HAM Radio 1/HamRadio.cdr/packet/ap381/aplink.doc

Text File | 1989-06-15 | 47KB | 1,175 lines

     AMTOR/PACKET Link (APLINK) Version 3.81, June 10, 1989

        Copyright (c) 1988, 1989 - Victor D. Poor, W5SMM


WHAT THE SYSTEM DOES...

The AMTOR/PACKET Link (APLINK) is a software system that runs under
MS-DOS 3.x or higher on an IBM-XT or compatible computer.  It runs
an AMTOR MBO and a PACKET BBS concurrently using a common set of
message files.  (For whatever reason, the AMTOR community refers
to these things as mailboxes [MBO] and the PACKET community as
bulletin board systems [BBS].  In this document MBO will refer to
the AMTOR side and BBS to the PACKET side of the system.)

Both sides of the system conform as closely as possible to the
conventions that have evolved for the use of PACKET BBSs. There are
differences necessitated by the nature and constraints of the AMTOR
mode.  AMTOR has a very restricted character set and is subject to
transmission errors.  For this reason, as well as the fact that
AMTOR does not automatically identify a sending station, the MBO
requires positive identification during login.  Traffic that is
bound for another station at the MBO will have its address field
checked against the registered stations file to protect against
addressing errors in typing or transmission.  When an AMTOR station
sends a message into the PACKET system the MBO will ask the sending
operator for confirmation, as insurance against a transmission
error sending the message into oblivion.

Why use AMTOR at all, given its limitations?  AMTOR will work under
difficult radio conditions that would pack in a PACKET link (pardon
the pun).  The author of this system lives on a sailboat and
maintains communications with friends and family via ham radio.
AMTOR has worked reliably for that purpose, day in and day out,
while running with low power, long hauls, and abominable radio
conditions.  Only CW could improve on its record for reliability.

The MBO provides all of the features that any MBO in use today
would normally supply.  The BBS is a subset of what packet
operators who use the W0RLI or WA7MBL systems are used to.  It is
not intended that this system be used as your local PACKET BBS
although it could be in a pinch.

No provision is made for handling anything but ASCII text files in
regular message format.  There are no W, D, or U commands in the
system.  On the BBS side there is no registering of users - no N
commands.  The L commands are more limited and work slightly
differently from other systems, but should be sufficient for the
mission.

When a message is transmitted to an AMTOR station all lower case
characters are converted to upper case and all punctuation is
converted to the closest available character in AMTOR or, if there
is nothing close, to an equal sign (=).

While AMTOR stations may place bulletins into the MBO they will not
be forwarded into the PACKET network automatically.  The sysop must
forward those messages manually - again to avoid forwarding traffic
with errors for the whole world to see.  On the other hand SP, and
ST traffic can be entered and automatically forwarded by the
system.  On the BBS side, bulletin traffic received from another
BBS will be kept (for 21 days) but will not be forwarded.

It is not expected that traffic entered into the system from the
PACKET system will be forwarded onward on PACKET.  Most sysops will
configure the system to prevent any autoforwarding of traffic out
on PACKET that has been received on PACKET.


HARDWARE INSTALLATION

The equipment required to run this system includes:

   1. IBM-XT or close clone running MS-DOS 3.x or higher and a hard
disk. COM1 and COM2 must be installed and available. Minimum
acceptable memory is 256k.

   2. An AMT-1 or a PK-232 AEA AMTOR Terminal Unit.  If the AMT-1
is used this should be connected to COM1 and hardware configured
for 110 baud.  All soft configuring is done by APLINK at startup.
Only Rx and Tx signals are used between the AMT-1 and the computer.
Flow control is performed through use of the status byte from the
AMT-1.

   If a PK-232 AEA Terminal Unit is used on the AMTOR channel, it
should be connected to COM1 and hardware configured for 2400 baud.
All configuring other than baud rate is done by APLINK at startup
provided all other initial values are at the default settings.  If
in doubt, execute the RESET command and then set TBAUD to 2400.
The interconnecting cable between the PK-232 and the COM1 serial
port should include wires 1 through 8 and 20.

   3. A Packet TNC.  Any TNC that recognizes Control-C to enter
command mode, responds to CONOK ON and OFF and enters CONVERSE mode
automatically on connect should work.  The program looks for the
"*** Connected to..." sequence as well as the DCD control line (pin
8) to control the state of the BBS.

The critical TNC parameters are:

      ECHO OFF
      FLOW OFF
      XFLOW ON
      XON $11
      XOFF $13
      START $11
      STOP $13
      MONITOR OFF
      MYCALL <your call>

      Baud rate to the computer: 2400
      Parity: None
      Characters: 8-bits

These things are NOT set by APLINK.  Since it is intended that
APLINK work with any TNC, no effort has be made to automatically
configure the TNC.  Be sure your TNC is properly configured before
trying to run the system on the air.  You may bring up the system
and use the keyboard to set up the TNC.  The TNC must be on COM2.
Only software flow control is used (both ways); the only other
RS-232 status signal used is pin 8, carrier detect (CD).  Your TNC
must be capable of asserting this signal on connect.  For the
PK-232, parameter DCD ON must be set, for the PK-87, Jumper JP6
must be set to the B position.  Other TNC's will have similar
settings that must be changed, consult your manual.

   4. The r.f. hardware I will leave to your imagination. Since
this system is fully concurrent, both channels must be able to work
without mutual interference.  AMTOR would be set up on your h.f.
frequency of choice and the TNC on a suitable v.h.f. channel.


SOFTWARE INSTALLATION

The delivery disk or archived file contains the following files:

   READ.ME - Read it!
   COPYRITE - Author's copyright statement,
   APLINK.DOC - The Sysop instructions,
   AMTFWD.DOC - The AMTOR autoforwarding supplement,
   NTSOPS.DOC - The NTS operations supplement,
   AP.AMT - The main program when using the AMT-1 on the AMTOR
      channel,
   AP.232 - The main program when using the PK-232 on the AMTOR
      channel,
   USERS.EXE - The users' file editor,
   APLINK.CNF - A sample system configuration file,
   AMTFWD.A$ - A sample AMTOR autoforward routing file,
   ROUTE.S$ - A sample packet routing file.
   SIGNON.P$ - The PACKET signon file,
   HELP.A$ - The AMTOR help file,
   HELP.P$ - The PACKET help file,
   INFO.A$ - The AMTOR info file (should be Sysop edited),
   INFO.P$ - The PACKET info file (should be Sysop edited), and
   USERS.A$ - The file of registered AMTOR users,
   HELP1. thru HELP9. - Help files the Sysop will install using the
     SH command.
   INTRCPT.S$ - A sample intercept file.

