8bitfiles.net/archives/archives.tar/archives/genie-commodore-file-library/Information/BOB-LENTINI-1112

Text File | 2019-04-13 | 21.8 KB | 549 lines

86/11/13

Here is the edited conference of a very enjoyable 2.5 hours we spent with
Bob Lentini on the *FlagSHip* Conference!  All users of BTPro 64/128 should
read over and use the very valuable information here for reference in
getting the most out of their BobsTerm Pro package!!!

I'd like to thank Bob for such a great CO!!!  Everyone looks forward to his
visits to GEnie, because of these outstanding conferences.  Good Job, Bob!!
     - *deb!*


Sub: Minutes of your RT Conference.
From Steno: Jennifer Marlowe

Minutes:
<DEB> :::banging gavel:::

<DEB> Anyone need a quick review of formal conferencing procedures?!
         OK watch this real quick!  <<smile>>  Formal conferencing rules we
         are observing tonight work like this:  Use /RAISE  to indicate you
         have a question.  When its your turn, I will call on you.   If you
         have a BRIEF comment about the current discussion, use an !
         exclamation mark, and you'll be recognized ASAP.  Please do not
         type until its your turn.   Welcome aboard!!!  First, I'd like to
         welcome Bob here tonight.  Bob is a dear friend of mine we knew
         each other YEARS before we ever  met in real life!   and before we
         start, how many folks here are BTPro users?!

<TIGLON.G> <--
<RES> me
<D.C.WILLIAMS> I am
<R.SHUTES> me
<[KeS] KEVIN-S.> <---- (sigh)
<THEWOLVERINE> i bought it
<DEB> OK, I'm going to start the queue for questions and turn over the floor
         to Bob!  Take it away, Bob!!

<Bob L.> well glad to have so many BTPRO family members here thanx for the
         support!

<THEWOLVERINE> are there any plans to make a 40 colomn 80 colomn color
         version? with multi x-fers?

<Bob L.> not directly the difference in the video chips causes a real
         problem for me in trying to handle  both modes with the way I am
         updating and conmtrolling the screen.  I left the 40 col for the 64
         mode, and 80 for 128 mode  specifically so I could get the max out
         of each.

<THEWOLVERINE> is there anyway to get the 64 version for a discount if i
         bought  128?

<Bob L.> I am selling the 64 version anyway for $30.

<THEWOLVERINE> sounds good will considerlater

<D.C.WILLIAMS> Love your pgm.  How can I dump this directly from the modem
         to  disk?  ok, no way to do except going thru buffer?

<Bob L.> capture now as we are speaking??  It will slow you down but you can
         do it  Use the CAPTURE C protocol.  Then you open the disk buffer
         by typing your DC1 character--Usually a ctrl-R  that will light up
         the = sign on your status line, and the data will go to disk.  Got
         it?? It will slow down every 256 characters.  CTRL-S and Q will be
         sent to system every disk block.  Then to close down the capture
         simply use your DC2 chgaracter  usually CTRL-T.

<D.C.WILLIAMS> How do I enter Capture C protocol?  Dumb question!!!

<Bob L.> COMKEY-X then receive to disk Protocol C  Start capture with CTRL-R

<DEB> <<but your buffer will be LOTS faster and cleaner!>>
         <<editorial comment!>>

<Bob L.> Hope that helps.

<TELESHRINK> Fastastic program!!! when will ram disk capability be
         available?

<Bob L.> Well that is a tough one  I am not working on the RAM DISK code
         someone else will have to tackle that one   hehehe

<TELESHRINK> Is there anyway to password a disk on the mini bbs?

<Bob L.> What do you mean password the disk?? You have the normal password
         entry code of course.

<TELESHRINK> lock out users from a specific drive if they do not have
         password.

<Bob L.> No.. sorry  just lock out users completely from entering at all.
         Its not a real BBS hehehe.  anything els?

<TELESHRINK> Thanks nevertheless its the best all around terminal I've ever
         had!!!

<Bob L.> thank you.

<[Gayle/SysOp] TIGLON.G> When your image is set to CompuServe IMAGE, is that
         B  Protocol? And if it is, how is it institutedlike Vidtex?

