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Text File | 1994-10-11 | 94.8 KB | 2,689 lines

1 TstHost version 1.38 -------------------- Features -------- TSTHOST is a software written for TNC2 and clones with HOST mode EPROM type TF8, TF23, TF24 etc. It is possible to use the software with other TNCs set in KISS mode. A TNC in KISS mode requires a serial driver (like TFPCX/TFPCR), but don't forget to set the TNC in KISS mode BEFORE running TSTHost. A TNC in WA8DED Host mode requires a serial driver like COMBIOS, MBBIOS etc. The GKJBIOS driver is an MBBIOS compatible driver optimised for TSTHost, that detects the special 16550A UART. For the driver configuration, run GKBIOCFG.EXE and follow the instructions displayed on the screen. As far as TSTHOST is written for 8 channels, you cannot use the software with the original WA8DED or TF4 EPROMs, because these EPROMs have only four channels. It is possible the use the software with EPROMs that support more of 8 channels, but only 8 are available. TSTHOST offers 8 independent communication channels, where every channel has a 300 lines receive buffer, circular keyboard buffer to recall the ten previous commands, automatic text justification, up to 8 simultaneous YAPP (with resume and yappC options) or ASCII file transfers, up to 8 PMS channels with RLI-type forward with a master BBS. All received data can be saved in a disk file. Every session may have a different callsign. There is a separated window for monitoring, and it is possible to capture in a file all the traffic displayed in that window. The text entered from the keyboard is recognised as commands to run for every COMMAND mode session, while in CONVERSATION mode is sent to the connected station. For this reason it is not possible to switch in conversation mode if the session is not connected. The exception is the Monitor window, where all keyboard data is transmitted as Unproto packets. For every session there is a receive buffer, useful to review all the received data. By receiving data from a channel not actually selected, the related callsign in the status line will blink. All unconnected channels are set by default to PMS TSTHOST v1.38 (c) IK1GKJ 2 sessions. So, when an user connects your station, he goes into the personal mailbox system, but if YOU connect a user the channel is set for a normal conversation mode. Naturally, you have a specific command to switch a PMS session into conversation mode and vice-versa. During a PMS session, the user can read and write messages, view the users directory, up or download programs with the YAPP protocol. The PMS session can also run external server programs, send a Break to other PMS users, talk the sysop. TSTHost automatically recognises the standard password format, and the extended MD2 algorithm. The standard password format accepts from one to ten letters, but normally all the programs require five letters for the password. Other features are the Unproto list capability and a full forward protocol MBL-RLI or FBB COMPRESSED type, even if the the BBS require a password for the access. The program can also extract any 7plus code from the unproto or pms messages, and write this code to a file, for furter processing. TstHost support remote SERVER technique and PG program to increase the pms command for particoular applications. The communication in HOST-mode between the PC and the TNC has a 3 seconds timeout. After this time, if the program does not receive a reply from the TNC, attempts to synchronise the serial port. TSTHOST v1.38 (c) IK1GKJ 3 Tsthost with TNC in KISS or BAYCOM modem ---------------------------------------- You need the driver TFPCR or TFKISS for KISS mode, TFPCX for modem BAYCOM. TFPCX version 2.10 supports both the KISS and the BAYCOM modes. Using a KISS-mode TNC, set the TNC in KISS mode manually or with the appropriate command line switch of the TFPCR/TFPCX/TFKISS driver. TFPCX uses the IRQ 253 for the internal communications, the other drivers uses the IRQ 254. Load the driver Load TSTHost with the command: TSTHOST /T /I254 (or /I253) /T sets TSTHost to use the TFPCX/R driver, and /I254 sets the IRQ for the driver communication. NOTE: when started, TSTHost automatically sends the commands to the driver: JHOST1, USERS 8, @U0 Example for TFPCR or TFKISS: TFKISS command line parameters TSTHOST /T /I254 Example for TFPCX: TFPCX command line parameters TSTHOST /T /I253 WARNING: I have noticed that TFPCR version 3.30 does not work properly with high speed transfers over 400 cps (G3RUH 9600 baud). I don't know the reason, but version 2.10 of TFKISS and TFPCX does not have this bug. TSTHOST v1.38 (c) IK1GKJ 4 Tsthost with the standard HOST mode ----------------------------------- Configure GKJBIOS or other COMBIOS drivers for the correct serial port parameters. Load the driver in memory Load TSTHost with the command TSTHOST /H /Cx /Bzzzz where /H selects the software to use the standard host mode, x is the serial port where you have connected the TNC (1..4), zzzz is the baud rate of the port. TSTHost supports a data transfer rate of 9600, 19200 and 38400 baud. NOTE: when started, TSTHost automatically sends the commands to the TNC: JHOST1, USERS 8, Z0, @U0 At the end of the program, you must remove from memory the serial driver with the command: GKJBIOS U For instance: GKJBIOS TSTHOST /H /C1 /B19200 GKJBIOS U TSTHOST v1.38 (c) IK1GKJ 5 Tsthost with 2 or more tnc -------------------------- You may connect two or more interfaces to the program. This can be done with the TFPCX v2.10 driver. This driver supports up to 8 interfaces like KISS, BAYCOM, MODEM etc. This is only a small description, because the complete documentation of the commands is shipped with the driver files. Since the driver may support up to 8 port, the driver have a command to define which channels assign to which port. The extended host command is @PO xxxxxxxx. Each 'x' is a value between 0 and the number of installed interfaces. 0 is the first interface, 1 the second, etc. TSTHost uses 8 channels so you must define 8 digits. Of course, if you use the driver for one interface only, the @PO command is not requested, because all channels are assigned to that interface. Here are some examples: 1) We have two TNCs, connected to COM1 and COM2. The TNCs are already set in KISS mode, the baud rate is 19200 baud, we want to assign channels 1234 to the TNC on COM1, channels 5678 to the TNC on COM2. TFPCX -PKISS1 -PKISS2 -B19200:19200 -CH8 TSTHOST /T /I253 To assign the channels type the command: PARAM 0 @PO 00001111 (This command can also be written in the tsthost.cfg file) 2) We have 2 TNC and a BAYCOM modem. The BAYCOM modem is connected to COM1, 1200 baud; a TNC is on COM2 at 19200 bauds, the second TNC is on COM3, IRQ10, 38400 baud. The two TNCs are already set in KISS mode. We to want assign channels 123 to the BAYCOM, 456 to the first TNC, and 78 to the second TNC. TFPCX -PCOM1 -PKISS2 -PKISS3:03E8:10 -B1200:19200:9600 -CH8 TSTHOST /T /I253 To assign the channels, type the command PARAM 0 @PO 00011122 (This command can be executed from the tsthost.cfg file) 3) A TNC in KISS mode, already set in KISS mode, on COM1, 19200 baud. TFPCX -PKISS1 -B19200 -CH8 TSTHOST /T /I253 In this case the command @PO is not requested. TSTHOST v1.38 (c) IK1GKJ 6 Memory usage and EXPANDED memory -------------------------------- TSTHost requires at least 450 KBytes of RAM memory to run, and this value can drop to 210 KBytes only, by using the expanded memory. This is automatically detected and used, if found in the system. The memory is dynamically allocated and released when not anymore needed, but there are some function that require some memory to run. For instance, the Unproto list requires about 24 KByte of RAM memory to store the message list. Also the decoding algorithm for the messages in the Unproto list and compressed forward requires 19 KBytes, that are released as soon as the received message has been decoded. The RUN command requires some more memory to get the DOS prompt, or when any user connected to the PMS esecutes a PG or SERVER. Usually there aren't any problem with a PC equipped with the default 640 KBytes of RAM memory, even if the PC is not configured to use the expanded memory. If you have any problem using the expanded memory, you can disable the function with the command line switch /NOEMS. For example: TSTHOST /H /B19200 /C1 /NOEMS VGA mode -------- Add the parameter /VGA to the command line, to get 43 or 50 screen lines on an EGA or VGA monitor. Example: TSTHOST /H /B19200 /C3 /VGA TSTHOST v1.38 (c) IK1GKJ 7 Short cut keys -------------- ALT F1 Automatic transmission of the password. ALT F2 Displays the MHEARD list (depending on the driver/TNC software) ALT F3 Enables the monitor traffic to IUSC ALT F4 Disables the monitor traffic ALT F5 Set monitor traffic to U ALT F6 Like the command ULIST VIEW ALT F10 Turn off the new mail indicator. CONTROL ESC or F10 Switches command<>conversation mode. PAGE UP Activates review buffer, or if already active displays the previous page. PAGE DOWN Displays next page in review buffer CONTROL PAGE DOWN Quit from review mode CONTROL HOME Top of review buffer CONTROL END Bottom of review buffer ENTER In command mode: executes the command. In conversation mode: transmits the text. In both mode, if the revision buffer is