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MicroLink for Windows
Users Guide
Welcome
MicroLink for Windows is a communications application for Microsoft Windows
version 3.0 or later. You can use MicroLink to connect your computer to
other computers and to information services such as CompuServe and Genie.
At the nucleus of MicroLink is the dialing directory, an easy to use
database where you can store names, phone numbers, logon scripts, terminal
settings, and port settings. Select an entry, press the Dial button, and
MicroLink instructs the modem to dial for you, and to redial if the line is
busy. Once connected your computer acts as a terminal, giving you access
to the remote computer's resources. Eight built-in transfer protocols
provide compatibility with nearly any other system for sending and receiving
files.
You can have MicroLink capture incoming information to file with the simple
press of a button. With MicroLink's scroll-back feature, you can review or
print up to 2000 lines of text.
With its simple but powerful script language, you can prepare responses to
a remote computer's prompts before a call. In this way, routine
information requests and file transfers can be done automatically and
completely unattended. Best of all, you do not need to be a programmer
to prepare these scripts. MicroLink can write these scripts for you by
watching your last call.
With MicroLink's configurable button bar, you can send or receive files,
print captured text, open your dialing directory, and perform many other
functions by simply selecting the appropriate button. You can even define
your own "custom" buttons to invoke a script file.
About This Manual
This manual is designed to help you explore and use MicroLink for Windows.
The table that follows lists the chapters in this guide.
Chapter 1, "Getting Started", tells you how to install MicroLink on your
computer and how to run MicroLink for Windows.
This chapter also explains the various parts of the MicroLink
window and provides some basic knowledge of the Windows
environment.
Chapter 2, "The Basics", introduces you to MicroLink. Detailed instructions
enable you to configure MicroLink for your computer and
provide for the creation of your directory file.
Instructions for exiting MicroLink are also provided.
Chapter 3, "Communicating with MicroLink", explains how to dial into a
remote computer. It includes instructions about sending and
receiving files and how to copy, paste and enter text while in
an active session. You also learn how to disconnect to end an
active session.
Chapter 4, "Scripting", provides a complete list of the script commands
supported by MicroLink. Numerous examples are given to aid you
through the process.
Chapter 5, "Command Summary", gives a detailed description of every command
in MicroLink the order in which they appear on the menu bar.
Chapter 6, "Errors and Troubleshooting", describes possible problems you may
encounter when using communication software and their solutions .
What You Need to Get Started
Setting up MicroLink on your computer is easy and takes only a few minutes.
This application requires that Microsoft Windows 3.0 or later is installed
on your computer. If Windows is not yet installed on your computer, install
it now. Before you get started you should know how to do the following:
Set up, start and use you computer.
Use Microsoft Windows 3.0.
Use the File Manager to create a directory and copy files.
If you do not know how to perform these tasks, use your computer owner's
manual and the Windows User's Guide to familiarize yourself with them..
Notational Conventions
A few notes on the typographical conventions used throughout this manual
follow below:
The names of the keys are spelled out throughout the manual and appear in
bold face. Key combinations are expressed with the use of the addition
symbol (+). For example, "Press Alt+D" means that you should press the Alt
key and hold it down while you press the D key. Once you have both keys
pressed, release them at the same time.
The directional keys are expressed as the Left, Right, Up, Down, Page Up,
Page Down, Home and End keys and not as they are graphically represented
on your keyboard.
Text that is to be entered is enclosed within quotes (" "). Whenever
possible the exact syntax is presented.
Notes appear throughout the manual to provide additional information.
They appear separately from the body text with one horizontal line above
the note text and one horizontal line below it. The font used for notes
is Helvetica. To further aid you, one of two graphic symbols appears on
the left side of the margin. A "i" icon indicates that the note is
informational and an exclamation icon presents an important note which
should be read carefully.
* This feature is present only in the Word for Windows format.
Getting Started
Windows must be installed on your computer before you can start using
MicroLink. You should also be familiar with using Microsoft Windows to
launch and terminate an application.
Setting Up MicroLink
To set up MicroLink, follow these steps:
1. Place your MicroLink diskette in a drive and close its latch.
Normally, you will use Drive A. Some systems have more than one floppy
drive. The second drive is usually called Drive B. If you choose to use a
drive other than A, simply substitute the drive letter for A in the
instructions that follow.
2. Before creating a directory for MicroLink, Windows must be running.
If Windows is not running, type WIN at the DOS prompt to begin.
From the Program Manager, start the File Manager by double clicking on the
File Manager icon. Once the File Manager is visble on the screen and
has displayed your fixed disk directory tree, select File, then
Create Directory. Type "MLINK", then select OK. Your MicroLink directory
will now appear in the Directory Tree.
It is best to put MicroLink in a subdirectory of its own. We suggest the
name "MLINK" for the subdirectory.
3. To copy the MicroLink program and help files to your fixed disk, select
File from the File Manager. Then choose Copy. When the Copy dialog box
appears, type "A:\*.*" at the From line. At the To line, type "C:\MLINK".
Select Copy and MicroLink's files will be copied to your fixed disk in the
MLINK directory.
4. To add the MicroLink icon to your Program Manager, select File from the
File Manager. Then choose New. When the New Program Object dialog box
appears, select Program Item and OK. The Program Item Properties dialog box
will then appear. At the Description line, type "MicroLink for Windows".
At the Command line, type "C:\MLINK\MLINK.EXE", then choose OK. The
MicroLink icon will now appear in your Program Manager selections.
Anatomy of the MicroLink Window
The top bar of the MicroLink Window is the Title bar. This bar contains the
system menu on the far left side and the minimize and maximize buttons on
the far right. In the center of the Title bar is the application name.
If you have selected a directory entry, its title will appear enclosed in
backets beside the application name. (ex. MicroLink - [Atlanta Windows]).
Below the title bar is the Menu bar. You can access the menu options by
moving the mouse over the menu item and pressing the left mouse button.
Alternately, you may press the "Alt" key, and once the File menu item has
becomed inverted, press the underlined letter of the menu item you want to
select.
The Tools Bar contains a set of push buttons designed to provide mouse
accelerators for various commands. The push buttons that appear are
definable via the Tools command.
The Function Key Bar contains a set of push buttons that represent the
function keys on your keyboard. These keys may be programmed via the
Function Keys command.
The Lights Bar is a set of indicators about the active port. IM indicates
modem initialization; HS indicates high speed; AA indicates auto answer mode;
CD indicates carrier detected; OH indicates off hook; RD indicates receiving
data; SD indicates sending data; TR indicates terminal ready; and MR
indicates modem ready.
The Session Window displays all incoming characters and, optionally, all
outgoing characters. This window is scrollable, retrieving up to 2,000 lines
of previously displayed text. The choice of typeface, font size and
fore- and background colors may be customized via the Terminal command.
The Status Bar is the horizontal bar that appears along the bottom of
MicroLink's window. It contains the current time or connected time; the
current port settings; an indicator as to whether a log file is opened,
closed, or temporarily on hold; and an indicator as to whether a script
file is currently recording, paused or stopped.
The Tools, Function Key, Lights and Status bars may all be optionally
disabled via the Window command thereby increasing the size of the Session
Window.
The Basics
It is easy to get around the MicroLink program and to know just what MicroLink
expects of you at any time. This chapter introduces you to the basics of
using MicroLink.
Starting MicroLink
There are several ways to start MicroLink (some are easier than others).
The four basic techniques follow below:
From the DOS command line, type "WIN MLINK". You must be within the
directory that the MicroLink executable file (MLINK.EXE) resides in and
Windows must be located on your path environment variable.
Double click on the program icon within Program Manager. As an alternate
method, you can highlight the icon with either the mouse or arrow keys and
press enter.
Choose the Run command from the File menu of either the Program Manager or
the File Manager. Enter the name of the program, then select OK. Remember
to enter the complete pathname of MicroLink if it is not located within your
path environment variable.
Double click on the program file from a directory window within File Manager.
As an alternate method, you can highlight the icon with either the mouse or
arrow keys and press enter.
If Windows cannot find MicroLink, a message box will appear telling you that
Windows could not find the file within the current search path. If MicroLink
is not located on your current search path try placing it before the program
name. For example, enter "C:\MLINK\MLINK.EXE" at the Command Line.
Configuring MicroLink
Because every computer is equipped with different hardware, you need to
configure MicroLink before connecting to a remote computer. In particular,
you need to tell MicroLink the brand of modem you are using and the COM port
your modem is attached to. You also need to enter the phone number of the
remote computer, as well as its port and terminal settings. Finally, you will
want to set the user preferences.
The first time you start MicroLink, a small dialog box will appear prompting
you to select the port your modem is attached to. After selecting the port
and pressing OK, MicroLink will attempt to open the port and connect
locally to the modem. If it is unable to open the port, the dialog box will
reappear, prompting you to select another port as the default port. If no
ports are available or if you have selected the cancel option, MicroLink will
complete initialization but will not open any ports. When you attempt to
connect to a remote computer, MicroLink will again retry this process.
Modem Settings
To configure the Modem settings including Modem Type, Line Type, Modem Volume,
Initialization String, and Dialing Prefix, perform the following steps:
1. Choose Settings, then choose Modem.
2. Select the Modem Type, Line Type and Modem Volume.
3. Enter the Initialization String and Dialing Prefix.
4. Choose OK to accept these changes.
The Initialization String allows you to add additional initialization strings
to be sent to the modem. Enter initialization strings without the AT prefix,
as this prefix is already included. DP, DT, E, E0, L, M, Q, S1, S7 and Z
commands cannot be included in the initialization string as these codes are
used internally.
The Dialing Prefix allows you to insert additional characters in front on
the phone number. Codes such as "*70" for call waiting and "9," for business
PBX's should be placed here.
Port Settings
To set the Port settings including serial (COM) port, baud rate, data bits,
stop bits, flow control, parity, lock baud rate, parity check, and carrier
detect, perform the following steps:
1. Choose Settings, then choose Port.
2. Select the serial (COM) port that your modem is attached to and its
appropriate communications parameters.
3. Choose OK to accept these changes.
The Baud Rate group specifies how fast information is transferred through
the port; Data Bits specifies the number of data bits in each packet of
information; Parity specifies the error-checking method used; Stop Bits
specifies the number of stop bits in each packet of information; and Flow
Control specifies the method used to control the transmission, or flow, of
data.
The Lock Baud Rate option indicates whether MicroLink should modify the
connection speed between the computer and the modem. This option should be
enabled when using modems that can connect at baud rates that are not
supported by Windows. For example, several US Robotics modems can connect at
baud rates of 14,400. To support a modem at this speed, set the baud rate to
19,200 and enable the Lock Baud Rate option.
The Parity Check option indicates whether MicroLink should translate the high
order bit on the characters it receives.
The Carrier Detect option indicates whether MicroLink should automatically
delete the loss of carrier to automatically perform a hang up.
It is important that these port options are set correctly. It is recommended
that you refer to the manual from your modem to find its maximum baud rate
and that you verify the settings of the remote computer. If these settings
are incorrect a Receiving Framing error may occur.
Session Settings
To set the Session settings including the Session Title, Phone Number, default
File Transfer Protocol, and Logon Script, perform the following steps:
1. Choose Settings, then choose Session.
2. Enter the Session Title and Phone Number.
3. Select the default File Transfer Protocol. If the chosen protocol
requires additional settings the Configure button will be enabled.
The Configure button allows you to choose additional settings for the
selected protocol. For example, ZModem allows you to configure send
and receive options and enable its auto download feature.
4. Enter the Logon Script filename or select the Logon Script button to
display a listing of available scripts.
5. Choose OK to accept these changes.
The maximum number of characters for the Title is 25.
The maximum number of characters for the Phone Number is also 25.
Special dialing codes such as "*70" for call waiting or "9," for business
PBXs, should be entered in the dialing prefix option located in the Modem
dialog box.
The default File Transfer Protocol is the method of file transfer you use
most often when transferring files to this remote computer.
The Logon Script is the script that is automatically invoked once a connection
has been made. This script file must reside in the default scripts
directory.
Terminal Settings
To set the Terminal settings including Terminal Type, the default Font Name
and Size, the Caret Type, scrollback buffer size and dimensions, outbound
Carriage Return expands to Carriage Return plus Line Feeds options,
Local Echo, and ANSI Color Attributes, perform the following steps:
1. Choose Settings, then choose Terminal.
2. Select the Terminal Type, Font Name, Font Size and Caret Type.
3. Enter the scrollback Buffer size in lines, the number of Rows per page,
and the Column width.
4. Select CR->CR+LF options, Local Echo and ANSI Color Attributes.
5. Choose OK to accept these changes.
The minimum number of lines in the scrollback Buffer is 50 and the maximum
is 2000. The minimum number of Rows per page is 25, the maximum is 50 and
the default setting is 25. The minimum number of Columns per page is 40, the
maximum is 240 and the default setting is 80.
If ANSI Color Attributes is set on, MicroLink will translate the colors the
remote computer sends thru escape sequences. Disabling ANSI Color Attributes
allows you to set the colors for the session window, thereby overriding the
remote color sequences. You can change the default colors by selecting the
Colors button, which will display the colors dialog box. For more
information on setting colors, see the related topic Colors below.
