it to 
Koss. Be sure to clearly mark the quantity of broken PRO-90s being 
returned and your store number, both on the outside of the shipping 
container and on a repair/exchange memo inside.  Keep a copy of the 
repair/exchange memo in your file and ship the defective unit (by UPS 
ground) to:
    Koss Corporation
    Attn:  Dept. 1314
    4129 N. Port Washington Ave.
    Milwaukee, WI 5321
 
It's extremely important that you clearly mark the box and include a
repair and exchange memo with the required information.  If you don't,
Koss might not be able to return the replacement unit to you.
 
 
MN-11-94
F.Y.I. -- WATCH OUT FOR 900 MHZ INTERFERENCE
 
Be sure to remind customers who buy 900 MHz speakers or wireless
headphones that these components are vulnerable to interference from 
900 MHz portable telephones!
 
 
MN-11-94
AUDIO -- REPLACEMENT HANDSFREE WIRELESS MIKES
 
If your guest speaker leaves in a hurry, along with the tie clip mike and
belt clip transmitter from your handsfree wireless mike system, don't
despair!  You can get replacements for all current products (plus many
discontinued items) through Tandy National Parts.
 
 
MN-11-94
STORE REPLENISHMENT  -- NMQ: A SPECIAL WAY TO SAY "YES!"
 
Under the Customized Replenishment System (CRS), not every item in the
catalogis stocked in every store.  This means you face a new challenge
when a customer comes to your store for an item that you don't carry.
 
As Mr. Roach advised us, we must be professional and positive in
approaching this challenge and avoid answers like "The computer doesn't 
let me carry this item."  We must help the customer find the merchandise 
they need from another store, with a stock order from the warehouse, or 
in special cases, with an NMQ order.  An NMQ order is a special way to 
say  "Yes!" in these situations. It shouldn't be our first alternative, 
and certain requirements must be satisfied.
 
You might be able to offer the customer alternate choices in the same
product line, or find the requested product for the customer in a nearby
store. The customer might want to wait for a stock order from the ware-
house, so they can see the merchandise before they purchase it.
 
If none of these approaches is satisfactory, you might want to consider
placing an NMQ order to satisfy your customer.
 
Your POS system tells you if you can place an NMQ order. There are five
basic requirements:
1. The item must have a 0 or blank MQ.  You can view the MQ on your sales
   floor POS terminal by using the stock view screen and pressing F1.
 
2. There must be a  "0 on hand" for the item in your store.
 
3. Only qualifying end product items can be on the ticket for the order.
   Make a separate sales ticket for any other items sold to the customer.
   Force Feed SKUs, accessory items from Regional DCs, and a few end 
   products don't qualify for NMQ orders.  Your POS system tells you if 
   the item does not qualify when you attempt to enter the order.
 
4. The item must be available to the Fulfillment Center when you place the
   order.  The POS system confirms the availability of the item when you
   enter the order.
 
5. The order must be prepaid and shipped to the customer's street address
   (no P.O. boxes).  The system will not accept an order listing the 
   store's address, so you cannot bring merchandise into your store with
   this type of order.
 
The shipping methods used for normal NMQ orders aren't as fast as those
used for Gift Express orders, but unlike Gift Express, this service is 
free to the customer.  Unless the customer is willing to pay a fee for 
next-day service, most NMQ orders are shipped by regular ground UPS 
routing.  (There are a few exceptions, such as satellite systems, where 
a common carrier is used due to the bulk and weight of a product.)  You 
should advise your customer that it can take 6 to 10 days for their NMQ 
order to arrive. 
 
Another important feature of NMQ is that sales made in this way contribute
to the history used to build MQs for your store. This means that if you 
have an item with a 0 (not a blank) MQ, you can earn an MQ of 2 by sel-
ling the item with NMQ orders.  If you get 2 or 3 of the item sold within
three months, you'll earn a MQ, and you can earn the MQ in as little as 
a month if the sales happen quickly. Once you have a MQ on the item, the 
system automatically replenishes the item to your store.
 
We're happy to report that after the first few weeks of operation, the 
NMQ ordering option is working very well.  We've heard many favorable 
reports from store managers who have used this option to satisfy 
customers and save sales. We're gaining these sales without having 
to stock slow-moving inventory in stores.  Most of the sales are for 
high-value merchandise, and most store managers appear to be using very 
good judgment in applying this option. 
 
Remember, we always want to sell from stock first, or use stock from
another store.  But if these options don't work, NMQ is a special way 
for you to say "Yes!"
 
 
MN-11-94
MISCELLANEOUS -- SCIENCE FAIR BOOKLET
 
November through January are the months for science fair projects in
schools.
You can help your customers who are budding scientists (and their parents)
-- and pick up some extra parts sales -- by prominently displaying the
booklet Science Fair : Ticket to Your Future (Cat. No. 680-2005, $.50).
Written in an engaging style by noted author Forrest M. Mimms, III and
printed in a "user-friendly" comic book format, the booklet's 32 big 
pages explain how kids can learn and have fun by doing a science fair 
project, and provide lots of practical guidance for budding experimenters.
The booklet features 15 actual projects they can try, in categories 
ranging from earth science, zoology, and botany to computer science and 
even physics.  You received stock of the booklet last spring.  If you 
need additional copies, contact your District or Regional Sales Manager 
to see about filling your needs from other stores in your area.
 
MN-11-94
BATTERY NOTES -- MISCELLANEOUS: USE NI-CADS FOR TOY DEMOS
 
Toys like the new Dustbot (Cat. No. 600-2556) and the CD Kidd (Cat. No.
600-1103) child's CD player attract lots of attention (and create sales!)
when you keep them running in your store during the Golden Quarter.  But 
you might find yourself using a lot of batteries to power them.
 
To reduce your battery usage while keeping your displays running, have two
sets of rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries for your displays.  Keep 
one set in a charger while the others are powering the toys, then switch 
them out.  (Be sure you don't charge the batteries for longer than the 
recommended time.)
 
Our thanks to Richard Carlton, manager (01-1109) in Revere, Massachusetts
for sharing this idea.
 
 
MN-11-94
BATTERY NOTES -- NEW STORAGE BATTERIES IN CMC
 
CMC now has a new line of rechargeable, sealed lead acid/gel cell storage
batteries.  These batteries are versatile -- they can be used for a
variety of applications, including security, emergency lighting, medical,
lawnmowers, and more.  They have extended shelf life and long service life.
 
In October, your store should have received a price list and a chart
showing specifications and applications for these new batteries.  If 
you didn't get your copy, or if you need an additional chart, send E-mail
to CMC1.
 
 
MN-11-94
ELECTRONIC PARTS -- UNDERSTANDING THE 220-0132A POWER INVERTER
 
Our Portable Power Inverter (Cat. No. 220-0132A) lets your customers
operate small AC appliances (such as shavers, electric blankets, TVs, 
VCRs, camcorders) from a vehicle or boat's 12 VDC battery power.  Some 
customers have asked why, when they measured the inverter's output, it 
was less than the specified 115 VAC.
 
For connected equipment to work properly, an inverter's circuit must
produce a sinusoidal voltage waveform ("sine wave") like that provided 
by a household utility line.  Because it's expensive to make an inverter 
that produces a true sine wave, most manufacturers use either a square 
wave or modified sine wave shape.
 
A square wave, like those produced by the least expensive inverters (and
unlike a true sine wave), has identical peak and RMS voltages.  This 
means it can't supply a normal electronic power supply's peak and RMS 
voltage requirements at the same time.  To compensate for this, manu-
facturers can either:  1) set the inverter's voltage to the correct RMS 
value of 115 to 120 volts, which diminishes switching power supplies' 
performance, or 2) set the voltage at a compromise value such as 130 
volts, which can cause transformers and motors to overheat 
 
A modified sine wave, like those produced by high quality inverters such a
the 22-132A, has a duty cycle that's adjusted to resemble a true sine wave
more closely than a square wave does.  Rather than transmitting a contin-
uous signal, the 220-0132A transmits a positive pulse, then a rest, then 
a negative pulse, then a rest, and so on.  The 22-132A's peak value is 145
to 150 volts, and its RMS value is 115 volts (compared to around 160 volts
peak and 115 to 120 volts RMS for a true sine wave).
 
To measure a modified sine wave inverter's output voltage, use a true-RMS-
reading voltmeter.  Most analog and digital AC voltmeters are calibrated
to assume that they're measuring a true sine wave.  The reading they 
give on a modified sine wave depends on the duty cycle selected and will 
usually be about 10% low.  On a true RMS meter, the 22-132A's output 
voltage will measure 115 volts  5%.
 
 
MN-11-94
ELECTRONIC PARTS -- 220-0168 PC INTERFACE PROBLEM
 
Our Manual/Auto Range Dual-Display Digital Multimeter (Cat. No. 220-0168)
comes with PC-interface software that lets users connect the meter to a 
PC-compatible computer.  Once connected, users can download stored 
measurements, or perform advanced functions like unattended measurement 
with time logging. Some users have reported that when they attempted to 
install the Windows version of the PC-interface software, they got this 
error message:
 
    THREED.VBX could not be installed.
 
