The Complete STOS Reference

pre-release 0.2 Edited By Dr Phibes

Looping .ABK STOS Traker MODS

Use the $B Command!

by Bob Goodfellow

In issue 7 you had a question, or rather problem, from reader Mr.A.Ymous (I wonder if he's Greek). In the text it was stated that the problem had been voluntarily closed, well I say 'Not likely Jim, not til' the fat lady sings'. As you might have surmised I possess the solution to the problem. I'd better start with the problem:

How do you get STOS Tracker to loop the mod (ABK) files. The solution is surprisingly simple, but you will need access to a Noisetracker or similar package.
There is a command in the general mists of coding tracker music which jumps to a new location in the pattern list. (If that sentence has already lost you I reccomend you have a nice lie down for a while). The command in question is $B, which is then followed by the pattern number.

In the tracker program notes are represented in a manner similar to this:

                                 Command
                                /
                               /
                        C#1 3 C 2 3
                       /    /   \/
                      /    /     \
                     /    /       Command Info
                    /    instrument
                   /
                  /
               Note to be played

(This rather attractive work of art is on view at the National Gallery)

There are a few other ways that tracker programs lay out the information, but if it's different to this then find one that DOES look like this.
All that's required is to have a $B command in the last line of the last PLAYED pattern before the tracker program loops the tune. Care must be taken however that you put the command in the right place.

I could write a text, that would end up being about 14k or so and while covering EVERY eventuality it would be a drag to read. Instead you are now in the possession of the command ($B) and where (roughly) to put it. A bit of experimentation will result in the desired effect.

An Item By Bob Goodfellow

NOV 1993.