MicroLink will display every fixed space typeface that resides in your
system. However, the list of available font sizes is a standard one and may
not represent the actual font sizes you have in your system. It is designed
to accommodate Adobe Type Manager, Bitstreams FaceLift and True Type, which
create fonts on the fly. As a result, typefaces such as terminal may display
the same font for various sizes.
Terminal - Colors Command
The Terminal - Colors Command sets the screen colors of the session window .
To select the foreground and background colors used in the session window,
perform the following steps:
1. Choose Settings, then choose Terminal.
2. After the terminal window is displayed, insure that the ANSI Color
Attributes option is not checked.
3. Push the Colors button. This will display the current color selections.
4. Select the colors you want for the foreground and background.
5. Choose OK to accept the these changes.
Default colors are only used when the ANSI Color Attributes option is not
checked.
Preferences
To set the user Preferences including the Redial Count, Timeout value, Pause
value, default Directory filename, Delete Partial File option, Prompts option,
Elapsed Time Clock option, Return from Iconic option, Quick Initialization
option and Warning Beeps option, perform the following steps:
1. Choose Settings, then choose Preferences.
2. Enter the Redial Count, Timeout value and Pause value.
3. Enter the Directory filename or select the Directory button to display a
listing of available directory files.
4. Check the Delete Partial File, Prompts, Elapsed Time Clock, Return from
Iconic, Quick Initialization and Warning Beeps options.
5. Choose OK to accept these changes.
The Redial value indicates the number of times MicroLink will attempt to
retry to connect to the remote computer. The range is from 0 to 99.
The Timeout value indicates how long MicroLink instructs the modem to wait
to receive a connection. The range is from 15 to 120 seconds.
The Pause value indicates how long MicroLink will wait before redialing.
The range is from 0 to 120 seconds.
The Directory file must reside in the default directory path. If the
directory file you entered does not exist, MicroLink will attempt to open it
as a new directory file.
The Delete Partial File option indicates whether MicroLink should
automatically delete files that are a result of a failed file transfer.
The Prompts option indicates whether MicroLink should display additional
dialog boxes during file transfers.
The Elapsed Time Clock option indicates whether MicroLink should display the
amount of time you have been connected to the remote computer.
The Return from Iconic option indicates whether MicroLink should restore the
window to a full screen when it has completed background processing, such as
background dialing and background file transfers.
The Quick Initialization option indicates whether MicroLink should bypass the
modem initialization process after the first initialization has been
completed.
The Warning Beeps option indicates whether MicroLink should emit audible beeps
to indicate connection and completed file transfers.
Creating a Dialing Directory Database
You may want to store the terminal, port, and session settings of a remote
computer for later use. MicroLink allows you create your own yellow pages of
remote computer profiles. You can use these profiles for quick access.
For example, if you can have your favorite BBS's stored in a directory file,
all you need to do is open the directory listing file and select that entry.
From that dialog box, you can have MicroLink begin the connection process for
that entry.
To build a listing of directory entries, perform the following steps:
1. Choose File, then choose Directory.
To Add a record to the directory listing, do the following:
2. Set the phone number and the file transfer protocol. The file
transfer protocol may need to be configured as appropriate for your
modem. The port and terminal settings should be changed as necessary
by clicking on the current port or terminal settings to display the
port or terminal selections.
3. Select the Add button. Enter the name of the entry on the title field
of the Add Record dialog box.
4. Choose OK to add the entry to your directory listing.
To Change an entry, do the following:
1. Select the entry to be changed.
2. Make any necessary changes to the entry, then select the Change
button.
To Delete an entry, do the following:
1. Select the entry to be deleted.
2. Select the Delete button.
The directory file used is the one which you have chosen in the Preferences
dialog box.
If you make changes to an entry thru Settings and then choose Directory,
you will be prompted with the message "Record has been changed. Update
record?". By choosing Yes, the record will be updated in your Directory
listing.
If you make changes to the title of an entry thru Settings and then choose
Directory, you will be prompted with the message "(Entry) does not exist.
Add record to file?". By choosing Yes, the record will be added to your
Directory listing.
After selecting an entry, you may select the Dial button to immediately begin
the dialing process.
Getting Help
To get help with whatever you are trying to accomplish, open the Help menu
(the menu item at the far right). Once the pull down Help menu is visible you
will see six choices, plus the About command. To get help, select the menu
item that is closest to the kind of help you need. If you need help using the
keyboard with MicroLink, select Keyboard. If you are confused about the
action a particular command performs, select Commands. Selecting Index will
display an index of all of the commands available with MicroLink, sorted in
alphabetical order. The Using Help option will provide you with general
information on using Windows.
Once you have made the appropriate choice, the Help window will be displayed.
It also has push buttons that function similar to those within MicroLink.
To jump to an associated section either click on the word with a mouse or,
using the tab key, position the pointer on that topic and press enter.
Words within the help file that are underlined will enable you to jump to a
different section within the manual. Words that have a dotted line are words
that have a definition that you can see. By clicking the left mouse button,
the definition will appear on the screen in a small box. Pressing the Esc key
will cause the box to disappear. Keyboard support is the same for underlined
words, however you must hold down the enter key to display the definition
box. For more information on using the Help system, refer to your Windows
documentation.
Ending MicroLink
When you are finished with a MicroLink session, you should exit MicroLink
properly. The steps to correctly exit MicroLink appear below:
1. Choose Exit from the file menu of the MicroLink window. After selecting
this option, MicroLink will automatically disconnect you from any
computer you may be currently connected to.
2. Set the Save Changes box if you want MicroLink to remember your current
settings and screen location when you quit.
3. Select OK.
Communicating with MicroLink
Once you have initialized the required variables, you are ready to begin
communications using MicroLink. This chapter will provide you with
step-by-step instructions for communicating with a remote computer.
Dialing a Remote Computer
After you have entered the session, port, and terminal settings as described
earlier, you are ready to dial. To connect MicroLink to a remote computer
choose Session, then choose Dial or select the Dial button from the Tools Bar.
The Lights Bar will be updated indicating that MicroLink will first initialize
the modem and then attempt to dial and connect to the remote computer.
If MicroLink is unable to properly initialize the modem, dialing will fail.
After the modem initialization completes, MicroLink will display a dialog box
indicating the title of the remote computer it is dialing; its phone number;
the number of seconds left until MicroLink issues a timeout; the remaining
number of times MicroLink will attempt to connect to the remote computer; and
the last error that has occurred.
You may cancel at any time by pressing the Escape key or selecting the Cancel
button. Selecting the Background button will minimize MicroLink, thereby
entering background processing.
Since proper initialization takes time, it is recommended that you set the
Quick Initialization option, located in the Preference dialog box.
MicroLink does not automatically restore itself on the screen after background
processing is complete. To enable restoration check Return From Iconic,
located in the Preferences dialog box.
When MicroLink has not dialed to a remote computer, the icon is the comet.
Once MicroLink has dialed and connected to a remote computer, the icon changes
to a modem.
Once you have connected to the remote computer, you can begin your
communication session with the remote computer. Characters you type will be
sent to the remote computer and characters sent by the remote computer will be
displayed on the screen. If none of the characters you type appear on the
screen, enable the Local Echo option under Terminal settings. Further, if
the screen becomes filled with unreadable characters, verify that your Port
settings are correct.
Using the Clipboard
During your communications session, you may want to use the clipboard to copy
portions of the session and/or to paste text to the remote computer.
To copy the contents of a marked block to the clipboard, perform the following
steps:
1. Scroll thru the session buffer to bring the text you want to copy into
view.
2. Using the mouse, move to the upper left hand corner of the block and
press and hold the left mouse button down.
3. Drag the mouse to the lower right hand corner of the block. The text
that appears within the block will become inverted.
4. Choose Edit, then choose Copy or select the Copy button from the Tools
Bar.
To copy the contents of the Clipboard to the remote computer (Paste) choose
Edit, then choose Paste or select the Paste button from the Tools Bar.
MicroLink will then begin transmitting the contents of the file to the remote
computer. You may cancel the Paste command at any time by pressing the Esc
key.
At this time, MicroLink cannot automatically scroll thru the session window
when marking characters. Therefore only the contents of the session buffer
that are visible can be copied to the clipboard at anytime.
Copying From and Pasting To Files
You can also mark a block and copy it to a file for later reference.
Similarly, you can send the contents of a file to the remote computer.
Copy To Command
To create a file and copy the contents of a marked block to it, perform the
following steps:
1. Scroll thru the session buffer to bring the text you want to copy into
view.
2. Using the mouse, move to the upper left hand corner of the block and
press and hold the left mouse button down.
3. Drag the mouse to the lower right hand corner of the block and release
the left mouse button. The text that appears within the block will
become inverted.
4. Select Edit, then choose Copy To.
5. Type or select the name of the file you want to copy to. If the target
directory is not the current directory, either type the directory name
in front of the filename or select the directory from the Directories
box.
6. Choose OK to begin copying to the file.
If the file already exists, MicroLink will display a dialog box giving you the
option to cancel the operation or erase the contents of the file.
Selecting OK will instruct MicroLink to destroy the contents of the current
file.
Paste From Command
To open a file and copy its contents to the remote computer, perform the
following steps:
1. Select Edit, then choose Paste From.
2. Type or select the name of the file you want to paste from. If the
document is not listed in the current directory, either type the
directory name in front of the document name or select the directory
in the Directories box.
3. Choose OK to begin pasting the file.
MicroLink will then begin transmitting the contents of the file to the remote
computer. You may cancel the paste command at any time by pressing the Escape
key.
Sending and Receiving Files
You may need to send files to or receive files from the remote computer.
MicroLink has several built-in file transfer protocols to ensure that you
will be able to transfer files from nearly any computer.
To send a file to the remote computer, perform the following steps:
1. Select Session, then choose Send or select the Send button from the
Tools Bar.
If you have Prompts enabled, do the following:
2. Select the protocol you want to use.
If your default protocol is ASCII, XModem, or YModem, do the following:
3. Type the name of the file you want to send. If the source directory is
not the current directory, type the directory name in front of the file
name or select the directory from the Directories box.
4. Choose OK to begin sending the file.
If your default protocol is YModem G, YModem Batch, or ZModem,
do the following:
3. Select the name of the file(s) you wish to send by first choosing the
directory where the file(s) resides and then marking the appropriate file(s).
When you have finished marking the selections from that directory, select the
Add button. You may then repeat this process thru the remaining directories.
To remove a file you have added to the Selected Files list, mark the file(s)
and select the Delete button.
4. Choose OK to begin sending the file(s).
If MicroLink is unable to synchronize properly with the remote computer the
file transfer will fail. After the initialization is complete, MicroLink
will display a dialog box indicating the name of the file being sent, the
estimated time remaining to complete the file transfer, the time that has
elapsed since the file transfer was initiated, and the last error which has
occurred.
You may cancel sending a file at any time by pressing the Escape key or
selecting the Cancel button. Selecting the Background button will minimize
MicroLink and enter background processing.
To receive a file from the remote computer, perform the following steps:
1. Select Session, then choose Receive or select the Receive button from
the Tools Bar.
If you have Prompts enabled, do the following:
2. Select the protocol you want to use.
If your default protocol is ASCII, XModem, or YModem, do the following:
3. Type the name of the file you want to receive. If the target directory
is not the current directory, type the directory name in front of the
file name or select the directory in the Directories box.
4. Choose OK to begin receiving the file.
If your default protocol is YModem G, YModem Batch, or ZModem, do the following:
3. Type the complete pathname where the receiving file is to be placed.
4. Choose OK to begin receiving the file.
As in sending files, if MicroLink is unable to synchronize properly with the
remote computer, the file transfer will fail. After the initialization is
complete, MicroLink will display a dialog box indicating the filename of the
receiving file, the estimated time remaining to complete the file transfer,
the time that has elapsed since the file transfer was initiated, and the last
error that has occurred. With YModem G, YModem Batch, or ZModem, the total
size of the file to be received will be known and the thermometer will be
active.
You may cancel receiving a file at any time by pressing the Escape key or
selecting the Cancel button. Selecting the Background button will minimize
MicroLink and enter background processing.
Some Notes on File Transfer Protocols
Sending and receiving files is one of the most important capabilities to be
handled by a communications program. To do so, a connection must be made
between the two computers. Then several things are necessary:
The sending computer must know what file is wanted.
The receiving computer must know what name to use when storing it.
The sending computer needs to know when to start sending, and when to
pause if it is sending faster than the receiving computer can store
the data.
Errors from a bad phone connection should be detected and corrected.
A way must be provided to signal the end of the transmission.
These needs are handled by the file transfer protocol that is chosen.
MicroLink supports the most popular file transfer protocols, and in most
cases, you'll simply choose the most sophisticated protocol available on
both computers.
ASCII Transfer Protocol
ASCII is the most primitive (in fact, most experts wouldn't consider it a
protocol at all) but it is the most universally available. No error detection
is employed (unless you're using MNP.) The end of file is signified by a
Ctrl-Z character (ASCII 26). Because binary files might have Ctrl-Z's and
other control characters anywhere, they can't be sent reliably with ASCII.
Unless the data to be sent is pure text, don't use ASCII. Even for text files,
use ASCII transfers only when no other protocol is available.
