Shareware Grab Bag/Shareware Grab Bag.iso/002/pcvco13.arc/PC-VCO.DOC

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             ----------------------------------
             PC-VCO: IBM PC Visual Conferencing
             ----------------------------------
               Communications program
             ----------------------------------







PC-VCO is distributed freely and may be copied by anyone for any number
of machines.  The author considers PC-VCO to be "shareware" or "freeware".
If the program is found to be useful or entertaining, a contribution of
$35.00 is requested.  If response warrants, PC-VCO will be enhanced and
extended.  The author may be reached at:


             R. (Scott) McGinnis
             P.O. Box 3607 Mdse Mart
             Chicago, IL 60654-0607

             PLINK, GEnie id: TARTAN




                                Version 1.3: 861222
                                R.McGinnis; Chicago

PC-VCO: IBM PC Visual Conferencing
Version 1.3: 861222

                 Table of Contents
                 -----------------
I.    Introduction  ................................................. page  1

II.    Running the program  .......................................... page  3

III.    CRT Display  .................................................. page  4

IV.    VCO Display  .................................................. page  5

V.    Commands - available in both modes ............................ page  7

VI.    Commands - CRT mode only ...................................... page  9

VII.    Commands - VCO mode only ...................................... page 11

VIII.    Dialing (Alt-D, Alt-R and Alt-H) .............................. page 14

IX.    Macros (Alt-M and Alt-0/9) .................................... page 17

X.    Program Configuration (Alt-S, Alt-P, Alt-O and Alt-J) ......... page 18

XI.    File Transfer (F3, F4, F5, F6, Alt-F) ......................... page 25

XII.    Miscellaneous Functions ....................................... page 29

XIII.    DOS Gateway (Alt-F10) ......................................... page 32

XIV.    Script Language ............................................... page 33

XV.    Program Requirements .......................................... page 41

XVI.    Program and Author Information    ............................... page 42


                Appendices
                ----------
A.    Switches and Parameters ....................................... page 43

B.    PC-VCO Error display .......................................... page 46

C.    Speech Driver ................................................. page 47

D.    Exception file ................................................ page 48

E.    Files ......................................................... page 49

F.    Windowed XMODEM (WXMODEM) ..................................... page 50

G.    ANSI graphics ................................................. page 51

I.    Example Scripts ............................................... page 52

J.    Command Index ................................................. page 53


PC-VCO: IBM PC Visual Conferencing                       Page  1
Version 1.3: 861222


I.    Introduction


    A. What is PC-VCO?


       PC-VCO for the IBM PC is a communications program with two sides.
       On the one hand, it provides standard comm program functions: a
       dialing directory, macros, disc logging, XMODEM and ASCII file
       transfer, and so on.  However, used with network conferencing
       services such as People/Link's PARTY, CompuServe's CB and GEnie's
       RTC conferencing, PC-VCO provides a way to 'see' and 'hear' people
       talking.


       The idea for PC-VCO was derived from the VCO system, and its
       predecessor/ancestor VMCO, developed for the MacIntosh computer.
       The VCO programs (PC and MacIntosh) allow you to see the people you
       communicate with on-line, using the graphic capabilities of the
       personal computer and to hear conversation with speech synthesis.


    B. MacIntosh VCO and VMCO


       VCO was originally developed by Harry Chesley. It was followed by
       VMCO (which is CIS specific), written by Bob Perez independant to
       the development of VCO.  The current (MacIntosh) version of VCO is
       almost an exact duplicate of Harry Chesley's original - the original
       source code was converted by Mike Cohen and made to accept multiple
       service formats.  [Note: Mike Cohen's VCO uses VMCO formated files.
       Harry Chesley's VCO files differ.  VCOLIB can accomodate either.
       PC-VCO in VCO mode can talk to either, according to your choice.]


       The MacIntosh VCO allows the user to see the people talking on-line
       through graphic Icons.  The Icons are provided to the VCO program
       as 'Resource files' and are built using a 'Resource Editor'.  Each
       VCO user must have a resource file for every potential other speaker.
       Charlie Brown and Snoopy Icons are used if no 'Faces' are available.
       A range of expressions, from 'normal' to bored to surprised make
       VCO conferences lively.  Each participant controls the expression
       displayed to all other participants.


       The MacIntosh VCO allows the user to hear the people talking on-
       line.  This is done through built in digital to analog conversion,
       and a text-to-speech processor.  Each VCO user specifies the pitch
       of their voice, and the rate with which they speak.    Sound effects
       are possible and used heavily, of course.


PC-VCO: IBM PC Visual Conferencing                       Page  2
Version 1.3: 861222


I.    Introduction (continued)


    C. This program


       PC-VCO Version 1.3 executes as a CRT based comm program either in
       text mode on a CGA display, or on a monochrome screen.  It executes
       VCO mode in CGA hi-res graphics mode, and displays faces extracted
       from MacIntosh resource files.  A face librarian (VCOLIB) has been
       included to maintain a library of faces and to create face files
       for other PC-VCO and for MacIntosh users.


       Version 1.3 of PC-VCO interfaces to a public domain resident speech
       driver.  Pitch and speaking rate cannot be set.  The voice quality
       is what might be expected without digital-to-analog conversion.
       However, the interface is proven, and future versions will interface
       to other speech drivers, as and if they become available.


       PC-VCO may be copied freely and distributed to anyone for any number
       of machines.  The author considers PC-VCO to be "shareware" or "free-
       ware".  If the program is found to be useful or entertaining, a con-
       tribution is asked.    PC-VCO will be extended and enhanced if response
       warrants.


    D. This document


       This document describes the features of PC-VCO - both standard
       communications features and the VCO side.  A program of this kind,
       i.e. one with two wildly different sides is hard to describe.
       Bear with me, please, as I hop from side to side, sometimes landing
       astride the middle (ouch!).


       The CRT screen will be discussed first, followed by the VCO screen
       (which really must be seen to be grasped).  Then program commands
       are summarized - divided, of course, into CRT, VCO and both side
       sets.  The chapters following discuss some program functions in
       depth.  Appendices provide details for very interested readers.


PC-VCO: IBM PC Visual Conferencing                       Page  3
Version 1.3: 861222


II.    Running the program


    PC-VCO is invoked at the DOS prompt with the command:

    ------------------------------------------------------
    "d>" PC-VCO <options>

    Where "d>" is the DOS prompt, and
          <options> is (<parm> (<parm> ...))
          where <parm> is either a switch or a parameter

    Refer to Appendix A for a full description of switches
    and parameters.
    ------------------------------------------------------

    PC-VCO would be invoked with a command such as:

           "d>" PC-VCO

    or, for example the command:

           "d>" PC-VCO DIAL 1

    to dial directory entry #1 as soon as PC-VCO is loaded.

    The command:

           "d>" PC-VCO /F SCRIPT.CMD

    would be used to perform the logon sequence contained in the
    file SCRIPT.CMD.


    PC-VCO requires no other file for its execution.  It will create
    a parametrization file, dialing directory, and macro definition
    if none are present.  The face library and speech driver exeception
    files are not necessary to execution as a communications program.
    They are necessary, however, to PC-VCO's execution as a VCO style
    communications program.


    Files used by PC-VCO and provided with the distribution are
    discussed in Appendix E.


PC-VCO:  IBM PC Visual Conferencing                       Page  4
Version 1.3:  861222


III.    CRT Display


    When PC-VCO is set to text (CRT) mode (the default mode), the PC
    performs as a 24-line CRT.  The first 24 lines are a scrolling region.
    The 25th line is used for Program Identification, status and keyboard
    display.  Carriage returns received cause the text area to scroll.


    What is typed in at the keyboard is transmitted out the COM port.
    What is received through the COM port is displayed on the screen.
    Received line feeds are thrown away.  Non-printables are also thrown
    away.  Received characters may be masked to 7 bits (parity masking is
    optional).


    In order to connect to a network you must dial the phone number
    of the Network node you wish to access.  For example, with Smart-
    modem, the following sequence might be typed:

         AT E1 DT 245-9110 <return>


    This sequence instructs the Smartmodem to echo entry (E1) and dial
    using Tone dialing (DT) PLINK Chicago (245-9110) as a local call.
    Modem initialization would be done between the E1 and DT as needed.


    This sequence is automated in PC-VCO through a dialing directory
    (Alt-D).  Phone numbers and parameters are maintained in the
    directory.  Services are called through the same Alt-D command.


    Initialization of the modem is performed automatically by PC-VCO
    as well.  The modem initialization string specified through the
    Setup function (Alt-S) is issued to the modem when PC-VCO is
    loaded - after the modem port is initialized to the default rate,
    parity, data and stop bits specified through the .DFT file.  Comm
    Parms are changed and the .DFT file updated with the function Alt-P.

PC-VCO:  IBM PC Visual Conferencing                       Page  5
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IV.    VCO Display


    When the screen is placed into graphic (VCO) mode, the screen is
    divided into several areas.  The top line carries the program version
    and release number, the current 'expression mode' and the VCO Main menu.
    The next eight lines (of text if we were in text mode) carries Icons
    for 10 (potential) people (faces).


    Initially the Icons are displayed as empty chairs.  A large (double
    wide ICON) box beneath the 10 empty chairs will be the speaker's box.
    [This does not appear if the program was run with the /M switch.]
    The Icon of the current Speaker will be displayed here.  The
    conversation scrolls in the region to the right of the Speaker's box
    (the bottom line of the text area being reserved for program use).


    Beneath this activity are Icons for 10 more people.  Icons are used
    in simple sequential order, as new people speak.  Icons which are 'in
    use' may be deleted - say, if the individual has left the area.
    Under certain conditions, PC-VCO will delete an ICON itself.


    In conversation, when a speaker is identified (through the ID or
    handle - see following), one of several things may happen:

    . If we've never seen the ID before, and we have an empty chair:

      The first empty chair Icon is replaced by an Icon representing
      the new speaker with a 'normal' expression.  The Icon is also
      displayed in the Speaker's box (reversed - we've never seen the
      person before).  Notice the difference between speaking and sitting
      ICONS.

    . If we've never seen the ID before, and we have no empty chair:

      An Icon representing the Speaker with a 'Normal' expression is
      displayed in the Speaker's box.

    . If we've seen the ID before:

      The Icon of the speaker is displayed in the speaker's box (not
      reversed - we've seen 'em before) and the Icon above or below
      is reversed.