In addition the Sysop must obtain a copy of the Norton Editor.

To install the system, simply copy all of the above files and the
Norton Editor (renamed E.COM) into a hard disk subdirectory named
\APLINK.  Make a sub-subdirectory named \APLINK\ARCHIVE.  Rename
either AP.AMT or AP.232 to AP.EXE, depending upon which AMTOR
terminal you are using.

Using the Norton Editor, edit APLINK.CNF, AMTFWD.A$, ROUTE.S$,
INTRCPT.S$, INFO.A$, and INFO.P$ to fit your station.  Edit
USERS.A$ with USERS.EXE to add or delete whatever stations you
wish.

Several other files will be created by the system in the APLINK
directory when it is first run.

Your computer's system clock (TIME and DATE command in MS-DOS)
should be set to GMT.  The file CONFIG.SYS in your root directory
should have BUFFERS=20 and FILES=20, at least.

Look at INFO.A$ and INFO.P$ with the Norton Editor.  You will see
what needs to be done there.

Read the ROUTE.S$ file with the Norton Editor.  Change the entries
as required for packet forwarding at your station.

The intercept file, INTRCPT.S$, provides a very special service.
Each line of the file should contain two station's call letters,
separated by one or more spaces - AND NOTHING ELSE.  Each time a
message is received by APLINK the file is searched for a match to
the TO field of the incoming message. If the first call on any line
matches, then the second call is placed in the AT field of the
message.  Note in the sample provided that the first line of the
file reads:

W5SMM   WA5QZI

This means that any message for W5SMM arriving in the system will
be forwarded to him at WA5QZI.  (In fact, W5SMM requests that all
sysops with systems feeding the U.S. Packet Network leave his call
in the intercept file as shown.)


THE CONFIGURATION FILE

For APLINK to run you must first edit the APLINK.CNF file to suit
your particular station.  The following parameters must be included
in the file for the system to function.

STATION=W5XYZ       The call letters for your station.
STASEL=WXYZ         The selcal for your station.

The remaining parameters are optional and the system will assume
A default value if nothing is given.  Typical values are shown here
for illustration.

EXT=4               An extension to your call such as a different
                    call area.  Do not include the / in the entry.
                    Default: nothing

QTH=MIAMI, FL Z:32132  Your QTH and postal code.  This text will
                    appear in your message headers.  Default:
                    nothing

TZONE=EDT           Your local time zone.  Must be three letters.
                    Default: GMT

TDIFF=4             The number of hours GMT is ahead of your time
                    zone.  For example, Eastern Daylight Time is
                    4.  Default: 0

TFWD=35             Sets the number of minutes past the hours that
                    PACKET forwarding begins.  Set to 999 to turn
                    PACKET forwarding off.  Default: 999

TUPDATE=9           Set the hour of the day (GMT) that the system
                    update will occur automatically.  Set to 999
                    to prevent automatic updating.  Automatic
                    updating is strongly recommended.  Default: 0

ALMOFF=7            Set the hour of the day (GMT) to turn off the
                    sysop alarm.  Default: nothing

ALMON=15            Set the hour of the day (GMT) to turn on the
                    sysop alarm.  Default: nothing

ARCHIVE=C:\APLINK\ARCHIVE\  The path for archiving messages removed
                    from the system. (Note: the trailing \ must be
                    included.  Default: C:\APLINK\ARCHIVE\

SIGNON=NEED HELP? TYPE 'HELP+?'  The pre-login message.  Default:
                    IF YOU NEED HELP TYPE 'HELP(CR/LF)'

SYSMSG=IMPORTANT: READ MESSAGER 1234  The post-login message.  This
                    is not normally set but may be used to draw
                    attention to an important bulletin.  Default:
                    nothing

ALOG=AMTLOG         The path/filename for the AMTOR log file.
                    Default: AMTLOG

PLOG=PKTLOG         The path/filename for the PACKET log file.
                    Default: PKTLOG

PRINTER=LPT1        The path to your system printer.  Default: NONE

PRTLOG=AMTOR        The name of the channel that prints to your
                    printer when the system starts.  May be AMTOR,
                    PACKET, or SYSTEM.  Default: SYSTEM

MSGFF=OFF           ON enables automatic form feed at the end of
                    a message printed on the system printer.
                    Default: OFF

NTS=OFF             ON enables special NTS services.  See the
                    NTSOPS.DOC file for National Traffic System
                    operations.  Default: OFF

DIRECTVIDEO=ON      Must be set to OFF if running under Desqview.
                    Default: ON

CALL=W1ABC          Sets the internally stored call for a station
                    you may wish to link with on AMTOR (manually)
                    when you bring the system up.  Default: nothing

SELCAL=WABC         Sets the internally stored selcal for a station
                    you may wish to link with on AMTOR (manually)
                    when you bring the system up.  Default: nothing

The following parameters would only be set in special circumstances
and are best left omitted from the APLINK.CNF file for normal
operation.

AMODE=MBO           If AMODE is set to KSR (Keyboard Send/Receive -
                    MBO off) the AMTOR channel will come on
                    intially in KSR mode and will not automatically
                    return to MBO mode on timeout. Default: MBO

PMODE=BBS           If PMODE is set to KSR (Keyboard Send/Receive -
                    MBO off) the PACKET channel will come on
                    initially in KSR mode and will not
                    automatically return to BBS mode on timeout.
                    Default: BBS

AAB=ON              OFF defeats the system's automatic answerback.
                    Default: ON

AUTOLOG=ON          OFF defeats the system's automatic logon
                    system.  Default: ON

PKTAUTOFWD=OFF      ON enables autoforwarding of messages on PACKET
                    that were received on PACKET.  Default: OFF


STARTING THE SYSTEM

To start the system the first time, keep your transmitters turned
off but your AMT-1 and your TNC turned on, and run AP.EXE.  The
system will go through its initialization procedure and when it is
ready for service will display the copyright notice on the screen.