active, it will be disabled. CURSOR UP Recalls the previous line from kbd buffer. CURSOR DOWN Recalls the next line from the kbd buffer. F1...F8 Switches to session 1 to 8 F9 Switches to the Monitor window CTRL-F1..F10 User defined. CTRL_BACKSPACE Clears from cursor to the previous word. CTRL_LEFT Moves the cursor one word to the left CTRL_RIGHT Moves the cursor one word to the right HOME Moves the cursor at the beginning of the line END Moves the cursor at the end of the line BACKSPACE Deletes char to the left of the cursor DELETE Deletes char under the cursor INSERT Inserts mode toggle ESCAPE Clears the current line CTRL-Y Deletes the current line (internal ). TSTHOST v1.38 (c) IK1GKJ 8 Path of the files ----------------- There isn't a particular directory for the TstHost installation, but you MUST create, within that directory, three subdirectories with the names: MAIL, PG, USERS. This can be a standard installation: \TSTHOST <DIR> |-PG <DIR> |-MAIL <DIR> |-USERS <DIR> |-UPLOAD <DIR> |-TSTHOST.EXE |-TSTHOST.DOC |-TSTHOST.PSW File for automatic password |-TSTHOST.CFG Configuration file for the program |-TSTHOST.ENT Input text when connect the pms |-TSTHOST.HLP Help file for pms |-TSTHOST.SYS Password file for remote pms access. |-TSTHOST.PGS List/description of the available PG server |-TSTHOST.ULS Unproto list file, created/used by TSTHOST |-TSTHOST.SHD Tnc configuration file when shutdown program |-TSTHOST.IN Mail import file |-TSTHOST.LOG created from TSTHOST if LOG=ON |-TSTHOST.BID Bid file, managed by TSTHOST |-TSTHOST.DMS PMS messages database, created/used by TSTHOST |-DBFMSG.OLD Old messages database, created/used by TSTHOST |-Files for source command (if you create source files) Detailed description of files and directory: PG - Server directory You must place the PMS server in this directory. If this directory does not exist, the PMS PG command does not work. The next section of the manual describes the PG Server. MAIL - Messagges directory The bulletins/personal messages of the PMS will be stored in this directory. If this path does not exist, the electronic mail section of the PMS does not work properly. TSTHOST v1.38 (c) IK1GKJ 9 USERS - Users directory This is the directory that the users access with the W, YU YD commands. This is the only path that can point to other parts of your hard disk. If not otherwise specified, TSTHost uses the path USERS from the directory where tsthost.exe is loaded. You can specify any other drive/directory with the USERDIR command. UPLOAD - Users upload directory This is the directory where will be stored any file uploaded by a pms users with the YU command. If you do not create this directory, the YU PMS command will not work. WORKDIR - Standard work directory The default value is the directory where tsthost.exe is loaded, but you can select any other drive/directory with the WORKDIR command. This path is used for the WRITEBUF, RECORD, SEND, YPUT, YREC and MAILCOPY commands. With these commands, unless the filename does not contain a specified drive and/or path, the file will be accessed in the WORKDIR path. For instance, by executing the command WRITEBUF TEXT, the contents of the review buffer will be written in a file called TEXT in the directory that you have specified with the WORKDIR command, but WRITEBUF E:\ASC\TEXT will write the buffer into a file called TEXT in E:\ASC. The purpose of this command is to separate the tsthost files in capture, YAPP receive and the other files. TSTHOST.PSW - Automatic password file This file contains the password for those systems that require an access password, like BBS and node sysop. The next manual section describes this aspect with more details. If you do not need any password, or do not need an automatic password, do not create this file. Anu line starting with the '#' symbol is a remark and is ignored. TSTHOST.SYS - Password file for PMS SYS command. This file is similar to the tsthost.psw file. The format is: CALLSIGN_without_ssid VALIDATION_FLAG PASSWORD every line start with a callsign without SSID, a space, a validation flag and the user password not longer than 255 alphanumeric characters. Only the users write here may do the SYS command. For instance: TSTHOST v1.38 (c) IK1GKJ 10 IK1GKJ 3 aabbcc IK1MSL 1 8873mnhbkjAST Flag is a bit field: 1 means that user may access with the YD, W, V to any drive and path of your system, but may YU only in the UPLOAD path. 2 is like 1, but the user may access to any disk and path also for write a file (YU) 4 means that the user may do the DOS command. TSTHOST.CFG - Automatic configuration file This is an ASCII text file, that contains the command sequence for the automatic configuration. This file will be searched by TSTHost when started and, if present, the program executes all the commands in the file. Every line is a command. This file can contain any TSTHost command. Any line starting with the '#' symbol is a remark and will be ignored. The line length MUST not exceed 78 characters. TSTHOST.SHD - Shutdown configuration file Like the tsthost.cfg file, this file contains the command sequence that is executed at the program shutdown. TSTHOST.ULS - Unproto list file This file is created and managed by the program. When you activate the unproto list the program reads this file, if present, so TSTHost can handle the message list from the last number received. When you close the list or shutdown the system, the program saves the content of the list in this disk file. If this file is not found or you delete it, the program will ask to the HomeBBS the Unproto message starting from number one. TSTHOST.ENT - PMS connection text This is an ASCII text file. When a remote user connects the PMS system, TSTHost sends the content of this text file (if found) to the user before the PMS command prompt. WARNING: Do not use the square brackets '[' and ']' in this file, because they are used for SID forward protocol. TSTHOST v1.38 (c) IK1GKJ 11 TSTHOST.HLP - PMS help file This is an ASCII text file. When the remote user connected to the PMS issues the HELP command, TSTHost sends the content of this file to the user, otherwise sends the message 'NO HELP' if the file is not present on the system. TSTHOST.PGS - PMS PG server list Another ASCII file. It can be created by the sysop according to his requests, because it is related to the PG section. When a user connected to the PMS issues the command PG without arguments, TSTHost sends the contents of this file to the user, or the message NO PG AVAILABLE if the file does not exists. This file can be used to list and describe the available PG server programs. TSTHOST.LOG - Connections log This file will be created and managed by TSTHost when the LOG command is ON. It contains the list of the connections with callsign, date and time. SOURCE files These files are similar to the tsthost.cfg file, but will be executed only when you type the command. This is useful to activate specific configurations on demand. Any line starting with the '#' symbol is considered a remark and is ignored. TSTHOST v1.38 (c) IK1GKJ 12 TSTHOST.BID - Bid file. This is a very important file, and must NOT be altered or deleted. The purpose of this file is to have a list of the received bid and to store the number of the last bid used by tsthost. But what is a BID? Simple, think to a bid like a word that unique identify a message. Every time a new message will be created, from tsthost or other bbs, a unique bid will be appended to the message, this to avoid duplicate. For example, assume that i forward the message XX to homebbs, the message have bid YY. Next i use the command FA to force again the forward of this message to homebbs. When homebbs receive the proposal, it detect that the bid YY was already received, and refuse the message. The internal bid of tsthost are a sequential numbers and a string, you callsign: 12345+IK1GKJ (1->2->3->..65535->1->2 etc etc). Now, if you delete or lose this file, you obtain 2 things: 1) will be lose the list of the received bid, this is a little problem, at most, if you receive forward from more than one bbs, is possible that you receive a duplicate message. 