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FASTCHAT.DOC
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FastChat Ver. 1.02/b
Full-Featured Split Screen Chatting
for RemoteAccess, Maximus, EzyCom,
ProBoard, and DORINFOx.DEF-type systems
(c) 1993 Peter Hebert
FidoNet 1:135/57
Table of Contents
Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
RemoteAccess . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Maximus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Flavor differences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Appearance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Multinode Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Multilanguage Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
SysOp Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Directories and Filenames . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Defaults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Misc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Macro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Page bell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
End of window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Detection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Logging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Scrollback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Externals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
User editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Paging control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
ASC/ANS/AVT screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Page bell maintenance (FastBell) . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Page bell formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Multinode operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Multilanguage operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
FC-TSR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
FC-Ext . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Invocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
i
FastChat Ver. 1.02/b SysOp Documentation
Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Modifiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
While you are being paged . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Scrollback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Macros . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Extended character entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
The menu system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
User editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Attribute editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
File transfers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
File viewing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Switching modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Split-screen chatting mode (general) . . . . . . . . . . 39
Flat mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Common Problems and Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Runtime errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Registration Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
ii
FastChat Ver. 1.02/b SysOp Documentation
Preface
Thank you for trying FastChat. I am delighted that you took the
time to download or FREQ this program and sincerely hope that you
continue to use it. I am confident that you will enjoy using
FastChat.
I offer no guarantees whatsoever. I'm not responsible for any
damages, loss of profits, etc. caused by your use of (or
inability to use) this software. Your use of this software
signifies that you agree to these terms. If this license is not
valid in your area, then you are not allowed to use this software
and it must be destroyed.
FastChat is shareware. Thus, you cannot sell it or bundle it
with any other hardware or software without my explicit
permission. You are free to copy and distribute whole copies of
this archive by any medium, but are not permitted to split it up
or modify it in any way (besides archive format-conversion).
If this piece of software (or any other, for that matter) becomes
a permanent part of your menu structure, you are expected to
register it. Registration is not an optional matter; you must
pay for the software you use. A registration form and specific
registration information are found at the end of this document.
Registration entitles you to a "key", which, once inserted into
FCConfig, permanently registers your copy of FastChat.
Registration does not "unlock" any special features, as FastChat
is not CrippleWare in any way. In the words of a tagline I saw
somewhere: "Just say DEL *.* to CrippleWare!"
As far as technical support is concerned, I love to answer
netmail and E-mail, although sometimes I'm a little slow with my
replies. In any correspondence, try to be as specific as
possible and I'll get back to you as soon as I can. I usually
monitor the FidoNet RA_UTIL and MUFFIN echoes.
There are two ways to describe the copy of FastChat you have:
version and flavor. Version is the number associated with the
release; the higher the version number, the more features present
(usually). Flavor applies to the BBS software that FastChat was
installed for; different flavors of FastChat may vary slightly in
content and functionality. Thus, don't be confused when you see
the word "flavor" used to describe this piece of software :)
This documentation serves for all flavors of FastChat, so some
parts may not apply to your flavor. These parts are marked
appropriately.
Now onto the good stuff...
Page 1
FastChat Ver. 1.02/b SysOp Documentation
Introduction
FastChat is an external split screen chat program, meant to run
as a door from many popular BBS softwares. FastChat is meant to
make chatting with your users much more pleasant. Although it
works on multinode systems, FastChat is not a user-to-user
chatting program - it is solely a SysOp-to-user chatting program.
Here is a partial features list that separates FastChat from
other similar-but-different split screen chatting programs:
* Configurable colors for the windows and text
* Full screen configuration program with online help
* Optional on-screen clock
* Full FOSSIL locked/unlocked port support
* [Wants Chat] flag support (most flavors)
* RemoteAccess Alt-O function support for paging overrides
* "Forced chat" function for use on a function key
* Color in "flat" (non-split-screen) mode
* A full screen user editor (RA and Max only)
* Ability to lock out or silence specific users
* Dual-window scrollback, with configurable capacity (split-
screen mode only)
* In-text macro facility with interactive additions/deletions
* Full Avatar/0+ support
* Full multilanguage support
* Optional flashing keyboard light for "SysOp paged" flag
* Ability to have two sysops that can answer pages, each with
his/her own identity
* Ability to create menus and launch external programs with
the press of an Alt-key
* Much more ...
Throughout this documentation you will find sprinkled references
to the terms "split screen mode" and "flat mode", which refer to
FastChat's two modes of operation. Flat mode is similar in
operation to a normal Alt-C chat. Split screen mode is similar
in operation to RA's or FrontDoor's iEMSI chat, where the sysop
and user each have their own windows and can type simultaneously.
Page 2
FastChat Ver. 1.02/b SysOp Documentation
Installation
I realize that most SysOps dislike programs that take more than a
few seconds to set up. Although you could probably rush through
the FastChat setup, I don't recommend it. Please, take some time
and READ this documentation so that you can utilize FastChat to
the fullest.
Hopefully, if you are reading this now, you have already in-
stalled FastChat physically; the only remaining task is to tell
your BBS software about it. If you do not have FastChat
physically installed (i.e.: you have not yet run FC_INST.EXE),
then please refer to INSTALL.DOC.
RemoteAccess
To install:
1) Replace your chatting option on the main menu or global
menu with a type 7, optional data =
"x:\path\fastchat.exe /P*P Chat *!*M"
or for multinode systems:
"x:\path\fastchat.exe /P*P /N*N Chat *!*M"
Don't forget the .EXE extension! If you neglect to put
it in, RA will never execute FastChat.
The "*!" at the end of each of those lines causes RA to
freeze the timer while the user is in FastChat. The *M
is optional and causes RA to swap out before running
FastChat. FastChat does use a lot of memory, but it is
usually not necessary to swap RA out unless you are
running in a memory-constricted environment.
3) In RaConfig, set one of your free Alt-Fx keys to:
"x:\path\fastchat.exe /P*P forced chat *!*M"
or for multinode systems:
"x:\path\fastchat.exe /P*P /N*N forced chat *!*M"
This will allow you to force a FastChat with any user
by pressing that Alt-Fx key. Again, be sure to enter
this line exactly as you see it, changing only the
drive letter and path name.
Please, do NOT set FastChat as the external chat program in
RAConfig. You're better off leaving Alt-C for quickie comments
to your users and only use FastChat when you really want to chat
at length with somebody.
Page 3
FastChat Ver. 1.02/b SysOp Documentation
You've now told RA everything it needs to know in order to get
FastChat running. Skip to the Configuration section (page 7) to
configure FastChat.
Maximus
To install:
1) Copy the FC_PAGE.MEC file into your C:\MAX\MISC directory.
You will need to edit this file to point to your FastChat
directory. More information about the MEC file is provided
in another part of this documentation.
2) Copy the FC_CHAT.MEC file into your C:\MAX\MISC directory.
You will also need to edit this file to point to your
FastChat directory. Select a function key that you would
like to use to run FastChat and rename FC_CHAT.MEC to
Fxx.MEC, where xx is the number of the function key (F1 =
F1.MEC, F10 = F10.MEC, etc.)
3) Compile the FC_PAGE.MEC and Fxx.MEC files with MECCA.
4) Change your <Y>ell command in MENUS.CTL to Display_File
Misc\FC_PAGE.MEC, and recompile with SILT.
You can put FastChat in your MAX.CTL file using the Chat External
keyword, but I recommend saving Alt-C for quickie SysOp-to-user
comments.
Page 4
FastChat Ver. 1.02/b SysOp Documentation
Flavor differences
The same version of this documentation is used for all FastChat's
varieties. Some parts may or may not apply to your particular
setup. Differences in FastChat's behavior among various BBS
softwares are explained below, along with short explanations
justifying these differences.
References to command line parameters are explained below solely
for your convenience; the appropriate parameters to use appear
also in the above Installation section and later in the Invoca-
tion section (page 31).
RemoteAccess
The RemoteAccess flavor of FastChat works only with RA 1.0x to
1.1x. Users of RA 1.2 (in beta testing at the time this was
written) should contact me for the appropriate files to make
FastChat work with RA 1.2.
The RemoteAccess flavor is one of the fullest implementations of
FastChat. The user editor is present, as is support for RA's
[Wants Chat] flag and the Alt-O paging hours override function.
FastChat will change USERON.BBS to reflect that the SysOp is
chatting with the user, if he or she elects to do so.
One feature missing from the RemoteAccess flavor (that I cannot
add due to a deficiency in the EXITINFO.BBS structures) is the
ability to put the reason for chat on the status line. There is
also no facility for the user writing the SysOp a message after a
failed page.
On single-node systems, the BBS System directory and Drop file
path should point to the main RA directory. Under multinode
systems, the BBS System directory must point to the directory
containing USERON.BBS and PAGESTAT.RA, while the Drop file path
should point to where FastChat can expect to find EXITINFO.BBS
(you can use the $ character in the path if you wish it to be
replaced with the node number; for example, C:\RA\NODE$ if your
directories are called C:\RA\NODE1 and C:\RA\NODE2).
All RA systems must use the /P parameter to start FastChat, and
all multinode RA systems must use the /N parameter.
Maximus
The Maximus flavor of FastChat is for the most part similar to
the RemoteAccess flavor in functionality, with the following
exceptions: the "C" flag on the status line cannot be changed by
FastChat (because it is accessible structurally only via an
ErrorLevel exit) and RA's Alt-O feature is obviously not support-
ed because Maximus does not have an equivalent.
Unique to the Maximus flavor is the ability for the user to write
a message to the SysOp after an unanswered page. This is attrib-
utable solely to the fact that Maximus's MECCA language facili-
Page 5
FastChat Ver. 1.02/b SysOp Documentation
tates two-way communication between doors and programs and that
no other BBS software has an equivalent.
The BBS System directory and Drop file path in FCConfig should
point to Maximus's main directory (usually C:\MAX).
All Max systems must use the /P parameter to start FastChat, and
all multinode Max systems must use the /N parameter.
Ezycom
The Ezycom flavor of FastChat is similar to the RemoteAccess
flavor in all respects except that the reason for chat will be
passed back to appear on the status line. I have not yet written
a user editor for the Ezycom flavor, however it is a possibility
for the future if there is sufficient demand.