PC-VCO:  IBM PC Visual Conferencing                       Page  6
Version 1.3:  861222


IV.    VCO Display (continued)


    IDs and handles are identified in conversation using the following
    templates (handles are assumed names which replace or add to an ID):

    ------------------------------------------------------------------
    PLINK IDs and handles:
          "(" <ID> ") "          an initial "*" identifies handles

    Example:  (TARTAN) This is how a line would look on PLINK
    ------------------------------------------------------------------
    GEnie IDs and handles:
          "<" [Handle] <ID> "> "

    Example:  <[Scott] TARTAN> This is how a line would look on GEnie
    ------------------------------------------------------------------
    CIS handles:
          "(" <Band> , <ID> ") "
               where <Band> ::= (A!B)(N!NN)","

    Example:  (A1,TARTAN) This is how a line would look on CIS
    ------------------------------------------------------------------
    Delphi IDs and handles:
          <ID> "> "             an initial "." identifies handles

    Example:  TARTAN> This is how a line would look on Delphi
    ------------------------------------------------------------------


    The ID or handle parse begins after a carriage return from the network.
    The Icon display is updated as soon as an ID is identified.  The text is
    displayed in any case.    If no ID is identified, no ICON is changed.
    Blank lines (extra carriage returns issued by the network) are not
    displayed by PC-VCO because of the limited text area (7 lines).


    One anomaly occurs with the parser ... when a VCO command is alone
    on a line, the ID is displayed with no text following it.  VCO internal
    commands (such as expression changes) exchanged amongst VCO attendees
    are not displayed as text of a conversation.  PC-VCO does not know if
    a text line is empty or not until the entire line is received.    PC-VCO
    erases an empty text line (visible as an ID followed by no text) and
    re-uses the line when end-of-line (carriage return) is received.


    The PC-VCO parser is only designed to deal with text issued within the
    conversational area of one of the above systems.  The parser is self-
    adjusting ... all of the above formats will be taken as conversation.
    The VCO side is not altogether appropriate for other uses, such as
    reading your mail.  For other uses, swich to the alpha side (F1).


PC-VCO:  IBM PC Visual Conferencing                       Page  7
Version 1.3:  861222


V.    Commands - available in both modes


    PC-VCO provides the following command keys in both modes:

    F1    Switch between text (CRT) and graphic (VCO) modes.  The
        switch always clears the table of Icons and IDs, so a switch
        from VCO to CRT and back will always clear a clutter.

    F10    Help screen.  All currently implemented commands are
        summarized on this screen.  Any command may be executed
        directly while this screen is displayed.

    Alt-F10 DOS Gateway.  If there is sufficient memory available, and if
        the environment variable "COMSPEC" identifies a valid .COM or
        .EXE file, PC-VCO will load the program and execute it.  This
        normally is used to load a second copy of COMMAND.COM for full
        access to DOS while a communication session is in progress.

    Ctl_End Send a Break.  This sends a true 'break' signal.

    Alt-A    Turn split screen 'chat mode' on and off.  The screen is split
        in chat mode - one window for received text, and one for typed.
        The size of the chat window is set through Alt-S setup.

    Alt-B    Redisplay (backscreen).  The speed of the display may be
        controlled using Cntl-PgDn (slower) or Cntl-PgUp (faster).

    Alt-C    Clear the screen.

    Alt-D    Dialing directory.  The Dialing directory and file is
        identical to that used by Procomm (version 2.x), to allow
        files to be shared between the two programs.

    Alt-E    Toggle echo (full/half duplex).  This function is also
        invoked through the dialing directory (echo on).

    Alt-F    File directory.  A mask is required - just as DOS DIR command.

    Alt-G    Toggle blank line suppression.    PC-VCO will suppress blank
        lines on the CRT side if you wish.  This can be made a program
        default through the Alt-O options menu.

    Alt-H    Hang-up.  Hang-up the phone.

    Alt-I    Program information.  Author information.  Propaganda.


PC-VCO:  IBM PC Visual Conferencing                       Page  8
Version 1.3:  861222


V.    Commands - available in both modes (continued)


    Alt-J    Set screen colors.  You may foreground and background color
        values for the CRT screen, the status line, and menu windows.
        Note that ANSI graphics require colors be turned off.

    Alt-M    Define a macro for Alt-0 through Alt-9.  The Macro definition
        and file will be identical to that used by Procomm (vers 2.x),
        to allow Macros to be shared between the two programs.

    Alt-P    Comm Parameters.  Set baud rate, parity, number of data and
        stop bits.  These settings are overridden by run-time switches.
        Whatever the current setting, the dialing directory overrides.

    Alt-R    Redial the last number dialed.    The program will redial the
        number until the function is terminated (with ESC), or
        connection is made.

    Alt-S    Setup.    Define initial program values, such as Modem initial-
        ization, the Modem Hang-up sequence, and file names.

    Alt-T    Elapsed time.  The time the program was loaded, and the time
        the last call (Alt-C or Alt-R) was placed are displayed.  The
        elapsed time since the latest time is also displayed.

    Alt-V    Toggle the voice driver.  You may turn the voice driver off,
        and back on (in implicit mode, see below) with this command.

    Alt-X    Exit the program.  The program may or may not hang-up the
        phone, depending on the modem.    If piggyback was specified,
        the line should not be disconnected.

    Alt-Z    Toggle parity mask.  The high bit mask is used only for text
        received and displayed - it has no effect on XMODEM transfers.

    Alt-0/9 Send a Macro.  A string of characters defined through the
        Alt-M command described above is transmitted.

PC-VCO:  IBM PC Visual Conferencing                       Page  9
Version 1.3:  861222


VI.    Commands - CRT mode only


    PC-VCO provides the following command keys only in CRT mode:


    F2    Execute a script.  A window is opened to request the name of
        the script file.  No default extension is assumed or added.

        This function is not available on the VCO side.

    F3    XMODEM upload.    Files may be transferred to a system that can
        accept CHECKSUM/CRC XMODEM, or WXMODEM.  You are asked for a
        a file name.  Once the file's existence has been assured,
        PC-VCO begins protocol negotiation with the host system.  Up to
        60 seconds are allowed for the receiver (the host system) to
        begin the transfer.

        PC-VCO changes the communications parameters to 8 data bits,
        no parity, and 1 stop bit when XMODEM begins.  It restores
        the settings to their previous value after XMODEM completes.

        This function is not available in VCO mode.

    F4    XMODEM download.  Files may be transferred from a system that
        can send CHECKSUM/CRC XMODEM, or WXMODEM.  You are asked for a
        file name.  Once the file has been created (it will be purged if
        it already existed), PC-VCO begins protocol negotiation with the
        host system.  PC-VCO first tries to negotiate WXMODEM.    If the
        host does not acknowlege WXMODEM, CRC XMODEM is requested.  If
        the host does not acknowlege CRC, CHECKSUM is requested.  Up to
        100 seconds are allowed for this negotiation.

        PC-VCO changes the communications parameters to 8 data bits,
        no parity, and 1 stop bit when XMODEM begins.  It restores
        the settings after XMODEM completes.

        This function is not available in VCO mode.

    F5    ASCII upload.  Files may be transferred to a system using a
        simple 'send' (as if they were entered by hand).  Transfer may
        occur with or without a host prompt (some special character
        issued for every line.    Transfer timed (paced) in either case.
        Line feeds may or may not be suppressed.  Tab characters may
        or may not be expanded as blanks.

        This function is not available in VCO mode.


PC-VCO:  IBM PC Visual Conferencing                       Page 10
Version 1.3:  861222


VI.    Commands - CRT mode only (continued)


    F6    ASCII download.  This differs from transcripting in that no
        extra characters are added to the file (line feeds after
        received carriage returns, or end-of-file).  Transcripting
        is intended to result in an ASCII edit file - or a printed
        log.  ASCII download may be used to save sessions (or parts
        of sessions) exactly as received.

        This function is not available in VCO mode.

    F7    Logging or transcripting.  Log received text to a disk file
        or device.  You specify the file to be used.  If not empty,
        new logging will be appended to the end of the existing file.

        You will next be asked if the backscreen (the last 4096
        characters received) is to be saved.  This way, logging need
        not be started before an event occurs that you wish to record.

        Note that what is logged is exctly what is displayed on the
        screen.  If hi-bit masking is turned on, characters will be
        logged with their high bit turned off.    Line feeds are added
        after carriage returns.  An ASCII end-of-file is added when
        file is closed.

        Opening and closing the log is marked with date and time.
        The transcript marking may be turned off with the Alt-O
        function.  Log hold (below) does not mark the log.

        This function is controlled through a pull-down in VCO mode.

    F8    Toggle display of typed characters (for use with half duplex
        circuits - otherwise known as 'no echo').  The keyboard
        display will occur on the 25th line in CRT mode, and below
        the scrolling window in VCO mode.

        This function is controlled through a pull-down in VCO mode.

    F9    Hold the log - no entry will be made to the log from this
        point until hold is turned off (by pressing F9 again) or the
        log is closed.    The fact of the log being held is displayed
        on the status line (or below the scolling window in VCO mode).

        This function is controlled through a pull-down in VCO mode.

    ---------------------------------------------------------------
    Note also functions defined above under "Commands - both modes".
    ---------------------------------------------------------------


PC-VCO:  IBM PC Visual Conferencing                       Page 11
Version 1.3:  861222


VII.    Commands - VCO mode only


    On the top line of the display in VCO mode there is a menu of key-
    words.    A keyword is selected, and a submenu pulled-down.  Submenu
    items are selected, and executed.  The keywords are:

    Controls    Select certain control functions.  Controls are:

            .  Turn Speaker's Box on (default mode)
            .  Turn Speaker's box off ('Maug' mode)
            .  Playback:  Play a transcript
            .  Turn Transcript logging on and off.
            .  Turn keyboard display on and off.
            .  Suspend the log function (temporarily).
            .  Change expression set (PLINK/CIS or Delphi/GEnie)

    Sounds        Issue 'sound' commands to the conference (and to
            yourself, unless you've disabled 'bounceback').
            The current selections are clunky... they'll get
            better as time goes on.

    Speech        Turn the speech driver on (two modes) and off.    The
            resident speech driver must be loaded prior to PC-VCO.

    Faces        Issue 'expression' commands to the conference.  This
            causes the Icon displayed for your ID to be changed
            on your screen, and on any other screen receiving
            your command.

    Top-line menu items are selected with the Cursor right key.  When the
    cursor-right is depressed,  the next menu item (in a circular manner)
    is highlighted.  The highlighted keyword is 'selected'.

    A submenu is pulled-down with the Cursor-down key (or End, or PgDn).
    A submenu item is selected from a pull-down when it is highlighted
    by pressing the Cursor-down key repetively.  When the Cursor-down
    key is depressed, the next submenu item (again in a circular manner)
    is highlighted.  The highlighted keyword is 'selected'.

    A selected submenu item is executed with a Carriage Return.  That's
    the key with the silly arrow.  When a submenu item is executed, the
    pull-down is released (it goes back up?).  Hitting the Space-bar will
    also execute the selected item.

    A pull-down is released without executing any item with any of the
    following keys: ESC, Home, PgUp.

    Unimplemented submenues or keys beep at you.