XModem
In XModem transfers, a file is sent in blocks of 132 bytes. The transfer is
started by the receiver, which sends a NAK character (ASCII 21) at 10-second
intervals until the sender responds with the first block. Validity checking
is done by evaluating the checksum and the other non-data bytes in the
block. The receiver also expects no more than a 1 second interval between
bytes. If an error is detected, the receiver sends a NAK and the block may
be resent up to 10 times. Otherwise, an ACK (ASCII 6) is sent to acknowledge
correct receipt. An EOT character (ASCII 4) instead of another block
indicates end of file, and the receiver responds with a final ACK.
The Ctrl-X character (ASCII 24) between blocks by sender or receiver requests
cancellation of the transfer.
An XModem Block
1 Byte SOH (ASCII 1)
1 Byte Sequence Number 0-255
1 Byte Complement (255-seq number)
128 Bytes Data
1 Byte Checksum
XModem CRC
The XModem CRC protocol improves on XModem by using CRC instead of a checksum
for validity checking. This provides a much better chance that errors due to
a bad phone line will be caught. Instead of the initial NAK character(s),
the receiving computer sends "C" until the first block is received.
YModem - XModem 1k
The YModem protocol, sometimes called XModem-1k, is like XModem CRC, but
faster transfers can be achieved (when a phone connection is good) because
1024 bytes of data are sent per block. The sender may also use 128 byte
blocks, at its discretion. Blocks with 1024 bytes have STX (ASCII 2) as the
start of block character instead of SOH.
YModem Batch
One (usually insignificant) problem of XModem, XModem CRC, and YModem transfers
is that the file size on the receiving computer is always an even multiple of
128 bytes. (ASCII zeros are padded onto the end.) YModem Batch solves this
problem and allows more than one file to be to be sent in a single transfer
by including file name(s) and size(s) along with the data. After requesting
file(s) from the sender, the receiver only needs to specify the drive and path
for local storage.
In batch transfers the initial block number is zero (instead of one) to
indicate that it contains a file name and size. After each file, another
"filename block" is expected. A filename block with ASCII zeros instead of a
file name indicates the end of the batch.
Because file naming is handled automatically, YModem batch (and G) are well
suited for unattended operation in scripts.
YModem G
These protocols correspond to YModem Batch but can be much faster because the
sender does not wait for an ACK character before sending each block. In
addition, the timing is relaxed to make it more suitable for use on some
transmission links where data is sent in bursts, with (sometimes) more than
one-second intervening delays.
YModem G are the preferred protocols for use with MNP, because MNP does its
own error checking and correcting. They should not be used otherwise.
To start a YModem G, the receiver sends "G" instead of "C" to say it's ready.
One disadvantage of the "G" protocols is that cancellation (using Ctrl-X) is
sometimes messy. By the time the sender receives the Ctrl-X, a lot of data
may already be in transit. The receiver may need to ignore several pages of
unintelligible data on the screen before the sender's menu is redisplayed.
ZModem
The Zmodem protocol provides reliable file transfer between application
programs. End-To-End data integrity is insured with the CRC16 or CRC32 data
verification schemes. File transfer is simplified with advanced file
management features, Automatic Receiver Transfer (AutoDownload), AutoFile
Restart (Crash Recovery), and selective file transfers. Binary Data Escape
techniques are implemented with a minimum amount of overhead allowing transfer
rates above the Kermit or YModem Batch protocols and almost as good as
YModem G. Selective buffering and windowing techniques allow Zmodem to
operate on systems that do not support streaming protocols.
Hanging Up
Once you have completed your communications session you need to disconnect
from the remote computer. To do so select Session, then choose Hang Up or
select the Hang Up button from the Tools Bar.
Scripting
Scripts are a set of instructions you can create for MicroLink to follow.
Ranging from very simple to extremely complex, scripts are a short-cut which
will save you considerable effort over time. These mini-programs can be
created for most anything, including the automation of a logon process.
Examples of several scripts are provided throughout this chapter.
Script Reference
Script File Name
A script file name can be any valid filename. The default file extension for
a script file is MSL, which stands for MicroWerks Script Language. An example
of a valid script file name is "MYSCRIPT.MSL".
Contents of a Script File
A MSL script, regardless of size, consists of statements, functions and
variables. A statement is a command that specifies the operations which
should be performed. Functions manipulate variables, which store values used
during the execution of the script. It is suggested that you end every script
you create with the END statement.
Constant
A constant is a value which will be interpreted literally by MicroLink.
Constants specify actual information, as opposed to information that is
contained within a variable and identified by a name. In the following
example, "Hello World" is a string constant.
RPRINT "Hello World"
Character (string) constants can contain any alphanumeric characters and
special symbols. Character constants are enclosed in double quotes.
Numeric constants identify numeric values and can be used in arithmetic
operations. Numeric constants should not be delimited. If delimiters are
used, the numbers will be interpreted as a string. In the following example,
"9" is a numeric constant.
x = 9
Variables
Variables are temporary storage bins for information. The variables and their
contents are released when a script is terminated by a syntax error, a
runtime error, or when a script reaches an END statement. The name you
assign to a variable may contain numerics, letters, or the underscore
character ("_"), however the first character must a a letter. The name can be
up to 10 characters in length. Variables can be assigned with either a
constant or another variable by using the equal sign "=". Several
statements can also assign data to a variable. The following examples
demonstrate different methods used to assign a value to a variable.
intro$ = "Hello World" ' Assigned by a constant
first$ = last$ ' Assigned by a variable
INPUT "Enter Password:", pw$ ' Assigned by a statement
The variable type is determined by its name. A string variable must end with
a dollar sign ($). In the following example, "Hello World" is stored in a
string variable named "intro$".
intro$ = "Hello World"
Strings variables can be concatenated (combined) together using the plus
sign (+), as demonstrated in the following example.
hello$ = "Hello "
intro$ = hello$ + "World"
Numeric expressions can be used in mathematical expressions or whenever a
numeric value is needed by a statement. The following examples demonstrate
the use of numeric variables.
FOR i = 1 to 10
j = i % 2
IF j = 1 ' If so, print "it odd"
RPRINT "Its odd...^M"
ELSE ' otherwise, print "it even"
RPRINT "Its even...^M"
ENDIF
NEXT
The following list shows the symbol used and the calculation performed by each
supported mathematical operator
Symbol Calculation Performed
+ Addition.
- Subtraction.
* Multiplication.
/ Division.
% Modulus. The modulus operator returns only the remainder of the
division operator.
( ) Used to set the order of operations.
The next section provides detailed intructions regarding every command and
function currently available. Numerous examples are given to aid your
understanding of script file assembly.
AUTOANSWER Statement
Action: Sets the modem to auto answer mode.
Syntax: AUTOANSWER
Remarks: The AUTOANSWER statement sets the modem to auto answer mode.
Example: The following example uses AUTOANSWER to place the modem
into auto answer mode:
SET OUTCRLF OFF ' Sets Outbound CR->LF
SET INCRLF OFF ' Sets Inbound CR->LF
SET ECHO OFF ' Sets Local Echo
SET TEXTWRAP ON ' Sets Text Wrap
SET TERMINAL ANSI
SET PROTOCOL YMODEMB
SET TITLE "Simple Host Mode"
AUTOANSWER ' Set AA mode
RPRINT "Welcome to my PC^M"
SLEEP 5
RPRINT "Send me the name of the file you want^M"
RINPUT "Enter filename:", file$
RPRINT "^M^M" ' Send 2 CRs
RPRINT "When your ready to receive the file "
RPRINT "using YMODEMB, send me 'OK'^M"
WAITFOR "OK"
RPRINT "Sending file " + file$ + " using YMODEMB^M"
SEND file$
RPRINT "Bye"
HANGUP
END
BEEP Statement
Action: Makes a sound through the speaker.
Syntax: BEEP
Remarks: The BEEP statement makes a sound through the speaker.
Example: The following example uses BEEP to indicate a successful log
on to a remote computer:
ONERROR DialFailed
DIAL "9,123-4567"
WAITFOR "Enter FIRST name: "
RPRINT "John^M" ' Send First Name
WAITFOR "Enter LAST name: "
RPRINT "Doe^M" ' Send Last Name
WAITFOR "Enter Password: "
RPRINT "PASSWORD^M" ' Send Password
MPRINT "Connection Complete!"
END
DialFailed:
BEEP
MPRINT "Did not connect"
END
CLEAR Statement
Action: Clears the display and the contents of the scrollback buffer.
Syntax: CLEAR
Remarks: The CLEAR statement clears the display and the contents of the
scrollback buffer.
Example: The following example uses CLEAR to remove the contents of the
scrollback buffer:
ONERROR DialFailed
DIAL "9,123-4567"
WAITFOR "Enter FIRST name: "
RPRINT "John^M" ' Send First Name
WAITFOR "Enter LAST name: "
RPRINT "Doe^M" ' Send Last Name
WAITFOR "Enter Password: "
RPRINT "PASSWORD^M" ' Send Password
MPRINT "Connection Complete!"
CLEAR
END
DialFailed:
MPRINT "Did not connect"
END
CLOSELOG Statement
Action: Closes the open log file.
Syntax: CLOSELOG
Remarks: The CLOSELOG statement closes the open log file.
Example: The following example uses CLOSELOG to close the log file:
LOG$ = "LOGFILE.LOG" ' Log File Name
OPENLOG LOG$ ' Open a log File
HOLDLOG
WAITFOR "Enter FIRST name: "
RPRINT "John^M" ' Send First Name
WAITFOR "Enter LAST name: "
RPRINT "Doe^M" ' Send Last Name
WAITFOR "Enter Password: "
RPRINT "PASSWORD^M" ' Send Password
RESUMELOG
REM Keep the script running in background until the BBS
REM ends the session and sends "Goodbye".
WAITFOR "Goodbye"
CLOSELOG
MPRINT "Log File Closed."
END
CLS Statement
Action: Clears the display.
Syntax: CLS
Remarks: The CLS statement clears the display and saves its contents to
the scrollback buffer.
Example: The following example uses CLS to indicate the successful log on
to a remote computer:
ONERROR DialFailed
DIAL "9,123-4567"
WAITFOR "Enter FIRST name: "
RPRINT "John^M" ' Send First Name
WAITFOR "Enter LAST name: "
RPRINT "Doe^M" ' Send Last Name
WAITFOR "Enter Password: "
RPRINT "PASSWORD^M" ' Send Password
MPRINT "Connection Complete!"
END
DialFailed:
MPRINT "Did not connect"
END
DIAL Statement
Action: Starts the dialing connect process.
Syntax: DIAL [phonenumber$]
Remarks: The optional argument phonenumber$ is a string expression that
specifies the phone number MicroLink will use when performing
a dial command. If this argument is not supplied, the DIAL
statement will use the default phone number.
Example: The following example uses DIAL to connect to a remote computer:
ONERROR DialFailed
DIAL "9,123-4567"
WAITFOR "Enter FIRST name: "
RPRINT "John^M" ' Send First Name
WAITFOR "Enter LAST name: "
RPRINT "Doe^M" ' Send Last Name
WAITFOR "Enter Password: "
RPRINT "PASSWORD^M" ' Send Password
MPRINT "Connection Complete!"
END
DialFailed:
MPRINT "Did not connect"
END
END Statement
Action: Stops a script.
Syntax: END
Remarks: The END statement stops script execution, closes all files and
returns control to the user. You can place an END statement
anywhere in the script to terminate execution.
Example: The following script uses the END statement to end script
execution:
FIRST$ = "John" ' First Name
LAST$ = "Doe" ' Last Name
WAITFOR "First Name-> "
RPRINT FIRST$
RPRINT "^M"
WAITFOR "Last Name-> "
RPRINT LAST$
RPRINT "^M"
WAITFOR "Password-> "
INPUT "Enter Password:", PW$ ' Get Password
RPRINT PW$
RPRINT "^M"
MPRINT "Log-on Complete!"
SLEEP 10
MPRINT "Finishing Up..."
X = 1
Again:
IF X = 5 THEN
GOTO Done
ENDIF
WAITFOR "Continue? " ' Wait for 5 Continues
MPRINT "^M" ' and send each a CR
X = X + 1
GOTO Again
Done:
CLS
MPRINT "All Done..."
END
FOR...NEXT Statement
Action: Repeats a group of instructions a specified number of times.
Syntax: FOR counter=start TO end
[statementblock]
[EXIT FOR]
[statementblock]
NEXT
Remarks: The FOR statement utilizes the following arguments:
Argument: Description counter - A numeric variable used as a loop
counter.
start - The initial value of the counter.
end - The final value of the loop counter.
A FOR...NEXT loop executes only if start is less than end.
Within the FOR...NEXT loop, the program lines following
the FOR statement are executed until the NEXT statement is
encountered. Then the counter is incremented and compared
by the final value, end.
Avoid changing the value of counter within the loop.
Changing the value of counter is poor programming
practice and can make the program difficult to read and
debug.
EXIT FOR Statement
The EXIT FOR statement provides a convenient method to exit a FOR...NEXT loop.
