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Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition
ZCOMM User Manual 31
10. TUTORIAL INTRODUCTION
ASSUMPTIONS: In addition to the minimum hardware requirements for
ZCOMM, this tutorial assumes the use of a Hayes Smartmodem 1200 (or
equivalent) connected to the COM1 port in accordance with the
instructions in Chapter 8. The tutorial assumes that ZCOMM.EXE,
YHP.EXE, UMANH.HLP, and PHODIR.T are copied to the root directory of
your working disk, and that ZCOMM.EXE has been serialized with the
putsnp program. If your system configuration is different, you will
have to read the manual carefully to learn how to adjust for your
configuration.
After typing ZCOMM from the DOs prompt to load ZCOMM, type F-10 to
activate the flash-up help processor. Browse through it briefly to
familiarize yourself with the information available via the F-10 help
key.
To make a call without using a directory entry, type speed 1200 (or
whatever) and then the phone number:
speed 1200 123-4567
The modem then dials the number. When you are connected, ZCOMM will
return to its command prompt. Keyboard F2 to begin talking with the
remote. Give some commands to the remote until several screens' worth
of text have scrolled by.
Now press the PgUp function key. The screen will now display text
that had scrolled off before. Use the PgUp, Home, PgDn, and End
function keys to move around in the review buffer.
Look for a moderately interesting nugget of wisdom, and use the up
arrow and down arrow function keys on the numeric keypad to place the
interesting part at the top of the screen.
Hit "t" to set the top marker. This causes all the text to display in
high intensity. Now move down using the down arrow key to place the
first line of unwanted text at the top of the screen.
Hit the "b" key to set the bottom pointer. This will change the
displayed text back to normal intensity.
Now hit "w" and ZCOMM will prompt for a filename to write the selected
text to. Type the filename followed by <ENTER>, and ZCOMM will write
the selected data. When the write operation is finished, the screen
will redisplay the text.
When you have the feel of it, type F1 to return to the term function
and conversational connection to the remote computer.
Next, log off the remote computer. When it drops the line, ZCOMM
(C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 10 Tutorial Introduction
Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition
ZCOMM User Manual 32
displays "Carrier Lost" in reverse video to announce that the
connection has been lost. At this time you are still in the term
function.
When you return to ZCOMM's command prompt (by typing F1), type
"off<ENTER>" to disconnect the modem and exit back to DOS.
Now is a good time to read the rest of the manual to discover the
power of ZCOMM. Chapter 10 presents some unusual sessions
demonstrating more of ZCOMM's capabilities.
10.1 Sample Sessions
This directory entry accesses a computer
directly wired to COM2 at 19kb.
unix port 2 speed 19200 t
| | | |
| | | Invoke term function
| | ___ Set 19200 bits per second
| ______________ Select port COM2
_________________________ System name
This entry dials a typical bulletin board
rcpm port 1 speed 1200 123-4567 t
| | | | |
| | | | _ Term function
| | | _______ Number to call
| | __________________ 1200 baud
| _________________________ Select COM1
____________________________________ System name
A Not so Typical Session
The example below assumes a Hayes modem connected to a radio receiver
tuned to the W1AW ASCII bulletins. Refer to a recent issue of QST
Magazine for a W1AW schedule. to select the best signal. Usually,
the error rate is lowest when receiving a strong signal near the
Maximum Useable Frequency (MUF). Set the radio for Upper Sideband
(USB) reception. Tune it so the resulting audio frequencies make the
RD (Received Data) light turn on about 50 percent of the time. The
Hayes modem manual chapter on Amateur Radio provides more information.
Be sure to reset the modem by powering it down before attempting
regular phone calls with it.
(C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 10 Sample Sessions
Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition
ZCOMM User Manual 33
w1aw speed 110 putw "ATS10=255 C0 H2 D\r" t -v
| | |
| | -v prints control chars
| | as ^C so they won't
| | erase the screen, etc.
| Ignore Carrier Detect, Carrier Off, Special Off
| Hook (Don't close relay), Originate, Online
|________ W1AW ASCII transmissions are at 110 bps
A>ZCOMM call unix Connect to a local system named unix
jabber jabber ... Login to system, change directory
<ALT-2>Command: Get a ZCOMM command prompt
sz prg?.? prghlp.mm Upload some files
jabber jabber ...
sz *.c *.h Download some source files
Receiving ... ZMODEM AutoDownload accepts them
kermit -ix Start the Unix Kermit server
<F1>>>>c: Get ZCOMM's command prompt
remote dir Get a directory listing
Directory... Directory listing on screen
get f2 Get (fetch) a file
f2 Open ... File arrives
send myfile Send myfile to server
finish Finish server access
t Enter term function
kermit send f1 Start a Kermit file transfer
f1 Open... File is received AUTOMAGICALLY!
jabber jabber ... Log off local system
<F1>>>>c: Get ZCOMM's command prompt
port 1 Select modem on COM1
call rcpm Dial a system called "rcpm"
jabber jabber ... Keyboarding with remote
<Home> Review function at top of text
/to superhacker Search for beginning of message to you
t Set top pointer
/to j. fred muggs Search for beginning of next message
b Set bottom pointer
w Write selected text to a disk file
<F1> Return to term function
E<ENTER> Tell the rcpm to enter a message
<ALT-2>Command: Get a ZCOMM command prompt
open -p letter Open "letter" and send to bbs, using
prompt and throttle modes to slow
transmission so the remote system won't
drop characters.
dir Find out what files are on the RCPM
xmodem s foo.bqr Command RCPM to download a file
<ALT-2>Command: Get a ZCOMM command prompt
rc foo.bqr Download a file with XMODEM/CRC
PgUp PgUp ... Flip back to the first part of
directory previously listed
(C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 10 Sample Sessions
Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition
ZCOMM User Manual 34
<ENTER> Back to term function
xmodem s dr.who Download a critical file
<ALT-2>Command: Get a ZCOMM command prompt
rc \misc\dr.who Download the file
jabber jabber ... More keyboarding, logoff
<F1>>>>c: Get ZCOMM's command prompt
Connect the modem to the radio's audio and tune in W1AW
create rtty.tmp Create a disk file for the bulletins
call w1aw
bleep twort sneep Static on the radio - pure line hits until
W1AW is received while sending ASCII
<F2>k Review/k command clears the buffer
QST DE W1AW ...
