INSTRUCTIONS FOR MAKE-A-CHIP
============================

From packaging:

Sinclair ZX Spectrum

MAKE-A-CHIP
Make-a-Chip teaches you the basic elements of circuit design, shows you how
they fit together, and then lets you design and test your own circuits.
  When you have designed a circuit, you can give it inputs and outputs and
your ZX Spectrum will check it for you. Then it will run it, or tell you
what's wrong so that you can modify it.
  Make-a-Chip is a fascinating way of finding out how computer logic works.

(r) Registered Trade Mark of Sinclair Research Ltd.
(c) Copyright 1983 Incognito Software Ltd.
All rights reserved. No part of this program, packaging or documentation
may be reproduced in any form. Unauthorised copying, hiring, lending or sale
and repurchase prohibited.

Published by Sinclair Research Ltd, 25 Willis Road, Cambridge, CB1 2AQ.
Made in UK.

Internal booklet "USER MANUAL FOR MAKE-A-CHIP":

Introduction
------------
MAKE-A-CHIP enables you to explore some aspects of how your computer works.
A computer is made up from a large number of electronic circuits. MAKE-A-CHIP
will tell you about simple electronics circuits and the basic elements of
circuit design, and show you examples of some circuits which are found inside
your ZX Spectrum. The program also enables you to try your hand at circuit
design. You can create your own circuits by combining the basic units, and
then see how your circuits would work.

Operating Instructions
----------------------
Connect your ZX Spectrum, put the tape into your tape recorder and type the
command LOAD"". Start the cassette player and then press the ENTER key. The
program will load in five stages and then start running automatically. If you
stop the program and later want to start it again without reloading give the
command GOTO 1. In no circumstances give the commands RUN or CLEAR.

Using the Program
-----------------
The program is in three parts. The first tells you about the basic elements
of circuit design, the second shows you example circuits, and the third
allows you to combine basic elements and try out some of your own circuit
designs.
  When you have loaded the program, select your starting point. We recommend
that the first time you run the program, you try each part in turn.
  You can return to the menu by pressing Q at any point when the computer
asks you to 'press any key to continue'.

1 Learn
This part of the program introduces you to the basics of circuit design,
leading on to the five basic circuit elements, or 'gates' as they are called
in computer terminology. A gate has a number or inputs - restricted to two in
this program - and an output. The value of the output will depend on the
values of the inputs. You will find out about AND, OR, NOT, NAND and NOR
gates.

2 Example
This part of the program shows you how to connect gates to make more complex
circuits.
  You will see how every type of gate can be made by combinations of just one
type of gate. You will then find out about combining gates to make a circuit
which will remember information, as you would find in a computer store or
register.

3 Experiment
This part of the program enables you to design your own circuits. Your
circuit can contain up to 12 gates (AND, OR, NOT, NAND and NOR), four inputs
and four outputs. At any stage you can go back to LEARN to see what a
particular gate does, go back to EXAMPLE, or print your circuit.
  When you have designed your circuit, you may give it some inputs and
outputs. Your ZX Spectrum will then check that the circuit is valid; if it
is not, it will show you what is wrong and you can correct it. When your
circuit is valid, you can 'run' it, asking your Spectrum what the outputs
would be for various input combinations.
  Alternatively, you can try to work out the outputs of a particular input
combination, and your Spectrum will tell you if you are right. You can make
a permanent record of your design by printing the circuit, showing the
inputs and outputs.
  Once you have run your circuit, you can then try running it again with
different input or feedback values, modify it by adding more gates, or design
a fresh circuit.
  You can switch between the three main parts of the program at nay time;
without losing the circuit you are developing.
