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@part(K11MIT,root="kuser")
@comment{-at-NewChapter(PDP11)}
@Chapter(PDP-11 Kermit)
@label<-k11> @Index(PDP-11) @Index(RT-11) @Index(RSX-11) @Index(RSTS/E)
@begin<description,leftmargin +20,indent -20,spread 0>
@i(Author:)@\Brian Nelson, University of Toledo, Ohio
@i(Documentation:)@\Brian Nelson
@i(Language:)@\Macro-11
@i(Version:)@\3.60
@i(Date:)@\June, 1989
@i(Systems Supported:)@\RSTS/E, RSX-11M/M+, P/OS, Micro-RSX, RT-11 and TSX+
@End(Description)
@SubHeading(Kermit-11 Capabilities At A Glance:)
@begin<format,leftmargin +2,above 1,below 1, FaceCode R>
@tabclear()@tabset(3.5inches,4.0inches)
@Index(capabilities)
Local operation:@\Yes
Remote operation:@\Yes
Transfer text files:@\Yes
Transfer binary files:@\Yes
Wildcard send:@\Yes
File transfer interruption:@\Yes
Filename collision avoidance:@\Yes
Can time out:@\Yes
8th-bit prefixing:@\Yes
Repeat count prefixing:@\Yes
Alternate block checks:@\Yes
LONG Packet protocol support:@\Yes
Sliding Windows protocol support:@\No
Terminal emulation:@\Yes
Communication settings:@\Yes
Transmit BREAK:@\Yes (depends on system)
IBM mainframe communication:@\Yes
Transaction logging:@\Yes
Session logging:@\Yes
Debug logging:@\Yes
Packet logging:@\Yes
Act as server:@\Yes
Talk to server:@\Yes
Advanced server functions:@\Yes
Local file management:@\Yes
Command/Init files:@\Yes
File attributes packets:@\Yes
Command macros:@\No
Raw file transmit:@\Yes
@End(Format)
@NewPage()
@Section(File Systems on the PDP-11)
@SubSection(File Specifications)
@Index(file specifications)
The general format of a file name is:
@q<NODE::DEVICE:[DIRECTORY]NAME.TYPE;VERSION>
'Node' refers to the DECNET node name, for example, @q<FUBAR::>, if
applicable. 'Device', if present, refers to the physical device or logical
name where the file resides.
For RSTS/E, 'device' can be a physical device, such as @q<DB0:> or @q<DU1:>,
or it can be a user or system logical name which may include both a physical
device name and a directory name. If the device name is a logical name, is it
composed of 1 to 9 alphanumeric characters, including '@q<$>', as in
@q<DISK$ONE:>, @q<LB:> and so on. For instance, the DCL system command
@Index(RSTS/E)
@example<$ ASS/SYS DB1:[200,210] SRC$DIR>
would associate both the device @q<DB1:> and directory @q<[200,210]> with
@q<SRC$DIR:>. Explicitly given directories override directory names imbedded
in a logical name. Names longer than nine characters are truncated by the
executive.
In the case of RSX-11M/M+ and RT-11, the device name can be either a physical
name, such as @q<DU0:>, or a logical name which will translate to a physical
device name, such as @q<LB:>.
On RSTS/E and RSX-11M/M+, the [directory] is a UIC (user identification code)
or PPN (project,programmer) number of the format [NNN,MMM]. All users are
assigned a UIC (or PPN) when accounts are created, this is the number you give
to LOGIN to log into the system. It is also your default UIC (or PPN).
Micro-Rsx and P/OS may have directories in either UIC format or named
directory format, such as @q<[1,2]> or @q<[KERMIT]>. For P/OS, the default
directory is @q<[USERFILES]>. Directories are not used in RT-11.
The NAME field is the primary identifier for the file. The name can be one to
nine characters for RSX-11M/M+ and P/OS, and one to six characters for RSTS/E,
RT-11 and TSX+. The TYPE field is usually used to group files according to
some convention. For example, @q<XXX.FTN> refers to a Fortran-77 source file,
@q<FOO.C> to a 'C' source file, and @q<K11POS.TSK> refers to a task image.
The version field is applicable ONLY to RSX type systems. The default
version is always the highest version number.
All systems mentioned support some sort of filename wildcarding, the
flexibility of which varies by executive. All support the use of '@q<*>' to
represent either a fully wildcarded NAME or TYPE. RSTS/E supports the use of
'@q<?>' to match any single character, whereas the others use a '@q<%>' to
match any single character. The RSTS/E Kermit server will translate '@q<%>'
to '@q<?>' internally for the GET and REMOTE DIR commands (see the section on
Kermit-11 server operation).
Examples of wildcarded filenames:
@Begin(Description)
@Index(Wildcard)
@q<*.B2S>@\Match any file with a TYPE of B2S.
@q<K11%%%.MAC>@\match any file starting with K11, followed by one to three
characters, with a TYPE of MAC.
@q<K11???.MAC>@\Same as above, but for RSTS/E only.
@q<XYZ.*;*>@\All versions of files with a NAME of XYZ with any TYPE (RSX-11M/M+
and P/OS only).
@End(description)
@SubSection[File Formats (Binary and Text)]
@Paragraph(RT-11 and TSX+)
@Index(RT-11) @Index(TSX+)
RT-11 treats all files as a contiguous stream of characters. There is no
information stored in the directory to tell the system (or program) that a
file is readable text (source program, runoff document,...) or consists of
binary data (executable program, object file, @q<.SYS> file,...). An
application program like Kermit-11 needs to know what type of file to expect,
thus the presence of the SET FILE TYPE command (discussed later). The only
real convention is that text files are streams of seven bit data with each
record terminated by a carriage return/line feed character sequence and that
binary files normally follow a filename TYPE convention. The TYPE (@q<.SAV>,
@q<.SYS>, ...) is what Kermit-11 will look at to decide if a file should be
sent as a text or binary file.
@Paragraph(RSTS/E, P/OS and RSX-11M/M+)
@Index(RSTS/E) @index(P/OS) @index(RSX-11M)
These systems can provide for a large number of file attributes for each file
by using either FCS11 (RSX-11M/M+) or RMS11 (all). Text files are normally
considered to be either STREAM format (FB$STM) or VARIABLE with implied
carriage control (FB$VAR and FB$CR). RSTS/E has historically defaulted to
STREAM, whereas the RSX based systems use VARIABLE. Kermit-11 follows those
defaults when creating files unless told to do so otherwise by the presence of
attribute data. The conversion of the internal data representation to one
that can be transmitted to another Kermit is transparent for these types of
files. Both the file attributes and the filename TYPE are examined by
Kermit-11 to determine if a file needs to be sent as a text file (default) or
a binary file. Additionally, on RSTS/E Kermit checks the file protection
code, as one of the bits in it is used to flag an executable file (bit 6).
In all cases, unless (at this time) Kermit-11 is talking to another Kermit-11,
or if Kermit-11 can't tell if a file is consists of binary data, the command
SET FILE TYPE FIXED must be used to force Kermit to either send or get a
non-text file correctly. When Kermit-11 is running in binary mode, all data
is read from (or written to) the file without any translation or internal
record control information. Any attribute information in the file's directory
entry is ignored and the data read (or written) in 512 byte unformatted
blocks. Thus it is indeed possible to transfer files like task images and
object libraries. Since Kermit-11 supports a subset of a protocol feature
called 'attributes', two Kermit-11's connected together can also correctly
transfer files other than simple text and unformatted binary files, such as
RMS indexed or relative files.
@SubSection(Saving Files on the PDP-11 From Your Microcomputer)
@Index(saving files)
You can send textual files to Kermit-11 without any special considerations as
Kermit-11 defaults to creating normal text files. However, if you are sending
a binary file (perhaps an @q<.EXE>) from say, your Rainbow under MS-DOS, you
would need to tell Kermit-11 to expect binary data. This is done with the
Kermit-11 command SET FILE TYPE FIXED. This will force Kermit-11 to write the
data out exactly as it comes, in 512 byte unformatted records. Sending the
same file back to the Rainbow would not require any special action since the
file, as it sits on the PDP-11, has the proper information in the directory
entry to tell Kermit-11 that the file is binary. As a note, for RT-11 you
would need to use a filetype that is normally considered 'binary' like
@q<.SAV> or @q<.OBJ> (see above notes for RT-11).
@Index(fixed file type)
Never try to do a wildcarded send with mixed binary and text files with the
file type set to FIXED. The result could be unusable as not all systems store
text data in the same internal format. For example, if Kermit-11 is forced
into binary mode (via SET FIL TYP FIX) and is requested to send a file with
implied carriage control (normal for RSX text files), it will actually send,
for each line, two bytes representing the record length, followed by the data
and then followed by a ASCII NUL to pad the record to an even length. That is
not incorrect, rather, it is EXACTLY how the data was stored on disk.
In general, avoid sending anything other than unformatted binary files and
text file to unlike systems. For example, requesting a RMS indexed file from
the PDP-11 to be sent to a PC would case Kermit-11 to send it as a binary
file, but the file attributes would be lost. Sending such a file back to the
PDP-11 would result in an unusable file unless you could reconstruct the
attribute information.
@SubSection(Program Operation)
Kermit-11's prompt is normally "Kermit-11>". This can be changed if
need be via the SET PROMPT command. Invoking Kermit-11 is very site
dependent.
@Paragraph(RSTS/E)
@Index(RSTS/E)
If Kermit-11 has a ccl definition, it would likely be invoked as "KER" or
"KERMIT". If not, try "RUN $KERMIT", as this is a likely place where
Kermit-11 may have been put. Otherwise consult your local support staff.
@Paragraph(RSX-11M/M+)
If Kermit-11 has been installed, it most likely will have a task name of
@q<...KER> which means that typing "KER" should get things running. If not,
consult your local support staff.
@Paragraph(RT-11/TSX+)
@Index(RT-11) @index(TSX+)
On version 5 of RT-11, programs can be run simply by typing the filename.
Thus, if there is a file @q<SY:KERMIT.SAV>, simply type "KERMIT". If this
fails, contact your local support staff for assistance.