If any of your customers experience this problem, tell them to exit
Windows and follow these steps:
 
1. Select the drive where Windows is installed.  For example, if the
   Windows software is located on the C drive, type C:.
2. Type CD WINDOWS\SYSTEM.
 
3. Type RENAME THREED.VBX THREED.OLD.
4. Restart Windows and repeat the procedure for installing the PC-
   interface software.
 
An addendum was added to the Owner's Manual for all units which were in
the warehouse in mid-October.  If you sell one which you received before 
then, be sure to let the customer know about this software installation 
procedure.
 
 
MN-11-94
ELECTRONIC PARTS -- TNP HAS BELT KITS
 
Tandy National Parts Distributor Sales now has belt kits for cassette
players, VCRs, turntables, and other major name brand products.  There 
are over 40 different belt kits available through Distributor Sales, as 
well as hundreds of other belts for your customers.
 
Call the Telephone Order Center at (800) 433-2024 to order belt kits or
obtain cross-reference information, or refer to Tandy National Parts' 
cross reference books and 3.5" low density disks.  Order Part No. 
MM-1001115B for the Belt Cross Reference Guide, or Part No. 15A-0298 
for the Belt Cross Reference Diskette.  A belt measuring tool (Part No. 
15A-0124) is also available (order these parts using the dummy Cat. No. 
10-1115DP).
 
 
MN-11-94
COMPUTERS -- AST ADVANTAGE! ADVENTURE UPDATE: EXITING/REMOVING THE 25-0404
DEMO
 
When you turn on the AST Advantage! Adventure computer (Cat. No. 25-0404),
the computer gives a one-time option to select "Home/Office Use" or "In-
Store Display."
 
When you select "In-Store Display," the system prompts you to input a
password. If you choose your store number as your password, don't use 
the keypad to input the numbers. Instead, use the number keys at the top 
of the keyboard. When you want to exit the demo, simply type in your 
password and press ENTER.  This returns you to the AST Works desktop.  
If you forget your password, the password  "backdoor" will also get you 
out of the demo.
 
MN-11-94
COMPUTERS -- AST ADVANTAGE! ADVENTURE UPDATE: LOCK UP ON BOOTUP?
 
Some users have reported problems with the 25-404 locking up immediately
on bootup.  The vendor, AST, has been notified and is checking into the
situation.
 
The immediate solution is to restore from the floppy and CD-ROM disk that
are provided with the unit.  Place the Hard Drive Restore diskette in the
floppy drive, then reboot the computer.  The display prompts you to load 
the Advantage Works Data CD.  This reformats the drive and installs the 
system back to factory. If this doesn't solve the problem, then the hard-
ware is probably bad. Send the computer to your Radio Shack Repair Center 
as an in-warranty repair.
 
 
MN-11-94
COMPUTERS -- AST ADVANTAGE! ADVENTURE UPDATE: HOLD TIMES
 
Users have also complained about the 25-404's hold times.  AST is aware of
this problem and is working on a solution.  Watch future issues of the
Merchandising Newsletter  for more information.
 
 
MN-11-94
COMPUTERS -- GRAFFITI POWER WRITING SOFTWARE FOR TANDY PDA
 
Owners of the Tandy Personal Digital Assistant (Cat. No. 25-3100) can
upgrade their PDA and make it even more useful with the addition of 
Graffiti power writing software (Cat. No. 25-3116) from Palm Computing, 
available through CMC.
 
Graffiti makes the PDA's handwriting recognition feature even more
responsive. Based on a simplified version of the alphabet, Graffiti is 
fast, accurate, and easy to use.  Experienced Graffiti users can enter 
over 30 words a minute, with near 100% accuracy.  Anyone can learn to 
use Graffiti in as little as 20 minutes, and master it in less than 
2 hours!
 
Some handwriting recognition systems require the user to learn an entirely
new alphabet, like shorthand.  Not Graffiti!  The pen strokes used in 
Graffiti aren't difficult to learn -- in fact, they're based on the way 
most people write anyway.  The difference is that, in Graffiti, every 
character must be written in a single stroke (except "X," which is written 
in two strokes, both beginning from the top).
 
The Graffiti pen strokes are written right on top of each other in a small
(1 x 1.5 inch) window, so it's not necessary for the user to look at the 
screen while writing.  (Graffiti is perfect for taking notes in a dark or 
dimly lit lecture hall or conference room, or for jotting down ideas late 
at night without having to turn on the light!)
 
As the user writes, the characters instantly appear on the PDA's display
as typed text.  There are even "space" and "backspace" characters (so users
can correct mistakes easily as they would on a typewriter), complete
punctuation, and accents.
 
Graffiti's reasonable price -- just $79.00 -- makes it a perfect holiday
gift for anyone who already owns a PDA, and an ideal add-on for any new 
PDA purchase.  (To download the software, users need a PC-to-PDA serial 
cable, available through CMC as Cat. No. 25-3101, and at least 60k free 
space on their PDA.)
 
 
MN-11-94
COMPUTERS -- PRODIGY NFL PROMO
 
As football season continues, PRODIGY's NFL bulletin board can be a strong
selling point for our PRODIGY for Windows membership kit (Cat.No 25-3199).
 
You should keep your store demo on-line, so football enthusiasts and other
customers can experience the "information superhighway" firsthand.
 
Be sure to save the letter you received with your PRODIGY Demo disk, since
it contains your PRODIGY logon and password.  Also, give a copy of your 
logon and password to your District Manager, as an "insurance policy" in 
case yours gets misplaced.
 
 
MN-11-94
COMPUTERS -- CORDLESS MOUSE CLARIFICATION
 
Page 4 of the Owner's Manual for our Cordless Mouse (Cat. No. 25-2006)
states that when the mouse is fully charged for about 15 hours, it will
operate for approximately 10 hours.  Also, the specifications on Page 14 
list the mouse's operating cycle as approximately 10 hours of normal use.
These figures are somewhat misleading.  When fully charged for 15 hours 
or more, the cordless mouse operates for three hours of constant use, or 
seven hours when idle or inactive.  The manual will be corrected by a 
running change.
 
 
MN-11-94
COMPUTERS -- SPECIAL ORDER PSION ACCESSORIES AND SOFTWARE
 
The October 1994 Merchandising Newsletter included a list of accessories
and software available through CMC for the PSION Series 3A Pocket Computer
(Cat.No. 25-3200).  More items are available by special order now, with 
more still to come.  Call the Telephone Order Center at (800) 433-2024.
 
 
MN-11-94
COMPUTERS -- SOLID STATE MEMORY DISKS
 
These solid state memory disks are faster and more reliable than floppy or
hard disks, and feature standard MS-DOS file structure.  Choose Flash 
Memory for the highest data integrity, or RAM for information which is 
changed often.
 
     Description             Cat. No.        Price
 
     128K Flash Disk         T25-112030      $64.99
 
     512K Flash Disk         T25-112238      159.99
 
     2MB Flash Disk          T25-112436      294.99
 
     4MB Flash Disk          T25-112535      549.99
 
     128K RAM Disk           T25-110037      99.99
 
     512K RAM Disk           T25-113136      224.99
 
     1MB RAM Disk            T25-113235      444.99
 
 
 
MN-11-94
COMPUTERS -- OTHER PSION ACCESSORIES
 
INTELLILINK (Cat. No. T25-INTELL, $99.99) -- On 3.5-inch diskette.
 
    Used in conjunction with a Serial Link (Cat. No. 25-3202 for IBM).
 
    Provides fast, accurate file transfer filters to allow selective data
    transfer.  SmartMerge data reconciliation for quick and easy data
    synchronization.  Field mapping for custom data placement.  Supports
ACT!
    for Windows, ASCII (CSV) files, CaLANdar, Commence, dBase III/IV,
ECCO,
    Excel 5.0, Lotus Organizer, Microsoft Schedule+, PackRat 4.1, Paradox
    3.5/4.0, Sidekick 2.0, Windows Cardfile & Calendar, and Word for
Windows
    6.0.  Also supports HP Palmtops, Sharp Wizards, and our own Personal
    Digital Assistant (Cat. No. 25-3100).
 
SERIAL PRINTER ADAPTER  (Cat. No. T25-055054, $24.99) --
 
    Used with a Serial Link (Cat. No. 25-3205 or T25-115239).
 
MODEM ADAPTER (Cat. No. T25-055856, $24.99) --
 
    Used with a SerialLink to connect to any modem with a 25 pin female
    adapter.
 
SERIAL LINK MACINTOSH (Cat. No. T25-115239, $119.99) --
 
    Allows the PSION Series 3 to work hand-in-hand with a Macintosh
    computer to transfer information, documents, or agenda files at 
    lightning speed.
 
3 FAX (Cat. No. T25-115437, $294.99) --
 
    The ultimate companion for any PSION Series 3A user who wants to
    design, prepare, and send faxes directly from the pocket computer, 
    easily and simply.  Includes all cables and built-in software.
    Requires two AA batteries (not included).
 