Example: The following example uses a FOR...NEXT loop in a script:
FIRST$ = "John" ' First Name
LAST$ = "Doe" ' Last Name
WAITFOR "First Name-> "
RPRINT FIRST$
RPRINT "^M"
WAITFOR "Last Name-> "
RPRINT LAST$
RPRINT "^M"
WAITFOR "Password-> "
INPUT "Enter Password:", PW$ ' Get Password
RPRINT PW$
RPRINT "^M"
MPRINT "Log-on Complete!"
SLEEP 10
MPRINT "Finishing Up..."
X = 1
Again:
IF X = 5 THEN
GOTO Done
ENDIF
WAITFOR "Continue? " ' Wait for 5 Continues
MPRINT "^M" ' and send each a CR
X = X + 1
GOTO Again
Done:
CLS
MPRINT "All Done..."
END
GOTO Statement
Action: Branches unconditionally to the specified label.
Syntax: GOTO label
Remarks: The GOTO statement provides a way to branch unconditionally to
another label.
Example: The following example uses the GOTO statement:
FIRST$ = "John" ' First Name
LAST$ = "Doe" ' Last Name
WAITFOR "First Name-> "
RPRINT FIRST$
RPRINT "^M"
WAITFOR "Last Name-> "
RPRINT LAST$
RPRINT "^M"
WAITFOR "Password-> "
INPUT "Enter Password:", PW$ ' Get Password
RPRINT PW$
RPRINT "^M"
MPRINT "Log-on Complete!"
SLEEP 10
MPRINT "Finishing Up..."
X = 1
Again:
IF X = 5 THEN
GOTO Done
ENDIF
WAITFOR "Continue? " ' Wait for 5 Continues
MPRINT "^M" ' and send each a CR
X = X + 1
GOTO Again
Done:
CLS
MPRINT "All Done..."
END
HANGUP Statement
Action: Disconnects the modem and ends an active session.
Syntax: HANGUP
Remarks: The HANGUP statement disconnects the modem and ends an active
session.
Example: The following example uses HANGUP to end an active session:
SET OUTCRLF OFF ' Sets Outbound CR->LF
SET INCRLF OFF ' Sets Inbound CR->LF
SET ECHO OFF ' Sets Local Echo
SET TEXTWRAP ON ' Sets Text Wrap
SET TERMINAL ANSI
SET PROTOCOL YMODEMB
SET TITLE "Simple Host Mode"
AUTOANSWER ' Sets AA mode
RPRINT "Welcome to my PC^M"
SLEEP 5
RPRINT "Send me the name of the file you want^M"
RINPUT "Enter filename:", file$
RPRINT "^M^M" ' Sends 2 CRs
RPRINT "When you are ready to receive the file "
RPRINT "using YMODEMB, send me 'OK'^M"
WAITFOR "OK"
RPRINT "Sending file " + file$ + " using YMODEMB^M"
SEND file$
RPRINT "Bye"
HANGUP
END
HOLDLOG Statement
Action: Pauses the logging of text to a file.
Syntax: HOLDLOG
Remarks: The HOLDLOG statement pauses the logging of text to a file.
Example: The following example uses HOLDLOG to pause the logging of text
to a file:
LOG$ = "LOGFILE.LOG" ' Log File Name
OPENLOG LOG$ ' Open a log File
HOLDLOG
WAITFOR "Enter FIRST name: "
RPRINT "John^M" ' Send First Name
WAITFOR "Enter LAST name: "
RPRINT "Doe^M" ' Send Last Name
WAITFOR "Enter Password: "
RPRINT "PASSWORD^M" ' Send Password
MPRINT "Log File Opened."
RESUMELOG
REM Keep the script running in background until the BBS
REM ends the session and sends "Goodbye".
WAITFOR "Goodbye"
CLOSELOG
MPRINT "Log File Closed."
END
IF...THEN...ELSE...ENDIF Statement
Action: Allows conditional execution, or branching, based on the
evaluation of a Boolean (true or false) expression.
Syntax1: IF booleanexpression THEN statement [ELSE statement]
Syntax2: IF booleanexpression THEN
[statementblock]
[ELSE]
[statementblock]
ENDIF
Remarks: The argument boolean expression is any expression that evaluates to
true (no zero) or false (zero). If the boolean expression is true the
statements following the THEN are executed. If the boolean expression is
false and an ELSE statement exist, the statements that follow the ELSE
statement are executed. The program continues execution following the line
after the ENDIF statement.
The single-line form of the statement is best used for short, straightforward
tests where only one action is taken. Otherwise it is recommended that the
block form of the statement be used. Programs that use the block form of
the statement are usually easier to read, maintain and debug.
Example: The following example uses the IF...THEN...ELSE...ENDIF statement:
FIRST$ = "John" ' First Name
LAST$ = "Doe" ' Last Name
WAITFOR "First Name-> "
RPRINT FIRST$
RPRINT "^M"
WAITFOR "Last Name-> "
RPRINT LAST$
RPRINT "^M"
WAITFOR "Password-> "
INPUT "Enter Password:", PW$ ' Get Password
RPRINT PW$
RPRINT "^M"
MPRINT "Log-on Complete!"
SLEEP 10
MPRINT "Finishing Up..."
X = 1
Again:
IF X = 5 THEN
GOTO Done
ENDIF
WAITFOR "Continue? " ' Wait for 5 Continues
MPRINT "^M" ' and send each a CR
X = X + 1
GOTO Again
Done:
CLS
MPRINT "All Done..."
END
INPUT Statement
Action: Displays a dialog box with a given prompt to allow the user
to enter an expression from the keyboard and place the results
in a specified memory variable.
Syntax: INPUT stringexpression$, stringID$ [USING SUPPRESS]
Remarks: The argument stringexpression$ can be any string variable, string
constant, or string expression. It is the prompt message that
appears before the input area. The stringID$ is the name of the
string variable where the result of the evaluation is placed. The
optional argument SUPPRESS allows the inputted information to be
hidden, replaced only by asterisks (*).
Example: The following example uses the INPUT statement to accept dynamic
input:
FIRST$ = "John" ' First Name
LAST$ = "Doe" ' Last Name
INPUT "Enter Password:", PW$ USING SUPRESS
WAITFOR "First Name-> "
RPRINT FIRST$
RPRINT "^M"
WAITFOR "Last Name-> "
RPRINT LAST$
RPRINT "^M"
WAITFOR "Password-> "
RPRINT PW$
RPRINT "^M"
MPRINT "Log-on Complete!"
CLS
END
LOWER Function
Action: Returns a string with all letters in upper case.
Syntax: LOWER(stringexpression$)
Remarks: The argument stringexpression$ can be any string variable, string
constant, or string expression. Both the LOWER and UPPER functions
are useful when making string comparisons.
Example: The following example uses the LOWER function to convert a string to
lower case:
FIRST$ = "John" ' First Name
LAST$ = "Doe" ' Last Name
INPUT "Enter Password:", PW$ USING SUPRESS
PW$ = LOWER(PW$)
WAITFOR "First Name-> "
RPRINT FIRST$
RPRINT "^M"
WAITFOR "Last Name-> "
RPRINT LAST$
RPRINT "^M"
WAITFOR "Password-> "
RPRINT PW$
RPRINT "^M"
MPRINT "Log-on Complete!"
CLS
END
MPRINT Statement
Action: Prints text in the Status Bar.
Syntax: MPRINT strnigexpression$
Remarks: The argument stringexpression$ can be any string variable,
string constant, or string expression.
Example: The following example uses the MPRINT statement to print text in
the Status Bar:
LOG$ = "LOGFILE.LOG" ' Log File Name
OPENLOG LOG$ ' Open a log File
HOLDLOG
WAITFOR "Enter FIRST name: "
RPRINT "John^M" ' Send First Name
WAITFOR "Enter LAST name: "
RPRINT "Doe^M" ' Send Last Name
WAITFOR "Enter Password: "
RPRINT "PASSWORD^M" ' Send Password
MPRINT "Log File Opened."
RESUMELOG
REM Keep the script running in background until the BBS
REM ends the session and sends "Goodbye".
WAITFOR "Goodbye"
CLOSELOG
MPRINT "Log File Closed."
END
ONERROR Statement
Action: Branches unconditionally to the specified label whenever a
runtime error occurs.
Syntax: ONERROR label
Remarks: If the SET ERROR statement is set to OFF, the ONERROR statement
will be ignored.
Example: The following example uses the ONERROR statement to end a script
due to a runtime error:
ONERROR DialFailed
DIAL "9,123-4567"
WAITFOR "Enter FIRST name: "
RPRINT "John^M" ' Send First Name
WAITFOR "Enter LAST name: "
RPRINT "Doe^M" ' Send Last Name
WAITFOR "Enter Password: "
RPRINT "PASSWORD^M" ' Send Password
MPRINT "Connection Complete!"
END
DialFailed:
MPRINT "Did not connect"
END
OPENLOG Statement
Action: Opens a log file.
Syntax: OPENLOG filename$
Remarks: The argument filename$ can be any string variable, string
constant, or string expression. If the filename$ is the file
name without a path, the opened log command will prefix it with
the path specified in the log path setting. Any opened log
files will be closed.
Example: The following example uses OPENLOG to open a log file:
LOG$ = "LOGFILE.LOG" ' Log File Name
OPENLOG LOG$ ' Open a log File
HOLDLOG
WAITFOR "Enter FIRST name: "
RPRINT "John^M" ' Send First Name
WAITFOR "Enter LAST name: "
RPRINT "Doe^M" ' Send Last Name
WAITFOR "Enter Password: "
RPRINT "PASSWORD^M" ' Send Password
MPRINT "Log File Opened."
RESUMELOG
REM Keep the script running in background until the BBS
REM ends the session and sends "Goodbye".
WAITFOR "Goodbye"
CLOSELOG
MPRINT "Log File Closed."
END
REM Statement
Action: Allows explanatory remarks to be inserted in a script.
Syntax1: REM remark
Syntax2: ' remark
Remarks: Statements that exist after the REM statement are not executed.
A remark is terminated by a carriage return.
Example: The following is an example of the use of the REM statement to
make a script more readable:
LOG$ = "LOGFILE.LOG" ' Log File Name
OPENLOG LOG$ ' Open a log File
HOLDLOG
WAITFOR "Enter FIRST name: "
RPRINT "John^M" ' Send First Name
WAITFOR "Enter LAST name: "
RPRINT "Doe^M" ' Send Last Name
WAITFOR "Enter Password: "
RPRINT "PASSWORD^M" ' Send Password
MPRINT "Log File Opened."
RESUMELOG
REM Keep the script running in background until the BBS
REM ends the session and sends "Goodbye".
WAITFOR "Goodbye"
CLOSELOG
MPRINT "Log File Closed."
END
RECEIVE Statement
Action: Receives a file from the remote computer.
Syntax: RECEIVE [filename$] [USING protocol]
Remarks: The argument filename$ is optional when the default file transfer
protocol is one which sends the name of the file to be received.
YMODEMB, YMODEMG and ZMODEM protocols are of this type. The
argument filename$ can be any string variable, string constant,
or string expression. If the filename$ is the file name without
a path, the receive command will prefix it with the path specified
in the receive path setting.
The optional argument protocol can be ASCII, XMODEM, XMODEMCRC,
XMODEM1K, YMODEM, YMODEMB, YMODEMG and ZMODEM. This argument
will modify the default file transfer protocol. The RECEIVE
statement is not case sensitive.
Example: The following example uses the RECEIVE statement to receive a
file from the remote computer:
SET OUTCRLF OFF ' Sets Outbound CR->LF
SET INCRLF OFF ' Sets Inbound CR->LF
SET ECHO OFF ' Sets Local Echo
SET TEXTWRAP ON ' Sets Text Wrap
SET TERMINAL ANSI
SET PROTOCOL YMODEMB
SET TITLE "Simple Host Mode"
AUTOANSWER ' Sets AA mode
RPRINT "Welcome to my PC^M"
SLEEP 5
RPRINT "Send me the name of the file I need.^M"
RINPUT "Enter filename:", file$
RPRINT "^M^M" ' Sends 2 CRs
RPRINT "When your ready to send the file "
RPRINT "using YMODEMB, send me 'OK'^M"
WAITFOR "OK"
RPRINT "Receiving file " + file$ + " using YMODEMB^M"
RECEIVE file$
RPRINT "Bye"
HANGUP
END
RESUMELOG Statement
Action: Resumes the logging of characters to a file.
Syntax: RESUMELOG
Remarks: The RESUMELOG statement resumes the logging of characters to a file.
Example: The following example uses the RESUMELOG statement to resume the
logging of characters to a file:
LOG$ = "LOGFILE.LOG" ' Log File Name
SET OUTCRLF OFF ' Sets Outbound CR->LF
SET INCRLF OFF ' Sets Inbound CR->LF
HOLDLOG
WAITFOR "Enter FIRST name: "
RPRINT "John^M" ' Send First Name
WAITFOR "Enter LAST name: "
RPRINT "Doe^M" ' Send Last Name
WAITFOR "Enter Password: "
RPRINT "PASSWORD^M" ' Send Password
MPRINT "Log File Opened."
RESUMELOG
REM Keep the script running in background until the BBS
REM ends the session and sends "Goodbye".
WAITFOR "Goodbye"
CLOSELOG
MPRINT "Log File Closed."
END
RINPUT Statement
Action: Displays a given prompt to allow the remote user to enter an
expression from the keyboard and place the results in a
specified variable.