@Paragraph(P/OS)
@Index(P/OS)
Kermit-11 is generally run from DCL on P/OS. The program is invoked
via the DCL RUN command, as in RUN K11POS or RUN KERMIT, depending on
what the task image name is.
Note that for the case where Kermit is installed (for RSTS/E and
RSX-11M/M+) that Kermit-11 can get command line arguments, as in:
@Begin(example)
@tabclear()@tabset(2.5inch)
$ KER SERV@\@r(Kermit starts as a server.)
> KER send fubar.txt@\@r(Kermit sends the file.)
@End(example)
Otherwise, the program is run interactively from the Kermit-11>
prompt:
@Begin(example)
@tabclear()@tabset(2.5inch)
$ KERMIT
Kermit-11 V3.54
Kermit-11>SET BLO 3@\@r<Changes checksum type.>
Kermit-11>SER@\@r<Enter Kermit server.>
@End(example)
Note that whenever Kermit-11 starts up, it will always try to find a file
called @q<KERMIT.INI> in your current directory. This file can contain any
valid Kermit command, though the usual use of this is to place various
Kermit-11 SET commands in it. If this file does NOT exist, it will try to
find it in @q<LB:[1,2]KERMIT.INI> (excluding RT-11). In addition to the
@q<.INI> file, commands may be placed in a file and then executed via the
Kermit-11 TAKE (or @@) command.
@Section(Local and Remote Operation)
@Index(local operation) @Index(remote operation)
Kermit-11 by default assumes that all file transfers will occur over the
terminal line that you are currently logged in on (@q<TI:>, @q<TT:>, @q<KB:>).
This is known as REMOTE mode (the PDP-11 is the remote system). This would be
the desired case if you are running Kermit on a microcomputer such as a
Rainbow and are currently logged into the PDP-11 through the micro. However,
if you wanted to dial out, say by an autodial modem, from the PDP-11 to
another system, you need to tell Kermit-11 to use some other terminal line.
This would be called LOCAL mode (the PDP-11 is the local system). The line
can be altered with the SET LINE command (see section on SET and CONNECT). A
SET LINE command is done implicitly if Kermit-11 finds itself running on a
PRO/350, under either P/OS, RT-11 or TSX+.
Since support of parity varies by both interface type (DL11 vs DZ11) and by
operating system, Kermit-11 makes NO attempt to find out what the current
parity of it's line is. Kermit-11 generates it's own parity which is set with
the SET PARITY command.
There are a couple of things to point out regarding Kermit-11 and
LOCAL mode (you did a SET LINE command):
@Begin(itemize)
The system manager may have lines other than your own protected
(or owned by the system). On RSTS/E lines are often made
unaccessible unless your account possesses the needed
privilege(s). On RSX-11M/M+, privilege is required to alter
settings on any other terminal line. You may have to talk to
your system manager to get access to an outgoing terminal line.
Once connected to a modem through another line, a means must
exist for the connection to be broken (if the host you are
calling won't do it). Given that your line has full or partial
modem control (DZV11, DZ11, DH11, DHU/V11) the RSX, RT-11/TSX+
and RSTS/E Kermits have a HANGUP (or DISCONNECT) command, which
instructs the system to disconnect the modem. Unless this is
done, you never get disconnected and could run up a tidy phone
bill.
@End(itemize)
Kermit-11 has, as of v3.53, a rudimentary command line editor. You can recall
previous commands with the UP-Arrow key, and exit the command with the LEFT
and RIGHT arrow keys. The RUBOUT key, of course, deletes characters, while
the Control-R key retypes the line. Control-E moves to the end of the line
and Control-H moves to the start of the line.
@Section(Kermit-11 Commands)
Kermit-11 has the following commands available:
@Index(Kermit-11 Commands)
@Begin(Format,spread 0)
@tabclear()@tabset(1.25inches)
@@@\ Synonym for TAKE
BYE@\ Logout a remote server
CONNECT@\ Connect to a remote system
COPY@\ Local copy of a file(s)
CWD@\ Set new working directory
DELETE@\ Local delete of a file(s)
DIAL@\ Have a connected modem dial a number
DIRECT@\ Local directory display
DISCONNECT@\ Hangup a remote line
DISPLAY@\ Internal debugging
ERASE@\ Local delete of a file(s)
EXIT@\ Exit to system
FINISH@\ Stop a remote server without logging out
GET@\ Get a file(s) from a remote server
HANGUP@\ Hangup a remote line
HOST@\ Execute system command locally (where applicable)
LOCAL@\ Force interpretation of command to the local system
LOGFILE@\ Create a log file
QUIT@\ Same as EXIT
PRINT@\ Print a file locally (where applicable)
RECEIVE@\ Receive a file(s) from a remote kermit
REMOTE@\ Prefix for file management commands to a server
RENAME@\ Local rename of filename(s)
SEND@\ Send a file(s) to a remote Kermit
SERVER@\ start a Kermit server
SET@\ Change Kermit parameters
SHOW@\ Display Kermit parameters
TAKE@\ Execute indirect command file
TYPE@\ Local display of file on terminal
WHO@\ Local display of logged in users (RSTS/E only)
@End(Format)
@Section(Commands for File Transfer)
Kermit-11 includes the standard repertoire of Kermit file transfer commands,
including SEND, RECEIVE, and GET.
@Heading(The SEND Command)
@Index(SEND Command)
Syntax: @q<SEND >@i(filespec)
The SEND command causes a file or file group to be sent from the PDP-11 to the
other system. If filespec contains wildcard characters then all matching
files will be sent, in alphabetical order (according to the ASCII collating
sequence) by name. If filespec does not contain any wildcard characters, then
the single file specified by filespec will be sent.
@subh<SEND Command General Operation>:
Files will be sent with their PDP-11 file name and type (for instance
FOO.BAR). Each file will be sent according to the record type and attributes
recorded in its file descriptor. Kermit-11 attempts to translate all formats
of text file to a format usable on any system. Note that there is no need to
set the FILE TYPE parameter for sending files, since Kermit-11 always uses the
information from the file directory entry and the filetype (extension) to
determine how to send the file.
If communication line parity is being used (see SET PARITY), Kermit-11 will
request that the other Kermit use a special kind of prefix notation for binary
files. This is an advanced feature, and not all Kermits have it; if the other
Kermit does not agree to use this feature, binary files cannot be sent
correctly. This includes executable programs (like @q<.EXE> files, CP/M
@q<.COM> files), relocatable object modules (@q<.OBJ> files), as well as any
text file containing characters with the eighth bit on.
Kermit-11 will also ask the other Kermit whether it can handle a special
prefix encoding for repeated characters. If it can, then files with long
strings of repeated characters will be transmitted very efficiently. Columnar
data, highly indented text, and binary files are the major beneficiaries of
this technique.
If you're running Kermit-11 locally, for instance dialing out from a PDP-11 to
another system using an autodialer, you should have already run Kermit on the
remote system and issued either a RECEIVE or a SERVER command. Once you give
Kermit-11 the SEND command, the name of each file will be displayed on your
screen as the transfer begins. As the transfer continues, you will get a
small display of the packet count along with the number of packets rejected.
See the SET TERMINAL and SET UPDATE commands for more information. You may
also type Control-X or Control-Z to interrupt the current file or file group.
Control-E will also abort the transfer by sending an 'error' packet to the
other Kermit.
@heading(The RECEIVE command)
@index(RECEIVE Command)
Syntax: @q<RECEIVE [>@i(filespec)@q<]>
The RECEIVE command tells Kermit-11 to receive a file or file group from the
other system. The name is taken from the incoming file header.
If an incoming file has the same name as an existing file, Kermit-11
will by default create a new file. On RT-11 and RSTS/E, the old file
will be deleted by the executive. On RSX-11M/M+ and P/OS, a new file
with a higher version number will be created. To avoid files being
superceded, see the SET FILE [NO]SUPERCEDE command.
@Index(Fixed File Type)
Incoming files will all be stored with the prevailing file type, ASCII by
default, which is appropriate for text files. If you are asking Kermit-11 to
receive binary files from a microcomputer or other 8-bit system, you must
first type SET FILE TYPE FIXED. Otherwise, an error may occur when receiving
the file. Please note that this does NOT apply to two Kermit-11 programs
connected to each other. In that case the sending Kermit-11 will tell the
receiving Kermit-11 to switch to binary mode if need be.
@Index(8th-bit Prefixing)
If parity is being used on the communications line, then 8th-bit
prefixing will be requested. If the other side cannot do this, binary
files cannot be transferred correctly.
If you are running Kermit-11 locally, you should already have issued a SEND
command to the remote Kermit, and then escaped back to Kermit-11. As files
arrive, their names will be displayed on your screen.
If a file arrives that you don't really want, you can attempt to cancel it by
typing Control-X; this sends a cancellation request to the remote Kermit. If
the remote Kermit understands this request (not all implementations of Kermit
support this feature), it will comply; otherwise it will continue to send. If
a file group is being sent, you can request the entire group be cancelled by
typing Control-Z.
Normally, one runs the remote Kermit as a SERVER, thus the RECEIVE command is
never used, rather, the GET command, described next, is used.
@heading(The GET Command)
@Index(GET Command)
Syntax: @q<GET [>@i(remote-filespec)@q<]>
The GET command requests a remote Kermit server to send the file or file group
specified by @i<remote-filespec>. This command can be used only when
Kermit-11 is local, with a Kermit server on the other end of the line
specified by SET LINE. This means that you must have CONNECTed to the other
system, logged in, run Kermit there, issued the SERVER command, and escaped
back to the PDP-11.
The remote filespec is any string that can be a legal file specification for
the remote system; it is not parsed or validated locally. Any leading spaces
before the remote filespec are stripped, and lower case characters are raised
to upper case.
As files arrive, their names will be displayed on your screen. As in the
RECEIVE command, Control-X (@q<^X>) to request that the current incoming file
be ancelled, @q<^Z> to request that the entire incoming batch be cancelled.
If the remote Kermit is not capable of server functions, then you will
probably get an error message back from it like "Illegal packet type".