END ... AR
<ALT-C> Close the capture file
<F1>>>>c:off Return to DOS
(C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 10 Accessing Computer Systems
Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition
ZCOMM User Manual 35
11. ACCESSING COMPUTER SYSTEMS
11.1 Dialing
Once you modem is interfaced per Chapter 8, you can connect to a
remote system with the call command referencing an entry in your
telephone directory entry.
EXAMPLE: call kgbvax
If a telephone directory entry has not been set up, TurboLearn(TM) may
be invoked to dial a phone number and then learn your login procedure
by keyboarding the F4 key. You may choose to add the resulting script
to your telephone directory, or retain it as a separate file acessible
with the source command. Please refer to the learn command in Chapter
17.
If you just want to call a number without ZCOMM learing anything, type
the telephone number from the command prompt already.
EXAMPLE: 123-4567
When the modem connects, ZCOMM returns to the command prompt. You can
then keyboard the F2 key to connect your keyboard to the remote
system. If you wish to use "bulletin board graphics", keyboard t -8g
instead.
11.2 Telenet/PC-Pursuit
For best results, identify with D1 when Telenet asks for your terminal
type. This selection prevents the network from adding padding
characters, which are just a waste of time with ZCOMM.
To use XMODEM, YMODEM, Telink, and other traditional protocols on PC
Pursuit, you must give the Telenet command
SET 1:0,4:2,5:0,7:8,12:0
after connecting to the PC-Pursuit target city. This command prevents
Telenet from "eating" control characters or breaking the connection
when files containing certain patterns are transmitted. This command
disables Telenet's "<ENTER>@<ENTER>" escape.
If you expect to use ZMODEM or Kermit SLiding Windows (SuperKermit),
give the command
SET 4:2,5:1,12:1
instead.
(C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 11 Accessing Computer Systems
Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition
ZCOMM User Manual 36
Please refer to Chapter 14 for further network considerations.
11.3 Tymnet
If using Tymnet, type Ctrl-R Ctrl-X just before the host computer name
to enable flow control with XOFF and XON. "Half Duplex" may be
activated with Ctrl-H. Check with your network's documentation for
further details or updates to this information.
(C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 11 Protocol File Transfers
Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition
ZCOMM User Manual 37
12. PROTOCOL FILE TRANSFERS
With many different ways to transfer files with ZCOMM, your choice of
file transfer methods could make the difference between efficient,
error free data and slow or error prone transfers. This chapter gives
an overview of the different ways to transfer files with emphasis on
their relative merits.
A file transfer protocol should have high integrity (assurance of
accurate data) and high robustness (low probability of aborting a
transfer). When the file transfer is attended, robustness is not so
critical because the transfer can be restarted.
The following subchapters discuss these file transfer methods in more
detail.
12.1 ZMODEM File/Command Transfers
ZMODEM was developed for the public domain under contract by Telenet,
a major packet switched network. ZMODEM has been submitted to the
ANSI X12C committee for standardization.
ZMODEM provides a greatly simplified user interface. The file name is
entered once, and transfer options may be given to the sending
program, even those that apply to the receiver. ZMODEM AutoDownload
allows menu and mouse driven programs to download files and commands
with no extra keyboarding required.
ZMODEM transfers both files and commands. Command download allows one
of the computers to take positive control of the session. A security
challenge (activated by AutoDownload) guards against Trojan Horse
messages.*
ZMODEM file transfers preserve the file date[1] and the exact file
contents, unlike traditional protocols that append garbage to files.
ZMODEM is four file transfer protocols in one. Streaming transmission
provides full throughput over satellite links and packet switched
networks. One of three ZMODEM streaming control methods may be used
with systems that allow the sender to monitor the received data for
error correction packets without interrupting transmission.
Individually acknowledged packets support other systems.
ZMODEM is immune to most of the error conditions that prevent accurate
file transfers with traditional protocols.
__________
1. Controlled by the d and z numeric parameters
(C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 12 Protocol File Transfers
Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition
ZCOMM User Manual 38
+ ZMODEM data transfers are protected by the Federal Standard 32 bit
CRC to assure reliable transfers. This 32 bit CRC gives an
undetected error rate five orders of magnitude better than XMODEM's
16 bit CRC, and more than a billion times better than checksum
XMODEM. ZMODEM uses 16 bit CRC for file transfers with programs
that do not support 32 bit CRC.
+ Most important, all ZMODEM protocol transactions are protected by
CRC. Some competing protocols advertising 16 or 32 bit CRC fail
under stress because transactions use single characters not
protected by CRC.
ZMODEM supports Crash Recovery and advanced file management. If
you've ever been disconnected when a huge file transfer was almost
finished, you'll appreciate resuming/recovering the file transfer with
the ZMODEM r option. You can use the n option to transfer only those
files that have changed since the last time they were transferred.
With the p option, you can unconditionally protect files that already
exist on the destination system. To update only the files you already
have while skipping the rest, use the Yn option.
To send a file with ZMODEM, the command sz file1 can be given from
either the main command prompt, or from a secondary command prompt
obtained with ALT-2. Multiple files and wild cards may be used.
EXAMPLE: sz file1 file2 *.lst
If Z mode has been enabled (the default), ZCOMM's term function will
detect a ZMODEM transmission and receive the file(s) automatically,
after a security check. Otherwise, the rz command may be given from a
command prompt.
Please refer to the sz and zcommand commands described in Chapter 17
for examples and information.
Rz and sz programs are available for Unix. The ZMODEM protocol is
described in ZMODEM.DOC.
12.2 TRUE YMODEM(TM)
Developed in 1981, YMODEM extensions to XMODEM are finding their way
into many communications programs. Rb and sb programs are available
for Unix and VAX/VMS. With Omen's Enhanced Data Recovery(TM), YMODEM
gives excellent efficiency, integrity, and good robustness.
True YMODEM transfers one or more files in a batch without alteration
or added garbage characters. True YMODEM preserves the file date
across multiple time zones. ZCOMM and the Unix(TM) rb and sb programs
and ZCOMM preserve the file modification date.[2]
(C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 12 Protocol File Transfers
Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition
ZCOMM User Manual 39
The sb k option (1024 byte blocks) may be used to enhance throughput,
especially when using timesharing systems, satellite links, or packet
networks that can support the longer blocks.
EXAMPLE: sb -k *.c *.h sends all .c and .h files in the current
directory with 1024 byte blocks.[3]
YMODEM Batch files can be received with the rb or F3 commands.