All Ezycom systems must use both the /P and /N parameters to
start FastChat (regardless of whether they are single node or
multinode).
DORINFO.DEF
The DorInfo flavor of FastChat is for the most part stripped-
down, due to the lack of information present in the DORINFO.DEF
file. There is no support for the user editor, and no support
for any features that require two-way communication (Wants Chat
flag, hours override, etc.)
If you run a multinode system, you must tell FastChat the naming
conventions your BBS software uses for the DorInfo*.Def file.
This can be accomplished as follows:
/T0 - Always use DORINFO1.DEF (default)
/T1 - Use DORINFOx.DEF, where x = node number
/T2 - Use DORINFxx.DEF, where xx = node number
Multinode systems must specify both the /N parameter and the /T
parameter.
If you wish to specify the name of your BBS software, use the
/Bstring parameter, where "string" is the name (i.e.: /BT.A.G.)
Page 6
FastChat Ver. 1.02/b SysOp Documentation
Configuration
FastChat is configured using FCConfig, the configuration program.
The first time you run FCConfig, you will be asked if you wish to
create a new configuration file. Respond "Y" for Yes. You will
then be presented with the main menu. Special note: FCConfig
requires the FCCONFIG.REZ file to be in the same directory where
the .EXE resides.
All menus in FCConfig are organized vertically. To select an
option, use the up and down arrow keys to move the highlight bar,
and press Enter to select the item under the bar. All menu items
have a "hot" letter; these will appear underlined on EGA or VGA
displays (unless you run a multitasker). Help for a particular
option or prompt can usually be obtained by pressing F1. Escape
will exit a menu, and at the main menu, it will exit and save
your configuration.
If you have a Microsoft compatible mouse driver installed, you
can also use your mouse to navigate FCConfig. Move the menu bar
up and down with the mouse. The left button selects an option.
To return to a previous menu, hit the right button. To get help
for a particular option or prompt, hit the middle button (users
with two button mice can hit the left and right at the same
time). Note that FCConfig is a little different from other
programs insofar as mouse support is concerned, as there is no
"mouse cursor".
Any menus which make use of other function keys will have them
listed on the bottom line.
The main menu has six options: Appearance, System, Options,
Paging control, Save and quit, and Quit without save. Use of the
last two is rather obvious; the first four will be discussed in
depth in the following sections.
Appearance
The "Appearance" section of FCConfig allows you to alter
FastChat's color scheme. When you select this option, the screen
will clear. On the top portion of the screen the color grid will
appear; on the bottom portion, there will be a sample split
screen and flat-mode chat screen.
To navigate the color grid, use the arrow keys. Up and down
arrow select the object whose color you are modifying. Left and
right arrow change that object's foreground color. The space bar
changes the background color. As you make changes, they will be
reflected in the samples on the bottom of the screen.
Note that background colors apply only to "sets" of objects. The
status line (which consists of highlight and lowlight text) can
only have one background color; the same applies to both the user
and sysop windows. Flat mode text cannot have a background
color.
Page 7
FastChat Ver. 1.02/b SysOp Documentation
When done, hit Enter to save your color selections or Escape to
abort them.
System
The "System" menu allows you to set global defaults pertaining to
your BBS system. They are imperative for FastChat to operate
correctly. The menu consists of two options and three submenus.
Multinode Options
Multinode system This tells FastChat if you are running a
multinode system or not. If you are,
FastChat will take special precautions,
such as not allowing a user on another
node to page you while you are chatting
with someone else. Also under Maximus
systems, this will cause FastChat to
search for LASTUSxx.BBS instead of
LASTUSER.BBS.
USERDOES.<n> path (RA only) This tells FastChat where it
should put a USERDOES.<n> file. This
file is used by Gerhard Hoogterp's Type-
51 replacement program, USERON (contact
2:283/1.2 for more information). This
path should be set to either your prima-
ry RA directory or your semaphore direc-
tory (depending on your setup). If you
do not use the USERON utility, leave
this blank.
Multilanguage Options
Multilanguage support When this option is enabled, FastChat
will, whenever possible, display messag-
es in each user's preferred language.
When disabled, FastChat will always use
language #1 (usually English). If you
are using FastChat with non-multi-
language-capable BBS software, then this
should be set to No.
Language definitions This option allows you to set the avail-
able languages. Up to eight languages
are supported. By default language #1
is set to ENGLISH and the rest are left
blank. You must always have at least
language #1 defined. For each language,
specify the language name and the
default textfiles path to the text files
for that language. If you have Multi-
language support set to Yes, then these
paths will be used and not the path set
in the Directories menu. Information on
editing and creating language files can
be found on page 24.
Page 8
FastChat Ver. 1.02/b SysOp Documentation
Edit diacritical pairs This allows you to add to the list of
accent pairs that FastChat translates
when the Accent Character command is
used (Ctrl-Backslash). Selecting this
option will bring you to a box listing
the first few diacritical pairs. Use
PgUp and PgDn to scroll through the
list; type a pair's number to edit it.
<Del> deletes a pair, <Esc> aborts, and
<F10> saves.
Diacritical pairs are case sensitive; A:
is different from a:. They are not or-
der-sensitive, however; :A is the same
as A:. If you list the same character
twice in a pair definition, it means
that that character need only be pressed
before the accent key for the transla-
tion to occur.
SysOp Information
Name of primary SysOp This allows you to set the name of the
main SysOp of the system. This field is
linked to "Registration Name". Under
most circumstances, this should be your
name (how you wish it to be presented to
the users).
Sex of primary SysOp This should be set to the sex (Male or
Female) of the primary SysOp. This al-
lows FastChat to use the more appropri-
ate message when that message contains
third person pronouns (his/her).
Name of secondary SysOp This should be set to the name of the
secondary resident SysOp of your system.
If you are the only resident SysOp,
leave this field blank. The secondary
SysOp will be able to answer pages and
have his or her name appear to the user
instead of the primary SysOp's name.
Sex of secondary SysOp This should be set to the sex (Male or
Female) of the secondary SysOp. If your
system does not have a secondary SysOp,
you need not set this.
Directories and Filenames
FastChat directory This entry should contain the full drive
and path that points to FastChat and its
auxiliary files.
BBS System directory This entry should contain the full drive
and path that points to your BBS
software's main directory. For RA, this
Page 9
FastChat Ver. 1.02/b SysOp Documentation
must point to the USERON.BBS and PAGE-
STAT.RA files. For Maximus, this must
point to the LASTUS*.BBS files.
BBS TxtFiles directory This entry should contain the full drive
and path that points to the default text
files (ASC/ANS/AVT) directory. If you
are using FastChat's multilanguage fea-
ture, the contents of this field are ig-
nored, and the path stored in the
language definitions section is used
instead.
Drop file directory This entry should contain the full drive
and path that points to the location
where your BBS software will place its
drop file. If you run a multinode sys-
tem and this may vary, you may either
use the $ at any place in the path to
indicate where the node number should
go, or use a batch file to copy it into
the FastChat directory. If you leave
this blank, FastChat will not run.
Capture filename This entry should contain the full
drive, path, and filename of where you
want your capture file to go. If you
leave this blank, the capture file fea-
ture will be disabled.
Flag file filename This entry should contain the full
drive, path, and filename of where you
would like FastChat's semaphore file to
go. This is only applicable if you are
running a multinode system. The flag
file must be readable and writable by
all of the nodes on your system. This
should point to your "semaphore" or
"IPC" directory.
Reason to chat Q-A If you are using a reason-to-chat ques-
tionnaire on your system, this entry
should point to its base name. FastChat
will search for this file (with the ex-
tension ASW) and display it on the
screen when a user pages you. If you
wish FastChat to instead ask the reason
to chat, set this to "Internal".
Registration
Registered name This field should be set to the name of
the primary SysOp of your system. When
you register FastChat, this is the name
you should write on the registration
form, and it is also the name that will
appear when FastChat exits.
Page 10
FastChat Ver. 1.02/b SysOp Documentation
Registered number This field should contain your FastChat
registration key. The key is a six
place alphanumeric string that is (theo-
retically, anyway) unique to your name.
You will receive your key upon registra-
tion.
Defaults
The "Defaults" menu is where you set the various defaults for the
Ctrl-key functions available while chatting. All defaults are
"Yes/No" type options and usually control what the user can and
cannot do. The control key that is appropriated to each function
follows the description in brackets.
Capture on This controls whether the capture file
(the file which keeps a record of every-
thing typed by both parties) is enabled
upon entry of FastChat. [Ctrl-A]
Remote keyboard enabled This controls whether or not the user's
input is acknowledged upon entry. I
don't know why in particular you would
want to set this to No, however there
are special circumstances which may
warrant this. [Ctrl-K]
Owner only backspacing In flat mode, this controls whether or
not the user can backspace what the
SysOp types. This is kind of useless
but can be useful to toggle when you are
chatting with that obnoxious user who
always butts in while you're typing...
This option is available ONLY in flat
mode. [Ctrl-O]
Double spacing This controls whether double spacing is
active in flat mode when FastChat
starts. Double spacing means that when
either party presses Enter, FastChat
automatically jumps down two lines in-
stead of one. This option is available
ONLY in flat mode. [Ctrl-D]
User can TERMINATE chat This controls whether or not the user
can terminate the chat from his or her
side. If enabled, the user can type
"terminate" on a blank line to end chat
mode. If you don't want the user get-
ting out, then set this to No. [Ctrl-T]
Start off in user's window
This option is a little different from
the rest. It controls whose window the
cursor appears in when split screen mode
starts. If set to Yes, the user will
have the cursor. Otherwise the SysOp
Page 11
FastChat Ver. 1.02/b SysOp Documentation
will. There is no direct Ctrl-key
equivalent for this command. This op-
tion is ONLY available in split screen
mode.
High character filter This controls whether or not high char-
acters (the "upper 128", box characters,
etc.) will be displayed when received
from the user. Their entry is always
permitted from the sysop's side. This
can act as a line noise filter of sorts,
as a lot of line noise is in the "upper
128". Users can still enter high end
characters if they use the proper
diacritical pairs, however. [Ctrl-F]
User control keys This controls whether Ctrl-W, R, and E
work for the user (these and all the
other control keys are explained later).
This is usually used if there is a real-
ly bad connection and line noise is
"pressing" Ctrl-keys for the user...