DELUXE LEATHER WALLET (Cat. No. T25-116236, $59.99) --
 
    Durable black leather with four pockets for carrying solid state
    disks, credit cards, or business cards, plus a full-length pocket 
    that holds cash and a checkbook.
 
 
MN-11-94
COMPUTERS -- MORE PSION SOFTWARE
 
Berlitz Language Translator (Cat. No. T25-114331, $119.99) --
 
    Works with Series 3A applications such as Word processor and can
    translate 28,000 words and phrases between five languages:  English,
    French, Spanish, Italian, and German.  Your customers can select all 
    five languages or any two, and make any one of the five the primary 
    language.  Shows alternative meanings when they exist and indicates 
    parts of speech.
 
Compute a Diet (Cat. No. T25-114989, $199.99) --
 
    Lets your customer use the Series 3A to help plan and manage their
    diet.
 
Hugh Johnson's Wine Guide 1994 (Cat. No. T25-114904, $99.99) --
 
    Lets your customers simply and easily search and cross reference
    wines, foods, vineyards, and vintages.  Over 4,000 entries provide 
    commentary and descriptions on over 6,000 wines from over 30 
    countries.  Includes vintage data up to 1993, with recommendations 
    on what wine goes best with over 250 foods and meals.
 
Money (Cat. No. T25-114053, $119.99) --
 
    Equivalent to PC versions of Quicken and Microsoft Money.  Suitable
    for personal and small business use, with full password protection.
    Includes over 100 report and graph options.  Handles budgets, foreign
    currency accounts, currency conversion fluctuations, standing orders,
    interest estimates, end of year operations, and more.  Manages up to 
    256 accounts, 16,000 transactions, 50 currencies and 50 standing 
    orders per file. Can import and Quicken QIF files.
 
Pipermania (Cat. No. T25-114836, $79.99) --
 
    International award winning puzzle game -- extremely addictive and
    fiendishly challenging; requires ingenuity, strategic thinking and
    mental agility.
 
Professional Finance (Cat. No. T25-114232, $99.99) --
 
    The perfect analyst and problem-solver for those involved with
    finance. Evaluates cash flows, depreciation, rates of return, 
    amortization, linear payoffs, break-even points, and capital growth.
    Even covers currency conversions and interest rates.
 
PSION Chess (Cat. No. T25-114133, $99.99) --
 
    More powerful than many dedicated chess-playing computers, for players
    of all standards.  Three-dimensional board display with 28 levels of
    play, opening book of nearly 4,000 moves, and chess clocks.  Can load
    and save games, and set up positions.  Accepts all legal moves, can 
    under promote, solve "mate in" problems, play against itself, or let 
    two people play against each other.
 
PSION Games 2 (Cat. No. T25-114737, $99.99) --
 
    Choose from six different games: Theole, Jumpy, Slider, Acespace,
    CrissX, and Epo.
 
3Flight Annual Updates (Cat. No. T25-114951, $99.99) --
 
    Annual updates to 3Flight Manager (Cat. No. T25-114950).
 
 
MN-11-94
COMPUTERS -- CHECK OUT THE SUPPORT LIBRARY CD
 
Can't find that SVGA driver disk?  Customer lost their SETUP disk?  Don't
have time to order the disk, then wait for the mail to arrive?  Now you 
don't have to.  Just look on your Tandy Retail Services Support Library 
CD!
 
The CD is loaded with information that will help make your job much
easier. Besides information from our products' Owner's Manuals, it also 
includes many documents and procedures written by our own support staff.  
These documents are very helpful because they deal with specific issues 
and are written in a step-by-step sequence.
 
For an excellent example of the  "extras" on the CD, see Faxback Document
No.2509 -- the catalog listing for the Tandy Sensation! (250-1651).  The
documents listed under "Hints and Tips" are taken directly from the 
Sensation! Training Class, written by members of our support staff.  
They deal with the "how to's..." of specific issues which customers 
encounter in everyday business.
 
If you need facts (not fax) on paper and don't have time to get through to
a specialist at Product Support, check out the CD.  If you or your 
customer need a file, you might not have to order it on disk -- it may 
already be on the CD. Check it out!  There's a world of information there.
 
MN-11-94
COMPUTERS -- INSTALLING THE SUPPORT LIBRARY CD-ROM ON AN ADVANTAGE 6066D
 
Before you begin installing the Support Library CD-ROM on the new AST
Advantage 6066d computer, you must delete the vbrun300.dll file from the 
C: directory.
 
1. Click on FILE, then EXIT WINDOWS, then OK.
2. Type CD C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM and press ENTER.
 
3. Type DEL VBRUN300.DLL and press ENTER.
 
4. Type CD C: and press ENTER.
5. Type WIN and press ENTER.
 
On a default computer, you will go into the AST Works desktop.
 
Once this is done, follow these steps to install the Support Library
CD-ROM.
 
1. Click on File .
 
2. Click on Desktop as Shell to remove the check mark.  Then click on Yes
   to the question.  This changes the shell to Program Manager.
 
3. Click on File, then Exit, then Yes to exit Windows.
 
4. Restart Windows by typing WIN at the C: prompt.  You will now go into
   Windows under Program Manager.
 
5. Put the Support Library CD-ROM into the drive.
 
6. Click on FILE and then RUN.
 
7. Type D:\SETUP and press ENTER.
 
8. Click on CONTINUE twice to accept the default drives.
 
Once the installation is complete, follow these steps to change the shell
back to the AST Works Desktop.
 
1. Close the Support Library CD by clicking on the box in the upper left
   hand corner, then clicking on Close.
 
2. Double click on the AST Works icon.
 
3. Double click on the Desktop Icon.
 
4. Click on FILE.
 
5. Click on DESKTOP AS SHELL to place a check mark by it, then click on
   YES.
 
6. Close the AST Works Desktop by clicking on the box in the upper left
   hand corner, then clicking on CLOSE.
 
7. Click on FILE, then EXIT WINDOWS, then OK.
 
8. Type in WIN to go back into Windows.  This brings you to the AST Works
   Desktop.
 
To access the Support Library CD, go to FILE and click on PROGRAM MANAGER.
Then double click on the Support Library Icon.  To go back to the AST
Works Desktop, click on File and then Close.
 
 
MN-11-94
COMPUTERS -- PCMCIA FAX/MODEM CARD FOR LAPTOP COMPUTERS
 
Users of two of our laptop computers have a new communication option
available. Now CMC offers a PCMCIA 14.4 Kbps modem card (Cat. No. 
25-305, $249.99) for the IBM 2604C2U Subnote (Cat. No. 25-302) and the 
Packard Bell Statesman 200C (Cat. No. 25-304).
 
MN-11-94
COMPUTERS -- NEW IBM APTIVA AND MONITOR
 
By mid-November, selected stores will be receiving stock of a new IBM
multimedia PC and monitor.
 
The IBM Aptiva 330 2144-24P (Cat. No. 25-405, $1,399.00) features a
486SX2/50 processor, 363 MB hard drive, 4/64 MB memory, 8K CPU cache, 
double speed IDE CD-ROM drive, fax/modem capability, keyboard, mouse, 
Sound Blaster 16 audio card, and two 4 Watt stereo speakers.
 
Pre-installed software includes IBM DOS 6.3, MS Windows 3.11, Quicken for
Windows, Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia, and much more.  Service and
support are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from the IBM Customer
Service and Support Center.
 
The IBM Model 59G7871 14-Inch Hi Function Color Monitor (Cat. No. 25-406,
$339.00) features a diagonal viewable image size of 13 inches.  It's ideal
for use with the Aptiva 330's video modes and frequencies, and sells 
for only $300.00 when purchased with 25-405.
 
 
MN-11-94
AUTO SOUND -- REPLACEMENT PARTS IN CMC
 
CMC now has wiring harnesses, line-out converters, and faceplates for many
auto sound products.  For specific model cross-reference information call 
the Telephone Order Center at (800) 433-2024.
 