<Bob L.> no  not really-IMAGE files are special form files that write BINARY
         DATA.  as ASCII image data   that means an IMAGE of the BINARY or
         PRGM data is created in text form.  The file is coded a certain
         way  and BTPRO has an IMAGE converter to handle these transfers.
         You really should use XMODEM on Compuserve.  And read the special
         notes on CHAR START Parameters in the BUffer  for Compuserve
         transfers.

<[Gayle/SysOp] TIGLON.G> I found that xmodem DLs from CIS wont come out for
         me.. but maybe thats on the 64 version.. :urk:

<Bob L.> Thats because  you must set up the CHAR START number for XMODEM
         transfers  to strip out the first 6 characters for Compuserve   It
         is in the manual in the Paramewters section But you can still save
         files you xmodemed already  by simply loading them into the
         buffer and stripping the first six characters manually  and then
         resaving them.

<DEB> CIS image files are not true image file formats, they added extra
         chars to them which are specific to VIDTEX, and mess up XMODEM,
         bigtime.

<BUCKINGHAM> is ther any way to dload a cpm file direct to a kaypro
         formatted  disk on dev 9 using a 1571.

<Bob L.> No, Buck not with my prgm. Only Commodore CP/M format, double
         sided.

<DEB> Buckingham yes, I think so, with a CP/M terminal program.  You might
         want to check with MICHAEL.M, Mike Mantino, our 128/CP/M sysop.

<BUCKINGHAM> thanks I like using btpro 128 though.

<DEB> <<yawl know how much CP/M I do >>   :::grin:::

<Bob L.> Are you running the CP/M stuff on a Kaypro?

<BUCKINGHAM> no telecom with it just some wdprocessing.

<Bob L.> well then stay with Commodore CP/M format its best I can do hehehe

<THEWOLVERINE> GEnie wants $49.95 for bobs term pro 64!!!!!  [end]   <----
<Bob L.> I was not aware that it was for sale on GEnie.
<DEB> Wolverinethe Computer Express people have it?!?
<[Gayle/SysOp] TIGLON.G> Deb: yes

<THEWOLVERINE> any suggestions to other places to buy?

<Bob L.> Yes direct from me at least I get my royalties hehehe
         RML Labs
         2375 E. Tropicana Ave.
         Suite #259
         Las Vegas Nv. 89109
         64 version$30  128 version $60

<[Gayle/SysOp] TIGLON.G> Bob, any chance of enlarging the split screen..?
         Like,  doubling or so?? One line at a time is agrevating!

<Bob L.> I was asked about that before  It could be done .  but there are
         many complications with all the different windowing in the prgm..
         especially when using the Emulation modes .  that I felt the extra
         time involved would not be practical  most systems only allowed 78
         charac in CO thats why I felt it would not be a hinderence   It
         might appear in the near future we will see

<Bob L.> have all of you gotten the new VERSION 2.0?

<[Gayle/SysOp] TIGLON.G> Yep (128 wise)

<TELESHRINK> no where?

<Bob L.> This is 128 version onl;y But There is a 2.0 64 version available
         from me for $10.  Thye 2.0 128 version is here on GENIE   C128
         telecomm  also on my board C.A.A.  702-731-3178 The 128 version is
         free must use your dongles tho

<[Gayle] TIGLON.G> ((how do we get the 2.0 64 version?))

<M.SANTORO> no,how can I upgrade my 1.9?

<Bob L.> send 10$ for 2.0 64 update to
         RML Labs
         2375 E. Tropicana Ave.
         Suite #259
         Las Vegas Nv. 89109

<[Gayle] TIGLON.G> Do we send anything with it Bob..?

<Bob L.> nope just tell me what it is for it will go out the same day as I
         get it.

<D.C.WILLIAMS> When dl sometimes stuff in scrolling window is garbled, is
         this  normal?

<Bob L.> I think.. (hope) you are downloading Prgm files what you are seeing
         is BTPROS complete character set to allow BINARY data editing..
         hehehe  is that what you mean??  or are you getting normal text
         garbageing?

<D.C.WILLIAMS> Thanks, also, when turn buffer on, then dl pgm. buffer goes
         off,  right?

<Bob L.> Yes.. after buffer download It is defaulted OFF  this will allow
         you hopefully not to garbage a prgm download with extra prompt
         characters before saving.

<[KeS] KEVIN-S.> Hello, Bob; there doesn't seem to be too much more to ask
         for.. . how about an interactive macro recoder?

<Bob L.> interactive macro recorder sounds deadly hehe

<[KeS] KEVIN-S.> Deadly, but quite useful!  Any plans?