This option is ONLY available in split
screen mode. [Ctrl-O]
Options
The options menu, which is divided into ten sub-menus, allows you
to control the various options available in FastChat. Usually
these options, unlike those found on the Defaults menu, cannot be
controlled from within FastChat. They typically alter how
FastChat acts rather than what the user can and cannot do.
Misc
FastChat operates in silence
When set to Yes, FastChat will never
make a single noise. This applies to
auxiliary beeps as well as the page
bell. Use this option only if your BBS
is set up in an environment where com-
puter generated noises are not
appropriate.
Clock on bottom line When set to Yes, a clock will appear on
the bottom line while chatting in split
screen mode.
24 hour clock format When set to Yes, the onscreen clock will
use military (24-hour) time. Otherwise
times after noon will be followed by ei-
ther AM or PM.
User can page more than once
(RA/Ezycom only) When set to Yes, users
will be allowed to page regardless of
their current [Wants Chat] flag setting.
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FastChat Ver. 1.02/b SysOp Documentation
Otherwise, the user will not be allowed
to page and the ALREADY.A?? file will be
displayed instead.
Beep remotely while paging
When set to Yes, the user will hear a
beep once a second while paging. Note
that this option may not be honored by
add-on (SoundBlaster, etc) paging bells.
User information window When set to Yes, a window will appear on
the bottom half of the screen when a
user pages. This window contains vari-
ous useful statistics about that user.
Ask reason to chat When set to Yes, FastChat will ask the
user why s/he wants to chat when s/he
pages you. Setting this to Yes has the
same effect as setting the "Reason to
chat Q-A" to "Internal".
Modem
Carrier loss detection When set to Yes, FastChat exits if the
user drops carrier. Otherwise the SysOp
is simply notified. This should normal-
ly be kept set to Yes.
Watch user's online time When set to Yes, FastChat exits if the
user runs out of time on the BBS. This
is not often used because time is usual-
ly suspended while in chat mode.
Use CTS/RTS handshaking When set to Yes, FastChat forces the
FOSSIL to use hardware (CTS/RTS) hand-
shaking. Normally, if your port is
locked, this is done automatically.
This option exists in case your FOSSIL
doesn't force it and the port needs
locking.
Slow communications When set to Yes, FastChat ignores the
FOSSIL's buffers when transmitting char-
acters. This can slow things down some-
what, but if you are experiencing prob-
lems with FastChat dropping characters,
try setting this to Yes.
Locked baud rate This should be set to whatever baud rate
your COM: port is locked at, or 0 if it
is unlocked. This is currently not used
by FastChat, so don't worry about
setting it!
Macro
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FastChat Ver. 1.02/b SysOp Documentation
Use macros When set to Yes, FastChat will expand
in-text macros.
Super backspacing When set to Yes, FastChat will un-expand
macros if you hit backspace immediately
after a macro is expanded.
Activation set This option allows you to edit the set
of characters that can activate a macro.
[Space] and [Enter] are always implied
and need never be entered in the list.
Edit macros This option brings up another window
that allows you to edit the current
macros. Use the arrow keys to scroll
through the list. The following func-
tion keys have special functions:
[F2]: Select who the macro works for
[F3]: Toggle whether the macro is case
sensitive
[F4]: Edit the macro's from-text
[F5]: Edit the macro's to-text
[F10]: Abort editing and lose all
changes
Page bell
Selection This option brings up a menu allowing
you to choose what song will play for
each of the three different paging con-
ditions. Enter the index number (dis-
played left of the name in FastBell) of
the bell to play for each condition, or
0 if you want FastChat to randomly
choose a bell.
The three paging conditions are:
Normal - This bell is played when nei-
ther of the other two conditions are met
Special - This bell is played when the
user who pages is marked "Special" under
Special Handling
Secondary - This bell is played when the
user is paging the secondary SysOp
Management This option brings up FastBell, the page
bell maintenance program. FastBell al-
lows you to sample, delete, rename, im-
port, and export page bells in
FastChat's page bell library. See the
"Page bell maintenance" section of the
documentation for more information (page
20)
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FastChat Ver. 1.02/b SysOp Documentation
Length This option allows you to set the length
of the page bell, in seconds.
End of window
This sub-menu allows you to choose what happens after either the
user or sysop presses [Enter] at the bottom of their window. The
preferred action can be set differently for each of the different
baud rates and Avatar/0+. The possible choices for each baud
rate are:
Clear Window clears and cursor returns to the
top
Scroll-# Contents of window scroll up # lines,
and the cursor moves up appropriately.
It is recommended that you set higher
numbers for lower baud rates, and
Scroll-1 for 9600+ and Avt/0+.
Detection
ANSI autodetection When set to Yes, FastChat will attempt
to autodetect ANSI when it performs
autodetection.
Avt/0 autodetection When set to Yes, FastChat will attempt
to autodetect Avt/0 (not Avt/0+) when it
performs autodetection. Note that this
option requires ANSI autodetection to be
on.
Immediate detect When set to Yes, FastChat will perform
autodetection on startup before it en-
ters chat mode. If ANSI or Avt/0 are
detected, split screen mode will come
up. Otherwise flat mode will come up.
FastChat will not attempt autodetection
if the user's profile indicates that
their terminal supports ANSI or Avt/0.
Switching detect When set to Yes, FastChat will perform
autodetection when you switch from flat
to split screen mode. If the user's
terminal does not support ANSI, you will
be unable to switch. Setting both Imme-
diate and Switching detect to No totally
disables autodetection.
Use color When set to Yes, FastChat will use color
when it detects ANSI or Avt/0. Other-
wise, split screen mode will appear in
black and white
Logging
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FastChat Ver. 1.02/b SysOp Documentation
FastChat Log Filename Full filespec of FastChat log file. The
FastChat log file is disabled if this is
left blank. The $ may be used at any
point in the name or path to indicate
where the node number should go; for
example, x:\path\fastchat.lg$ will cause
FastChat to create x:\path\fastchat.lg1
and x:\path\fastchat.lg2.
BBS Log Filename Full filespec of your BBS software's log
file. Nothing is put in your BBS log
file if this is left blank. The $
character has the same effect as it does
for the FastChat log.
BBS Log Type RA or Maximus. Sets the logging style
the BBS log file. Note that the Maximus
style is equivalent to RA's "Expanded"
style.
Amount to un-log Currently disabled. This will be used
to remove characters from the log file
indicating that FastChat was spawned,
which are superfluous and will waste
space. Right now, however, this feature
is not enabled.
Scrollback
Active When set to Yes, memory is allocated for
scrollback and a scrollback buffer is
maintained.
Use EMS When set to Yes, the scrollback buffer
is stored in EMS rather than convention-
al memory.
Number of lines This option allows you to select the
number of lines total to hold in
scrollback buffer. If you are using
EMS, you are best off making this an
even multiple of 200. Otherwise it can
be any number up to 2000.
Externals
This section of FCConfig allows you to set up a maximum of 15
external programs that can be called from within FastChat. These
are for FastChat add-ons ONLY and not for other programs. For
running other programs from within FastChat, use FC_Ext (de-
scribed elsewhere in this document).
Each program can have the following settings. You can add "key"
add-ons (programs run when you hit a particular key, like
FcUserEd) using the F2 key. Other addons such as pagebells must
be installed using the FCConfig /A switch.
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FastChat Ver. 1.02/b SysOp Documentation
Active When set to No, that external program
cannot be activated.
EXE filename Filename of the .EXE file to run when
this External is called. The .EXE file
must reside in the FastChat Directory.
Parameters Parameters to pass on command line to
EXE file.
Key scan code Scan code of extended key that activates
this external. Press F1 while editing
this field for a scancode listing.
Needs extra info When set to Yes, this external will only
run in the presence of an EXITINFO.BBS
or LASTUS*.BBS file. This is used
mainly for the user editor.
User editor
This section is applicable only for those systems where the
FastChat user editor is supported (namely, RA and Maximus).
Field character Character that appears in the blank por-
tions of a field. After selecting this
option, immediately press the key which
you wish to use (Alt-### keys are val-
id).
Insert When set to Yes, the user editor starts
off in Insert mode.
Start at left When set to Yes, the cursor will start
at the left portion of every field.
Clear on first When set to Yes, all fields will clear
if you press any alphanumeric key before
moving the cursor.
NEWUSER.ASW name Name of newuser questionnaire answer
file (sought in the BBS System Directo-
ry). This is required to use the Alt-I
function in FcUserEd.
Auto templates The auto templates allow you to quickly
verify a user while in the user editor
by pressing Alt-1 through Alt-4. Each
template can change the user's security,
group, and flags or keys. Press F1 from
within FCConfig for more information
regarding the auto templates.
In Maximus, the Group setting is ig-
nored. Also, the flags are not labelled
A1-D8 but 1-8 and A-X.
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FastChat Ver. 1.02/b SysOp Documentation
Paging control
The Paging control menu allows you to set paging hours and other
related options. The bulk of the menu is for setting each day of
the week's individual valid paging hours.
When you move the highlight bar to any day of the week and press
Enter, a box will appear prompting you for the starting and
ending paging hours. You may enter these times in any logical
format (ie: 23:45, 11:45 PM, 2345, etc).
The time-parser is very flexible and will try to translate
anything you throw at it. Note that "X" (for "Not Allowed") is
permitted only in the "start time" box.
While on the menu (NOT entering paging hours), if you press F2 on
any given day of the week, all the week's hours will be set to
that particular day's values.
The three other options on this menu are as follows:
Special handling This allows you to specify a list of
people who are special, muted, or not
allowed to page. The following keys are
in effect while editing the list:
[Ins] - add name to list
[Del] - remove name from list
[F2] - toggle status
There are several ways to specify groups
of users in the special handling list.
They are as follows:
Group ### (RA only)
Security ##### (RA)
Security $$$$$ (Maximus)
The Group keyword allows you to give all
users with a specific value in the Group
field an attribute. ### should be a
three digit number from 1 to 255. Pad
any one or two digit numbers with zeroes
to ensure proper operation!
The Security keyword allows you to give
all users with a specific security level
an attribute. Under RA, ##### should be
a five digit number from 0 to 65535.
Pad any one to four digit security lev-
els with leading zeroes. Under Maximus,
$$$$$ should be the name of the security
level (Twit, Disgrace, Normal, etc...)