YMODEM Batch file transfers with Unix and VMS systems are discussed
later in this chapter. Many programs claiming to support YMODEM
actually use XMODEM with 1024 byte blocks; use ZCOMM's sx -k and rx
XMODEM commands with these imposters.
12.3 XMODEM-1k
The XMODEM-1k protocol transfers one file per command with 1024 byte
blocks and a nominal 16 bit CRC. The file name must be entered for
both the sender and the receiver. Programs lacking ZCOMM's Cybernetic
Data Recovery(TM) logic are less likely to transfer data accurately
under marginal conditions. XMODEM's use of every possible 8 bit code
limit its effectiveness in many applications.
The end of the file may be padded by up to 127 or 1023[4] garbage
characters.
To send a file: sx -k file1
To receive a file: rc file1
12.4 XMODEM/CRC
The XMODEM/CRC protocol transfers one file per command. The file name
must be entered for both the sender and the receiver. Programs
lacking ZCOMM's Cybernetic Data Recovery(TM) logic are less likely to
transfer data under marginal conditions. XMODEM-CRC's short data
blocks and use of every possible 8 bit code limit its effectiveness in
many applications.
______________________________________________________________________
2. Controlled by the d and z numeric parameters
3. ZCOMM switches to 128 byte blocks at the end of a file when the
length warrants.
4. Some programs (including ZCOMM) limit this padding to 127 bytes.
(C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 12 Protocol File Transfers
Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition
ZCOMM User Manual 40
The end of the file may be padded by up to 127 garbage characters.
To send a file: sx file1
To receive a file: rc file1
12.5 XMODEM
The original MODEM protocol, developed by Ward Christensen, is
supported by a large and growing number of programs operating on a
variety of micros and minis. The base level XMODEM protocol gives
good results when used over low error rate direct telephone
connections. XMODEM's short data blocks and use of every possible 8
bit code limit its effectiveness in many applications.
File transfers with this protocol add up to 127 garbage characters to
transferred files. The XMODEM protocol can transfer one file per
command. The file name must be entered at both the sender and the
receiver.
To send a file with plain XMODEM: sx file1
To receive a file with XMODEM: rx file1
12.6 WXMODEM (People-Link)
ZCOMM supports WXMODEM protocol downloads with the rw command. On the
People-Link timesharing service, WXMODEM downloads are faster than
XMODEM downloads. Throughput, reliability, accuracy, and amenities
are not as good as ZMODEM or SuperKermit, but neither of these
protocols are currently available on that system. WXMODEM adds up to
127 garbage bytes to transferred files. Omen Technology does not
recommend WXMODEM for use over noisy phone lines.
EXAMPLE: rw file1
12.7 MODEM7 Batch
The MODEM7 batch protocol passes CP/M file names from the sending
program to the receiver one character at a time. The compatibility,
throughput, and reliability problems of this kluge prompted the
development of YMODEM. Nonetheless, when it becomes necessary to
transfer files with a program lacking contemporary protocols, MODEM7
batch is better than nothing.
File names transmitted with the MODEM7 batch protocol must obey the
restrictions of both 8 bit CP/M and DOS. The f option cannot be used
with MODEM7 batch. Data transfer within MODEM7 batch uses XMODEM
protocol, and all of XMODEM's weaknesses discussed above apply to
MODEM7 batch. MODEM7 batch does not preserve the modification date or
(C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 12 Protocol File Transfers
Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition
ZCOMM User Manual 41
exact file contents.
EXAMPLE: s7 file1.ext *.baz sends files with MODEM7 batch.
EXAMPLE: r7 receives one or more files with MODEM7 batch.
12.8 Telink/FIDO Batch
The Telink protocol expands upon the MODEM7 batch kluge with a
specially formatted block containing the length of the file and the
local DOS time and date. The length data allows the receiver to
truncate the file length to that the original file. All of the MODEM7
batch compatibility and reliability problems apply to Telink.[5] The
zmodem Z numeric parameter or the z file transfer option may be used
to correct the time/date stamping of files transferred between
different time zones.
EXAMPLE: zmodem pZ120; st file1.ext *.baz Sends the specified files
with a 2 hour time zone adjustment.
EXAMPLE: rt -z60 Receives one or more files with a 60 minute time zone
adjustment.
12.9 Clink/SEAlink Batch
When transferring files with the SEA CLINK 1.13 or compatible
programs, ZCOMM's rb and sb commands recognize SEAlink's modified
Telink protocol. The rb command allows a transmitting SEAlink program
to use sliding windows. Telink time zone and file name considerations
apply to SEAlink. In addition, because SEAlink uses all 256 of the
possible 8 bit codes for both data transfer and protocol management,
some modems and networks that operate with XMODEM will not accomodate
SEAlink. As with the MODEM7 and Clink protocols mentioned above, the
SEAlink protocol is included for convenience in situations where the
YMODEM and ZMODEM protocols are not implemented.[6]
__________
5. Correct operation of ZCOMM's rt and st commands have been verified
with Minitel 3.0 by Tom Jenning's Fido Software; other Programs
may not produce the same results.
6. Correct SEAlink protocol operation of ZCOMM's rb and sb commands
has been verified with the CLINK 1.13 program by Systems
Enhancement Associates. Because of ambiguities and errors in the
SEAlink documentation, other Programs may not produce the same
(C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 12 Protocol File Transfers
Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition
ZCOMM User Manual 42
EXAMPLE: zmodem pZ120; sb file1.ext *.baz Sends the specified files
to a SEAlink program with a 2 hour time zone adjustment.
EXAMPLE: rb -z60 Receives one or more files from a SEAlink program
with a 60 minute time zone adjustment.
12.10 XMODEM with OverThruster
XMODEM file downloading from networks and timesharing systems is
slowed by short blocks and long response times. With some systems,
one can speed up downloads by using the ro command to receive the
file. Because OverThruster defeats error recovery, a line hit will
usually abort a download. With nearly error free connections, one can
save enough time from the increased throughput to make up for failed
transfers. OverThruster may be used with X.PC or MNP error correcting
link level protocols.
EXAMPLE: ro file1
SEE ALSO: O numeric parameter
12.11 Kermit
Kermit operates with a wide range of computer systems, including those
whose restrictive terminal interfaces prevent XMODEM transfers.
Kermit uses an encoding technique called quoting to represent control
characters and (if necessary) parity bits with standard printable
characters. It is one of the few asynchronous error correcting
protocols that work properly with half duplex IBM front ends. The
Kermit protocol can transfer one or more files per command, preserving
the exact file length. The popular timesharing service The Source
supports the Kermit file transfer protocol in ASCII and binary modes.