PC-VCO:  IBM PC Visual Conferencing                       Page 12
Version 1.3:  861222


IV.    Commands - VCO mode only (continued)


    As mentioned above in the introduction, there are three forms of VCO
    in use on Macintosh computers.    The three programs use two different
    file formats for face files.  PC-VCO can accomodate both file formats.
    It can speak to all three MacIntosh programs over a network (only one
    type at a time, of course).


    VCO, as written by Harry Chesley is currently in use on Delphi and
    GEnie.    This is the original VCO program.  The face file defined for
    Harry Chesley's program is not the format PC-VCO was originally
    written to accomodate.    However, Version 1.3 of PC-VCO will accept
    Chesley formatted face files, and switch expression sets at will.


    VMCO was written independant of, but with knowlege of Harry Chesley's
    VCO by Bob Perez.  VMCO defined a slightly different face file format.
    VMCO is currently in use on CIS.  PC-VCO has always been compatible
    with VMCO.  However, it is not the program PC-VCO was written to match.


    Harry Chesley's original VCO was modified by Mike Cohen to parse
    PLINK ID's.  The VMCO face file format was used for this version.
    This is the version of VCO that PC-VCO was coded to match.


    On the top line of the VCO screen, the expression set currently in use
    is displayed (either 'PLINK/VCO' or 'Delphi/GEnie').  The mode may be
    dynamically changed through the 'Controls' pull-down.  The mode in
    effect when the program is loaded defaults to PLINK/CIS... but the
    default may be permanently changed through the Alt-O (Options) Menu
    (see below), or through a run-time switch (see Appendix A).


    Understand, please, that different expression sets are defined by the
    face file.  All users (Macintosh especially) must be using compatible
    sets for expressions to be exchanged meaningfully.  VMCO and Mike
    Cohen's VCO use different expression commands from Harry Chesley's VCO.
    PC-VCO can talk to one group or the other.  But not both at the same
    time.  Users of Harry Chesley's VCO cannot talk to users of Mike Cohen's
    VCO, or to users of VMCO (and exchange expressions).


PC-VCO:  IBM PC Visual Conferencing                       Page 13
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VII.    Commands - VCO mode only (continued)


    Other keys that are active on the VCO screen alone are:


    DEL    Select an Icon for removal.  Press the DEL key, and an 'X'
        covers the next Icon around the table.    Move the 'X' to the
        Icon to be deleted (e.g. the speaker has left).  The Icon
        is then deleted with the INS key.

    INS    Delete the selected Icon.  The Icon is replaced with the
        empty chair Icon, and the ID of the person represented
        is removed from the program's tables.  If no Icon is
        selected, the program beeps.


    PC-VCO implements an autodelete function that automatically removes
    ICONs of people that have left the conversation.  VCO users on PLINK
    and CIS enter "-OFF-" alone on a line to signal that they are leaving.
    GEnie users rely on the system reporting that "<ID> has left."  or
    that "<ID> disconnected.".  PC-VCO recognizes these strings, and
    automatically deletes the approriate ICON.


    Special keys (i.e. non-ASCII) will be implemented as control keys
    as requirements and experience dictate.  Unimplemented keys beep.

    ---------------------------------------------------------------
    Note also functions defined above under "Commands - both modes".
    ---------------------------------------------------------------

PC-VCO:  IBM PC Visual Conferencing                       Page 14
Version 1.3:  861222


VIII.    Dialing (Alt-D, Alt-R, and Alt-H)


    A. Dialing directory (Alt-D)

       . Dial from directory

         The dialing directory is invoked with the Alt-D command, avail-
         able in either CRT or VCO mode.  After the directory window is
         opened, an entry may be dialed simply by entering the appropr-
         iate number.  The directory entry does not have to be on screen.

         The number you enter may be preceeded or suffixed with a long
         distance entry code (+,-,#,@).  The long distance entry string
         will precede the dialed number.  Timing commands (e.g. Smart-
         modem use of "," to pause for a fixed time) may be included.

         The modem dialing string specified through the Alt-S window is
         issued, the long distance number is issued, then the directory
         entry telephone number is issued, and finally the dialing
         suffix string specified through the Alt-S screen.

         Communications parameters must be selected when you create the
         dialing directory entry.  Each service requires certain settings
         for comprehensible communications.  However, one note:  PC-VCO
         will change settings to 8 data bits, no parity and 1 stop bit
         when XMODEM file transfer is begun.  When XMODEM completes, the
         previous settings are reinstated.    You only need to know what
         the specific service requires for conversational mode.


       . Manual dialing (M)

         From the Alt-D dialing directory, you may invoke manual dialing
         with the command "M".  You will be asked to enter a number to be
         dialed.  Enter the number you wish to dial - it will be prefixed
         with the modem dialing string (specified through the Alt-S window)
         suffixed with the dialing suffix, and issued.


         Manually dialed numbers use the communications parameters in
         effect at the time the number is dialed.  The rule for comm
         parameters is: The Comm Parms window (Alt-P) is overridden by
         run-time parameters; the setting specified by the (last) dialing
         directory entry used (if any) override both.

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VIII.    Dialing (continued)


    B. Dialing directory maintenance (Alt-D)

       . Revise entry (R)

         A directory entry may be revised with the "R" command on the Alt-D
         window.  You will be prompted for values.    Enter each value as you
         want it to be - you can cancel the sequence at any prompt with the
         ESC key.  When you've completed all the prompts you will be asked
         whether the change is to be saved to disk - if you say no (N),
         the change will not be available the next time you call up PC-VCO.

       . Delete entry (D)

         A directory entry may be deleted with the "D" command on the Alt-D
         window.  You will be prompted for for the entry number (you may use
         the command "Dn" too, where "n" is the entry number).  The chosen
         entry is displayed - if you answer "y" to the query, the entry will
         be deleted in memory and on disk.

       . Revise Long distance directory (L)

         The Long distance directory is a directory within a directory.
         Four entries may be created (labelled: "+", "-", "#", and "@") and
         then used to prefix a dialing command (or to suffix, if you will).

         The Long distance entry is free form - any string that your modem
         will accept may be entered.  The Long distance directory is pulled-
         up from the Alt-D window with the command "L".  An entry may be
         modified by choosing a label ("+","-","#", or "@").

       . Print directory (P)

         The dialing directory (current in memory) may be printed from
         the Alt-D window with the command "P".  Printer output is directed
         to the standard output device (PRN).  You are prompted to ready
         the printer - strike any key except ESC to begin printing.  ESC
         will cancel the request.

         The printed directory is two pages of 50 lines (plus heading).
         Top-of-forms (decimal 12) are issued at the start of each page.
         Column headings are similar to the headings of the Alt-D window.


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VIII.    Dialing (continued)


    C. Re-dial (Alt-R)

       The last dialing directory entry used to dial (or manual number
       as entered) may be recalled and re-dialed.  The re-dial sequence
       cycles.  It waits for the "Connect string" (as specified through
       the Alt-S window) for a fixed period, then resets the modem using
       the "Escape string" and tries again.  Time spent re-dialing is
       updated every time a re-dial is attempted.

       You may force a new attempt with the space-bar.  You may change the
       delay interval by pressing the END key - you will be prompted for
       a new value in seconds.


    D. Hang-up (Alt-H)

       The connection (if any) may be interrupted and the "Hang-up string"
       (specified through the Alt-S window) issued with the Alt-H command.
       The "Modem escape" string is issued first - which takes several
       seconds.  When the "Hang-up string" has been sent, acknowlegement
       is issued to the screen.


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IX.    Macros (Alt-M and Alt-0/9)


    A. Revise entry (R)

       PC-VCO is distributed with an empty Macro directory.  Entries may
       be displayed and modified through the Alt-M command.  A macro entry
       is any string of text which you may wish to issue on-line.  Carriage
       returns may be embedded in the string (as exclamation points "!" ...
       Exclamation points themselves must be entered as two: "!!").  Control
       characters may be embedded in the string (represented as caret/letter
       "^x" ... ^a = 1, ^b = 2, and so on... carets themselves must
       themselves be represented as two: "^^").

       Select the entry number to be revised by entering its number (0...9).
       You will be prompted for the new entry.  Enter a single blank if you
       wish to delete the entry.

    B. Execute entry (Alt-0 through Alt-9)

       Macros are issued with the commands Alt-0 through Alt-9.  The entry
       indicated by the number will be immediately issued.    What happens
       after that is strictly up to what you've entered, the service you're
       on, and the people around you.


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X.    Program Configuration (Alt-S, Alt-P, Alt-O, and Alt-J)


    A. Setup Screen (Alt-S)

       1. Modem control

          . Modem initialization string

        The modem initialization string is issued (output to the comm
        port) when PC-VCO is first loaded, and every time you change
        COM port (through the Alt-P window).  If blanked, it will be
        ignored.  Note that carriage returns and control characters
        are specified as with macros.

          . Modem dialing prefix

        The Modem dialing prefix commands the modem to enter a dialing
        sequence, using the directory number (and long distance string,
        if used).  It may be any string appropriate to your modem.

          . Modem dialing suffix

        The Modem dialing string terminates each dialing command.  For
        Hayes type modems it should be a "!" (translated by PC-VCO to
        be a <cr>).  It be any string appropriate to your modem.  Note
        that carriage returns and control characters are specified as
        with macros.

          . Hangup string

        The hang-up string is issued through the Alt-H command (after
        a modem escape is issued).  Note that carriage returns and
        control characters are specified as with macros.  Delays of
        1/2 second each may be specified with the tilde (~).

          . Escape string

        The modem escape is issued before the hang-up string (Alt-H),
        and before each re-dial (Alt-R).  Delays of 1/2 second each
        are specified with a tilde (~).  Timing for this function is
        dependant on the millisecond loop value (below).  Note that
        carriage returns and control characters are specified as with
        macros.

          . Connect string

        The connect string is used by the Alt-R re-dial command to
        determine when connection has been made.

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X.    Program Configuration (continued)


    A. Setup Screen (continued)

       2. Files

          . Default log file

        The default Log file name will be used if a blank is entered
        in response to the transcript file name query (F7 in CRT mode,
        and Controls pull-down in VCO mode).  Once a file name is used
        in response to this query it will be carried along (while the
        program is running).  The default Log file name is invoked
        again by entering the name, or a blank.

          . Dialing directory

        The dialing directory file is used to initialize the program's
        dialing directory.  The directory is compatible with PROCOMM
        (version 2.x).    You can cross the two by entering the PROCOMM
        dialing directory file name here (with subdirectory as
        required).

        When you change this entry, the current dialing directory is
        closed, and the new file opened/created.

          . Macro Directory

        The macro directory file is used to initialize the program's
        macro definitions.  The file is compatible with PROCOMM
        (version 2.x).    You can cross the two by entering the PROCOMM
        directory file name here (with subdirectory as required).

        When you change this entry, the current dialing directory is
        closed, and the new file opened/created.