You can get by with only the first let-
ter as that is all that FastChat checks.
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FastChat Ver. 1.02/b SysOp Documentation
Under Maximus, any users marked "Nerd"
are automatically silenced.
The various special handling types have
the following meanings:
Silenced - when a user marked "Silenced"
pages, no sound will be made. This is a
more subtle alternative to the "Locked
Out" setting.
Special - "Special" users have a
different page bell and are also allowed
to page out of paging hours.
Locked Out - when a user marked "Locked
Out" pages, they will be informed that
they are not allowed to page and will be
kicked out of FastChat.
Avatar/0 & Avatar/0+ - these settings
can be used to override a user's termi-
nal setting. If any users who chat with
you a LOT use an Avatar capable terminal
but are not set that way in the BBS,
these settings can override their termi-
nal setting while they are in FastChat.
ASC/ANS/AVT screens
FastChat can optionally display custom ASC/ANS/AVT screens on
certain conditions (when you don't answer the page, etc.) These
screens are not required, as default messages are in the language
files (see page 24 for more information on the language files).
They were installed in a directory under the FastChat directory
called TEXT or SAMPTEXT (depending on your BBS software) when
FastChat unbundled itself.
The following screens are used by FastChat when the specified
conditions are met:
NOTAVAIL.A?? Paged out of paging hours
MAXPAGE.A?? Paged too many times today
SYSPABRT.A?? SysOp aborted the page
PAGED.A?? Nobody answered the page
ALREADY.A?? User already paged without success
LOCKED.A?? User is not permitted to page
CHATTING.A?? SysOp is currently chatting (multinode)
Also available in each screen is a limited set of control
metacharacters. They are as follows:
^A - Waits for the user to press Enter
^E - Waits for the user to press any key
^KA - Replaced with the user's full name
^KN - Replaced with the user's node number
^KW - Replaced with the user's first name
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FastChat Ver. 1.02/b SysOp Documentation
^P - Pauses one second
Page bell maintenance (FastBell)
FastChat stores all of its page bells in a database-like file
called PAGEBELL.FC. FastBell, one of the auxiliary programs
included with FastChat, allows you to access this file and play,
rename, import, export, and delete the page bells within it.
FastBell can be called in two ways - either by directly running
it from the DOS prompt, or from the Options/Page Bell/Management
option in FCConfig. Either way, you are presented with two
windows on entry - a large blue one containing the numbers,
title, and length of the page bells in the file, and a narrow red
one listing available commands.
Following is an explanation of FastBell's commands:
[F1]: Help This brings up a little summary of
FastBell's commands and how they work.
[F2]: Play This plays the currently highlighted
page bell.
[Shift-F2]: Play tagged This plays all tagged page bells. If no
page bells are tagged, this command is
dimmed.
[F3]: Change name This allows you to change the title of a
page bell. The cursor will be moved to
the highlight bar, where you will be
allowed to change the name of the cur-
rently highlighted bell.
[F4]: Delete This allows you to delete a page bell.
[Shift-F4]: Del tagged This deletes all tagged page bells. Use
with caution!
[F5]: Import This imports a page bell. After
selecting this, you will be prompted for
the format then the filename of the page
bell (or page bell library) to import.
Your choices are:
[F2]: PAGE.RA - RemoteAccess style
[F3]: TUNE.ABC - FastChat style
[F4]: TUNES.BBS - Maximus style
[F5]: *.PLB - FastChat library style
These formats are described in detail
later.
[F6]: Export This exports a page bell. After
selecting this, you will be prompted for
the destination format of the exported
page bell, then the filename. The for-
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FastChat Ver. 1.02/b SysOp Documentation
mats are the same as above except that
TUNE.ABC is replaced with Chart, which
makes a simple little frequency/duration
chart of the song.
[Shift-F6]: Exp tagged This is exactly the same as [F6] except
it operates on tagged page bells instead
of the current one. Note: if you are
exporting to PAGE.RA format, you must
NOT specify the filename. Page bells
will be named BELL###.RA, where ### is
the page bell number.
[F7]: Tag all This tags all entries in the database.
[F8]: Untag all This untags all entries in the database.
[Esc]: Save & exit This exits FastBell and saves changes.
[F10}: Abort This exits FastBell and loses changes.
Page bell formats
FastBell supports the following types of page bells for import
and export:
A PAGE.RA is a RemoteAccess-style file, also used by some other
third party programs such as Communique, a terminal program. It
consists of a number of one word commands followed by parameters.
FastChat has expanded on the specification just slightly for its
own use; the extra keywords need not be used but can be for more
versatile rendering of the file.
The following commands are supported (only TONE and WAIT are in a
standard PAGE.RA file):
TITLE title Gives a title to the current selection.
MS Changes current duration units to milli-
seconds.
RATIO mul/div Changes current sound:silence ratio.
The default is 7/8 (meaning each note
will play for 7/8ths of its specified
duration, and the other 1/8th will be
silence).
TONE freq dur Declares a note. The two parameters
stand for the frequency, in Hz, and the
duration, in centiseconds (or millisec-
onds if the MS command has been used).
A frequency table can be found at the
end of this documentation.
WAIT dur Declares a rest. The parameter is the
duration of the rest period, in
centiseconds or, if the MS command has
been issued, milliseconds.
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FastChat Ver. 1.02/b SysOp Documentation
A TUNE.ABC file is a format created for FastChat that allows you
to easily convert sheet music into page bell music. It, too,
consists of a number of one word commands followed by parameters.
The primary difference between a PAGE.RA and TUNE.ABC file,
however, is the fact that notes are referred to by letter and
octave in a TUNE.ABC file rather than by number.
The following commands are valid in a TUNE.ABC file:
TITLE title Gives a title to the current selection.
TEMPO number Sets the current tempo of a piece to
"number" quarter notes per minute.
RATIO mul/div Changes the current sound:silence ratio.
The default is 7/8 (meaning each note
will play for 7/8ths of its specified
duration, and the other 1/8th will be
silence).
N notedata Declares notes and rests. The parameter
to this command should be a number of
alphanumeric strings separated by spac-
es. Each "word" represents one note,
and is formatted like this (the spaces
shown here are added for clarity and
should not appear in actuality):
[mod1[=]] note [mod2] [[=]length[+]] [{. | _}]
MOD1 defines the octave of the note. For each H present, the
octave is increased by one. For each L present, the octave is
decreased by one. By putting an equals sign (=) between the
octave identifier and the note, that octave is made the current
"default" one. There can be as many H's or L's as necessary, but
FastBell only counts octaves 0 through 6.
NOTE is not optional, and tells FastBell what note to play.
Valid characters are A through G, and R for a rest.
MOD2 sharpens, flattens, or naturalizes the note. A plus sign
(+) "temporarily" sharpens the note; the sharp is active for the
current note only. Likewise, a minus sign (-) temporarily
flattens a note. A pound sign (#) "permanently" sharpens a note,
meaning that the sharp sticks throughout the rest of the page
bell. Likewise, a lowercase B (b) "permanently" flattens a note.
A backslash (\) temporarily naturalizes a note, bypassing a
"permanent" sharp or flat declared previously.
The LENGTH defines the length of the note. 1 is a whole note, 2
a half note, 4 a quarter note, etc. By following the length with
a plus sign [+], the duration is dotted (lasts 3/2 of its normal
duration). By preceding the length with an equals sign (=), the
current length is made "permanent" until overridden or changed
again. Note: the first note in a piece should have a default
length declaration. Other note: To dot a note, you MUST specify
the duration, otherwise the + would be interpreted as a sharp.
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FastChat Ver. 1.02/b SysOp Documentation
After a note can be one of two things: a staccato dot, or a
legato line. Following a note with a period (.) makes it stacca-
to. Replacing the space that normally follows a note with an
underline (_) makes the note legato (hence temporarily overriding
the current "RATIO" to 1/1).
This no doubt sounds very confusing - if so, don't worry, because
you don't really need to know this. If you're interested in
transcribing page bells, however, perhaps an example will clear
things up:
;
; We Wish You a Merry Christmas
;
Title Wish You a Merry Xmas
Tempo 175
N D=4 G G8 A8 G8 F#8 E E E A A8 B8 A8 G8
N F D D B B8 hC8 B8 A8 G E D8 D8
N E A F G2 D G G G F2 F
N G F E D2 A B A G hD D D8 D8
N E A F G2 D G G8 A8 G8 F8
N E E E A A8 B8 A8 G8 F D D
N B B8 hC8 B8 A8 G E D8 D8 E A F G2 R
It looks simpler here than in the explanation above. The D=4
sets the current "default" note length to a quarter note. The
numbers after some of the other notes override this length: G8
means an eighth note G, D2 a half note D, etc. The # after the
first F tells FastBell to sharpen all F's in this melody.
Finally, the "h" before some of the notes moves them up an
octave; hC8 is an eighth note high C.
A TUNES.BBS file is a Maximus-format page bell file. TUNES.BBS
files can contain more than one page bell (as a matter of fact,
most of the bells that are included with FastChat came from a
public domain TUNES.BBS library). The format is simple:
* Title
freq dur freq dur freq dur [etc]
Where freq is a frequency (in Hz, of course) and dur is the
duration (in milliseconds, always). Each number must be separat-
ed by a space. You may have as many as you want on each line.
FastBell is rather picky about importing other TUNES.BBS files.
Each song must have only ONE title, not two as Maximus allows.
Also, all spaces in each title must be replaced with underlines.
Multinode operation
This version of FastChat may not be completely ready for multi-
node operation. I have provided and implemented most of the
tools which may make multinode operation work, but I am unsure of
whether it will or not.
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FastChat Ver. 1.02/b SysOp Documentation
Remember - FastChat is a user-to-sysop chatting system, NOT a
user-to-user chatting system. Implementing the latter could
prove to be a much more difficult task. Therefore, please don't
expect FastChat to do something it was never meant to do.
FastChat supports multinode systems in the following ways:
USERON.BBS modification (RA only) Sought after in the RA System
Directory, this file will be modified to
reflect that the user is chatting with
the sysop and not in an external utili-
ty.
Flag (semaphore) file As specified in FCConfig, this file
tells FastChat if you are currently
chatting with anybody or not. The file
contains the name of the user currently
chatting and the node number they are
on.