2) tsthost must restart the bid sequence, and this is a great problem. For example, tsthost have created and forwarded ten message, this messages have bid from 1 to 10. Now, if you delete the file, tsthost must restart the sequence from 1, but since your homebbs have already received bid 1..10, it will refuse any your message with bid number under 11. To avoid this problem, you can use the command NBID, to assign an high value to the bid number. This is a emergency solution, because assume that you know what was the last bid number used by tstshost..... The best thing is to NOT DELETE or altered this file. Pleas note that the NBID command must be used ONLY for emergency situation, normally you MUST NOT usa this command. When tsthost start, if the bid file do not exist, the program ask for its creation (normally the first time you start tsthost). Insert Y to create the file, (and if the file was lost do the command NBID BID_NUMBER), or N to exist and provide a backup copy. TSTHOST.BID a routing file of 3001 record. Every record is long 13 byte, and is the bid of the message (char[13]). The first record is an exception, it have two unsigned integer number (ascii format), separated by space; the first is the next internal bid that tsthost will be use, the other is the first record to overwrite into the tsthost.bid file. TSTHOST v1.38 (c) IK1GKJ 13 TSTHOST.IN - Mail import file This is an ASCII text file. The purpose is to allow SERVER and PG programs to add messages to the PMS. The file presence is tested every minute and processed, when found. TSTHost searches in this file a sequence of SP or SB commands. Note that you MUST use the correct syntax. When processed, a line starting with SP or SB is searched, discarding the others. If such line is found, the next one is considered the message title and the others are the message text. A line starting with /EX ends the message. Example: SP IK1AAA @ IK1MSL < IK1BBB message title message line 1 message line 2 .... /EX SB ALL @ EU message title message line 1 message line 2 .... /EX The TO field MUST be specified, the ROUTE (@) and FROM (<) fields are optional. If the route field is specified, the message will be forwarded to the HomeBBS. If the FROM field is not specified, the default value of the PMS callsign will be used. NOTE: The line length MUST NOT exceed 80 characters. TSTHOST v1.38 (c) IK1GKJ 14 TSTHOST.DMS - PMS messages database This is a binary file, and is used by TSTHost to maintain the messages list in the MAIL directory. Do not alterate this file if you do not know what you are doing!. The easiest method to destroy all messages is to delete this file, so be careful ...... This is the tsthost.dms file structure, for those programmers interested in writing server programs: struct dirmes { char type; /* type of message B P */ char status; /* status of message N F K Y */ long number; /* number of message */ int da_year; /* creation date, year */ char da_day; /* day */ char da_mon; /* mounth */ unsigned char ti_min; /* creation time, minutes */ unsigned char ti_hour; /* hour */ unsigned char ti_hund; /* hundredths of seconds */ unsigned char ti_sec; /* seconds */ char to[7]; /* destination, TO field */ char route[7]; /* destination BBS, @ field */ char from[7]; /* sender, FROM field */ char title[61]; /* message title */ char frombbs; /* <> 0 if received in forward */ char startbbs[7]; /* BBS where the message started*/ char bid[13]; /* BID or MID of the message */ char rcvbbs[7]; /* BBS that have fwd the msg */ char free[4]; /* reserved */ }; /* total 128 bytes */ All char fields end with a 0 byte, according to the C default. The message is decoded with the number field. The message is in the MAIL directory: the filename correspond to the NUMBER field and the extension is .MES. The filename is always 8 chars long, right aligned by padding the remaining left positions with ASCII '0's. For instance, if NUMBER is 4, the message filename will be 00000004.MES The message number is consecutive and, when the server appends a new message, it has to read the last record from tsthost.dms and increment the number field to obtain the new message number. WARNING: all fields in the dirmes structure must be always be set; for instance, if the @ route is not requested, you MUST set it, so *dirmes.route=0; DO NOT ALTER THIS FILE WHILE TSTHOST IS RUNNING ! TSTHOST v1.38 (c) IK1GKJ 15 FORWARD, UNPROTO list, CHANNEL 8 and (optional) automatic password request. -------------------------------------------------------------- TSTHost connects the HomeBBS for forward or unproto list on channel 8 only. If this channel is BUSY, the program waits and retries to connect the station when this channel is free. For the forward, the program always calls the master BBS to allow the reverse forwarding but the unproto list is requested only if active and there are some selected messages. NOTE: in a multiport system (multiport TFPCX), you MUST ensure that the channel 8 is associated to the same port of the HomeBBS. Again, since it is possible that the program calls the station while you are already connected to the HomeBBS on another channel, it is suggested to set for channel8 a unique SSID (AX25 PORTCALL command). It is possible to ask for the forward and unproto list EVEN if your HomeBBS requires a password to access the system. To get this, you must set the command HPASPROMPT. If you need to pass trought a node, the program provide the command HNODE. HOMEBBS and HNODE commands accept a list of callsign that may be used like digipeaters, if needed. For node like BPQ that may require to specify a port number to do a connection, example CON 5 IK1MSL-8, the software have the command HCHANNEL. Here is some examples: The IK1MSL bbs may be connected directly, and do not require a password to access it: HOMEBBS IK1MSL-8 But, if HomeBBS requires a password, and the prompt is: PASSWORD? 11 22 33 44...... The command must be: HOMEBBS IK1MSL-8 HPASPROMPT PASSWORD? Of course, this prompt and the relative password must be also set in the TSTHOST.PSW password file. Check the section about the AUTOMATIC PASSWORD for more informations on this matter. Now, the bbs may be connected only trought the IK1ABC and IK1DEF digipeaters: TSTHOST v1.38 (c) IK1GKJ 16 HOMEBBS IK1MSL-8 via IK1ABC, IK1DEF If a node is required to connect the bbs, and the node is IK1HHH: HOMEBBS IK1MSL-8 HNODE IK1HHH First will be connected the IK1HHH node, next the IK1MSL-8 bbs. But, if the node require to specify the channel 4 to connect the bbs: HOMEBBS IK1MSL-8 HNODE IK1HHH HCHANNEL 5 Another example, you need a node, but also you need a digipeaters to access the node. Digipeaters is IK1ABC HOMEBBS IK1MSL-8 HNODE IK1HHH via IK1ABC To end, the node as far as the bbs required a digipeaters. Digi for connect the node are IK1ABC, IK1DEF, digi to connect bbs is IK1QWE: HOMEBBS IK1MSL-8 via IK1QWE HNODE IK1HHH via IK1ABC, IK1DEF First will be connected the node trought the digi IK1ABC and IK1DEF, next the program ask the node to connect IK1MSL trough the digi IK1QWE. TSTHOST v1.38 (c) IK1GKJ 17 FORWARD protocol ---------------- The PMS can forward with a master BBS according to the standard MBL/RLI or FBB COMPRESSED protocol. Any BBS may connect the PMS and forward data, but the PMS will send the message only to the BBS defined with the HOMEBBS command. The PMS will send to the HomeBBS all the messages that have a specified route set ( @Field not blank), and locally created. If a received message has been forwarded by another BBS, it will be forwarded to the connected BBS only if the callsign of the connected BBS is not the same of the callsign stored in the RCVBBS field. For personal messages, they will be forwarded only if the addressee of the message has not read it. In the message list, the letter 'L' near the type/status of the message shows that this message was written locally, otherwise the message was received by the forwarding activity. You may always connect Home Bbs and send your mail, but to have forward, you must be enabled from the sysop of the bbs. So contact the sysop and ask for this feature, if you are interesting. To do this, the sysop of Home Bbs must: 1) Create a forward file like this: # A IK1GKJ P B R B IK1GKJ F IK1GKJ C C IK1GKJ ---------- # If you also need the @AMSAT messages, the sysop must add the G AMSAT statement after the F IK1GKJ line 2) Edit the BBS.SYS file, and add your CALLSIGN to the list 3) Edit your record and change the bbs field, now it must be set not to bbs callsign, but to YOUR callsign. (NH command.) This info is for fbb type bbs, i do not know how work the other sotware. TSTHOST v1.38 (c) IK1GKJ 18 Problem to connect for UNPROTO and FORWARD ------------------------------------------ TstHost use to call homebbs for fwd or unproto message a simple protocol. First, will be connected the bbs, always on the channel 8, using HNode if set, or directly. Next TstHost wait until receive the from the BBS, the SID and/or PASSWORD request, the order is not rilevant. But the SID must be received, (sid is the string [FBB-5.15-ABFHM$] or similar). The program MUST receive this string, because from the sid the program can detect the type of protocol to use. Now, tsthost wait for a bbs prompt. When the bbs prompt is received, the sequence is completed, and forward or unproto list request may started. The bbs prompt, is a char > at the end of a line. This may do a problem on some bbs, since many sysops have set the char > into the welcome text on their bbs. In the normal connection this is not a problem, but with a remote protocol yes, because if tsthost receive this character, it think that it is the bbs prompt, and the sequence was not corrected. For example, if the bbs welcome text have a line line this: HALLO MARIO, FOR HELP TYPE THE COMMAND <?> surely you will not be able to start fwd or unproto, because the character > at the end of the line confuse tsthost. But, this line, HALLO MARIO, TYPE <?