          . Exception file

        The exception file name is used when voice is turned on.  If it
        does not exist, none will be created.  You can create one by
        following the rules in Appendix D of this document.  Something
        towards an exeception file is provided in the release ARC.

          . Face library

        The face library is built and maintained through the VCOLIB
        face librarian program.  MacIntosh resource files are added
        to this file to add faces to the VCO side of this program.
        This file defines the set of faces 'known' to the VCO side.


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X.    Program Configuration (continued)


    A. Setup Screen (continued)

       3. Timings and Values

          . Millisecond loop

        The millisecond loop value gives the number of LOOP instruc-
        tions required to wait for one millisecond.  This type of timing
        function is used in PC-VCO in several places: 1) to issue the
        modem escape, 2) to control the break duration, and 3) to pace
        displays such as Alt-B backscreen.  260 is suggested for 4.77
        Mhz clocks.  432 is recommended for 8Mhz clocks.  PC-VCO will
        attempt to calculate the correct value if you set it smaller
        than 10.

          . Break delay

        As noted above, the break delay is controlled through the Milli-
        second loop value.  This value "break delay" specifies the num-
        ber of "milliseconds" the comm line is held when a break is
        issued (Cntl-END).

          . Display delay

        The display delay value gives the number of seconds the dialing
        window is held on the screen (Alt-D command), and the maximum
        number of seconds the "Alarm" will be sounded.

          . Modem char delay

        The modem char delay gives the number of milliseconds PC-VCO
        delays after each character of a modem control sequence (e.g.
        dialing, hangup, initialization).  Certain modems require
        their control sequences be enunciated slowly.

          . Redial delay

        The interval between Alt-R (and script %C) redial attempts is
        established here.  45 seconds is recommended if long distance
        dialing is involved.  30 seconds is adequate for local calls.

          . Chat Window

        The size of the lower window of chat mode (where what you type
        appears) can be changed.  Regardless of the value you declare,
        the chat window cannot be smaller than 2 or larger than 10.

       4. Save

          You may change values for one execution of PC-VCO, or you may
          change them for all subsequent executions of PC-VCO.  If you
          save values, the values you've saved will be used the next time
          you run PC-VCO.


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X.    Program Configuration (continued)


    B. Communications Parameters (Alt-P)

       1. Rate + Parity + Data bits + Stop Bits

          Baud rate, parity, number of data bits and number of stop bits
          are specified in combination through the first 10 selections on
          the Alt-P window.  These selections are the only way you may
          specify baud rate (and, of course, the Alt-D dialing directory).
          Other parameters (parity, data bits, and stop bits) may be set
          individually (below).

          Do not change the current setting after you've connected to a
          service.    XMODEM can and does change to no parity (if necessary),
          but you shouldn't.

       2. Parity, Data bits and Stop bits

          Individual settings for parity, number of data bits and number of
          stop bits comprise the next 7 items of this menu.  You also set
          these values when you create a dialing directory entry.

          Again - do not change the current setting after you've connected
          to a service.  The settings on this screen are effective mostly
          when the program is initialized.    The dialing directory (if used)
          overrides the current setting.

       3. COM ports

          The last two items on this menu are the two candidates for COM
          ports.  Select the appropriate port for your modem.  This item
          is usually selected once, and then left alone.

       4. Save

          You save the current settings for the next execution of PC-VCO
          through the "Save" selection.  Settings are saved to disk.


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X.    Program Configuration (continued)


    C. Options (Alt-O)

       1. Settings otherwise available

          . Echo

        PC-VCO will accept keyboard entry and issue it through the
        COM port.  Some services turn around what you enter so that you
        see it (full duplex or echoplex) and some don't (half duplex).
        You may force PC-VCO to display what you enter in the CRT window
        by toggling echo.  Setting echo on (through the Alt-O window)
        will turn echo on now.    Saving it will cause echo to be turned
        on the next time you run PC-VCO.

        Echo is toggled dynamically with the Alt-E command.

          . Parity mask

        You can mask parity from every received character by setting
        the parity mask on permanantly through the Alt-O window.  I've
        found this to be useful - mandatory when I've needed it.

        Parity masking is toggled dynamically with the Alt-Z command.

          . Keyboard display

        Some talk systems are more friendly when what you type is not
        mixed in with what you receive.  Turning system echo off (if
        the system echoes key-entry) can be accomplished in a number
        of ways (note that this is different from program echo above).

        However - all of a sudden you have a new problem - you don't
        see what you're typing!  Keyboard display in PC-VCO is one
        attempt to solve this problem.    What you type will be displayed
        on the status line when keyboard display is turned on.    You can
        turn it on permanently through this selection.

        Keyboard display may be toggled dynamically with the F8 in CRT
        mode, and through the Controls pull-down in VCO mode.

          . Chat mode

        Chat mode may be set as a default when PC-VCO is loaded.  Chat
        mode is another attempt to allow you to see what you've typed
        when echo has been turned off.

        Chat mode may be toggled with Alt-A in CRT or VCO mode.  Chat
        mode is not used in VCO mode.


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X.    Program Configuration (continued)


    C. Options (Alt-O)

       1. Settings otherwise available (continued)

          . Blank line suppression

        Blank lines may be suppressed on the CRT side (they are auto-
        matically suppressed on the VCO side).    You can set blank line
        suppression on when PC-VCO is loaded through this option.

        Blank line suppression can be dynamicaly toggled with Alt-G.

          . Default VCO-II: Delphi/GEnie

        When PC-VCO was distributed, the default expression set was
        set for PLINK/CIS.  Harry Chesley's VCO uses a different set.
        You set the default used at program load time here.

        This mode is dynamically changed through the Controls pull-down.


       2. Settings available only through Alt-O

          . Alarm noise

        An alarm (of sorts) will play when the Alt-R re-dial makes
        connection, and when XMODEM file transfer is complete.    The
        noise is also played when certain error conditions occur.

        You can turn it off now and for subsequent executions through
        this selection.  You can turn it back on later.

          . Exit query

        Some people disdain the query "do you really and truly mean it"
        when they type Alt-X.  Some feel it mandatory.    PC-VCO is
        distributed with exit query disabled.  You may enable it, if
        you're so inclined, through this Alt-O selection.

          . Mark transcript

        PC-VCO can mark every disk transcript taken (beginning and
        end) with the date and time.  You tell PC-VCO not to mark
        further transcripts through this Alt-O selection.

        The transcript function also has the capability to add the
        backscreen (up to the last 4096 characters received) to the
        transcript.  Turning transcript marking off means that there
        will be no delimiter between the backscreen and the transcript.


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X.    Program Configuration (continued)


    C. Options (Alt-O)

       2. Settings available only through Alt-O (continued)

          . Initial advertisement

        When PC-VCO was distributed, the Information screen (Alt-I)
        was set to be displayed when the program was run.  You turn
        it off through this Alt-O setting.

          . WXMODEM send and receive

        PC-VCO was distributed with Windowed XMODEM enabled as a proto-
        col.  WXMODEM is entirely automatic in its implementation and
        does not interfere with use on systems that don't support it.
        However - you can turn it off on the send (upload) and receive
        (download) side with this setting, should you not want it.

       3. Save

          Values set through this screen are not automatically saved to
          disk.  Values set through this screen are immediately used by
          PC-VCO.  However, to configure PC-VCO to have the same settings
          the next time it is loaded, you must Save them with the "Save"
          selection of the Alt-O menu.

          One curious note.  Most of the Alt-O choices display the current
          setting - as opposed to displaying exactly what will be used the
          next time PC-VCO is loaded.  When you save your Alt-O settings
          be sure that ALL the settings are the way you want them.


    D. Colors (Alt-J)

       You may set foreground and background colors for (1) the CRT text
       area, (2) the status line, and (3) most menus (queries are set to
       black and white for contrast).  The color names are those used in
       the IBM Technical reference - if you have different name for some
       of the color values, I'm sorry.

       Like other option menus, you can experiment with settings.  Unless
       you save your settings, they are lost when the program terminates.

       One curiousity.  To use ANSI graphics, you must turn off colors.
       For this reason, the /B switch, and %E7 script commands have been
       implemented (refer to Appendix A and the next section).


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XI.    File Transfer (F3, F4, F5, F6, Alt-F)


    A. Xmodem Upload (F3)

       Files may be transferred to a system that accepts CHECKSUM, CRC or
       Windowed XMODEM using PC-VCO.  When you request XMODEM upload, you
       are asked for a file.  Once the file's existence has been assured,
       PC-VCO will begin protocol negotiation with the host system.  One of
       the three possible protocols will be negotiated - according to the
       host's capabilities.   Up to 60 seconds are allowed for the negoti-
       ation.  If that time is exceeded, the transfer fails.  You may
       restart it, of course.


       PC-VCO is intended primarily for users of X.25 networks and services
       available through the networks.  For this reason, PC-VCO implements
       what is referred to as "relaxed XMODEM".  The X.25 networks intro-
       duce timing delays into file transfers that the original XMODEM
       standard did not contemplate.  However - the relaxed XMODEM works
       quite well with BBS's that expect strict XMODEM.


       Because PC-VCO is intended for a network environment, it implements
       a new XMODEM variant - Windowed XMODEM or WXMODEM.  WXMODEM was
       designed to accomodate network delays and maximize performance.  It
       has proven stable in PC-VCO and gives approximately 35% faster trans-
       fer rates.  For details about WXMODEM refer to Appendix F.


       PC-VCO changes the communications parameters to 8 data bits, no
       parity, and 1 stop bit when XMODEM begins.  It restores settings
       to their original state after XMODEM completes.


       The XMODEM upload window displays:

       . the file name of the file being transferred,
       . its size,
       . the method (CRC or CHECKSUM),
       . the number of blocks being transferred,
       . the time so far,
       . the number of blocks sent,
       . if WXMODEM, the current 'window' size
       . the number of errors encountered,
       . and a description of the last error encountered.


       This function is not available in VCO mode.


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XI.    File Transfer (continued)


    B. Xmodem Download (F4)

       Files may be transferred from a system that implements Windowed,
       CHECKSUM or CRC XMODEM using PC-VCO.  When you request XMODEM down-
       load, you are asked for a file name.  Once the file has been created
       (it will be purged if it already exists), PC-VCO will begin protocol
       negotiation with the host system.  One of the three will be    nego-
       tiated - PC-VCO preferring Windowed - according to the host's cap-
       abilities.  PC-VCO first tries to negotiate WXMODEM.  If the host
       does not acknowlege WXMODEM, CRC XMODEM is requested.  If the host
       does not aknowlege CRC XMODEM, then finally, CHECKSUM is requested.
       Up to 100 seconds are allowed for the negotiation.  If that time is
       exceeded, the transfer fails.  You may restart it, of course.