DESQview awareness FastChat itself uses DOS calls for all
output and should not bleed through any
windows. FCConfig and the other full
screen programs use a DESQview-aware
screen library.
Note that FCConfig has to perform a little video magic to under-
line the hotkeys - if you try to run it in anything but 25 line
mode, or if you run it under a remote-access-to-DOS program, your
screen will look a little strange. If this occurs, simply SET
FCCFONT=N in your DOS environment to disable the font
manipulation.
Multilanguage operation
FastChat supports up to eight installable user languages. All
text displayed from within FastChat comes from the language file,
so you can customize it to your heart's content. If your BBS
software does not support multilanguage operations, then disable
the multilanguage feature in FCConfig.
Language #1 is considered the default SysOp language and is
always used, regardless of the user's language setting, in the
following cases:
1) When multilanguage support is disabled
2) When prompting the SysOp to <C>hat, <S>ilence, or <A>bort
3) When displaying the SysOp help screens
All other text comes from the language file specified in the
paging user's user record.
Information on customizing language files can be found in the
ENGLISH.LNG file in your FastChat ...\LANG\ directory. Once a
language has been modified, you must run "LNG2L langname" to
compile the language.
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FastChat Ver. 1.02/b SysOp Documentation
If you create any new languages, please send the *.LNG file to my
FidoNet address for inclusion in the next version of FastChat.
FC-TSR
FC-TSR is FastChat's scroll-lock light blinking module. It re-
quires 446 bytes of memory (it's a TSR), an AT-class computer,
and a 101-key extended keyboard. If your system doesn't meet
these requirements, then you can skip this section.
A lot of SysOps, perhaps because they want to extend the life of
their equipment, or perhaps because they don't want to turn into
monsters due to excessive radiation, turn off their BBS's monitor
when nothing important is happening. This is all well and good,
but...
What about the [Wants Chat] flag in your BBS software? Turning
off your monitor defeats its purpose. Suppose you're at the
grocery store when someone pages you, and you come home but don't
bother to turn on your monitor because you're busy putting away
the groceries. Little do you know that Scott Dudley (or Andrew
Milner) was just on your system and had paged you because he
thinks you should be a Maximus (or RA) beta tester (yeah, right).
You missed your big chance for fame because he just logged off,
and you were too busy with the groceries.
FC-TSR tries to help alleviate this problem. It won't tell you
when Scott Dudley (or Andrew Milner) is soliciting your services,
but it will tell you when someone has paged you by blinking the
scroll-lock light on your keyboard.
To see if FC-TSR will work on your system, get to a DOS prompt
and type FC-TSR (with no parameters) to install the resident
portion. Then type "FC-TSR 99" and hit Enter. Your scroll-lock
light should start to blink. If it does not, "DEL FC-TSR.COM"
because it's of no use to you.
Otherwise, to turn off the blinking, type "FC-TSR 0" (that's a
zero).
If it worked, install FC-TSR in your AUTOEXEC.BAT (no parameters
are necessary). You can load it high if you're privileged to a
computer capable of that. From that moment on, your scroll lock
light will blink whenever a user pages you and stop when you chat
with them.
The big flaw in this plan is that FC-TSR has no way of knowing
when a user logs off. Therefore, in your BBS's batch file, you
must add this to the part that runs immediately after a user logs
off:
FC-TSR <nodenumber>
If you run a single node system, set the node number to 1.
Otherwise set it to the node number of that window or batch file
(FC-TSR uses this to make sure it doesn't turn off the blinker
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FastChat Ver. 1.02/b SysOp Documentation
when the user on Node 2 pages and the user on Node 1 logs off).
Example: "FC-TSR 1".
FC-Ext
FC-Ext allows you to run other programs from within FastChat by
simply pressing a key. It allows you to create moving-bar menus
that permit you to run any program at the touch of a key.
Although you needn't know a programming language, you must have
an analytical mind to set it up to do something new. Sample
scripts are provided for file transfers and external file viewing
(Alt-F and Alt-V in chat mode).
FC-Ext is controlled solely through the FC_EXT.CFG file. In the
file are mini-scripts that tell FC-Ext what to do. There are
some constant declarations (a constant is a string of text
assigned to an identifier), menu blocks (which tell FC-Ext what
each menu should look like), and action blocks (which tell FC-Ext
how to run programs).
All three blocks allow the use of 36 variables, labelled *A, *B,
*C, ... *Z, *0, *1, .. *9. Variables are replaced with their
contents at runtime. Some variables have predefined values, such
as:
*P Communications port (Maximus %p)
*B Baud rate (Maximus %b)
*N Node number (Maximus %k)
*F First name (Maximus %f)
*L Last name (Maximus %l)
*G ANSI setting (Maximus %g)
*C Path/name of COMMAND.COM
These are also the same meta-macros used in RemoteAccess for
Type-7 exits (for those more familiar with Maximus, the
equivalents are listed above...you must use the *-macros, not the
%-macros, with FC-Ext, however). All of the other variables are
free for you to assign in your FC-Ext scripts.
Constants
Constants are text strings that are assigned to a variable.
These are used in the sample setup, for example, to give the path
and filename of your file transfer engine. Constants simplify
your life by making it so that you don't have to search through
all of FC_EXT.CFG when you need to change drive letters or
pathnames.
Constants that are declared outside action blocks are global; all
of the action blocks in FC_EXT.CFG can use them.
The syntax for declaring a constant is:
Declare <var> <string> Declares a constant
<var> - Variable (any of *A..*Z, *0..*9)
<string> - What to put in <var>
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FastChat Ver. 1.02/b SysOp Documentation
For example:
Declare *Z c:\utils\dsz.exe
Declare *S port *P ha cts estimate 0 *B sz -m
If you used the above two declarations, the strings following the
variable name would always replace the variable wherever it is
used. So if you said:
Exec *Z *S fc.zip
It would be replaced with (assuming a 2400bps user is on COM1:)
Exec c:\utils\dsz.exe port 1 ha cts estimate 0 2400 sz -m fc.zip
(the EXEC command is described later in the action block section)
Menu blocks
Menu blocks allow you to tell FC-Ext to present you with a menu
of options. You tell FC-Ext the size of the menu and what is on
it, and it will draw it on the screen and allow you to choose one
of the options.
Menu blocks begin with the following text:
MENU <identifier> Begins a menu block
<identifier> - Name of menu
All blocks (menu and action) must have an identifier. It should
be descriptive but short (27 characters or less), and must be
unique.
After the block header, the menu description should follow.
Menus are described with six commands:
Title <string> Defines title of menu
<string> - Title for menu
The title appears above menu. It must
be no more than Width-6 characters in
length
Width <number> Defines width of menu
<number> - Width of menu in characters
Length <number> Defines length of menu
<number> - Number of options on menu
Colors <b> <t> <h> Defines menu's colors
<b> - Menu border color pair
<t> - Menu text color pair
<h> - Menu hotkey color pair
Color pairs are two numbers separated by
a space. The first number is the fore-
ground (text) color, the second is the
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FastChat Ver. 1.02/b SysOp Documentation
background (space) color. Valid color
numbers are:
0 - Black
1 - Blue
2 - Green
3 - Cyan
4 - Red
5 - Magenta
6 - Brown
7 - Gray
+8 - to brighten color
Colors 0-15 are valid foreground colors;
0-7 are valid background colors. Exam-
ple:
Colors 15 1 14 1 11 1
Would give a menu bright white on blue
text, a yellow on blue border, and
bright cyan on blue hotkeys.
Prompt <string> Defines prompt text
<string> - prompt text
The prompt text is what appears on the
bottom line of the screen when the menu
appears (to remind you of what to do).
It appears in place of FastChat's status
line and in the same colors. To
highlight part of the prompt text,
surround it in {curly braces}.
Option <key> <text> Declares a menu option
<key> - Hotkey
<text> - Text to appear on menu
Menu options appear on a menu in the
order declared in FC_EXT.CFG. To high-
light the hotkey in the menu text,
surround it in {curly braces}. A bottom
line description must follow the menu
text, delimited with a vertical bar.
Example:
Option X {X}modem|Cheezy protocol
Option 1 Xmodem-{1}k|Cheezy 1k protocol
Menu definitions should end with the word END.
Action blocks
Action blocks provide the "meat" of an FC-Ext script. They tell
FC-Ext what to actually do.
Action blocks begin with the following text:
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FastChat Ver. 1.02/b SysOp Documentation
Begin <identifier> Begins an action block
<identifier> - name of block
<Identifier> should be a unique, descriptive (but short) tag for
the procedure.
The following <#> commands can appear in an action block:
Go <identifier> Executes another action block
<identifier> - name of block
The Go command jumps to another action
block. After that action block is fin-
ished processing, control will be re-
turned to the caller.
DoMenu <var> <ident> Executes a menu
<var> - variable for result
<ident> - name of menu
The DoMenu command runs a menu defined
with the Menu command. The result of
the menu (the key that the SysOp press-
es) is stored in the variable <var>. If
the SysOp presses <Esc>, then the let-
ters "ESC" will be present in <var>.
Otherwise it will contain the letter of
the command pressed.
Return Returns to calling block
The Return command returns control to
the block that called the block in which
it is found. If the Return command is
processed in the block specified on the
command line, control will be returned
to FastChat.
Restart Restarts this block
The Restart command restarts the block
in which it is found from the beginning.
This can be used, for example, if the
SysOp hits <Esc> at a certain prompt to
return to the menu previous.
Exit Returns to FastChat
The Exit command returns control to
FastChat immediately.
ChDir <directory> Changes directory
<directory> - directory to change to
The ChDir command changes the current
directory.
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FastChat Ver. 1.02/b SysOp Documentation
GetDir <var> Gets directory
<var> - variable to store into
The GetDir command stores the current
directory in variable <var>.
Ask <var> (<len>) [<old>] "<prompt>"
Prompts for text
<var> - variable to store into
<len> - maximum length of input
<old> - suggested input
<prompt> - prompt for input
The Ask command prompts the SysOp for a
string of text. Note that all of the
fields are required and must be delimit-
ed as shown.
Prompt <string> Displays prompt
<string> - string to display
The Prompt command displays <string> on
the bottom line of the screen where menu
information text usually goes.