When sending files with the Kermit Protocol, ZCOMM uses all 8 bits for
the transfer unless a 7 bit parity mode (e.g., ena -7e) is used, the
kermit 7 numeric parameter is non zero, or the other program requests
8th bit qouting. If ZCOMM is using a 7 bit parity mode (such as ena
-7m), ZCOMM requests 8th bit quoting unless the kermit 8 numeric
parameter is non zero.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Both programs must use the same parity
______________________________________________________________________
results.
(C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 12 Protocol File Transfers
Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition
ZCOMM User Manual 43
for Kermit file transfers to succeed.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Normal Kermit does not provide an automatic means of forcing both the
sender and receiver to use the same sub-protocol. Files cannot be
transferred if the two programs disagree on parity handling, Such
failures are quite commonplace. A common symptom is a transfer that
starts up normally but always fails at the same block. Setting
appropriate parity corrects these Kermit failures.
ZCOMM's Kermit AutoDownload (enabled with the K mode) allows the term
function to sense the beginning of a Kermit file download, make the
proper determination on whether to use 8 bit serial data, and execute
the file download without user intervention.
Kermit is less efficient than some protocols because of control
character quoting and short packets. Super-Kermit (Kermit with
Sliding Windows) transmits up to 31 packets before waiting for a
response, increasing throughput with timesharing systems and networks.
ZCOMM uses sliding windows and CRC error detection if the other
machine's Kermit supports them.
ZCOMM supports 12 bit Kermit checksums and 16 bit Kermit CRC for
professional error detection performance.
The Kermit protocol was developed at Columbia University. The
specifics of the protocol and supporting mainframe programs are
described in documents available from Columbia University and
elsewhere.
EXAMPLE: kermit sb file1 file2
EXAMPLE: kermit rb
SEE ALSO: kermreset string parameter
12.11.1 ZCOMM Kermit Capabilities At a Glance
Local operation..................Yes
Remote operation.................Yes
Transfers text files.............Yes
Transfers binary files...........Yes
Wildcard send....................Yes
Filename collision avoidance.....Yes
Can time out.....................Yes
8th-bit prefixing................Yes
8 bit serial data................Yes
Repeat count prefixing...........Yes
Alternate block checks...........Yes
Terminal emulation...............Multiple
(C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 12 Protocol File Transfers
Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition
ZCOMM User Manual 44
Communication settings...........Yes
Transmit BREAK...................Yes
IBM mainframe communication......Yes
Transaction logging..............Yes
Act as server....................no
Talk to server...................Yes
Advanced commands for servers....Yes
Handle file attributes...........no
Programmable reset string........Yes
12.11.2 Kermit Server Access The commands to start up a Kermit
server vary from system to system. Unix C-Kermit can be started in
server mode with kermit -ix given to Unix or VMS. When the Kermit
server is active, the ZCOMM get, send, and remote ... commands may be
used. The ZCOMM finish command causes the remote Kermit server to
exit to its operating system.
12.11.3 Kermit Caveats If the Kermit protocol doesn't work with IBM
mainframe communications, incorrect ASCII/EBCDIC translate tables may
be the problem.
Some mainframe "front ends" require a special sequence of characters
or a break signal to recover from transmission errors ("line hits").
The kermreset string parameter may be programmed with the required
sequence.
Some versions of Kermit translate files as they are sent. Typical
modifications include CR/LF to NL transformations and CPMEOF
stripping. When transferring binary files, such editing must be
disabled with SET FILE TYPE BINARY or similar commands given to the
other program. The demonstration in Chapter 10 includes several
Kermit server access and file transfer commands.
When downloading files from some versions of Kermit, best results may
sometimes be obtained by starting ZCOMM's kermit receive before typing
the carriage return that starts the sender on the remote. If the
other program includes an adjustable initial delay, you can save time
by setting it to zero.
SEE ALSO: kermit d numeric parameter
SEE ALSO: K mode (Kermit AutoDownload)
12.12 Uploading Files to Unix Systems
On Unix(TM) systems, files may be uploaded most conveniently and
efficiently with the ZMODEM protocol supported by the Unix rz program.
See the Unix rz manual entry for more information. Versions of the C
programs SQ, TYPE, USQ, and ZOO are available for Unix systems. The
Unix version of USQ has a -n flag to strip carriage returns.
(C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 12 Protocol File Transfers
Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition
ZCOMM User Manual 45
If rz is not installed on the Unix system, the file rzsz.zoo (included
on your ZCOMM distribution diskette) must be unpacked with looz: looz
-e rzsz.zoo given from the DOS prompt. Next, the command source
zupl.t calls the zupl.t script to upload the bootstrap file minirb.c,
compile it, and use it to upload the remainder of the source files.
After the rest of the files have been uploaded, compile rz.c and sz.c
using the directions given at the beginning of each of those files.
The manual pages rz.1 and sz.1 may be formatted with commands such as
nroff -Tlp -man rz.1 sz.1
12.13 Downloading Files from Unix Systems
To download files from Unix(TM) systems, use the Unix sz program to
send the desired files to ZCOMM. First, be sure ZCOMM's Z mode is
enabled (the default).
EXAMPLE: enable -Z
To Unix keyboard: sz file ...
If one or more of the files already exists on the destination disk,
use sz -y file ... instead, to replace the old copies on your
computer.
When files are long and transmission slow, you can save time by
squeezing them first with sq. Source for a Unix compatible version of
sq is available in xsq.cq. The zoo program, available for DOS and
Unix, may also be used to compress file(s) before transmission.
Unix source files normally do not contain carriage returns used by
CP/M and DOS. Some CP/M or DOS programs, such as C compilers, do not
require carriage returns in the source files. Others, such as the
Microsoft Macro Assembler, become quite confused by such files,
although such files fully meet the requirements of the ASCII standard.
Carriage Returns may be added before downloading with the todos or
tocpm programs. Carriage returns may be added during the transfer
with the sz a option. Carriage Returns may be added after the
transfer by some program editors. (Other editors, such as DOS edlin
may crash trying to edit such files.) Short files (less than 28kb) may
be converted using ZCOMM's read and create commands to pass the data
through ZCOMM's capture buffer.
Text files may also be downloaded using the capture buffer if sz has
not been installed on the Unix machine.