       PC-VCO is intended primarily for users of X.25 networks and services
       available through the networks.  For this reason, PC-VCO implements
       what is referred to as "relaxed XMODEM".  The X.25 networks intro-
       duce timing delays into file transfers that the original XMODEM
       standard did not contemplate.  However - the relaxed XMODEM works
       quite well with BBS's that expect strict XMODEM.


       Because PC-VCO is intended for a network environment, it implements
       a new XMODEM variant - Windowed XMODEM or WXMODEM.  WXMODEM was
       designed to accomodate network delays and maximize performance.  It
       has proven stable in PC-VCO and gives approximately 35% faster trans-
       fer rates.  For details about WXMODEM refer to Appendix F.


       PC-VCO changes the communications parameters to 8 data bits, no
       parity, and 1 stop bit when XMODEM begins.  It restores settings
       to their original state after XMODEM completes.


       The XMODEM download window displays:

       . the file name of the file being transferred,
       . the method (CRC or CHECKSUM),
       . the time so far,
       . the file size so far,
       . the number of blocks received,
       . the number of errors encountered,
       . and a description of the last error encountered.


       This function is not available in VCO mode.


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XI.    File Transfer (continued)


    C. ASCII Upload (F5)

       Files may be transferred to a system using a  simple 'send' (as if
       entered by hand).  When ASCII upload is requested, you are prompted
       for a file name.  Once the existance of the file has been assured,
       you are prompted with a small menu with various options.


       Transfer may occur in two ways: 1) with a prompt from the host (some
       special character) or 2) without a host prompt for every line.
       The first item on the ASCII send options menu specifies if the host
       will prompt.  If this is set to 'On', you will be asked for the
       prompt character (either an ASCII or a control character).


       Line feeds may or may not be suppressed during the transmission.
       The next item specifies whether to do so.  ASCII text files contain
       line feeds that you (usually) do not want to transmit.  Similarly,
       tab characters may or may not be expanded during the transmission.
       The last item specifies whether to do so.  ASCII text files contain
       tabs that you (usually) want to expand before transmission.


       Transfer is, in all cases, paced (timed).  Transmission begins at
       maximum speed.  You may alter the pacing with the Cntl-PgUp and
       Cntl-PgDn keys during the transmission.  Cntl-Home will increase
       the speed to its maximum.  Cntl-End decreases the transmission
       speed to its minimum.  ESC or F1-F10 will terminate the send.


       The ASCII send function in PC-VCO responds to XON/XOFF sequences
       transmitted by the host.  When an XOFF is received, PC-VCO waits
       up to 15 seconds for a subsequent XON to be received.  Transmission
       is suspended while PC-VCO waits.  Transmission resumes after 15
       seconds, or after PC-VCO receives an XON.


       This function is not available in VCO mode.

       -------------------------------------------------------------------
       NOTE: When you specify host prompting, the first line is sent and
       then PC-VCO waits for a host prompt.  Should you loose the prompt
       from the host (inadvertantly, of course), the left arrow key (or
       function key not defined for use here) will cause the next line to
       be sent.
       -------------------------------------------------------------------
       NOTE: The percent transmitted will be incorrect when the file
       being transmitted is small - less than 1000 bytes.  Don't be
       surprised.  I was.

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XI.    File Transfer (continued)


    D. ASCII Download (F6)

       This differs from transcripting in that no extra characters are
       added to the file (e.g. line feeds after received carriage returns,
       or end-of-file).  Transcripting is intended to result in an ASCII
       edit file (or a printed log with a control-z terminator (!!)).


       Anything you type while the download function is being performed
       will be sent to the host system.  ESC or F1-F10 terminates the
       receive function and closes the capture file.


       This function is not available in VCO mode.


    E. File directory

       You may request a directory of files on any legitimate disk
       with the Alt-F command.  A search mask is requested - enter one
       just as you would with the DIR command of DOS.  For example:

        D:*.TXT

       specifies all files with the extension "TXT" from the "D" drive.
       File names and modification dates are displayed, 20 at a time.
       When the list is exhausted, the amount of free space remaining on
       the specified drive is displayed.


       Should you wish a directory search of a subdirectory, you must
       enter a full file mask.  The mask:

        C:\TEMP

       specifies a search on the root directory for a file named TEMP
       with no extension.  If you wish to search the TEMP subdirectory
       of the root directory, enter:

        C:\TEMP\*.*

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XII.    Miscellaneous Functions


    A. Disk logging [transcripting] (F7/Controls pull-down)

       You may transcript what you receive to a disk (or PRN) with the
       "Disk logging" function.  The transcript will be marked with the
       date and time it began and ended if transcript marking is set on
       through the Alt-O screen.

       PC-VCO keeps the last 4096 characters received in a buffer for
       backscreen (or re-display).    When you turn transcripting on, you
       will be asked if the backscreen is to be recorded first.  If you
       respond "Y", the backscreen will be written to the transcript file
       before the "BEGIN" mark.

    B. Keyboard display (F8/Controls pull-down)

       Some talk systems are more friendly when what you type is not
       mixed in with what you receive.  Turning echo off (if the
       system echoes key-entry) can be accomplished in a number of
       ways (note that this is different from program echo above).

       However - all of a sudden you have a new problem - you don't
       see what you're typing!  Keyboard display in PC-VCO is one
       attempt to solve this problem.  What you type will be displayed
       on the status line when keyboard display is turned on.  You can
       turn it on permanently through this selection.

       Keyboard display may be set on permanently through the Alt-O
       options window.

    C. Chat mode (Alt-A)

       Chat mode is another attempt to make typing more friendly when
       what you type isn't echoed by the host.  A 'chat window' of 2-10
       lines may be opened just above the status line.  The last few lines
       you've typed are displayed there.

       Chat mode may be set on permanently through the Alt-O options window.

    D. Redisplay [backscreen] (Alt-B)

       PC-VCO keeps up to the last 4096 characters received for re-
       display.  When you request redisplay, the screen is cleared and
       the backscreen buffer begins scrolling.  The scroll starts at the
       oldest receipt, and continues to the point where the re-display
       was requested.

       Re-display is paced (timed).  Re-display begins at minimum speed.
       Alter the pacing with the Cntl-PgUp and Cntl-PgDn keys.  Pause
       the re-display with the space bar.  Cancel the re-display with
       the ESC key.


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XII.    Miscellaneous Functions (continued)


    E. Clear Screen (Alt-C and received TOF)

       The command Alt-C entered at the keyboard will clear the screen.
       Similarly, when the host sends a control-L (^L or decimal 12)
       the screen is cleared.

    F. Echo (Alt-E)

       PC-VCO will accept keyboard entry and issue it through the
       COM port.  Some services turn around what you enter so that you
       see it (full duplex or echoplex) and some don't (half duplex).
       You may force PC-VCO to display what you enter in the CRT window
       by toggling echo.  Setting echo on through the Alt-O window will
       turn echo on now, and the next time you run PC-VCO.

       Echo is set through the dialing directory and permanently with the
       Alt-O options window.  The dialing directory controls, of course.

    G. Blank line suppression (Alt-G)

       Blank lines may be suppressed from the display if you wish.    This
       is especially useful where double spacing is done in the conference
       area.  Blank lines suppression only affects the CRT side display.
       The VCO side automatically suppresses blank lines.

       Blank line suppression may be set permanently with the Alt-O options
       window.

    H. Elapsed time (Alt-T)

       The time elapsed since the program was started, and since the last
       Alt-D dialing command or Alt-R is displayed through the Alt-T
       window.

    I. Voice toggle (Alt-V)

       Voice in PC-VCO now has two 'ON' modes: explicit and implicit.
       Implicit speech is voicing everything (that the poor speech driver
       can handle).  Explicit speech must be signalled with a '~{', '~[',
       '{', or '['.  The word following the signal must occur in the
       exception file.

       To turn voice on, you must have loaded the speech driver before
       loading PC-VCO.  Voice may be toggled off/on-implicit with Alt-V.


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XII.    Miscellaneous Functions (continued)


    J. Program termination (Alt-X)

       PC-VCO is exited (and returns to DOS) through the Alt-X command.
       The usual query "are you sure" is issued if "Exit query" is turned
       on through the Alt-O window.

       When you exit PC-VCO the COM line is dropped, unless you ran PC-VCO
       with the /P switch (piggyback).  If piggyback was set, the COM line
       is not dropped.

    K. Parity (hi-bit) mask (Alt-Z)

       You can mask parity from every received character by setting
       the parity mask on permanantly through the Alt-O window.  I've
       found this to be useful - mandatory when I've needed it.

       Some services require you to logon with 8 data bits, no parity, if
       you intend to download (or upload files).  When there is an X.25
       network between your PC and the service, certain characters (such
       as backspace are transmitted with parity on - regardless of your
       setting).  In these cases, parity masking is very nice to have.

       Toggle the current parity mask setting with Alt-Z.


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XIII.    DOS Gateway (Alt-F10)


    PC-VCO provides a gateway to a DOS shell through the Alt-F10 key.
    The DOS gateway requires a few preliminaries, however.

    .  There must be sufficient memory for the current DOS shell
       (COMMAND.COM usually), PC-VCO, and a second DOS shell.  If there
       isn't, the Alt-F10 will be rejected for 'insufficient memory'.

    .  There must be an environment variable 'COMSPEC' that points to
       the DOS shell to be loaded by Alt-F10.  If this variable is
       missing (has been deleted), COMMAND.COM on the default drive,
       root directory will be used (if present).


    When the DOS gateway is entered, you will be able to execute any
    DOS function that the specified shell supports.  Memory availble to
    that shell will be decreased by the presence of PC-VCO still running.


    You can return to PC-VCO by exiting the DOS shell.  If the shell is
    COMMAND.COM, type the command 'EXIT'.

    ------------------------------------------------------------------
    NOTE:  In order to make full use of the DOS gateway, you should
    provide yourself with the capacity for more open files than the
    default.  You can increase the number of files that may be open at
    one time by editing the file CONFIG.SYS on the root directory of
    your boot disk, adding a line: "FILES=n", where n is a number from
    1 to 20.  At least 12 is recommended.  Refer to your DOS manual for
    particulars.


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XIV.    Script Language


    A script facility has been added to PC-VCO.  It is accessible at load
    time (/F switch), or within the program (F2).  The script language
    parallels that of PROCOMM.  The only command whose meaning(s) have
    changed is %F. The %F parallels the PC-VCO Alt-P menu, as PROCOMM's %F
    parallels its Alt-P menu.  Under most usages this make no difference.


    Script commands are provided to PC-VCO through an ASCII file (word
    processor files are not usually ASCII files!).    A script command is
    signalled by a '%' sign.  The % must be followed by one, two or three
    alpha-numeric characters (no blanks) and possibly a quoted string (e.g.
    "GENIE.CMD").  Text on a line not a part of a valid command is ignored.