Declare <var> <string> Declares a constant
<var> - Variable (any of *A..*Z, *0..*9)
<string> - What to put in <var>
Check <var> Loads check variable
<var> - variable to check
The Check command is used in conjunction
with the If command to choose the vari-
able that will be examined. Note that
if the variable specified here changes
after the Check command is issued, the
If command will not recognize the change
until another Check command is issued.
If <contents> do <cmd> Compare check variable
<contents> - what to compare to
<cmd> - what to do if true
The If command compares the variable
specified in the Check command with
<contents>. If the two are the same
(the check is case insensitive), <cmd>
is executed. The If command is neces-
sary after a menu to determine what the
SysOp pressed.
Exec <string> Executes external program
<string> - what to execute
The Exec command executes another pro-
gram. Note that you must specify the
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FastChat Ver. 1.02/b SysOp Documentation
full path and filename, including the
extension (usually .EXE). Any parame-
ters can be listed on the line.
Action blocks should end with the word END.
Invocation
To use a script written for FC-Ext into FastChat, you must go
into the Options/External menu in FCConfig and add a new key.
You can assign your script to any extended (Alt-x, Fx, etc) key
you wish. The filename should, of course, be "FC_EXT". The
parameter should be the name of the action block to execute.
Usage
The above section of the documentation dealt with the configura-
tion and installation of FastChat. The remainder of the document
will deal with its usage.
Invocation
In the Installation section, I specifically gave you a set of
command line parameters to use on for calling FastChat. The ones
I gave you are probably what you would want to use, however,
FastChat accepts other parameters as well.
Following is a list of all command line parameters. They are
case insensitive and can be entered in any order on the command
line, so long as each is followed by a space. Parameters that
may contain a space (such as user name) should be enclosed
entirely in quotes (single or double). Examples appear after the
parameter listing.
Not all command line parameters work for all BBS softwares; those
not supported (or those particularily required) for various
flavors of FastChat are noted appropriately.
Commands
There must always be one (and only one) command on the FastChat
command line. It tells FastChat what you want to do. Valid
commands are:
Chat This command activates FastChat's main
function: chatting. When used with the
"Forced" modifier, it brings you direct-
ly to chat mode. Otherwise the user is
given the opportunity to page you
(assuming paging hours are in effect).
Version This command causes FastChat to report
its version and registration informa-
tion. Use this command to determine
your version number if you are having
trouble, and also after inserting your
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FastChat Ver. 1.02/b SysOp Documentation
registration key in FCConfig to make
sure it was entered correctly.
Modifiers
Modifiers act on a command and cause it to perform (or not to
perform) certain secondary actions. All modifiers work only on
the "Chat" command.
Flat This modifier causes FastChat not to use
split screen mode but to only use flat
mode, even with ANSI or Avt/0+ capable
callers.
Forced This modifier causes FastChat not to
page the SysOp but to jump directly to
chat mode. It is meant for use on a
function key where the BBS software
calls FastChat directly. Do not use the
Forced modifier on the command line used
for your <P>age/<Y>ell command.
Secondary This modifier causes FastChat to reverse
the roles of the primary/secondary
SysOps, if your system has such. Thus
on a normal Chat command, this would
cause the user to page the secondary
SysOp. On a Forced Chat command, this
would cause the secondary SysOp to be
the one who initiates chat with a user.
Switches
These parameters are used to tell FastChat some user
characteristics not passed along in the BBS software. They are
all interpreted by each BBS software's interface to FastChat.
/P# Required: Maximus, RemoteAccess
Specifies the COM#: port where the cur-
rent user is online. This is required
for both Maximus and RemoteAccess sys-
tems because this information is not in
the drop file. This is the real COM#:
port, not the FOSSIL port; for COM1:,
specify /P1, COM2: /P2, etc.
/N# Required: all multinode systems
Specifies the node number of the current
node on multinode systems. Single node
systems should not specify this parame-
ter.
/T# Required: DORINF*.DEF multinode systems
Tells FastChat how the DORINF*.DEF is
named in relation to node number. /T0
means that the file is named
DORINFO1.DEF regardless of node number;
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FastChat Ver. 1.02/b SysOp Documentation
/T1 means that the file is named
DORINFO#.DEF, where # is the node num-
ber; /T2 means that the file is named
DORINF##.DEF, where ## is a two digit
node number.
/Bxxxx Optional: DORINF*.DEF systems
Tells FastChat the name of your BBS
software. This is no big deal; it's
just cosmetic. If the name of your BBS
contains a space, you'd better use an
Alt-255 or you will confuse FastChat.
/L Optional: all systems
Tells FastChat to run in local mode.
This is used for local testing - simply
type FASTCHAT /L to test out your setup.
"Chat" is implied on the command line
when you do this; you can use modifiers,
like Forced or Secondary, but don't say
"Chat" because it's redundant.
Examples:
Local mode (all systems):
x:\path\fastchat.exe /l
Single node systems:
RA: x:\path\fastchat.exe /p*p chat *!
Max: x:\path\fastchat.exe /p%P chat
While you are being paged
This is basically what the screen looks like when someone pages
you:
FastChat for Maximus - Version 1.02/b
Copyright 1993 Peter Hebert - 1:135/57
+-------------------------------------------------------------+
| I would like to talk to you because I am bored. |
+-------------------------------------------------------------+
Typical User is paging you... (1)
Press <C> to Chat, <S> to Silence, or <A> to Abort ... (2)
Paging the SysOp, please wait... (3)
The top two lines are the intro and copyright information. These
will always appear, whether you initiate a chat or the user pages
you. The bottom three lines of text (the numbered ones) are lan-
guage-specific, so may not always appear as shown.
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FastChat Ver. 1.02/b SysOp Documentation
Inside the box will appear the user's reason to chat. If you
have it set to INTERNAL in FCConfig (so that FastChat prompts the
user for a reason), the reason they enter will appear here. If
you have it set to the name of a questionnaire, the contents of
that ASW file will appear in this space, the reason will be
logged, and the ASW file deleted.
Then you see the user's name, and a little prompt. While you are
being paged, three (sometimes four) keys are active:
<C> Chat with the user. Depending on the
user's terminal's capabilities, a split
screen or flat mode FastChat session
will be initiated.
<S> Silence the user's page. The page will
continue, however you will not have to
hear it. This key should be used when
you don't want to talk to the user, but
don't want them to realize that you are
present.
<A> Abort the user's page. The page will be
abruptly cut off. The user will see a
little message (PAGEABRT.A??), and will
then be returned to the BBS.
<Alt-C> Chat with the user as the other SysOp.
This option is only available if you
have your system set up for dual SysOps.
If the user is paging the primary SysOp,
this will answer his/her page as the
secondary. If the user is paging the
secondary SysOp, this will answer
his/her page as the primary.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The keys listed above are for ENGLISH mode only.
If you run a multilanguage BBS, they may be different for the
active language.
The user can abort the page by pressing Ctrl-C or Ctrl-K.
More dots will appear after the "Paging the SysOp, please
wait..." line; one every second. It is during this time that you
are permitted to answer the page.
While chatting, colors will appear in both split screen and flat
mode. In flat mode, however, thee colors are not visible to the
user unless they are ANSI or Avatar/0+ capable.
Scrollback
Scrollback is available only in split screen mode. It appears
only on the local side; while you are in the scrollback buffer,
the user will have no idea that you are in there.
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FastChat Ver. 1.02/b SysOp Documentation
To activate scrollback, press Ctrl-B. A scrolling message will
prompt you to select which window you wish to scroll back in:
<S>ysOp or <U>ser. Press <S> or <U> to select the proper buffer.
The scrollback buffer is always viewed in the SysOp's window.
Once you choose which buffer to view, you will be positioned at
the end of that window's scrollback buffer. Use the Up, Down,
PgUp, PgDn, Home, and End keys to navigate through the buffer.
There are two ways to exit scrollback mode. Hitting <Esc>
restores the window to its previous contents. Hitting <Ctrl-
Enter> will "paste" the current contents of the window (what you
see) down so that the user can see it. The pasted text will
disappear when you press a key.
The size of the scrollback buffer is determined in FCConfig.
Both windows share the "pool" of available scrollback memory, so
there may not be an equal amount of information in each windows'
buffer.
Macros
A macro, as defined by FastChat, is a sequence of text that is
expanded immediately after it is typed into a longer or different
sequence of text. They are more like abbreviations than macros
in the traditional one-key sense, because they are comprised of
multiple letters.
For example, if you type "RA" while chatting with a user, it will
be expanded into "RemoteAccess" when you press the space bar (or
punctuation mark). In this case, the space bar serves as the
activation character. The list of keys which work as activation
characters can be edited in FCConfig.
The macro facility is automatically "on" when you enter chat
mode, and cannot be turned off. Macros are activated the moment
an activation key is pressed. They can be "un-expanded" by
pressing backspace immediately after they are expanded if Super-
Backspacing is enabled in FCConfig.
The list of macros can be changed from the Options/Macro menu in
FCConfig. Please note that you will be allowed to enter
recursive macros (macros that include themselves, for example,
"fat" to "fat cat"). This is for technical reasons (otherwise,
they would go on indefinitely when activated).
Extended character entry
FastChat allows you to enter many of the high-bit characters in
the ASCII character set without having to remember their ASCII
character numbers. This is done with the Accent Character key,
Ctrl-Backslash. To enter an accented character, type the base
character (the letter being accented). Press Ctrl-Backslash,
then the accent that you want placed on the character. If the
combined character is in the IBM character set, the base charac-
ter will be replaced with the appropriate accented character.
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FastChat Ver. 1.02/b SysOp Documentation
Some high-bit characters can be entered using only one key.
These characters will be automatically changed when you press
Ctrl-Backslash. For example, to enter an upside-down question
mark, hit the question mark and then Ctrl-Backslash (no accent
key is necessary).
The number of character pairs FastChat recognizes can be in-
creased in FCConfig. If you find any important ones that I left
out, please send me a message so that I can keep the list up to
date.
The menu system
In split screen mode, FastChat has available a number of vertical
bar menus for selecting functions. While in the SysOp window, a
press of the F1 key will bring up a vertical bar menu. Use the
arrow keys to move the selection bar and press <Enter> on the
option that you would like to select.
FastChat's menu system is laid out like this:
Change mode (F4) - Toggles split screen mode
Options...