In this case, you must connect to the other Kermit, give a SEND
command, escape back, and give a RECEIVE command.
@SubSection(Server Operation)
@Index(Server Operation)
The SERVER command puts a remote Kermit-11 in "server mode", so that it
receives all further commands in packets from the local Kermit. The Kermit-11
server is capable (as of this writing) of executing the following remote
server commands: SEND, GET, FINISH, BYE, REMOTE DIRECTORY, REMOTE CWD, REMOTE
SPACE, REMOTE DELETE, REMOTE TYPE, REMOTE HELP, REMOTE COPY, REMOTE RENAME,
REMOTE WHO, REMOTE LOGIN and REMOTE HOST.
Any nonstandard parameters should be selected with SET commands before putting
Kermit-11 into server mode, in particular the file type. The Kermit-11 server
can send all files in the correct manner automatically. As noted before, if a
Kermit-11 is talking to another Kermit-11, they will negotiate any 'binary'
parameters automatically. However, if this is NOT the case and you need to
ask Kermit-11 to receive binary files you must issue the SET FILE TYPE FIX
command before putting it into server mode, and then you must only send binary
files. You cannot send a mixture of text files and 8-bit binary files to a
Kermit-11 server unless the files are not for use on the PDP-11.
@SubSection(Commands for Servers)
@Index(SERVER commands)
When running in local mode, Kermit-11 allows you to give a wide range of
commands to a remote Kermit server, with no guarantee the that the remote
server can process them, since they are all optional features of the protocol.
Commands for servers include the standard SEND, GET, BYE, FINISH commands, as
well as the REMOTE command.
@heading(The BYE Command)
@Index(BYE Command)
The BYE command tells a remote server to log out of the remote system. In
addition, some remote systems will also disconnect the line for you. If this
is not the case, the DISCONNECT command will (depending on your interface)
cause the line to be dropped. See DISCONNECT.
@heading(The FINISH Command)
@Index(FINISH Command)
The FINISH command tells the remote Kermit server to exit without logging out
of the remote system. You can then CONNECT back to the Server operation
system.
@heading(The REMOTE Command)
@Index(REMOTE commands)
Send the specified command to the remote server. If the server does not
understand the command (all of these commands are optional features of the
Kermit protocol), it will reply with a message like "Unknown Kermit server
command". If does understand, it will send the results back, and they will be
displayed on the screen. The REMOTE commands are:
@begin<description>
REMOTE COPY @i<filespec newfilespec>@\
Copy file. The server is asked to make a copy of the specified
file. Both filespecs must be in the correct format for the
remote system. Kermit-11 does not parse or validate the file
specifications. Any leading spaces will be stripped and lower
case characters converted to upper case. Note that this command
simply provides for copying a file within the server's system -
it does not cause a file to be transferred.
REMOTE CWD @i<directory>@\Change Working Directory. If no directory name is
provided, the server will change to the default or home directory. Kermit-11
currently does not ask for a password.
REMOTE DELETE @i<filespec>@\
Delete the specified file or files. The names of the files that
are deleted will appear on your screen.
REMOTE DIRECTORY [@i<filespec>]@\ The names of the files that match the given
file specification will be displayed on your screen, perhaps along with size
and date information for each file. If no file specification is given, all
files from the current directory will be listed.
REMOTE HELP@\The remote server will send back a list of server commands that
it can execute.
REMOTE HOST @i<command>@\Pass the given command to the server's host
command processor, and display the resulting output on your screen. Not all
Kermit servers can do this function. In the case of Kermit-11, only the
RSTS/E Kermit-11 server can execute the REMOTE HOST command.
REMOTE LOGIN @i<user password>@\ Ask a remote server to log into a different
account or username. The support for this command is rarely implemented as
many systems layer login/logout support over the executive. A Kermit-11
server can only support this on RSTS/E, and at that only for version 9.0 or
later. Of the various DEC PDP-11 operating systems, only RSTS/E has the
support for logging in and out built into the executive and accessible with
directives.
REMOTE RENAME @i<oldfile newfile>@\ Change the name on the specified file (or
files). Both file specifications must be valid for the server's system.
REMOTE SPACE@\Display information about disk usage in the current directory.
REMOTE TYPE @i<filespec>@\Display the contents of the specified file on your
screen.
REMOTE WHO@\Display current status of user's logged in.
@end<description>
@Section(Commands for Local File Management)
@Index(Local Commands)@Index(File Management)
These commands provide some local file management capability without having to
leave the Kermit-11 program. These commands are very similar to the REMOTE
commands in function and syntax. They are all executed locally, and are
available when Kermit-11 is either local or remote. The arguments to these
commands are the same as the arguments expected from the user Kermit when
Kermit-11 is processing a command in server mode. Additionally, these
commands can be prefixed by the LOCAL keyword.
@Begin(Format)
COPY @i(filespec newfilespec)
CWD @i(directory)
DELETE @i(filespec)
DIRECTORY [@i(filespec)]
HELP
HOST @i(command)
RENAME @i(oldfile newfile)
SPACE
TYPE @i(filespec)
WHO
@End(Format)
@SubSection(The CONNECT Command)
@Index(CONNECT Command)
The CONNECT command will allow you to connect in as a terminal over the line
that was specified by the SET LINE command. (Using the CONNECT command before
using the SET LINE command will result in an error message.) The terminal
line must be one which is accessible to the user.
The distributed RSX-11M/M+ task has been built with the @q</PR:0> switch to
enable the task to change other terminal settings. Additionally, for
RSX-11M/M+, the MCR command @q<SET /SLAVE=TT>@i<nn>@q<:> should be done before
entering Kermit-11.
If you are running @q<K11POS.TSK> on a PRO/350, Kermit will set the line to
@q<XK0:> and the speed to 9600 by default.
Please note that Kermit-11 CAN NOT change the speed of a DL11 type interface,
nor can it change the speed of a PDT-150 modem port (use SPEED.SAV).
The following is an example of using a Racal-Vadic VA212 autodialing modem to
log into a remote TOPS-20 system. There is one point at which there is no
echoing of the user input, this is following the typing of the local 'escape
sequence', which by default is Control-@q<\> followed by a 'c'. The
control-@|backslash informs the terminal emulator that the next character is a
command. In this case, the command was 'C', which means to return to the
local PDP-11 system. Control-@q<\> followed by @q<?> would print a help
message. All the commands prior to the DIAL command were contained in the INI
file, @q<KERMIT.INI>.
@Begin(example)
$ kermit
Kermit-11 V3.46 Last edit: 21-Feb-1986
Kermit-11>@ux[set modem vadic]
Kermit-11>@ux[set pho num cu 9K12121234567]
Kermit-11>@ux[set logfile 20.log]
Kermit-11>@ux[set deb console]
Kermit-11>@ux[set lin tt58:]
Link: TT58: Speed: 9600, DTR not present
Kermit-11>@ux[set dtr]
Kermit-11>@ux[set spe 1200]
Kermit-11>@ux[dial cu]
Using: 9K12121234567
Connection established, type CONNECT to access remote
Kermit-11>@ux[connect]
enter class 4
class 004 start
CU20B
@@log xx.abcdef
CU20B, TOPS-20 Monitor 5.1(5101)-2
Job 28, TTY32, 2-Apr-84 4:15:24PM
Previous login was 2-Apr-84 4:10:16PM
.
.
@@logout
[Confirm]
Logged out Job 28, User XX.ABCDEF , TTY 32,
at 2-Apr-84 16:19:34, Used 0:00:11 in 0:04:10
Kermit-11>@ux[disc]
KERMIT link TT58: disconnected
Kermit-11>@ux[exit]
$ logout
@End(example)
@Section(The SET Command)
@Index(SET Command)
Syntax: @q<SET >@i<parameter keyword>
The SET command is used to set various parameters in Kermit. The format of
the SET command is:
@subHeading(SET ATTRIBUTES)
@index<Attributes>@index<File Attributes>
Syntax: @q<SET ATTRIBUTES {ON, OFF}>
Part of the Kermit protocol is the support of file attributes. Connected
Kermits that support this can send information to each other about file size,
time/date of creation, RMS file headers and other useful things. Due to
potential problems with incompatible implementations this feature can be
disabled. In this case, the sending Kermit-11 will never try to send file
attributes, even though the receiver may have indicated that it supports this.
@subHeading(SET BAUD)
@Index(SET BAUD)
This is the same as SET SPEED. See HELP SET SPEED
@subHeading(SET BINARY-TYPE)
Kermit-11 has a default list of filetypes that are scanned to decide if a file
should be sent in binary mode in addition to checking file attributes for RSX,
P/OS and RSTS/E. The user can, however, override this list with the this
command. The default list is fairly inclusive, with types such as @q<.SAV> and
@q<.TSK> forcing Kermit-11 into binary transmission. See HELP SET FIL for the
default list. Examples:
@begin<example>
Kermit-11> @ux[set binary-type .sav]
Kermit-11> @ux[set bin .exe]
@End(example)
@subHeading(SET BLOCK-CHECK)
Syntax: @q<SET BLOCK_CHECK {1, 2, 3}>
The SET BLOCKCHECK command is used to determine the block check sequence which
will be used during transmission. The block check sequence is used to detect
transmission errors. There are three types of block check available. These
are the single character checksum (default), the two character checksum, and
the three character CRC (cyclic redundancy check). This command does not
ensure that the desired type of block check will be used, since both Kermit's
involved in the transfer must agree on the block check type. Kermit-11 will
request that the type of block check set by this command be used for a
transfer. If the other Kermit has also had the same block check type
requested, then the desired block check type will be used. Otherwise, the
single character checksum will be used. The command should be given to BOTH
Kermits since Kermit-11, when in server mode, has no say about what kind of
checksum it wants to use. (See Kermit protocol manual for more information.)
@subHeading(SET CONSOLE)
Syntax: @q<SET CONSOLE {7, 8}>
The SET CONSOLE command is used under P/OS to control the passing of 8 bit
data to the terminal during the connect command. If you are getting
multinational characters being printed, this is a very useful thing to set.
The default is SET CON 7.