<Bob L.> I am working on a beam transporter function  plugs into the
         joystick  beams real articles not just text.. hehe

<[KeS] KEVIN-S.> (deb!, he's laughing at me!) (whine)

<Bob L.> what exactly do you mean?

<[KeS] KEVIN-S.> No, but it is nice to be able to walk through a procedure
         that you wish to encode as a macro And have the program save those
         keystrokes for re-play. (Instead of trying to remember how to do it
         from scratch.)

<Bob L.> I am doing that in my current Word processor but in Term Prgm
         macros??

<DEB> KeS  well, write one yourself to work outside BTPro. <<grin>>

<Bob L.> Most functions are not keystroke functions  waiting for prompts and
         strings and things.  There is no practicle way to enter those as
         keystrokes.  You must create keystrokes that stand for those
         functions.  ala the CTRL keystrokes I created as first letter
         commands.

<[KeS] KEVIN-S.> Ok, ok.  Also, is there a font set out yet which works well
         with both BTP and Partner? (two great programs that go great
         together!)

<Bob L.> Welll  That is a tough one   the problem is that I took over the
         Video chip directly in order for my screen and window control and
         the ASCII character set and binary charcter set so really it is
         Partners responsibility I feel  to save and replace evrything they
         need to function, since they are the prgm claiming to be
         transparent not BTPRO.  I do not claim transparency.  I would have
         saved and replaced the entire video chip if I wrote  something like
         Partner.  Now you can of course, save the original character set
         from Commodore, using ULTRAFONT or something  and then simply load
         that in before going to Partner, then reload my set when coming
         back.

<[KeS] KEVIN-S.> Guess they don't see it that way! (grin).  How about a set
         that replaces the binary set, for use when BBSing?

<DEB> TC-128 printed a SLICK TRICK for it a coupla issues ago, KeS.

<JOHNNY.R> Hello bob I would like to know more about the mini BBs that is
         included in your PROG.

<Bob L.> It is a way to remotely access your Commodore from another
         computer  and access your disk drives for uploading and
         downloading prgs. It allows a user password.  ( 1 only) and a
         welcome msg to greet  callers It also can be alarm timed to begin
         at a certain time.  Not a BBS by any means, but a nice addition to
         the prgm  and very usefull.

<M.SANTORO> Bob, I am having trouble getting my Hayes 1200 to auto-dial
         correctly. Sometimes it doesn't dial, and sometimes it dials wrong
         #'s,..any s uggestions ?

<Bob L.> OK  that is most likely the LO BAUD rate trim  have you adjusted
         the LO BAUD??

<M.SANTORO> no, just the hi

<Bob L.> Oh no the high should be left alone

<M.SANTORO> I7l'll give it a try

<Bob L.> set up the defaults of HI=1 and LO=70  Then for a Hayes try about
         65 for the LO.  that should definitely clear things up.  If you are
         on a 64

<DEB> Trim ONLY the lo value 1 value at a time from 70 down, for a good
         test.

<Bob L.> then LO should be about 62 for the Hayes modem. Make sure to resave
         phone files  .  because they will have retained your current hi and
         lo settings.

<[KeS] KEVIN-S.> What are some good indicators to use when trying to "zero
         in"  the BRF?

<Bob L.> Well I gave some good ideas in the manual for closing in on the
         proper combination for your computer, but really it seems to be
         that xmodem uploads are the worst case condition.  Try getting good
         text and then seeing how xmodem uploads work.  Center the value
         where the xmodem uploads have no errors.. ( or few)

<DEB> Best way I found was to use a special witching wand to evaluate the
         proper value#  ::grin::

<[KeS] KEVIN-S.> Ok, I will douse my way to success. Thank you, Bob.

<Bob L.> The values seem to be hanging in around the above listed values.

<TELESHRINK> Is there anyway I can get an extra dongle? I have C128 at
         office  and one at hom and I often need/want to communicate between
         them?

<Bob L.> I have had no luck myself getting extra dongles from Progressive
         but I am working on it. sorry I am out of control in that dept.
         Keep checking with me on my system  If I get anywhere I will be
         happy to help.

<TELESHRINK> One other dumb question how do you do split screen?

<Bob L.> Use COMKEY-L from Term mode Gives you one line of 80 characters on
         bottom.  got it?

