** 0.5 page User group regular section / 616 words **
** Include STAG/A4 logos again if you like **

Grand day out
The Atari Info day, sponsored by the A4 Usergroup took place on the 26th Jan 1997 in the Palaestra at Deinze in Belgium. Around 200 people attended and the exhibitors were very positive about the day. Here's a few highlights:
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* Martin Byttebier (BPS) gave us a demo accessing the internet using his TT running MiNTNet with CAB which attracted a lot of interest - even amongst the other exhibitors!
* The Atari Computer Club C&T from Antwerpen ran demos using MagiCMac and writing CD-ROM's on a Falcon using a JAZ-drive to transfer data effortlessly to the CD-writer.
* Micro Video, one of the few remaining Atari-dealers in Belgium, and distributor of CENTEK products, showed us the new CENTurbo II Falcon accelerator in action.
If you fancy using Cubase Audio at speed this is the way to do it! This accelerator uses a 68030 32-bit CPU running at 75MHz with an FPU running at 50MHz. The DSP and VIDEL also run at a higher frequency and there's also a slot to add a 32-bit SIMM to the card enabling TT-RAM (4/8/16/32Mb) access around 35% faster than a real TT. It's also possible to switch between 100% 'normal' Falcon and Turbo mode. The CENTurbo II fits inside the original Falcon case and involves plugging the card in and making ten solder connections.
* Midi ComÄdie from Mouscron (Belgium) entertained us with their music created on Atari machines - they said the Info day was a great experience.
* Studio Capitale from France showed off their latest sound software including Studio Son, Chrysalide and PraXis.
Studio Son is a direct to disk recording/editing package capable of working from 2 to 256 tracks. It was developed for use in auditoriums, theatres, audio-visual post production and music studios. PraXis is a special package designed for use by radio stations using MultiCD juke-boxes. Extra modules can be added to extend the scope of this clever package.
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Overall, a great day and considering it was our first effort, one we can all be proud of - we'll do it even better next time!

Correspondent: Karl Samyn
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New User Group?
Darren Emmett is organising a new user group in the Lancs area. If you're interested in joining, or helping to run the group, drop Darren a line (please include an SAE):
** BC on ** Darren Emmett, 17 Draycombe Drive, Heysham, Lancs, LA3 1LN
Telephone: 01524 854454
** BC off **

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STAG news
The first birthday of the STAG User Group passed almost unnoticed on Tuesday 18th February with the regular meeting held at the Railway Inn Howwood. 19 of our brave members  ventured out on a wild night to watch an interesting demo given by Ed McGlone on the use of Apex Media.
We were looking forward to a visit from Doug Little (Black Scorpion Software) to show off his latest Apex creation, but sadly, the STAG member delegated to collect Doug had a spot of car trouble! Oh, well maybe next time - why not come along as well? STAG meetings are open to everyone.
STAG [WeST] meetings take place within the upstairs lounge of The Railway Inn, Main Street, Howwood. Doors open at 7pm.
STAG [EaST/Central] meetings take place at the Station Hotel (lounge) in Alloa. Doors open at 7:30pm.
Hardware is welcome at both venues. The lounge bars will not be open to the public but drinks can be taken into the lounge. Under 18's are allowed and meetings should be finished around 11pm.
The proposed dates for forthcoming meeting are as follows:
Alloa: 29th April, 27th May and 24th June
Howwood: 13th May, 10th June, 8th July
Correspondent: Al Goold, Chairman STAG