    Any line not containing a command is ignored.  Multiple commands may
    be placed on a single line.  SYNTAX errors are reported, however.
    On 'end-of-file', PC-VCO returns to the normal interactive mode (unless
    %Q was specified in the script).


    Currently, the command set is:

    %A    Alarum

        The %A command causes the PC-VCO alarm to sound, unless sound
        has been turned off (through Alt-O, or the %SN command below).
        The alarm sounds for the time specifed by 'display delay' in
        the Alt-S menu (or overridden by %ST "nn" below).  Press any
        key to terminate the alarm before the timeout.

    %B"str" Default Drive/path - unimplemented

        PC-VCO does not use its own 'default drive/path' concept. File
        names may be given with complete path specification.  If not,
        the current DOS default drive/subdirectory controls.  For this
        reason, %B has not been implemented.

    %C"nn"  Call directory number

        The %C command dials the number given in dialing directory
        number "nn".  The 'call' function waits for the 'CONNECT'
        string defined through the Alt-S Setup menu.  %C will redial
        the number (as does Alt-R) using the redial delay specified
        through Alt-S (or %R below).


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XIV.    Script Language (continued)


    %D"str" DOS command

        The %D command will execute the quoted string as a DOS command.
        PC-VCO loads a COMMAND.COM (similar to the DOS gateway used
        through Alt-F10) and executes "str" using COMMAND.COM as a
        transient processor.  To use the %D command, you must have
        sufficient memory and file handles (FILES=) to execute Alt-F10.

    %En    Emulations - unimplemented except for ANSI BBS

        PROCOMM offers emulation of a number of popular terminals.
        PC-VCO does not.  PC-VCO accepts PROCOMM %En commands and
        with the exception of %E7, reports them unimplemented.    %E7
        turns of screen colors (if on) to allow ANSI graphics.

        %En commands are:

    *    %E0        Unimplemented
    *    %E1        Unimplemented
    *    %E2        Unimplemented
    *    %E3        Unimplemented
    *    %E4        Unimplemented
    *    %E5        Unimplemented
    *    %E6        Unimplemented
        %E7        ANSI-BBS (color turned off)
    *    %E8        Unimplemented
    *    %E9        Unimplemented

    %Fn    Comm Parms (equivalent to selection 'n' from Alt-P)

        PC-VCO allows the setting of communications parameters inter-
        actively though the Alt-P command.  In usual practice, this is
        rarely used as the communications parameters specified through
        the dialing directory override the current setting.  Certain
        applications however - especially where scripting is handy -
        need this feature.  Therefore, %Fn.  The 'n' parallels the
        menu item number of the Alt-P menu.

        %F 'n' values are:

        %F1    300,E,7,1        %F11    Even parity
        %F2    1200,E,7,1        %F12    Odd parity
        %F3    2400,E,7,1        %F13    No parity
        %F4    4800,E,7,1        %F14    7 data bits
        %F5    9600,E,7,1        %F15    8 data bits
        %F6    300,N,8,1        %F16    1 stop bit
        %F7    1200,N,8,1        %F17    2 stop bit
        %F8    2400,N,8,1        %F18    COM1
        %F9    4800,N,8,1        %F19    COM2
        %F10    9600,N,8,1

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XIV.    Script Language (continued)


    %G    Screen dump - unimplemented

        The PROCOMM %G command performs a screen dump to the file
        PROCOMM.IMG.  It has not been implemented in this version of
        PC-VCO.  If the absence of this function makes difficult proper
        script file execution, please contact the author.

    %H    Hang up

        The %H command is equivalent to hanging up the phone or using
        the (interactive) Alt-H keystroke.  One note:  If you are using
        a bulletin board (as opposed to a timesharing system such as
        CIS or PLINK), the BBS sysop requests that you exit the BBS
        before you hangup the phone.  It's a courtesy...

    %I"str" Wait for incoming string

        The %I command waits for text to be received.  For example,
        %I "USER ID:" waits for the string "USER ID:" to be received
        (without the quotes, of course).  The case of the string is
        signifigant.  The command as above would not catch the string
        "User ID:".  All text that is received during a %I wait is
        displayed on the screen.

        The %I command will not wait for text indefinitely.  It times
        out after a certain number of seconds (and the script merrily
        proceeds anyway).  Initially the timeout is 60 seconds.  You
        can set a different timeout with the %P command below.

    %Jn    Send macro string 'n', n=0-9

        The %J command is equivalent to the 'Send Macro' interactive
        command (Alt-0 through Alt-9).    Macros are defined through
        the (interactive) Alt-M command.  A macro can be a combina-
        tion of text and control characters.  You must prepare the
        macro definition (Alt-M) prior to using it in a script.


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XIV.    Script Language (continued)


    %Ks    KERMIT server commands - unimplemented

        PROCOMM supports the KERMIT protocol.  PC-VCO does not.
        PC-VCO accepts PROCOMM %Ks commands and simply reports them
        unimplemented.

        %Ks commands are:

    *    %KMn        Unimplemented
    *    %KR        Unimplemented
    *    %KS"File_Name"  Unimplemented
    *    %KF        Unimplemented
    *    %KL        Unimplemented

    %Ls    Log commands

        The %L series of commands may be used to open and close a disc
        or printer log (or logs) during script execution.  Once opened,
        a log may be suspended and resumed at will.

        %Ls commands are:

        %LO "File_Name" Open log using "File_Name" (no default)
        %LH        Hold logging
        %LR        Resume logging
        %LC        Close log

    %M"str" Display a message on the screen

        The %M command displays the string (without the quotes, of
        course) to the screen - and writes it to the log if logging is
        turned on.  The string is not transmitted out the COM port.
        Macro conventions apply to the %M string - "!" may be used as
        a carriage return, "^" may be used to make a control character.


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XIV.    Script Language (continued)


    %N"str" Prompt for input and send

        The %N command opens a menu window and prompts for input from
        the keyboard.  Whatever is entered is transmitted out the COM
        port (with a carriage return added).  The string specified is
        displayed in the prompt window.

        The prompt string is limited to 64 characters.    Macro conven-
        tions do NOT apply to this string.  It is displayed as written.
        Up to 60 characters will be accepted and transmitted.

    %Os    BIOS/Direct screen writes

        PROCOMM offers a choice between direct or BIOS screen updates.
        PC-VCO does not (it uses BIOS for color mode, DOS for B&W).
        PC-VCO accepts PROCOMM %Os commands and simply reports them
        unimplemented.

        %Os commands are:

    *    %OB        Write to screen through BIOS - unimplemented
    *    %OD        Write to screen direct - unimplemented

    %P"nn"  Seconds to wait for an incoming string

        The %P command specifies the number of seconds the %I command
        will wait for incoming text before timing out.    You may set
        this value up to 3600 seconds (1 hour).

        The %P value is expressed in seconds.

    %Q    Quit program

        The %Q command terminates a script execution and exits PC-VCO.
        Anything in the script file after %Q will not be executed.
        PC-VCO immediately returns to DOS (after closing files and
        the COM port, and resetting the screen).

    %R"nn"  Redial delay value

        The redial delay (time between dialing attempts) used by the
        %C command above (and Alt-R, after the script terminates) may
        be set with the %R command.  Initially, the value specified
        through the Alt-S Setup menu controls.    The %R command changes
        the value - note that it remains in effect after the script
        terminates.  The value will be reset the next time PC-VCO is
        loaded (unless Alt-S is used to save the new value).

        The %R value is expressed in seconds.


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XIV.    Script Language (continued)


    %Ss    Sound controls.

        Alarm sounds and the duration of the alarm may be set through
        the %Ss command.  This is equivalent to the interactive Alt-O
        options settings and the Alt-S Setup 'display delay' value.

        %Ss commands are:

        %SY        Allow alarm sounds
        %SN        No alarm sounds (though alarm will delay)
        %ST"nn"         Set delay for alarm (value in seconds)

    %T"str" Transmit string

        The %T command transmits the string (without the quotes, of
        course) out the COM port - and echoes it to the screen if ECHO
        is turned on.  Macro conventions apply to the %T string...
        "!" may be used as a carriage return, "^" may be used to make
        a control character.  The length of the string is limited to
        250 or so characters.

    %Us    Miscellaneous - implemented as applicable

        Various control functions are provided through the %U command.
        PROCOMM defines %U0 through %U9... however, not all the func-
        tions provided are applicable to PC-VCO.   All the %U commands
        are accepted by PC-VCO.  Those left unimplemented are marked.

        %U commands are:

        %U1        Clear screen
    *    %U2        Send CR as CR - unimplemented
    *    %U3        Send CR as CR/LF - unimplemented
        %U4        Set full duplex
        %U5        Set half duplex
        %U6        Send Break signal
    *    %U7        Set line wrap on - unimplemented
    *    %U8        Set line wrap off - unimplemented
    *    %U9        Set Scroll on - unimplemented
    *    %U0        Set Scroll off - unimplemented


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XIV.    Script Language (continued)


    %Vs    Miscellaneous - VCO specific subvommands

        The PROCOMM script language does not implement a %V command
        (at least the version I last used - and yes I am a registered
        PROCOMM user!).  PC-VCO happily appropriated it for PC-VCO
        specific functions.

        %V commands are:

    ->    %V0        Voice off
    ->    %V1        Voice on - explicit
    ->    %V2        Voice on - implicit
    ->    %V3        Blank line suppression on (Alt-G)
    ->    %V4        Blank line suppression off (Alt-G)
    ->    %V5        High bit masking on (Alt-Z)
    ->    %V6        High bit masking off (Alt-Z)
    ->    %V7        Chat mode on (Alt-A)
    ->    %V8        Chat mode off (Alt-A)
    ->    %V9        WXMODEM send allowed
    ->    %VA        WXMODEM send not allowed
    ->    %VB        WXMODEM receive allowed
    ->    %VC        WXMODEM receive not allowed
    ->    %VD"File_Name"  Set VCO library file name
    ->    %VE"File_Name"  Set VCO Exception file name
    ->    %VF        PLINK/CIS mode (VCO side)
    ->    %VG        GEnie/Delphi mode (VCO side)

    %W"nn"  Wait for a specified # seconds

        The %W command waits for a specified interval.    All text that
        is received during a %W wait is displayed on the screen.  The
        fact of the %W command and its duration is displayed on the
        status line.  A %W wait can be cancelled with the ESC key.

    %Xs    XMODEM receive/send

        The %X command allows you to send and receive files from a
        script using PC-VCO's version of the XMODEM protocol.  PC-VCO
        implements checksum and CRC XMODEM as its standard.  PC-VCO
        also offers Windowed XMODEM optionally (it may be turned off).

        %Xs commands are:

        %XR"File_Name"
        %XS"File_Name"


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XIV.    Script Language (continued)


    %Ys    ASCII Send

        The %Y command allows you to send and receive files from a
        script using PC-VCO's version of an ASCII protocol.  PC-VCO
        implements an ASCII protocol in its own manner.  The PROCOMM
        pacing option is not offered... rather an inter-character delay
        can be set.  Other choices should be self-expanatory.