<TELESHRINK> Thanks  I'll keep checking yes.

<B.GRAY> Bob Any plans for a BTP for  AMIGA?

<DEB> <--- she wants one, too!!!!

<Bob L.> Not at the moment sorry Been working hard on two other projects.

<B.GRAY> That is what is stopping me from going to Amiga!!

<DEB> I'm starting the BTPro Amiga Fund already, Bobs GOTTA play with
         one!!!  <<grin>>  ((So far, we have $170 in pledges))

<B.GRAY> After all we must have our priorities!

<Bob L.> hehehe thanx for the support.

<B.GRAY> Deb Make that $200!!!

<DEB> Brent:   gotcha down for $30!  <<smile>>

<Bob L.> boy.. this could be a lucrative CO!  hehehe  My car needs a paint
         job!!!

<DEB> Naw, Bob, this is for an AMIGA, not a paint job.

<Bob L.> I am real thankful for all the users who have joined the BTPRO
         family..

<B.GRAY> On BBS's using Westridge typr modems, the carrier detect is
         screwy any suggs?

<Bob L.> screwy in what way?? The westridge tries to switch between answer
         and originate mode and the hayes type modems will not lock on.
         That is a WESTRIDGE problem and will go away as those modems fade
         into the  History books

<B.GRAY> I don't go automatically to TERMINAL mode.

<DEB> A BBS trying to use a Westridge should FIX their modems!!!!!!

<Bob L.> another attempt at creating a new standard!! hehehe

<B.GRAY> I developed a great macro to log on from the macro section but

<Bob L.> If you are using a Westridge then choose the Westridge setting in
         MODEM Parameters..

<B.GRAY> can't use the same macro from the phonebook.  ??

<Bob L.> and there will be a 1 1/2 sec delay befor going into Term mode..
         That is done to allow BTPRO to detect a true carrier  as opposed to
         a busy or ringback signal.   Since the Westridge was not capable of
         doing so on its own.  Do you mean that  if you use a macro to go to
         the phone book and dial, that the phone macro does not seem to
         operate?

<B.GRAY> It won't work the same!!!

<Bob L.> are you using a macro to go to the phone book?

<B.GRAY> NO!

<Bob L.> ok well then here it is I think

<B.GRAY> I'm letting the macro go to TERM mode then dial etc. (I have Hayes)

<Bob L.> phone files start executing upon carrier detect FROM TERM
         MODE>>>>>>  But Macros begin executing from MAIN MENU  that could
         be the difference  you might need to put a T in the start of a
         macro to make it  look like a phone file in execution.

<B.GRAY> Right but the code I'm having problems with is the one that leaves
         me in the modem's programming mode or  whatever

<Bob L.> What are you actually trying to do?

<B.GRAY> I'm not being very clear.. didn't research it enough before hand.
         Maybe I should call your BB sometime.

<Bob L.> figure it out.. and leave me a msg.

<B.GRAY> It happened a long time ago.

<D.C.WILLIAMS> Bob, any big changes in v2 we should be aware of, or need
         docs  on?

<Bob L.> oh yeh!!! hehehe The disk transfers have been sped up
         drastically.  They now match the buffer speed  also lots of
         internal work has been done on the Hayes interfacing and many other
         subtle fixes in PUNTER and XMODEM for compatability,  but nothing
         you really need docs for.  Just general operating improvements.

<D.C.WILLIAMS> Great! Thanks, back to you Deb

<LGBRYAN> THANKS I USE VERSION 2 ALL THE TIME NOW BUT ON VERSION 1 I COULD
         NOT GET THE MACRO TO RUN BY IT SELF ONCE I WAS ON LINE AND TRIED TO
         RUN A MACRO TO GO TO ANOTHER SECTION OF A SERVICE. IT CAME UP LIKE
         IT WAS GOING TO RUN  BUT CAME TO A STOPPING POINT WITH A DELAY AND
         TRIED TOO RUN IT  BUT IT DID NOT START

<Bob L.> How did you try to start the macro? Well when using macros to
         command Genie  you will have to be exactly specific in waiting for
         prompts  or strings before letting keystrokes be sent GENIE has no
         type ahead buffer if you just enter the commands you want to
         execute  GENIE will miss many of them.  Is that what seemed to
         happen?

<LGBRYAN>YES THATS TRUE. I WAIT UNTIL I AM AT A PROMPT AND THEM TRY TO RUN
         IT.