Syntax: RINPUT stringexpression$, stringID$ [USING SUPPRESS]
Remarks: The argument stringexpression$ can be any string variable,
string constant, or string expression. It is the prompt message
that appears before the input area. The stringID$ is the name
of the string variable where the result of the evaluation is
placed. The optional argument SUPPRESS allows for the inputted
information to be hidden, replaced only by asterisks (*).
Example: The following example uses the RINPUT statement to accept dynamic
input:
SET OUTCRLF OFF ' Sets Outbound CR->LF
SET INCRLF OFF ' Sets Inbound CR->LF
SET ECHO OFF ' Sets Local Echo
SET TEXTWRAP ON ' Sets Text Wrap
SET TERMINAL ANSI
SET PROTOCOL YMODEMB
SET TITLE "Simple Host Mode"
AUTOANSWER ' Sets AA mode
RPRINT "Welcome to my PC^M"
SLEEP 5
RPRINT "Send me the name of the file you want^M"
RINPUT "Enter filename:", file$
RPRINT "^M^M" ' Sends 2 CRs
RPRINT "When your ready to receive the file "
RPRINT "using YMODEMB, send me 'OK'^M"
WAITFOR "OK"
RPRINT "Sending file " + file$ + " using YMODEMB^M"
SEND file$
RPRINT "Bye"
HANGUP
END
RPRINT Statement
Action: Sends text to the remote computer
Syntax: RPRINT stringexpression$
Remarks: The argument stringexpression$ can be any string variable, string
constant, or string expression.
Example: The following example uses the RPRINT statement to send text to
the remote computer:
WAITFOR "Enter FIRST name: "
RPRINT "John^M" ' Send First Name
WAITFOR "Enter LAST name: "
RPRINT "Doe^M" ' Send Last Name
WAITFOR "Enter Password: "
RPRINT "PASSWORD^M" ' Send Password
CLS ' Clears the screen
BEEP ' Log on complete
END
SEND Statement
Action: Sends a file to the remote computer.
Syntax: SEND filename$ [USING protocol]
Remarks: The argument filename$ can be any string variable, string constant,
or string expression. If the filename$ is the file name without a
path, the send command will prefix it with the path specified in the
send path setting.
The optional argument protocol can be ASCII, XMODEM, XMODEMCRC,
XMODEM1K, YMODEM, YMODEMB, YMODEMG and ZMODEM. This argument will
modify the default file transfer protocol. The SEND statement is
not case sensitive.
Example: The following example uses the SEND statement to send a file to
the remote computer:
SET OUTCRLF OFF ' Sets Outbound CR->LF
SET INCRLF OFF ' Sets Inbound CR->LF
SET ECHO OFF ' Sets Local Echo
SET TEXTWRAP ON ' Sets Text Wrap
SET TERMINAL ANSI
SET PROTOCOL YMODEMB
SET TITLE "Simple Host Mode"
file$ = "c:\dos\command.com"
AUTOANSWER ' Sets AA mode
RPRINT "Welcome to my PC^M"
SLEEP 5
RPRINT "Send me the name of the file you want^M"
RINPUT "Enter filename:", file$
RPRINT "^M^M" ' Sends 2 CRs
RPRINT "When your ready to receive the file "
RPRINT "using YMODEMB, send me 'OK'^M"
WAITFOR "OK"
RPRINT "Sending file " + file$ + " using YMODEMB^M"
SEND file$
RPRINT "Bye"
HANGUP
END
SET BAUDRATE Statement
Action: Sets the Baud Rate option.
Syntax: SET BAUDRATE baudrate
Remarks: The argument baudrate can be 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600 or
19200.
Example: The following example uses the SET BAUDRATE statement to change
the baud rate:
CLS
SET COMPORT COM1
SET BAUDRATE 2400
SET PARITY EVEN
SET DATABITS 7
SET STOPBITS 1
SET FLOWCONTROL NONE
SET CARRIERDETECT ON ' Sets Carrier Detect
SET LOCKBAUDRATE OFF ' Sets Lock Baud Rate
SET PARITYCHECK OFF ' Sets Parity Check
CLS
SET OUTCRLF OFF ' Sets Outbound CR->LF
SET INCRLF OFF ' Sets Inbound CR->LF
SET ECHO OFF ' Sets Local Echo
SET TEXTWRAP ON ' Sets Text Wrap
SET TERMINAL ANSI
SET PHONENUMBER "9,123-4567"
SET PROTOCOL ZMODEM
SET TITLE "Bill's Computer"
DIAL ' Connects
END
SET CARRIERDETECT Statement
Action: Sets the Carrier Detect state.
Syntax: SET CARRIERDETECT state
Remarks: The argument state can be either ON or OFF.
Example: The following example uses the SET CARRIERDETECT statement to
change the carrier detect state:
CLS
SET COMPORT COM1
SET BAUDRATE 2400
SET PARITY EVEN
SET DATABITS 7
SET STOPBITS 1
SET FLOWCONTROL NONE
SET CARRIERDETECT ON ' Sets Carrier Detect
SET LOCKBAUDRATE OFF ' Sets Lock Baud Rate
SET PARITYCHECK OFF ' Sets Parity Check
CLS
SET OUTCRLF OFF ' Sets Outbound CR->LF
SET INCRLF OFF ' Sets Inbound CR->LF
SET ECHO OFF ' Sets Local Echo
SET TEXTWRAP ON ' Sets Text Wrap
SET TERMINAL ANSI
SET PHONENUMBER "9,123-4567"
SET PROTOCOL ZMODEM
SET TITLE "Bill's Computer"
DIAL ' Connects
END
SET COMPORT Statement
Action: Sets the Ports option.
Syntax: SET COMPORT comport
Remarks: The argument comport can be COM1, COM2, COM3 or COM4.
Example: The following example uses the SET COMPORT statement to change
the communications port:
CLS
SET COMPORT COM1
SET BAUDRATE 2400
SET PARITY EVEN
SET DATABITS 7
SET STOPBITS 1
SET FLOWCONTROL NONE
SET CARRIERDETECT ON ' Sets Carrier Detect
SET LOCKBAUDRATE OFF ' Sets Lock Baud Rate
SET PARITYCHECK OFF ' Sets Parity Check
CLS
SET OUTCRLF OFF ' Sets Outbound CR->LF
SET INCRLF OFF ' Sets Inbound CR->LF
SET ECHO OFF ' Sets Local Echo
SET TEXTWRAP ON ' Sets Text Wrap
SET TERMINAL ANSI
SET PHONENUMBER "9,123-4567"
SET PROTOCOL ZMODEM
SET TITLE "Bill's Computer"
DIAL ' Connects
END
SET DATABITS Statement
Action: Sets the Data Bits option.
Syntax: SET DATABITS databits
Remarks: The argument databits can be 6, 7 or 8.
Example: This following example uses the SET DATABITS statement to change
the data bits:
CLS
SET COMPORT COM1
SET BAUDRATE 2400
SET PARITY EVEN
SET DATABITS 7
SET STOPBITS 1
SET FLOWCONTROL NONE
SET CARRIERDETECT ON ' Sets Carrier Detect
SET LOCKBAUDRATE OFF ' Sets Lock Baud Rate
SET PARITYCHECK OFF ' Sets Parity Check
CLS
SET OUTCRLF OFF ' Sets Outbound CR->LF
SET INCRLF OFF ' Sets Inbound CR->LF
SET ECHO OFF ' Sets Local Echo
SET TEXTWRAP ON ' Sets Text Wrap
SET TERMINAL ANSI
SET PHONENUMBER "9,123-4567"
SET PROTOCOL ZMODEM
SET TITLE "Bill's Computer"
DIAL ' Connects
END
SET ECHO Statement
Action: Sets the Local Echo state.
Syntax: SET ECHO state
Remarks: The argument state can be either ON or OFF.
Example: The following example uses the SET ECHO statement to change the
local echo state:
CLS
SET COMPORT COM1
SET BAUDRATE 2400
SET PARITY EVEN
SET DATABITS 7
SET STOPBITS 1
SET FLOWCONTROL NONE
SET CARRIERDETECT ON ' Sets Carrier Detect
SET LOCKBAUDRATE OFF ' Sets Lock Baud Rate
SET PARITYCHECK OFF ' Sets Parity Check
CLS
SET OUTCRLF OFF ' Sets Outbound CR->LF
SET INCRLF OFF ' Sets Inbound CR->LF
SET ECHO OFF ' Sets Local Echo
SET TEXTWRAP ON ' Sets Text Wrap
SET TERMINAL ANSI
SET PHONENUMBER "9,123-4567"
SET PROTOCOL ZMODEM
SET TITLE "Bill's Computer"
DIAL ' Connects
END
SET ERROR Statement
Action: Sets the Error state.
Syntax: SET ERROR state
Remarks: The argument state can be either ON or OFF.
Example: The following example uses the SET ERROR statement to disable
error processing.
CLS
SET COMPORT COM1
SET BAUDRATE 2400
SET PARITY EVEN
SET DATABITS 7
SET STOPBITS 1
SET FLOWCONTROL NONE
SET ERROR OFF
SET CARRIERDETECT ON ' Sets Carrier Detect
SET LOCKBAUDRATE OFF ' Sets Lock Baud Rate
SET PARITYCHECK OFF ' Sets Parity Check
CLS
SET OUTCRLF OFF ' Sets Outbound CR->LF
SET INCRLF OFF ' Sets Inbound CR->LF
SET ECHO OFF ' Sets Local Echo
SET TEXTWRAP ON ' Sets Text Wrap
SET TERMINAL ANSI
SET PHONENUMBER "9,123-4567"
SET PROTOCOL ZMODEM
SET TITLE "Bill's Computer"
DIAL ' Connects
END
SET FLOWCONTROL Statement
Action: Sets the Flow Control option.
Syntax: SET FLOWCONTROL flowcontrol
Remarks: The argument flowcontrol can be NONE, RTS, CTS, XON. The SET
FLOWCONTROL statement is not case sensitive.
Example: The following example uses the SET FLOWCONTROL statement to
change the flow control:
CLS
SET COMPORT COM1
SET BAUDRATE 2400
SET PARITY EVEN
SET DATABITS 7
SET STOPBITS 1
SET FLOWCONTROL NONE
SET CARRIERDETECT ON ' Sets Carrier Detect
SET LOCKBAUDRATE OFF ' Sets Lock Baud Rate
SET PARITYCHECK OFF ' Sets Parity Check
CLS
SET OUTCRLF OFF ' Sets Outbound CR->LF
SET INCRLF OFF ' Sets Inbound CR->LF
SET ECHO OFF ' Sets Local Echo
SET TEXTWRAP ON ' Sets Text Wrap
SET TERMINAL ANSI
SET PHONENUMBER "9,123-4567"
SET PROTOCOL ZMODEM
SET TITLE "Bill's Computer"
DIAL ' Connects
END
SET INCRLF Statement
Action: Sets the Inbound CR->CRLF state.
Syntax: SET INCRLF state
Remarks: The argument state can be either ON or OFF.
Example: The following example uses the SET INCRLF statement to change
the inbound carriage expands to carriage return plus line feed
state:
CLS
SET COMPORT COM1
SET BAUDRATE 2400
SET PARITY EVEN
SET DATABITS 7
SET STOPBITS 1
SET FLOWCONTROL NONE
SET CARRIERDETECT ON ' Sets Carrier Detect
SET LOCKBAUDRATE OFF ' Sets Lock Baud Rate
SET PARITYCHECK OFF ' Sets Parity Check
CLS
SET OUTCRLF OFF ' Sets Outbound CR->LF
SET INCRLF OFF ' Sets Inbound CR->LF
SET ECHO OFF ' Sets Local Echo
SET TEXTWRAP ON ' Sets Text Wrap
SET TERMINAL ANSI
SET PHONENUMBER "9,123-4567"
SET PROTOCOL ZMODEM
SET TITLE "Bill's Computer"
DIAL ' Connects
END
SET LOCKBAUDRATE Statement
Action: Sets the Lock Baud Rate state.
Syntax: SET LOCKBAUDRATE state
Remarks: The argument state can be either ON or OFF.
Example: The following example uses the SET LOCKBAUDRATE statement to
change the lock baud rate state:
CLS
SET COMPORT COM1
SET BAUDRATE 2400
SET PARITY EVEN
SET DATABITS 7
SET STOPBITS 1
SET FLOWCONTROL NONE
SET CARRIERDETECT ON ' Sets Carrier Detect
SET LOCKBAUDRATE OFF ' Sets Lock Baud Rate
SET PARITYCHECK OFF ' Sets Parity Check
SET OUTCRLF OFF ' Sets Outbound CR->LF
SET INCRLF OFF ' Sets Inbound CR->LF
SET ECHO OFF ' Sets Local Echo
SET TEXTWRAP ON ' Sets Text Wrap
SET TERMINAL ANSI
SET PHONENUMBER "9,123-4567"
SET PROTOCOL ZMODEM
SET TITLE "Bill's Computer"
DIAL
END
SET OUTCRLF Statement
Action: Sets the Outbound CR->CRLF state.
Syntax: SET OUTCRLF state
Remarks: The argument state can be either ON or OFF.