        %Ys commands are:

    *    %YP"nn"         Set pacing: unimplemented
        %YT"File_name"  Transmit file_name using ASCII send
    ->    %Y0"str"        Set host prompt character
    ->    %Y1        Turn off host prompt character
    ->    %Y2        Transmit linefeeds on
    ->    %Y3        Transmit linefeeds off
    ->    %Y4        Tab expansion on
    ->    %Y5        Tab expansion off
    ->    %Y6"nn"         Set intercharacter delay (in milliseconds)

    %Zs    Translate tables - unimplemented.

        The PROCOMM %Z command activates and deactivates translation
        table.    Translation tables have not been implemented in this
        version of PC-VCO.  PC-VCO accepts and reports as unimplemented
        the %Z command if present on a script.

        %Zs commands are:

    *    %ZY        Translate table on - unimplemented
    *    %ZN        Translate table off - unimplemented


    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    The notation '->' to the left of a script command indicates that it is
    not a part of the PROCOMM script language.  These extensions were added
    for PC-VCO, to provide its features to script file users.
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    The notation '*' to the left of a script command indicates that it is
    unimplemented (but will be accepted).  Commands marked 'unimplemented'
    are parsed and accepted by PC-VCO.  SYNTAX errors in command formation
    are reported, whether all of the command is implemented or no.
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    Note that PC-VCO must be in CRT mode to execute a script.  If this
    poses a dramatic limitation, write me, and we'll talk.


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XV.    Program Requirements


    This program can only function on an IBM PC or DOS compatible machine.
    If the VCO side of the program is to be used, the machine must be
    equipped with a color graphics display adapter.  Although an EGA would
    provide a more close resemblance to the MacIntosh environment, no
    use of the EGA is planned at this time.  PC-VCO does direct to screen
    buffer fetches and stores - so compatibility is an important issue.


    PC-VCO disk I/O is done through the 'Handle' oriented I/O routines
    added to DOS 2.0.  Therefore DOS 2.0 is a minimum requirement.    The
    current speech driver (by Douglas Sisco) will not function with
    DOS 3.xx, its document states.


    PC-VCO (version 1.3) requires 144K for itself.    So you need 192.
    You need 256K to take advantage of the DOS Gateway.

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XVI.    Program and Author Information


    This program was written using Microsoft Macro-Assembler.  The author
    likes assembler.  Assembly language is an entirely appropriate vehicle
    for some of the program, and a not-inappropriate vehicle for the rest
    of it.    Everything, in moderation...


    The author of this program is R. Scott McGinnis of Chicago, Illinois.
    PLINK and GEnie ID: TARTAN.  Comment and suggestions (and criticism
    in moderation) are welcomed:

             R. (Scott) McGinnis
             P.O. Box 3607 Mdse Mart
             Chicago, IL 60654-0607


    Credit for information on the VCO must be given to Kelly Major and
    Mike Cohen.  Credit for help on graphic displays and conversions must
    be given to Mark Lewis.  All three I've met through People/Link.
    Collegues at 'the office', Bruce Clemens, Joe Noonan, Milton Treshansky,
    and Al Paluszek have helped immeasurably with technical comments,
    suggestions, and support.  My wife, Elizabeth, supported me whole-
    heartedly in this effort.


    This program (Version 1.3) may be distributed freely with the caveat
    that the Author information displayed at program termination is not
    removed.  If the program is found entertaining or useful, a contrib-
    ution of $35.00 is requested.  Should response warrant it, I will
    continue to develop and support this product.


    Most of the hardware names and software names in this document are
    trademarks or trade names of specific manufacturers.


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Version 1.3:  861222                            Appendices


A.    Switches and parameters


    Program Switches:

    /1  'PLINK/CIS': Expressions sent and received are compatible with
        VCO (by Mike Cohen) as used on PLINK, and VMCO (by Bob Perez)
        as used on CIS.  This is the default for distributed copies.

    /2  'Delphi/GEnie': Expressions sent and received are compatible with
        VCO (by Harry Chesley) as used on Delphi and GEnie.  You may make
        this the permanent default with the Alt-O menu.

    /A  'Chat mode':  PC-VCO can be set to default to the chat mode split
        screen through the Alt-O options menu.  However, you may wish  to
        turn chat on for some systems and off for others.  The /A switch
        allows the decision to be made through a batch file.

    /B  'Black and White mode': PC-VCO can be set to use or not use colors
        on-screen through the Alt-J Colors menu.  However, if you usually
        use the colors option, you will find ANSII graphics ignored.  This
        switch allows the colors to be turned off at PC-VCO run time.

    /F  'Execute script':  The /F switch followed by a legitimate file name
        (for example /FPLINK.CMD) will cause the designated file to be used
        as a script after PC-VCO is loaded.  Note that a file name extension
        is not assumed or added (as does PROCOMM).

    /G  'Graphics Mode':  PC-VCO is to begin in graphics (or VCO) mode.
        This would be used with piggyback if the network had already
        been accessed through another program.

    /J  'Blank line suppression': Blank lines are used to double space
        on some systems.  Alt-G toggles a blank line suppression feature
        interactively.  /J in the run command turns the feature on when
        PC-VCO is loaded.  This feature can also be set through Alt-O.

    /M  'Maug' mode.  The graphic display does not use a Speaker's box
        and thus allows a full 80 columns for text display.

    /P  'Piggyback':  PC-VCO will open the COM port in such a manner as
        to retain another program's already opened line.  When PC-VCO is
        exited, the previous state is restored.  This is for use with
        other communications programs having a DOS Gateway (e.g. Procomm).

        At last test, this feature did not work.


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Version 1.3:  861222                            Appendices


A.    Switches and parameters (continued)


    Program Switches (continued)

    /R  'Report Receive Errors':  This switch causes all receive errors to
        be reported.  During testing, certain nodes of certain networks
        consistantly reported framing errors.  The apparent error did not
        interfere with communications so report of it was suppressed.

    /S  'Send Discipline':  This switch causes a more robust discipline to
        be used when transmitting characters out through the COM port.
        CTS and DSR are turned high, and response awaited if this switch
        is set.  During testing it was found that this discipline would
        not allow certain modems to be used (though Smartmodem seemed
        happy as a clam).  The excess discipline was unnecessary, and
        therfore made a switchable setting.

    /T  'Text Mode':  PC-VCO is to begin in text (or CRT) mode.  This is
        the default.

    /V  'Voice on': PC-VCO may be loaded with voice turned on (implicit
        mode) with the /V switch.  The speech driver must be loaded before
        PC-VCO is run with the /V switch.

        Voice in PC-VCO now has two 'ON' modes: explicit and implicit.
        Implicit speech is voicing everything (that the poor speech driver
        can handle).  Explicit speech must be signalled with a '~{', '~[',
        '{', or '['.  The word following the signal must occur in the
        exception file.

    /VE 'Voice on, explicit':  The /VE switch turns on the voice inter-
        face, and sets the voice mode 'explicit' (above).  The speech
        driver must be loaded before PC-VCO is executed.

    /VI 'Voice on, implicit':  The /VI switch turns on the voice inter-
        face, and sets the voice mode 'implicit' (above).  The speech
        driver must be loaded before PC-VCO is executed.

    /X  'Debug mode': This switch enables certain resident debugging keys
        (such as Cntl-F1, which prints a 64K dump to PRN).    I do not
        recommend you use it.  I document it only for the VERY curious.


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A.    Switches and Parameters (continued)


    Program parameters:

       COM1     PC-VCO uses the COM1 port
       COM2     PC-VCO uses the COM2 port

       300        PC-VCO uses port at 300 baud
       1200     PC-VCO uses port at 1200 baud
       2400     PC-VCO uses port at 2400 baud
       4800     PC-VCO uses port at 4800 baud
       9600     PC-VCO uses port at 9600 baud

       EVEN     PC-VCO uses port with even parity
       ODD        PC-VCO uses port with odd parity
       NONE     PC-VCO uses port with no parity

       DATA7    PC-VCO transmits/receives 7 data bits
       DATA8    PC-VCO transmits/receives 8 data bits

       STOP1    PC-VCO uses and expects 1 stop bit
       STOP2    PC-VCO uses and expects 2 stop bits

       DIAL <n>    After initialization, PC-VCO dials directory entry
            <n>, using the rate, parity, data and stop bits as
            specified.


    Program switches require no delimiters.  Parameters must be preceded
    by a blank.  For example:

    A> PC-VCO 1200        Run the program for 1200 baud communications
    A> PC-VCO /P/G1200    Piggyback, immediate VCO mode, 1200 baud
    A> PC-VCO /P/G 1200    Piggyback, immediate VCO mode, 1200 baud


    Program defaults are:

    A> PC-VCO /T COM2 300 EVEN DATA7 STOP1


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B.    PC-VCO Error display.


    One command not listed in the F10 help display is Alt-Y.  This
    command displays RS232 and file errors encountered.  RS232 errors
    list both the last error condition recorded and a count of errors.
    RS232 errors are:

    Receive error.    The hex value represents:

       Bit 0:  Shouldn't occur in display, but what do I know.
           1:  Overrun.  Indicates that a character in the 8250
           Receive buffer was not read before the next character
           was received.  This program enables interrupts to read
           the COM port.
       Bit 2:  Parity error.  Indicates that the parity of the
           received character does not match that specified.
       Bit 3:  Framing error.  Indicates that the character received
           lacked a valid stop bit.  This bit report is normally
           suppressed, but may be enabled with the /R switch.
       Bit 4:  Break interrupt. Not too many systems send a break.

       Other bits of the LSR of the 8250 are masked off.

    Send error.  The hex value represents:

       Bit 8:  A timeout occurred in one of three places:
           . Waiting for DSR to go true
           . Waiting for CTS to go true
           . Waiting for the transmit holding register to clear
           The first two conditions are normally suppressed,
           but may be overridden with the /S switch.

       Other bits are masked out. There is serious trouble (or my over-
       sight) if anything but Hex 80 is reported.

    Buffer overflow.

       This program uses an interrupt service routine to read the
       COM port.  The ISR fills a 4096 byte buffer.  The application
       takes characters out of the circular receive buffer one by
       one.  Buffer overflow may occur when the application is
       suspended - for example when a menu is pulled-down.


PC-VCO:  IBM PC Visual Conferencing                       Page 47
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C.    Speech driver


    The speech function of PC-VCO is supplied by a resident speech driver.
    The resident driver and associated programs (SAY and READ) were found
    on a public domain Bulletin Board in Chicago.  The author's name is
    not contained in the documentation, and no statement is made as to its
    ownership or copyright.


