OffHook is a small application which will send a string to the modem and wait for a specified time before launching another application. Because the serial driver can be specified by name, OffHook can invoke RAM drivers such as those installed by QuadraLink software, as well as the usual modem and printer drivers.
OffHook is intended to be used as part of a Tabby event; however, note that it does not support the update to the Launch.Next file.
The default modem string is ATH1 (take the phone off the hook) and the default application to launch after waiting is TeleFinder¬, but these can be changed. The wait-launch phase of the operation can be switched off, but the default setting on ON.
The time window in which OffHook must wait is specified in a file with the default name of Next Event. The Next Event file contains 8 digits, where the first 4 digits denote the start time and the second 4 digits denote the end time (both in 24 hour notation - e.g. 2200 is 10pm). If the current time lies outside this window, OffHook immediately launches the other application (provided launching is enabled) after sending the modem string.
The driver name to use for the modem port is .AOut (note the period) and that for the printer port is .BOut. OffHook defaults to the modem port. To find out the names of any RAM drivers, run the application DVRcheck which displays the names of all drivers resident in memory (hit any key to quit).
You can change the name of the application for OffHook to launch, the serial driver name (i.e. you can use a port other than the modem or printer ports), the string sent to the modem, the name of the Next Event file, and the baud rate. Choose any baud rate that your modem will recognise. To make these changes, or to turn wait-launch off or on, hold down the SHIFT key just after OffHook has begun to launch. A dialog box will appear in which you can specify your changes. Clicking OK will save your preferences into a file called OffHook.prefs. If you rename OffHook, the preferences file name will have the form NewOffHookName.prefs.