@subHeading(SET DEBUG)
Syntax: @q<SET DEBUG {ALL, CONSOLE, CONNECT, FILE, PACKET, STATE}>
The SET DEBUG command is used to specify the type and level of
debugging to a disk file . This disk file must have been created by
the SET LOGFILE command.
@subH(SET DEBUG ALL)
SET DEBUG ALL will turn on logging for CONSOLE,CONNECT,FILE,PACKET and STATE
to the disk file specified by SET LOGFILE. This command is the same as SET
DEBUG ON. The command format is:
@subH(SET DEBUG CONSOLE)
SET DEBUG CONSOLE will turn on logging for all i/o during a remote connect to
the disk file specified by SET LOGFILE. This command is the same as SET DEBUG
CONNECT.
@subH(SET DEBUG CONNECT)
SET DEBUG CONNECT will turn on logging for all i/o during a remote connect to
the disk file specified by SET LOGFILE. This command is the same as SET DEBUG
CONSOLE.
@subH(SET DEBUG FILE)
SET DEBUG FILE will log all file 'opens' and 'creates' to the file specified
by SET LOGFILE.
@subH(SET DEBUG HELP)
SET DEBUG HELP gives the user a list of all qualifiers which can be
used with SET DEBUG.
@subh(SET DEBUG NONE)
SET DEBUG NONE 'turns off' all debugging. This is the same as the SET
DEBUG OFF command.
@subH(SET DEBUG OFF)
SET DEBUG OFF 'turns off' all debugging. This is the same as the SET
DEBUG NONE command.
@subH(SET DEBUG ON)
SET DEBUG ON will 'turn on' logging for CONSOLE,CONNECT,FILE,PACKET and
STATE to the disk file specified by SET LOGFILE. This command is the
same as SET DEBUG ALL.
@subH(SET DEBUG PACKET)
SET DEBUG PACKET will 'turn on' logging of all receive and transmit
packets to the disk file specified by SET LOGFILE.
@subH(SET DEBUG STATE)
SET DEBUG STATE will turn on logging of all internal Kermit-11 state
transitions.
@Heading(SET DELAY)
Syntax: @q<SET DELAY >@i<seconds>
The DELAY parameter is the number of seconds to wait before sending data after
a SEND command is given. This is used when Kermit-11 is running in remote
mode to allow the user time to escape back to the other Kermit and give a
RECEIVE command.
@Heading(SET DEFAULT)
Syntax: @q<SET DEFAULT >@i<device>
The DEFAULT parameter allows you to specify a device and UIC (or PPN) for all
subsequent file opens (for SENDING) and file creates (for RECEIVING). It is
disabled by typing SET HOME. Example:
@begin(example)
Kermit-11>@ux<set default db2:[200,201]>
@end(example)
This is quite useful for Kermit-11 running on a DECNET link, as you
can set the default for file operations to include node names and
passwords as in:
@Begin(example)
Kermit-11>@ux<set def orion::sys$system:[fubar]>
@End(example)
@Heading(SET DIAL)
Kermit-11 has knowledge built in to it of a number of the more common 'smart'
autodial modems. To find out if your modem is directly supported try the
command SET MODEM ?. If your modem is not in this list then you need the SET
DIAL command to generate the data base used by Kermit to control the modem.
Kermit uses this information to implement the DIAL command. A command such as
DIAL can only be done when Kermit knows both how to format commands to the
modem, and what kind of text the modem will send back to it in response. As
an example, the VADIC VA212PA modem is awakened from an idle state by the
character sequence 05 015 (in octal), which is a Control-E followed by a
carriage return. In response to this two-character string, the modem responds
with:
@begin<example>
HELLO: I'M READY
*
@End(example)
Thus Kermit has to know that when it sends the wakeup sequence it needs to
wait for the asterisk to be sent back by the modem. At this point Kermit will
know that the modem is in a state awaiting further commands, such as that to
dial a phone number.
It is not possible for Kermit to have knowledge of all makes of modems.
Instead Kermit supports a command, SET MODEM USER_DEFINED, which then allows
you to use the SET DIAL command to inform Kermit how the modem works. Once
Kermit knows how to control the modem, you can use the DIAL command to
initiate a call from Kermit.
The SET DIAL commands are:
@Begin(Format)
@tabclear()@tabset(3.0inch)
SET DIAL WAKEUP@\@r<Define the wakeup string>
SET DIAL PROMPT@\@r<Define the prompt the modem uses>
SET DIAL INITIATE@\@r<Define a string to start dialing>
SET DIAL CONFIRM@\@r<Define the string to confirm number>
SET DIAL FORMAT@\@r<Define the number formatting string>
SET DIAL SUCCESS@\@r<Define string(s) for call complete>
SET DIAL INFO@\@r<Define string(s) for informative text>
SET DIAL FAILURE@\@r<Define string(s) for call failure>
SET DIAL CONFIRM@\@r<Define string for number confirmation>
SET DIAL WAKE_RATE@\@r<Set pause time between wakeup characters>
SET DIAL DIAL_RATE@\@r<Set pause time between number digits>
SET DIAL DIAL_PAUSE@\@r<Define string for dial tone pause>
@End(Format)
Suppose we had to tell Kermit about the Racal Vadic VA212PA modem
(though in reality Kermit already knows about that kind). In checking
the owners manual for it, we find that:
@Begin(itemize)
To wake the modem up, we type a control E followed by a carriage
return.
To dial a number, we type the letter D followed by a carriage return. At this
point, the modem prints a NUMBER? prompt, we then type the desired number in.
It reprints the number and then waits for a carriage return from us to confirm
that its really the correct phone number.
When it completes dialing, it will print 'ON LINE' or 'ONLINE'
for a successful call, otherwise it may display on the terminal
'BUSY', 'FAILED CALL', 'NO DIAL', 'VOICE' or 'TIME OUT'. While
it is waiting for its call to be answered, it may print the line
'RINGING' several times in order to tell you that it is working
on it.
@End(itemize)
The Kermit commands required would be:
@begin<example>
Kermit-11>SET MODEM USER_DEFINED
Kermit-11>SET DIAL WAKEUP \05\015
Kermit-11>SET DIAL PROMPT *
Kermit-11>SET DIAL INITIATE D\015
Kermit-11>SET DIAL FORMAT %P%S\015
Kermit-11>SET DIAL CONFIRM \015
Kermit-11>SET DIAL SUCCESS ONLINE
Kermit-11>SET DIAL SUCCESS ON LINE
Kermit-11>SET DIAL INFO RINGING
Kermit-11>SET DIAL FAILURE BUSY
Kermit-11>SET DIAL FAILURE FAILED CALL
Kermit-11>SET DIAL FAILURE NO DIAL
Kermit-11>SET DIAL FAILURE VOICE
Kermit-11>SET DIAL FAILURE TIME OUT
Kermit-11>SET DIAL DIAL_PAUSE 9K
Kermit-11>DIAL 14195551212
@End(example)
The notation "@q<\05\015>" indicates the Control E followed by a carriage
return; 05 is octal for control E, 015 is octal for carriage return. An
alternate notation for octal numbers can be used by placing the value inside
of inequality characters, as in SET DIAL WAKE <05><015> though the former is
preferred.
The notation "@q<%P%S\015>" indicates to Kermit that the phone number from the
dial command is to be followed by a carriage return; the @q<%S> is simply a
placeholder for the phone number. The presence of the @q<%P> is to indicate
where to insert the dial pause string, in this case we need to dial 9 and wait
for a second dial tone. The "K" is the Racal Vadic code to get the modem to
pause. If you are dialing on a direct line, the DIAL_PAUSE command is
unneeded. If for any reason you need to pass a "\" or "<" to your modem,
simply prefix the character with another "\", as in "\\".
Many modems require only the WAKEUP, PROMPT, FORMAT and result strings. The
Digital DF112 is an example of this; its definition would look like:
@Begin(example)
Kermit-11>SET MODEM USER_DEFINED
Kermit-11>SET DIAL WAKEUP \02
Kermit-11>SET DIAL PROMPT READY
Kermit-11>SET DIAL FORMAT %S#
Kermit-11>SET DIAL SUCCESS ATTACHED
Kermit-11>SET DIAL FAILURE BUSY
Kermit-11>SET DIAL FAILURE DISCONNECTED
Kermit-11>SET DIAL FAILURE ERROR
Kermit-11>SET DIAL FAILURE NO ANSWER
@End(example)
Some modems may be unable to accept data at the line speed; in this case we
would need to use the SET DIAL WAKE_RATE and SET DIAL DIAL_RATE. These two
commands accept a delay time in milliseconds; the actual delay will not be
precise as the PDP-11 line clock interrupts sixty times per second.
Furthermore, on RSTS/E the finest granularity for timing is one second; thus
setting delays would result in delays of one second increments.
In general, not all of the result fields need be specified except for the call
completed strings; Kermit will time out after a while if it can't match a
response with any definitions.
Further information can be found in the sections on SET MODEM, DIAL, REDIAL
and SET PHONE.
@Heading(SET DTR)
The SET DTR command is very similar to the DISCONNECT (or HANGUP) command.
SET DTR, where supported, raises DTR for a predetermined amount of time,
whereas the DISCONNECT (or HANGUP) command drops DTR. The SET DTR is only
functional on RSTS/E, which by default keeps DTR low until either RING
INDICATOR or CARRIER DETECT goes high. This is opposite of the behavior on
RT11 and RSX11M/M+, both of which normally assert DTR. The SET DTR command
raises DTR for at least 30 seconds (depending on the version of RSTS/E) and is
useful for making connections to front end switches (such as MICOM and
GANDALF). On RT11, SET DTR is identical to the HANGUP command; it simply
drops DTR for two seconds. In this case (RT11 and TSX+) this command is only
supported on RT11 5.2 and TSX+ 6.0 with the XL/XC and CL drivers,
respectively. This command is a no-op on RSX11M/M+ and P/OS. For further
information on modem support, see the later section regarding such.
@Heading(SET DUPLEX)
Syntax: @q(SET DUPLEX {FULL, HALF})
The DUPLEX parameter controls whether an outgoing link (set via the SET LINE
command) is a full duplex link (the default) or a half duplex link. All it
does for half duplex is to cause all characters typed after the CONNECT
command to be echoed locally.