If a file or set of files are to be transported between two Unix
systems, it may be helpful to place them in a tar or cpio archive (and
possibly squeeze the archive) before transmission. This procedure
(C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 12 Protocol File Transfers
Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition
ZCOMM User Manual 46
will preserve the Unix file modes and modification times, and bypass
pathname restrictions imposed by DOS.
12.14 VMS File Transfers
VMS versions of the rb and sb programs described above are included in
the "shell archive" vrbsb.sh. These archives may be uploaded with
procedures similar to those used with Unix (described above).
Once uploaded, the files in this archive may be separated with an
editor if no shell is available on VMS. The manual pages in
rzsz1et2.sh apply to the VMS versions of these programs.[7] Most of
the comments made above about Unix file transfers apply to VMS as
well.
In case of difficulty, try setting the HOSTSYNC, READSYNC, TTSYNC,
PASSALL, and EIGHTBIT parameters.
12.15 Compuserve File Transfers
12.15.1 B Protocol The error correcting B Protocol is used by the
Compuserve Timesharing Service through the Compuserve, Tymnet, and
Telenet networks. B Protocol file transfers are initiated by the
Compuserve computer. The B Protocol file transfer protocol is well
supported by this timesharing service.
Compuserve also supports the XMODEM protocol. However, short XMODEM
blocks exacerbate throughput problems, and the XMODEM protocol adds up
to 127 garbage characters to the end of files. Under typical
conditions, the B Protocol saves 35 per cent in file transmission time
and connect charges compared to XMODEM protocol transfers.
The c or C mode must be set with ena -c or ena -C to allow the B
protocol to seize control and transfer files.
The w numeric parameter sets the block length used for uploading files
with B protocol. A longer block length (up to 1024) increases
throughput, but may overload some networks. In extreme cases, a
length of 256 or 128 may be necessary if the network's buffering is
defective. The choice of block length does not affect the contents of
successfully uploaded files.
The Compuserve Protocol controls all file transfer operations (except
permission to overwrite files) from the timesharing system.
__________
7. VMS versions of rz and sz will be available in the future.
(C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 12 Protocol File Transfers
Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition
ZCOMM User Manual 47
Waiting for long files to download can be boring. You can start the
transfer and walk away from the computer, but Compuserve will stay
connected for 15 minute$ after the transfer is finished if you don't
come back when the download finishes. This expense can be avoided by
typing ALT-Q once the protocol transfer has started. ALT-Q tells
ZCOMM to disconnect as soon as the protocol transfer is completed,
stopping the connect charges. An alternative method is to control the
transfers with a script, using either ejryam or the less sophisticated
cissig and dow.t scripts included with the software distribution.
When "browsing" through Compuserve's software "downloading section"
libraries, the kcisdl.t script file and ZCOMM allow you to download a
file with a single keystroke: F3. Installation instructions are
provided in that file.
12.15.2 Cheating CIS-B with OverThruster ZCOMM's B Protocol
OverThruster(TM) turbocharges Compuserve B downloads. OverThruster is
enabled with o mode. Since OverThruster disables recovery from line
noise, it should only be used with error correcting modems or quiet
phone lines. This restriction may be lifted by enhancements to
Compuserve's software.
12.15.3 Cheating CIS XMODEM with OverThruster The previously
discussed ro file1 command may be used to speed up XMODEM downloads
from Compuserve.
12.16 BIX File Transfers
BIX (Byte Information Exchange) currently supports XMODEM-1k
(incorrectly labeled "ymodem") and Kermit Sliding Windows
(SuperKermit) file transfers. Because of the network delays,
SuperKermit is faster for some files.
BIX's Kermit program does not turn off host echo, so one must use half
duplex when logging into Tymnet. The bix telephone directory entry in
phones2.t performs these functions. The Tymnet phone number in the
bix telephone directory entry should be changed for your calling area.
When setting up a new BIX account, give the command call bix,new to
force a login to the BIX new account program.
Since BIX uses a Unix system, you may wish to ask BIX when they will
enable use of the rz and sz ZMODEM file transfer programs they carry
in their software listings.
(C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 12 Message Transfers
Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition
ZCOMM User Manual 48
13. MESSAGE TRANSFERS
13.1 Downloading Messages
ZCOMM is flexible capturing output from other systems. The trick is
to make the remote send the information without too much
embellishment.
When downloading files without a file transfer protocol, set the
timesharing system to send tabs as tab characters without expanding
them to spaces. Turn off fill characters. These extra characters
waste time and money and ZCOMM doesn't need them. The s and S modes
can be used to strip control characters from the capture download.
EXAMPLE: t -s file
If the remote system responds to XOFF and XON, E mode (Error
Containment(TM)) may be used to minimize information loss caused by
line hits. The E mode may be enabled to allow Error Containment(TM)
to reduce the number of characters garbled by "line hits". Error
Containment sends an XOFF when a line hit is detected (parity error,
framing error, or break). The XOFF suspends data transmission,
allowing the hardware to recover before many characters are garbled.
After a brief pause, ZCOMM sends XON to resume transmission.
EXAMPLE: t -E7e file1 uses Error Containment to download file1 from a
system using 7 bits even parity. Error Containment works best when
even or odd parity is available.
SEE ALSO: E, j, S, s modes
13.2 XON/XOFF
Files of arbitrary length may be transferred if the remote supports
flow control with the ASCII XOFF and XON control characters. Output
from most timesharing services may be captured to a file using this
method.
To upload a file with XON/XOFF flow control: f file1
13.3 DC2/DC4 (^R/^T)
Some bulletin boards support file downloads by issuing a DC2 to open a
capture buffer, sending the file, and terminating the capture with
DC4. ZCOMM does not support this "protocol" directly. The review t
and b commands can be used to strip excess characters from the
circular buffer before writing the file to disk.
(C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 13 Message Transfers
Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition
ZCOMM User Manual 49
This "protocol" can be implemented with Turbodial(TM) script commands:
EXAMPLE: pat 1c "\022" "@kill; create capture.fil"
pat 2c "\024" "close"
13.4 Data Dump
Sometimes no flow control is available. The fget * command allows
ZCOMM to accept a continuous stream of data at a maximum data rate
determined by the hardware and software environment. With a hard
disk, excellent results have been obtained with a 4.77 mHz PC
accepting graphics dumps at 9600 bps.
EXAMPLE: fget file1
At slower speeds or with a fast computer, the term function j mode*
may be used for nonstop file capture.
