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The Arsenal Files 8
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The Arsenal Files Collection #8 (Arsenal Computer) (1996).ISO
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doorware
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ratrce11.zip
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README.TXT
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1996-11-15
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Documentation for RatRace Door Game
Written by Robert V. Chambers
Copyright (C) 1996
WHAT IS RATRACE?
RatRace is a door game that lets your users bet the odds on one of four rats
that will race around the screen, unpredictably winning or losing. If your
system supports EXITINFO.BBS style drop files, and will read the file when the
door exits, this entertaining game also will serve as a time betting game -
sysop configurable.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS:
386 or better processor
Requires ANSI graphics on the user's end
165K memory (probably less, just being conservative).
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE FEATURES?
* Optional activity log.
* Has a sysop chat mode.
* Fossil aware.
* No maintenance required.
* Automatic game reset.
* Supports standard drop files such as DOOR.SYS (PCBoard/GAP),
DORINFO1.DEF, EXITINFO.BBS, CHAIN.TXT, etc.
* Supports multiple nodes.
LIMITATIONS ON UNREGISTERED VERSION:
The unregistered version will only support 5 races for each user per day. You
must register the program to eliminate this restriction. See the section on
registration below.
UPGRADE FROM V1.0:
Unzip the archive over the existing RatRace files in your game directory and
consult SAMPLE.CFG for details on these required changes:
1) Change line 5 of RATRACE.CFG to allowed minutes per bet.
2) Add path and file name for scores bulletin to line 8 of RATRACE.CFG.
HOW DO I INSTALL IT:
This is simple, but you must follow these instructions. I am assuming that you
are already familiar with the steps required to install a door on your BBS. If
not, I would suggest that you read your manual first. This doc will not
attempt to guide you through that.
Step 1)
Unzip all files into a single directory of your choice.
Step 2)
Create a batch file that your BBS will use to start the door. I use
PCBoard, and my file looks something like this:
@echo off
cd\pcb\ratrace
ratrace.exe c:\pcb\node1\door.sys /L
IF "%INPCB"=="Y" EXIT
%PCBDRIVE%
%PCBDIR%
board
You may call the file whatever you like, subject to restrictions that
may be enforced by your BBS software. Mine is simply called RACE, with
no .BAT extension. Again, consult your manual.
A little explanation of the startup batch file is in order here. The
first line simply changes to the directory where all of your RatRace
Door program files are found. (Remember you put them there in Step 1.)
The second line is the name of the door program, RATRACE.EXE, followed
by the complete path to your drop file and the (optional) log file
switch. Notice that the drop file name is specified. If you are using
PCBoard, you may also use the PCBoard environment variables for the
path to the drop file. Like this:
ratrace.exe %PCBDRIVE%%PCBDIR%\door.sys
If you wish the program to log its activities, add "/L" after the path
to the drop file like this:
ratrace.exe %PCBDRIVE%%PCBDIR%\door.sys /L
The program will create RATRACE.LOG which will contain information on
door usage. See the section below on "LOGGING ACTIVITY".
Finally, use whatever door exiting statements your software
recommends. Your startup file will undoubtedly look different, but you
get the general idea.
Step 3)
Setup your BBS software and configure any door menus, etc. that give
the user access.
Step 4)
Edit the sample configuration file to suit your tastes and save it as
RATRACE.CFG. Instructions for each line are contained in the sample
file, SAMPLE.CFG.
Step 5)
You're finished! That wasn't so bad after all.
PS-> Don't forget to advertise that you now have a new door on your system!
RUNNING LOCAL:
You can run the game in local mode if a drop file is in the program directory.
DORINFO1.DEF is included in the archive for this purpose. Just place it in the
door program file directory and execute the program by running RATRACE.EXE.
You should be able to leave this file in your game directory with no problem
since you have defined the path to the real drop file in your startup batch
file. Note that the user name in the sample drop file will be added in the
scores bulletin. Therefore you should only run locally to initially try out
the game, resetting after you have finished (See Resetting the Game).
CUSTOMIZATION:
- BETTING TIME
If your system supports EXITINFO.BBS style drop files, and will read the file
when the door exits, you can set up the program to enable the time betting
function. Change line 3 to YES. When playing in this mode all odds are even,
so the user is not likely to come out ahead over time. This is documented in
the online help, so there should not be any surprises here. Also, the user
cannot cheat while wagering time.
- RAT NAMES
If you want to include some of your favorite "rats" in the races just edit
RATNAMES.TXT with any text editor. You can add up to 20 names of up to 30
characters each. You don't have to add all 20 -- the default names in the game
will finish out the array. A sample file is included; by all means modify it
to suit your preferences. (Just for grins you ought to add your OWN name in
here, and maybe a couple of your "favorite" users <G>.)
- TITLE SCREEN If you want a new title screen you can do it. Create a new
screen using your favorite ANSI editor, and call it TITLE.ANS. Leave enough
room at the bottom for the additional registration text. It's *CRITICAL* that
you name this file correctly.
- INACTIVITY TIMEOUT AND MAXIMUM DOOR TIME
You may specify the maximum time allowed in the door and the keyboard timeout
limit by editing DOOR.CFG. Instructions are in this file and should be self
explanatory.