@Heading(SET END-OF-LINE)
Syntax: @q(SET END-OF-LINE <octal ASCII value>)
The END-OF-LINE parameter sets the ASCII character which will be used as a
line terminator for all packets SENT to the other KERMIT. This is normally
not needed for most versions of KERMIT.
@Heading(SET ESCAPE)
@Index(SET ESCAPE)
Syntax @q(SET ESCAPE )<octal ASCII value>)
This command will set the escape character for the CONNECT processing. The
command will take the octal value of the character to use as the escape
character. This is the character which is used to "escape" back to Kermit-11
after using the CONNECT command. It defaults to control (octal 34). It is
usually a good idea to set this character to something which is not used (or
at least not used very much) on the system being to which Kermit-11 is
CONNECTing.
@Heading(SET FILE)
Syntax: @q<SET FILE {NOSUPERCEDE, SUPERCEDE, TYPE @i<file-type>}>
The SET FILE command allows you to set various file related parameters.
@Heading(SET FILE TYPE ASCII)
@Index(SET FILE TYPE)
File type ASCII is for text files. SET FILE TYPE TEXT is the same.
@subH(SET FILE TYPE AUTO)
Kermit-11 will normally try to decide if a file must be sent in binary mode
based on the file attributes and filetype. If, for instance, the directory
entry for @q<FUBAR.TXT> showed it to be RMS (or FCS) fixed length records,
Kermit-11 will switch to binary mode and send it verbatim. If the receiving
Kermit is Kermit-11, then the sending Kermit will send attribute data over
also. The file types shown in Table @ref<-k11ft> also will normally be sent
as binary files unless you use the SET FILE TYPE NOAUTO command.
@begin<table>
@bar()
@blankspace(1)
@begin<format>
@q<*.TSK> RSX, IAS, and RSTS tasks
@q<*.SAV> RT11 and RSTS save images
@q<*.OBJ> Compiler and macro-11 output
@q<*.STB> TKB and LINK symbol tables
@q<*.CRF> TKB and LINK cross reference files
@q<*.TSD> 'Time shared DIBOL' for RT11
@q<*.BAC> RSTS Basic-plus 'compiled' files
@q<*.OLB> RSX, IAS, and RSTS object libraries
@q<*.MLB> RSX, IAS, and RSTS macro libraries
@q<*.RTS> RSTS/E run time systems
@q<*.EXE> VMS executable
@End(Format)
@caption<Kermit-11 File Types>
@tag(-k11ft)
@bar()
@end(table)
@subH(SET FILE TYPE BINARY)
@Index(SET FILE TYPE)
File type BINARY is for non-text files. Note that binary files which are
generated on a PDP-11 system cannot be transferred to another (non PDP-11)
system without losing file attributes. This means that (for example), an
RSM11 indexed file cannot be transmitted with Kermit-11 at this time. You can
not have parity set to anything but NONE to use binary file transfer (see HELP
SET PARITY) unless the other Kermit can process eight bit quoting. Two
Kermit-11's connected to each other will use binary transmission automatically
via the Kermit attribute packets, preserving file attributes where it makes
sense (i.e. RSTS/E and RSX only).
@subH(SET FILE TYPE DECMULTINATIONAL)
PDP-11 Kermit normally strips the high bit of every character on both
transmission and reception of files (unless the SET FILE TYPE FIXED command
was given). The SET FIL DEC command will cause Kermit-11 to leave all data
intact but still obey the host file system when reading or writing files. In
other words, Kermit will write sequential implied carriage control files with
eight bit data if this command is used.
@subHeading(SET FILE TYPE FIXED)
@Index(SET FILE TYPE FIXED)
This is the same as SET FILE TYPE BINARY.
@subH(SET FILE TYPE NOAUTO)
SET FILE NOAUTO disables Kermit-11 from trying to base binary transmission
mode on file attributes or filetype.
@subH(SET FILE SUPERCEDE)
Syntax: @q<SET FILE {SUPERCEDE, NOSUPERCEDE}>
SET FILE [NO]SUPERCEDE allows Kermit-11 to accept or reject files received
(from either the RECEIVE or GET commands) on a per file basis. The default is
SUPERCEDE. By doing SET FILE NOSUPERCEDE Kermit-11 will always check to see
if the file to be created is already there (independent of version number) and
reject it to the sending server if it exists. This presumes that the Kermit
sending the file understands the protocol to reject one file of a (possibly)
wildcarded group of files. The main use of this is to resume getting a group
of files, as in @q<GET KER:K11*.*> or @q<GET KER:MS????.*> having lost the
connection after transferring some of the files. If this is set, then any
files already transferred will not be transferred again.
@Heading(SET HOME)
SET HOME resets the default device and UIC (or PPN) to nothing, ie, all file
opens and creates use your default disk (@q<SY:>) and your UIC (or PPN).
@Heading(SET IBM-MODE)
Syntax: @q<SET IBM {ON, OFF}>
The SET IBM ON (or OFF) will instruct Kermit-11 to wait for an XON following
each packet sent to an IBM host in linemode. Since the default for IBM mode
may not always be appropriate for your IBM compatible system, you can always
use the SET HANDSHAKE XON and SET DUPLEX HALF to avoid the parity setting
implied by using IBM mode.
@Heading(SET LINE)
@Index(SET LINE)
Syntax: @q<SET LINE >@i<device-designator>
The SET LINE command sets the terminal name up for use with the connect
command. To use this you must have access to that device. On many systems
terminal lines other than your own are protected from access, and may require
special procedures to access them. The form of the device name is TTnnn:,
where 'nnn' is a decimal number for RSTS and an octal number for RSX-11M/M+.
For RT-11, the device name is simply the MT unit number shown by the SHO TER
command, as in '5' for DZ11 unit 0 line 4. If the system is running RT-11
version 5 you can do a SET LIN XL:. At worst case, Kermit-11 can use the
console port on RT-11. For more information see the notes later on for RT-11
If you are running @q<K11POS.TSK> for P/OS on the PRO/350, Kermit-11 will set
the line to @q<XK0:> and the speed to 9600 baud when Kermit starts. To
override the line or speed, set HELP SET LINE and HELP SET SPEED. Examples:
@Begin(example)
Kermit-11>SET LINE TT55: @r<(for RSTS and RSX-11M/M+)>
Kermit-11>SET LINE 5 @r<(for RT-11 and MT service)>
Kermit-11>SET LINE XK0: @r<(for P/OS, done implicitly)>
Kermit-11>SET LINE XL: @r<(for RT-11 and XL handler)>
@End(example)
See HELP CONNECT, HELP SET DUPLEX and HELP SET SPEED for more information.
Also, for TSX+, see notes regarding TSX later in these notes. The RT-11 XL
handler has notes later on also.
@Heading(SET LOGFILE)
@Index(SET LOGFILE) @index(logfile)
Syntax: @q(SET LOGFILE )@i<filespec>
The SET LOGFILE command creates a debug dump file for you. It must be used
BEFORE any SET DEBUG commands can be used. See HELP DEBUG for further
information about debugging modes.
@Heading(SET MODEM)
The SET MODEM command defines the type of MODEM use for dialing out on the
line set with the SET LINE command, or, in the case of the PRO/350, the XC or
XK port. There are only a few modems defined at this time, they are:
@Begin(description,spread 0)
VADIC@\Generic RACAL-VADIC autodial
VA212PA@\Stand alone VADIC VA212
VA212PAR@\Rack mounted VADIC VA212
VA4224@\Rack mounted VADIC VA4224 .v22bis
HAYES@\Hayes smartmodem
DF100@\DEC DF112
DF200@\DEC DF224
DF03@\DEC DF03
MICROCOM
@End(description)
The DIAL command is then used after the SET MODEM command. For example, on a
PRO/350 running P/OS:
@Begin(example)
Kermit-11>@ux[set prompt PRO>]
PRO>@ux[set modem va212pa]
PRO>@ux[dial 5374411]
Modem in command mode
Modem dialing
Connection made, type CONNECT to access remote
PRO>@ux[con]
Enter class ? @ux[VX785A]
Class start
Username: @ux[BRIAN]
Password: @ux[ ]
...@i<and so on>
@End(example)
@Heading(SET PACKET-LENGTH)
@Index(SET PACKET-LENGTH) @index(packet-length)
Syntax: @q(SET PACKET-LENGTH )@i<length>
You can alter the default transmitted packet length with the SET
PACKET-LENGTH command. This should not normally be needed unless the
line is very noisy, at which time you should probably give up anyway.
@Heading(SET PARITY)
@Index(parity) @Index(SET PARITY)
Syntax: @q(SET PARITY {EVEN, ODD, MARK, NONE, SPACE})
This is used with the SET LINE and CONNECT commands to specify the
type of parity for the remote link. It defaults to NONE and can be
any of ODD, EVEN, MARK or SPACE.
All parity generation is done via software, no special hardware is used. The
use of software parity generation is restricted to 8 bit links only. The
character format, if parity is set to anything but NONE, will be 7 bits of
data followed with high bit set or cleared to indicate the parity. If you set
parity to anything but NONE (the default), Kermit-11 will be forced to request
8bit prefixing from the other Kermit-11, which is a method by which Kermit can
'prefix' eight bit characters with a shift code. You MUST use parity (even if
MARK or SPACE) when using Kermit-11 with the IBM CMS Series/1 or 7171 3270
emulator, or in linemode through a 3705 front end.
@Heading(SET PAUSE)
Syntax: @q(SET PAUSE )@i<seconds>
PAUSE tells Kermit to wait the specified number of seconds between
each packet being sent to the other Kermit. This may be useful under
situations of heavy system load. This may be automatically computer
by Kermit-11 in a future release as a function of line speed.