EXAMPLE: t -j file1
The fget command does not provide a progress display. While this
allows the fastest possible data capture (38kb on a suitable
computer), sometimes there is no handy way to monitor the flow of
data. The term function I (super-image) mode may be used to capture a
binary file, provided CRT emulation is disabled with a display dumb
command or enabling v mode.
EXAMPLE: display dumb; t -Ij file1
The fax directory entry in PHONES2.T gives another example of how
ZCOMM's data capture modes may be used to capture binary data.
13.5 Uploading Messages
It is often possible to upload files using the f command with one or
more modes (such as w or p, possibly in combination with t).
Message uploads are more reliable if you set enab flow when connecting
through Telenet. If using Tymnet, type ^R^X just before the host
computer name to enable flow control with XOFF and XON. Check with
your network's documentation for further details or updates to this
information.
It often helps to use "half duplex" ( h mode) with the computer echo
disabled when uploading files to the computer. This saves the
computer from wasting precious time echoing characters.
Another tactic is to avoid uncorrected message transfers during peak
(C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 13 Message Transfers
Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition
ZCOMM User Manual 50
hours. Telephone usage peaks during midday with a resulting increase
in noise induced line hits. Timesharing computers and communications
networks are more likely to drop characters due to buffer overloading
during high traffic periods as well.
13.6 Paced
Some systems accept characters only at a certain rates, a slow speed
for each character and a possible slower speed at the end of each
line. Depending on the particular system, data transfer may have to
pause briefly at the end of the line,[1] or wait for a particular
character to signify readiness to accept the next line. There may be
an additional delay after that[2] before the remote is able to accept
more data.
EXAMPLE: f -p file1 uploads file1 with a wait for the linefeed echo at
the end of each transmitted line.
EXAMPLE: pg63; f -p file1 Sets the prompt character to decimal 63
("?") and sends the file with a wait for "?" after each transmitted
line.
As with the fpute command, the remote system must be commanded to open
and close the file.
13.7 Throttle
Another method of slowing message uploads is the throttle, activated
by t mode. Throttle artificially slows Zcomm's character transmission
to allow more time for the receiving system to digest each character.
The speed of transmission with t mode is controlled by the t numeric
parameter.
EXAMPLE: f -t secret.msg
Really slow systems may require both throttle and pacing to send data
efficiently without loss.
EXAMPLE: f -tp turkey.slo
__________
1. Controlled by the p numeric parameter
2. Controlled by the q numeric parameter
(C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 13 Message Transfers
Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition
ZCOMM User Manual 51
13.8 Uploading to IBM Mainframes
Text files can be uploaded to IBM mainframes using the P (upper case)
mode. When the P mode is activated, ZCOMM will wait for an XON (^Q)
after sending each line. In this special mode, ZCOMM will not time
out waiting for the XON, no matter how long it takes for the IBM front
end to send it. If, for some reason, the front end fails to send the
XON, (or if it is garbled in transmission), Ctrl-Q may be keyboarded.
EXAMPLE: f -P file1
SEE ALSO: P mode, Kermit protocol
13.9 Uploading Messages to Bulletin Boards
The greatest file transfer challenge is to upload a file to a bulletin
board message system running on a tiny microcomputer. Bulletin board
message systems have a rich variety of operating sequences and timing
dependencies matched only by the proliferation of incompatible
dialects of Basic and Pascal.
Message upload from files to bulletin boards reduces connect time and
$welling of the Phone Bill. Unattended message transfer saves the
user's time, especially if the board is difficult to access.
The t, p and w modes and the g, p, t, and q numeric parameters allow
disk files to be uploaded to such systems.
The basic program cbbsck.bas may be used (perhaps with modifications)
to check that a message file does not violate the restrictions of the
message system being uploaded to. A C version is also available.
EXAMPLE: f -pt file1
13.9.1 Uploading to SIGS A file may be uploaded to a SIG (Special
Interest Group) editor with p mode and the g numeric parameter set to
colon. When the file has been transferred, hit ENTER to send a blank
line to terminate message entry.
EXAMPLE: set eolstr "\r."; pp1000; pg58; f -p FILE Is useful for
uploading a prepared message to Compuserve's bulletin boards. This
setting for eolstr inserts a period after each line to prevent the
Compuserve software from reformatting the message.
EXAMPLE: pp1000, pg58, and f -p FILE transmits FILE waiting for the
prompt character ":" before sending each line after the first.
(C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 13 Message Transfers
Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition
ZCOMM User Manual 52
An alternative is to set the SIG "FIL" option, which calls the EDIT
editor. The cisupl script file referenced by phones2.t uses the SIG
"FIL" editor option.
Compuserve nodes often drop characters when files are uploaded at full
speed in full duplex. This can be avoided by using h mode (local
echo) and turning off Compuserve's echo.
13.10 Fpute
Text files can often be uploaded reasonably efficiently using the
fpute command.* Fpute waits for an echo to each character sent to the
remote. Fpute provides modest throughput without loss of data for
systems with terminal ports designed for keyboard data entry. The
maximum speed with fpute is limited to about 1/3 the normal character
rate by echo delays. There is no error correction with fpute. Before
the fpute command is given, the remote system must be instructed to
enter data from the "terminal" to a file. After the file has been
sent, the remote system must be instructed to close the file.
EXAMPLE: fpute file1
(C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 13 Flow Control
Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition
ZCOMM User Manual 53
14. FLOW CONTROL
Flow control is sometimes necessary for displaying long messages and
file transfer protocols using long blocks or streaming. Text missing
from messages and repeated retransmissions of bad data blocks, often
at regular intervals, indicate flow control failure.
When using error correcting modems and/or packet switched networks,
including "PC Pursuit", flow control regulates the speed of data
transfer to the network's capabilities.
As a rule, the sending computer should not operate at a higher
interface speed than the slowest link in the network. When this
guideline is not met, subtle precautions must be taken for best
results with interactive operations and streaming file transfer
protcols.
ZCOMM, ZCOMM, and DSZ default to software flow control with XON and
XOFF characters. When used with modems that require hardware flow
control, the handshake command (q.v.) should be used to specify which
hardware lines are to be used for flow control.
Non transparent software flow control is incompatible with XMODEM and
YMODEM transfers. XMODEM and YMODEM require complete transparency to
all 256 8 bit codes. An XMODEM transfer that always fails at the same
block results from non transparent flow control. When XMODEM-1k and
YMODEM-1k are used, the network must assert flow control, or handle
bursts of 1040 characters without data loss. When X.25 or hardware
CTS is unavailable, flow control that does not "eat" any characters
may be used with XMODEM and YMODEM. When buffers fill up, an XOFF
should be emitted. An XON should be sent when the buffer has emptied.