Press the PgDn key on the number pad and type the following
commands to enter the tutorial help files:

SH AMTOR HELP1(return)
SH AMTOR HELP2(return)
etc. thru HELP9

To see if it all worked type:

LH(return)

and you should get the message list with the help files showing.
If uncertain about this procedure read KEYBOARD OPERATION and SYSOP
COMMANDS sections first.

This completes the installation.  You should be up and running
unless the AMT-1 or TNC installation has not been previously
checked out.  You can use the AP.EXE program to do that by simply
switching off the related MBO or BBS function and using it as an
ordinary terminal, following the installation instructions for the
AMT-1 or your TNC.


BULLETINS

Bulletins entered into the system from the AMTOR channel or by the
Sysop are visible to everyone who uses the system.  Because of the
proliferation of bulletins that arrive at any BBS via PACKET,
bulletins that enter the system from the PACKET channel will not
be visible to AMTOR users unless the Sysop uses the MCB Editor to
change the "Channel" field from PACKET to SYSOP. Bulletins entered
on the AMTOR channel will have no AT field and will not be
forwarded by the system.  If an AMTOR user wishes to enter a
bulletin into the PACKET network he must service the Sysop with
instructions and the Sysop must then use the MCB Editor to reroute
the bulletin.

Bulletins entering the system via PACKET are deleted after 21 days
unless the Sysop changes the channel designator with the MCB
Editor.


LOG FILES

The system maintains three log files.  The path (file names) of two
are declared in the APLINK.CNF file.  These are the AMTOR and
PACKET text logs.  They record everything transmitted or received
on their respective channels.  Their main purpose is diagnostic and
can be turned off once the system is known to be stable and free
of programmer errors. In order not to fill the disk with endless
text logs, the current text logs are renamed AMTLOG.OLD and
PKTLOG.OLD when UPDATE is executed and the previous AMTLOG.OLD and
PKTLOG.OLD files are deleted.

The third log is a text format event log file that records logons,
logoffs, filing of messages, reading of messages, etc., etc.  It
is named EVENTLOG.S$.

The current AMTOR log may be read with the F7/F2 command when the
keyboard is in AMTOR mode, the current PACKET log with the F7/F2
command when the keyboard is in PACKET mode and the EVENT log with
the F7/F2 command when the keyboard is in SYSOP mode.

If a failure occurs during system operation the three log files
should immediately be saved to give the programmer half a chance
at finding what happened.


CONSOLE OPERATION

When the system is started, three windows will be displayed with
the copyright notice showing on the top window when the system has
completed initialization.

The top window is always devoted to displaying characters received
on the AMTOR channel, the middle screen to characters received on
the PACKET channel, and the bottom window to characters received
from the keyboard or files being transmitted.  Over each window is
a status bar related to that window (and channel).

The keyboard has four normal operating states; OFF, AMTOR, PACKET
and SYSOP.  There are two additional states, ATEST and PTEST, that
the Sysop will not normally use - they are for diagnostic purposes
only.

If the keyboard is OFF the console will beep as a reminder whenever
a key is pressed.  The system comes up with the keyboard OFF.  The
numeric key pad is used to re-assign the keyboard:

   9 (PgUp) for AMTOR,
   6 (Right Arrow) for PACKET,
   3 (PgDn) for SYSOP and
   7 (Home) for OFF.

The labels on the keys don't make much sense but it 'feels right'
for the purpose.

In PACKET and SYSOP mode the keyboard is line buffered. Characters
are transmitted only when return is pressed allowing backspace over
the whole line.  In AMTOR mode the keyboard is word buffered.
Characters are transmitted when the spacebar, return, a control
character, or +? is pressed.

If a 'T' (talk to the Sysop) command is received on one of the
channels during a session the keyboard is automatically assigned
to that channel for 5 minutes when the Sysop alarm is sounded.
After 5 minutes the keyboard reverts to its pervious assignment.

Some of the function keys are always active and some will respond
only if the keyboard is assigned to the relevant channel.  This
will make sense to you when you use the system.

Here is the meaning of the status bar indicators:


AMTOR:aaa/bbb:cccc  <gmt time and date>  ddd/eee/fff

   aaa = MBO when the AMTOR Mailbox is alive and well.
   aaa = KSR when the SYSOP has shut off the mailbox by
      one or another means.

   bbb = SBY when the MBO is waiting for a logon.
   bbb = OPN when someone has logged on, but there is no
      command outstanding.
   bbb = INP when receiving a file.
   bbb = OUT when transmitting a file.
   bbb = TSF when transmitting files in response to an RN command.
   bbb = NEW during the time a new AMTOR station is being
      registered.
   bbb = CFM during the time a message header is being confirmed.

   cccc = Is the call of the last user to have signed onto the
   AMTOR mailbox; or, if the system has just been initialized, it
      is the call specified in the CALL parameter of the
      configuration file.

   ddd = RCV when the AMTOR link is in the receive direction.
   ddd = SND when the AMTOR link is in the transmit direction.

   eee = FEC during standby and when operating in FEC mode.
   eee = ARQ when linked or operating in ARQ-Listen mode.

   fff = ERR, RQ, TFC, IDL, OVR, PHA, SBY, or ESC depending on the
      state of the AMT-1.  See the AMT-1 or PK-232 Manual for
      explanations.


PACKET:aaa/bbb:cccc  <local time and date>  Snd:dd/Rcv:ee

   aaa = BBS when the Packet BBS on.
   aaa = KSR when the Sysop has turned off the BBS.

   bbb = SBY when the BBS is waiting for a logon.
   bbb = OPN when someone has connected but there is no command
      outstanding.
   bbb = INP when receiving a file.
   bbb = OUT when transmitting a file.
   bbb = TSF when transmitting files in response to an RN command.
   bbb = SBJ while waiting for the subject input for a message.

   cccc = Is the call of the last user to have signed onto the
      PACKET mailbox.

   dd = OK when XON has been received from the TNC.
   dd = NO when XOFF has been received from the TNC.
   ee = OK when XON has been sent to the TNC.
   ee = NO when XOFF has been sent to the TNC.