> TO HELP, do not do any type of problem. If you have this problem, you may ask to the sysop bbs to set you like a real bbs. The bbs nevar send text to real bbs, but when connected send only the prompt (or password request). NOTE: If you cannot start fwd o unproto list, and cannot solve the problem, to obtain help, please switch on channel 8, manually start a fwd or unproto request, and when disconnected, do the command WRITEBUF ABC. Next send me a message whit the contents of the ABC file, so i cam examine it. TSTHOST v1.38 (c) IK1GKJ 19 FORWARD command --------------- * FL This command list all messages that must be forwarded but have not yet been sent to the HomeBBS. * FA nbr nbr nbr (up to 10 numbers) Add the specified messages to the forward list. * FR nbr nbr nbr (up to 10 numbers) Remove the specified messages from the forward list. * FBbmode ON OFF Enable (default) or disable the fbb compressed forward mode. This type of forward require about 32 kbyte of memory for the compression routine, if the program do not found enough memory to start the compressed forward, automatically switch to the MBL/RLI forward type. * FTIME 0..60 minutes Every FTIME minutes, the PMS will connect the master BBS asking for the forward. Any value below 10 disables the function, and the forward is performed only if the HomeBBS calls your station. * FWD Manual start of the forward with the HomeBBS. * HIeraddr TEXT | OFF Is a field of max 20 characters, used to define your hierarchical address, for example .IPIE.ITA.EU OFF disable the function. This field, if present, is used with RLine command. * RLine ON | OFF If ON, when your PMS forward a message, your R: line will be added to the message, if OFF no. WARNING: with RLine ON, you will be considered exactly like a regular bbs, so, if a user use a command SR on your mail, the return address will be YOURCALL@YOURCALL insted of YOURCALL@YOURHOMEBBS. If @YOURCALL is not defined in the homebbs and/or adiacent bbs inhis forward file, mail sent to you vill nevar arrive to you, this because you are not a bbs in the regular path. Whit off this is not a problem, because your mail will be returned to your homebbs, and homebbs is know in the path. But, some server have the capability to communicate one to another trougth the RLine, and in this case, if you do not enable RLine this type of server cannot work properly. So see you need..... TSTHOST v1.38 (c) IK1GKJ 20 PG SERVER --------- The PG servers are programs written to expand the capability of the software. They MUST be placed in the directory PG, one level below the location of tsthost.exe. As the system is inactive while executing the PG servers, they must be small and use the minimum machine time. The displayed image is saved during the program execution. The server must NOT access the video RAM directly. The server receives the following command-line: argv[0] Drive\path\servername; argv[1] Callsign of the user, with ssid argv[2] Server level, 0 the first call, up to 255 the next. argv[3...] User-specified parameters, each word is a separated argument. The server data output (with printf() and putf()) is transmitted to the user. The server may return: 0 - The output of the server is sent to the user and returns to the PMS prompt 1 - The output of the server is sent to the user and the server is called again. 2 - The output of the server is executed like a PMS command, and the user is reconnected to the PMS interface. 3 - The output of the server is executed like a PMS command, and the server is called again. NOTE for 2 and 3: The output must be maximum 80 chars long, and must start at the line beginning; the line must NOT start with a carriage return or line feed. The server must NEVER return another PG command. TSTHOST v1.38 (c) IK1GKJ 21 For instance, this is a very simple ECHO server that returns to the user all he have typed, until the user types BYE: #include <stdio.h> #include <string.h> main(int argc, char **argv) { int i,mode; sscanf(argv[2],"%d",&mode); if(!stricmp(argv[3],"BYE") && mode) { printf("\nBest 73\n"); return 0; } printf("\nHallo %s, you have send:\n",argv[1]); for(i=3;i<argc;i++) printf("%s ",argv[i]); printf("\nType BYE to end.\n"); return 1; } The user IK1AAA calls the server with PG ECHO AA BB. The server returns HALLO IK1AAA, YOU HAVE SEND AA BB, TYPE BYE TO END the user types I AM MARIO The server returns HALLO IK1AAA, YOU HAVE SEND I AM MARIO, TYPE BYE TO END the user types BYE The server returns BEST 73, and the user will return to the PMS prompt. TSTHOST v1.38 (c) IK1GKJ 22 AUTOMATIC PASSWORD ------------------ The TSTHOST.PSW file contains the passwords to use with those systems where it is requested for the access. The file format is: STRING_TO_SEARCH PASSWORD STRING_TO_SEARCH is the system prompt when the password is being requested, max 50 character long with no spaces, PASSWORD is your password, up to 255 alphanumeric characters without spaces. Example: IK1MSL-8> abcdef IW1BRX-8> 123456 IK1GKJ-8> ABCEDF Warning: Upper and lower case are ignored in the string being searched, but are important in the password string. Here are some example for the BBS prompt, that can solve any doubt, and make you write the correct tsthost.psw. In the example, my demo password is ABCDEF IW1BRX-8> 11 22 33 44 55 [0123.... IW1BRX-8> ABCDEF Password? IW1BRX-8> 11 22 33 .... IW1BRX-8> ABCDEF IW1BRX-8> Password? 11 22 33 ..... Password? ABCDEF IW1BRX-8> Password ? 11 22 33 .... ? ABCDEF As you have seen, the string being searched is ALWAYS the LAST word or characters that came before the password code. If the BBS prompt is: Insert your password 11 22 33 44 55 and you insert in your tsthost.psw file: Insert your password ABCDEF TSTHost will interpret "Insert" as the string to be matched, and "your" as your password. This is an error! The correct form in tsthost.psw must be: password ABCDEF TSTHOST v1.38 (c) IK1GKJ 23 PMS INTERFACE ------------- Every channel of the software is a PMS and a normal connection channel at the same time. All non-connected channels are set by default in PMS mode. This means that a remote user that connects your station will operate in PMS mode. But, if YOU issue the Connect command, the channel becomes a normal conversation channel. There is an exception to this. When the software starts, if one or more channel in your TNC are already connected for any reasons, they are conversation channels, not PMS. The reason is that it is impossible to know if those channels have been connected by us or by a remote user. You can switch from PMS or NORMAL channel mode with the commands TALK (from PMS to NORMAL, for example after a chat with the remote user), and PMS (from NORMAL to PMS). You cannot switch a session if the task is not stand-by. The PMS cannot be executed if there is an active file transfer on the channel (YAPP, send or capture). A TALK command has no effect if the PMS on that channel is processing a user command. Moreover, you cannot switch a window to conversation mode that is already active in PMS mode. This is correct because you cannot chat with a user, or your text will interfere with his PMS activity. You have to switch to TALK mode before chatting. TSTHOST v1.38 (c) IK1GKJ 24 THE SERVER ---------- What is the server? The server are programs com or exe that must be exist in the tsthost.exe directory. When a personal message arrive to your pms interface, and tsthost detect a server (see SERVER command), tsthost copy the contents of this message to a file, next execute the related com or exe file and pass like argument the name of this file. This is a standard forward file, so the first line will contain SP SERVERNAME < IK1AAA, next line will be the title of the messages, next to end the contents of the messages. Server may do anything, but any return message from the server to sender must go into the tsthost.in file. When the server stop the execution, control return to tsthost, messaged copied will be deleted, original message will be put into K state. Remember that will server are running, tsthost is stopped. THE COPYRIGHT LINE IN THE SCREEN FLASH -------------------------------------- When a new mail for you arrive on the pms interface, the copyright line in the screen will flash, to signal you that have some mail to read. To stop flashing, you MUST press ALT-F10 key or do the LM or RM command from KEYBOARD; i have used this soluction for two reasons: 1) TSTHOST.DMS is not in memory, and scan it to see if your mail is already read cost some time. 2) a PIRATE user may connect your pms with your callsign, read your mail, and next kill this message. I case 1) the line will flash off, and you do not see that new mail was arrived. With this system, you may note that mail is arrived, even if that mail was killed or read. TSTHOST v1.38 (c) IK1GKJ 25 PMS command from KEYBOARD ------------------------- * ENdmessage filename | OFF This command defines a file that will be automatically added at the end of any message written with the S?/SR functions of the PMS. If the S?