If you or your customers need technical help or have general questions
there's a support line available:
 
(800) 450-TECH
8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (PST), Monday through Friday
8:00 AM to 2:00 PM (PST) Saturday
 
 
MN-11-94
EXPRESS ORDER -- EXPRESS ORDER SEPTEMBER HONOR ROLL
 
Districts with 100% Store Participation
        District #     District Manager         Sales
 1.      01-0879       Jeff Brodsky            $19,672
 2.      01-0518       Michael Rodman           18,672
 3.      01-0525       Steve Ramsey             18,567
 4.      01-0514       Paul Pollack             14,812
 5.      01-0515       Elsom Eldridge           14,446
 6.      01-0863       John Bugh                14,364
 7.      01-0868       Keith Collins            12,368
 8.      01-0516       Fred Babbino             11,757
 9.      01-0522       Paul Mahoney             10,696
10.      01-0566       Rob McLear               10,276
11.      01-0382       Jim Vaughn               10,225
12.      01-0541       Dave McLeod               9,642
13.      01-0360       David Homa                8,928
14.      01-0873       John Torres               7,958
15.      01-0870       Steven Winter             7,618
16.      01-0341       Thomas Montague           7,279
17.      01-0367       Mario Lopez               7,108
 
Top 20 Stores in Sales
 
         Store #        Location                  Sales
 1.      01-9724        Miami, FL               $29,683
 2.      01-2118        Doylestown, PA           10,432
 3.      01-2483        Washington, DC            5,660
 4.      01-1117        Augusta, ME               4,473
 5.      01-3863        Hilo, HI                  4,688
 6.      01-8397        Denton, TX                4,445
 7.      01-9684        Savannah, GA              3,995
 8.      01-9721        Miami, FL                 3,727
 9.      01-9815        Jackson, MS               3,688
10.      01-1537        Holyoke, MA               3,182
11.      01-2664        Brooklyn, NY              3,041
12.      01-8033        Houston, TX               2,958
13.      01-2447        Hagerstown, MD            2,935
14.      01-2147        Wilmington, DE            2,894
15.      01-2139        Williamsport, PA          2,877
16.      01-2856        Torrington, CT            2,856
17.      01-1042        Nashua, NH                2,842
18.      01-6201        Sheboygan, WI             2,819
19.      01-8563        Jefferson  City, MO       2,807
20.      01-2800        Warwick, RI               2,800
21.      01-4317        Stow, OH                  2,800


 
MN-12-94
ONE MINUTE MERCHANDISER
 
(The One Minute Merchandiser returns this month with some special thoughts
for the holidays, reprinted from the December 1993 Merchandising
Newsletter.)
 
CHRISTMAS CARE
 
You've read, watched, and listened to an incredible amount of training and
special instruction to get ready for the Christmas selling season.  Well,
it's here now and there's precious little time to go over all that
material, but we can give you three simple steps that say it all in a
nutshell.
 
TAKE CARE OF YOUR CUSTOMERS -- Give every customer VIP treatment.  Work
with each to solve gift-giving problems.  The more help you can give
customers with their gift lists, the more they'll buy.  Remember, every
customer is a valuable asset, representing thousands of dollars in present
and future sales.  If you treat them right (the way YOU'D like to be
treated), they'll spend more of their shopping dollars with you this year,
and for many years to come!
 
TAKE CARE OF YOUR STORE -- It's a customer's job to pick up and look at
everything in the store.  It's the children's job to knock over signs and
displays, and leave messes and fingerprints everywhere.  It's your job to
clean up everything as soon as possible to keep it all looking great.
Accept your responsibility and keep your store clean, neat, inviting, and
exciting so the next group of anxious shoppers can do their jobs, too.
 
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF -- Don't let illness ruin your sales or your
enjoyment of the holidays.  You will be under a lot of extra stress this
month, so watch your nutrition, and get some extra rest and exercise.  A
20-minute walk each morning before you open the store will clear your head
and put you in great spirits for a busy, profitable day!
 
Our very best wishes to you and your loved ones for a joyful holiday and a
healthy and prosperous New Year.
 
Chuck Sizer
E-mail  CSIZER1
(817) 878-4141
 
 
MN-12-94
TELEPHONES -- "TWO CELLULAR TELEPHONES...ONE NUMBER?"
 
Recently, we've heard of a number of companies that claim to be able to
alter the factory-set Electronic Serial Numbers (ESNs) of cellular
telephones.  This supposedly enables two or more cellular telephones to
have the same ESN (commonly referred to as cloning).  A perceived benefit
to  "sharing" an ESN is that it allows multiple cellular users to pay a
single access fee and enjoy all the other benefits of cellular service.
Some of these companies simply ask that you refer prospects to them, for a
fixed fee.  Others offer to sell you equipment which would enable you to
alter ESNs for customers who are willing to pay large fees to "share" ESNs
(and pricing plans).
 
Both cellular users and carriers can experience problems if two more more
cellular phones have the same ESN, but we won't discuss THOSE problems
here.  The bottom line is this:  the Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) ruled on September 9, 1994, that tampering with cellular ESNs
violates FCC rules (and therefore, Federal law).  The FCC also ruled that
a customer's knowing use of such altered equipment violates FCC rules,
and that any individual or company that knowingly alters a cellular
telephone to cause it to transmit an ESN other than the one originally
installed by the manufacturer is aiding in the violation of the rules.
With a service called "Party Line" (or similar names), two cellular phones
can legally share a single pricing plan; there's a discrete access charge
for each phone, and both phones retain their separate factory-set ESNs.
However, few carriers currently offer this service.
 
If you are asked to participate in any activity which involves altering
ESNs in cellular phones, please refer those making the offer to:
 
Chuck Sizer
Cellular Marketing Manager
1500 One Tandy Center
Fort Worth, Texas  76102
(817) 878-4141
 
 
MN-12-94
TELEPHONES -- "Sell Better Merchandise" in Cordless Phones and TADs
 
Here are the cordless phones and TADs featured in this month's promotions.
To help your customer "step up" from the most economical models to more
fully-featured units, know and show the features, then let your customer
decide!
 
CORDLESS PHONES:
 
    +-------------------+ +-------------------+ +-------------------+
    |      43-1004      | |      43-0568      | |      43-1004      |
    |                   | |                   | |                   |
    |    REG  $59.99    | |    REG  $79.99    | |    REG  $59.99    |
    |    SALE $49.99    | |    SALE $59.99    | |    SALE $49.99    |
    | UNADVERTISED F522 | |        F522       | |        F522       |
    |                   | |                   | |                   |
    | UPRIGHT           | | TRIM              | | TRIM              |
    | REDIAL            | | REDIAL            | | REDIAL            |
    | FLASH             | | FLASH             | | FLASH             |
    | PAGE              | | --                | | PAGE              |
    | --                | | CCT               | | CCT               |
    +-------------------+ | 9 MEMORY          | | 10 MEMORY         |
                          +-------------------+ +-------------------+
 
    +-------------------+ +-------------------+ +-------------------+
    |      43-0574      | |      43-0569      | |      43-1004      |
    |                   | |                   | |                   |
    |   REG   $119.99   | |   REG  $139.99    | |   REG  $299.99    |
    |   SALE   $49.99   | |   SALE $119.99    | |   SALE $249.99    |
    |        F522       | |        F522       | | UNADVERTISED F522 |
    |                   | |                   | |                   |
    | UPRIGHT           | | HEADSET           | | TRIM              |
    | REDIAL            | | REDIAL            | | REDIAL            |
    | FLASH             | | FLASH             | | FLASH             |
    | PAGE              | | --                | | PAGE              |
    | CCT               | | CCT               | | CCT               |
    | 20 MEMORY         | | --                | | 2 MEMORY          |
    | 10 CHANNEL        | | PRIVACY           | | 100 CHANNEL       |
    +-------------------+ +-------------------+ | PRIVACY           |
                                                | LIGHTED KEYPAD    |
                                                | 900 MHZ           |
                                                +-------------------+
 
TADs:
 
           +---------------------+     +----------------------+
           |        43-0751      |     |      43-0751         |
           |                     |     |                      |
           |      REG  $69.99    |     |    REG  $69.99       |
           |      SALE $49.99    |     |    SALE $49.99       |
           |          F522       |     |        F522          |
           |                     |     |                      |
           | DUAL CASSETTE       |     | SINGLE MICROCASSETTE |
           | REMOTE              |     | REMOTE               |
           | TOLL SAVER          |     | TOLL SAVER           |
           | ANNOUNCE ONLY       |     | --                   |
           | CALL SCREEN         |     | CALL SCREEN          |
           +---------------------+     | 2-WAY RECORD         |
                                       | MEMO                 |
                                       | PHONE                |
                                       +----------------------+
 
           +---------------------+     +----------------------+
           |       43-0714       |     |       43-0741        |
           |                     |     |                      |
           |      REG  $99.99    |     |      REG  $99.99     |
           |     SALE $69.99     |     |      SALE $79.99     |
           |  UNADVERTISED F522  |     |         F522         |
           |                     |     |                      |
           | DUAL CASSETTE       |     | FULL DIGITAL TAD     |
           | REMOTE              |     | REMOTE               |
           | TOLL SAVER          |     | TOLL SAVER           |
           | --                  |     | ANNOUNCE ONLY        |
           | CALL SCREEN         |     | CALL SCREEN          |
           | MEMO                |     | MEMO                 |
           | --                  |     | --                   |
           | TWO-WAY RECORD      |     | VOICE STAMP          |
           | ROOM MONITOR        |     | ROOM MONITOR         |
           | MESSAGE CENTER      |     | LED MESSAGE CENTER   |
           | TIMER               |     | VOICE ASSISTED       |
           +---------------------+     +----------------------+
 
 
MN-12-94
TELEPHONES -- CT-352 NAM PROGRAMMING CLARIFICATION
 
The instructions in the November 1994 Merchandising Newsletter for
changing the displayed language on the CT-352 cellular telephone (Cat. No.
17-1062) weren't clear.
 