<Bob L.> Does the macro work on Version 2.0? OK when you start the macro
         you must first include a T as the first command  to enter terminal
         mode at the beginning of the macro remember, macros start execution
         at my MAIN MENU.  If you are not in terminal mode  commands that
         are terminal oriented will be skipped by BTPRO.

<LGBRYAN> I WILL TRY IT LATER --- BET THATS THE PROB FROM WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE
         IT DOES END UP AT THE MAIN MENU SO I BET THAT IS THE PROBLEM
         THANKS..

<DEB> <<THIS is a great way to do a CO, folks, with the guest sitting beside
         ya!>>

<B.GRAY> I'm trying to AUTO LOGON allthe way!  Since BTP and the BB's
         Westridge won't lock on together, I must put my Hayes into the
         ANSWER mode (ATa) andthen the connect is OK! But The ATa command
         can't be sent to the modem from a phonebook macro  right? go ahead
         .. if you're with me.

<Bob L.> The command can be sent by me but the problem is this well maybe
         you can force  the modem into answer carrier after dialing using
         the command no  once you dial the modem is locked in a wait state
         for a carrier   that means as soon as you send any other keystroke
         as a command  the modem hangs up  that is the way it works.

<B.GRAY> But it works GREAT from a reg MACRO!

<Bob L.> You must dial manually then send the ATA command after the carrier
         tone is heard.

<B.GRAY> NOT MANUALLY with a Smart Modem!

<Bob L.> how are you doing it there? once you dial a hayes  then it waits
         for carrier  if you try to type anything else to it..  it will hang
         up.

<B.GRAY> After dialing the number I immediately revert to answer mode

<Bob L.> on my hayes I believe it will hang up no?

<B.GRAY> It doesn't hang up because I've NEVER really left the command
         mode!

<Bob L.> oh you include the ATA before the carriage return right? I see

<B.GRAY> right right

<Bob L.> ok  here is what is wrong BTPRO traps the dialing number . and only
         passes numbers to the modem  the letters are trapped so as not to
         pass things like parens and  dashes   the ATA is never getting to
         the modem in the autodial phone section  You would have to do that
         from a straight macro   sorry

<B.GRAY> That's exactly what I thought thanks for the insights.

<Bob L.> I might look into modifying the trap so as to pass letters also but
         not punctuation hows that?

<B.GRAY> It would be nice and would increase overall compatibility!

<DEB> Version 2.1 of BTPro 128 here we come!  <<he's making notes already!>>

<LGBRYAN> WILL YOU COME UP WITH A GEOS COMPATIBAL BTPRO EITHER C-64 OR- C-
         128, WHEN A 128GEOS COMES OUT .

<B.GRAY> <<heaven forbid!!>>

<DEB> good gawd!

<Bob L.> Exactly my feelings Brent  I seriously absolutely doubt it
         maybe!!!!!!!

<LGBRYAN> OK,OK,OK,////IT WAS JUST A THOUGHT .

<DEB> GEOS 128 will not support 80 columns, even.

<BJACKSON> how political!

<B.GRAY> If you do I'll buy sixth sense!!

<Bob L.> So will I hehehehe

<DEB> If he does, he'll NEED sixth sense!

<B.GRAY> AMEN!

<BJACKSON> On the subj of punctuation Why trap it ??  It's Hayes reality!

<Bob L.> the original modems for commodore would not pulse dial very well on
         letters-get my point.  when I created the original BTPRO no one
         ever heard of a Hayes on a Commodore

<BJACKSON> (CBM never heard of a Hayes :-) )

<Bob L.> I was including it as an extra extra feature now things have
         channged.  oh well  version 2.1 is on the way.

<BJACKSON> Just see the need to cover all bases.

<B.GRAY> Is there any way to print the info in the phonebookmore
         specifically the numbers and their macros.  It sure would be
         nice!!!

<Bob L.> Well simply load the phone file into the buffer.  notice that the
         filename has a P- in front of it.  then edit out the binary data
         which is all the parameters, and dump buffer to the printer.  Thats
         the only way I can immediately think of.

<DEB> Bobthanks SOOOO much for doing such a great CO, I'll edit it up on
         your new secret weapon and post it for everyone great references
         tonight for BTPro users everywhere!!  Permanently!


         === End of Steno notes. ===