Capture file (^A) - Toggles capture file
HighChar filt (^F) - Toggles HighChar filter
Rem. keyboard (^K) - Toggles user's keyboard
User control (^O) - Toggles user's control chars
User terminate (^T) - Toggles user's TERMINATE
Parameters...
Terminal type - Changes the user's terminal type. You
ASCII (TTY) can use this to override what is in
ANSI (b/w) the drop file while you are chatting.
ANSI (color)
Avt/0 (b/w)
Avt/0 (color)
Avt/0+ (b/w)
Avt/0+ (color)
Scroll size - Changes the scroll size for each
Clear screen window. This is not permanent.
Scroll 1 line
Scroll 2 lines
[etc.]
Scroll 7 lines
Status line speed - Changes the status line scrolling
Speed 1 (fastest) speed. This is not permanent.
Speed 2
[etc.]
Speed 8 (slowest)
Functions...
Beep (^G) - Beeps the user
Hangup (poof) (^P) - Hangs up on the user
WinClear SysOp (^W) - Clears the SysOp's window
WinClear User (^Q) - Clears the User's window
Redraw screen (^R) - Redraws the screen
Scrollback (^B) - Activates scrollback
Externals...
User editor (Alt-E) - Activates user editor
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FastChat Ver. 1.02/b SysOp Documentation
Attribute ed. (Alt-A) - Activates color editor
File transfers (Alt-T) - Activates file transfers
File viewing (Alt-V) - Activates file viewer
Help (^E) - Calls up online help
Exit FastChat (Esc-Esc) - Exits chat mode
Most of the functions on the menu have Ctrl-key or Alt-key
equivalents; these are listed on the right side of the menu. The
menu does not work in flat mode.
Note that the user does not know when you are in the menu system.
User editor
The FastChat User Editor is a pop-up user editor very similar in
function (and somewhat in appearance) to RA's internal Alt-E
editor. It is activated in either flat or split screen mode by
pressing the Alt-E key from within FastChat. Different versions
are included in the RemoteAccess and Maximus flavors of FastChat.
When you press Alt-E, the chatting screen will be replaced by a
large blue window. In the RemoteAccess flavor, there are two
pages; in the Maximus flavor, only one. Use PgUp and PgDn to
switch between the two pages (RA only).
While on either page, the up and down arrow keys will move the
cursor between fields, as will the Tab and Shift-Tab keys. Ctrl-
PgUp will bring you to the first field on the page, and Ctrl-PgDn
will bring you to the last field. You can type at any point to
edit the contents of the active field.
Ctrl-LeftArrow and Ctrl-RightArrow do NOT, as you would expect,
move the cursor left and right a word within a field. Rather,
they move the cursor left and right a COLUMN on the page. If
there is no place to go left or right, the field cursor will stay
put.
Alt-U provides a two-level undo feature. The first time you
press it, the current field reverts to its original value (if you
have edited it). The second time you press it, the entire user
record is restored to its status as it was when you entered the
user editor.
Alt-I displays the information in the newuser answer file on the
current user. The ASW file is sought in the BBS System Directory
(as specified in FCConfig). The name of the file which is used
can be set in FCConfig (though the default is NEWUSER).
Most of the Y/N toggles in the user record are alphabetized on
the lower right hand portion of the first page. One letter in
each field is in Bright Cyan; pressing Alt in conjunction with
this letter toggles that field's value.
The FastChat User Editor also has access to four quick-verify
templates. These are defined in FCConfig, and accessed from
within the user editor with the Alt-1 through Alt-4 keys. These
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FastChat Ver. 1.02/b SysOp Documentation
allow you toset a user'ssecurity andflags/keys with onekeystroke.
General note: A change in the user's terminal emulation type will
not be reflected in FastChat's operation. You must exit and re-
enter FastChat to make the new terminal selection active.
Attribute editor
The attribute editor allows you to modify the split screen
chatting colors online. These changes can be made permanent if
you consider them desirable.
When you press Alt-A, a little blue window will appear in the
center of the screen, similar to the window in FCConfig. In it
will be six sets of color bars. To select which color you wish
to change, use the up and down arrow keys.
While on an "object", press the left and right arrow keys to
change its foreground color. Press the space bar to change its
background color. Note that these changes will not be reflected
on the screen behind the attribute editor until you exit.
Hit Alt-S to save your new colors permanently, or hit Enter to
use the colors for the current session only. To abort all chang-
es, hit Escape.
File transfers
FastChat allows you to easily perform file transfers using DSZ or
GSZ, via the FC-Ext utility program (included). Simply press
Alt-F while in chat mode. You will be presented with a menu
asking whether you wish to send or receive. After selecting
that, you will be presented with a protocol menu. Select the
appropriate protocol for the transfer. You will then be allowed
to enter the path to receive into or the name(s) of the file(s)
to send.
For more information on FC-Ext, see page 26.
File viewing
FastChat also allows you to effortlessly view ASCII text files
online, using FastView (a public domain utility which is included
with FastChat). Simply hit Alt-V while in chat mode, enter the
filename, and you will be placed into the full screen file
viewer.
Locally you can use the arrow keys to scroll through the file,
however, the user can only use the <N> and <P> keys to move one
page at a time. Use of FastView is better described in its help
file and documentation.
Be certain to set FastView up for your BBS software as it must
access EXITINFO.BBS or LASTUSER.BBS to find the user's screen
size.
Switching modes
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FastChat Ver. 1.02/b SysOp Documentation
If the user you are chatting with is ANSI or Avatar/0(+) capable,
you can hit F4 at any time to switch between flat and split
screen mode. If you have Detection enabled in FCConfig, you may
be able to switch from flat to split screen mode if FastChat can
detect the user's emulation.
Split-screen chatting mode (general)
Once you answer a page, assuming the user is ANSI or Avatar/0(+)
capable, FastChat's split screen chatting mode will activate.
Now....CHAT! You may both type at the same time, and wordwrap is
active. You may wish to double-space after each paragraph,
however whether you do or not is a matter of personal style.
A few things to keep in mind: When you both type at the same
time, things may get a little chunky (particularly at lower bps
rates). Don't worry about this; it's normal.
Both of you CAN type while either window is scrolling. There is
no need to wait for it to stop scrolling before you can continue.
The user has four extra keys at his or her disposal:
Ctrl-E - Help!
Ctrl-W - Clear window
Ctrl-R - Redraw screen (in case of line noise, etc.)
Ctrl-\ - Accent character
These will be explained with the SysOp keys (as all four are
available to the SysOp, too). The Enter, Backspace, and Tab keys
work as would be expected.
As sysop, you have a number of keys at your disposal:
Ctrl-A - Toggle capture file
Ctrl-E - Help!
Ctrl-F - Toggle high character filter
Ctrl-G - Beep the user
Ctrl-K - Toggle remote keyboard
Ctrl-O - Toggle user cOntrol
Ctrl-P - *Poof* (disconnect user)
Ctrl-Q - Clear the USER'S window
Ctrl-R - Redraw the screen
Ctrl-S - Shell to DOS
Ctrl-T - Toggle user's ability to 'TERMINATE' the chat
Ctrl-W - Clear your window
Ctrl-\ - Accent character
Esc-Esc - Terminate chat
Alt-A - Modify chatting colors
Alt-E - Edit current user
Alt-T - Transfer files
Alt-V - View ASCII files
PgUp/Dn - Jump between windows
F1 - Activate the menu system
F4 - Drop down to flat chat mode
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FastChat Ver. 1.02/b SysOp Documentation
Each of the "toggle" Ctrl-keys produces a sound when it is
pressed: If the notes go from low to high, then that option was
just turned on. If the notes go from high to low, then the
option is being turned off.
Now for the explanation of all the control keys:
Ctrl-A Toggle capture file (SysOp)
This control key toggles the capture
file on and off. The capture file is
the text file in which everything that
is typed is recorded.
Ctrl-E Extended Help (SysOp and User)
This control key replaces the contents
of the window in which it is pressed
with a help screen. The help text is
defined in the Multilanguage part of
FCConfig.
Ctrl-F Toggle high character filter (SysOp)
The high character filter, when on, pre-
vents the user from typing any of the
upper-128 characters. Turning the fil-
ter on can often help when chatting over
a noisy connection.
Ctrl-G Beep user (SysOp)
Pressing Ctrl-G sends a beep to the re-
mote side. What is actually heard is
determined by the user's terminal pro-
gram.
Ctrl-K Toggle remote keyboard (SysOp)
This key allows you to prevent the user
from typing. This is useful in flat
mode when a user refuses to behave.
Ctrl-O Toggle user cOntrol (SysOp)
This key allows you temporarily disable
the user's ability to use the Ctrl-E, W,
and R keys. On a particularly noisy
line, some control characters may be
coming through and wreaking havoc with
the display.
Ctrl-P *Poof* (disconnect user) (SysOp)
The *Poof* key is like the Alt-H key in
RA or the Ctrl-X key in Maximus, in that
it tries to terminate the user's connec-
tion. It does this by dropping DTR for
a variable amount of time. If your
modem is not configured correctly, this
may not work.
Ctrl-Q Clear user's window (SysOp)
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FastChat Ver. 1.02/b SysOp Documentation
This key clears the user's window. This
is merely a convenience key so that you
needn't press PgUp, then Ctrl-W, then
PgDn to clear the user's window.
Ctrl-R Redraw screen (SysOp and User)
This key redraws the screen. It should
be used by the user if line noise trash-
es the screen, or by the SysOp if a
background process accidentally bleeds
through.
Ctrl-S Shell to DOS (SysOp)
This key activates a temporary DOS
shell. Type EXIT to return to FastChat.
Note that FastChat does not swap itself
out from memory.
Ctrl-T Toggle user 'TERMINATE' (SysOp)
This key toggles the user's ability to
terminate the chat session by typing
'TERMINATE' and pressing Enter.
Ctrl-W Clear window (SysOp and User)
This key clears the window of the person
who pressed it. If you are the SysOp,
you can also clear the user's window
with the Ctrl-Q key.
The first time the user presses Ctrl-W,
FastChat does a "smart" clear that may
not clear the entire window if there is
line noise. If the user hits Ctrl-W a
second time, however, the window will be
unconditionally cleared.
Ctrl-\ Accent character (SysOp and User)
This key allows you to accent the char-
acter you typed just before it. This
function is explained in more detail on
page 35.