After changing the language, you still need to reprogram the lock code, or
the phone will default to the factory-installed Security Code.  Refer to
Step 10 of the "NAM Programming Instructions for CT-352 Cellular
Telephone (Cat. No. 17-1062)" insert from the October 1994 newsletter.
 
1. After you clear the factory-installed Security Code (12345), the
   display shows 911#*911#0*.  Press CL CL to clear the preset language
   (the 0 before the asterisk indicates that English is selected).
 
2. Enter 1 for French or 2 for Spanish, then press *.
 
3. Type the new five-digit lock code, press STO, and type 01.  The phone
   responds REPLACE CONTENTS?
 
4. Press STO again to store the new language.
 
 
MN-12-94
TELEPHONES -- CT-302 MOBILE MOUNTING KIT
 
CMC has the perfect gift for your customers who need to mount a CT-302
cellular phone (Cat. No. 17-1051) in a vehicle.
 
Our mobile mounting kit (Cat. No. 17-606 or Express Order No. 10163632,
$59.99) includes everything they'll need to mount the phone, and even
comes with a cigarette lighter adapter to charge and power it!  Once
installed, the phone easily slides on and off the adjustable bracket.
 
 
MN-12-94
TELEPHONES -- AC ADAPTER FOR CALLER ID
 
The AC adapter recommended in the Owner's Manual for our Caller ID System
250 (Cat. No. 43-956) might cause the System 250 to lock up.  Instead,
recommend our 9-volt, 200 mA AC adapter, available through CMC as Cat. No.
273-1670, or Express Order No. 11265360, $6.99).  The manual is being
corrected by a running change.
 
 
MN-12-94
TELEPHONES -- CORDLESS PHONE BATTERY NOTES
 
23-196 Correction
 
The packaging for our 3.6-volt, 250 mAh battery pack (Cat. No. 23-196)
incorrectly states that the Emerson TEC-3000 telephone uses this battery.
We don't currently sell a battery for that phone.
 
ET-505/506/507
 
CMC has batteries for your customers' cordless phones.  A 3.6-volt, 280
mAh battery with 2-socket connector (Cat. No. CTB-1903 or Express Order
No. 10451045, $7.95) works with our ET-503 (Cat. No. 43-1006), (Cat. No.
43-1008), and ET-506 (Cat. No. 43-1009).  A 3.6-volt, 270 mAh battery with
3-socket connector (Cat. No. CTB-1907 or Express Order No. 10456507,
$11.99), works with our ET-507 (Cat. No. 43-1012).
 
Pager Bungee Cords
 
No, this doesn't mean your customers' pagers will be jumping off bridges
next year.  It does mean that CMC has an attractive new way for your
customers to prevent accidental loss of their pagers.
 
These coiled cords (Cat. No. 17-6061 or Express Order No. 11268018 for
Black, Cat. No. 17-6062 or Express Order 11268026 for Teal, $4.99 each)
extend to 24 inches. The customer simply attaches the cord's small clip to
their pager's ring or bar, and the large clasp to their clothing or purse
for a fashionable new look.
 
 
MN-12-94
COMMUNICATIONS -- SCANNERS WITHOUT ORANGE DOT
 
Warehouses have begun shipping new versions of our PRO-23, PRO-46, and
PRO-51 handheld scanners (Cat. No. 200-0504, 200-0305, or 200-0308)
without the orange dot on the box.  The dot indicates that the scanner has
been reworked to make sure its test frequencies don't include the cellular
telephone frequency, 888.96 MHz, or the test mode has been disabled.  If
the date code on the scanner's gift box and rating label is 8A4 or
earlier, it should have an orange dot.  If the date code is 9A4 or later,
it's OK without a dot.
 
If you're in doubt, you can follow these steps to test any scanner
yourself.
 
1. Install good batteries and start with the unit turned off.
 
2. Lay the scanner face up on a table top.
 
3.  With one hand, firmly press 2, 9, and LOCKOUT.
 
4. While holding all three keys down, turn the unit on.  It should come up
   and begin to scan.
 
5. Press MANUAL to stop the scan.
 
6. Press 1, then MANUAL to go to Channel 1.
 
   See if a frequency has been written into this memory.
 
7. Repeatedly press MANUAL to check higher memory locations.
 
If the scanner's memory is empty, you can sell it.  If the first 20 or so
channels have test frequencies loaded, you'll need to check all memory
channels (Channel 23) and look for 888.96 MHz.
 
Start at about Channel 18 and continue hitting MANUAL to review the
contents of higher memory channels.  If you find 888.96, return the
scanner to the Fort Worth Distribution Center for rework.  Follow the
instructions is SOS memo $3422, dated September 2, 1994.
 
In 9A4 and later versions, you'll find that the LOCKOUT works, but 888.96
has been changed to 800.00 or another permitted frequency.
 
Our thanks to John Strohmeier, manager (01-1043) in Saugus, Massachusetts,
for this question.
 
 
MN-12-94
COMMUNICATIONS -- ACCESSORIES IN CMC
 
Looking for "stocking stuffers" to suggest for your radio customers?  CMC
has these ideas!
 
CARRYING CASE FOR BUSINESS BAND TRANSCEIVER
 
Anyone who owns one of our BXT-120 (Cat. No. 190-1201) or BXT-121 (Cat. No
190-1202) business band transceivers will appreciate a rugged black
leather carrying case, and now CMC has them.  The case -- Cat. No 190-0303
or Express Order No. 10459931 -- attaches securely to a belt, with a
double snap feature to keep the case from becoming dislodged and dropped.
You need to see this case to appreciate its $29.99 price.
 
CB ANTENNAS
 
For CB users, CMC has 12-inch flexible, clamp-on "rubber duck" antennas
(Cat. No. 21-980 or Express Order No. 10459949, $9.99) to fit most CB
walkie talkies.  Here's a safe, convenient alternative to conventional
telescoping antennas -- easier to use in small spaces, and less likely to
snag on objects and break.
 
By popular demand, our new TRC-231 Deluxe Hand- held CB Walkie Talkie
(Cat. No. 21-1675) features a flexible antenna with BNC connector.  But
for customers who require maximum performance, CMC carries a center loaded
pull up antenna (Cat. No. 21-0003 or Express Order No. 10456168, $24.99).
 
CB CRYSTALS
 
In case you didn't know, CMC has crystals for all of our CB walkie-talkies
(in addition to the six crystals you carry in stock).  Check your CMC
price list for the CMC and Express Order part numbers.  Transmit (CBT) and
receive (CBR) crystals are available for Channels 1-40 at $2.49 each, or
$4.98 a pair.
 
 
MN-12-94
COMMUNICATIONS -- HAMFEST ATTENDANCE BOOSTS SALES
 
After reading the article "Extra Day (Or Two) Of Sales!" in the May 1994
Merchandising Newsletter, Radio Shack 01-1334 in Nanuet, New York, decided
to try attending a local hamfest.  Their attendance at the ARRL Division
Hamfest on September 11 was a HUGE success.  Store manager Chris Frank
and senior sales rep Steve Rosman were warmly greeted by area hams (many
of whom were happily surprised to see Radio Shack at such a function), and
they wrote over $6,000 in sales in just a few hours! The biggest sellers
were the 20-145 scanner, the 2 meter and 440 HT's, frequency counter and
DSP unit.  DSM Paul Pollack supplied a big Radio Shack banner that really
drew a crowd and added credibility.  With a cellular phone hookup, Chris
and Steve were able to do a booming credit card business, adding to their
success.
 
Thanks to Steve Rosman (01-1334) in Nanuet, New York, for sharing this
great success story.  Congratulations!
 
 
MN-12-94
COMMUNICATIONS -- RADAR/LASER DETECTOR ACCESSORIES IN TNP
 
Tandy National Parts has these replacement accessories for our X, K and Ka
Super-Wideband Laser/Radar Detector (Cat. No. 22-1654).
 
Description        Part No.        Price
 
DC Power Cable     W-0712          $5.49
Bracket Holder     HB-0913          5.89
Sun Visor Clip     MB-0340          4.45
 
 
MN-12-94
COMMUNICATIONS -- NEW FCC PHONE NUMBERS
 
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has some new phone numbers.
To order forms, you and your customers can now call (202) 418-3676, or
write to:
 
        FCC
        2803 52nd Avenue
        Hyattsville, Maryland  20781
 
The new number to call for fee information is (202) 418-0220.
 
 
MN-12-94
VIDEO -- DSS UPDATE
 
DSS sales remain brisk, but with very limited inventory, today we are
still unable to add any more stores to the DSS program.  Our partners at
RCA have met their commitment to Radio Shack for the amount of inventory
they promised us this year.  Although DSS systems are still on allocation
from RCA, we expect more product to be available in the first quarter of
1995.
 
 
MN-12-94
VIDEO -- CAMCORDER REBATE
 
If you've been looking for a tool to help you close holiday camcorder
sales, this could be it!
 
We are running a $100.00 mail-in consumer rebate on three current
camcorders.  You should already have your sign and rebate coupons.
 