/SR command already have the +FILENAME extension, first will be added the FILENAME contents, then the ENDMESSAGE contents. OFF Disables this function. If ENDMESSAGE does not have a specified path, it will be searched in the program directory. * R [XR] to read messages * K to kill messages * L to list messages Optional parameters for commands R, L, K: (The example is for List command, but most of them also work for Read and Kill) L List all messages (only LIST, not READ/KILL) LL 50 List last 50 messages (only LIST, not READ/KILL) L 100 List message number 100 L 100 102 150 List messages 100 102 and 150 (max 10 numbers) L 100-150 List message from 100 to 150 L -150 List message from begin to 150 L 150- List message from 150 to end L< CALL List all messages sent by CALL L> CALL List all messages for CALL L@ ROUTE List all messages for that route. LS STRING List all messages that have STRING in the title. LM List all my messages NOTE: From keyboard, the sysop can access all messages, even if the message is for someone else and if the message is Killed. The exception is for the LM RM KM commands, that access the sysop messages and do not access the Killed messages. XR work exactly like R, but while R compress the R line like fbb, XR display the line in full format. TSTHOST v1.38 (c) IK1GKJ 26 * S CALL [@ ROUTE] [+FILENAME] * SB CALL [@ ROUTE] [+FILENAME] * SR[R] MESSAGE_NUMBER [+FILENAME] * SP CALL [@ ROUTE] [+FILENAME] * SC MESSAGE_NUMBER CALL [@ROUTE] [+FILENAME] The 'SP' sets the message to Personal, that means that only the addressee can read the message. The 'SB' sets the message to Bulletin, that means that anybody can read the message. If the 'SB' or 'SP' are not expressly specified, (the 'S' command), the program assigns the 'P' mode for any valid CALL, otherwise the 'B' mode. SR automatically replies with a P-type message to the sender of the specified message number. The title of the message will be "Re:" and the title of the original message. SRR work like SR, but insert in the editor a copy of the contents of message_number SC send a copy of the specified message number to CALL. During those command, you cannot switch the task, but you must terminate the message editing session. The space for the internal editor is 200 lines. If +FILENAME exists, the content of the specified file is appended to the end of your message. If FILENAME has a drive/path specification, the file is read from the selected location, otherwise it will be searched in the WORKDIR path. * EDit msg_nbr Permit to edit the contents of the message number specified. * HNode [CALL-SSID | OFF][via digipeaters] To define a node to use for connect homebbs in UL get and FWD command. OFF disabel the NODE usage. Pratically, first will be connected the HNODE callsign, next will be connected the homebbs. Example: HNODE IK1QQA HNODE IK1QQA via IK1ABC, IK1QWE...... * HChannel CHANNEL | OFF Since is possible that the node required a specified port number to connect HomeBbs, (ieg BPQ), CHANNEL define the port number where the node connect the bbs. If for example the PORT value is 2 and Home bbs is IK1MSL-8, once connected to the node the program issue: C 2 IK1MSL-8 TSTHOST v1.38 (c) IK1GKJ 27 * HOmebbs CALL-SSID [via digipeaters list] Defines the BBS where the PMS messages have to be transmitted, those with the routing field (@) set. SSID must be specified, as IK1MSL is different from IK1MSL-8. For example: HOMEBBS IK1MSL-8 HOMEBBS IK1MSL-8 via IK1ABC, IK1DWE...... * HPasprompt PASSWORD_PROMPT | OFF PASSWORD PROMPT is an optional field used ONLY if the HomeBBS requires a password for the system access, check the relative section in this manual. * HAlias CALL-SSID To define an extra callsign that will be considered like a homebbs when connected. * MAilcopy message_number destination_filename [/A] Similar to READ msg_nbr, the output will be written in a file. If file name does not have a drive/path specification, the file will be written in the workdir directory. Note: with /A parameters, the message will be appended, not overwrite destination_filename * MHeader MESSAGENBR HEADERFIELD=HEADERDATA This command is useful to change the header of any message in the pms. HEADERFIELD is a single letter that identify the field to change: A for address of the mail, the TO recipient. R for the routing of the mail, the @ recipient. F for the sender of the mail, the FROM recipient. B for the bid of the message. D for the description, the TITLE of the message. S for the status of the message, may be [K]illed,[N]ew,[Y]read [F]orwarded. Any of this setting may be done to a personal mail, but bulletin message do not accept the Y status. T for the type of the message, may be [B]ulletin or [P]rivate For example, we have a messagge for P IK1ABC @ IK1FUZ, title is ABOT YOUR MAIL. We want correct the title an the TO callsign, so: MH 1 D=ABOUT YOUR MAIL MH 1 A=IK1BBB TSTHOST v1.38 (c) IK1GKJ 28 * NBID bidnumer (1...65535) To assign a new bid start sequence. DO NOT USE THIS COMMAND IF YOU DO NOT KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING!!. Read TSTHOST.BID section before. If you do this command without parameters, simple will be displayed the next internal bid number. * PMS The current task is switched in PMS mode, for instance after a QSO with the remote user that called you. The user returns to the PMS prompt. You cannot switch if you have any active file transfer in the channel (YAPP, record, send). See the TALK command. * RIng If ON (default), when the user does the 'T' command the Sysop is called, otherwise the user receives a message that the Sysop is not available. * SAvemsg +/-TOFIELD +/-TOFIELD .... up to 20 To define up to 20 address field. Whe a message will be received on the pms interface, if its TO field match one field in the list, the message will be copied into a file in the WORKDIR path, with the TO address like a name and .MSG extension. * SERver +/-SERVERNAME +/-SERVERNAME .... up to 20 To define up to 20 server program that will be executed when arrive a personal message addressed to SERVERNAME@YOURPMS. + ADD server, - REMOVE server from list. Do not specify extension or path to the server statement, only the filename, and the executable file must be located into the TSTHOST.EXE directory. * TALK The current task is switched to the normal conversation mode, for example when the remote user TALKs the sysop (see PMS). You cannot switch if the PMS is not in stand-by status. * Timeout minutes Specify the time after, without activity on the channel, i will be automatically disconnected. Time is between 0 and 60 minutes; 0 (default) disables the timeout function. TSTHOST v1.38 (c) IK1GKJ 29 * UPdatedms pday bday When a message is killed, the file is not deleted from the disk but the status flag becomes 'K'. This command allows the deletion from the system of those messages that are killed, status 'K', and the PERSONAL messages that have been already read, status 'Y', or forwarded, status 'F'. PDAY is the number of days (from creation) that a PERSONAL type message can exist in the system, BDAY is for BULLETIN type messages. When a message is older than this number of days, it will be deleted from the system, without checking the status flag. Please note that you cannot run this command if any user is connected to the PMS interface. For example, to erase all private messages after 10 days, and bulletin messages after 4 days: UP 10 4 * USerdir [path] Sets the directory for the users connected to the PMS interface. The default path is a subdirectory within the one that contains tsthost.exe, but you can change to a new path with this command. Note that TSTHOST does not CREATE the directory, the path MUST EXIST. TSTHOST v1.38 (c) IK1GKJ 30 PMS commands for remote users ----------------------------- NOTE: ANY COMMAND, BEFORE TO BE DECLARED UNKNOWN, WELL BE SEARCHED LIKE A PG, THIS PERMIT TO EXPAND THE PMS COMMAND WITH PG PROGRAMS WRITTEN FOR PARTICULAR FUNCTION. * R [XR] to read messages * K to kill messages * L to list messages The valid parameters for the R, L, K commands are listed in the following table (the examples are for the List command) : L List all messages (only LIST, not READ/KILL) LL 50 List last 50 message (only LIST, not READ/KILL) L 100 List message number 100 L 100 102 150 List messages 100 102 and 150 (max 10 number) L 100-150 List message from 100 to 150 L -150 List message up to number 150 L 150- List message from number 150 on L< CALL List all messages sent by CALL L> CALL List all messages for CALL L@ ROUTE List all messages for that route. LS STRING List all messages that have STRING in the title. LM List all my messages NOTE: Any users have access to all bulletin and personal messages addressed to his callsign or that he have sent. Killed messages will never be listed. XR work exactly like R, but while R compress the R line like fbb, XR display those line completely. * B Disconnects the system. * DOS DOS_COMMAND If enabled, TSTHost executes the specified DOS command. TSTHOST v1.38 (c) IK1GKJ 31 * PG [[NAMESERVER] SERVER PARAMETERS] If called without arguments, the program sends to the user the contents of the file TSTHOST.PGS, if exist, otherwise sends NO PG AVAILABLE. In this way it is possible for the sysop to have some PG servers not declared. A user will not execute the servers but the sysop, or a restricted group of users, can easily activate these extra services. If the server name parameter is specified, the program executes the specified server. The output of the server is sent back to the user. * SYS When the user performs the SYS command, his callsign will be searched in the TSTHOST.SYS file, and, if found, the system requires a password, ALWAYS CODIFIED WITH THE MD2 SYSTEM. If the user enters the corrected password, to the user will be assigned some privileges, specified in tsthost.sys file by the flag parameters. At the actual version, flag is a bit field: 1 means that user may access with the YD, W, V to any drive and path of your system, but may YU only in the UPLOAD path. 2 is like 1, but the user may access to any disk and path also for write a file (YU) 4 means that the user may do the DOS command. The password prompt is the PMS callsign without SSID, with _PMS> and the