    The author IS identified within the executable object files.  I have
    attempted to contact the individual there named.  No response has been
    received.  If the author cannot be contacted, or if the resident
    speech driver is not public domain, the driver will not be included
    in PC-VCO's public distribution.  [Note: 861222: The speech driver was
    not included in the distribution.  Its author has not responded.]


    PC-VCO only implements an interface to the driver.  Other drivers
    may be had to do the same or similar function.    Interfaces to other
    text-to-speech resident drivers (or linked-in) are contemplated.
    A second text-to-speech driver is being pursued right now.


    It is hoped that PC-VCO will eventually find a Speech driver that can
    support variations in speaking rates and pitch.


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D.    Exception File


    The exception file distributed with PC-VCO is virtually that used by
    the MacIntosh VCO.  The exception file is a simple text file, each
    line of which has the syntax:

         "[" <keyword> "]"  "=" <translation>


    There are three types of keyword in the current exception file:

    .  Keywords without a special delimiter (e.g. [6] which gives a
       pronunciation for numeric 6)

    .  Keywords with the initial delimiter "{".  MacIntosh documentation
       states that these are to be displayed but not spoken.  Why are
       they in the exception file?    Beats me.

    .  Keywords with the initial delimiter "[" (in addition to the
       initial bracket).  MacIntosh documentation states that these are
       to be voiced, and not displayed.


    PC-VCO follows these rules, more or less.  The exception file as
    prepared for the MacIntosh MacTalk produces some odd results with
    the present speech driver.  Some changes have been made, but not
    alot.  Perhaps some brave soul will pitch in.


    On the other hand, the exception file does provide pronunciation
    for tokens that otherwise would be skipped by the present speech
    driver (e.g. simple numerics).


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E.    Files


    Program files:    PC-VCO expects the following files on the
    default drive (and subdirectory)

    PC-VCO.DFT    Parameter save area (Alt-S and Alt-P)
    PC-VCO.DIR    Dialing directory (PROCOMM compatible)
    PC-VCO.MAC    Macro definition (PROCOMM compatible)


    PC-VCO will automatically update the .DFT file if the program version
    number is different from the .DFT file version number.    When PC-VCO is
    loaded, the old file format will be loaded.  A new file will then be
    created to replace the old file.


    PC-VCO will create these files if they are not present (with default
    values), an empty dialing directory, and empty macro definition).
    Different versions of PC-VCO will require different structures to
    the .DFT file... previous versions (with the exception of 1.0) will
    be accepted - however when a new major (e.g. 1.0, 2.0, ...) is
    released the previous .DFT file probably should be purged (and recreated
    by PC-VCO) or replaced with the new copy provided in the ARC.


    PC-VCO also uses (if available) the following files:

    PC-VCO.EXC    Exception file for speech processing
    PC-VCO.FLB    Face library


    Each of these file names may be changed through the ALT-S
    (Setup) Menu.  PC-VCO currently implements the rule for file
    names:    If the given file name carries a drive spec (i.e. C:)
    or path (subdirectory), the name is taken 'as is'.  If neither
    condition holds, the default drive and subdirectory are added
    to the file name.


    PC-VCO can share Dialing Directory and Macro Definition files
    with PROCOMM.  In this case the subdirectory on which these files
    may be found must be specified through the Alt-S function, and
    the values saved for subsequent executions.  PC-VCO's updates
    to these files will be acceptible to PROCOMM, and PROCOMM's to
    PC-VCO (True at least through version 2.0 of PROCOMM).



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F.    Windowed XMODEM (WXMODEM)


    In June, 1986, Peter Boswell of PLINK issued a specification for an
    XMODEM protocol variant called Windowed XMODEM (WXMODEM to friends).
    WXMODEM was designed primarily to overcome delays that are imposed by
    the X.25 networks.  X.25 network delays are mostly imperceptible to
    conversational users of the networks... however, users performing file
    transfers might expect to see up to 50% of the transfer time incurred
    by these delays!


    Asynchronous communications lines do not suffer these same delays.
    When someone accustomed to Bulletin Boards dialed through a direct phone
    lines enters the X.25 environment, the 'feel' of file transfers is found
    to be entirely 'too slow'.   The difference is entirely in the X.25 net-
    work (and many times intervening satellite hops).


    Windowed XMODEM also accomodates the requirements of new services such
    as PC Pursuit... allowing XON/XOFF flow control to be excercised by the
    network during a binary file transfer (this is not possible with XMODEM
    as transparency is required).  Flow control allows higher data rates to
    be supported while retaining existing network interconnects.


    Windowed XMODEM was implemented on PLINK in September, 1986.  Many comm
    programs on many different machines have been modified or written to
    implement WXMODEM for PLINK communications.  The difference in through-
    put between CRC XMODEM and WXMODEM is astounding.  I measure at least
    35% and sometimes as much as 40% improvement in transfer times.  In real
    terms, this means the difference between 24 minutes and 40 minutes for
    a download of the same (approximately 120K) file at 1200 baud.


    Windowed XMODEM is still a new protocol.  Its developers discovered
    quite a few practicalities not addressed in the original specification
    during its implementation.  In fact - these matters are currently being
    debated in the PLINK Amiga Club.  However - WXMODEM has proven to be a
    stable and satisfying implementation.  I'm delighted to add its power
    to PC-VCO.


    For the technically inclined, the Windowed XMODEM specification will be
    found on many bulletin boards and most systems as WXMODEM.ARC.    An
    excellent analysis of XMODEM problems in an X.25 environment by Peter
    Boswell will be found in the 'Protocol Project' section of the IBM Club
    of PLINK.  In the latter paper, Peter quantifies exactly the delays and
    their predicted overhead in the X.25 environment.

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G.    ANSI graphics


    PC-VCO is capable of displaying ANSI graphics on the CRT side.    ANSI
    graphics are used by some services and Bulletin Boards to enrich the
    display through the use of colors.


    PC-VCO does not itself execute the ANSI graphics.  An optional device
    driver, ANSI.SYS, is provided with DOS 2.0 and above for this purpose.
    Replacements for ANSI.SYS are available on all the systems and boards,
    offering increased functionality and additional utility.  For example,
    the FANSI device driver (shareware by Hersey Micro Consulting) offers:

    .  improvements in screen display speed,
    .  considerably more control sequences than ANSI.SYS,
    .  DEC VT100 emulation (which therefore is available to you in PC-VCO
       if you use FANSI),
    .  a backscreen function,
    .  one finger typing,
    .  increased typeahead buffer
    .  and many many other functional enhancements


    In order to use ANSI graphics through PC-VCO, you must have a device
    driver installed in your DOS.  This is very simply done.  If you opt
    to use ANSI.SYS, all that is required is that the text:

       DEVICE=ANSI.SYS

    be added to the file CONFIG.SYS on the root directory of your boot
    disk, and the PC re-booted (Ctl-Alt-Del).  If there is no CONFIG.SYS
    file on the root directory of your boot disk, create one containing
    the line above (see also the note on DOS gateway), and then re-boot.


    Other device drivers, as FANSI mentioned above, will have their own
    installation requirements.  Refer to the documentation for the device
    driver you wish to use in place of ANSI.SYS for instructions.


    Once you've installed the ANSI device, nothing more need be done.  When
    PC-VCO is run with 'screen colors off', ANSI graphics will be displayed.
    Some Bulletin boards will ask 'Do you want color graphics (Y/N)' when
    you enter (for example, Bulletin boards of the type 'PC Bulletin Board'
    ask this question).  Answer 'y' if you want the additional graphics.


    Some Bulletin boards even go so far as to provide music with their
    displays (for example, RBBS type Bulletin boards).  PC-VCO doesn't
    do music, right now.  It may in the future, if you want it to do so.

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H.    Example scripts


    A script to dial Telenet (entry number 10 in the provided dialing
    directory), and connect to a service looks like:

    ---------------------------------------------------------------------
    %M"^Gdialing PLINK through Telenet"
    %C"10"                  ; Call dial dir entry number 10 (Telenet)
    %T"!"                   ; Transmit Carriage return <CR>
    %T"!"                   ; Transmit Carriage return <CR>
    %I"TERMINAL="           ; Wait for "TERMINAL=" to be received
    %T"d1!"                 ; give telenet the terminal identifier
    %I"@"                   ; Wait for "@" to be received
    %T"C 312 63!"           ; Send request to telenet for PLINK
    %I"USER ID:"            ; Wait for "User ID:" to be received
    %A            ; Sound alarm
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------

    A script to dial a modem direct, send three carriage returns, and
    wait for the logon prompt looks like:

    ---------------------------------------------------------------------
    %M "^GDialing PLINK direct"
    %C"1"                   ; Call dial dir entry number 24 (PLINK)
    %W"5"                   ; Wait for the pad to settle down
    %T"!"                   ; Transmit Carriage return <CR>
    %W"1"                   ; Wait 1 sec
    %T"!"                   ; Transmit Carriage return <CR>
    %W"1"                   ; Wait 1 sec
    %T"!"                   ; Transmit Carriage return <CR>
    %I"USER ID:"            ; Wait for the 'USER ID' prompt
    %SY            ; Turn sound on
    %A            ; Sound alarm
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------

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I.    Command Index

    -------------------------------------------------------------
    Key    Meaning                     Page
    ------- ----------------------------------------------- -----
    ------- Commands available in CRT and VCO modes -------------
    -------------------------------------------------------------

    F1    Switch between CRT and VCO modes.        7
    F10    Help screen.                    7
    Alt-F10 DOS Gateway.                    32
    Ctl_End Send a Break.                    7

    Alt-A    Toggle chat mode (on CRT screen)        29
    Alt-B    Redisplay (backscreen).             29
    Alt-C    Clear the screen.                30
    Alt-D    Dialing directory.                14-15
    Alt-E    Toggle echo (full/half duplex).         30
    Alt-F    File directory.                 28
    Alt-G    Toggle blank line suppression            30
    Alt-H    Hang-up.                    16
    Alt-I    Program information.                7
    Alt-J    Set screen colors                24
    Alt-M    Define a macro for Alt-0 through Alt-9.     17
    Alt-O    Set program options.                22-24
    Alt-P    Comm Parameters.                21
    Alt-R    Redial the last number dialed.            16
    Alt-S    Setup.    Define initial program values.        18-20
    Alt-T    Elapsed time.                    30
    Alt-V    Toggle voice (off, on implicit)         30
    Alt-X    Exit the program.                31
    Alt-Y    Error information.                46
    Alt-Z    Toggle parity mask.                31
    Alt-0/9 Send a Macro.                    17

    -------------------------------------------------------------
    ------- Commands available only in CRT mode -----------------
    -------------------------------------------------------------

    F2    Perform a script                33-40
    F3    XMODEM upload.                    25
    F4    XMODEM download.                26
    F5    ASCII upload.                    27
    F6    ASCII download.                 28
    F7    Toggle logging (transcripting).         29
    F8    Toggle display of typed characters.        29
    F9    Toggle Log hold.                10