>From now until December 31, customers who buy our Model 161 (Cat. No.
160-0862), the catalog price can follow the directions on the coupon and
mail it in for a $100.00 rebate.
 
 
MN-12-94
VIDEO -- ALIGNMENT BEARING/MAST STABILIZER
 
Now CMC has an Alignment Bearing/Mast Stabilizer (Cat. No. 150-1226 or
Express Order No. 11244738, $29.99) for our Antenna Rotator System (Cat.
No. 150-1225).
 
Customers should use an alignment bearing with stacked arrays, double
arrays (UHF-VHF and/or FM), and any antenna or antenna mast that's longer
than 8 feet.
 
 
MN-12-94
VIDEO -- 150-1963 VIDEO EDITING TIPS
 
Our Easy Home Video Editor (Cat. No. 150-1963) gives your customers two
ways to edit their home video tapes into professional quality
presentations:  instant editing and timecoded copy.
 
INSTANT EDITING
 
Instant Editing immediately records "good" video as it appears on the
screen.  Simply watch the original tape and press the Thumbs-Up button
when good video is about to begin.  The editor automatically starts the
recorder.  (If the fader is on, it also fades the video up from black.)
When the good video ends, press the Thumbs-Down button. The editor pauses
the recorder (and optionally fades to black). Repeat the process for each
scene.
 
TIMECODED COPY
 
The Easy Home Video Editor can make a timecoded copy of an original tape,
so your customers can use the new copy to get timecode-accurate
productions, even if their camcorder doesn't have a timecode feature.  It
also allows semi-automatic editing, even with camcorders and VCRs that
don't have edit control.
 
Be sure to tell your customers that the productions they make from the
timecoded copy will be "third-generation" (copies of a copy), unlike
normal Easy Home Video Editor productions, which are second-generation
(copies of an original).
 
Also let them know that if their camcorder and VCR use different formats,
the timecoded copy won't play in the camcorder, so they'll need to record
the copy using a camcorder or VCR with the same format as the original
camcorder.  (Or, when using the new original, they'll need to change the
camcorder for a VCR capable of playing it.)
 
 
MN-12-94
VIDEO -- CMC HAS CABLES
 
Speaking of the Easy Home Video Editor, CMC now has cables which allow
customers to use the editor with a Sony or Panasonic type camcorder that
requires a 2.5-mm, 5-pin DIN control L jack.
 
Call the Telephone Order Center at (800) 433-2024 and order Cat. No.
160-2334 or Express Order No. 10280063 ($7.99) for a Sony camcorder, or
Cat. No. 160-2335 or Express Order No. 10280071 ($19.99) for a Panasonic.
 
(Tell your customers whose VCRs aren't equipped with this jack -- most
aren't -- that they can use the Easy Home Video Editor's built-in infrared
control to control their VCRs.)
 
 
MN-12-94
ELECTRONIC REFERENCE -- REPLACEMENT CALENDARS
 
Replacement calendars (Cat. No. 650-111 or Express Order No. 11265378,
$3.99) for our EC-334 (Cat. No. 650-855) and EC-354 (Cat. No. 650-863)
Rolodex Pocket Planners are available now in CMC.
 
Also available:  replacement calendars (Cat. No. 650-115 or Express Order
No. 11265386, $8.99) for our EC-335 (Cat. No. 650-856) and EC-365 (Cat.
No. 650-871) Rolodex Executive Planners.
 
Call the Telephone Order Center at (800) 433-2024 to order these great
"stocking stuffers!"
 
 
MN-12-94
AUDIO -- PORTABLE CD PLAYER POWER ADAPTERS
 
The Owner's Manuals for our Optimus CD-3420 (Cat. No. 420-5039) and
Optimus CD-3450 (Cat. No. 420-5042) portable CD players list incorrect
catalog numbers for the units' DC power adapters.
 
The correct DC power adapter for the CD-3420 is Cat. No. 270-1566 or
Express Order No. 10436814 ($29.99), available through CMC.  The Owner's
Manual lists the correct AC power adapter (Cat. No. 273-1659 or Express
Order No. 10449106, $17.99), also available through CMC.
 
The correct DC power adapter for the CD-3450 is available through CMC (as
Cat. No. 160-2019) or Express Order (as No. 10279800).  Unfortunately,
this item (which retails for $19.99), is temporarily out of stock and is
on backorder from the manufacturer.  Until more stock of the 160-2019
adapter is available, you can substitute our universal high-current DC
adapter (Cat. No. 270-1562, $16.99) from store stock, plus a Sony 1.7 ID
adaptaplug (Cat. No. 270-1575 or 10274066, $2.49), available through CMC.
The CD-3450's manual lists the correct AC power adapter (Cat. No 160-2018,
$19.99), available in all stores.
 
The add-on display in the POS system has been updated to show the correct
adapters.
 
 
MN-12-94
AUDIO -- PRO 100 HEADPHONE SYSTEM
 
The Optimus PRO 100 wireless stereo headphone system (Cat. No. 330-1145)
is a two-piece system, consisting of headphones and a transmitter/charging
base.
 
To improve the system's function and form, Radio Shack designed the
transmitter/charging base to work as a headphone holder, for charging or
when the headphones are not in use.
 
The Radio Shack 1995 Catalog and Flyer 521 incorrectly show the PRO 100
system with a separate, shorter transmitter/charging base.
 
The separate, shorter unit is not part of the PRO 100 system and is
totally unnecessary for operation, since the PRO 100 system already
includes a transmitter/charging base.
 
 
MN-12-94
AUDIO -- SUBWOOFER PIN CONNECTORS
 
Available through CMC:  flat pin gold connectors (Cat. No. 278-0437 or
Express Order No. 10458503, $1.99) with open ends for connecting Megacable
or other large cable to our Optimus PRO SW-10P Subwoofer (Cat. No.
400-4070).
 
 
MN-12-94
AUDIO -- SPEAKER BRACKETS AND STANDS ENHANCE SMALL SPEAKERS' SOUND
 
Have a customer who's looking for a way to tighten the bass response and
open up the sound of any of our small speakers?  Recommend our speaker
brackets and stands!
 
TABLE DESK STAND (Cat. No. 400-2068) --
    raises the speaker's base to 4 inches above the table or desktop.
 
WALL BRACKET (Cat. No. 400-2067) --
    its ball and swivel mount let you aim the sound in any direction.
 
TABLE/DESK STAND (Cat. No. 400-2069) --
    raises the speaker's base for better looks and sound.
 
Although these brackets and stands were specially designed to match our
Optimus PRO 7 (Cat. No. 400-2065 and 400-2066) and Optimus PRO 77 (Cat.
No. 4000-2057 and 40-2058) mini speakers, they're also suitable for use
with these other speakers:
 
Description             Cat. No.
 
Optimus XTS 8           400-2064
Optimus XTS 9           400-2056
Optimus PRO SWS-501     400-4056
Optimus PRO X77         400-2072
 
CMC also has brackets (Cat. No. 400-2052 or Express Order No. 11244746,
$29.99 a pair) to mount our Optimus AMX 20 Wireless Speakers (Cat. No.
400-1364) to a wall at any angle.  These sturdy metal brackets have a flat
black finish and come with all the required hardware.
 
Don't forget our 17-inch pedestal stands (Cat. No. 400-1327) and our
angled stands (Cat. No. 400-1266) for larger speakers (because people
don't have ears in their ankles).
 
 
MN-12-94
CALCULATORSINK ROLLERS AND RIBBONS
 
Tandy National Parts Distributor Sales has ink rollers and ribbons for
most major name brand calculators.  You can order a free cross reference
guide by calling the Telephone Order Center at (800) 433-2024 and ordering
Part No. MM-1001155A.  (Use dummy Cat. No. 10-1155DP.)
 
 
MN-12-94
COMPUTERS -- SPECIAL PURCHASE PACKARD BELL PENTIUM SYSTEM
 
This month, 800 stores nationwide will receive stock of a new computer
system (including a monitor) from Packard Bell -- the Legend 100CD
Multimedia system (Cat. No. 250-0407, $2199.00).
 
We're making this special purchase item available in a limited number of
stores, on a one-time basis.  No other stores are eligible to participate
in this program, and once the included stores sell out, they cannot
reorder.
 
The Legend 100CD system is being offered as a complete package including
the computer and monitor, so you cannot substitute components or sell the
CPU alone. It features an Intel Pentium microprocessor, a 420 MB hard
drive, 8 MB of RAM, PCI Local bus video, Zero Insertion Force (ZIF)
socket, and memory expansion capabilities.  The monitor has a 14-inch
non-glare screen and 1024 x 768 noninterlaced resolution.  Also included:
a CD-ROM player, 16-bit stereo sound card with integrated speakers, and 27
pre-installed software titles (worth $1,400 when sold separately).
 
POP materials are being sent to all affected stores.  Packard Bell is
providing one year on-site service, or the customer can have service or
repairs performed by a Tandy Service Center.  Either way, there's no store
in-warranty expense.
 