@Heading(SET PHONE)
Syntax: @q(SET PHONE {NUMBER, TONE, PULSE, BLIND})
The SET PHONE NUMBER command allows you to associate a phone number with a
symbolic name for later use with the DIAL command. These definitions could be
placed in your @q<KERMIT.INI> file, and then referenced later. Example:
@begin<example>
Kermit-11>@ux[set pho num work 5374411]
Kermit-11>@ux[set pho num market 16174671234]
Kermit-11>@ux[dial work]
@End(example)
The other two SET PHONE options, SET PHONE [TONE][PULSE] and SET PHONE BLIND
are not useful unless the appropiate dial formatting string and character
sequences for selecting PULSE or TONE, and BLIND dialing are present in the
modem definition macros in @q<K11DIA.MAC>. The format effector for TONE/PULSE
is @q<%M> and the effector for BLIND is @q<%B>. Currently (in 3.54) only the
VA4224 has entries for these options.
@Heading(SET POS)
Syntax: @q(SET POS {DTE, NODTE})
The SET POS command allows options SPECIFIC to P/OS to be altered. The most
useful option is the SET POS [NO]DTE command. This allows Kermit-11 to use
PRO/Communications version 2 for terminal emulation, if this product has been
installed on the PRO/350. Of course, if this option is chosen, control is
returned to the PRO with the EXIT key (F10) rather than with Control \C.
@Heading(SET PROMPT)
@Index(SET PROMPT) @index(Prompt)
Syntax: @q(SET PROMPT )@i<prompt>
The SET PROMPT command is useful if you are using two Kermit-11's to talk to
each other. By using the SET PROMPT command, you can change the prompt from
'Kermit-11>' on either (or both) Kermit to something that would indicate which
system you are currently connected to. Examples:
@Begin(example)
Kermit-11>@ux[set prompt Kermit-11/1170>]
Kermit-11>@ux[set prompt Fubar>]
Kermit-11>@ux[set prompt ProKermit-11>]
@End(example)
@Heading(SET RECEIVE)
@Index(SET RECEIVE)
Currently the SET RECEIVE and SET SEND basically work the same in that they
only alter the END-OF-LINE character and the START-OF-PACKET value, as in:
@Begin(example)
Kermit-11>@ux[set rec start 2]
Kermit-11>@ux[set rec end 12]
@End(example)
The command SET RECEIVE PACKET-LENGTH command is discussed below.
@subH(SET RECEIVE END-OF-LINE)
This instructs Kermit-11 to expect something other than the default
carriage return (octal 15) at the end of a packet. Kermit-11 will
ignore packet terminators. The SET SEND END command is of more use in
conditioning outgoing packets.
@subH(SET RECEIVE START-OF-PACKET)
The normal Kermit packet prefix is Control-A (ASCII 1); this command changes
the prefix Kermit-11 expects on incoming packets. The only reasons this
should ever be changed would be: Some piece of equipment somewhere between the
two Kermit programs will not pass through a Control-A; or, some piece of of
equipment similarly placed is echoing its input. In the latter case, the
recipient of such an echo can change the packet prefix for outbound packets to
be different from that of arriving packets so that the echoed packets will be
ignored. The opposite Kermit must also be told to change the prefix for its
inbound packets and the prefix it uses on outgoing packets.
@heading(SET RECEIVE PACKET-LENGTH)
@Index(SET RECEIVE PACKET-LENGTH) @Index(receive packet-length)
@index(Long Packets)
Syntax: @q(SET RECEIVE PACKET-LENGTH )@i<length>
This command has two functions. The first, and normal one, is to reduce
incoming packet lengths in the event that normal sized Kermit packets can not
be passed through the communications circuit. There could be, perhaps, some
'black box' somewhere in the link that has a very small buffer size; this
command could be used to reduce the size that the SENDING Kermit will use.
The other use is to enable a protocol extension to Kermit called 'Long
Packets'. The actual protocol is documented elsewhere, let's just say that
this is a way for two Kermit's to use packet sizes far greater than the normal
('Classic') packet size if 90 characters or so. The main use of this feature
is in file transfer over links that introduce considerable delay, it is not
uncommon for packets to incur an one to two second delay. The net result is a
VERY slow running Kermit with an effective speed of perhaps 300 to 600 baud
rather than 1200 or 2400 baud. By making the packets longer, we raise the
effective speed of such a circuit. The main restriction on the packet size
chosen is the link, a given circuit may not pass 500 character packets. Also,
BOTH Kermits must support this extension to the protocol, they will always
negotiate it before any file transfer. See the notes at the end of this
document for more information.
It is HIGHLY recommended that you use the CRC block check, as the
default type one checksum could be inadequate for such long packets,
as in:
@Begin(example)
Kermit-11>SET BLO 3
@End(example)
@Heading(SET RECORD-FORMAT)
@Index(record-format) @Index(SET RECORD-FORMAT)
Syntax: @q(SET RECORD-FORMAT {STREAM, VARIABLE})
Kermit will, by default, create RMS11 variable length implied carriage control
records for text files. You can override this and change it to create stream
ascii records with the SET RECORD-FORMAT STREAM command. This is useful for
RSTS/E systems if you need file compatability with BASIC Plus. This command
would be most useful in a @q<KERMIT.INI> file, which is executed by KERMIT
when Kermit starts.
@Heading(SET RETRY)
@Index(SET RETRY)
Syntax: (SET RETRY )@i<number>
SET RETRY value tells Kermit to try that many times on a NAK'ed packet
before giving up. This should only be needed if the line is extremely
noisy or the PDP-11 host is running very slowly due to the system
load.
@Heading(SET RSX)
@Index(SET RSX)
The SET RSX command is intended to deal with the peculiarities often
found with RSX systems. There are currently three SET RSX commands,
as in:
@Begin(example)
Kermit-11>SET RSX FASTIO @r<Default for packet reading,>
@r(waits for <CR>.)
Kermit-11>SET RSX CHARIO @r<Read one char at a time for>
@r<packet reading.>
Kermit-11>SET RSX TC.DLU n @r<Alters the TC.DLU setting.>
Kermit-11>SET RSX CONNECT ALT @r<Uses a new (v2.33) connect>
@r<driver which bypasses TTDRV>
@r<flow control.>
Kermit-11>SET RSX CONNECT DEF @r<Use old connect code (2.32)>
@End(example)
The SET RSX command is subject to change and the above options may be removed
in the future. Note the the SET RSX CHARIO may be needed when transfering
files with parity enabled. This command alters the method by which a packet
is read; instead of waiting for a carriage return, Kermit reads the typeahead
byte count and then issues a read for that many characters. This is the same
method Kermit-11 ALWAYS uses under P/OS.
@Heading(SET RT-11 CREATE-SIZE)
@Index(SET RT-11 CREATE-SIZE)
Syntax: (SET RT-11 CREATE-SIZE )@i<number>
The SET RT-11 CREATE value command was added to assist those RT-11 users with
very small disks to be able to get files with sizes greater that half of the
available contiguous space available. While this is NOT a problem going from
one Kermit-11 to another Kermit-11 since the PDP-11 Kermit supports a subset
of the protocol known as 'ATTRIBUTES', other Kermits may not support the
exchange of file sizes (most do not). Thus if your largest contiguous space
is 300 blocks and you want to get a 250 block file, the command:
@Begin(example)
Kermit-11>@ux(set rt-11 cre 250)
@End(example)
would be needed, as RT-11 by default only allocates 50 percent of the
available space.
@Heading(SET RT-11 FLOW-CONTROL)
@Index(SET RT-11 FLOW-CONTROL)
Syntax: @q(SET RT-11 {FLOW-CONTROL, NOFLOW})
Note that for the connect command under RT-11 you will most likely need
xon/off flow control to be generated by Kermit-11. This is enabled with the
SET RT-11 FLOW command. This is by default NOFLOW since the modem the author
uses, a Vadic 212PA, can't handle XONs and XOFFs while in command mode. The
solution here is to escape back to Kermit command mode after the remote system
has been logged into, and then type SET RT-11 FLOW.
The effect of SET RT-11 FLOW is for Kermit-11, when in connect mode, to send
an XOFF to the host every eight characters. When the loop in the connect
module finds no more data in the input buffer, it sends up to 2 XON characters
(in case the first XON got lost) to tell the remote system to start sending
again. The reason for doing so is that the RT-11 multiple terminal service is
very slow about handling input interrupts and does not do any of it's own flow
control when it's internal ring buffer gets full. This has been tested at
line speeds up to 4800 baud without losing data. This setting should not be
needed for use with the XC/XL handlers.
SET RT-11 FLOW has NO effect on packet transmission, since the Kermit packet
size is never mode than 96 characters, and the RT-11 input buffer is 134
characters in size.
The SET RT-11 [NO]FLOW command replaces the older SET RTFLOW [ON][OFF].
@Heading(SET RT-11 VOLUME-VERIFY)
Syntax: @q(SET RT-11 {VOLUME-VERIFY, NOVOLUME})
Normally RT-11 Kermit-11 will check the directory header of a disk to verify
that it most likely contains a valid RT-11 file structure before trying to
read the directory. If for some reason your disk does not contain the
standard data at offset 760 in the header, Kermit-11 will reject the disk.
The SET RT-11 NOVOL command will instruct Kermit-11 to bypass that check.
@Heading(SET SEND)
@Index(SET SEND) @index(SEND)
The SET SEND command controls what Kermit-11 will be doing for outgoing
packets in that you may want to alter the packet terminator and/or the start
of packet character (by default, 15 octal and 1 octal respectively. See HELP
SET RECEIVE for more information.
The only extra option for SET SEND is SET SEND [NO]XON. If the command SET
SEND XON is give, then every packet sent will be prefixed with an XON
character. This could be useful in situations where flow control is erratic.
The actual intent of this option was to try to circumvent a firmware bug in
the DHV11 when used under RSTS/E.
@Heading(SET SPEED)
@Index(SET SPEED) @Index(SET BAUD) @Index(baud)
Syntax: @q(SET SPEED )@i<speed>
SET SPEED value sets the line speed for the device specified via the SET LINE
command, and used for the CONNECT command. Changing the speed of a terminal
line requires privilege for RSTS and RSX-11M/M+. The SET SPEED command will
only function with a DH11, DHV11, DZ11 or DZV11 multiline interface. Example:
@Begin(example)
Kermit-11>@ux[set speed 1200]
@End(example)
1200 Baud would be a normal speed to use with a VA212PA or a DF03.
Please note that Kermit-11 CAN NOT change the speed of a DL11 type interface,
nor can it change the speed of a PDT-150 modem port. For a PDT-150 modem
port, use a command of @q</M/S:>@i<nnnn> to change the speed to @i<nnnn> for
the @q<SPEED.SAV> program.