KBD:aaaaa                                        PTR:bbb

   aaaaa = KOFF when the keyboard is off.
   aaaaa = AMTOR when the keyboard is assigned to the AMTOR
      channel.
   aaaaa = PACKET when the keyboard is assigned to the PACKET
      channel.
   aaaaa = SYSOP when the keyboard is assigned to the SYSOP
      command handler.
   aaaaa = *ATEST* when the keyboard is assigned to the AMTOR
      test routine.
   aaaaa = *PTEST* when the keyboard is assigned to the PACKET
      test routine.

   bbb = NCF when the printer is not configured.
   bbb = SYS when the printer is assigned to the system.
   bbb = AMT when the printer is assigned to the AMTOR channel.
   bbb = PKT when the printer is assigned to the PACKET channel.


FUNCTION KEY COMMANDS

The function key assignments will 'feel' right with the function
keys arranged vertically at the left hand edge and the Gray + and -
keys are on the right hand edge (standard XT layout).  If your
keyboard arranges the function keys along the top they will be more
awkward to use.  Note: The keys described below are active when the
keyboard is in the relevant mode.


Keys           Function

Grey +         ARQ/FEC receive mode.  In the ARQ mode, a +? is
               transmitted and in the FEC mode a begin transmit
               command is issued to the AMTOR terminal unit.

Grey -         ARQ/FEC transmit mode.  In either mode an
               appropriate break command is issued to the AMTOR
               terminal unit.  (Note: The PK-232 will not execute
               this command until it sees a IDLE status.)

Esc            Stops any file transmission in progress and clears
               all keyboard and send buffers.

End            Issues an end command to the AMTOR terminal unit.
               This closes the link in ARQ mode and performs the
               same function as the Grey + key above in the FEC
               mode.

Del            Issues a return-to-letters-case command to the AMTOR
               terminal unit.  This provides an immediate manual
               override when text is being received if figures-
               case.

F1             Displays a short help menu.

F3             Displays the Mode Selection menu.

F3 F2          In AMTOR mode, forces the AMTOR terminal unit into
               STANDBY mode.  (With the PK-232 there may be some
               delay in execution.)

F3 F4          In AMTOR mode switches the MBO on and off.  In the
               PACKET mode switches the BBS on and off.

F3 F6          In the AMTOR mode commands the AMTOR terminal unit
               to monitor ARQ.

F3 F8          In the AMTOR mode, begins an AMTOR automatic
               forwarding cycle; in the PACKET mode, begins the a
               PACKET automatic forwarding cycle.

F3 F10         Ends the APLINK program and returns to the operating
               system.

F5             Displays the Clear Selection menu.

F5 F6          Clears all windows.

F5 F10         Sends a formfeed command to the printer.

F7             Displays the File Operations menu.

F7 F2          Read or edit a log file.  In AMTOR mode, the AMTOR
               log file; in PACKET mode, the PACKET log file; and
               in SYSOP mode, the EVENT log file.

F7 F4          Invoke the Norton Editor to edit any ASCII file.

F7 F6          Invoke MS-DOS as an overlay.  APLINK will be
               suspended but will remain resident.  Type exit at
               the DOS prompt to return to APLINK.

F7 F8          Prompts for a file name and then transmits that
               file.

F7 F10         Switch the printer to print the channel indicated
               by the current mode.  If in SYSOP mode the printer
               is switched off.

F9             Display the AMTOR On-Line Commands menu.

F9 F4          Enter call letters and optionally the selcal for a
               station to be called.  If the selcal is not entered
               then it will be generated automatically from the
               call letters by APLINK.

F9 F6          Begin an ARQ call.

F9 F8          Switch on a steady carrier to the AMTOR transmitter
               for testing or tuning.

F9 F10         Send an identification sequence on the AMTOR
               channel.

Alt-F9         Send an identification sequence followed by a LOGOUT
               command on the AMTOR channel.


SYSOP COMMANDS

Remember, the following are SYSOP commands.  They are not the same
as the commands used over the air by a remote station.  These
commands are not normally invoked while linked but may be usually
without harm.  The system will delay response to an online user
while SYSOP commands are being executed.

In the table below <number> is any integer between 0 and 29999,
<id>, <id1> and <id2> are standard 1 to 6 character PACKET routing
designators (usually call letters), and <filename> is any valid
MS-DOS path/filename.

COMMAND                  FUNCTION

CANCEL <number>          Marks message <number> as CANCELLED.  It
                         will no longer appear on any be the
                         Sysop's message lists.  This is normally
                         used to remove bulletins from the system
                         but may be used to remove a defective or
                         possible illegal message as well.  The
                         next UPDATE will archive all cancelled
                         messages.

E <number>               Invokes the Message Control Block Editor
                         for message <number>.  See the separate
                         section describing the MCB Editor.

L                        List all messages in the system except
                         bulletins.

L <number>               List all messages in the system equal to
                         or greater than <number>, except
                         bulletins.

LP                       List all "pending" messages; messages
                         awaiting forwarding or delivery.

LT                       List all messages addressed to this
                         station and to "SYSOP".

LT <id>                  List all messages to <id>.

LF                       List all messages from this station.

LF <id>                  List all messages from <id>.

LB                       List all bulletins.

LH                       List all help files.

LR                       List users logging into the system on the
                         AMTOR channel in the last 24 hours.

LU                       List all users registered for the AMTOR
                         channel.

NTS                      List all NTS messages in the system.
                         (Note: This command when invoked on the
                         AMTOR or PACKET port will only list NTS
                         messages marked as FILED or ACCESSED.

P <number>               Print message <number> to your printer.
                         If the message is addressed to your
                         station it will be marked as forwarded.

PN                       Print all new messages to your station and
                         mark them as forwarded.