Example: The following example uses the SET OUTCRLF statement to change
the outbound carriage expands to carriage return plus line feed
state:
CLS
SET COMPORT COM1
SET BAUDRATE 2400
SET PARITY EVEN
SET DATABITS 7
SET STOPBITS 1
SET FLOWCONTROL NONE
SET CARRIERDETECT ON ' Sets Carrier Detect
SET LOCKBAUDRATE OFF ' Sets Lock Baud Rate
SET PARITYCHECK OFF ' Sets Parity Check
CLS
SET OUTCRLF OFF ' Sets Outbound CR->LF
SET INCRLF OFF ' Sets Inbound CR->LF
SET ECHO OFF ' Sets Local Echo
SET TEXTWRAP ON ' Sets Text Wrap
SET TERMINAL ANSI
SET PHONENUMBER "9,123-4567"
SET PROTOCOL ZMODEM
SET TITLE "Bill's Computer"
DIAL ' Connects
END
SET PARITY Statement
Action: Sets the Parity.
Syntax: SET PARITY parity
Remarks: The argument parity can be NONE, ODD, EVEN, MARK, or SPACE.
The SET PARITY statement is not case sensitive. The parity
setting must match the setting of the remote computer. Improper
parity settings will result in frame errors.
Example: The following example uses the SET PARITY statement to change
the parity:
CLS
SET COMPORT COM1
SET BAUDRATE 2400
SET PARITY EVEN
SET DATABITS 7
SET STOPBITS 1
SET FLOWCONTROL NONE
SET CARRIERDETECT ON ' Sets Carrier Detect
SET LOCKBAUDRATE OFF ' Sets Lock Baud Rate
SET PARITYCHECK OFF ' Sets Parity Check
CLS
SET OUTCRLF OFF ' Sets Outbound CR->LF
SET INCRLF OFF ' Sets Inbound CR->LF
SET ECHO OFF ' Sets Local Echo
SET TEXTWRAP ON ' Sets Text Wrap
SET TERMINAL ANSI
SET PHONENUMBER "9,123-4567"
SET PROTOCOL ZMODEM
SET TITLE "Bill's Computer"
DIAL ' Connects
END
SET PARITYCHECK Statement
Action: Sets the Parity Check state.
Syntax: SET PARITYCHECK state
Remarks: The argument state can be either ON or OFF.
Example: The following example uses the SET PARITYCHECK statement to
change the parity check state:
CLS
SET COMPORT COM1
SET BAUDRATE 2400
SET PARITY EVEN
SET DATABITS 7
SET STOPBITS 1
SET FLOWCONTROL NONE
SET CARRIERDETECT ON ' Sets Carrier Detect
SET LOCKBAUDRATE OFF ' Sets Lock Baud Rate
SET PARITYCHECK OFF ' Sets Parity Check
CLS
SET OUTCRLF OFF ' Sets Outbound CR->LF
SET INCRLF OFF ' Sets Inbound CR->LF
SET ECHO OFF ' Sets Local Echo
SET TEXTWRAP ON ' Sets Text Wrap
SET TERMINAL ANSI
SET PHONENUMBER "9,123-4567"
SET PROTOCOL ZMODEM
SET TITLE "Bill's Computer"
DIAL ' Connects
END
SET PHONENUMBER Statement
Action: Sets the Phone Number to the specified string.
Syntax: SET PHONENUMBER phonenumber$
Remarks: The argument phonenumber$ can be any string variable, string
constant, or string expression that passes validation.
Valid strings cannot contain the alpha characters, the
tilde "~" character or exceed 25 characters in length.
Example: The following example uses the SET PHONENUMBER statement to
change the phone number used when dialing:
CLS
SET COMPORT COM1
SET BAUDRATE 2400
SET PARITY EVEN
SET DATABITS 7
SET STOPBITS 1
SET FLOWCONTROL NONE
SET CARRIERDETECT ON ' Sets Carrier Detect
SET LOCKBAUDRATE OFF ' Sets Lock Baud Rate
SET PARITYCHECK OFF ' Sets Parity Check
CLS
SET OUTCRLF OFF ' Sets Outbound CR->LF
SET INCRLF OFF ' Sets Inbound CR->LF
SET ECHO OFF ' Sets Local Echo
SET TEXTWRAP ON ' Sets Text Wrap
SET TERMINAL ANSI
SET PHONENUMBER "9,123-4567"
SET PROTOCOL ZMODEM
SET TITLE "Bill's Computer"
DIAL ' Connects
END
SET PROTOCOL Statement
Action: Sets the default File Transfer Protocol.
Syntax: SET PROTOCOL protocol
Remarks: The argument protocol can be ASCII, XMODEM, XMODEMCRC, XMODEM1K,
YMODEM, YMODEMB, YMODEMG and ZMODEM. The SET PROTOCOL statement
is not case sensitive.
Example: The following example uses the SET PROTOCOL statement to change
the default file transfer protocol:
CLS
SET COMPORT COM1
SET BAUDRATE 2400
SET PARITY EVEN
SET DATABITS 7
SET STOPBITS 1
SET FLOWCONTROL NONE
SET CARRIERDETECT ON ' Sets Carrier Detect
SET LOCKBAUDRATE OFF ' Sets Lock Baud Rate
SET PARITYCHECK OFF ' Sets Parity Check
CLS
SET OUTCRLF OFF ' Sets Outbound CR->LF
SET INCRLF OFF ' Sets Inbound CR->LF
SET ECHO OFF ' Sets Local Echo
SET TEXTWRAP ON ' Sets Text Wrap
SET TERMINAL ANSI
SET PHONENUMBER "9,123-4567"
SET PROTOCOL ZMODEM
SET TITLE "Bill's Computer"
DIAL ' Connects
END
SET STOPBITS Statement
Action: Sets the Stop Bits option.
Syntax: SET STOPBITS stopbits
Remarks: The argument stopbits can be 1 or 2.
Example: The following example uses the SET STOPBITS statement to change
the stop bits:
CLS
SET COMPORT COM1
SET BAUDRATE 2400
SET PARITY EVEN
SET DATABITS 7
SET STOPBITS 1
SET FLOWCONTROL NONE
SET CARRIERDETECT ON ' Sets Carrier Detect
SET LOCKBAUDRATE OFF ' Sets Lock Baud Rate
SET PARITYCHECK OFF ' Sets Parity Check
CLS
SET OUTCRLF OFF ' Sets Outbound CR->LF
SET INCRLF OFF ' Sets Inbound CR->LF
SET ECHO OFF ' Sets Local Echo
SET TEXTWRAP ON ' Sets Text Wrap
SET TERMINAL ANSI
SET PHONENUMBER "9,123-4567"
SET PROTOCOL ZMODEM
SET TITLE "Bill's Computer"
DIAL ' Connects
END
SET TERMINAL Statement
Action: Sets the Terminal Type.
Syntax: SET TERMINAL terminaltype
Remarks: The argument terminaltype can be ANSI, TTY and VT100. The
SET TERMINAL statement is not case sensitive.
Example: The following example uses the SET TERMINAL statement to change
the terminal type:
CLS
SET OUTCRLF OFF ' Sets Outbound CR->LF
SET INCRLF OFF ' Sets Inbound CR->LF
SET ECHO OFF ' Sets Local Echo
SET TEXTWRAP ON ' Sets Text Wrap
SET TERMINAL ANSI
SET PHONENUMBER "9,123-4567"
SET PROTOCOL ZMODEM
SET TITLE "Bill's Computer"
DIAL ' Connects
END
SET TEXTWRAP Statement
Action: Sets the Text Wrap state.
Syntax: SET TEXTWRAP state
Remarks: The argument state can be either ON or OFF.
Example: The following example uses the SET TEXTWRAP statement to change
the text wrap state:
CLS
SET OUTCRLF OFF ' Sets Outbound CR->LF
SET INCRLF OFF ' Sets Inbound CR->LF
SET ECHO OFF ' Sets Local Echo
SET TEXTWRAP ON ' Sets Text Wrap
SET TERMINAL ANSI
SET PHONENUMBER "9,123-4567"
SET PROTOCOL ZMODEM
SET TITLE "Bill's Computer"
DIAL ' Connects
END
SET TITLE Statement
Action: Sets the optional Title to the specified string.
Syntax: SET TITLE title$
Remarks: The argument title$ can be any string variable, string constant,
or string expression that passes validation. Valid strings
cannot contain the tilde "~" character or exceed 25 characters
in length.
Example: The following example uses the SET TITLE statement to
change the caption bar:
CLS
SET OUTCRLF OFF ' Sets Outbound CR->LF
SET INCRLF OFF ' Sets Inbound CR->LF
SET ECHO OFF ' Sets Local Echo
SET TEXTWRAP ON ' Sets Text Wrap
SET TERMINAL ANSI
SET PHONENUMBER "9,123-4567"
SET PROTOCOL ZMODEM
SET TITLE "Bill's Computer"
DIAL ' Connects
END
SLEEP Statement
Action: Suspends the execution of the running script for a specified
period of time.
Syntax: SLEEP seconds
Remarks: The argument seconds determines the number of seconds to suspend
the script.
Example: The following example uses the SLEEP statement to suspend execution
for ten seconds.
CLS
RPRINT "Taking a ten second nap..."
SLEEP 10 ' Pause 10 seconds.
RPRINT "Awake!"
END
STRING Function
Action: Returns the string equivalent to a numeric value.
Syntax: STRING(numericexpression)
Remarks: The argument numericexpression can be any numeric variable,
numeric constant, or numeric expression.
Example: The following example uses Scripting
the STRING function to convert a numeric value to a string:
' Prints the value of i
FOR i = 1 TO 10
output$ = STRING(i)
RPRINT output$ + "^M"
NEXT
END
UPPER Function
Action: Returns a string with all letters in upper case.
Syntax: UPPER(stringexpression$)
Remarks: The argument stringexpression$ can be any string variable,
string constant, or string expression. Both the LOWER and UPPER
functions are useful when making string comparisons.
Example: The following example uses the UPPER function to convert a
string to upper case:
FIRST$ = "John" ' First Name
LAST$ = "Doe" ' Last Name
INPUT "Enter Password:", PW$ USING SUPRESS
WAITFOR "First Name-> "
RPRINT FIRST$
RPRINT "^M"
WAITFOR "Last Name-> "
RPRINT LAST$
RPRINT "^M"
WAITFOR "Password-> "
INPUT "Enter Password:", PW$ USING SUPRESS
PW$ = UPPER(PW$)
RPRINT PW$
RPRINT "^M"
MPRINT "Log-on Complete!"
CLS
END
VAL Function
Action: Returns the numeric value for a string expression.
Syntax: VAL(stringexpression$)
Remarks: The argument stringexpression$ can be any string variable,
string constant, or string expression.
Example: The following example uses the VAL function to convert a string
to a numeric value :
INPUT "Enter a number:", value$
val = VAL(value$)
val = val + 100
RPRINT STRING(VAL)
END
WAITFOR Statement
Action: Suspends the execution of the running script until a specified
string is received from the remote computer.
Syntax: WAITFOR stringexpression$
Remarks: The argument stringexpression$ can be any string variable,
string constant, or string expression.
Example: The following example is a log on script that uses the WAITFOR
statement:
WAITFOR "Enter FIRST name: "
RPRINT "John^M" ' Send First Name
WAITFOR "Enter LAST name: "
RPRINT "Doe^M" ' Send Last Name
WAITFOR "Enter Password: "
RPRINT "PASSWORD^M" ' Send Password
CLS ' Clear the screen
MPRINT "Log-on Complete!"
BEEP ' Log on complete
END
Command Summary
Here is a description of every command included in MicroLink.
File Menu
The print command will be disabled (gray) whenever the contents of the
scrollback buffer are empty.
Directory Command
Builds the Directory database file.
To build a listing of directory entries, perform the following steps:
1. Choose File, then choose Directory.
To Add a record to the directory listing, do the following:
2. Set the phone number and the file transfer protocol. The file transfer
protocol may need to be configured as appropriate for your modem.
The port and terminal settings should be changed as necessary by clicking
on the current port or terminal settings to display the port or
terminal selections.
3. Select the Add button. Enter the name of the entry on the title field
of the Add Record dialog box.
4. Choose OK to add the entry to your directory listing.
To Change an entry, do the following:
2. Select the entry to be changed.
3. Make any necessary changes to the entry, then select the Change button.
To Delete an entry, do the following:
2. Select the entry to be deleted.
3. Select the Delete button.
The directory file used is the one which you have chosen in the Preferences
dialog box.
If you make changes to an entry thru Settings and then choose Directory, you
will be prompted with the message "Record has been changed. Update record?"
By choosing Yes, the record will be updated in your Directory listing.
If you make changes to the title of an entry thru Settings and then choose
Directory, you will be prompted with the message "(Entry) does not exist.
Add record to file?". By choosing Yes, the record will be added to your
Directory listing.
After selecting an entry, you may select the Dial button to immediately begin
the dialing process.
Save Configuration Command
To save your settings to MicroLink's initialization file, select Save
Configuration. This option performs the same function as the Save Changes
option that is located on the Exit dialog box.
Print Command
Prints the contents of the scrollback buffer.
To print the current screen or the entire scrollback buffer, perform the
following steps:
1. Choose File, then choose Print or select the Print button from the Tools
Bar.