Otherwise, the network should neither generate nor eat XON or XOFF
characters.
On Telenet, this is obtained by setting CCIT X3 5:1 and 12:1 in the
PADs (Packet Assembler Dissassembler) at both ends of the network.
For best throughput, parameter 64 (advance ACK) should be set to
something like 4.[1] Packets should be forwarded when the packet is a
full 128 bytes, or after a moderate delay (3:0,4:10).
With PC-Pursuit, it is sufficient to set parameter 5 to 1 at both ends
after one is connected to the remote modem.
<ENTER>@<ENTER>
set 5:1<ENTER>
__________
1. PADs differ in the commands and parameters they accept.
(C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 14 Flow Control
Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition
ZCOMM User Manual 54
rst? 5:1<ENTER>
cont<ENTER>
ZMODEM and Kermit protect all 4 XOFF and XON characters, making them
compatible with many networks that do not support XMODEM and
traditional protocols. For PADs that do not accept the "rst?"
command, try:
set 4:2,5:1,12:1<ENTER>
Instead of or in addition to XON/XOFF flow control, the sending
program's ZMODEM w numeric parameter can restrict the window size to a
value that does not overload the network. A zmodem pw2048 command
restricts the window size (maximum number of bytes in transit) to
2048. This causes the sz command to trigger the receiver's
acknowledgement every 512 bytes (one fourth the value of the ZMODEM w
numeric parameter). The sender monitors these responses and suspends
transmission when necessary to restrict the window to the specified
size. Until a network dependent lower limit is reached, lower window
sizes improve the speed of error recovery at the expense of slight
increases in protocol overhead. When the window size becomes less
than the number of characters sent within the network's transit time,
throughput falls off rapidly.
Frequent protocol acknowledgements slow down high speed modems and
should be avoided.
Some modems and networks can be configured to flush (discard the
contents of) their buffers when a break signal is received. If this
is possible, error recovery with ZMODEM transfers may be speeded up by
setting the ZMODEM b parameter to 1, which sends a break whenever the
ZMODEM sending program receives a retransmission request.
Network and Flow Control (FC) Compatibility
______________________________________________________________________
| Network | Interactive | XMODEM | WXMODEM | S-KERMIT | ZMODEM |
|________________|_____________|________|_________|__________|________|
|No Network | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES |
|8 bit, no FC | NO | YES | YES | YES(1) | YES(1) |
|Transparent FC | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES |
|Non Transparent | YES | NO | NO | YES | YES |
|7 bit | YES | NO | NO | YES | NO |
|________________|_____________|________|_________|__________|________|
(1) Window size must be restricted to avoid buffer overrun if the
network cannot transfer data at full speed.
(C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 14 Running ZCOMM
Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition
ZCOMM User Manual 55
15. RUNNING ZCOMM
ZCOMM is called from DOS as
ZCOMM [DPORT=n] [command ...]
where DPORT=n is an optional comm port selection and command may be
any desired combination of ZCOMM commands. Command line arguments to
ZCOMM must be in lower case excpet as noted.
EXAMPLE: ZCOMM call cissig invokes ZCOMM and executes the commands in
the "cissig" telephone directory entry.
EXAMPLE: DPORT=2 ZCOMM call othersys Selects COM2 before accessing any
serial ports
15.1 DOS Environment Variables
ZCOMM searches the DOS Environment for the following variables:
DIRSIZE controls the number of directory items that may be expanded
with each wildcard. It should be set to 23 * times the desired
number of entries (default = 200).
DPORT overrides the default modem port (com1) initially accessed by
ZCOMM.
EXAMPLE: C>set dport=2
HOTPORT Suppresses the "Warning: Old dport=" message.
PATH must include the directories containing ZCOMM and the help
processor YHP.
PHONES overrides the default pathname used to fetch ZCOMM's telephone
directory.
EXAMPLE: C>set phones=c:/PHODIR.T
15.1.1 Help Program Environment Variables The flash-up help
processor program YHP examines the environmnet for the NORMATTR,
REVATTR, and UNDLATTR variables. These set help screen parameters for
normal, reverse video, and underline attributes corresponding to the
n,r, and u numeric paramters.
EXAMPLE: C>set NORMATTR=3
(C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 15 Running ZCOMM
Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition
ZCOMM User Manual 56
15.2 File Names - Good and Bad
The pathnames of downloaded files must be legal PC-DOS file names as
described in Bad, Okay, and Good Names for Files in chapter 2 of the
PC-DOS manual. When choosing file names, remember that PC-DOS does
not distinguish between uppercase and lowercase characters in
pathnames.
The Compuserve B, ZMODEM, YMODEM Batch, and Kermit protocols use
pathnames generated by the sending program. Some of these names may
not be legal for DOS, or they may reference non existient directories.
When ZCOMM receives a pathname from the sending program, ZCOMM first
checks for the existence of a file with the same name. If no such
file is found, ZCOMM attempts to open the named file for writing. A
pathname that cannot be opened for reading or writing is considered
illegal.
EXAMPLE: foo..bar is illegal because it contains two periods. DOS can
only create files with one period in them.
An Illegal pathname is translated to file.NNN where file is the
filename portion of the given name restricted to 8 characters, and NNN
is an assigned three digit number starting with file.001 and
incremented after each file download. If a file with this new name
already exists, the number is incremented until a unique file name is
found.
EXAMPLE: A downloaded file with the name newprog.patch.1 might
actually be downloaded as newprog.001.
This check for illegal file names is made whenever ZCOMM attempts to
create an output file.
EXAMPLE: t foo.bar.baz given from the command prompt would invoke file
name translation.
(C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 15 Special Keys
Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition
ZCOMM User Manual 57
16. SPECIAL KEYS
Ctrl-Break clears any typeahead, unlocks the keyboard, and stops
whatever function[1] ZCOMM is doing in a reasonably orderly manner.[2]
Ctrl-Break cancels kbdlock. It is not so abrupt as the NUKE key. The
B test condition tests whether Ctrl-Break has been struck since the
last purgek command.