R <number>               Read message <number>.  This invokes the
                         Norton Editor with message <number>.  Not
                         only can the Sysop read but he can also
                         modify any message in the system.  It is
                         generally not socially acceptable to
                         modify other people's messages.  Any
                         message accessed in this way addressed to
                         you station will be marked as forwarded.

RESTORE <number>         Restores a cancelled message provided it
                         has not been archived.

SP <id1> [AT <id2>] [<filename>]   If file name is included, copies
                         <filename> into APLINK as a message to
                         <id1>.  If <filename> is not included then
                         the Norton Editor in invoked.  After the
                         message has been typed and edited, exiting
                         the editor stores the message into APLINK.
                         If the Norton Editor is exited without
                         saving the text (i.e., F3 Q Y) then the
                         operation is cancelled.

SB . . .                 Same as the SP command above except the
                         message is marked BULLETIN.

ST . . .                 Same as the SP command above except that
                         the message is marked NTS.  Certain
                         restrictions may apply to NTS messages.
                         See the section on NTS operations.

SH . . .                 Same as the SP command above except the
                         "message" is a help file only.

IN AND OUT OF AMTOR MBO MODE

First set the keyboard to AMTOR mode.

The system is toggled in and out of MBO mode by pressing F3 F4.
The system will automatically return to MBO mode after about ten
minutes time, once the system is no longer linked, in the highly
unlikely event that the Sysop forgets to return it.

If a user is using the MBO when F3 F4 is invoked, all operations
will stop, any open message files closed and the system will send:

      PLEASE STANDBY...

At that point you may converse with the user.  F3 F4 again will
return the system to MBO mode.  Once out of MBO mode the program
operates as an ordinary AMTOR terminal program and may be used to
call stations, send files manually, etc.

If a station that you want to talk to has logged off before you
could catch them just press F9 F6 with the keyboard set to AMTOR
and if the other station is still on the frequency the link will
be re-established.

Whenever an ARQ call is initiated (F9 F6) the MBO mode is switched
off.  It may be restored by the F3 F4 toggle.


USING THE PRINTER

If the printer has been declared in the configuration file it is
available to the Sysop for either logging or printing messages.

To log a channel, put the keyboard in that channel mode and press
F7 F10.  To return the printer to standby put the keyboard in SYSOP
mode and press F7 F10.


THE MCB EDITOR

Each message in the system has a tag record called a message
control block maintained in a separate file.  This record contains
pertinent information about the message such as it's type, filing
time, from and to fields, etc., etc.  Any item of data in the MCB
may be changed by the Sysop except the message number and the
filing and forwarding times.  This is done with the MCB Editor
which is invoked on the Sysop's command line with:

   E <message number>

Once the Editor's window is opened on the c.r.t., typing any of the
following key words (upper or lower case) will change the
appropriate parameter in the MCB:

   PRIVATE, BULLETIN, NTS, HELP
   SYSOP, AMTOR, PACKET,
   STATIC, FILED, ACCESSED, DELIVERED, or CANCELLED.

The TO, AT, FROM, and BBS fields may be changed by typing:

   TO <new field>,
   AT <new field>, etc...

Pressing return with no other entry will record any changes and
return to the SYSOP command line.


PROGRAM DISTRIBUTION

APLINK is now being distributed by two methods.  If you have access
to Compuserve (CIS), the latest version (in archive format) may be
downloaded from the Hamnet forum.  Otherwise, a disk with all the
APLink files may be obtained by mail from AD7I.  Please send a
blank, formatted 5-1/4 inch floppy diskette with return mailer and
postage to:

     Paul Newland, AD7I
     Post Office Box 205
     Holmdel, NJ 07733
     USA

Paul has written a complete AMTOR User's guide for APLINK that is
available from him at the above address, please include a large
(8-1/2 x 11) SASE envelope with return postage.


SYSOP ASSISTANCE

If you are having problems bringing up APLINK for the first time
please read, and then re-read the documentation provided on the
disk.  Most questions received to date are covered in this
information.

If you still are having problems, or have other questions relating
to APLINK system operation please direct them, in writing, to
Craig, WA8DRZ/6:

     Craig McCartney, WA8DRZ
     160 Montalvo Road
     Redwood City, CA 94062
     USA

Via AMTOR, leave an note on the WA8DRZ/6 APLink system on 20
meters.

Via Packet, send a message to:

      WA8DRZ @ WA8DRZ.#NOCAL.CA.USA.NA

Via CIS send a note on Hamnet or Email to user id 73126,3260.

In emergencies, verbal messages may be left on a 24-hour answering
machine at telephone number 415-365-2053.


The following is a verbatim copy of the various help files included
in the APLink distribution:


APLINK PACKET Channel Commands:

B                   Bye - Log off the BBS.  Just disconnecting does
                    the same thing.

H                   Help - Sends this file.

I                   Info - Sends the Information file.

L                   List - Lists all messages.
L #                 List # - List all files from message #.
LB                  List all bulletins.
LF <call>           List From <call> - Lists all messages to
                    <call>.  If <call> is omitted it lists all
                    messages from you.
LT <call>           List To <call> - Lists all messages to <call>.
                    If <call> is omitted it lists all messages to
                    you.
LH                  List all help files.

NTS                 List all NTS messages that have not been
                    forwarded.

R #                 Read # - Read message #.
RN                  Read New - Read all new messages addressed to
                    you.

SP <call> @ <bbs>   Send - Send a message to <call> (optionally)
                    at <bbs>.
SB <name>           Send a general interest bulletin of <name>.
                    (Will not be forwarded.)
ST <id2> @ <id2>    Send NTS traffic using current conventions.

T                   Talk - Signal the Sysop.

V                   Version - Read system version number.

CANCEL #            Cancels message # if you are the originator.

There is no Kill command.  Messages that have been read of
forwarded will be deleted automatically from the system after 24
hours.  Unread messages will be deleted automatically after 21
days.  Bulletins will remain until the originator or the Sysop
cancels them.
AMTOR CHANNEL COMMANDS

TYPE ALL COMMANDS ON A NEW LINE, END WITH (CR/LF).  DO NOT SEND THE
+ ? SEQUENCE.  LET THE SYSTEM CONTROL THE LINK DIRECTION.