password request, like: IK1GKJ_PMS> [0123456789] To cancela previusly authorization, you may repeat the sys command and do a bad or null password. If you change the flag in tsthost.sys while a user with a valid authorization is connected, the new flag will not have effect until the current authorization will not be cleared. * S CALL [@ROUTE] * SB CALL [@ROUTE] * SR MSG_NBR * SP CALL [@ROUTE] * SC MSG_NBR CALL [@ROUTE] Stores a message into the PMS. SB is for bulletin messages, SP for personal mail. The field @ROUTE is optional. If specified, the message will be forwarded to the specified HomeBBS. If the P or B types are not expressly specified, the program automatically assignes the P type for any valid CALL, otherwise the B type. SR replies a P-type message to the sender of a specific message. TSTHOST v1.38 (c) IK1GKJ 32 SC send a copy of message number # to call. To terminate the message editing, send CTRL-Z or /EX in the first text column. * T Calls the sysop. The program displays a video message to notify the sysop the user request. If CBELL is ON the programs sounds the speaker, together with the message. * U List the users connected to the PMS interface. NOTE: Only the stations connected to the PMS are listed. Channels not in PMS-mode are not listed. * V FILENAME Display to the users the contents of an ascii file. File must be in USERSDIR or its subdirectory. * YD FILENAME Sends to the user the specified file using YAPP protocol. The file must be in the USERS (USERDIR command) directory or its subdirectories. * YU FILENAME TSTHost receives a file from the user, with the YAPP protocol. The Resume option is always enabled, so if the transfer stops for any reason, the user can reconnect the system and restart the file transfer from the point where he was arrived. The file will be put in the USERS\UPLOAD directory. * W [PATH] Display the contents of the USERDIR directory. * ? Sends to the user the contents of the TSTHOST.HLP file. If this file do not exist, the user receives the message NO HELP AVAILABLE. * @ CALL TEXT Interrupts the user CALL, that must be connected to the PMS interface, by notifying the TEXT message. TSTHOST v1.38 (c) IK1GKJ 33 UNPROTO LIST ------------ When a FBB BBS receives a new message, emits a special Unproto frame with the message description. Also, it is possible to get the BBS message list without connecting the system. With those features, a user with the PC active all the day can receive and maintain the list of the messages present on the BBS. It is not needed to connect the BBS to get the message list, too. To use this feature you must be enabled on the BBS system so, if you need the Unproto list, contact the Sysop. Even if you are not enabled, the program can create a list by intercepting the Unproto messages, but cannot resyncronize with the BBS system if a packet is lost. NOTE: to use the unproto list, monitor channel must be open for the Unproto frames, letter U. AX MON U, AX MON US, AX MON UC, AX MON USC are correct, some other modes without the 'U' aren't ! The Unproto list can save in memory up to 300 message headers, or if you have more than 200 kbyte with tsthost installed, up to 800. The older messages are then discarded to leave the space for new ones. The Unproto list feature requires 24/64 KBytes of RAM. The HOmebbs command sets the BBS from which the Unproto list is accepted. You must specify the callsign SSID, because IK1GKJ is different from IK1GKJ-8. You can set up to 20 fields that are automatically selected when received, like is possible to set up to 20 fields that will not be inserted in the list. The list can be obtained without user operations, or by issuing a special command (please read the section about channel 8 on the manual), even if the BBS requires an access password. Unproto list is transferred with the compressed FBB protocol. This protocol requires about 19K of RAM for the message decoding. The files are then saved in the WORKDIR directory, where the filename is the TO field and with the .MSG extension, or put into the PMS interface, see the UL INTERFACE command. TSTHOST v1.38 (c) IK1GKJ 34 IMPORTANT NOTE Some programs allow the use of unproto frames with the poll bit set, that is not a problem for the Unproto list. However, in certain conditions, this can become a problem. For instance, you are connected to your HomeBBS on channel 1. TSTHost emits a Sync Unproto frame towards your HomeBBS, for the Unproto list. The HomeBBS, when receives the Unproto frame with the poll bit set, returns you a DM frame. This is correct since your monitor channel is not connected. But your AX25 interface receives the DM frame , and then it is redirected to the channel 1 where you are connected, to disconnect the link. In this case you are disconnected by your TNC, while for the BBS you are still connected. To avoid this problem, TSTHost starts by sending the @U0 command to disable the poll bit in unproto frames. Maybe some Eproms or Driver do not recognise the command (as far as I know, only TFPCR v2.10) and if the Eprom/Driver starts with the poll bit set you cannot fix the problem so you'll be randomly disconnected by the system. TSTHOST v1.38 (c) IK1GKJ 35 UList Subcommands ----------------- Use these commands after the ULIST prefix, for instance: ULIST QUERY 122 * Autoselect +/-TO_Field +/-<FROM_field Automatic selection of the messages in the Unproto list according to the desired TO_Fields (up to 20). For instance, to select the ALL, DX and NEWS fields the command is: UL A +ALL +DX +NEWS Then, to add the KWD field and remove the ALL field: UL A +KWD -ALL With the same format of above, you may select the FROM field; to do this, you must add the prefix '<' to the sender of the message. For example, UL A +ALL +<IK1GKJ UL A without parameters displays the autoselect list. * Disable Disables the Unproto list. The Unproto frames are not decoded to the list. The list is saved in the TSTHOST.ULS file in the TSTHost default directory. The memory used for the list is released. NOTE: the list will be automatically saved every hour. * Enable Activates the Unproto list. The previous list is loaded from disk (TSTHOST.ULS), then any new message is added to the list. Being enabled by the HomeBBS, a missing message activates a synch request so to keep the list always updated. * Get Connects the HomeBBS to receive the selected messages. * Interface File (default) | Pms To determine if the received unproto message will be saved to a disk file or conneted to the pms interface. * List To display the unproto messages selected and not yet received. TSTHOST v1.38 (c) IK1GKJ 36 * Not +/-TO_Field +-<FROM_field +/-@ROUTE_field Work exactly like Autoselect, but the fields set into this list will not be inserted in your unproto list. Whit the NOT command, is accepted also the @ routing field. *Pmsg ON | OFF If OFF, only personal mail addresses to your callsign will be added to the unproto list, other P mail will be discarded. If ON all P mail will be added to the unproto list. * Query [msg_nbr] Manual request to the BBS to send a list from the specified message number. This command should not be needed, since the program is always automatically synchronised. If msg_nbr is not specified, automatically the program ask for the last received message in the list. NOTE: if a manual or automatic QUERY will not receive an answer, after 1,5 minuts the program will ask again. * Time 0..60 minutes This command sets the time interval, in minutes, for the automatic connection. If there is any message selected, TSTHost connects the HomeBBS for the message request. Any value below 15 min. disables this feature. * View Displays in a window the message list. Use the standard cursor keys to scroll the list, INSert to select/deselect a message, ESCape or RETURN to close the window. TSTHOST v1.38 (c) IK1GKJ 37 TSTHost commands description ---------------------------- The uppercase letters are the minimum command abbreviation for the command recognition. Facultative parameters are shown in square brackets, while mutually exclusive options are separated by |. Send,Delete,Dir,Yput,View parameter window ------------------------------------------ If the parameters for the SEND, DELETE and DIR commands have not been specified, the program activates a request window on the screen showing the files contained in the WORKDIR directory. Select the desired file with the ENTER key, by moving the selection bar with the cursor keys. To log to another drive, press the TAB key and type the corresponding letter. The ESCape key aborts the request. The ENTER key has no effect in the DIR window. * 7PCopy ON | OFF If ON, any message arrived in your pms, or with unproto list, that have any valid 7plus code, will be copied into the file 7PDATA.FWD in the WORKDIR path. This file is in the standard MBL-RLI-FBB forward-export mode, and may be processed from server or prigram that recognize this format, or directly from 7plus etc...... * AUtoyapp [on|off] When activated, TSTHost starts automatically the YAPP protocol when the init protocol code is received from the connected station, otherwise you have to start the file download with the YREC command. The file is saved in the WORKDIR directory. * AX25 subcommand command TNC setup command, read the description further on. * Bell [on|off] If OFF, disables the