2. Select either Current Screen or Entire Buffer.
3. Choose OK to begin printing.
To print a selected block of text, perform the following steps:
1. Scroll thru the session buffer to bring the text you want to copy into
view.
2. Using the mouse, move to the upper left hand corner of the block and
press and hold the left mouse button down.
3. Drag the mouse to the lower right hand corner of the block. The text
that appears within the block will become inverted.
4. Choose File, then choose Print or select the Print button from the Tools
Bar. The Selected Text option will be selected by default.
5. Choose OK to begin printing.
You may cancel the print command at any time by pressing the Escape key.
Printer Setup Command
Configures the default printer used by MicroLink.
To select the default printer used by MicroLink and configure the printer's
settings, perform the following steps:
1. Choose File, then choose Printer Setup.
2. Select the printer MicroLink will use.
3. Push the Setup button if the printer's settings need to be altered.
4. Choose OK to accept changes.
Exit Command
Closes the MicroLink Window.
When you are finished with a MicroLink session, you should exit MicroLink
properly. The steps to correctly exit MicroLink appear below:
1. Choose Exit from the file menu of the MicroLink window. After selecting
this option, MicroLink will automatically disconnect you from any
computer you may be currently connected to.
2. Set the Save Changes box if you want MicroLink to remember your current
settings and screen location when you quit.
3. Select OK.
MicroLink will automatically disconnect if you are connected to a remote
computer.
Edit Menu
The Copy command in the Edit menu is disabled (gray) until you have selected
some text. The Paste command is disabled until you have an active session
and their is some text in the Clipboard
Copy Command.
Copies selected text to the Clipboard.
To copy the contents of a marked block to the clipboard, perform the following
steps:
1. Scroll thru session buffer to bring the text you want to copy into view.
2. Using the mouse, move to the upper left hand corner of the block and
press and hold the left mouse button down.
3. Drag the mouse to the lower right hand corner of the block. The text
that appears within the block will become inverted.
4. Choose Edit, then choose Copy or select the Copy button from the Tools
Bar.
Paste Command
Pastes text from the Clipboard.
To copy the contents of the Clipboard to the remote computer choose Edit,
then choose Paste or select the Paste button from the Tools Bar.
MicroLink will then begin transmitting the contents of the file to the
remote computer. You may cancel the paste command at any time by pressing
the Escape key.
Copy To Command
Copies selected text to a file.
To create a file and copy the contents of a marked block to it, perform the
following steps:
1. Scroll thru session buffer to bring the text you want to copy into view.
2. Using the mouse, move to the upper left hand corner of the block and
press and hold the left mouse button down.
3. Drag the mouse to the lower right hand corner of the block. The text
that appears within the block will become inverted.
4. Choose Edit, then choose Copy To.
5. Type or select the name of the file you want to copy to. If the target
directory is not the current directory, either type the directory name
in front of the filename, or select the directory from the Directories
box.
6. Choose OK to begin copying to the file.
If the file already exists, MicroLink will display a dialog box giving you the
option to cancel the operation or erase the contents of the file. Selecting
OK will instruct MicroLink to destroy the contents of the current file.
Paste From Command
Pastes the contents of a file.
To open a file and copy its contents to the remote computer, perform the
following steps:
1. Choose Edit, then choose Paste From.
2. Type or select the name of the file you want to paste from. If the
document is not listed in the current directory, either type the
directory name in front of the document name, or select the directory
in the Directories box.
3. Choose OK to begin pasting the file.
MicroLink will then begin transmitting the contents of the file to the remote
computer. You may cancel the paste command at any time by pressing the
Escape key.
Session Menu
Some Notes On Dialing
Since proper initialization takes time, it is recommended that you set the
Quick Initialization option, located in the Preference dialog box.
MicroLink does not automatically restore itself on the screen after background
processing is complete. To enable restoration check Return From Iconic,
located in the Preferences dialog box.
When MicroLink is not connected to a com port the icon is the comet.
Once MicroLink has open a com port, the icon changes to a modem.
Dial Command
Connect to a remote computer.
To connect MicroLink to a remote computer choose Session, then choose Dial
or select the Dial button from the Tools Bar. The Lights Bar will be updated
indicating that MicroLink will first initialize the modem and then attempt to
dial and connect to the remote computer.
If MicroLink is unable to properly initialize the modem, dialing will fail.
After the modem initialization completes, MicroLink will display a dialog box
indicating the title of the remote computer it is dialing; its phone number;
the number of seconds left until MicroLink issues a timeout; the remaining
number of times MicroLink will attempt to connect to the remote computer; and
the last error that has occurred.
You may cancel at any time by pressing the Escape key or selecting the Cancel
button. Selecting the Background button will minimize MicroLink and enter
background processing.
Batch Dial Command
Builds a list of Directory records to dial.
To build a batch dialing list, perform the following steps:
1. Choose Session, then choose Batch Dial.
2. Select the name of the directory records you wish to use by marking the
appropriate entries. When you have finished marking the selections
select the Add button.
To remove a file you have added to the Selected list, mark the entries
and select the Delete button.
3. Check the Continuous Loop, Quick Initialization and Override Redial
options as desired. If you choose to temporarily override the redial
value you have entered in Preferences, you must enter the new redial
value.
4. Choose OK to begin the batch dialing process.
The Continuous Loop option indicates whether or not MicroLink will repeat its
attempts to connect with every entry selected until they have all been
connected to. If you do not select this option MicroLink will end the batch
dialing process after it connects to any of the entries you have selected.
The Quick Initialization option indicates whether or not MicroLink should
bypass the modem initialization process after the first initialization has
been completed.
The Redial value indicates the number of times MicroLink will attempt to retry
to connect to the remote computer. The range is from 0 to 999.
The Lights Bar will be updated indicating that MicroLink will first initialize
the modem and then attempt to dial and connect to the remote computer.
If MicroLink is unable to properly initialize the modem, dialing will fail.
After the modem initialization completes, MicroLink will display a dialog box
indicating the title of the remote computer it is dialing; its phone number;
the number of seconds left until MicroLink issues a timeout; the remaining
number of times MicroLink will attempt to connect to the remote computer; and
the last error that has occurred.
Auto Answer Command
Sets MicroLink into a host mode.
To configure MicroLink to automatically answer the phone choose Session,
then choose Auto Answer or select the Auto Answer button from the Tools Bar.
The Lights Bar will be updated indicating that MicroLink will first initialize
the modem and then attempt to enter auto answer mode.
If MicroLink is unable to properly initialize the modem, dialing will fail.
After the modem initialization completes, MicroLink will display a dialog box
indicating that MicroLink has entered auto answer mode.
You may cancel at any time by pressing the Escape key or selecting the Cancel
button. Selecting the Background button will minimize MicroLink and enter
background processing.
Connect Local Command
Re-opens the COM port to allow you to enter commands directly.
To bypass any modem initialization and open the communications port choose
Session, then choose Connect Local or select the Connect Local button from the
Tools Bar. Once MicroLink has opened the communications port you will be able
to enter modem commands and control the modem directly.
Hang Up Command
Disconnects MicroLink from the remote computer.
To disconnect from the remote computer choose Session, then choose Hang Up or
select the Hang Up button from the Tools Bar.
If Carrier Detect is enabled, MicroLink automatically performs a hang up once
you have logged off from the remote computer and the carrier is lost . To
enable carrier detect check Carrier Detect , located in the Session dialog box.
Open Log Command
To open an existing or creates a new log file, perform the following steps:
1. Choose Session, then choose Open or select the Open button from the
Tools Bar.
2. Type or select the name of the file you want to log to. If the target
directory is not the current directory, either type the directory name
in front of the log name or select the directory in the Directories box.
3. Choose OK to open the log file.
If the file already exist MicroLink will display a dialog box giving you the
option of canceling the operation, appending the file, or erasing the contents
of the file. Selecting No when asked to truncate the file will instruct
MicroLink to preserve the contents of the selected log file. Selecting Yes
will instruct MicroLink to destroy the contents of the current file. MicroLink
will begin echoing every character received to the selected file. The Status
Bar will be updated to indicate that MicroLink is logging characters to the
file.
At any time during logging you may temporarily stop the logging of characters
by selecting Hold. To resume logging select Hold again. To close the log file
permanently, select Close.
Hold Command
Stops/resumes the logging of characters.
To temporarily stop/resume the echoing of characters to a log file choose
Session, then choose Hold or select the Hold button from the Tools Bar.
The Status Bar will be updated to indicate that MicroLink is either logging or
temporarily holding from logging characters to the file.
Close Command
Closes an open log file.
To close an open log file choose Session, then choose Close, or select the
Close button from the Tools Bar. The Status Bar will be updated to indicate
that MicroLink has closed the log file.
Send File Command
Sends a file of group of files to the remote computer.
To send a file to the remote computer, perform the following steps:
1. Choose Session, then choose Send or select the Send button from the
Tools Bar.
If you have Prompts enabled, via the Preferences dialog box:
2. Select the protocol you want to use.
If you have selected ASCII, X modem, or Y Modem:
3. Type the name of the file you want to send. If the source directory is
not the current directory, either type the directory name in front of
the log name, or select the directory in the Directories box.
4. Choose OK to begin sending the file.
If you have selected Y modem G, Y modem Batch, or Z modem:
3. Select the name of the file(s) you wish to send by first choosing the
directory where the file(s) reside and then marking the appropriate
file(s). When you have finished marking the selections from that
directory, select the Add button. You may then repeat this process thru
the remaining directories.
To remove a file you have added to the Selected Files list, mark the
file(s) and select the Delete button.
4. Choose OK to begin sending the file(s).
If MicroLink is unable to synchronize properly with the remote computer, the
file transfer will fail. After the initialization is complete, MicroLink
will display a dialog box indicating the filename of the sending file, the
estimated time remaining to complete the file transfer, the time that has
elapsed since the file transfer was initiated, and the last error that has
occurred.
You may cancel sending the file at any time by pressing the Escape key or
selecting the Cancel button. Selecting the Background button will minimize
MicroLink and enter background processing.
Receive File Command
Receives a file or group of files from the remote computer.
To receive a file from the remote computer, perform the following steps:
1. Choose Session, then choose Receive or select the Receive button from
the Tools Bar.
If you have Prompts enabled, via the Preferences dialog box:
2. Select the protocol you want to use.
If you have selected ASCII, X modem, or Y Modem:
3. Type the name of the file you want to receive. If the target directory
is not the current directory, either type the directory name in front of
the log name, or select the directory in the Directories box.
4. Choose OK to begin receiving the file.
If you have selected Y modem G, Y modem Batch, or Z modem:
3. Type the complete pathname where the receiving files are to be placed.
4. Choose OK to begin receiving the file.
If MicroLink is unable to synchronize properly with the remote computer, the
file transfer will fail. After the initialization is complete, MicroLink will
display a dialog box indicating the filename of the receiving file, the
estimated time remaining to complete the file transfer, the time that has
elapsed since the file transfer was initiated, and the last error that has
occurred. With Y modem G, Y modem Batch, or Z modem, the total size of the
file to be received will be known and the thermometer will be active.
You may cancel receiving the file at any time by pressing the Escape key or
selecting the Cancel button. Selecting the Background button will minimize
MicroLink and enter background processing.
Settings Menu
To save your settings to MicroLink's initialization file, select the Save
Changes checkbox when you exit MicroLink. None of the text fields allow the
tilde character "~" to be entered, as it is reserved.
The Tool Bar is designed to automatically wrap the buttons and expand the
height of the Tool Bar to ensure that every button is visible on the screen.
As a result, the session window may become reduced in size. If this is
undesirable, either expand the size of the application window or reduce the
number of buttons that appear on the Tool Bar.
Modem Command
Sets the Modem settings.
To configure the Modem settings including Modem Type, Line Type, Modem Volume,
Initialization String, and Dialing Prefix, perform the following steps:
1. Choose Settings, then choose Modem.
2. Select the Modem Type, Line Type and Modem Volume.
3. Enter the Initialization String and Dialing Prefix.
4. Choose OK to accept these changes.
The Initialization String allows you to add additional initialization strings
to be sent to the modem. Enter initialization strings without the AT prefix,
as this prefix is already included. DP, DT, E, E0, L, M, Q, S1, S7 and Z
commands cannot be included in the initialization string as these codes are
used internally.
The Dialing Prefix allows you to insert additional characters in front on the
phone number. Codes such as "*70" for call waiting and "9," for business
PBX's should be placed here.
Paths Command
Sets the default file paths.
To set the default file path and directory used by MicroLink for transferring
files, directory files, script files, and log files, perform the following
steps:
1. Choose Settings, then choose Paths.
2. Type the complete pathname including the drive letter, such as
"C:\MYSUBDIR", for each pathname option.
3. Choose OK to accept changes.
If necessary MicroLink will automatically attempt to create a subdirectory
when verifying the path entered.
Preferences Command
Sets the default user preferences.
To set the user Preferences including the Redial Count, Timeout value,
Pause value, default Directory filename, Delete Partial File option,
Prompts option, Elapsed Time Clock option, Return from Iconic option,
Quick Initialization option and Warning Beeps option, perform the following
steps:
1. Choose Settings, then choose Preferences.
2. Enter the Redial Count, Timeout value and Pause value.
3. Enter the Directory filename or select the Directory button to display
a listing of available directory files.