Esc-Esc Terminate chat mode (SysOp)
This key (you must press Escape twice)
terminates your chat with the user.
PgUp/PgDn Jump between windows (SysOp)
These keys jump you between windows in
split screen mode. This permits you to
type in the user's window. Note that
while in the user's window, none of your
SysOp keys are active except for PgDn.
The other six keys (Alt-A, Alt-E, Alt-T, Alt-V, F1, and F4) are
discussed elsewhere in the manual.
Flat mode
Page 41
FastChat Ver. 1.02/b SysOp Documentation
Non-split screen mode (ASCII) is pretty boring. It's very
similar to the internal chat mode found in most BBS softwares,
with a few extra features.
Locally (by default), the sysop's text appears in yellow and the
user's text appears in dark cyan. The user does not see these
colors unless his or her terminal is ANSI or Avatar capable.
Also, the user has no control keys in this mode. The SysOp,
however, has plenty:
Ctrl-A - Toggle capture file
Ctrl-D - Toggle double spacing
Ctrl-F - Toggle high character filter
Ctrl-G - Beep the user
Ctrl-K - Toggle remote keyboard
Ctrl-L - Scroll the screen clear
Ctrl-O - Toggle owner-only backspacing
Ctrl-P - *Poof*
Ctrl-S - Shell to DOS
Ctrl-T - Toggle user's ability to 'TERMINATE' the chat
Ctrl-\ - Accent character
Esc-Esc - Terminate chat
Alt-E - User editor
Alt-T - File transfers
Alt-V - File viewing
F4 - Bring up split-screen mode (ANSI or Avatar/0+ users)
The functions listed below are exclusive to the ASCII chat mode.
All others function exactly as in split-screen mode and are not
described here.
Ctrl-D Toggle double spacing (SysOp)
This key turns automatic double spacing
on or off. When enabled, this function
double-spaces when either side hits the
Enter key.
Ctrl-L Clear screen (SysOp)
This key clears the screen. Note that
you can also use Ctrl-W to perform this
action.
Ctrl-O Toggle owner-only backspacing (SysOp)
This key toggles the user's ability to
backspace what you type. You may find
that some users tend to get a little
obnoxious and may try to interrupt you
while you're typing. Ctrl-O will pre-
vent them from backspacing over your
text.
F8 Import text (SysOp)
This function is slated for removal but
is still described because it is active.
Use it until FastView is complete.
Page 42
FastChat Ver. 1.02/b SysOp Documentation
This key allows you to activate
FastChat's ASCII import function. You
can only press F8 at the far left margin
of a line. When you do, the text "Im-
port: " will appear. Type the name of
the ASCII text file which you would like
to import, and it will be done.
While the file is coming in, you can use
the F9 key to pause and resume scroll-
ing. Scrolling will automatically pause
every 24 lines, permitting you to type
between pages. To turn off this auto-
pagination, hit Ctrl-F9. To abort the
file import, hit Escape once.
ASCII import is available only in full-
screen (flat) mode.
Page 43
FastChat Ver. 1.02/b SysOp Documentation
Common Problems and Solutions
Problem: I'm (trying) to run FC under DESQview and locally all I
get are a bunch of ANSI codes. Remotely it looks fine.
Solution: Run DVANSI.COM that came with DESQview once in each
window that needs ANSI support (any BBS window).
DESQview doesn't use DOS's ANSI.SYS and requires its
own driver. Loading this in AUTOEXEC.BAT will accom-
plish nothing!
Problem: No matter what I do, FC always tells the user that they
are paging out of paging hours.
Solution: First, make sure Ignore Paging Hours in FCConfig is
Off. Second, if you are using RemoteAccess, hit Alt-O
next time you are in RA locally or a user is online and
set it to "Use paging hours". This setting sticks
between calls and sometimes, if you set it to OFF, you
may forget to switch it back to ON.
Problem: FCConfig's background is a bunch of weird smiley faces
and diamonds.
Solution: "SET FCCFONT=N" in AUTOEXEC.BAT. Also please report to
me directly so I can get more information. This
shouldn't happen (unless you use FCConfig under DoorWay
or Windows).
Problem: My scroll-lock light keeps on blinking, even after a
user logs off.
Solution: Add the command "FC-TSR nodenumber" in your batch
file(s) after each user logs off. FC-TSR doesn't read
minds, so it can't know when the user who paged you
logs off unless you tell it. Refer to page 25 for more
information.
Page 44
FastChat Ver. 1.02/b SysOp Documentation
Runtime errors
Although these should rarely occur, I figured it may be useful
(both for the sake of FastChat and for other software written in
Borland Pascal) to list them. These are condensed from the
Borland Pascal 7.0 Programmer's Guide.
1 - Invalid function number DOS errors
2 - File not found
3 - Path not found
4 - Too many open files
5 - File access denied
6 - Invalid file handle
12 - Invalid file access code
15 - Invalid drive number
16 - Cannot remove current directory
17 - Cannot rename across drives
100 - Disk read error I/O Errors
101 - Disk write error
102 - File not assigned
103 - File not open
104 - File not open for input
105 - File not open for output
106 - Invalid numeric format
150 - Disk is write-protected Critical DOS errors
151 - Unknown unit
152 - Drive not ready
153 - Unknown command
154 - CRC error in data
155 - Bad drive request structure length
156 - Disk seek error
157 - Unknown media type
158 - Sector not found
159 - Printer out of paper
160 - Device write fault
161 - Device read fault
162 - Hardware failure
200 - Division by zero Misc. fatal errors
201 - Range check error
202 - Stack overflow error
203 - Heap overflow error
204 - Invalid pointer operation
205 - Floating point overflow
206 - Floating point underflow
207 - Invalid floating point operation
208 - Overlay manager not installed
209 - Overlay file read error
210 - Object not initialized
211 - Call to abstract method
212 - Stream registration error
213 - Collection index out of range
214 - Collection overflow error
215 - Arithmetic overflow error
216 - General protection fault (protected mode only)
The following errors are internal FastChat errors that may be
reported by the BBS interface (FASTCHAT.EXE):
Page 45
FastChat Ver. 1.02/b SysOp Documentation
301 - Error opening FASTCHAT.CF2. This can usually be cor-
rected by deleting it if it is present and running
FCConfig and exiting.
302 - Error reading FASTCHAT.CF2. This can also be corrected
by deleting the file and running FCConfig.
310 - Error opening drop file. Most likely the drop file
could not be found.
311 - Error reading drop file. For some reason, the drop
file is of an incorrect length. If this occurs consis-
tently, the BBS interface may need to be updated.
4xx - DOS error. The xx can equal any of the error numbers
listed above that are less than 100. Most common will
be error 402 and 403, which mean that the path to
FC_EXE.EXE has changed (run FCConfig and exit to cor-
rect). An error 408 indicates insufficient memory.
Page 46
FastChat Ver. 1.02/b SysOp Documentation
Conclusion
If you ever need to get in touch with me (technical support,
registrations, whatever!), you can do so in the following ways:
E-mail:
FidoNet: 1:135/57 (Peter Hebert)
America Online: PeterH11
BBS:
The Software Cuisine
1-305-642-0754: Miami, FL, USA
1200 to 14.4k v.32(bis)/v.42(bis)
Simply log on as a new user. If you are in the US or in Canada
and you call after 5pm, the call back verifier will verify you
and you will have full access.
SnailMail:
Peter Hebert
2352 SW 4th St.
Miami, FL 33135-3134
The latest version of FastChat is always FREQable 22 (or 23)
hours a day under the magic name FASTCHAT from the following
systems:
Node# Location Maximum baud rate
1:135/57 Miami, FL, USA 14.4k V32b
1:135/58 Miami, FL, USA 14.4k HST/V32b
2:245/31 Bochum, Germany 14.4k HST/V32
3:???/??? Christian Kraus 9600 V32
4:900/109 Buenos Aires, Argentina 14.4k HST
6:753/2 Cubi Point, Philippines 14.4k HST
Please note! At the time this documentation is written, I don't
know where I will be after June 1993. If you are unable to get
in touch with me at any of my addresses listed above after that
point, ask at one of the distribution sites listed above, as one
of them may know where I am.
FastChat and all of its utilities were written in Borland Pascal
with Objects 7.0 with a little assembly language where it's
prudent. This documentation was written with WordPerfect for
Windows 5.1.
Page 47
FastChat Ver. 1.02/b SysOp Documentation
Credits
The following are trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective owners:
RemoteAccess, RA Continental Software
Maximus Scott Dudley
EzyCom ?
DESQview Quarterdeck Office Systems
DSZ, GSZ Omen Technologies
Borland Pascal Borland International
WordPerfect WordPerfect Corporation
Windows Microsoft Corporation
FidoNet Tom Jennings/Fido Software
America Online! America Online, Inc.
HST USRobotics, Inc.
FastChat contains an internal multitasker based on some code
written by Wayne Conrad called MTask. Other than that, it and
its utilities are for the most part original code.
FastView is a separate freeware product by me.
Page 48
Registration Form
There are three FastChat registration sites; use the one nearest
or on your continent:
USA (US$15) Europe (DM20)
FastChat Registration FastChat Registration Europe
c/o Peter Hebert c/o Ralf Reck
2352 SW 4th St. somewhere
Miami, FL 33135-3134 Friedrichshafen
USA United Germany
Australia (A$25)
FastChat Registration OZ
c/o Online-Tronics
P.O. Box 112
Westgate NSW
Australia
Please remit the appropriate amount to the correct address,
preferably in the form of a check or money order made out in the
correct currency, and send it along with a filled-out copy of
this form. It's a good idea (on general principles) to get in
touch with your registration site before sending in your
registration to ensure that they still exist and that
registration policies are the same.
Print your name exactly as it is in FCConfig (for your key):
Address:
BBS name:
BBS phone#:
BBS net#s:
BBS sftwre: Version
# lines: Modem flavor:
The following information is just for my general information:
CPU: [ ] 8088 [ ] V20 [ ] 80286 [ ] 80386 [ ] 80486
Op. Sys: - DOS Version OS/2 Version
Multitasker: [ ] DESQview [ ] Windows [ ] Built-in [ ] None
Thank you for registering FastChat!
(This form is not valid after June 1993)