NEW (CALL) (SELCAL) - REGISTERS A NEW USER
LOGIN (YOUR CALL) - LOGS YOU IN IF YOU ARE REGISTERED LOGON (YOUR
CALL) - SAME AS LOGIN

H OR HELP - SEND THE HELP FILE

L - LIST ALL AVAILABLE MESSAGES IN THE SYSTEM (SEE NOTE)
L (NUMBER) - AS ABOVE EQUAL OR GREATER THAN (NUMBER)
LT OR LM - LIST ALL MESSAGES TO YOU
LT (CALL) - LIST ALL MESSAGES TO (CALL)
LF - LIST ALL MESSAGES FROM YOU
LF (CALL) - LIST ALL MESSAGES FROM (CALL)
LB - LIST ALL GENERAL INTEREST BULLETINS (SEE NOTE)
LB (NUMBER) - AS ABOVE EQUAL OR GREATER THAN (NUMBER)
LR - LIST AMTOR USERS WHO HAVE LOGGED ON IN THE PAST 24 HOURS
LU - LIST ALL REGISTERED AMTOR USERS

NTS - LAST ALL UNFORWARDED NTS MESSAGES (MAY BE RESTRICTED)

RN OR RM - READ ALL NEW MESSAGES ADDRESSED TO YOU
R (NUMBER) - READ MESSAGE (NUMBER)

SP (CALL) - SEND A MESSAGE TO (CALL), END WITH NNNN
SB (ID) - SEND A BULLETIN TO 'ID', END WITH NNNN

SP (CALL1) AT (CALL2) - SEND A MESSAGE TO (CALL1) TO BE FORWARDED
 TO BBS (CALL2)
ST (ZIPCODE) AT (NTS STATECODE) - SEND AN NTS MESSAGE (USE
 ACCEPTED NTS SUBJECT AND MESSAGE FORMAT)

VN OR VM - READ ALL NEW MESSAGES ADDRESSED TO YOU INCLUDING ROUTING
 HEADERS
V (NUMBER) - READ MESSAGE (NUMBER) INCLUDING ROUTING HEADERS

CANCEL (NUMBER) - CANCELS MESSAGE (NUMBER) IF ORIGINATED BY YOU

T - TALK TO THE SYSOP

I - INFORMATION ABOUT THIS SYSTEM

V - READ VERSION NUMBER

A - (AFTER SEIZING THE LINK) ABORT A FILE BEING RECEIVED

LOGOUT - LOGS YOU OFF
LOGOFF - SAME AS LOGOUT

/// - ANYWHERE ON THE LINE CANCELS THE LINE (EXCEPT IN MESSAGES)

NOTE: THE L, AND LB COMMANDS WILL ONLY LIST MESSAGES YOU HAVE NOT
PREVIOUSLY LISTED.  FOLLOW THE COMMAND WITH A NUMBER TO OVERRIDE
THIS FEATURE.  USE 0 TO LIST ALL MESSAGES IN THE CATEGORY.

HERE IS SOME SPECIAL COMMANDS FOR THE EXPERT USER:

RI - READS THE MBO'S INTERCEPT FILE
RF - READS THE MBO'S AMTOR AUTOFORWARD ROUTING FILE
F - (AFTER SEIZING THE LINK) ABORT A FILE BEING RECEIVED AND MARK
 IF FORWARDED IF IT IS FOR YOU.  (THIS IS FOR USE WITH
 DUPLICATE MESSAGES.)


REGISTERING A NEW AMTOR USER

THE COMMAND 'NEW (CALL) (SELCAL)' WILL REGISTER A NEW USER WITH THE
SYSTEM.  THIS COMMAND MAY BE INVOKED WHETHER LOGGED INTO THE SYSTEM
OR NOT.  AN UNREGISTERED STATION MAY REGISTER ITSELF AND THEN LOG
IN OR A LOGGED IN STATION MAY REGISTER ANOTHER STATION.  SINCE THE
SYSTEM WILL ONLY ACCEPT TRAFFIC FOR REGISTERED STATIONS (UNLESS THE
TRAFFIC IS TO BE FORWARDED TO ANOTHER MBO/BBS), THIS PROVIDES A
MEANS FOR A MESSAGE ORIGINATOR TO ENTER A MESSAGE BEFORE THE
ADDRESSEE HAS USED THE SYSTEM FOR THE FIRST TIME.

THE SYSTEM WILL REQUEST CONFIRMATION OF THE CALL AND SELCAL. IF THE
PLAYBACK IS NOT CORRECT FOR ANY REASON, RESPOND WITH A 'NO' AND
INVOKE THE 'NEW' COMMAND AGAIN.

CALL LETTERS MUST BE SEVEN OR LESS LETTERS.  PREFIXES OR SUFFIXES
SUCH AS /8 OR /MM2 MAY NOT BE INCLUDED.  THIS REGISTRATION PROCESS
ASSURES ACCURATE STATION IDENTIFICATION AND ADDRESSING CONSISTENCY
WITH THE PACKET SYSTEM WITH WHICH APLINK INTERCONNECTS.



LOGGING IN ON AMTOR

THIS MBO HAS AN AUTOMATIC LOGIN PROCEDURE FOR REGISTERED STATIONS
WITH AUTOMATIC ANSWERBACK (AAB) ENABLED.  WHEN YOU FIRST LINK WITH
THE SYSTEM, IT SEIZES THE LINK, IDENTIFIES, SENDS A 'WRU' CHARACTER
(FIGS-D), AND WAITS FOR AN ANSWERBACK RESPONSE.  THE EXPECTED
RESPONSE IS: 'QRA CALL SELCAL' (FOR EXAMPLE 'QRA WA8DRZ WDRZ' IS
THIS STATION'S RESPONSE).

IF NO AAB RESPONSE IS RECEIVED THE SYSTEM SENDS A MANUAL LOGIN
REQUEST FOLLOWED BY THE + ? SEQUENCE.  AT THIS POINT A USER SHOULD
SEND EITHER 'LOGIN (CALL)(CR/LF)' OR 'LOGON (CALL)(CR/LF)'.  IF THE
CALL HAS BEEN REGISTERED THE SYSTEM WILL RESPOND WITH A 'GA'
PROMPT.  IF AN ERROR WAS RECEIVED OR THE CALL IS NOT REGISTERED THE
SYSTEM WILL EITHER PROVIDE ANOTHER PROMPT OR WAIT FOR THE USER TO
TRY AGAIN.