 
MN-12-94
COMPUTERS -- FAX MODEMS
 
250-3036B
 
By now, you might have received stock of our FAX 14400 Fax Modem, Cat. No.
250-3036B.  There was no "A" version; the vendor, Best Data, identified
and corrected a problem with it before any stock was shipped.
 
Best Data will provide all service and support on the 250-3036B for two
years from the purchase date.  There's even a special 800 number (for
Radio Shack stores ONLY) if you need technical support.  You can call
(800) 503-3278, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (PST).  (Don't give the number to
customers!)
 
250-0305
 
CMC has a new peripheral for our Tandy/IBM TP2604C2V Subnote Computer
(Cat. No. 250-0302) -- the PCMCIA 14.4 kbps/14.4 Data/Fax Modem with
Integrated DAA (Cat. No. 250-0305 or Express Order No. 10502482, $249.99).
The modem allows your customers to send or receive faxes directly from a
personal computer.  They can also access enterprise data, bulletin boards,
and on-line services from a PCMCIA-enabled system.  The modem's high
performance and data compression give it a rapid response time, reducing
long-distance telephone charges.
 
The 250-0305 connects directly to a telephone jack without any external
coupler devices.  It comes complete with a six-foot PCMCIA to RJ11 (PSTN)
cable; 3.5-inch diskette with OS/2, DOS, and Windows driver support for
IBM ThinkPad systems; application software package; user's guide; and
warranty and support information.
 
 
MN-12-94
COMPUTERS -- SUPPORT LIBRARY ARTICLE CORRECTION
 
The article "Check Out the Support Library CD" on Page 15 of the November
1994 Merchandising Newsletter contained a typographical error.
 
In the section "Installing the Support Library CD-ROM on an Advantage
6066d," the first paragraph read, "Before you begin installing the Support
Library CD-ROM on the new AST Advantage 6066d computer, you must delete
the VBRUN300.DLL file from the C:6310RECTORY."  The text should have read,
 "...you must delete the VBRUN300.DLL file from the C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM
directory."
 
 
MN-12-94
COMPUTERS -- PSION EN ESPANOL
 
For your Spanish-speaking customers, CMC offers a version of the PSION
Series 3A Pocket Computer that does everything in Spanish!  Call the
Telephone Order Center at (800) 433-2024 and order Cat. No. T25-130301
or Express Order No. 11265410 ($449.99).  The computer comes complete
with a 3V Lithium battery.
 
Note that the PSION software available through CMC is not compatible with
the Spanish PSION 3A.  According to the vendor, no Spanish software is
currently available.
 
 
MN-12-94
COMPUTERS -- PRODIGY NFL PROMO
 
In the November 1994 Merchandising Newsletter, we listed the catalog
number for our PRODIGY for Windows membership kit as 250-3199.  That
number is for kits that you give to customers free.  The number you'll use
to sell the kits beginning in January 1995 is 250-3133.
 
For stores that still have our old PRODIGY kit (Cat. No. 250-1256),
offer your customers the opportunity to upgrade to Windows FREE as a way
to close the sale.  Then use 25-3199 when you enter the sale in POS.
 
 
MN-12-94
AUTO SOUND -- POWERING YOUR 12-2103 DEMO
 
A number of stores have had problems getting their display models of our
In-Dash AM/FM Stereo Cassette Player (Cat. No. 12-2103) to work.  If
you're one of them, the solution is easy:  simply connect the cassette
player's memory backup lead to your auto sound display's 12-volt power
supply.
 
Our thanks to Martin Lynch, manager (01-3399) in Tukwila, Washington, and
Frank Moyer (01-2043) in York, Pennsylvania for bringing this to our
attention.
 
 
MN-12-94
AUTO SOUND -- KEEP F0-508 ADAPTER CABLES!
 
Be sure to retain the F0-508 14-pin to 5-pin wire harness adapter when
you sell an Auto Cassette Receiver out of the display!  The receiver's
gift box contains the required harness.  The adapters, formerly only
available in ten-packs, are now packaged individually, and stock should be
available soon.
 
 
MN-12-94
ELECTRONIC PARTS -- BELT AND VCR PART CROSS REFERENCE
 
Tandy National Parts Distributor Sales offers a comprehensive belt and
VCR part cross reference guide.  The easy-to-use reference lists parts
for most brand name VCRs, CD players, camcorders, cassette players/
recorders, and turntables.  It's also available on 3 1/2-inch diskette.
Call the Telephone Order Center at (800) 433-2024 and order Part No.
15A-0298. (Use dummy Cat. No. 10-1115DP.)
 
 
MN-12-94
SECURITY -- NATIONAL PARTS HAS 61-2610 REMOTES
 
National Quality Control reports that the keychain remote controls for
some units of our Wireless Home Security System (Cat. No. 610-2610) are
defective. A manufacturing problem caused the switches on the remote to
operate intermittently or not at all.
 
To correct the problem, the vendor has supplied replacement remotes for
all warehouse stock.  In addition, about 6,000 additional remotes are
available through National Parts to replace any defective units you
discover.
 
Call the Telephone Order Center and ask for part number XX-0050.  This
part is free to customers who need to replace a defective remote
.
CMC also stocks this item (for customers who want an additional remote)
as Cat. No. 610-2618 or Express Order No. 10037687.  Retail price is
$19.99.
 
 
MN-12-94
MISCELLANEOUS -- SOME IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
 
Here are the numbers for stores and customers to call with questions or
problems.
 
RADIO SHACK PRODUCT SUPPORT CENTER:
 
800-2TANDY4 (800-282-6394) --
 
    for STORE PERSONNEL who need technical support for consumer or
    computer products. (Please note this number is for STORES ONLY and
    SHOULD NOT be given to customers.)
 
817-878-6875 --
 
    for customers who need consumer or computer technical support.  (You
    can also give customers the Faxback number, 800-323-6586, for their
    convenience.)
 
    Note:  Store personnel non-product related problems or questions
    should be handled in accordance with the Customer Service/Service
    Recovery Program, which was introduced in the mid-February 1994
    satellite broadcast and the memo from Joe Tanner dated April 12, 1994.
 
CUSTOMER RELATIONS, 817-390-3200 --
 
    for customers with non-product related problems or questions.
 
 
MN-12-94
MISCELLANEOUS -- WATCH UPDATE
 
Watches are always a huge gift item at Christmas, and this year is no
exception.  Our new Casio program is a tremendous success, but private
label watches are also very strong.
 
Be sure to prominently display our private label watches beneath the Casio
displayer in your glass case.  Signing is a must!  We'll be placing heavy
advertising emphasis on these watches:
 
Cat. No.        Description
 
630-5042        Talking Watch
630-5034        Digital Watch
630-5093        LCD Watch Pen
 
 
MN-12-94
MISCELLANEOUS -- PEN REFILLS
 
CMC has refills available for the two pens we're promoting heavily this
holiday season.
 
                CMC/Express             CMC
Cat. No.        Description             Order Refill #          Retail
 
630-5093        LCD Watch Pen           63-5096/11267630        $1.49
630-5094        Talking Watch Pen       63-5095/10451334         1.99
 
We're making these refills available through CMC since not all office
supply dealers stock them.
 
 
MN-12-94
MISCELLANEOUS -- SPEED MAIL ADDRESSES
 
MERCHANDISING SUPPORT
 
June Wolff                    VP                            JWOLFF1
Pat Lillard                   Director, Rebuying            PLILLA1
 
STORE REPLENISHMENT
Syd Rauworth                  Director                      SRAUWO1
Virgil Carson                 Field Coordinator             VCARSO1
Jason Jeske                   Manager                       JJESKE2
Randy Lunz                    Manager                       RLUNZ1
Replenishment Specialists                                   REPLEN1
 
ENGINEERING
Barry Stevens                 Sr. Director                  BSTEVE2
 
REGULATORY AFFAIRS (FCC, UL)
Mac Slayton                   Manager                       MSLAYT1
Linda Dickerson               Secretary                     LDICKE1
 
CONSUMER MAIL CENTER
 
National Parts
FAX Bob Thomas at (817) 870-5737
Express Order
Lynn McCullough Operations Mgr  LMCCUL1
 
CONSUMER SUPPORT
Cindy Davis                   Supervisor                    CDAVIS3@CSS
Jeff Carman                   Software Coordinator          JCARMA1@CSS
Jason Jarratt                 Database Coordinator          JJARRA1@CSS
 
 
MN-12-94
MISCELLANEOUS -- WHO BUYS WHAT
 
Here is the current  "Who Buys What" list.  There have been changes
recently, so take a careful look at the list.
 
