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1990-10-05
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Z88Link
=======
A Cambridge Z88 <-> Atari ST Communications Program
---------------------------------------------------
v1.3
1. General Description and Hardware Requirements
Z88Link allows files to be transferred in either direction between a
Cambridge Computer Z88 and Atari ST. The program PCLink must be present on
the Z88 - this is an optional product from Cambridge Computer, supplied on
EPROM. In addition a suitable 25 pin <-> 9 pin lead is required. One is
supplied in the PCLink kit.
2. Starting the Programs.
The two computers should be attached serial port to serial (modem) port.
Double click on the Z88LINK.TOS icon on the ST, and start PCLink either
from the menu or with []L on the Z88. Z88Link asks you to check that
PCLink is running, then to hit <return>. Note: this version will hang your
ST if the Z88 is not present. For details of a more intelligent version,
see below (Upgrades).
3. Command Options.
All commands are entered on the ST, the Z88 acting as a server. As long as
a transfer is not happening, you may leave PCLink on the Z88 with
<escape>, for example, to use the Filer but PCLink must be restarted
before attempting any further transfers or session termination.
Available commands are:
Q Quit. q doesn't work.
l List files on the Z88.
+,- Controls which devices on the Z88 are listed and backed up.
By default :ram.- is not, and :ram.0 is not if any of
:ram.1,2 or 3 exist
s Send a file. For source and destination, see defaults.
g Get a file.
d Check and set defaults. The default Z88 path is :ram.0/, and the
default ST path is A:\
f,i Full and incremental backups. This feature is principally intended
for those collecting data in the field. A shadow disk is kept with
all files gathered to date on the Z88. A full backup copies all
files on the Z88 to the shadow disk while an incremental one
copies only those not found on the shadow disk.
The drive for the shadow disk may be specified within the d
command. On that disk directories called RAM (for :ram.-) and
RAM.n (for :ram.n) are created as required, as are subdirectories
one layer deep.
e Echo toggle. With echo on, files received are also printed on
screen
v Version details. Information on how to obtain the full featured
version
4. Limitations.
a) No Binary File Transfer.
Basic programs are stored in tokenized form on the Z88, and as a result
will not work. Pipedream files are fine. The program traps attempts to
transfer Basic programs from the Z88 but any other attempt at binary
transfer will almost certainly result in an ST hang-up. To get round this
problem, see "Upgrades", below.
b) Limited Checking
If something goes wrong with the Z88 or connections the ST will hang.
c) Limited Directory Structure.
Z88Link only supports one layer of Z88 directories ie :ram.0/fish/file is
fine, but results with :ram.0/fish/cake/file are as yet undefined. I don't
know anyone who uses multi-layer directories, but might be persuaded to
include support if asked nicely.
5. Upgrades
This program is shareware. I cling to the hope that someone will a) use it
and b) appreciate it and the many hours I have put into it enough to send
me £15. In return, and as a carrot, I will send you the upgraded version
which a) works for binary files, b) doesn't crash as much if things go
wrong, c) comes with a user manual and d) I support. I am
Ian Johnston
Oxford University Engineering Department,
Parks Road,
Oxford OX1 3PJ
Money should be sent there, comments, queries and suggestions may also be
sent to
ameij @ uk.ac.oxford.vax.
Communications from those who have bothered to register will of course be
treated slightly more seriously ......
6. Other Programs
Z88Link is part of a suite of programs (Z88Link, Observe (Z88) and Think
(ST or VAX)) for carrying out and analyzing psychological observations.
These are highly specialist programs and have involved a great deal of
work. Anyone working in Psychology is welcome to information, which I will
send to any Education or NHS address. NOTE If you are not interested in
observing social interactions in real time You Do Not Want These Programs.