APLINK WILL DISCONNECT AFTER THREE MINUTES IF NO LOGIN HAS BEEN
RECOGNIZED.

ONCE YOU HAVE LOGGED ON, THE SYSTEM IS READY FOR YOUR COMMAND
WHENEVER IT SENDS A 'GA' (GO AHEAD) PROMPT.

YOU MAY LOG OUT OF THE SYSTEM WITH 'LOGOUT(CR/LF)', 'LOGOFF(CR/LF)'
OR ANY TIME THE LINK IS LOST THE CURRENT USER IS AUTOMATICALLY
LOGGED OUT.

IF A MESSAGE IS BEING SENT TO THE SYSTEM DURING A LINK FAILURE,
THAT PART OF THE MESSAGE THAT WAS RECEIVED IS FILED AND IS
AVAILABLE TO THE ADDRESSEE.



RECEIVING YOUR MESSAGES ON AMTOR

THE QUICKEST AND SIMPLEST WAY TO RECEIVE YOUR MESSAGES IS TO GIVE
THE 'RN' (MEANING 'READ NEW') COMMAND AS SOON AS YOU SIGN ON.  ALL
MESSAGES IN THE SYSTEM NOT ALREADY MARKED 'FORWARDED' WILL BE
TRANSMITTED TO YOU AUTOMATICALLY WITHOUT FURTHER ACTION ON YOUR
PART.  AS EACH MESSAGE IS COMPLETELY FORWARDED TO YOU IT IS MARKED
'FORWARDED' AND WILL NOT BE TRANSMITTED AGAIN WITH THIS COMMAND.
(YOU MAY READ IT AGAIN WITH THE 'R (NUMBER)' COMMAND.

IF YOU ARE RECEIVING AN UNFORWARDED MESSAGE AND THE LINK IS LOST
THE MESSAGE IS MARKED 'ACCESSED', NOT 'FORWARDED'.  NEXT TIME YOU
LOG IN IT WILL STILL BE AVAILABLE TO THE 'RN' COMMAND.

IF YOU HAVE LOGGED INTO THE SYSTEM WITH YOUR AUTOMATIC ANSWERBACK
THEN THE SYSTEM WILL MARK YOUR MESSAGES 'FORWARDED' ONLY AFTER IT
TRIGGERS YOUR ANSWERBACK AT THE END OF EACH MESSAGE.

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO (IN FACT, CANNOT) DELETE A MESSAGE.  ONCE IT IS
FORWARDED THE SYSTEM WILL DELETE IT 24 OR MORE HOURS LATER.  IN THE
MEANTIME IT MAY BE READ AGAIN USING THE 'R (NUMBER)' COMMAND.

USE THE LIST COMMANDS TO SEE WHAT MESSAGES ARE AVAILABLE.



ENTERING A MESSAGE ON AMTOR

MESSAGES MAY BE ENTERED DIRECTLY FROM YOUR KEYBOARD INTO THE
SYSTEM, HOWEVER IT IS BETTER IF YOU PREPARE A FILE BEFORE LOGGING
ON AND THEN SEND IT AT MACHINE SPEED.  THIS REDUCES THE CONNECT
TIME TO THE SYSTEM AND THE POTENTIAL FOR TRANSMISSION ERRORS.

YOU MAY SEND THREE KINDS OF MESSAGES:

'SP (CALL)' WHICH IS A MESSAGE TO A SPECIFIC STATION AND MAY ONLY
BE READ BY THAT STATION (OR YOU OR THE SYSOP) AND WILL APPEAR ON
THE MESSAGE LIST ONLY FOR THOSE STATIONS.  FOR OTHERS, IT SIMPLY
ISN'T THERE.  'SP' MESSAGES WILL REMAIN IN THE SYSTEM FOR 21 DAYS
OR 24 HOURS AFTER BEING MARKED 'FORWARDED', WHICHEVER COMES FIRST.

'SP' TYPE MESSAGES MAY ALSO BE ENTERED FOR AUTOMATIC FORWARDING TO
ANOTHER MBO/BBS.  THEY MAY BE ENTERED IN THE FORM 'SP (CALL1) TO
(CALL2)' WHERE (CALL1) IS THE ADDRESSEE AND (CALL2) IS HIS LOCAL
MBO/BBS.

'ST (ZIPCODE) TO (NTS STATECODE)' IS USED TO ENTER A MESSAGE TO
ANYONE TO BE DELIVERED BY THE NATIONAL TRAFFIC SYSTEM. THE SUBJECT
(FIRST LINE) SHOULD READ: QTC (CITY, STATE) AND THE BODY OF THE
MESSAGE SHOULD BE IN STANDARD ARRL MESSAGE FORMAT.

'SB (ID)' ADDRESSES A MESSAGE TO 'ID' AND MARKS IT AS A BULLETIN.

BULLETIN TYPE MESSAGE WILL REMAIN IN THE SYSTEM UNTIL REMOVED
(CANCELLED) BY EITHER THE ORIGINATOR OR THE SYSOP.

TO SEND A MESSAGE, TYPE THE COMMAND (I.E., 'SP W5SMM(CR/LF)') AND
WAIT FOR A RESPONSE FROM THE SYSTEM.  AT THE 'GA MSG' PROMPT ENTER
THE TEXT OF THE MESSAGE.  THE FIRST LINE WITH TEXT WILL APPEAR ON
THE SUBJECT LINE IN THE MESSAGE LISTS. IF THE STATION YOU ADDRESSED
THE MESSAGE TO IS NOT IN THE USER ID FILE (OR THERE HAS BEEN A
TRANSMISSION ERROR) YOU WILL RECEIVE A 'NF' (MEANING NOT FOUND).
IF YOU WISH TO SEND A MESSAGE TO THAT STATION ANYWAY USE THE 'NEW'
COMMAND TO REGISTER THE STATION FIRST.