@Heading(SET TIMEOUT)
Syntax: @q(SET TIMEOUT )@i<seconds>
The timeout value tells Kermit how long to wait to get a packet from the other
Kermit. If system loads are high, it may be desirable to increase this beyond
the default of 10 seconds.
@Heading(SET TERMINAL)
@Index(SET TERMINAL)
Syntax: @q(SET TERMINAL {TTY, VT100})
The SET TERMINAL command simply controls the way which Kermit-11 prints packet
counts while send or receiving a file (or group of files). The simplest way
is the default, SET TER TTY. Using SET TER VT100 will cause Kermit to display
headers for the numbers printed, at a possible cost in packet speed due to
screen control overhead. On the PRO/350, VT100 is assumed. On RSTS/E v9.0
and later, the executive is queried for the terminal type.
@Heading(SET UPDATE)
@Index(SET UPDATE)
Syntax: @q(SET {UPDATE @i<number>, NOUPDATE})
The SET UPDATE command controls the frequency at which the packet count
display is updated. The default is 1, displaying each packet. A SET UPD 0
will disable all packet count logs, whereas a SET UPD N will update the
display every N packets. The SET NOUPDATE command is the same as SET UPDATE
0.
@SubSection(The DIAL Command) @Index(DIAL)
The DIAL command is new for version 3.29 of Kermit-11. The DIAL command is
used to dial a number on an attached modem of known type (see SET MODEM). To
find out the current known modems, use the SET MODEM ? command. The
following example shows a RACAL-VADIC VA212 modem connect to the @q<XK:> port
on a PRO/350 running P/OS version 2.
@Begin(example)
Kermit-11>set prompt PRO>
PRO>set modem va212pa
PRO>dial 5374401
Modem in command modem
Modem dialing
Connection failed, !BUSY
PRO>dial 5374411
Modem in command modem
Modem dialing
Connection made, type CONNECT to access remote
PRO>con
Enter class ? VX785A
Class start
Username: BRIAN
Password: ......................
@End(example)
See SET MODEM for more information.
@Section(System Manager's Notes)
@SubSection(Odds and Ends)
There are a few odds and ends that should be made aware to the system manager
of any PDP-11 system regarding Kermit-11. They are as follows, grouped by
operating system. Please note that installation instructions are in
@q<K11INS.DOC> and that additional information may be in Kermit-11's online
help command.
@heading(Restrictions)
Prior to version 2.21, Kermit-11 did not support 8-bit prefixing. Prior to
version 2.23, Kermit-11 did not support repeat character encoding.
The PRO/RT-11 version of Kermit-11 will request 8-bit prefixing due to the
fact that the XC handler does not support 8BIT data. For most Kermits this
should not be a problem. The XC handler always strips bit 7 from the
character being sent, so the PRO/RT-11 version of Kermit will request
prefixing of such. It does so internally by setting PARITY to SPACE (always
clear the high bit, bit seven).
Note that this implies that a SET PARITY SPACE command will force Kermit-11 to
request '8bit' prefixing in order to transfer binary files across a seven bit
link.
@heading(P/OS)
@Index(P/OS)
Kermit-11 will run on under P/OS on the Pro/350, the executable file is called
@q<K11POS.TSK>. It does NOT run from a menu, the normal way to run it is via
the RUN command in DCL. It will support the Kermit-11 attribute packets, thus
a PRO/350 connected to a PDP-11 host can transparently handle binary and other
types of files. The P/OS Kermit-11 can be run either as a local Kermit or a
Kermit server. This has been tested under P/OS version 2 connected to both a
PDP-11/23+ and PDP-11/70 RSTS/E host.
When Kermit-11 is started on the PRO, it will automatically do a @q<SET LINE
XK0:> and a SET SPEED 9600. You can, of course, change the speed to whatever
you need with the SET SPEED command. The line should be left as @q<XK0:>.
The top row function keys are mapped internally. Kermit-11 maps F5 (break)
into a true BREAK (a space of 275 ms), F6 (interrupt) to Control-C, F10 to
Control-Z, F11 to escape (octal 33) and F12 to backspace (octal 10). The
incoming escape sequence DECID is intercepted to allow Kermit-11 to send back
a device response of VT100.
@heading(RSTS/E)
@Index(RSTS/E)
Kermit-11 runs on version 7.2 or later of RSTS/E. Due to options present in
version 8, binary file transfers will not be possible under version 7.2 of
RSTS/E. This is due to the use of 8 bit mode for the terminal link to allow
all characters to be passed. The so called '8BIT' terminal setting was new as
of version 8.0-06 of RSTS/E.
Any RSTS/E system running Kermit-11 will need the sysgen option for multiple
private delimiters in the terminal driver. This special mode is needed since
the 'normal' RSTS/E binary terminal mode has a 'feature' that disables binary
mode whenever the terminal times out on a read. Since timeouts are essential
to Kermit error recovery, binary mode can not be used for i/o.
Certain functions of Kermit-11 require that the system manager install Kermit
with temporary privileges, these commands are the SYSTEM, WHO and REMOTE HOST
commands. Kermit-11 does NOT need these to operate correctly.
Kermit-11 can only be built (from source, not from HEX files) under RSTS/E
version 8.0 or later due to the use of RMS11 v2.0 and new assembler
directives.
Support for the server remote login is only available under RSTS/E 9.0 or
later. Also, a REMOTE LOGIN command to a RSTS/E server will fail unless the
user has the WACNT privilege. While the LOGIN program will skip the password
lookup if WACNT is present, Kermit will require a password.
@heading(RSX-11M/M+)
@Index(RSX-11M/M+)
Kermit-11 can not be installed non-checkpointable due to an apparent RMS11
bug. In other words, don't try to install the task '/CKP=NO'.
To use the connect command effectively, typeahead support is needed in the
terminal driver. For RSX-11M+, set the typeahead buffer size high, as in SET
/TYPEAHEAD=TT22:200. Also, if your connect line is TT22: (as above), use the
mcr command SET/SLAVE=TT22:
Kermit-11 can only be built under RSX-11M version 4.1 or later, or under
RSX-11M Plus version 2.1 or later due to the use of RMS11 v2.0 and new
assembler directives.
There is a SET RSX command, see HELP SET RSX for further information.
As a side issue, please note that the file @q<K11POS.TSK> is quite usable
under RSX, the difference being that @q<K11RSX.TSK> has DECNET support and
RMS-11 overlayed in the task image (besides which, due to the lack author's
systems running RSX may not be up to date) linked into it, whereas K11POS has
NO Decnet support but IS linked to the RMS11 library RMSRES (v2), thus K11POS
saves disk space as well as supporting named directories, ala VMS style.
@heading(RT-11)
@Index(RT-11)
Kermit-11, as of version 2.20, has been tested under RT-11 version 5.0 under
the FB and XM monitors using a DZ11 line for the link, and also on a PDT-150
using the modem port for the link. It has additionally been run under
Micro-11's and the PRO/350 using the XL and XC handlers respectively.
Kermit-11 requires .TWAIT support as well as multiple terminal support (unless
the XL/XC handler is used). The use of multiple terminal support allows
Kermit-11 to use any type of interface sysgened, including the DZ11 and DZV11.
It is possible under version 5 of RT-11 to use the XL: handler instead of the
multiple terminal support. The use of the XL: driver will result in much
faster file transfer at high baud rates. Note that XL: must be set up at
system startup or at some time later to set the proper speed, CSR and vector.
For those users who do not have multiple terminal support and do not have the
XL handler, Kermit-11 will force the use of the console for data transfers.
This will require that Kermit-11 request eight bit prefixing from any other
Kermit wishing to send binary data files. Additionally, you can force console
mode by doing a SET LINE TT:
Please note that the device name syntax for terminal lines follows the MT unit
numbers, thus if a SHO TER gave unit 5 for DZ11 line 0 the the device name
would be SET LINE 5. If you use the XL handler, you would say SET LINE XL:.
To force the console to be used, you would SET LINE TT:.
Additionally, Kermit-11 for RT-11 looks for its help file, @q<K11HLP.HLP>,
on @q<DK:> first and then on @q<SY:> if the first one fails.
Full wildcarding is supported for RT-11, in the form *.type, name.*,
*.* and the % character to match any single character.
Kermit-11 can only be built on RT-11 version 5.0 or later due to the use of
new assembler directives.
Please note that for the connect command under RT-11 and the use of the MT
service, you will most likely need xon/off flow control to be generated by
Kermit-11. This is enabled with the SET RTFLOW ON command. This is by
default OFF since the modem the author uses, a Vadic 212P, can't handle XONs
and XOFFs while in command mode. The solution here is to escape back to
Kermit command mode after the remote system has been logged into, and then
type SET RTFLOW ON.
Due to overlaying constraints, the RT-11 Kermit-11 will not accept wildcards
for the RENAME and DELETE commands and the REMOTE server equivalents.
The executable files are @q<K11XM.SAV> for the XM system and PRO/350, and
K11RT4 for the FB system.
As a final (I hope) RT-11 note, see the RT-11 v5.1 Release Notes page 9-2 and
chapter 12. The discussion relevant here regards the use of the XL/XC
handlers.
Note that the default XL: handler vector (DL-11, DLV-11) is 300 and the CSR is
176500. For the Micro-11, PDP-11 and LSI-11, when the DL11/DLV11 interface is
installed the field service representative will inform you what the CSR and
VECTOR are. If they are NOT 176500 and 300, then to use the XL: handler you
will need, prior to running Kermit-11, to set them. Suppose the DL vector is
400 and the CSR is 176510. Then the following DCL commands would set the
addresses for RT-11:
@Begin(example)
.SET XL CSR=176510
.SET XL VECTOR=400
@End(example)
You SHOULD NOT ever alter these settings for XC: on the PRO/3xx. The ONLY
settings you can alter for the PRO/3xx is the speed, as in DCL command SET XC
SPEED=nnnn. Kermit-11 CAN NOT alter the XC: speed itself. As noted
previously in this document, Kermit-11 executes the Kermit-11 command SET LIN
XC: implicitly if it finds itself running on a PRO/3xx system.