LOGGING ACTIVITY:
The program will provide logging of activity if the logging switch is included
in the startup command line in your batch file. For example:
ratrace.exe c:\pcb\node1\door.sys /L
will cause the program to record entry, exit, and maintenance times in a file
called RATRACE.LOG. This file can become lengthy if the door is used
regularly. A suggestion is to enable logging when the door is initially
installed to monitor its use. After a period of time you may wish to disable
logging or trim the file occasionally (there are programs that will do this in
an event). Please note that the switch (/L) is case specific and there must be
a space between it and the path to the drop file.
MAINTENANCE:
There is no maintenance! The game will run its own maintenance when the first
player of the day enters the game. A scores bulletin is automatically created
when the scores are viewed and again when the game exits. Both ansi and text
versions (.ANS and .TXT extensions) are created.
MULTINODE USE:
The game is set up to run on multiple nodes with multiple player access. You
should follow your BBS software instructions on setting up the startup batch
file for multiple nodes.
RESETTING THE GAME:
You should never need to reset the game, but if you want to this has been made
simple with the inclusion of RESET.BAT in the archive. This batch file will
delete all files generated by the game (except bulletins).
Or you can perform the task manually if there are certain files you want to
preserve, like the log file. Just delete all the .DAT files in the RatRace
directory. Resetting the game should never be necessary since the game will
automatically reset the scores, etc. when there is a winner. If a player is on
one node when the game is won on another node he will be able to continue to
play, but will be reset when exiting the door.
TROUBLE SHOOTING:
The program has been successfully tested with PCBoard running under DOS and
Windows 95, as well as Dos with Desqview. Both single and multi-node
configurations have also been tested.
Testing is incomplete on the time betting feature due to lack of a test system
that would read the drop file on door exit. I'd appreciate an e-mail if you
have used this feature and have some comments or suggestions.
In the event you have trouble maybe some of these tips will help you. This
list is not very long yet, but will be added to as information becomes
available.
1) The door will not open at all. It looks like it tries, but immediately
shuts down and returns to the BBS.
- This is almost certainly a sign that the startup file is not specifying the
correct path and/or file name of the drop file. It's also possible that you
have not set the board up correctly and the expected drop file is not being
created. The startup batch file must include the full path and file name of
the drop file as an argument to the executable, RATRACE.EXE. See the sample
startup file above.
2) You are using DOOR.SYS and the door keeps logging you out when entering
locally.
- If you are not using the long GAP version (51 lines) of DOOR.SYS then either
go to the long version or try DORINFO1.DEF. The DORINFO style drop file has
been successfully tested on Maximus with some of my other door programs.
3) The graphics don't behave exactly right (on the user's end) with the board
running under Windows 95.
- If you experience problems with this try running the window either full
screen or in the foreground. This seems to solve the problem if you are
running the X00 fossil driver, but is not feasible if running more than one
node. Try switching to the BNU fossil driver. This driver seems to work better
with Win95, and cleared up the graphics problem for me (I was previously
running X00).
THE LEGAL STUFF:
Users of RatRace Door must accept this disclaimer of warranty: "RatRace Door
is supplied as is. The author disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied,
including, without limitation, the warranties of merchantability and of
fitness for any purpose. The author assumes no liability for damages, direct
or consequential, which may result from the use of RatRace."
By registering you do NOT own this software. You have simply licensed it's
use. You may use it on as many BBS nodes as you wish, as long as these nodes
comprise a single bulletin board system. You may create as many instances of
the program as you wish, as long as they all reside on a single bulletin board
system.
You are encouraged to pass a copy of RatRace Door along to your friends for
evaluation. Please encourage them to register their copy if they find that
they can use it. You may NOT pass along your registration code, however. This
should go without saying.
REGISTRATION :
This is not freeware; it is shareware. If you are not familiar with this
concept it means that you are allowed to try the software free of charge for a
period of time not to exceed 30 days. At the end of this time you must either
register it or remove it from your system.
I feel that the time invested in writing and testing the program was
significant enough to justify a registration fee. The cost is $10 U.S., and
payment may be made via check drawn on a United States bank. No credit cards
are accepted. I will take your cash, but you send it at your own risk.
To register fill out REGISTER.FRM (included) and send it, along with your
check or money order, to the address on the form. I will respond to you with
your registration either through U.S. Postal Service, Fidonet Netmail, or
Internet E-Mail. The choice is yours; just be sure to specify which you prefer
on the form.
When you receive your registration code manually edit RATRACE.CFG and change
the first two lines to your registered name and code number. Your name is case
and space sensitive; it must be EXACTLY right. Watch out for spaces at the end
of your name.
The unregistered version will only support 5 races per day per user.
Registration will remove this limitation and allow nearly unlimited races.
Registration will also entitle you to free lifetime upgrades.
There will be no automatic notification of upgrades. You can always get the
latest version from my BBS, Tequilla Sunrise, at (504)-756-0383. Just type
FREE at the main menu prompt. There is no charge (except LD charges if
applicable) for the file or to become a member of the BBS.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT:
Technical support will be provided to both registered and non-registered users
to the best of my ability.
You may reach me via the following:
Fidonet - Robert Chambers@1:3800/49
Internet EMail - chambers@premier.net
Tequilla Sunrise BBS - (504)-756-0383
MANY THANKS!:
I would like to thank Fred Leger, Dennis Wallette, and Henry Lin of Cajun
Clickers BBS from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for helping with beta testing and
bug fixing as well as thoughts and suggestions for improving the program.
These folks are the real heroes here, and they run one of the slickest boards
around.
Thanks to all you guys! I owe you one!