PC-speaker beep when a CTRL-G is received. * CBell [on|off] When activated, the program will emit an acoustic signal for any connection and disconnection. * CLS Clears the receive screen for the active channel. TSTHOST v1.38 (c) IK1GKJ 38 * CLRbuf Clears the receive buffer for the active channel. * COLor process_number color_number Selects the color for the screen display. Read the help text by issuing this command without parameters. * Connect callsign [v digipeater digipeater] Connect the specified callsign. If the command is executed in the monitor windows or in an already connected channel, the program will attempt to connect the callsign on the first available channel * COPy source destination Copies the source file in the destination name. If a path name is not specified, the default directory is the WORKDIR. Wildcards are not allowed, and you cannot overwrite an existing file. * CRon filename | OFF OFF disable the function, otherwise every hour tsthost will execute the specified file. This file for default will be searched in tsthost.exe directory, if in the filename is not present a specified drive or path. The file may be EXE, COM or BAT. Tsthost always attempt to trapping the output of the program , but for a batch file, is possible trap the output of the bat but not the output of the program called by the batch file. To do this, you must redirect to a file or NUL device any program called from the batch file. This is not a problem, even the program write to the screen while executed, when return to tsthost anything will be restored. Example of good .bat file: @ECHO OFF DOTHIS1 > NUL DOTHIS2 /a /b >NUL ..... * DElete [filename] Deletes the file. If no drive/path is specified, the default directory is the WORKDIR path. Wildcards are not allowed. If the filename is not specified, TSTHost provides a screen window for the selection. TSTHOST v1.38 (c) IK1GKJ 39 * DIR Directory display in the screen window. The directory start from the WORKDIR directory. * DISconnect Disconnects the station. * ECho [on|off] If enable, the text entered from the keyboard is also written in the receive window, in the receive buffer and (if active) in the capture file. * EXIT Quit from program. No connected channel is disconnected. * FUnction function_key [command.....] It is possible to define ten commands (up to 80 characters long) that will be executed by depressing the keys CTRL + F1/F10. Issue the command with the function key number to display the current assignment. For instance, FU 1 CON IK1MSL-8 assignes to CTRL-F1 the connect command to IK1MSL-8 * Help or ? Displays a command list. * LOg [on|off] Enables/disables the connection record log, saved in the file TSTHOST.LOG in the program directory. Every line in the file contains the callsign, time and date for any connection and disconnection. To avoid that this file grows too much, it is suggested to move and rename the file in another directory for further storage every month. NOTE: the file data is valid only if connections and disconnections happen while the programs are active (including the shell command RUN). If the program starts while the TNC is already connected, the missing data are logged in the file as question marks (??). TSTHOST v1.38 (c) IK1GKJ 40 * PARam channel text Use this command with care, only if you know very well the WA8DED host mode software. This command set a specific value for a channel or an extended command not included in the AX25 subcommands using the host mode commands, and the data is not checked by TSTHost. It is used for particular settings or non- standard Eproms. The user is responsible for any data sent to the host interface. The global communication channel is number 0, the others from 1 to 8 correspond to the eight task windows. Notice that data written on channel 0 is stored as the default, while those written on the other channels are used until the next disconnection on the channel and return to the channel 0 default value. * PASsword Automatic transmission of the requested password. Support the standard request and the MD2 algorithm. It is also possible to send the password with the ALT_F1 key. * RECord filename | off Captures to a disk file the task activity. The file logging stops with the OFF filename or with the task disconnection. The status line displays the disk file size and not the received bytes number because logging to an existing file appends data to the end of the file without deleting the previous text. To send the data to the printer, instead of the disk file, RECord to a DOS device name (LPT1 PRN etc); REC OFF disables the printer. It is not suggested to print a heavy and fast traffic on a slow printer, as this can slow down the whole system. This command is not active in a PMS session. * REName old_name new_name Change the name for the specified file. Wildcards are not allowed. The default directory is WORKDIR. It is possible to move a file in the same disk to a different directory by specifying the new path. For instance: REN pippo.txt pluto.txt The file pippo.txt becomes pluto.txt The file remains in the default directory. REN e:\bin\utils\vp.exe e:\bin\vp.exe moves the file vp.exe from the path e:\bin\utils into e:\bin TSTHOST v1.38 (c) IK1GKJ 41 * RUn [filename] Executes the Filename DOS program. If the program name is not specified, the command interpreter (COMMAND.COM) is run until the EXIT command, that returns to TSTHost. The TSTHost activity is suspended while executing DOS programs. * SEnd [filename | OFF] Sends the specified file to the connected station. OFF closes the file, or it is closed at the end of the file or when the task is disconnected. The file must contain ASCII text and not binary data, and the SEnd command cannot be issued in a PMS session. The status line counter displays the number of bytes sent to the TNC, so the file can be closed when the TNC still have data in the buffer to be transmitted. If the filename is not specified, a selection window is displayed on the screen. * SOurce filename Executes a command file. The file contains the commands in the same form as for the keyboard. Each line (up to 80 characters) must contain a command. The source file is searched ONLY in the program directory. * TNCDelay X Y This command set some program timings, that you shouldn't need to change. The values are expressed in 18th of second and the range is from 3 to 255, that correspond to 2 tenth and 14 seconds. The X parameter is the maximum delay for the TNC reply. If the TNC does not reply to TSTHost in the specific time, the program retries to synchronise the serial port. The Y parameter is the speed for the serial port synchronisation. If your Y parameter is too high, you can go to have a coffee while the program resynchronises! You must increase X to fix frequent timeouts, and Y if the program cannot resync the serial port. To display the current values of the timings, issue the command without parameters. * UList subcommand command Command for FBB Unproto list, read the specific section in this manual. TSTHOST v1.38 (c) IK1GKJ 42 * View [filename] Display the contents of an ascii file, predefined path is WORKDIR. If you do not provide a filename, a selection is made in window mode. * WOrkdir [path] Set the default work path for TSTHost. Usually, it corresponds to the directory where the program is stored. When a filename does not have a drive/directory path, it will be searched in the WOrkdir directory. * WRitebuf filename Writes the contents of the receive buffer in an ASCII disk file. If the filename does not have a drive/directory path specified, it is saved in the WOrkdir directory. * YABort Starts the procedure to interrupt the YAPP transfer protocol. The interruption is not immediate because the terminal station must empty his buffer before accepting the command. To perform an immediate abort, type this command TWICE. * YAPpc [on|off] Enables/disables the YAPPC protocol version. You cannot change this option if there is any YAPP file transfer active. * YRec filename YAPP receive protocol manual start. If Autoyapp is on, this command is not requested. If Autoyapp is off, you must execute this command just after having received by the connected station the Init YAPP transmit code. If the filename does not have a drive/directory path specified, it will be saved in the WOrkdir directory. This command is not active in a PMS session. * YPut [filename] Start the YAPP transmit protocol. If a drive/directory path is not specified, the file is taken from the WOrkdir directory. This command is not active in a PMS session. If the filename parameter is not specified, the program activates a select window. TSTHOST v1.38 (c) IK1GKJ 43 AX25 Subcommands ---------------- These parameters must follow the AX25 command, for instance AX25 MONITOR N. The TNC manual reports more informations about these commands. * AX25l2v2 [On|Off] Enables the level 2 of the Ax25 protocol. * Beacon [0-60] [Beacon Text | <Beacon file] Set the beacon text. The time value is expressed in minutes, and any value below 5 disables the beacon. If the first character of the beacon text is '<', then the others are the text filename. If no drive/directory is specified, then the file will be searched in the TSTHOST.EXE directory. Example for text beacon: AX BE 30 ST. IK1GKJ * IJ45IK Example for file beacon: AX BE 30 <F:\UTILS\BEACON.TXT * Check [0..65535] After this time, if was not detect traffic on the channel, the program test the integrity of the link. In 10ms. * CLock ON | OFF | SET The SET parameter sets the current time/date on the TNC. ON enables the time/date display in the monitor window and in the status messages, OFF disables this time/date display. NOTE: Not all TNC EPROMs accept this command; it works fine on TF24 and TF26. * Digipeat [On|Off] Enables/disables the digipeating capability of the TNC. * FRack [1..65535] Pause (if ACK has not been received) for the TNC before sending the data packet again. This value can be from 1 to 15 seconds. Some TNC EPROMs accept valid data from 16 to 65535, expressed in 1/33 of second. * FUllduplex [On|Off] Enables/disables the full duplex transmission of the TNC. TSTHOST v1.38 (c) IK1GKJ 44 * MAxframe [1..7] Max number of data packets to transmit before waiting for ACK. * MHeard [ON | OFF | CLR 3..MAX] Without parameters, displays the list of the received stations. CLR clears the list. ON enables the list automatic update. OFF disables the list automatic update. The list size, set by CLR, must be a value between 3 and the max supported by the tnc, but warning, since the mheard list is not maintained in memory, but only displayed, you you ask for a number greater than the screen dimension, due to the scroll you may lose the first callsign displayed. Warning: This command has been tested with EPROMs TF24 and TF26, but not any EPROM accept this command. * MYcall callsign Set my callsign. * MOnitor [NIUSC] [+- callsign callsign...] N disable I display I Frames U display UI frames S display Supervisory frames C display Connections frames + Include max. 8 callsign - Exclude max. 8 callsign * PAclen [80..250] Byte size of the transmitted packet. * PErsist [0..255] Transmit chance. When the TNC must transmit data, it generates a random number between 0 and 255. If the number is higher than the PErsist value it can transmit, otherwise the TNC must wait for SLottime time before generating a new number. * POrtcall [channel 1..8] [call|OFF] This command assigns a different SSID or callsign for every channel. The command without parameters displays the list of those channels with a callsign different from the AX25 mycall value. OFF sets the channel to use the callsign-ssid set by the AX25 mycall command. TSTHOST v1.38 (c) IK1GKJ 45 To activate the default callsign, use the OFF parameter. Note: a channel with a particular callsign will not change even by changing the global callsign. To disable the extended callsign use OFF. This command has effect, for a connected channel, only after the disconnection Example: AX25 MYCALL IK1GKJ AX25 PORTCALL 2 IK1GKJ-2 * PTt [ON | OFF] Enables/disables the TNC PTT line. The software works correctly, but, while in the OFF state, the TNC does not activate the PTT line. * RESptime [0..65535] Wait time before ACKing an incoming packet, in 10ms. * RETry [0..127] Retry number before failure and station disconnection. 0 stands for forever. * Slottime [0..127] See PErsist, in 10ms. * Txdelay [0..127] Delay before data transmission after the PTT line activation, in 10ms. * UNproto [text] Unproto text and route where the Unproto messages are addressed. * USers [0..8] Max number of incoming connections. * Validcall [On|Off] Enables/disables the valid callsign control. TSTHOST v1.38 (c) IK1GKJ 46 THE STATUS LINE --------------- From the bottom to the top of the screen: The last screen line displays the channel status, the number of bytes transmitted for send file, the disk file size for incoming text capture. Only the TNC status and the number of free buffers are displayed for Monitor and Unconnected channels. * FR is the number of free buffers in the TNC (or TFPCX/R driver). Every buffer contains 32 bytes. This values helps detecting if the TNC is collapsing, as the Host software disables the monitor if this value is under 256. The TNC collapses when the FR is around 128. Among the various reasons, check the high speed traffic and slow serial connection baud rate, the monitor active with multiconnection, etc. The free buffers value is global and not referred to a single channel. * BF is the number of packet in the TNC queue to be transmitted for the channel. TSTHost has a ten buffers queue. If the FR value drops below 300, the queue is reduced to 5, and if FR goes below 210 then the queue is reduced to 2. This function does not interfere with the MAXFRAME 7 parameter, since the correct number of packets is BUF+UNACK. * UN is the number of packets transmitted still to be confirmed. This value depends on AX25 maxframe. * RE is the time of the TNC attempts to transmit the unack data without receiving ACK from the other station. After AX25 retry value, the station will be disconnected. * US is the amount of memory used by the system * OK is the free memory in the system * TX is displayed only by sending a file. This value is the number of bytes read from the file and transferred intothe TNC. When the file transfer terminates on the PC side, it can still continue because of the TNC buffer. * RX is displayed only when the RECORD command is active, and this value corresponds to the disk file size. Next line up on the screen displays the TSTHost status: CONV for conversation mode (typed data is sent to the other station), CMD for command mode (enter commands for TSTHost to be interpreted). On the right side there is the current channel number and the callsign and duration of the active connection. TSTHOST v1.38 (c) IK1GKJ 47 Then there is the program version. REVIEW indicates that the revision buffer is activated (PageUp key); PMS for the channel set in a PMS session (default) or active in a PMS session. Above these lines, there is a line containing the callsign for each connected channel, from 1 to 8. If there is new data that you have not yet read from a channel, TSTHost will flash the callsign. Another line is for the YAPP transfer status line, active only if the channel is running a YAPP file transfer. PROBLEMS -------- Please report any kind of problem or defect with a message to IK1GKJ@IK1MSL, reporting: - Defect type. - Which operation you have done when you have noticed the defect. - PC model and configuration - Memory driver (EMM, QEMM etc.) - PC Operating system version. - (If possible) the TSR programs loaded in memory. - TNC model and driver type Thanks. TSTHOST v1.38 (c) IK1GKJ 48 Features ........................................................1 Tsthost with TNC in KISS or BAYCOM modem ........................3 Tsthost with the standard HOST mode .............................4 Tsthost with 2 or more tnc ......................................5 Memory usage and EXPANDED memory ................................6 VGA mode ........................................................6 Short cut keys ..................................................7 Path of the files ...............................................8 PG - Server directory ........................................8 MAIL - Messagges directory ...................................8 USERS - Users directory ......................................9 UPLOAD - Users upload directory ..............................9 WORKDIR - Standard work directory ............................9 TSTHOST.PSW - Automatic password file ........................9 TSTHOST.SYS - Password file for PMS SYS command. .............9 TSTHOST.CFG - Automatic configuration file ..................10 TSTHOST.SHD - Shutdown configuration file ...................10 TSTHOST.ULS - Unproto list file .............................10 TSTHOST.ENT - PMS connection text ...........................10 TSTHOST.HLP - PMS help file .................................11 TSTHOST.PGS - PMS PG server list ............................11 TSTHOST.LOG - Connections log ...............................11 SOURCE files ................................................11 TSTHOST.BID - Bid file. .....................................12 TSTHOST.IN - Mail import file ...............................13 TSTHOST.DMS - PMS messages database .........................14 FORWARD, UNPROTO list, CHANNEL 8 and (optional) automatic password request. .......................................15 FORWARD protocol ............................................17 Problem to connect for UNPROTO and FORWARD ..................18 FORWARD command ................................................19 PG SERVER ......................................................20 AUTOMATIC PASSWORD .............................................22 PMS INTERFACE ..................................................23 THE SERVER ..................................................24 THE COPYRIGHT LINE IN THE SCREEN FLASH ......................24 PMS command from KEYBOARD ...................................25 PMS commands for remote users ...............................30 UNPROTO LIST ...................................................33 IMPORTANT NOTE ..............................................34 UList Subcommands ...........................................35 TSTHost commands description ...................................37 Send,Delete,Dir,Yput,View parameter window ..................37 AX25 Subcommands ............................................43 THE STATUS LINE ................................................46