Category       Description                               Buyer
 
   12          Auto Sound                                Doug Ball
   12          Auto Speakers                             Doug Ball
   12          Radios                                    Colin Meyer
   12          Weather Radios                            Colin Meyer
 
   13          Music Systems                             Doug Ball
   14          Portable Tape Recorders & Players         Colin Meyer
   14          Tape Decks                                Doug Ball
   15          TV Antennas & Accessories                 Keith Lashley
 
   16          TV, VCR, Satellite, Camcorders            Keith Lashley
   17          Cellular Phones & Pagers                  Dennis Godfrey
   19          2-Way Radios                              Wayne Wilson
   20          Scanners and Shortwave                    Wayne Wilson
 
   21          CB Radios                                 Wayne Wilson
   22          Radar Detectors                           Leon Lutz
   22          Test Equipment                            Tim Oldham
   23          Batteries and Chargers                    Leon Lutz
 
   25/26       COMPUTER HARDWARE/
               OPERATING SYSTEMS
 
               Backup Power Supplies                     Ann Kennemer
               CD-ROM Drives                             Joel Cohen
               Computer Connectors                       Ann Kennemer
               Desktop Computers                         Joel Cohen
 
               Disk Cases & Accessories                  Ann Kennemer
               Diskettes/Media                           Ann Kennemer
               Furniture                                 Ann Kennemer
               Hard Drives                               Joel Cohen
 
               Joysticks/Mice/Game Cards                 Ann Kennemer
               Laptops/Notebook PCs/Accessories          Joel Cohen
               Modems                                    Joel Cohen
               Monitors                                  Joel Cohen
 
               Multimedia Upgrade Products               Joel Cohen
               Palmtop Computers                         Gordon Dixon
               Paper/Labels                              Ann Kennemer
               PDAs/Palmtop Computers                    Gordon Dixon
 
               Printers & Printer Supplies               Ann Kennemer
               Serial Cables/Connectors                  Ann Kennemer
               Sound/Music Boards                        Joel Cohen
               Utilities                                 Ann Kennemer
 
               Word Processors                           Gordon Dixon
 
   25/26    COMPUTER SOFTWARE      Ann Kennemer
 
   270         Fuses, DC Adapters, Joysticks             Tim Oldham
   271         Resistors                                 Tim Oldham
   272         Lamps & Capacitors                        Tim Oldham
   273         AC Adapters/Transformers                  Tim Oldham
 
   274         Plugs & Jacks                             Tim Oldham
   275         Switches                                  Tim Oldham
   276         Semiconductors                            Tim Oldham
   277         Project Boards                            Tim Oldham
 
   278         Wire/RF Connectors                        Bryan Sewell
   279         Phone Wiring Accessories                  Dennis Godfrey
   28          Kits (Science Fair)                       Leon Lutz
   31          Audio Receivers                           Doug Ball
 
   32          PA Equipment                              Lee Brayn
   33          Headphones                                Lee Brayn
   33          Microphones                               Lee Brayn
   40          Audio Speakers                            Lee Brayn
 
   40          PA Speakers                               Lee Brayn
   40          Raw Auto Speakers                         Lee Brayn
   40          Raw Speakers                              Lee Brayn
   42          Audio Accessories                         Lee Brayn
 
   42          CD Players/Changers                       Doug Ball
   42          Keyboards                                 Lee Brayn
   42          Lightshows                                Lee Brayn
   42          Turntables                                Doug Ball
 
   43          Telephones, TADs, FAX, Intercoms          Dennis Godfrey
   44          Audio Tape & Accessories                  Doug Ball
   44          Video Tape & Accessories                  Keith Lashley
   49          Auto Security                             Bryan Sewell
 
   49          Home Security                             Bryan Sewell
   50          Pre-Recorded Video Tape                   Keith Lashley
   51          Pre-Recorded Audio Tape                   Lee Brayn
   60          Toys                                      Leon Lutz *
 
   61          Electricals                               Bryan Sewell
   61          Flashlights                               Bryan Sewell
   61          Plug-N-Power/Other Controls               Bryan Sewell
   61          Seasonal                                  Bryan Sewell
 
   62          Books                                      Leon Lutz
   63          Clocks/Timers/Watches                     Mark Verdeyen
   63          Copiers                                   Mark Verdeyen
   63          Health Products                           Mark Verdeyen
 
   63          Metal Detectors                           Mark Verdeyen
   64          Other Electronic Aids                     Mark Verdeyen
   63          Photo                                     Mark Verdeyen
   63          Spell Checkers                            Gordon Dixon
 
   64          Chemical Products                         Bryan Sewell
   64          Hardware and Terminals                    Bryan Sewell
   64          Magnets                                   Bryan Sewell
   64          Soldering Equipment                       Bryan Sewell
 
   64          Tape                                      Bryan Sewell
   65          Calculators                               Gordon Dixon
   65          Databanks                                 Gordon Dixon
   68          Premiums (flashlights)                    Leon Lutz
               * Until 1/1/95, then Mark Verdeyen
 
 
MN-12-94
MISCELLANEOUS -- RADIO SHACK MERCHANDISE GROUPS
 
Rick Borinstein, Vice President, Merchandise Marketing
(817) 390-2736, RBORIN1
 
Telephones/Communication
Steve Penn, Merchandise Manager
390-2197, SPENN1
 
Dennis Godfrey, Buyer (390-3239, DGODFR1)
 
    17      Cellular Phones & Pagers
    279     Phone Wiring and Accessories
    43      Telephones, TADs, FAX, Intercoms
 
Wayne Wilson, Buyer (390-3233, WWILSO1)
 
    19      2-Way Radio
    20      Scanners & Short-Wave
    21      CB Radio
 
Audio/Video
Dick Donnelly, Merchandise Manager
390-3584, LDONNE1
 
Lee Brayn, Buyer (390-3235, LBRAYN1)
 
    32      PA Equipment
    33      Headphones
    33      Microphones
    40      Audio Speakers
    40      PA Speakers
    40      Raw Auto Speakers
    40      Raw Speakers
    42      Audio Accessories
    42      Keyboards
    42      Lightshows
    51      Pre-Recorded Audio Tape
 
 
Keith Lashley, Buyer (878-6725, KLASHL1)
 
    15      TV Antennas & Accessories
    16      TV, VCR, Satellite, Camcorders
    44      Video Tape & Accessories
    50      Pre-Recorded Video Tape
 
 
Doug Ball, Buyer (390-3212, DBALL1)
 
    12      Auto Sound
    12      Auto Speakers
    13      Music Systems
    14      Tape Decks
    31      Audio Receivers
    42      CD Players/Changers
    42      Turntables
    44      Audio Tape & Accessories
 
 
Personal Electronics & Seasonal
Bob Gregory, Merchandise Manager
347-0629, BGREGO1
 
Mark Verdeyen, Buyer (390-3132, MVERDE1)
 
    60      Toys (effective 1/1/95)
    63      Clocks/Timers/Watches
    63      Copiers
    63      Health Products
    63      Metal Detectors
    63      Other Electronic Aids
    63      Photo
 
 
Colin Meyer, Buyer (878-6633, CMEYER1)
 
    12      Radios (Portable, Clock Radios)
    12      Weather Radios
    14      Portable Tape Recorders/Players
 
Parts & Accessories
Joel Guskin, Merchandise Manager
390-2771, JGUSKI1
 
Tim Oldham, Buyer (390-2670, TOLDHA1)
 
    22      Test Equipment
    270     Fuses, DC Adapters, Joysticks
    271     Resistors
    272     Lamps & Capacitors
    273     AC Adapters/Transformers
    274     Plugs & Jacks
    275     Switches
    276     Semiconductors
    277     Project Boards
 
 
Bryan Sewell, Buyer (390-3173, BSEWEL1)
 
    278     Wire/RF Connectors
    49      Auto Security
    49      Home Security
    61      Electricals
    61      Flashlights
    61      Plug-n-Power g/Other Controls
    61      Seasonal
    61      Soldering Equipment
    64      Hardware & Terminals
    64      Tape/Chemical Products/Magnets
 
 
Leon Lutz, Buyer (390-3236, LLUTZ1)
 
    22      Radar Detectors
    23      Batteries and Chargers
    28      Kits (Science Fair)
    60      Toys (until 1/1/95)
    62      Books
    68      Premiums (flashlights)
 
Computer & Data Reference
Bob MacQuigg, Merchandise Manager
390-3208, BQUIGG1
Joel Cohen, Buyer (390-2873, JCOHEN1)
 
    25/26   CD-ROM Drives
            Desktop Computers
            Hard Drives
            Laptops/Notebook PCs/Accessories
            Modems
            Monitors
            Multimedia Upgrade Products
            Sound/Music Boards
 
Ann Kennemer, Buyer (338-2331, AKENNE1)
 
    25/26   Accounting/Finance Software
            Backup Power Supplies
            Computer Connectors
            DeskMate
            Desktop Publishing Software
            Disk Cases/Accessories
            Diskettes/Media
            Educational Software (Home)
            Entertainment Software
            Furniture
            Game Cards
            Graphics Software
            Joysticks
            Mice
            Online Services Software
            Operating Systems Software
            Paper/Labels
            Printers & Printer Supplies
            Productivity Software
            Serial Cables/Connectors
            Utilities
 
Gordon Dixon, Buyer (390-2670, GDIXON1)
 
    25      PDAs/Palmtop Computers
    25      Word Processors
    63      Spell Checkers
    65      Calculators
    65      Databanks
 
Cellular Carriers
Chuck Sizer, Cellular Marketing Manager
878-4141, CSIZER1