Keyboarding ALT-N will NUKE (abort) the current command and return to
ZCOMM's command prompt.[3] If one or more scripts are active, the
current line number (counting from the first line in the script file)
for each level of script is displayed.* NUKE will terminate any
script. NUKE closes any transmit file, but not a receive capture
file. (A receive capture file may be closed with the "close"
command.) NUKE does not disconnect the modem by dropping DTR.[4]
Keyboarding ALT-Z appends the contents of the display screen to a DOS
file. The pathname is contained in the string parameter picture which
may be changed with the set command. The exact contents of the screen
memory are written to the file, with each screen character followed by
its attribute. A separate program, unpic is used to convert the
screen dump to a normal file that may be printed or displayed.
16.1 Special Keys for Protocol Transfers
Certain keys perform special functions when keyboarded during protocol
file transfers (XMODEM, Kermit, etc.).
F1 Keyboarding F1 causes a protocol timeout and forces a retry.
ALT-A Displays Kermit file transfer status.
ALT-C Cancels Kermit session
__________
1. Not necessarily the calling function or script
2. In the term function, Ctrl-Break sends a break to the remote
unless it has been redefined with a set command.
3. Use of this term, popularized in the J.F.K. administration, does
not imply endorsement of preemptive nuclear attacks on innocent
populations.
4. When in host operation waiting for a call, NUKE drops DTR.
(C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 16 Special Keys
Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition
ZCOMM User Manual 58
ALT-F Skips current Kermit file transfer
ALT-Q Keyboarding Alt-Q during a protocol file transfer toggles a flag
that causes ZCOMM to disconnect when the transfer is completed.
This is most useful when downloading a long file. As soon as the
file is transferred, ZCOMM will execute the string parameter
quitcmd (if set) and then disconnect the modem. The state of the
quit flag is displayed each time ALT-Q is keyboarded.
ALT-S Keyboarding Alt-S displays status information on the console
screen only (even if in Host Operation). The pattern number of
the last successful search (-1 if no match), the active search
patterns (if any), and the line numbers of the active scripts (if
any) are displayed to aid script debugging.
ALT-V Keyboarding ALT-V will toggle the view option affecting the rb,
rc, rz, sb, sc, sx, and sz commands, and data transfers using the
Compuserve B protocol.
ASCII Keyboarding a normal ASCII character (in the range of 00 to 7F)
will send that character to the modem. This may be used for
protocol testing, or to terminate a modem's autodial handshake
without terminating ZCOMM's call retry count.
Ctrl-X YMODEM and ZMODEM protocols recognize several successive Ctrl-X
characters as a session abort command. If the remote computer
appears to be "stuck" in a YMODEM or ZMODEM transfer, keyboard ten
Ctrl-X characters to abort the protocol transfer.
During a protocol transfer, normal keys are sent to the modem when
Zcomm is waiting for or receiving a packet. This may be used to
reissue a file transfer command to the other computer if it becomes
apparent the original command was not accepted.
Other uses for this pass thru capability include protocol testing.
(C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 16 Main Commands
Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition
ZCOMM User Manual 59
17. MAIN COMMANDS
17.1 Main Commands
Commands and arguments must be entered in lower case except where
stated. You may shorten some commands by typing just the first
portion that is shown in caps. For example, the "break" command may
be entered as "br".
User defined Soft Keys are executed from the command prompt iff they
do not conflict with the permanent definitions described below.
Except where stated, multiple commands can be written on one line
separated by ; (semicolon). Commands that take a constant number of
arguments do not need a semicolon to delimit the end of the command.
If in doubt, use a semicolon to separate multiple commands.[1]
@ The at sign may be used to indicate a telephone number starting with
the Touch-Tone(TM) A B C D * or # codes or a character escape. If
the phone number contains spaces, it must be enclosed in double
quotes. The leading @ is not sent to the modem.
EXAMPLE: @#*-123-4567 dials #*-123-4567.
%l-234-567-8901 (%l:letter l) For normal long distance dialing, the
string parameter l (letter l) defaults to "1" (digit 1). To use an
alternative long distance service, set the l string parameter with a
modem command to dial the local access number, wait for the second
dial tone, and transmit the account number.
SEE ALSO: "setsavenet" telephone directory entry
234-5678 A number given as a command invokes the dial script to
attempt a connection with the specified number. Iff the modem is
currently connected to a remote modem, ZCOMM pulses Data Terminal
Ready, terminating the connection. ZCOMM character escapes may be
used within the number string to represent special characters.
When carrier is detected, ZCOMM executes the mconnect string (if
set) and proceeds to the next command
Iff no connection is made, script processing at the current level is
terminated.
__________
1. A space or two after each semicolon makes scripts easier for
humans to read.
(C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 17 Main Commands
Revised 09-05-87 Universal Line Printer Edition
ZCOMM User Manual 60
The string length of the phone number is limited to 64 characters.
If the string variable mcommand is set, the command therein will be
used instead of ZCOMM's builtin dialing routine.
SEE ALSO: mcommand string parameter
a: Change the default disk to a:. ZCOMM then prints the free storage
remaining on the selected disk. The specified disk must be included
in the string parameter disks.
abort Aborts any command or script in progress. Closes all script
files that may be open. Abort returns to the command prompt.
accept[[l]1] stringvar prompt (letter l, digit 1) Scripts often need
to prompt the user for file names and menu choices.
Accept displays Prompt[2] to the user. ZCOMM then reads keyboard
input into the specified string variable. Backspace and Ctrl-U
perform editing functions. Characters are accepted from the user
until <ENTER> is typed. If the H numeric is non zero, an empty
string is returned if <ENTER> is not typed within the time limit set
by that parameter. Acceptl translates the user's response to lower
case. Acceptl1 returns a 1 character string in lower case after the
single character is keyboarded.
Prompt is processed for string substitution and character escapes.
If the result begins with an ESC character, ZCOMM does not
reposition the cursor before accepting the string. In writing
scripts, it may be useful to save the current screen location with
an escape sequence, then restore it with an escape sequence encoded
in the prompt string.
EXAMPLE: accept s1 File: displays the prompt File: and reads the
keyboarded response to string parameter s1.
EXAMPLE: acceptl1 s0 "Enter Menu Choice" reads a single character
from the user, translates it to lower case, and assigns it to s0.
EXAMPLE: accept s0 "\E[20;60H\E[KFile Name: " places the cursor at
line 20 column 60, clears the rest of the CRT line, displays the
prompt, and accepts input.
__________
2. Prompt must be enclosed in quotes if it contains spaces.
(C) 1987 Omen Tech Inc Chapter 17 Main Commands
