TOPCAT PROGRAM ver. 2.01!
                              Program by: Tom Moore

              Here 'tis TOPCAT fans!  TOPCAT now has a sound track.

    It is amazing to me how popular TOPCAT shows have become.  There are few 
collections of ST software that don't contain at least 1 TOPCAT show - some 
people even collect them!

    TOPCAT has really gone through some changes in the last couple of years.
These changes are the direct result of input from GATOR GULCH BBS users the 
world over.  For all of you (Iceman, Furry Devil, Machine Head, Master,
Taurus Bulba, and on and on), thank you.  I can't mention all those that have
sent in their VIDI ST captures, but thanks to all!

    Probably THE most requested addition to TOPCAT has been an audio track.  
Again, I have to thank Iceman (For staying on my case to do it) and to Furry 
Devil (Who proved it can be done WELL in Assembler).  This is a tough 
assignment for a GFA Basic programmer.  Thanks to some FINE programming from 
the folks that produce the excellent GP_EDIT Library, I am now able to run a 
Replay 4 format sample IN THE BACKGROUND while the animation is rolling.  
There is a small loss in sound quality and the animation is a little "blinky" 
as a result, but all in all, not too bad for Basic.

    Not only will TOPCAT play the sample that came with it, but it can play 
your own 10KHZ samples too.  Just re-name the sample you wish to use to the 
same name as the included sample.  If none is included, re-name your sample to
the same name as the show title plus the .SPL extender.  TOPCAT will figure
out it's length and loop it accordingly.  Gator Gulch BBS has LOTS of Replay
4 format samples available for DOWNload that would make suitable sound tracks
for TOPCAT shows.

    You may get a message that you don't have enough memory to load the sample 
that comes with the show (Nearly ALL TOPCAT shows after version 1.54 require a
megabyte of memory to run).  You COULD even see it on a 1040 ST if the sample 
is mohuncher sized.  One solution is to replace the sample with a smaller one 
and another is to DELETE or RE-NAME the sample that came with the show.  The 
best solution is to get at least 2.5 megs in your ST NOW or sooner!!

              Memory - You can not have TOO MUCH, only TOO LITTLE.
              ----------------------------------------------------

    One other memory problem that can crop up: When you attempt to use the 
snapshot feature and have the aforementioned "mohuncher" sample loaded, you 
might be at a point where there is not quite enough memory and a crash could 
result.  I have not been able to create this crash, but it could happen so 
make sure you don't have a RAMDISK full of important stuff hanging around 
while you are running TOPCAT 2.01 or later with a mohuncher sample loaded and 
attempt to take a SNAPSHOT (Go figure the odds [GRIN]).

    SNAPSHOTS are still in TINY (.TNY) format.  They are slow but very small 
and efficient.

    TOPCAT shows come in many "flavors".  Some may not be suitable for those 
under the age of 18 to view as they contain scenes of a sexual nature.  If you 
are offended by this stuff, don't view it!  Simple.  There are many TOPCAT 
shows featuring scenes from famous movies, space action & graphic animations:  
  Appropriate viewing for ALL (Rated G by the TOPCAT Rating Commission (TRC)).


    We hope you enjoy this TOPCAT show.  Be sure you call the many fine BBSs 
that stock the latest TOPCAT shows.  Be sure you call The GATOR GULCH BBS at:

 904/746-6542 * USR HST  904/___-____ * USR Dual Standard  904/___-____ * 2400

  Gator Gulch features the best for your Atari ST and IBM Compatible machine.