4. Check the Delete Partial File, Prompts, Elapsed Time Clock, Return from
Iconic, Quick Initialization and Warning Beeps options.
5. Choose OK to accept these changes.
The Redial value indicates the number of times MicroLink will attempt to
retry to connect to the remote computer. The range is from 0 to 99.
The Timeout value indicates how long MicroLink instructs the modem to wait to
receive a connection. The range is from 15 to 120 seconds.
The Pause value indicates how long MicroLink will wait before redialing.
The range is from 0 to 120 seconds.
The Directory file must reside in the default directory path. If the
directory file you entered does not exist, MicroLink will attempt to open it
as a new directory file.
The Delete Partial File option indicates whether MicroLink should
automatically delete files that are a result of a failed file transfer.
The Prompts option indicates whether MicroLink should display additional
dialog boxes during file transfers.
The Elapsed Time Clock option indicates whether MicroLink should display the
amount of time you have been connected to the remote computer.
The Return from Iconic option indicates whether MicroLink should restore
the window to a full screen when it has completed background processing,
such as background dialing and background file transfers.
The Quick Initialization option indicates whether MicroLink should bypass
the modem initialization process after the first initialization has been
completed.
The Warning Beeps option indicates whether MicroLink should emit audible
beeps to indicate connection and completed file transfers.
Port Command
Sets the Port settings.
To set the Port settings including serial (COM) port, baud rate, data bits,
stop bits, flow control, parity, lock baud rate, parity check, and carrier
detect, perform the following steps:
1. Choose Settings, then choose Port.
2. Select the serial (COM) port that your modem is attached to and its
appropriate communications parameters.
3. Choose OK to accept these changes.
The Baud Rate group specifies how fast information is transferred through the
port; Data Bits specifies the number of data bits in each packet of
information; Parity specifies the error-checking method used; Stop Bits
specifies the number of stop bits in each packet of information; and Flow
Control specifies the method used to control the transmission, or flow, of
data.
The Lock Baud Rate option indicates whether MicroLink should modify the
connection speed between the computer and the modem. This option should be
enabled when using modems that can connect at baud rates that are not
supported by Windows. For example, several US Robotics modems can connect
at baud rates of 14,400. To support a modem at this speed, set the baud rate
to 19,200 and enable the Lock Baud Rate option.
The Parity Check option indicates whether MicroLink should translate the high
order bit on the characters it receives.
The Carrier Detect option indicates whether MicroLink should automatically
delete the loss of carrier to automatically perform a hang up.
It is important that these port options are set correctly. It is recommended
that you refer to the manual from your modem to find its maximum baud rate
and that you verify the settings of the remote computer. If these settings
are incorrect a Receiving Framing error may occur.
Session Command
Sets the session parameters.
To set the Session settings including the Session Title, Phone Number,
default File Transfer Protocol, and Logon Script, perform the following steps:
1. Choose Settings, then choose Session.
2. Enter the Session Title and Phone Number.
3. Select the default File Transfer Protocol. If the chosen protocol
requires additional settings the Configure button will be enabled.
The Configure button allows you to choose additional settings for the
selected protocol. For example, ZModem allows you to configure send and
receive options and enable its auto download feature.
4. Enter the Logon Script filename or select the Logon Script button to
display a listing of available scripts.
5. Choose OK to accept these changes.
The maximum number of characters for the Title is 25.
The maximum number of characters for the Phone Number is also 25. Special
dialing codes such as "*70" for call waiting or "9," for business PBXs,
should be entered in the dialing prefix option located in the Modem dialog box.
The default File Transfer Protocol is the method of file transfer you use most
often when transferring files to this remote computer.
The Logon Script is the script that is automatically invoked once a connection
has been made. This script file must reside in the default scripts
directory.
Scripts Command
Sets the optional script buttons.
To set the Script buttons that appear on the Tool Bar, perform the
following steps:
1. Enter the Script filename or select the Script button to display a
listing of available scripts. Script files must reside in the
default script directory.
2. Choose OK to accept changes.
Terminal Command
Sets the Terminal settings.
To set the Terminal settings including Terminal Type, the default Font Name
and Size, the Caret Type, scrollback buffer size and dimensions,
outbound Carriage Return expands to Carriage Return plus Line Feeds options,
Local Echo, and ANSI Color Attributes, perform the following steps:
1. Choose Settings, then choose Terminal.
2. Select the Terminal Type, Font Name, Font Size and Caret Type.
3. Enter the scrollback Buffer size in lines, the number of Rows per page,
and the Column width.
4. Select CR->CR+LF options, Local Echo and ANSI Color Attributes.
5. Choose OK to accept these changes.
The minimum number of lines in the scrollback Buffer is 50 and the maximum is
2000. The minimum number of Rows per page is 25, the maximum is 50 and the
default setting is 25. The minimum number of Columns per page is 40, the
maximum is 240 and the default setting is 80.
If ANSI Color Attributes is set on, MicroLink will translate the colors the
remote computer sends thru escape sequences. Disabling ANSI Color Attributes
allows you to set the colors for the session window, thereby overriding the
remote color sequences. You can change the default colors by selecting the
Colors button, which will display the colors dialog box. For more information
on setting colors, see the related topic Colors below.
MicroLink will display every fixed space typeface that resides in your system.
However, the list of available font sizes is a standard one and may not
represent the actual font sizes you have in your system. It is designed to
accommodate Adobe Type Manager, Bitstreams FaceLift and True Type, which
create fonts on the fly. As a result, typefaces such as terminal may display
the same font for various sizes.
Terminal - Colors Command
The Terminal - Colors Command sets the screen colors of the session window .
To select the foreground and background colors used in the session window,
perform the following steps:
1 Choose Settings, then choose Terminal.
2 After the terminal window is displayed, insure that the ANSI Color
Attributes option is not checked.
3. Push the Colors button. This will display the current color selections.
4 Select the colors you want for the foreground and background.
5. Choose OK to accept the these changes.
Default colors are only used when the ANSI Color Attributes option is not
checked.
Tools Command
Sets the Tool bar.
To toggle the display of the various buttons that available on the Tool Bar,
perform the following steps:
1. Choose Settings, then choose Tools.
2. Check the buttons that you desire to appear on the Tool Bar.
3. Choose OK to accept changes.
Buttons that are not enabled will appear dimmed.
Windows Command
Sets the contents of the MicroLink window.
To toggle the display of the Status Bar, Tool Bar, and Lights Bar, perform
the following steps:
1. Choose Settings, then choose Windows.
2. Check the child windows that you desire to be visible.
3. Choose OK to accept changes.
The Tools Bar contains a set of push buttons designed to provide mouse
accelerators for various commands. The push buttons that appear are definable
via the Tools command.
The Function Key Bar contains a set of push buttons that represent the
function keys on your keyboard. These keys may be programmed via the
Function Keys command.
The Lights Bar is a set of indicators about the active port. IM indicates
modem initialization; HS indicates high speed; AA indicates auto answer mode;
CD indicates carrier detected; OH indicates off hook; RD indicates receiving
data; SD indicates sending data; TR indicates terminal ready; and MR indicates
modem ready.
The Session Window displays all incoming characters and, optionally, all
outgoing characters. This window is scrollable, retrieving up to 2,000 lines
of previously displayed text. The choice of typeface, font size and fore-
and background colors may be customized via the Terminal command.
The Status Bar is the horizontal bar that appears along the bottom of
MicroLink's window. It contains the current time or connected time; the
current port settings; an indicator as to whether a log file is opened,
closed, or temporarily on hold; and an indicator as to whether a script file
is currently recording, paused or stopped.
Scripts Menu
The Pause and Stop commands in the Scripts menu are disabled (gray) until you
have started recording a script.
Record Script
Automatically creates a script file.
To create a new script file and echo all commands to it, perform the following
steps:
1. Choose Scripts, then choose Record or select the Record button from the
Tools Bar.
2. Type or select the name of the file you want to open or create.
3. Choose OK to begin creating the script file.
If the file already exists, MicroLink will display a dialog box giving you
the option to cancel the operation or erase the contents of the file.
Selecting OK will instruct MicroLink to destroy the contents of the current
file. MicroLink will begin to echo commands into the script file.
The Status Bar will be updated to indicate that MicroLink is recording a
script.
At any time during recording you may temporarily pause the recording of
commands by selecting Pause. To resume recording select Pause again.
Command Summary
Pause
Pauses or Resumes the recording of commands to a script file.
To temporarily stop/resume the recording of commands to a script file, choose
Scripts, then choose Pause or select the Pause button from the Tools Bar.
The Status Bar will be updated to indicate that MicroLink is either recording
or temporarily paused from recording commands to a script file.
Stop
Stop the recording of commands to a script file.
To stop the recording of a script file choose Scripts, then choose Stop or
select the Stop button from the Tools Bar. The Status Bar will be updated
to indicate that MicroLink has terminated the recording of a script file.
To close the script file permanently, select Stop.
Script Editor
Opens a script Editor Window.
To open a Script Editor Window choose Scripts, then choose Script Editor.
The Script Editor allows you to create script files or edit scripts files
that were automatically created by the Record Script command.
Currently this command invokes the Windows Notepad.
Help Menu
Index
Lists all Help topics available for MicroLink. Index items are arranged
alphabetically within each category.
Notes on using the Help System
To choose a help topic:
Mouse Point to the underlined topic you want to view and click the mouse
button. When the pointer is over an item you can choose, the
pointer changes to a hand icon.
Keyboard Press Tab to move the highlight to the underlined topic you want
to view, and then press Enter.
Keyboard Lists the keys used in MicroLink and describes their actions.
For more information on the keys used by MicroLink please see
appendix 2.
Commands Lists every command and provides detailed information that is
available when using the online help system.
Using Help
This command provides detailed information on learning about Windows.
Information is provided to learn how to use Help, gain basic Windows skills
and a Windows glossary.
About MicroLink Command
Displays copyright notice and the release number of MicroLink. To view this
information choose Help, then choose About. Select OK to remove the dialog
box.
Errors and Troubleshooting
If you encounter a problem in communications you have many things to consider.
Operating procedures
The computer, its display and disk Drives
Modem setups
The modem itself
Cables to and from the modem
Power supplies
The phone line and connection quality
The computer at the other end
Operating procedures the other computer expects
Looking through the following topics may help.
Modem Is Not Working
One of the most common problems with modems is having more than one device on
the same COM port (even if the other device is not in use.) This may causes
"hanging up" the phone as soon as a call is dialed or answered, or other
erratic behavior.
For an external modem, disconnect it. The Dial command should show
"Modem Initialization Failed" error dialog box.
Modem Is Dialing Too Fast
Sometimes modem won't be able to get a CONNECT because it is dialing too fast.
Make sure MicroLink is not using Touch Tone dialing on a Pulse System.
(This is corrected by going to the Setting Menu and changing the Tone Pulse
option via the Modem dialog box.)
Make sure MicroLink is not dialing before it should. Pauses can be inserted
between different parts of a phone number by inserting commas. Use the "," to
insert a pause on a phone number. For example the phone number "9,123-4567"
causes MicroLink to dial a 9, followed by a pause, then the rest of the phone
number.
The time-spacing between touch tones can be a problem on some systems. Use
the Modem command and consider adding S11=150 to the Initialization String.
(Replace 150 with whatever value you choose.)
Modem Needs Resetting
It is possible to get the modem into a state where it doesn't seem to want to
accept your commands.
The first thing to try is the Dial command. This may bring an incorrect Port
setting to your attention. It also makes multiple attempts to reset the
modem, and usually succeeds.
If your modem has a reset button, try it.
Next, try powering down your entire system, then turning it back on.
In other cases, you may get the modem to respond by issuing one of the
reset commands. First perform the Direct Connect command then try entering
one or both of these commands at the session window:
"ATZ [Enter]" Reset modem and revert to switch settings
"AT&F [Enter]" Reset modem and revert to factory defaults (*)
* Not valid on some modems.
Modem Is Not Connected to a Phone
This is a problem more often than you might think.
Check your connections. Make sure the cable that goes to the wall outlet is
plugged into the correct jack at the back of the modem.
Hearing touch tone sounds doesn't necessarily mean the modem is connected.
(You need to hear a dial tone first!)
Try a regular phone on the line and listen for the dial tone. Then, try
listening to the dial tone through the modem's speaker. This can be done by
issuing a Dial command. You need be check you modem settings and ensure that
you have Modem Volume on. (This option is set via the Modem command.)
Modem Is Not Waiting Long Enough
You may have set MicroLink to "give up" before the remote system has answered.
You can determine the delay needed by calling the remote system (on a voice
line) and timing how long it takes between the last digit dialed and the
moment you first hear a whistling sound.
When MicroLink dials, you'll notice a countdown indicator on the dialing
dialog box. If MicroLink hangs up (due to a "NO CONNECT" message) before the
remote system has answered, you may need to extend the time MicroLink will
wait for a CONNECT message. You can set this value via the Preferences dialog
box.
Wrong Number
Make sure the phone number is correct. Make sure the dialing prefix is
correct. Consider whether or not a 1 and/or area code is required before the
number. Try dialing the number on a voice line. You should hear a
"whistle tone" when the remote computer answers.