AT THE END OF THE MESSAGE SEND 'NNNN' ON A NEW LINE.  'NNNN'
EMBEDDED IN TEXT IS IGNORED.  AFTER SENDING 'NNNN' WAIT FOR A NEW
'GA' PROMPT TO ENTER A NEW COMMAND.

IDENTIFY YOUR STATION AT REGULAR INTERVALS BY SENDING YOUR
IDENTIFICATION AFTER A 'GA' PROMPT.  ANY CHARACTER SEQUENCE THAT
IS NOT A VALID COMMAND IS IGNORED BY THE SYSTEM ONCE YOU HAVE
LOGGED IN.

IF YOU HAVE ALREADY SENT A PARTIAL COMMAND LINE AND WANT TO CANCEL
THE LINE JUST SEND THREE OR MORE '/'S IN A ROW ANYWHERE ON THE
LINE.  THAT LINE WILL BE IGNORED.  THIS ONLY WORKS ON COMMAND
LINES.  /// IMBEDDED IN A MESSAGE WILL BE PASSED ON TO THE
ADDRESSEE.

AFTER YOU HAVE TRANSMITTED A MESSAGE YOU MAY CANCEL IT WITH THE
'CANCEL (NUMBER)' COMMAND.  THIS IS NORMALLY USED TO ONLY REMOVE
A BULLETIN YOU HAVE PLACED IN THE SYSTEM, BUT IT MAY BE USED TO
REMOVE ANY MESSAGE YOU HAVE PREVIOUSLY SENT.



MESSAGE LIST EXPLANATION

THE FORMAT FOR THE MESSAGE LIST IS SIMILAR TO THAT OF COMMONLY USED
PACKET BBS PROGRAMS.  THE SYMBOLS FOR TYPE AND STATUS ARE
CONSISTENT WITH THE PACKET SYSTEM EXCEPT FOR THE STATUS SYMBOL 'A'.

MSG = MESSAGE NUMBER (ASSIGNED BY THE SYSTEM)

T = MESSAGE TYPE AS FOLLOWS:
 P - A PRIVATE MESSAGE, MAY ONLY BE READ BY THE ADDRESSEE,
     ORIGINATOR OR SYSOP
 B - A BULLETIN
 T - AN NTS MESSAGE

S = STATUS AS FOLLOWS:
 N - MESSAGE NOT YET ACCESSED BY, DELIVERED, OR FORWARDED TO THE
     ADDRESSEE
 A - MESSAGE ACCESSED BY THE ADDRESSEE VIA AMTOR BUT NOT FULLY
     DELIVERED (POSSIBLY A LINK FAILURE DURING DELIVERY)
 Y - MESSAGE FORWARDED TO THE ADDRESSEE OR ANOTHER MBO/BBS

TO = CALL OF ADDRESSEE

AT = CALL OF ADDRESSEE'S BBS

FROM = CALL OF ORIGINATOR

FILED = DATE/TIME MESSAGE WAS ENTERED INTO THE SYSTEM

SUBJECT = THE FIRST LINE OF THE MESSAGE CONTAINING TEXT




LISTING MESSAGES

THERE ARE SEVERAL COMMANDS FOR LISTING MESSAGES THAT ARE IN THE
SYSTEM.  THE 'LT (CALL)', AND 'LF (CALL)' ('LIST TO' AND 'LIST
FROM') DEFAULT TO THE CALL OF THE USER LOGGED INTO THE SYSTEM IF
NO ARGUMENT IS GIVEN.

THE 'L', AND 'LB' COMMANDS WHEN GIVEN WITHOUT ARGUMENTS WILL LIST
ONLY MESSAGES NOT PREVIOUSLY LISTED FOR YOU.  YOU MAY OVERRIDE THIS
FEATURE BY ADDING A NUMBER FOLLOWING THE 'L', OR 'LB'. THE ARGUMENT
0 WILL LIST ALL THE MESSAGES IN THE CATEGORY.

MESSAGES THAT HAVE BEEN CANCELLED WILL NOT APPEAR ON THE MESSAGE
LIST EVEN THOUGH THEY MAY STILL BE IN THE SYSTEM.

MESSAGES THAT ARE TYPE 'PRIVATE' WILL ONLY APPEAR ON LISTS FOR THE
ADDRESSEE AND ORIGINATOR OF THE MESSAGE.

READ THE HELP FILES NAMED 'SYSTEM MAINTENANCE' AND 'MESSAGE LIST
EXPLANATION'.



SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

THE MAINTENANCE ROUTINES FOR THIS SYSTEM ARE TYPICALLY RUN ONCE A
DAY BY THE SYSOP.  AT THAT TIME THE FOLLOWING RULES APPLY TO ALL
MESSAGE FILES:

1. ALL MESSAGES MARKED CANCELLED ARE REMOVED.

2. ALL MESSAGES MARKED DELIVERED FOR MORE THAT 24 HOURS ARE
REMOVED.

3. ALL MESSAGES EXCEPT BULLETINS THAT ARE OVER 21 DAYS OLD ARE
REMOVED.



AMTOR PORT OPERATING HINTS

IF YOU HAVE BEEN SITTING IDLE FOR A FEW SECONDS BEFORE TYPING A
COMMAND, TYPE CR/LF JUST BEFORE ISSUING THE COMMAND.  THIS CLEARS
ANY STRAY LEADING CHARACTERS FROM THE BUFFER THAT MAY HAVE BEEN
RECEIVED IN ERROR DURING THE IDLE PERIOD.

IF YOU GET A LONG FILE STARTED AND WOULD LIKE TO ABORT, SIMPLY
CEASE THE LINK, WAIT FOR IDLE STATUS ON YOUR AMTOR TERMINAL, AND
TYPE 'A' (CR/LF).  THE SYSTEM WILL RETURN A 'BK GA' PROMPT AND
ACCEPT A NEW COMMAND FROM YOU.

REMEMBER THAT THE FIRST LINE OF A MESSAGE WILL APPEAR ON THE
MESSAGE LIST AS THE SUBJECT.  MAKE IT MEANINGFUL TO SOMEONE
SCANNING THE LIST.