OT/PPPMultiDialer is a simple script which toggles the state of your PPP connection. If you are not connected, it will attempt to log on to tour ISP, and if you are connected, it will attempt to disconnect. It does this while cycling through a list of dialup telephone numbers that you can enter into the script--if a number fails and you cancel out, or is busy, a dialog appears asking if you want to Retry/Redial. If you select to redial, the script goes to the next connect number to try. You can add new dialup telephone numbers to your current list, or redo the entire list by launching the application with the “Option” key down--this will bring up a set of dialogs to edit your ISP’s dialup numbers. (see requirements).
With this version, the connect routine robust while leaving a graceful exit If the connection attempt times out, the script should try again. If you want to opt out of the connect loop, I have left a graceful exit--just hit the cancel button in the connect screen and then hit the Quit button in the next dialog.
Soon to be added to this script application is a test for the connection speed--I will add a test that checks the connect speed after a successful connect attempt, and if the speed falls below a user set level, the script will disconnect and try again on the next available phone number.
1. Applescript must be installed on your system. This is a standard part of the MacOS these days, so it should be installed if you are running any version of System 7.5 or higher. I will try to keep it working for as long as Apple supports OT/PPP and AppleScript.
2. You must be running OT/PPP, not FreePPP. In addition, you must have the PPP Commands Osax installed in your scripting additions folder (in your extensions folder). If you did a standard install of OT/PPP, then this scripting addition is installed.
3. You must have configured OT/PPP with your log in name (username), password, connection script, etc. The only parameter that you can set within this script application is the telephone number(s) to dial. If all you need to do in order to log in is open the PPP control panel and click "Connect" then this should work.
4. You must have Jon’s Commands installed. Jon’s Commands is a free scripting addition that enables this script to do some important things, like check to see if the Option key is down on launch. It also adds a lot of other very useful commands to AppleScript. Jon’s Commands is available from many places on the ‘net, including Info-Mac and my own web site.
To use the script, double click (or select from the Apple Menu). A connect window will appear showing you what OT PPP is doing (dialing, etc.). If their is any problem with connecting, or you want to stop the process, select Cancel from the modal window, and the script will ask you if you want to quit or retry--just pick an option. If the connect attempt times out, the script should attempt to connect again
WARNING:
This is a simplified script. It does no error checking (well, if your port is in use or, on one other error it will gracefully quit, but otherwise no error checking). It relies on the default timeout for AppleScript. It will not query you about which ISP to log on to if you have more than one account--everything must be set in the PPP Control Panel first. I have written more complete, comprehensive script solutions for a BBS in Australia that does this sort of thing. If this is what you need, e-mail me and we'll work something out. If you are a company, or wish to use this script application for commercial use, I can work out a simple distribution agreement at a very reasonable cost, so e-mail me.
DISCLAIMER:
This is freeware for personal use. I can not promise tech support. If there is a problem, e-mail me, and I will try to help. I cannot be held liable for any problems you may have with this script application--this is try at your own risk. There should be no problem, but if your hard drive melts, you are on your own (tell me about it, so I can figure out what went wrong).
E-MAIL:
You can e-mail me at tjb@inch.com with any comments, suggestions, gifts, praise, adoration, or whatever. Please drop me a line to say hello, and tell me what you think of this script. If you are in need of a more comprehensive script solution, I'm not against the idea of being paid! Make me an offer.