Note that if your modem requires DTR to be present, you must use either an
interface that asserts it (as does the PDT and PRO communications port), force
it high internally to the modem, or build a cable to force it high. See HELP
MODEM for more information.
@heading(TSX+)
@Index(TSX+)
While most of the above notes for RT-11 apply for TSX+, there are a few
differences of note. The first, in that TSX+ is a timesharing system, allows
the Kermit user to log in normally from another system running Kermit (as in a
Rainbow) and give the TSX+ Kermit the SERVER command and commence file
transfer operations from the other system (ie, the Rainbow). If you are
dialing INTO a TSX+ system, you need to give the TSX command:
@Begin(example)
.SET TT 8BIT
@End(example)
to be able to transfer data to your local (PC, other PDP-11,...) system
without incurring the overhead of the Kermit protocol known as eight bit
prefixing. If this is not possible, due to your local system requiring
parity, or some other intervening device adds parity, then you should give
Kermit the command SET PARITY SPACE, to let Kermit know that it can't send
binary data as-is.
To use Kermit-11 to dial out from the TSX+ system, the following commands are
needed. Note that TSX+ commands will be preceeded by the normal RT-11 prompt,
the ever present DOT ('.'), whereas Kermit-11 commands will be prefixed by the
default Kermit-11 prompt, 'Kermit-11>':
@Begin(example)
.SET CL LINE=n @r(Where 'n' is the unit number)
.SET CL NOLFOUT
.SET CL SPEED=n @r(Where 'n' is the speed for that unit)
.ASS CL XL
Kermit-11>SET LIN XL:
Kermit-11>CONNECT
@End(example)
As of Kermit-11 version 3.44, you may use CL directly in the SET LINE
command, as in:
@Begin(example)
.SET CL3 LINE=3
.R K11XM
Kermit-11>SET LIN CL3
Kermit-11>SET SPEED 1200
Kermit-11>CONNECT
@End(example)
A sample command file in actual use is:
@Begin(example)
SET CL3 LINE=3
SET CL3 NOLFOUT
SET CL3 TAB
SET CL3 FORM
SET CL3 SPEED=2400
ALLOCATE CL3:
R K11XM
DEALLOC CL3
SET CL3 LFOUT
SET CL3 LINE=0
SH CL
@End(example)
If you are running PRO/TSX+, then Kermit will make the assignment of LINE 3 to
either CL0 or CL1 if you are running Kermit from the console, ie, LINE 1. The
speed will default to the last SET SPEED or the speed set at system boot.
Lastly, TSX+ needs PLAS support to use @q<K11XM.SAV>, see the installation
notes for further data.
@heading(RSTS/E version 9.x)
@Index(RSTS/E version 9.x)
RSTS/E does not control modems signals in the manner that RSX or VMS does.
VMS always asserts DTR whereas RSTS/E will not assert DTR until the terminal
driver can see RCD (also known as DCD) which is pin 8 (eight) for the RS232
connection. To connect directly to a modem (like a VADIC 212, sorry, no DEC
modems here) we must do one of two things:
@Begin(enumerate)
Force the modem (via strapping options or whatever) to assert RCD
(DCD) pin 8, thus RSTS/E will see carrier and raise DTR (pin 20 for
RS232)
Set the terminal to LOCAL (RSTS/E V9 syntax 'SET TER
TTxx:/NODIAL/PERM') and break pin 20 (DTR) and connect pin 20 to 8 on
the modem side. This will cause the modem to be able to dial out and
allow RSTS/E to connect to it. You will also need to have the modem
assert RCD, pin 8. Keep in mind that the Kermit-11 command DISCONNECT
(or HANGUP) will not function if a line is set to NODIAL (INIT SET
syntax 'LOCAL'). This has been tested on a Racal Vadic VA212.
Break pin 8 (RCD) and loop DTR (pin 20) on the CPU side to RCD
(pin 8) on the CPU side. Then use the command SET DTR in Kermit-11 to
get RSTS to raise DTR and thus loop it's DTR signal back to RCD. See
the next note regarding this.
@End(enumerate)
For those of you who have port switches such as the Gandalf type, there is one
additional problem. For Gandalf, suppose you want to connect a DZ11 line to
to an AMTB2. You will have a problem, in that the Gandalf AMTB2 wants to see
RCD (DCD) asserted to make a connection. What you may need to do is this:
Make a cable for the DZ11 to AMTB2 port as follows:
@Begin(example)
CPU side AMTB2 side
20--|
8---|-----------8
7---------------7
3---------------2
2---------------3
@End(example)
Note that 20 is tied to 8 on the CPU side. Also, 2 is swapped for 3.
Then, the Kermit-11 command SET DTR, which forces RSTS to raise DTR for 30
seconds, will cause the DTR signal to loop back to the RCD (DCD) signal and
thus tell RSTS that there is carrier detect which will raise DTR (the chicken
or egg question) and get things rolling. The Kermit-11 HANGUP (or DISCONNECT)
command will drop DTR and force the modem to break the connection.
@heading(RSX and Modems)
@Index(RSX) @index(modems)
While the author's experience on RSX is limited, the following notes may be of
use. Dialing out on a LOCAL line will often require that the modem assert
internally DTR. If a line is set REMOTE on RSX, the driver will assert DTR
and RTS. For a modem, like a VA212PAR strapped at the factory defaults, this
will cause the modem to assert DSR and RCD. On the VADIC in particular, the
modem will drop RCD during a DIAL command unless the modem is configured to
assert RCD continuously. For dialing out, ideally the modem should be able to
assert RCD via an option or internally settable strap or switch. If this is
not possible, an alternative is to break line 8 (RCD) and jumper DTR (20) to
RCD (8) on the CPU side. This will force RSX to always see carrier detect and
allow a dial sequence to complete. The Kermit-11 command DISCONNECT (or
HANGUP) will still disconnect the modem as the modem will drop from the line
when it sees DTR go low (assuming the modem is not strapped to assert DTR
internally).
@Section(Typical Kermit-11 Transfer Rates)
@Index(transfer rates)
Some sample timings for Kermit-11 and long packet support. The packet size in
the RSTS/E to P/OS was 500 bytes, the size from RSTS/E to RSTS/E was 700
bytes. These sizes are somewhat arbitrary, they depend more on the system's
buffering capabilities than anything else.
Host buffering capabilities:
@Begin(Format)
@tabclear()@tabset(3.0inch)
P/OS@\500 (estimated)
RSTS/E 9.0 or later@\up to 7000, given sufficient system pool
RSX-11M+@\255 (I/D space CPU only)
RSX-11M@\34
RT-11@\134 (could be larger with mod to XC/XL)
@End(Format)
As it can be seen, large packets make sense only for RSTS/E, P/OS and RSX-11M+
if one wishes to avoid XON/XOFF overhead at high speeds. It should be
possible to run larger packets on M+ and RT-11 at lower speeds.
File transferred: @q<K11POS.TSK>, size 102,400 bytes (200 disk blocks). Actual
data packet characters AFTER prefixing was 120,857.
@Begin(Format)
Time Speed Data rate Comments
seconds baud
1436 1200 84/sec @r(11/44 to PRO/350, 'Classic' Kermit)
@r(local phone call)
1237 1200 97/sec @r(11/44 to PRO/350, 500 Char packets)
@r(local phone call)
2915 1200 41/sen @r(11/44 to PRO/350, 'Classic' Kermit)
@r(local call, 1 second ACK delay.)
1492 1200 81/sec @r(11/44 to PRO/350, 500 Char packets)
@r(local call, 1 second ACK delay.)
304 9600 397/sec @r(11/44 to 11/44, 'Classic' Kermit,)
@r(connected locally via Gandalf switch.)
245 9600 493/sec @r(11/44 to 11/44, 700 char packets,)
@r(connected locally via Gandalf switch.)
@End(Format)
The last two timings are much lower than the line speed due to the fact the
the PDP 11/44 is running 100% busy trying to keep up with character interrupts
using a normal terminal driver. A special purpose driver, such as the XK
driver found on P/OS, would have lower overhead and allow somewhat faster data
rates.@index(long packets)
Long packets were chosen for Kermit-11 due to the lack of suitable interrupt
driven i/o (at this time) under one of the operating systems, RSTS/E. The
Sliding Windows would likely function better in those situations where the
circuit delay is much higher, or when the circuit can not accommodate large
packet sizes.
@Section(Common Problems)
@index(common problems)
@heading(Connection Fails)
Check modem control signals. RSX needs TC.DLU set to two to talk to a dial
out modem, otherwise you will need to strap or jumper signals in the modem to
have carrier detect set high. RSTS/E also should have the modem assert
carrier detect. If not, see the previous notes about modems. If all else
fails, put a breakout box in the line and observe what signals are present.
@heading(File Transfer Fails.)
@index(Failure, file transfer)
If the file transfer aborts on retries immediately, there may be a parity
problem. If the problem shows up on binary files, try a SET PAR SPACE command
to Kermit; that will force eight bit data to be prefixed into seven bits. If
you instead get a retry about once every 10 seconds, the other Kermit is not
responding and your Kermit is timing out. Check to see if your connection is
still present, and try the SET PARITY command.
If you are sending binary data between unlike Kermits, you will most likely
have to give the proper command to each to prepare them for the binary data;
this is the SET FILE command; for Kermit-11 it's SET FIL BIN (or SET FIL TYP
FIX); for VMS Kermit it's SET FIL TYP FIX.
If your Kermit's packets are being echoed back, try a SET SEND START value
command for your Kermit, and a SET REC START samevalue for the other Kermit.
This will force Kermit to ignore any echoed packets as they won't have the
default start of packet character (a CONTROL A, octal 1).